Please read before using this equipment.
ˆ Contents Features ................................................................. 5 How Your Radio Works ......................................... Weather Alerts ................................................. New Alert Types ........................................ Understanding FIPS Codes ............................. Obtaining Your Area’s FIPS Code(s) ........ 6 7 8 8 9 Preparation .......................................................... 11 Installing Batteries .................................
Reviewing Overlapping Alerts ................ 26 When a Test or Demo Alert Occurs ........ 26 Alert Descriptions ............................................... 28 Troubleshooting ................................................. 32 Care ............................................................... 34 Specifications ..................................................... 35 ˆ FCC Information This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
ˆ Features Your RadioShack Weatheradio represents the latest generation of weather alert technology. Your Weatheradio uses SAME (Specific Area Message Encoding) circuitry to provide more complete information about weather conditions in your immediate area, letting you avoid hearing alerts for geographical areas that do not affect you.
ˆ How Your Radio Works Traditional weather radios simply receive the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather broadcast (usually within a 50-mile radius) then sound an alarm if an emergency code was transmitted along with the broadcast. This means that people who live outside an affected area are often alerted even when their area is not affected, causing many of them to ignore potentially real weather warnings that can save lives.
Weatheradio sounds an alert only when a weather emergency is declared in that area. This helps you more efficiently track the weather conditions in and around your area. WEATHER ALERTS When the Weatheradio receives a weather alert: • it sounds an alert beep • it displays a description of the alert and the alert duration Note: If the Weatheradio receives more than one weather alert at the same time, it displays information for each alert in sequence.
New Alert Types Your Weatheradio is designed to recognize all common weather alert types currently used by the NWS. However, the NWS occasionally creates and broadcasts new alert types (for which the Weatheradio’s memory does not contain a specific, corresponding description). If your Weatheradio receives a signal for a new alert type, it is preset (if the alert function is turned on) to display 81.12:1, the alert description, ((0(5*(1&, 67$7(017, :$51,1*, or :$7&+), and 781( 79, then sound a beeping alert.
ever, plans to eventually subdivide some large counties. When that happens, each subdivision will be assigned a digit from 1–9, resulting in codes such as 148439, 248439, and so on. Your Weatheradio can receive all SAME alert signals broadcast within about a 50-mile radius of where you installed it. To receive SAME alerts and broadcasts about weather occurring only in particular counties within that area, you can program up to 15 FIPS codes into the Weatheradio’s memory.
Note: If you are close to a county or parish line, you might want to obtain the codes for the nearby counties or parishes. Hint: Since you can program up to 15 FIPS codes into the Weatheradio’s memory, you might want to obtain the codes for other local areas that you frequently travel through (as long as those areas are within a 50 mile radius of your location and within an area covered by your local NWS broadcast station).
ˆ Preparation INSTALLING BATTERIES Your radio uses three AA batteries for power. For the best performance and longest life, we recommend RadioShack alkaline batteries. Warning: Dispose of old batteries promptly and properly; do not bury or burn them. Cautions: • Use only fresh batteries of the required size and recommended type. • Do not use rechargeable batteries in your Weatheradio. • Never leave weak or dead batteries in the radio. They can leak chemicals that can damage the radio.
1. Turn off the radio by rotating VOLUME counterclockwise until it clicks. 2. Remove the battery compartment cover by sliding it off in the direction of the arrow. 3. Install three AA batteries as indicated by the polarity symbols (+ and –) marked inside the compartment. 4. Replace the cover. When 5(3/$&( then %$77(5< appears, the display dims, or %$77 /2: appears when you turn on the radio, replace the batteries.
ˆ Programming The first time you use your Weatheradio, it is preset to use NOAA weather broadcast frequency 162.400 MHz (Channel 1), and to receive all SAME alert signals broadcast within a 50-mile radius. Your Weatheradio is programmed with the seven NOAA broadcast frequencies (Channels 1–7). Depending on your location, you might need to select a different channel. Follow these steps to select a NOAA weather frequency, set the Alert Pattern, and enter FIPS codes in the Weatheradio’s memory.
• The Weatheradio sounds an error tone if you make an invalid entry. 1. Turn on the Weatheradio by rotating VOLUME clockwise until it clicks. 2. Set PROGRAM/ALERT to PROGRAM. The preset weather channel number flashes on the display. (If this frequency is correct for your area and you hear the weather broadcast automatically, you can skip to Step 5.) 3. Lift the front panel cover using the slotted indent on either side. 4.
from the station nearest your location, then select that channel. 5. Press YES to confirm the selected channel. The Weatheradio beeps and 721( appears. 6. Press YES to select 721( mode. To select Voice mode, press NO. 92,&( appears. In Tone mode, when NOAA broadcasts an alert, the Weatheradio sounds an alert tone for about 5 minutes and displays the alert description until the alert expires.
