Top Rated Adventures - Outdoor Product Review

EMP - Emergency Preparedness … just in case

In recent years modern technology has made giant steps towards helping us bring our clients safely back to the camp, or back to the dock… dry. Cell phones are now a tool-of-the-trade and they are almost as good a companion as our first high school sweethearts. GPSs have made giant steps and they are getting more accurate, more user friendly and more affordable. In other words, we can face just about anything …. no problem! After all, we are big boys and girls. We are trained professionals prepared to deal with a bit of excitement. True.

However, sometimes we have to deal with emergencies. It is not the matter of a careful planning or a low risk-taking working philosophy. Emergencies are indeed those events we cannot plan for, which many times are weather related.

I think we have found a very useful addition to everyone's emergency pack, pouch or box. It is called EMP or Emergency Preparedness made by the folks at EMP Tek, Inc. of Layton, Utah.

EMP consists of a very compact 2 x 2¼ x 5 ¾ unit, which packs a lot of features and "big bang for the buck". It is a:
· FM Radio with channel scanner
· Flashlight
· Charger
· Emergency signal sound and light
· And best of all!!! NO BATTERIES are needed. It has its own crank and it generates its own energy.

Packaging
The unit comes packaged in a clear pouch which clearly illustrates the features and functions of the EMP. In the package you will find:
1. one (1) EMP unit
2. one (1) adaptor for direct connection with cell phones
3. two (2) cable that fit different phone makers - NOTE: in the next few months all cell phone companies will standardize the recharging jacks, eliminating the needs for multiple fittings in the future.

Ergonomics & Design
Its size makes it easy to handle comfortably. 3 handling grooves on each side were added to achieve a positive grip. The design is pleasing and the yellow color makes it easy to find in low light conditions.

SIZE
EMP tips the scale at about ½ pound and it measures a compact 2 x 2¼ x 5 ¾.

Functionalities & Features
EMP is a multi-function emergency tool. The mastering of the different functions is achieved by pressing buttons rather than reading instructions. In fact, it is so simple to operate that no instructions are provided.
· FM Radio - it is turned on and off by rolling a volume/switch dial on the right side of the unit. There is plenty of power in the speaker, positioned in the central bottom part of the unit
· Radio SCAN - it is achieved by simply pressing the SCAN button.
· Flashlight - it is operated by clicking on and off a large push button, located in the middle of the top part of the unit. This commands 2 LED bulbs (100,000 hour life) which emit a large amount of light with just few cranks.
· Emergency SIGNAL - the on/off square switch that controls the activation of the SIREN and EMERGENCY LIGHT mode is situated on the right side. Activating the switch turns the flashing light on and starts a loud siren-like sound.
· CRANK - the backside of the unit is home to the 'charging crank'. It is very solid and very smooth to operate. You can operate the crank clockwise (CW) or counter- clockwise (CCW). It does not matter and you will not hurt the unit. Cranking for 1 (one) minute - and by the way this is much easier than I expected - will provide 2 hours of light and 25-30 minutes of radio. When done using the crank, it fits snugly in its rest position. The crank generates 3.5 volts, which are quite sufficient for PDAs or cell phones.
· Generator - it produces - by turning the crank - 3.5 volts, which are quite sufficient to recharge PDAs or cell phones.

How did it work for us?
First impression when you handle the "yellow EMP" is that the EMP is solidly built yet very light, making it truly portable. All functions are simple and very intuitive.

First of all the crank - when I first saw images of the EMP my thoughts went immediately to the crank. Because of its compact size, we expected EMP to have a sort of a flimsy, hard to operate crank. WRONG. The crank was a big surprise. It turns smoothly with minimum effort, and makes it very easy to crank for 1 or 2 minutes, without having to be a weight lifter, and when you are done, it clicks firmly in the resting position. (By the way, during our test 30 seconds of cranking will give you 20 minutes of radio! We tested this several times.)
The radio is easy to turn on and off. The familiar roll-on/off switch finds your thumb naturally and packs an adequate speaker for the job. The scan mode will search the next available FM station starting from the lower to the higher frequencies. The Reset button will start the process again going first to the lower end frequency.

