Weatheradio with Alert
(120-0251) Preparation Faxback Doc. # 57508
Powering The Weatheradio
Your Weatheradio uses standard AC power for normal operation and requires
one 9-volt battery (not supplied) for backup power when AC power fails or
is temporarily disconnected. For the best performance and longest life,
we recommend a RadioShack alkaline battery.
CAUTIONS: Use only a fresh battery of the required size and recommended
type.
Do not use a rechargeable battery in your Weatheradio.
Connecting AC Power
If the Weatheradio's display is on, rotate VOLUME toward OFF until it
clicks to turn off the Weatheradio. Then plug the Weatheradio's power
cord into a standard AC outlet.
CAUTION: Your Weatheradio's power cord has a polarized plug (one blade is
wider than the other). If you have difficulty inserting the plug
into the outlet, do not force it! Turn the plug over and try
again.
Installing the Backup Battery
1. If the Weatheradio's display is on, rotate VOLUME toward OFF until it
clicks to turn off the Weatheradio.
2. Press the tab on the battery compartment cover, then lift up the cover
to remove it.
3. Snap a 9V battery onto the battery terminals inside the compartment,
then place the battery inside.
4. Replace the cover.
When the LOW BATT indicator on the front of the Weatheradio lights,
replace the battery.
WARNING: Dispose of old batteries promptly and properly. Do not burn or
bury them.
CAUTION: If you do not plan to use the Weatheradio for several months,
remove the battery. Batteries can leak chemicals that can
destroy electronic parts.
Note: The Weatheradio maintains all settings for up to 15 minutes if the
battery is removed or dead and AC power is disconnected. If power
is removed for a longer period of time, you must re-enter all
settings.
Using The Built-in Antenna
The Weatheradio's built-in telescoping antenna lets you receive strong
local signals. To use the built-in antenna, lift it up so it is vertical,
then fully extend it.
Choosing A Location For The Weatheradio
You can set your Weatheradio on a flat surface (such as a shelf or counter
top).
For the best reception, place your Weatheradio where:
It can receive alert signals (see "When a Test or Demo Alert Occurs" in
Faxback Doc. # 57509).
You can hear its alert tone (see "Setting the Alert Volume" in Faxback
Doc. # 57509).
Once you determine a location that meets these two conditions, leave the
Weatheradio there for the best protection.
Note: Make sure the Weatheradio is away from obstructions such as metal
cabinets or bookshelves. (Higher frequencies are noticeably
affected by obstructions.) Do not place the Weatheradio near any
metal surface such as a refrigerator, a metal door or wall, or a
water pipe hidden behind a wall. This greatly reduces the
Weatheradio's ability to receive signals.
Programming The Weatheradio
Your Weatheradio is preprogrammed to receive broadcasts for all FIPS
codes, and is preprogrammed with the seven national NOAA broadcast
frequencies (Channels 1-7).
The first time you use your Weatheradio, it is automatically set to use
the NOAA weather broadcast frequency 162.400 MHz (Channel 1) and receive
all SAME alert signals broadcast within a 50-mile radius of where you
installed it.
Depending on your location, you might need to select a different channel
and enter one or two FIPS codes into the Weatheradio.
Note: To stop programming the Weatheradio at any time during the steps
described in this section, set PROGRAM/OPERATE to OPERATE. The
Weatheradio saves any valid entries you made.
The Weatheradio will not receive a weather alert while you program
it.
Selecting a Broadcast Frequency
1. To turn on the Weatheradio, turn VOLUME to the right until it clicks.
2. Set PROGRAM/OPERATE to PROGRAM. C and the current radio channel
setting flash.
3. Repeatedly press SCROLL to select the channel you want, then rotate
VOLUME as needed so you can hear the current weather broadcast as you
make your selections. As you press SCROLL, the currently selected
weather broadcast channel (1 through 7) lights.
Repeat this step until you find the channel broadcasting in your area.
Channel: Frequency (MHz):
1 162.400
2 162.425
3 162.450
4 162.475
5 162.500
6 162.525
7 162.550
Note: If you receive a NOAA broadcast on more than one channel, the
one with the best reception might not be the one broadcasting
information for your location. Contact your local RadioShack
store or the NWS to find out which frequency NOAA is using to
broadcast from the station nearest your location, then select
that channel.
4. When you hear the channel you want, press CONFIRM. The weather
broadcast stops, the Weatheradio beeps, and L, 1, -, and the FIPS code
stored in the first memory location flash.
5. Set PROGRAM/OPERATE to OPERATE.
Note: If you do not press a button for 45 seconds, the Weatheradio
automatically switches to operate mode. Set PROGRAM/OPERATE
back to OPERATE and start over at Step 2.
Storing/Changing FIPS CODES
You can store or change FIPS codes in the Weatheradio's memory (to narrow
the area for which you receive SAME alerts). Your Weatheradio has two
memory locations for FIPS codes.
1. Follow Steps l-4 under "Selecting a Broadcast Frequency" above.
2. To change the FIPS code in the first memory location, press SCROLL.
The first digit of the first FIPS code stored in the Weatheradio
appears.
Or, hold down CONFIRM for about 2 seconds to skip the FIPS code in the
first memory location, then skip to Step 5.
3. Repeatedly press or hold down SCROLL until the first digit of the FIPS
code changes to the one you want, then press CONFIRM. A dash (-)
appears.
If you enter the wrong digit, press CLEAR to clear it.
4. Repeat Step 3 to change each digit of the FIPS code. When you have
entered the last digit of the FIPS code, the Weatheradio sounds a
confirmation tone and saves the new FIPS code.
5. If you just saved the FIPS code in the first memory location, L, 2,
-, and the FIPS code stored in the second memory location flash. If
necessary, repeat Steps 2-4 to enter a FIPS code in the second memory
location.
6. When you have stored both FIPS codes, the Weatheradio sounds a
confirmation tone. Then, codes appear that confirm the Weatheradio's
current settings.
For example, if you previously set the Weatheradio to use Channel 4
and stored a FIPS code of 413540 in the first memory location and a
FIPS code of 425763 in the second memory location, the following
characters appear in sequence:
C 4 L 1 - 4 1 3 5 4 0 L 2 - 4 2 5 7 6 3
When you finish, set PROGRAM/OPERATE to OPERATE.
Testing The Weatheradio
For your Weatheradio to be effective, you must place it where it can
receive an emergency alert broadcast and where you can hear its alert
tone.
In the United States, the NWS broadcasts a test alert every week on
Wednesday between 11 AM an 1 PM. To find out the specific test schedule
in your area, contact your local NOAA or NWS office. These offices are
usually listed in the telephone book under "US Government, Department of
Commerce."
IMPORTANT: The fact that you get clear reception of a weather broadcast
signal does not guarantee that an emergency alert broadcast
will trigger your Weatheradio's alert function. Be sure you
choose the proper location for the Weatheradio (see "Choosing
a Location for the Weatheradio" above) and regularly check the
Weatheradio to be sure it is operating properly (see "When a
Test or Demo Alert Occurs" in Faxback Doc. # 57509).
(BR EB 11/11/99)
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