7. Press YES twice to confirm your choice. $// /2& appears. Select one of three FIPS code modes: • $//# /2&: The Weatheradio receives all SAME alert signals broadcast within about a 50-mile radius. • 6,1*/(: The Weatheradio receives a SAME alert signal for one FIPS code programmed in memory Location 1. • 08/7,3/(: The Weatheradio receives SAME alert signals for up to 15 FIPS codes programmed in multiple locations in the radio’s memory. 8. To select $//# $//# /2&, press YES.
10. If you chose 08/7,3/( mode, /2& 4 appears, alternating with 333333. Enter a FIPS code (such as 048439). If you make a mistake, press NO and enter the correct number. Otherwise, press YES to confirm the entry. /2& 5#then 333333 appears. Repeat this step to enter up to 15 FIPS codes in memory. 11. After you press YES to confirm the last FIPS code entry, set PROGRAM/ALERT to ALERT ON or ALERT OFF. The Weatheradio stores all valid entries and exits the programming mode.
4. Press NO to keep the reminder beep on. 5. Press YES to store your selection. Note: The reminder beep only operates once the broadcast has ended. ENABLING/DISABLING THE ALERT TONE You can turn the alert tone on or off for certain weather alert types. For example, you can turn off the alert tone for a volcano warning if you do not live near a volcano. Notes: • The Weatheradio still detects and displays information about alerts even after you disable the tone for those alerts.
You can set the Weatheradio so it does not sound an alert tone during only the following types of alerts: Avalanche Warning Avalanche Watch Blizzard Warning Coastal Flood Warning Coastal Flood Watch Flash Flood Statement Flash Flood Warning Flash Flood Watch Flood Statement Flood Warning Flood Watch High Wind Warning High Wind Watch Hurricane Statement Hurricane Watch Practice/Demo Required Monthly Test Severe Thunderstorm Watch Severe Weather Statement Special Marine Warning Special Wea
4. If desired, repeat Step 3 for all 27 alert types. 5. 6(/(&7 then &+(&. appears after you set the last alert type. Press YES to review the alert tone status for all 27 alert types, or press NO to store all the settings without verification. 6. The Weatheradio returns to Weather channel selection. 7. Set PROGRAM/ALERT to ALERT ON or ALERT OFF.
dio’s alert function. Be sure you choose the proper location for the Weatheradio and regularly check the Weatheradio to be sure it is operating properly. Manually Testing the Alert Tone Notes: • To make sure your Weatheradio sounds the alert tone when it receives an emergency signal, always keep the built-in antenna fully extended. • Testing the alert tone only ensures that the Weatheradio’s alert tone can be heard.
1. Turn off the Weatheradio. 2. Hold down WEATHER and turn VOLUME clockwise to turn on the Weatheradio. 7(6702'( appears. 3. Press the number keys (1–7) to verify the programmed NOAA weather frequencies. 4. Press ; to test the Weatheradio’s alert beep. %((3#21 appears. Press 8 again to stop the alert. %((3#2)) appears Important: The next step erases any FIPS codes or weather channels you programmed. 5. To erase the Weatheradio’s memory and restore the factory settings, press 9. 6.
The first time you program the Weatheradio, you replace the $//# /2& mode with a specific NWS FIPS code. To reset the Weatheradio to use the $//# /2& mode again, follow Steps 1–7 in “Programming” on Page 13. ˆ Operation 1. To turn on the Weatheradio, turn VOLUME clockwise until it clicks. 2. Set PROGRAM/ALERT to ALERT ON. :($7+(5 then $/57#21 appears. 3. To turn off the Weatheradio, turn VOLUME counterclockwise until it clicks.
LISTENING TO BROADCASTS 1. Set PROGRAM/ALERT to ALERT ON or ALERT OFF. 2. Press WEATHER then adjust VOLUME as desired. 3. To turn off the weather broadcast, press WEATHER again. USING THE ALERT FUNCTION Set PROGRAM/ALERT to ALERT ON to set the Weatheradio to sound an alert when the NWS broadcasts a weather warning, watch, or statement for the FIPS code(s) stored in the Weatheradio’s memory. :($7+(5 then $/57 21 appears and the radio beeps.
