Midland ER50 Emergency Crank Radio – Full User Guide

Thank you for choosing the Midland ER50 Emergency Crank Radio. This versatile, multi-power emergency radio offers AM/FM bands, NOAA weather alerts, a flashlight with SOS beacon, mobile device charging, and clock functionality. Designed for both everyday and emergency use, the ER50 keeps you prepared and connected.

Key Features

• AM/FM Radio
• NOAA Weather Band with Weather Alerts
• SOS Flashlight Beacon
• USB Device Charging
• Solar Panel Charging
• Hand Crank Charging
• Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Battery
• Clock with AM/PM Display
• Backlit LCD Display with Adjustable Settings
• Compact and Portable Design

What's in the Box

• ER50 Emergency Crank Radio
• USB Charging Cable (Micro-USB to USB)
• Owner’s Manual

Quick Start Guide

1. Remove Battery Pull Tab:
   Turn the radio over and fully remove the yellow battery pull tab.
2. Power On/Off:
   Press and hold the Power button for three seconds to turn the radio on or off.
3. Band Selection:
   Press the Band button to cycle through AM, FM, and Weather (WX) bands.
4. Activate Weather Alerts:
   Press the Weather Alert button. The WX icon will flash when active.
5. Using the Flashlight:
   Press the Flashlight button to turn on. Use the same button to cycle through:
   • Low Power Mode
   • High Power Mode
   • SOS Strobe (Morse Code)
   • Off
6. Charging the Radio:
   Connect the provided USB charging cable to a USB power source and the radio’s micro-USB port.
7. Accessing the Menu:
   Press and hold the Menu button for three seconds to enter the settings menu.

Power Sources

The ER50 comes with a 3.7V DC, 2600 mAh lithium-ion rechargeable battery (Model 18650).

Charging Options:

• USB Charging:
  Connect the provided USB cable to a USB power source and the radio’s micro-USB port.
• Hand Crank Charging:
  Turn the hand crank to manually charge the radio. Crank speed and duration will determine the charge level.
• Solar Panel Charging:
  Place the radio’s solar panel in direct sunlight to charge the internal battery.

Important:

• Always remove the yellow battery pull tab before charging or powering on the radio.
• The ER50 does not support alkaline batteries. Do not attempt to use standard or mixed battery types.

Charging External Devices

• Connect your mobile phone or USB-powered device to the USB output port on the ER50.
• When the radio is on and you connect an external device, the ER50 will automatically power off and enter charge mode.
• Fully charge the radio before charging external devices.

Note: The radio cannot receive weather alerts while charging an external device.

Battery Level Indicator

• When charging, the battery icon will cycle from empty to full bars.
• When powered off, the LCD will continue to display the battery level and clock.

Operating the Radio

Power On/Off

• On: Press and hold the Power button for three seconds.
• Off: Press and hold the Power button for three seconds.

Band Selection

• Press the Band button to cycle through AM, FM, and WX bands.

Volume Control

• Press the Volume Up/Down buttons to adjust audio levels.

Tuning the Radio

• Use the Tune buttons to select desired frequencies.
• Press and hold the Tune buttons to automatically scan for the next station.

Tip:
Fully extend the telescopic antenna for the best AM, FM, and weather band reception.

NOAA Weather Functions

Selecting a Weather Channel

• Press the Band button to select the WX band.
• Use the Tune buttons to select one of the seven NOAA weather channels:

Find your local channel at: weather.gov/nwr/counties

Weather Scan

• Press and hold the Tune button to scan to the next active NOAA weather station.

Weather Alerts

• Press the Weather Alert button to activate or deactivate weather alerts.
• When active, the WX icon will flash.

When an alert is received:

• An audible siren will sound.
• The flashlight will flash.
• The radio will automatically switch to the weather band.
• Press any button to cancel the alert.

Note:

• Alerts can be activated and deactivated even when the radio is powered off.
• The ER50 will not receive weather alerts while charging an external device.

Flashlight Operation

• Press the Flashlight button to turn on the light.
• Press again to cycle through:
  • Low Power Mode
  • High Power Mode
  • SOS Morse Code Beacon
  • Off

Menu Functions

Press and hold the Menu button for three seconds to enter the settings menu.

• Navigate: Use the Tune buttons.
• Confirm: Press the Menu button.
• Exit: Menu will automatically exit after 10 seconds of inactivity.

Clock Setup

1. The clock is the first menu option.
2. Use the Tune buttons to select 12-hour or 24-hour format.
3. Confirm selection with the Menu button.
4. Set the hour using the Tune buttons and confirm.
5. Set the minutes using the Tune buttons and confirm.

Backlight Settings

1. Press the Menu button three times to access the backlight menu.
2. Use Tune buttons to select:
   • ON: Always on
   • 5: 5-second timeout
   • OFF: Always off
3. Confirm with the Menu button.

Note: Always-on backlight will reduce battery life.

Weather Channel Display

1. Press the Menu button four times to access this setting.
2. Use Tune buttons to choose:
   • Ch: Channel number
   • Fr: Frequency display
3. Confirm with the Menu button.

LCD Display Overview

Controls and Ports