2-249.fm Page 1 Tuesday, July 6, 1999 4:00 PM Cat. No. 12-249 OWNER’S MANUAL Please read before using this equipment.
12-249.fm Page 2 Tuesday, July 6, 1999 4:00 PM WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or shock hazard, do not expose this product to rain or moisture. CAUTION RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK. DO NOT OPEN. ! CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER OR BACK. NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
12-249.fm Page 3 Tuesday, July 6, 1999 4:00 PM FEATURES In 1994, the National Oceanic and Aerospace Administration (NOAA) began broadcasting coded emergency weather signals that identify the specific geographic area (such as a county) affected by an emergency. Until that time, such specific emergency weather information was sent in other ways (over land wire, for example) to other communication outlets (such as radio stations), then broadcast to the public on AM or FM radio frequencies or on TV.
12-249.fm Page 4 Tuesday, July 6, 1999 4:00 PM The Weatheradio’s features include: Alert Function — lets you set the Weatheradio to sound an alert when it receives a weather emergency broadcast from NOAA. SAME Operation — lets you program up to 15 different FIPS (Federal Information Processing System) codes into the Weatheradio’s memory.
12-249.fm Page 5 Tuesday, July 6, 1999 4:00 PM Adjustable Display Backlight — makes the display easy to read in low light situations. You can set the light to turn on for about 10 seconds when you press a key, or remain on until you turn it off. Alert Volume Control — lets you adjust the volume of the alert so you will be sure to hear it.
12-249.fm Page 6 Tuesday, July 6, 1999 4:00 PM CONTENTS Preparation ...................................................................... 7 Connecting Power ..................................................... 7 Connecting AC Power ....................................... 8 Installing a Back-Up Battery .............................. 9 Using the Antenna ................................................... 11 Connecting an External Antenna .................... 11 Getting Started .............................
12-249.fm Page 7 Tuesday, July 6, 1999 4:00 PM PREPARATION CONNECTING POWER Your Weatheradio uses standard AC power for normal operation. For back-up power (when AC power fails or is temporarily disconnected), your Weatheradio requires a 9V battery (not supplied). For the best performance and longest life, we recommend an alkaline battery, such as RadioShack Cat. No. 23-553.
12-249.fm Page 8 Tuesday, July 6, 1999 4:00 PM Connecting AC Power 1. If the Weatheradio is on, turn VOLUME to the right until it clicks to turn the Weatheradio off. VOLUME OFF MAX 2. 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.
12-249.fm Page 9 Tuesday, July 6, 1999 4:00 PM Installing a Back-Up Battery Cautions: • Use only a fresh battery of the required size and recommended type. • We recommend you not use a rechargeable battery. Tab 1. If the Weatheradio is on, turn VOLUME to the right until it clicks to turn the Weatheradio off. 2. Press in the tab on the battery compartment cover and lift the cover up to remove it. 3. Snap a battery onto the battery terminals inside the compartment, then put the battery in the compartment.
12-249.fm Page 10 Tuesday, July 6, 1999 4:00 PM When REPLACE (then) BATTERY appears, replace the battery. STATEMENT WATCH ALERT LEVEL WARNING STATEMENT WATCH WARNING ALERT LEVEL Note: REPLACE BATTERY also appears if no battery is installed and the Weatheradio is turned on and connected to AC power. Caution: Never leave a dead or weak battery in the Weatheradio. Dispose of an old battery promptly and properly; do not bury or burn it.
12-249.fm Page 11 Tuesday, July 6, 1999 4:00 PM USING THE ANTENNA For the best reception at all times, lift up the Weatheradio’s built-in telescoping antenna so it is vertical, then fully extend it. OPERATE PROGRAM MODE + – EXT ANT ALARM OUT Connecting an External Antenna To improve reception (in remote areas, for example), you can connect an external antenna using an adapter cable (RadioShack Unlimited Cat. No. 11806437, not supplied) with a phono plug to the Weatheradio’s EXT ANT jack.
-249.fm Page 12 Tuesday, July 6, 1999 4:00 PM GETTING STARTED UNDERSTANDING THE FIPS CODE The NWS divides the United States by state and county (or parish, where applicable), then assigns a 6-digit “FIPS” (Federal Information Processing System) code to identify each county/parish for the purpose of broadcasting weather conditions. For example, the code for Tarrant County, Texas, is 048439.
12-249.fm Page 13 Tuesday, July 6, 1999 4:00 PM FIPS codes into the Weatheradio’s memory. That way, for example, you can avoid an alert that applies to an area within that 50-mile radius but not in your county. Obtaining Your Area’s FIPS Code(s) To obtain the FIPS code for the location where you installed the Weatheradio, contact your local RadioShack store or call the NWS toll free at: 1-888-NWR-SAME (1-888-697-7263) If you call the NWS, follow the instructions you hear.
