Porter Cable’s new PCC771B jobsite radio is about ready to hit the market. It’s compatible with their 20V Max Li-ion cordless battery packs, but also comes with an AC adapter so you can get rocking right away.
While there aren’t any big stand-out features, there are a couple of reasons why you might want to look at this radio over some of the other jobsite radios and speaker systems currently on the market.
Advertisement
First, it offers Bluetooth wireless connectivity. I wouldn’t have thought this to be a huge feature, but it is something a lot of pro tool users have been clamoring for. The Bluetooth connection means you can send tunes from your Bluetooth-enabled smartphone.
If you don’t want to stream music from your smartphone or other Bluetooth device, you can still connect them via an auxiliary cable.
Don’t want to connect a music player or personal electronics device at all? The Porter Cable radio is still a radio with AM and FM tuners. The tuner is digital, and you get 6 AM and 6 FM presets.
It’s built with two high performance speakers for clear and loud sound, and a full roll cage for easier carrying and greater rough and tough jobsite environment durability. There are also loops that allow the radio to be hung from rafters or ladders.
MSRP: $100
Buy Now(via Amazon)
Advertisement
Looking for something a little smaller? Dewalt just came out with a small Bluetooth speaker, Craftsman now has a small Bluetooth radio, and Dewalt’s Bluetooth adapter allows you to send tunes to any jobsite radio with an aux input.
Interested in seeing this reviewed? If a few of you give the word, I’ll try to get my hands on one for testing.
BikerDad
Just a radio? Not a charger?
Also, I suspect it may have been discussed elsewhere, but if so, I missed it. What’s the interchangeability between DeWalt, P-C and B&D 20vMax battery packs?
Stuart
Yup, just a radio, no charger, at least that I’m aware of.
There is zero compatibility between Dewalt, PC, and B&D 20V Max battery packs.
Steve
There is interchange possible with PC batteries and Black and Decker, apparently. I’ve heard a small corner of plastic needs to be filed from one or the other, but components wise are the same. BD makes PC.
MIKE
BD makes Rigged and Dewalt as well!
Stuart
Black & Decker does not make Ridgid power tools, TTI does.
mike
My mistake….then I think they make Porter Cable
Stuart
Yes, Stanley Black & Decker owns Black & Decker, Bostitch, Dewalt, Porter Cable, and Stanley, as far as power tools go.
Nathan
I’d be interested in some kind of round-up on these jobsite radios. I’ve thought of them as the “new worklight” for combo kits (With 7 pieces!*, but the idea of a rugged stereo that can run on a battery I already own has its merits.
Offhand I’d say the bluetooth feature is fairly useless for me without a built-in USB power port, so you can keep the phone from running out the battery.
Stuart
First, I don’t think I have ever seen reader use the abbreviation tag in a comment before! We’re talking 6 years and nearly 30,000 comments!
Second, I don’t think these are the new worklight in combo kits. Even LED worklights aren’t the new worklights. They’re simply priced too high.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a combo kit where the batteries and charger are considered pieces. Normally it’s #-tool combo kit. These days more consumer and DIY kits come with cheap worklights than pro-brand combos.
David Fontana
I am very happy with this unit. Perfect choice for my boat/jobsite. It’s compact, weather proof, has a radio, is mp3 ready, is rugged, has an eq, and its very loud for its size. As a carpenter with 25+ years experience that has used and abused many tools, I believe Porter Cable has simply the best tools for the money out there!
cito
Why does my radio say NBC when I try and turn it on and now its not working?
Stuart
I haven’t seen that before, sorry. Have you contacted Porter Cable yet?
Ronald Walker
What do nbc mean
cito
Why is my radio saying NBC just started doing it.
Stuart
I advise you to contact Porter Cable yet, they can help with troubleshooting, warranty replacement, or servicing if necessary.
Dave
This means. “No battery connection”, what this is saying is either it’s just simply reading that there is no battery hooked up, or, the battery hooked to the unit is dead/dying. I was not impressed with the connection strength of the Bluetooth, very spotty after about one foot, and, it needs more bass capability. Other than that it’s a great little radio, love Porter Cable tools, affordable and very durable.
Ronald Walker
How do you fix this problem. Are trouble shoot it
Earl W. Armstrong
I don’t understand why this radio has a 110 plug if it only works on battery. Anyone understanding this- please advise.
My radio only play using a battery and if plugged in with or without the battery- it stops working- just do t get it!!
Stuart
Double check your connection – perhaps it’s not fully engaged? Or, your radio or the AC adapter might be defective.