The Emergency signal has its own switch, which will activate simultaneously a flashing red light and a siren-type of alarm. EMP also features a connecting jack which can be plugged into your cell phones via the converter and the cables included. It also has a 'power in' jack which will allow you to charge the unit from an outside D/C 6V.200MA unit (not included).

The flashlight was another good surprise. You can just give the crank a few turns and watch the LED burn for more than one hour. And they don't go off, they get dimmer and dimmer but still they put out enough light to read a book or to find the way on the trail. With just a few more turns they are bright again.

Final Comments
Well, who needs another gadget - right? Actually, I think I do. EMP is compact, easy to use, it does what it tells you, it packs a lot of features and it comes at a very reasonable price with a cost of $44.95 MSRP. Similar products on the market have never impressed me before because of their large sizes and awkward operation of the charging crank. EMP cranks works like a dream. The flashlight with 2 LEDs seems to operate forever with just few seconds of cranking. The FM radio is there for you when you need it - and you don't need to wait for an emergency either - and having a small generator that can recharge your PDA or your cell phone, is not a bad thing to pack. The only feature which I find a bit questionable is the 'flashing alarm / siren". However I don't doubt that it may come in handy when you want to gather the attention of a group or you want to signal general distress.

Light, strongly built and very useful with functions that you can use everyday. I am convinced? EMP will go in my emergency box today.

Lastly, our team of fitness experts is telling me that cranking the EMP for 2 minutes will burn. …about 3 (three) calories.. This operation, repeated 5-6,000 times per day, is guaranteed to get you in better shape - they say - faster than your local gym. Best of all, EMP Tek, Inc. is not going to charge you for working out thus giving you a tremendous added value for FREE.

Have fun in our wonderful outdoors

Maurizio (Maurice) Valerio, President and Founder
Top Rated Adventures

EMP Tek, Inc., 382 Marshall Way. Layton, UT 84041 T: 800-543-2205 F: 801-543-3300 sales@emptek.net