12-249.fm Page 14 Tuesday, July 6, 1999 4:00 PM PROGRAMMING THE WEATHERADIO Note: Some of the Weatheradio’s keys (such as 0–9) are located under the cover on top of the Weatheradio. Lift the cover to access the keys. The first time you use your Weatheradio, it is automatically set to: • Use the NOAA weather broadcast frequency 162.
12-249.fm Page 15 Tuesday, July 6, 1999 4:00 PM 1. To turn on the Weatheradio, turn VOLUME to the left until it clicks. Then set SINGLE/MULTIPLE (on the bottom of the radio) to SINGLE if you are entering only one FIPS code or to MULTIPLE if you are entering more than one. 2. Set PROGRAM/OPERATE to PROGRAM. The Weatheradio displays the last selected weather broadcast channel and frequency number. OPERATE PROGRAM MODE + – EXT ANT ALARM OUT 3.
12-249.fm Page 16 Tuesday, July 6, 1999 4:00 PM Note: If you do not press a key for about 45 seconds during Steps 4–8, the Weatheradio exits the programming mode, and saves only those changes stored before the last keypress. To continue, set PROGRAM/OPERATE back to OPERATE, then start over at Step 2. 4. Press a number key (1–7) to listen to the broadcast on that channel. The Weatheradio displays the selected channel and its corresponding frequency.
12-249.fm Page 17 Tuesday, July 6, 1999 4:00 PM 5. Press YES three times. The Weatheradio displays the FIPS code stored in the first memory position. 6 4 5 7 8 9 0 NO YES OFF WEATHER ALERT VOLUME STATEMENT WATCH WARNING OFF MAX ALERT LEVEL 6. To change the code in the first memory position, press YES so ------ appears.
12-249.fm Page 18 Tuesday, July 6, 1999 4:00 PM • To reset the Weatheradio to receive all SAME signals within a 50-mile radius, simply enter the code 99 in the first memory position. See “Using the Weatheradio’s ‘All Signals’ Code” on Page 19. • For easy reference, write down each FIPS code you store in memory on the label located beneath the Weatheradio’s keypad cover. 8. Press YES to store the code in the Weatheradio’s memory.
12-249.fm Page 19 Tuesday, July 6, 1999 4:00 PM 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 and Mounting the Weatheradio” on Page 20) and regularly check the Weatheradio to be sure it is operating properly (see “When a Test or Demo Alert Occurs” on Page 33).
12-249.fm Page 20 Tuesday, July 6, 1999 4:00 PM CHOOSING A LOCATION AND MOUNTING THE WEATHERADIO You can set your Weatheradio on any flat surface (such as a shelf or counter top), or you can mount it on a wall using the supplied mounting bracket and two screws (not supplied) with heads that fit the keyhole slots on the mounting bracket.
12-249.fm Page 21 Tuesday, July 6, 1999 4:00 PM Follow these steps to mount the Weatheradio on a wall. 1. Select a mounting location near the AC outlet, then drill two holes 21/8 inches apart. Then thread a screw into each mounting hole until the head extends about 1/8 inch from the wall. Cutouts 8H O DI A CA T. FR NO EQ 4-1 UE. 12 -24 PO 62.47 NC 9 NE T TO ER AL SING LE MU LT IPLE SER IAL NO. R LISTE D 12 Cu WE 5M Y : 1-1 R ® of stom SU Hz 62 Ta PP 5-1 .40 nd Ma LY 62 0M y Co nu : .
12-249.fm Page 22 Tuesday, July 6, 1999 4:00 PM OPERATION To turn on the Weatheradio, turn VOLUME to the left until it clicks. WEATHER (then) ALRT (alert) ON appears. OFF WEATHER ALERT VOLUME STATEMENT WATCH WARNING OFF MAX ALERT LEVEL Note: VOLUME also controls the Weatheradio’s audio broadcast volume. To set the alert volume, see “Setting the Alert Volume” on Page 25. To listen to the weather broadcast, see “Listening to the Weather Broadcast” on Page 23.
12-249.fm Page 23 Tuesday, July 6, 1999 4:00 PM LISTENING TO THE WEATHER BROADCAST Your Weatheradio is preprogrammed with the seven NOAA weather broadcast frequencies (Channels 1– 7). To select the frequency broadcast in your area (if you did not do so already), follow Steps 2–4 and 9 in “Programming the Weatheradio” on Page 14. To listen to the weather broadcast, be sure OPERATE/ PROGRAM is set to OPERATE, press WEATHER, then adjust VOLUME to the desired listening level.
