SAME Alert Weatheradio w/AM/FM Atomic Clock Radio
(120-0253) Preparation Faxback Doc. # 63414
Powering the Weatheradio
Your Weatheradio uses standard AC power for normal operation and one 9V
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.
Notes: A fresh backup battery will power the Weatheradio for up to 1 hour
with the weather broadcast turned on, or up to 4 hours in alert
standby mode (see "Enabling/Disabling Alert Tones" below). However,
we recommend you always connect the Weatheradio to AC power for
normal use.
If the backup battery becomes weak, your Weatheradio might not
sound a tone when an emergency or test alert is broadcast. Test
your Weatheradio's reception periodically (see "Testing the
Weatheradio" below), and replace the battery if the tone does not
sound.
Connecting the Weatheradio to AC Power
Plug the Weatheradio's power cord into a standard AC outlet. If a backup
battery is not installed, (1/2 colored battery symbol) appears.
WARNING: 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. Plug the Weatheradio's power cord into a standard AC outlet.
2. Snap the tab on the battery compartment cover and lift it up to remove
it.
3. Snap a 9V battery onto the battery terminals inside the compartment.
(1/2 colored battery symbol) disappears. Then place the battery
inside the compartment.
4. Replace the cover. (antenna symbol) and -- -- : -- -- flash. Then
the Weatheradio scans for the time signal (see "Automatic Time Set"
below).
When (1/2 colored battery symbol) appears or the Weatheradio stops
operating when it is unplugged from AC power, replace the battery.
WARNING: Dispose of an old battery promptly and properly. Do not burn or
bury it.
CAUTION: Always remove an old or weak battery. Batteries can leak
chemicals that can destroy electronic parts.
Placing the Weatheradio
You can place your Weatheradio on any flat surface such as a desk, shelf,
or table.
The Weatheradio has three built-in antennas. Its telescoping antenna lets
it receive FM radio and weather signals, its built-in AM antenna lets it
receive AM radio signals, and its time antenna lets it receive time units.
Choose a location indoors near a window to place the Weatheradio so you
can mount the time antenna near the window. The time antenna's cord
extends up to about 3 feet.
Selecting a Location
For the best reception, place your Weatheradio where it can receive alert
signals and you can hear its alert tone.
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.
CAUTIONS: Do not place the Weatheradio where it will be in direct
sunlight.
Keep the Weatheradio away from heat or cold sources such as
stoves, heating and air conditioning vents, and radiators.
Do not mount the Weatheradio near a TV, high power cable, or
metal table because these could interfere with radio signal
reception.
The time antenna is permanently attached to the Weatheradio. Do
not cut or try to change the length of the antenna cord.
Avoid placing the antenna's cord where it could be pinched or
cut.
Preparing the Antennas
To use the telescoping antenna, lift it up so it is vertical, then fully
extend it.
To ensure good reception fully extend the time antenna's cable away from
the clock and as near a window as possible.
If (antenna symbol) does not flash faster while the Weatheradio is
checking the time signal, reposition or rotate the antenna bar until
(antenna symbol) flashes faster. Then attach the time antenna to the
mounting surface using the supplied double-sided tape or hook-and-loop
tape (not supplied).
Notes: Do not place the antenna bar near a TV computer, power cable, or
metal table because these could interfere with radio signal
reception.
Position the antenna bar's cord so it does not twist or bend.
Setting the Clock
Automatic Time Set
When you plug in the Weatheradio and install the backup battery,
-- -- : -- -- flashes to indicate that the clock is not set up yet. The
Weatheradio automatically checks the WWVB time signal, and (antenna
symbol) flashes slowly. It also checks the time signal 6 times a day at
about 2 AM, 3 AM, 4 AM, 9 AM, 3 PM, and 9 PM. When it receives a good
signal, it automatically sets the time.
While the Weatheradio scans for the time signal, you might see any of the
following:
You See: What it Means:
(antenna symbol) The clock received a strong radio signal
and has already updated the time. The icon
does not flash.
(radiating antenna symbol The clock has not received a radio signal
with 5 radiating lines) strong enough to set the time. The icon
flashes slowly.
