If you're worried about missing a disaster warning while you're sleeping, a DAB+ radio with an EWF warning function will help. There are still only a few models, this was the first. It really offers all the functions of the new warning system. And what else?
Even though EWF (Guide & Basics) has been developed and tested for over 10 years, similar to the previous DAB introduction, there were initially no suitable devices until Telestar finally presented the Dira M 1 A and the Dira M 1 A mobile at IFA 2022 .
The manufacturer has now added additional EWF-capable devices, including a compact system that also plays CDs. The Dira M 1 A in its two versions is still the best choice for the bedside table. The standard version can be stereo, the Dira M 1 A mobile works thanks to the battery even in the event of a power failure – according to the manufacturer, up to 15 hours.
The price of the two variants is the same. Since battery operation could be important in an emergency, we chose the Dira M 1 A mobile. This means that it can be used not only as a “portable radio” on the balcony, in the garden or on the go. In the event of a power failure, it also switches to battery power if the power supply is still plugged in, which is probably the normal case, and thus warns reliably in every situation.
Equipment and design
With a width of 19.5 cm, a height of 11.8 cm and a depth of 13.0 cm, the Telestar device fits on any bedside table and at 1190 g it can actually be used mobile even without an explicit carrying handle. Analogue signals can be played in (AUX) or played out (headphone jack) via a 3.5 mm jack plug. The 15V/1A power supply is external. The telescopic antenna for FM and DAB+ is attached with a screw connection, which allows connection to external antennas or cables.
The manufacturer also includes a remote control so that the Dira can also be used as a tuner and internet radio addition to a larger system. The operation of the device and the remote control is not entirely identical, but the buttons on both are clearly labeled, not black on black, as is the case with many current products. If you don't want to use anything other than your smartphone, you can also operate the Dira M 1 A via mobile app.
The device is also a fully-fledged multifunctional radio – it not only receives analogue FM and DAB+ digital, but also serves as a Bluetooth speaker, plays content from media servers, USB sticks or analogue sources and, thanks to the 2.4 GHz WLAN, functions as a Internet radio. By the way, most streams here are available in several quality levels, which very few internet radios offer. The reason is a self-developed chipset that the manufacturer Nicent Solution calls. With 100 integrated station memories for FM and DAB+, which can not only be accessed via a portal, as well as 500 for Internet radio stations, there is enough space to save all the interesting stations, even if you have a wide taste in music. Multiple alarm and sleep functions enable it to be used as a radio alarm clock.
As a German product (even if manufactured in Shenzhen), the Dira M 1 A has another advantage in both versions: It has a “red button” for recording onto a USB stick. In the case of radios, these have become very rare due to increased import duties from today's usual manufacturing countries. And this button works in all operating modes, whether FM, analogue, DAB+ or internet radio. So you can “record” a special program without a PC and store it permanently – even time-controlled, like in the past with a video recorder.
The display is colored and 6.1 cm large. The brightness can be adjusted and when switched off it can be completely dark or show the time. So it doesn't bother the bed. The instructions are comprehensive and explain all device functions.
EWF
This is the most interesting function of the Dira M 1 A mobile – it can not only switch on or switch from standby or from other channels or program sources in the event of an alarm, but also display the warnings in journaline format in text form in several languages. So far only the Telestar devices can do this, of which the Dira M 11i+ and S 21i+ models as well as the compact system Dira S 32i CD are now available. However, these do not offer battery operation.
You can set whether the radio should also react to test messages, only to real warning messages or not at all. This setting should be checked after commissioning so that the radio actually triggers an alarm in the event of a disaster. You are also not allowed in this device Eco Standby or switch it off completely using the main switch on the back if you want it to switch on when warning messages appear. However, this is useful if the software ever hangs up – simply pulling the power plug doesn't help because of the switch to battery operation.
Reception and sound
Reception is excellent in all operating modes. This is important even for USB-only music listeners, as the EWF warning function should not fail due to insufficient reception. Since the Dira M 1 A mobile only has one speaker, there is no stereo noise from weak FM stations that bothers you even on the bedside table.
With a 7.6 cm diameter speaker and 10 W audio power, the device is not a sound giant, but the sound is balanced for a clock radio and the volume is sufficient even for deep sleepers. With Bluetooth only the SBC standard codec is required.
When setting the sound, the equalizer can also be adjusted individually in addition to the usual presets.
Preis
The Telestar Dira M 1 A mobile has a list price of just under 160 euros; you can currently get it on Amazon for 100 euros in the mobile version with battery. Without the battery the price is 86 euros. A good price for the performance offered.
Conclusion
The features of the Telestar Dira M1A mobile are very extensive and the price-performance ratio is right. If EWF is important to you even in the event of a power outage, you've come to the right place and you'll also get a really good multifunctional radio.