12-249.fm Page 24 Tuesday, July 6, 1999 4:00 PM USING THE ALERT FUNCTION 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 its memory, press ALERT so WEATHER (then) ALRT ON appears. OFF WEATHER ALERT VOLUME STATEMENT WATCH WARNING OFF MAX ALERT LEVEL Notes: • If you programmed more than one FIPS code into memory, be sure SINGLE/MULTIPLE is set to MULTIPLE.
12-249.fm Page 25 Tuesday, July 6, 1999 4:00 PM Setting the Alert Volume To set your Weatheradio’s alert volume, use a coin to turn ALERT TONE clockwise to increase the volume or counterclockwise to decrease it. To begin (before you hear the alert the first time), we recommend you select the highest volume setting, then decrease it as needed. Changing/Checking the Alert Pattern You can set the Weatheradio to respond to an NWS alert broadcast in one of two ways.
12-249.fm Page 26 Tuesday, July 6, 1999 4:00 PM (Continuous) ALERT — the Weatheradio sounds an alert and displays an alert description until the alert’s effective time expires. The Weatheradio automatically selects the VOICE setting the first time you turn it on. To change the alert pattern setting (or check which setting is currently selected), follow these steps. 1. Set PROGRAM/OPERATE to PROGRAM.
12-249.fm Page 27 Tuesday, July 6, 1999 4:00 PM When a Weather Alert Occurs When WEATHER ALRT ON shows on the display and the Weatheradio receives a broadcast for the FIPS code(s) stored in its memory, the Weatheradio sounds an alert (siren or beep), displays the alert description, and turns on the corresponding colored indicator (WARNING/red, WATCH/yellow, or STATEMENT/green). The alert descriptions are based on a list of specific weather alert types published by the NWS.
12-249.fm Page 28 Tuesday, July 6, 1999 4:00 PM Caution: The NWS uses sophisticated weather models to determine an alert’s effective time. However, if a storm front (for example) moves through an area at a slower speed than initially predicted, the stormrelated activity might continue after the alert ends. The end of an alert does not necessarily mean that the related weather emergency is over. NWS Weather Alert Descriptions Your Weatheradio can display these NWS weather alert descriptions.
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12-249.fm Page 31 Tuesday, July 6, 1999 4:00 PM You See Weather/Alert Description You Hear Note: The alert description TUNE TV could also indicate the Weatheradio has received a signal for a condition not defined in the Weatheradio’s memory — see “Locking Out Undefined (New or Commercial) Weather Descriptions” on Page 34.
12-249.fm Page 32 Tuesday, July 6, 1999 4:00 PM 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 an alert for the new alert. To scroll forward or backward through the Weatheradio’s memory and review all effective alerts, press NO (to scroll forward) or YES (to scroll backward).
12-249.fm Page 33 Tuesday, July 6, 1999 4:00 PM When a Test or Demo Alert Occurs The NWS sends out daily and weekly test (and sometimes demonstration) signals, which let anyone with a receiver, such as your Weatheradio, verify that the equipment is working properly. To find out the specific test schedule in your area, contact your local NOAA or NWS office. Those offices are usually listed in the telephone book under US Government, Department of Commerce.
12-249.fm Page 34 Tuesday, July 6, 1999 4:00 PM Locking Out Undefined (New or Commercial) Weather Descriptions The NWS might occasionally broadcast several types of weather information intended for commercial or other non-private use. This information could include, for example, messages intended for automated weather services (such as those used by radio or TV stations).
12-249.fm Page 35 Tuesday, July 6, 1999 4:00 PM 1. Turn VOLUME toward off until it clicks to turn off the Weatheradio. 2. While holding down OFF, turn VOLUME to the left until it clicks to turn on the Weatheradio. TESTMODE appears and all colored indicators turn on. YES OFF 0 WEATHER NO ALERT VOLUME STATEMENT WATCH WARNING OFF MAX ALERT LEVEL 3. Press a number key to select the desired setting. The Weatheradio sounds a beep.
12-249.fm Page 36 Tuesday, July 6, 1999 4:00 PM Important: To ensure your Weatheradio is always set to notify you of a valid emergency, we recommend you do not select the setting (8) that causes the Weatheradio to not respond to new weather alert types. Note: Your Weatheradio can also perform these functions while TESTMODE appears: • If you press a key from 1–7, you hear the weather broadcast (if any) on that channel (see “Programming the Weatheradio” on Page 14).
