Jaycar Digitech AM/FM/SW Rechargeable Radio with MP3 Player – USB & MicroSD, Blue Backlit LCD

You need a radio that actually works on the bench, at the site, or out in the car. No hunting for AA batteries every two weeks. No fiddling with a fader in the dark.

The Digitech AR1721 covers AM (522–1710 kHz), FM (70–108 MHz) and shortwave (5.95–21.85 MHz) so you're not locked to one band. It takes a USB stick or a MicroSD card up to 32 GB, so your music library rides along. The blue backlit LCD means you can read the frequency at 6 am without squinting.

It ships with a rechargeable Li-ion battery (BL-5C, 3.7 V, 850 mAh) and a USB cable. Plug it in overnight, unplug it, and go. At 114 × 70 × 25 mm it fits in a jacket pocket or a toolbox lid. 3.5 mm jack for headphones when you don't want the whole workshop listening to the footy.

Replacement battery is the SB2291 if you ever need one

• Tri-band reception: FM 70–108 MHz, MW 522–1710 kHz, SW 5.95–21.85 MHz
• MP3 playback via USB flash drive or MicroSD card (32 GB max)
• Rechargeable Li-ion battery (BL-5C 3.7 V 850 mAh) included – no AA batteries needed
• Blue backlit LCD for low-light readability
• 3.5 mm headphone jack for private listening
• Compact at 114(L) × 70(H) × 25(D) mm