12-254, 7-Channel Portable SAME Weatheradio: Manually Testing the Alert Tone

In this tutorial, you will be shown how to manually test the weatheradio's alert tone. To make sure your weatheradio will sound 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. 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, it is either not receiving the broadcast or its batteries are weak. Even if you can hear the voice transmission clearly and the alert tone sounds when you test it, the received signal may not be strong enough for an emergency alert broadcast to trigger your weatheradio's alert tone. If you are in a fringe area, your weatheradio might also be triggered by a broadcast when it is placed in one area but not be triggered if you place it somewhere else (even close by).

For additional information on this product, see the links below:

Step 1: Entering the Test Mode



Turn off the weatheradio by rotating VOLUME all the way to OFF, then hold down WEATHER and turn VOLUME away from OFF to turn on the weatheradio. TESTMODE appears on the display.


Step 2: Verifying the Weather Frequencies



Press the number keys (1-7) to verify the programmed NOAA weather frequencies.

To find information on your local weather frequencies, contact your local RadioShack store or the NOAA Weather Radio Service.

Step 3: Testing the Weatheraio's Alert Beep



Press 8 to test the weatheradio's alert beep. The alert beep begins sounding, and BEEP ON appears on the display.


Step 4: Stopping the Alert Beep



Press 8 again to stop the alert. The alert beep stops sounding, and BEEP OFF appears on the display. Note: The next step erases any FIPS codes or weather channels you programmed.


Step 5: Setting to Default



To erase the weatheradio's memory and restore the factory settings, press 9 on the number-pad. DEFAULT appears on the display.


Step 6: Looking at all Display Elements and Exiting Test Mode



Press WEATHER to see all display elements. To exit Test Mode, turn off the Weatheradio by rotating the Volume until it clicks off.