12-249.fm Page 37 Tuesday, July 6, 1999 4:00 PM SPECIAL FEATURES USING CONTINUOUS BACKLIGHT Your Weatheradio is preset to turn on its display backlight while you listen to the weather broadcast (see “Listening to the Weather Broadcast” on Page 23), and for about 10 seconds each time you press a key. For extended use in low light situations, you can set the backlight so it remains on until you turn it off. To turn the backlight on or off, follow these steps. 1. Set PROGRAM/OPERATE to PROGRAM. 2.
12-249.fm Page 38 Tuesday, July 6, 1999 4:00 PM CONNECTING THE WEATHERADIO TO AN EXTERNAL SYSTEM Your Weatheradio’s ALARM OUT jacks let you connect it to an external module interface (Plug ’n Power or X-10, such as RSU 10037745) using twin-lead 20gauge cable (not supplied), then set the interface to indicate an alert (sound a buzzer or flash a light, for example) on a connected appliance when the Weatheradio receives a weather emergency alert broadcast.
12-249.fm Page 39 Tuesday, July 6, 1999 4:00 PM When the Weatheradio’s alert function is turned on and it receives an NWS alert broadcast, the Weatheradio sends 7.5VDC signals to the connected module interface, and an alert sounds on both the Weatheradio and the connected system. Note: For instructions on operating the external module interface, see the owner’s manual provided with that system.
12-249.fm Page 40 Tuesday, July 6, 1999 4:00 PM TROUBLESHOOTING If your Weatheradio is not working as it should, these suggestions might help you eliminate the problem. If it still does not operate normally, take it to your local RadioShack store for assistance. Problem(s) No power. Suggestion(s) Ensure the Weatheradio is properly connected to AC power, and that a fresh back-up battery is installed (if AC power has failed). See “Connecting Power” on Page 7. No sound. Adjust VOLUME or ALERT TONE.
12-249.fm Page 41 Tuesday, July 6, 1999 4:00 PM Problem(s) No weather broadcast when you press WEATHER. Suggestion(s) Ensure that the telescoping antenna is fully extended. See “Using the Antenna” on Page 11. If you connected an external antenna, ensure that it is connected properly and the telescoping antenna is lowered. See “Connecting an External Antenna” on Page 11. Ensure the Weatheradio is set to the NOAA channel that is being broadcast in your area.
12-249.fm Page 42 Tuesday, July 6, 1999 4:00 PM Problem(s) The radio is not responding properly to NWS weather alert broadcasts. Suggestion(s) Ensure you programmed the correct FIPS code(s) into the Weatheradio’s memory. See “Programming the Weatheradio” on Page 14. Ensure the display shows WEATHER ALRT ON. If not, press ALERT. See “Using the Alert Function” on Page 24. Ensure PROGRAM/OPERATE is set to OPERATE. Ensure the Weatheradio is set to receive new alert types.
12-249.fm Page 43 Tuesday, July 6, 1999 4:00 PM Problem(s) CHECK OP (check operation) appears. Suggestion(s) The Weatheradio has not received any type of SAME alert signal (including test or demo signals) for about one week. Ensure the FIPS code(s) stored in memory are valid/correct. See “Programming the Weatheradio” on Page 14. Ensure the telescoping antenna is fully extended or the external antenna (if any) is properly connected. See “Using the Antenna” on Page 11.
12-249.fm Page 44 Tuesday, July 6, 1999 4:00 PM CARE Your RadioShack 7-Channel Weatheradio with NWR-SAME Severe-Weather Alert is an example of superior design and craftsmanship. The following suggestions will help you care for your Weatheradio so you can enjoy it for years. Keep the Weatheradio dry. If it gets wet, wipe it dry immediately. Liquids might contain minerals that can corrode the electronic circuits. Use and store the Weatheradio only in normal temperature environments.
12-249.fm Page 45 Tuesday, July 6, 1999 4:00 PM Use only a fresh battery of the required size and recommended type. A battery can leak chemicals that damage your Weatheradio’s electronic parts. Wipe the Weatheradio with a damp cloth occasionally to keep it looking new. Do not use harsh chemicals, cleaning solvents, or strong detergents to clean the Weatheradio.
12-249.fm Page 46 Tuesday, July 6, 1999 4:00 PM THE FCC WANTS YOU TO KNOW Your Weatheradio might cause TV or radio interference even when it is operating properly. To determine whether your Weatheradio is causing the interference, turn off your Weatheradio. If the interference goes away, your Weatheradio is causing it.
12-249.fm Page 47 Tuesday, July 6, 1999 4:00 PM 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 ................................................. 162.525 Channel 7 ...
12-249.fm Page 48 Tuesday, July 6, 1999 4:00 PM 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.