(radiating antenna symbol The time and date were set manually. The
with 5 radiating lines) icon flashes slowly.
(radiating antenna symbol The clock is receiving the radio signal and
with 7 radiating lines) the time will be set shortly. The icon
flashes rapidly.
Notes: In some areas, your Weatheradio might receive WWVB only during
nighttime hours.
On very cloudy and stormy days, the radio signal might not be
strong enough to set the clock.
When the Weatheradio receives a good signal, (antenna symbol) flashes
faster, and it automatically sets the time.
You can also set the clock manually. See "Manually Setting the Time,"
below.
You can obtain more information about WWVB on the World Wide Web at:
http://www.boulder.nist.gov/timefreq/wwvstatus.htm
Manually Setting the Time
If the clock does not receive a good radio signal, you can set the time
manually.
1. Hold down CLOCK until the display flashes.
2. Repeatedly press (or hold down) OK/HR until the correct hour appears.
3. Repeatedly press (or hold down) SCROLL/MIN until the correct minute
appears.
Notes: If you do not press any button within 30 seconds, the
Weatheradio stores any settings changed to that point and stops
the setup mode.
A appears when you set an AM time; P appears when you set a PM
time.
4. Press CLOCK to store the settings.
Selecting the Time Zone
1. Hold down CLOCK until the display flashes.
2. Press RADIO MEMORY 1-4 to select the time zone you are in:
1 (Pacific)
2 (Mountain)
3 (Central)
4 (Eastern)
ZONE and a number and a letter (P for Pacific, M for Mountain, C for
Central, or E for Eastern) appears. The DAYLIGHT, SAVINGS then ENABLE
or DISABLE appears (see "Setting Up Daylight Saving Time").
Setting Up Daylight Saving Time
You can set the Weatheradio so it automatically adjusts for daylight
saving time, ensuring that the time displayed on the clock is accurate,
regardless of the time of year.
Follow these steps to turn daylight saving time adjustment on or off.
1. Repeatedly press SCROLL/MIN until ENABLE appears to turn on daylight
saving time adjustment, or until DISABLE appears to turn it off. Then
press OK/HR to store the setting.
2. To quit daylight savings setup mode, press CLOCK.
Note: If you do not press any button within 30 seconds, the Weatheradio
stores any settings changed to that point and exits setup mode.
Programming the Weatheradio
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 (all locations mode) broadcast within a 50-mile
radius of where you installed it.
Your Weatheradio is preprogrammed with the seven national NOAA broadcast
frequencies (Channels 1-7). Depending on your location, you might need to
select a different channel.
1. Set ALERT/PROGRAM on the back of the Weatheradio to PROGRAM. The
Weatheradio displays the preset weather broadcast channel and
frequency number.
Note: If you do not press a key for about 45 seconds, the Weatheradio
exits the programming mode without storing any changes. To
continue, set ALERT/PROGRAM back to PROGRAM, then start over at
Step 1.
2. Repeatedly press SCROLL/MIN to select the channel you want, then
rotate VOLUME so you can hear the broadcast as you make your selection
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.
3. Press OK/HR when you hear the broadcast you want. The broadcast turns
off, the Weatheradio beeps, then TONE or VOICE appears.
4. Repeatedly press SCROLL/MIN to select the alert type you want (TONE or
VOICE). Then press OK/HR when the desired alert type appears. MISSED
ALERT REMINDER ENABLE or MISSED ALERT REMINDER DISABLE appears.
Repeatedly press SCROLL/MIN to select the alert reminder you want,
then press OK/HR.
5. Repeatedly press SCROLL/MIN to select the desired FIPS mode (ALL LOC,
SINGLE or MULTIPLE).
ALL LOC: The Weatheradio receives all SAME alert signals broadcast
within about a 50 mile radius.
SINGLE: The Weatheradio receives a SAME alert signal for one FIPS
code programmed in memory location 1.
MULTIPLE: The Weatheradio receives a SAME alert signal for up to 15
FIPS codes programmed in multiple locations in the
Weatheradio's memory.
