For local scanning with a hand held scanner, check the scanner frequency guide for helpful information. We need to limit the selection of radios to those which are self-powered or operate off batteries which can be recharged in a solar charger, as depending upon 110 volt AC power from the normal utility grid won't work when power doesn't or is down permanently. Radios with a built in generator are relatively common. I keep a spare battery pack from a cordless phone always available with mine, as without a battery pack the Dynamo won't receive. This is a distinct advantage, as a separate, longer antenna may be used, connected to the Dynamo's antenna with a small alligator clip, and reception is markedly improved.
Reception is poor and sound quality abysmal.
I keep one in a survival travel pack, for example, for listening with an ear phone for government news broadcasts. With one of these units working, I will know what bridges are out or highways devastated by flood or earthquake, etc. This South African made radio uses a hand crank to wind a flat spring, similar to the turn of the century Regina music boxes. The spring winding mechanism is rated as good for 5000 cycles, so they will last for a considerable amount of time. The BayGen has a large transformer built into the system, so it will operate on any DC power input from 3 to 9 volts.