PRODUCT REVIEW - MARCH 05
AUSTIN & HALLECK Gun Crafters, Provo, UT - Model 420 Classic Fancy
Packaging The Austin & Halleck muzzleloader 420 Classic Fancy rifle arrived at my address by UPS (indeed these firearms can be shipped directly to the buyers for they do not require an FFL license) in a sunny afternoon that was screaming for some shooting fun. The rifle comes packaged in a Gun Guard Case SE Series by DoskoSport. The 420 Classic Fancy package included: · 420 Classic Fancy mounted on the black synthetic stock · 1 curly maple wood stock with stud swivels · 1 hard case · rifle bolt · 209 ignition plus 2 additional nipples (#11, and a musket) · Weather shroud, Brass Cleaning Jag, Breech plug Disassembly Tools, Plastic Cleaning Tube, Hex Nut Set. · Ball Starter Design The overall appearance of Austin & Halleck 420 in-line is extremely pleasing. The synthetic stock (and curly maple stock) are of a modern straight comb design. Interesting detail for the synthetic stock - the trigger guard is part of the stock mold, and the checkering features the same fleur-de-lis on both stocks giving a classic continuity when the two stocks are switched. The massive 26" octagonal-to-round barrel make an early statement about A&H proverbial accuracy and balances the rifle general appearance linking the heart of this rifle to the traditional muzzleloader design. It seemed to be saying, " I am modern, but I have not totally forgotten my past". This traditional link is also reinforced in the 420 models by the choice of the manufacturer in providing an additional beautiful wood stock, which will look great next Stock Ergonomics The stock design of the "Classic" was modeled from the pre-64 Winchester master-grade and features a satin finish on the wood. Both stocks have a straight design with a full pistol grip, a rubber recoil pad and wrap-around fleur-de-lis checkering. There are some small differences in the way the pistol grip is shaped in the wood stock. However, scoped or not, the Classic style is a great all around stock design for any kind of shooting. The "Monte Carlo" stock was modeled after the Weatherby Mark V and features: a high gloss finish, 20 lines to the inch checkering, curly maple wood and a raised comb so that the shooter's eye is perfectly aligned for a scope with low to medium rings. If you plan to scope and like the feel and design of the Weatherby, Monte Carlo is probably the best choice. Assembly The only assembly required is the sliding of the bolt in position, which is accomplished by the familiar pressing of the trigger while a forward motion is applied to the bolt unit to fit into the receiver. Functionalities & Features The Austin & Halleck has an electroless nickel-plated finishes Action In-line percussion with removable weather shroud Receiver and barrel - high polish blue or electroless nickel-plated finishes Material: Bolt - 440 stainless steel Hammer Throw - .199" Bolt Release - No tool required - just pull the bolt backward and lower the bolt handle once you reach the ¾ position to allow the bolt to slide completely out. Drilled and tapped for #50032 Leupold or A & H SB-N or SB-B Scope bases Trigger Is a fully adjustable match grade trigger with a trigger block safety - it is regulated at the factory to break at a crisp 3 ¾. Barrel 26" overall - 1" octagon to 3/4" tapered round .50 caliber 8 lands and grooves (.007" depth) One turn in 28" All Austin & Halleck rifle barrels are manufactured in Spain. They are made using a cold-draw process that creates rifling, finished bored diameter and outside dimensions in a single operation. Following the cold-draw process, the barrels are stress relieved to approximately 75RB (Rockwell Hardness). This process provides a smooth, concentric accurate barrel that is free of inherent defects found in barrels made using a multi-operation process. Stock - Black synthetic resin, Checkered with fleur-de-lis, 1 inch recoil pad, weight 2 ½ lbs. - American Curly Maple Checkered with fleur-de-lis, ¾ inch recoil pad, weight 2 ¾ lbs. Sights Marble's fully adjustable steel rear sight and front site are topped with orange and green pipes which are furnished by Truglo. The second option that we recommend is aperture sights made by AO Sight Systems, Inc (formerly Ashley). These sights were made specifically for our rifles. General Overall - Length 47 1/2" Overall Weight - 7 lb. 14 oz. Factory declared (our test rifle measured 9 lbs. with synthetic stock and rod) Barrelled action with bolt (without stock) - weight 6 ¼ lbs. How did it work for us? I took my test 50 cal. A&H the rifle to the range were I met with Buddy Ebell, one of the Junior shooters of our Youth Hunter Education Challenge (YHEC) program. In the YHEC muzzlelaoding event the kids shoot at targets up to 75 yards from standing, kneeling, sitting and prone position. They are allowed to use a maximum of 60 grains of powder or powder equivalent. Thus we started practicing with 60 grains Pyrodex (two 30 grains pellets from Hodgdon) for they are very convenient to use and especially working with young shooters they help keeping the whole operation safe. We used 209 Remington primers (the 209 ignition nipple comes set up standard from the factory). For our first test we used Rainier Ballistics Hex Hollow Point from Harverster - a 