6. Press OK/HR when the FIPS mode you want appears.
If you selected SINGLE or MULTIPLE, 000000 appears (unless you have
already programmed the Weatheradio with a FIPS code).
7. To add a FIPS code to change the displayed FIPS code, press SCROLL/
MIN. _ _ _ _ _ _ appears.
8. Repeatedly press SCROLL/MIN to select the first digit of the FIPS code
you want to store.
9. Press OK/HR to confirm the digit you entered, then repeat Step 8-9 for
each digit of the FIPS code.
If you set the Weatheradio to its multiple mode, the code (if any)
stored in the next memory position appears. Repeat Steps 8-9 for each
code (up to 15) you want to change or add.
Note: If you make a mistake while entering the code, press CLEAR. The
incorrect digit disappears. Then enter the correct digit. If you
hold down CLEAR for about 1 second, all digits disappear.
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 and 1 PM. To find out ht 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 "Selecting
a Location" above) and regularly check the Weatheradio to be
sure it is operating properly.
Note: Testing the Weatheradio erases all data you stored in its memory
except the clock time.
1. Unplug the Weatheradio and remove the backup battery if one is
installed.
2. While holding down WEATHER/SNOOZE, plug the Weatheradio's power cord
into a standard AC outlet, the release WEATHER/SNOOZE. TEST MODE
appears.
3. Press WEATHER/SNOOZE. Each of the display elements light.
4. To set the Weatheradio back to its default settings, press RADIO
MEMORY 1. DEFAULT appears.
5. Repeatedly press RADIO MEMORY 2 until DEMO ON appears (to set the
Weatheradio to its test mode) or until DEMO OFF appears (to turn test
mode off).
6. To turn on the Weatheradio's alert tone, press RADIO MEMORY 3. DEEP ON
appears and the Weatheradio beeps. To turn off the Weatheradio's alert
tone, press RADIO MEMORY 3 again. DEEP OFF appears.
7. To set the Weatheradio to receive other weather channels, repeatedly
press RADIO MEMORY 4. You hear each weather channel as you press
RADIO MEMORY 4.
8. When you finish testing the Weatheradio, unplug its power cord then
follow the steps under "Connecting the Weatheradio to AC Power" and
"Installing the Backup Battery" above to power the Weatheradio and
protect its memory.
Important Notes:
To make sure your Weatheradio will sound the alert tone when it
receives an emergency signal, always keep the telescoping antenna
fully extended.
Testing the alert tone only ensures that the Weatheradio's alert tone
can be heard. It does not test the Weatheradio's receiver or guarantee
you will receive an emergency alert.
If the Weatheradio does not sound an alert tone, you are out of range
of the broadcast or the backup battery is weak.
An emergency alert broadcast might not trigger your Weatheradio's
alert tone, even if it receives voice transmissions clearly or the
alert tone sounds when you manually test it. Also, if you are in a
fringe area, your Weatheradio might be triggered by a broadcast when
it is placed in one area, but not be triggered if you place it some
where else (even close by).
Enabling/Disabling Alert tones
You can turn the alert tone on or off for certain weather alert types your
Weatheradio receives. 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 turns itself on when it receives
a specific warning. Disabling the alert tone for a warning however,
means that the Weatheradio will not turn itself on when it receives
that warning.
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
Severe Weather Statement Special Marine Warning
Special Weather Statement Test Message
Unknown Statement Volcano Warning
Volcano Watch Winter Storm Warning
Winter Storm Watch
Follow these steps to enable or disable alert tones.
1. Set ALERT/PROGRAM to PROGRAM.
Note: If you do not press a key for about 45 seconds during Steps 2-4,
the Weatheradio exits the programming mode without storing any
change. To continue, set ALERT/PROGRAM back to PROGRAM, then
start over at Step 1.
2. To view each alert type, repeatedly press OK/HR. The alert type and
TONE ON (if the alert is turned on) or TONE OFF (if the alert is
turned off) appears.
3. To change a displayed entry, press SCROLL/MIN.
4. To resume normal operation, set ALERT/PROGRAM to ALERT.
(EB 11/15/00)
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