12-253 Desktop Weatheradio: How to Test the Weatheradio

In this tutorial you will be 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 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."

Note: Testing the weatheradio erases all data you stored in its memory except for the clock time.

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

• 12-253 Desktop Weatheradio User's Manual
• Weatheradio Basics
• Weatheradio FAQ's

Step 1: Unplug the Weatheradio
Unplug the weatheradio and remove the backup battery if one is installed.
Step 2: Initialize the Test Mode
While holding down WEATHER/SNOOZE, plug the weatheradio's power cord into a standard AC outlet, then release WEATHER/SNOOZE. TEST MODE appears on the display.
Step 3: Start the Test Mode
Press the WEATHER/SNOOZE button. Everything on the display lights up.
Step 4: Set Weatheradio to the Default Settings
To set the weatheradio back to its default settings, press RADIO MEMORY 1. DEFAULT appears.
Step 5: Set Demo On/Off
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).
Step 6: Turn On the Alert Tone
To turn on the weatheradio's alert tone, press RADIO MEMORY 3. BEEP ON appears and the weatheradio beeps.
Step 7: Turn Off the Alert Tone
To turn off the weatheradio's alert tone, press RADIO MEMORY 3 again. BEEP OFF appears.
Step 8: Set the Weatheradio to Hear Channels
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.
To find information on your local weather frequencies, contact RadioShack or go to NOAA Weather Radio service.
Step 9: Exit the Testing Mode
When you finish testing the weatheradio, unplug its power cord and plug it back in, then replace the battery.