260 grain sabot of 45 caliber. The first shot at 25 yards was ¾" inch high from the bullseye. We moved at 50 yards, were the next two shots landed 1 inch apart and 3 inches to the left and 1 inch low. We adjusted the rear sight (remember move the rear sight where you want the bullet to go, move the front the opposite way). The next two shots touched each other one inch to far to the right. By now the wind was really blowing from the north creating a crosswind effect which made the shooting unpleasant and quite possibly less accurate. The next shot hit the bullseye perfectly. Although the weather conditions were deteriorating fast we wanted to experiment with another bullet before quitting. We decided to use a heavier TC Maxi Hunter 350 grain bullet with Remington wad and 100 grains of powder (2 50 grains pellets). Surprisingly the point of impact was just 1 inch higher with the same windage. We shot another couple of shots at 50 yds, then we moved to 100 yards. The first two shots landed 2 inches left of the bullseye, with good elevation. By now the rain added to the substantial wind and we decided to quit. But we are not done with our field test and we intend to go out again and report the results at 100 yds and maybe 200 yds. With different bullets and 100 / 150 grain of powder. First field impressions The A&H is a very comfortable sweet rifle to shoot. The stock design seems to damper the recoil to almost a non-existing factor, especially when we shot only 60 grains of powder equivalent. The bolt operates fast and smoothly, this is really not a great advantage in a ML, for the speed of the second shot is not dictated by the speed of the bolt, but by many other factors. However, this tells us that the people at A&H know how to build a good bolt. During the shooting test we run a wet patch with a cleaner after each shot we took. I like to break-in a new barrel this way. The 209 ignition functioned flawlessly and did not require cleaning but we kept a close eye to its condition. There was a bit of blowback but it was never dangerous or too noticeable. An interesting fact is that the primer was "self extracted' and remained attached to the face of the striker bolt. The trigger broke around 3.7 lbs with almost no take-up, no grit and a consistent and crisp pull. Oh yes, one thing we did not like. The brass ramrod tip. I understand that this has only a pushing function but it is too wide. It barely fits trough a very clean barrel, and it becomes increasingly harder to push after shot 2 and 3. I never tried shot 4 with a dirty barrel. However it is a standard thread and it can be easily replaced. [there is always something we don't like - but this is very small potatoes indeed]. One word will summarize our initial filed test: we must own one of these beauties. FINAL COMMENT I truly love this rifle. It is a mix of good looks and solid performance. I love its massive octagonal to round barrel. The trigger is a true 'shooting aid' - simply it helps the shooter shoot well. The wood stock makes it very elegant and the synthetic stock is rugged and very practical. It comes with its own rifle case, no need to spend additional money here and best of all, it shoots like a dream. Well, we tip our hats to Austin & Halleck Gun Crafters for an outstanding all-American product. Have fun in our wonderful outdoors and I will see you on the trail, Maurizio (Maurice) Valerio, President and Founder Top Rated Adventures Austin & Halleck Gun Crafters, 2150 South 950 East, Provo UT 84606 (877) 543-3256 Fax (801) 374-9998 ray@austinhalleck.com
	EMP *Emergency Preparedness*
*EMP - Emergency Preparedness … just in case* In recent years modern technology has made giant steps towards helping us bring our clients safely back to the camp, or back to the dock… dry. Cell phones are now a tool-of-the-trade and they are almost as good a companion as our first high school sweethearts. GPSs have made giant steps and they are getting more accurate, more user friendly and more affordable. In other words, we can face just about anything …. no problem! After all, we are big boys and girls. We are trained professionals prepared to deal with a bit of excitement. True. However, sometimes we have to deal with emergencies. It is not the matter of a careful planning or a low risk-taking working philosophy. Emergencies are indeed those events we cannot plan for, which many times are weather related. I think we have found a very useful addition to everyone's emergency pack, pouch or box. It is called EMP or Emergency Preparedness made by the folks at EMP Tek, Inc. of Layton, Utah. EMP consists of a very compact 2 x 2¼ x 5 ¾ unit, which packs a lot of features and "big bang for the buck". It is a: · FM Radio with channel scanner · Flashlight · Charger · Emergency signal sound and light · And best of all!!! NO BATTERIES are needed. It has its own crank and it generates its own energy. Packaging The unit comes packaged in a clear pouch which clearly illustrates the features and functions of the EMP. In the package you will find: 1. one (1) EMP unit 2. one (1) adaptor for direct connection with cell phones 3. two (2) cable that fit different phone makers - NOTE: in the next few months all cell phone companies will standardize the recharging jacks, eliminating the needs for multiple fittings in the future. Ergonomics & Design Its size makes it easy to handle comfortably. 