Customer Reviews:
 The Real Weather Radio This one works great! July 19, 2008
Weather Buff (Wisconsin)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I had tried two Midland WR-100's and both failed to receive weather alerts from the weather service.
I did some research and found great reviews for the Reecom 1630.
This radio was a few more dollars compared to the Midland WR 100 but well worth it.
Very easy to program, great manual and a array of features including a alert volume button and a clear vivid display window.
Reception and audio great as well.
I really like this unit.
Much prefer this over the Midland WR-300 June 18, 2008
Tim Brain (WA United States)
12 out of 12 found this review helpful
I'm not writing at the Midland WR-300 page even though I'd like to, there's 350+ reviews over there already so why get buried. Most everyone will jump in on an established manufacturer and lots of hype, and be quite content with what they get. If you're here it's likely because you do your homework, so listen up!
Purchased the Midland WR-300 based on a lot of those reviews, but on receiving it was so little impressed I took a chance on the Reecom R-1630 instead. Very glad I did.
The Reecom may not have the sleek and symmetrical controls layout of the Midland, but that's where it's "downsides" end. In fact, I actually like the asymmetrical look- gives a little pizazz.
Specific advantages of the Reecom R-1630 over the Midland WR-300:
-The entire 48 item updated EAS 2004 alert schedule is built right into this receiver off the shelf. On the Midland, non-included alerts must be manually created by codes, some not available at all, perhaps "unspecified alert" is a move in this direction, but ??? Does not inspire confidence.
-The Midland was nowhere near the AM/FM reception/sound quality/features of the Reecom. Can't figure why many reviewers, radio buffs I expect, disdain those who discriminate on this. "It's a weather radio!" they scorn.
Outside of dependable hazard alerts, how long do you want to listen to the weather channel? Presumably I am paying for optional AM/FM because I care about this extra feature, since I don't have a room full of shortwave and ham radios. Will they work when the power's out anyway? So if a little battery-powered AM/FM may become all there is for information and company in an extended emergency, you may care more at that point.
-Other nice radio features such as 16 station presets (Midland has a whole 3) and 10 second intro-scan feature, again to me just bespeaks a more well-thought-out unit.
-EOM (End Of Message) detection. The Reecom detects the standard tone following a hazard alert and automatically resumes it's previous radio setting.
-Well designed owners manual, clear and easy to use. Again, a sign of care and attention. The Midland's documentation was about the opposite.
-Substantial, solid feel on this radio, conveying a sense of build quality.
-I like the Reecom's crisp, bright green display, viewable from all angles. Better than the Timex blue on the Midland, which seems a little feeble.
Although many sources tout the Midland WR-300 is the only SAME hazard radio to allow specific alert disabling, the Reecom does this perfectly well also. Any alert item can be voice/siren disabled so that it will only appear on the display. In case you don't need to be awakened for an iceberg warning.
A number of sources I viewed affirmed that the Reecom runs longer on batteries than the Midland, by varying amounts. I have not tested this as yet.
Another reviewer complained that the Reecom 1630 overloads on FM in high signal areas. I'm fairly remote, and thus appreciate the powerful FM reception, perhaps this would not be an advantage downtown.
 Poor Receiver - Poor audio - Zero customer suppport. July 17, 2007
Mudflap (Connecticut, USA)
4 out of 8 found this review helpful
The receiver in this radio is marginal at best. It overloads in high signal areas on FM and the AM sensitivity is zilch. Forget it for regular AM/FM listening. Annoying loud audio clicks are heard when depressing any of the programming buttons. S.A.M.E. decoder works ok. The particular unit I have has a tendency to cause the batteries to leak. Maybe bad diode isolation between the AC power supply and DC battery pack. Sent several e-mails to Reecom and never received an answer. Customer service is also zilch. Get a Midland.
Great radio February 20, 2007
John C. Donaldson
8 out of 8 found this review helpful
This radio replaces an old one from Radio Shack.
Took less than 15 minutes to setup alert functions following the owners manual. Went back later and tweeked the County selection and blocked alerts.
FM radio setup just about as simple to set preselects.
I don't think you can go wrong with this weather alert radio.
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