To set the Weatheradio so it does not sound an alert, set PROGRAM/ALERT to ALERT OFF. The Weatheradio beeps twice and :($7+(5 then $/57#2)) appears. When a Weather Alert Occurs If you selected the 92,&( pattern (see Page 15) the Weatheradio sounds an alert for about 8 seconds, then automatically turns on the weather (voice) broadcast for 5 minutes. Then it returns to standby mode. It also displays the alert description and duration until the alert’s effective time expires.
a slower speed than initially predicted, the storm-related activity might continue after the alert ends. The end of an alert does not necessarily mean that the related weather emergency is over. Reviewing Overlapping Alerts Your Weatheradio can store up to three different alerts (with overlapping effective times) in its memory. If the Weatheradio receives a new alert while a previous alert is still in effect, it automatically displays the alert description and sounds the new alert.
When a Test or Demo Alert Occurs The NWS sends out daily and weekly test signals you can use to confirm that your Weatheradio is working properly. To find out the specific test schedule in your area, contact your local NOAA or NWS office. See “Enabling/Disabling the Alert Tone” on Page 18 for more information.
ˆ Alert Descriptions Your Weatheradio can display these NWS weather alert descriptions (shown in alphabetical order).
Weather/ Alert You see Evacuate immediately Fire warning (9$&8$7(#,00(',$7 ),5(#:$51,1* Flash flood statement )/$6+#)/22' Flash flood warning )/$6+#)/22'# :$51,1* Flash flood watch Flood statement Flood warning Flood watch Hazardous material watch High wind warning High wind watch Hurricane warning )/$6+#)/22'#:$7&+ )/22' )/22'#:$51,1* )/22'#:$7&+ +$=$5'#0$7(5,$/#:$7&+ +,*+#:,1'#:$51,1* +,*+#:,1'#:$7&+ +855,&$1#:$51,1* Hurricane watch +855,&$1 +855,&$1#:$7&+ Immediate evacuation warning ,00(',$
Weather/ Alert You see Local area emergency /2&$/#$5($# (0(5*(1&< National information center 1$7,21$/#,1)2#&(17(5 Practice/Demo 1$7,21$/# 3(5,2',(67 '(02#0(66$*( Radiological hazard warning 5$',2/2*#+$=$5'#:$51,1* Radiological hazard watch Required monthly test 5$',2/2*#+$=$5'#:$7&+ 0217+/<#7(67 Periodic national test Required weekly test :((.
Weather/ Alert You see Tsunami warning Tsunami watch 7681$0,#:$51,1* 7681$0,#:$7&+ Unrecognized code ending in S 81.
ˆ Troubleshooting If your Weatheradio is not working as it should, these suggestions might help you eliminate the problem. Problem(s) Suggestion(s) No power. Make sure the batteries are fresh and installed properly. See “Installing Batteries” on Page 11. No sound. Adjust VOLUME. Multiple FIPS codes are stored, but the Weatheradio only responds to weather alert broadcasts for one code. Make sure the Weatheradio is set to its multiple mode (see “Programming” on Page 13.
Problem(s) Suggestion(s) No weather broadcast when you press WEATHER. Make sure the telescoping antenna is fully extended. Make sure the Weatheradio is set to the NOAA channel that is being broadcast in your area. See “Programming” on Page 13. Make sure you programmed the correct FIPS code(s) into the Weatheradio’s memory. See “Programming” on Page 13. The radio is not responding properly to NWS weather alert broadcasts. Make sure :($7+(5#$/57#21# appears. See “Using the Alert Function” on Page 24.
CARE Keep the Weatheradio dry. Use and store the Weatheradio only in normal temperature environments. Handle the Weatheradio carefully. Keep the Weatheradio away from dust and dirt, and wipe it with a damp cloth occasionally to keep it looking new. Modifying or tampering with the Weatheradio’s internal components can cause a malfunction and might invalidate its warranty and void your FCC authorization to operate it.
ˆ Specifications Frequency Coverage (MHz): Channel 1 ................................................................ 162.400 Channel 2 ................................................................ 162.425 Channel 3 ................................................................ 162.450 Channel 4 ................................................................ 162.475 Channel 5 ................................................................ 162.500 Channel 6 ............................................
Limited Ninety-Day Warranty This product is warranted by RadioShack against manufacturing defects in material and workmanship under normal use for ninety (90) days from the date of purchase from RadioShack company-owned stores and authorized RadioShack franchisees and dealers.