3 handling grooves on each side were added to achieve a positive grip. The design is pleasing and the yellow color makes it easy to find in low light conditions. SIZE EMP tips the scale at about ½ pound and it measures a compact 2 x 2¼ x 5 ¾. Functionalities & Features EMP is a multi-function emergency tool. The mastering of the different functions is achieved by pressing buttons rather than reading instructions. In fact, it is so simple to operate that no instructions are provided. · FM Radio - it is turned on and off by rolling a volume/switch dial on the right side of the unit. There is plenty of power in the speaker, positioned in the central bottom part of the unit · Radio SCAN - it is achieved by simply pressing the SCAN button. · Flashlight - it is operated by clicking on and off a large push button, located in the middle of the top part of the unit. This commands 2 LED bulbs (100,000 hour life) which emit a large amount of light with just few cranks. · Emergency SIGNAL - the on/off square switch that controls the activation of the SIREN and EMERGENCY LIGHT mode is situated on the right side. Activating the switch turns the flashing light on and starts a loud siren-like sound. · CRANK - the backside of the unit is home to the 'charging crank'. It is very solid and very smooth to operate. You can operate the crank clockwise (CW) or counter- clockwise (CCW). It does not matter and you will not hurt the unit. Cranking for 1 (one) minute - and by the way this is much easier than I expected - will provide 2 hours of light and 25-30 minutes of radio. When done using the crank, it fits snugly in its rest position. The crank generates 3.5 volts, which are quite sufficient for PDAs or cell phones. · Generator - it produces - by turning the crank - 3.5 volts, which are quite sufficient to recharge PDAs or cell phones. How did it work for us? First impression when you handle the "yellow EMP" is that the EMP is solidly built yet very light, making it truly portable. All functions are simple and very intuitive. First of all the crank - when I first saw images of the EMP my thoughts went immediately to the crank. Because of its compact size, we expected EMP to have a sort of a flimsy, hard to operate crank. WRONG. The crank was a big surprise. It turns smoothly with minimum effort, and makes it very easy to crank for 1 or 2 minutes, without having to be a weight lifter, and when you are done, it clicks firmly in the resting position. (By the way, during our test 30 seconds of cranking will give you 20 minutes of radio! We tested this several times.) The radio is easy to turn on and off. The familiar roll-on/off switch finds your thumb naturally and packs an adequate speaker for the job. The scan mode will search the next available FM station starting from the lower to the higher frequencies. The Reset button will start the process again going first to the lower end frequency. The Emergency signal has its own switch, which will activate simultaneously a flashing red light and a siren-type of alarm. EMP also features a connecting jack which can be plugged into your cell phones via the converter and the cables included. It also has a 'power in' jack which will allow you to charge the unit from an outside D/C 6V.200MA unit (not included). The flashlight was another good surprise. You can just give the crank a few turns and watch the LED burn for more than one hour. And they don't go off, they get dimmer and dimmer but still they put out enough light to read a book or to find the way on the trail. With just a few more turns they are bright again. Final Comments Well, who needs another gadget - right? Actually, I think I do. EMP is compact, easy to use, it does what it tells you, it packs a lot of features and it comes at a very reasonable price with a cost of $44.95 MSRP. Similar products on the market have never impressed me before because of their large sizes and awkward operation of the charging crank. EMP cranks works like a dream. The flashlight with 2 LEDs seems to operate forever with just few seconds of cranking. The FM radio is there for you when you need it - and you don't need to wait for an emergency either - and having a small generator that can recharge your PDA or your cell phone, is not a bad thing to pack. The only feature which I find a bit questionable is the 'flashing alarm / siren". However I don't doubt that it may come in handy when you want to gather the attention of a group or you want to signal general distress. Light, strongly built and very useful with functions that you can use everyday. I am convinced? EMP will go in my emergency box today. Lastly, our team of fitness experts is telling me that cranking the EMP for 2 minutes will burn. …about 3 (three) calories.. This operation, repeated 5-6,000 times per day, is guaranteed to get you in better shape - they say - faster than your local gym. Best of all, EMP Tek, Inc. is not going to charge you for working out thus giving you a tremendous added value for FREE. Have fun in our wonderful outdoors Maurizio (Maurice) Valerio, President and Founder Top Rated Adventures EMP Tek, Inc., 382 Marshall Way. Layton, UT 84041 T: 800-543-2205 F: 801-543-3300 sales@emptek.net