Topic: Midland WR400 or Sangean CL-100 Weather Radio?

[NwsSkyEye]

They both have impressive features and are affordable. Which one is best? Anybody here have one or the other and what are your thoughts pro or con? Is there a better receiver then these two? Thanks in advance.

[galfert]

I've got the CL-100. I think it looks nicer. The buttons have a nice quality feel too. The speaker in the Sangean CL-100 is a heavy magnet quality speaker. I love the fade in instead of blaring full volume on an alert. Also top feature of the CL-100 is that it sets the clock automatically via RDS radio signal. I also like having FM radio with RDS to see station data for the program or song or whatever the station wants to transmit via text. I believe but not positive that these are features that the Midland WR400 doesn't have.

The good news is that both of these units support the EoM signal.

[PaulKTF]

I have both and I really think they're both pretty much equally good. The Midland WR400 has a display that's bigger and easier to read/see (IMO). The CL-100 has a sleep timer function for the AM/FM radio which the Midland WR400 lacks.

If you have any specific questions about either model I'd be glad to answer them if I can.

[NwsSkyEye]

I've got the CL-100. I think it looks nicer. The buttons have a nice quality feel too. The speaker in the Sangean CL-100 is a heavy magnet quality speaker. I love the fad in. Also top feature of the CL-100 is that it sets the clock automatically via RDS radio signal. I also like having FM radio with RDS to see station data for the program or song or whatever the station wants to transmit via text. I believe but not positive that these are feature that the Midland WR400 doesn't have.

The good news is that both of these units support the EoM signal.

I have both and I really think they're both pretty much equally good. The Midland WR400 has a display that's bigger and easier to read/see (IMO). The CL-100 has a sleep timer function for the AM/FM radio which the Midland WR400 lacks.

If you have any specific questions about either model I'd be glad to answer them if I can.

Thanks much. You guys on this site are most helpful.  Yes PaulKTF, just one more question. Do both models support an external antenna connection for the weather channels. I see telescopic antennas on the backs of the radios but not much else.

[PaulKTF]

Thanks much. You guys on this site are most helpful.  Yes PaulKTF, just one more question. Do both models support an external antenna connection for the weather channels. I see telescopic antennas on the backs of the radios but not much else.

Yes, both models support external antennas.

Here's the Sangean CL-100 manual:

https://weatherradios.com/manuals/Manual-CL-100_GB_R2.pdf

and the Midland WR400 manual:

https://midlandusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/WR400-Owners-Manual-7_27_2015_Rev1.pdf

[fdwlaw]

I received my CL100 from Amazon the other day and after 2 days of use the screen went blank, it was powered up and the screen was lit up, but there was NO text on the screen.  I reordered another from Amazon today, but I wondering if there is a chronic problem with these.  I was really considering the Midlan WR400 but really like the way the CL100 volume slowly increases for alerts.

Any thoughts? [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

[galfert]

I've had my CL-100 for over 6 years and the display (and everything) looks as good as day 1.

Maybe there is a recent quality control issue. I did read about 2 Amazon reviews where the screen went out. But that is a very low report and I don't see it as a chronic issue or there would have been way more complaints.

And why is the plastic shipping screen protection still on there? Could that be the problem? Is that plastic causing some damage if used with it left on?

[fdwlaw]

I don’t believe that would cause an issue, but I’m not sure

[looney2ns]

I know this is old, but I've been perfectly happy with my two WR120 radios. They are MUCH better all around then the older wr300 they replaced.