SAME Weatheradio
™
OWNER’S MANUAL —
Please read before using this equipment.
12-258
IMPORTANT
If an icon appears at the end of a paragraph, go to the box on that
!
!
© 2003 RadioShack Corporation.
All Rights Reserved.
RadioShack, RadioShack.com,
and Weatheradio are trademarks
used by RadioShack Corporation.
page with the corresponding icon for pertinent information.
— Warning
— Important
ꢀ— Caution
Ô — Note
!
o
Ó — Hint
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Weather Alert Status — indicators on the front of
the Weatheradio light, showing you the type of alert.
Turning the Alert Tone
On/Off .......................... 21
Reviewing Overlapping
12-Character Liquid Crystal Display — the
Weatheradio’s large, easy-to-read display clearly
shows a description of the type of alert in progress
(such as a tornado warning, flood watch, and so
on), setup and programming information, the
currently selected alert type and FIPS mode, and
notifications about how the Weatheradio is working.
Alerts ........................... 21
Using the Weatheradio
With a PC .................... 22
Troubleshooting .............. 23
Care ............................. 25
Service and Repair ...... 25
Specifications .................. 25
NWS Weather Alert
Descriptions .................... 26
Parts and Accessories .... 29
Notes .............................. 30
Missed Alert Reminder — so you do not miss
important weather alerts, the Weatheradio sounds
tones every 10 seconds while an alert is active.
External Alert Terminals — let you connect an
optional external controller system (such as a Plug
’n Power or X-10 system) to the Weatheradio,
then set that system to indicate an alert based on
signals received by the Weatheradio. This lets you
hear or see the alert in a location (such as the
garage) that might be some distance from where
you installed the Weatheradio.
External Antenna Connector — lets you connect
an optional external antenna to the Weatheradio to
improve reception in remote areas.
Ô NOTE Ô
•
•
The Weatheradio’s
computer connectivity
feature works with
Windows 98SE or later
only.
COMPUTER SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
If you want to use your computer to program your
Weatheradio or view weather alert messages, be
sure your computer is an IBM PC with at least a
To use the
Pentium 100 MHz processor or compatible, running
Windows 98SE, Windows 2000, Windows ME, or
Windows XP and having all of the following: Ô
Weatheradio’s computer
connectivity feature with
Windows 2000, you
must download and
install the Microsoft
Update Service Pack for
Windows 2000.
• at least 16 MB RAM
• standard VGA card
• CD-ROM drive
• USB port
•
The Weatheradio does
not work with Macintosh
computers.
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• at least 60 MB free hard disk space (for
installing supplied software)
SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES
Make sure you have all of the following accessories
as you take the Weatheradio out of its box.
• AC adapter
• Weatheradio software CD
• USB low-speed detachable cable
• Wall-mount bracket
FCC DECLARATION OF
CONFORMITY
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference,
and (2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
Product: SAME WX Radio
Model: 12-258
Responsible Party: RadioShack
100 Throckmorton
Fort Worth, TX 76102
Phone: 817-415-3200
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THE FCC WANTS YOU TO KNOW
This equipment has been tested and found to
comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits
are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment generates, uses and
can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to
radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference
will not occur in a particular installation. If this
equipment does cause harmful interference to radio
or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one
or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the
equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a
circuit different from that to which the receiver
is connected.
• Consult your local RadioShack store or an
experienced radio/TV technician for help.
If you cannot eliminate the interference, the FCC
requires that you stop using your Weatheradio.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved
by RadioShack may cause interference and void
the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
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A QUICK LOOK AT YOUR
WEATHERADIO
/
Ý
/
Þ
/
ß Ü
WEATHER
Press to hear a
weather
broadcast (see
“Listening to a
Weather
Broadcast” on
Page 20). You
can also press
WEATHER to
help set up your
Weatheradio
(see “Testing the
Weatheradio’s
Tone” on Page 12).
Let you navigate
programming menus
(see “Using the
Weatheradio for the
First Time” on Page 9
and “Programming the
Weatheradio” on
Page 13).
MENU
Lets you select
programming options
(see “Testing the
Weatheradio’s Tone”
on Page 12 and
“Programming the
Weatheradio” on
Page 13).
PC
Lets you connect your
Weatheradio to your
personal computer
(see “Using the
Weatheradio With a
PC” on Page 22).
STATEMENT/WATCH/WARNING LEDs
Let you see the severity of a weather alert at
a glance (see “Reviewing Overlapping
Alerts” on Page 21).
DC 9V
Lets you power your Weatheradio
(see “Connecting the Weatheradio
to AC Power” on Page 10).
EXT ANT
Lets you connect
ALERT ON/OFF
Lets you turn your
Weatheradio’s audible
alert on or off to suit
your preference (see
“Turning the Alert Tone
On/Off” on Page 21).
ALARM OUT
Lets you connect your
an external
antenna to your
Weatheradio for
crisp, clear
reception (see
“Connecting an
External Antenna”
on Page 10).
Weatheradio to an external siren
or flashing light, so you can be
notified of weather alerts almost
anywhere in your home (see
“Connecting the Weatheradio to
an External System” on Page 12).
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HOW YOUR
WEATHERADIO WORKS
Traditional weather radios simply receive the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA) weather broadcast (usually within a 50-mile
radius), then sound an alarm if any emergency code
was transmitted along with the broadcast. This
means that people who live near an affected area
are often alerted, even when their own area is
unaffected. Eventually, these excess warnings
could cause someone to ignore a potentially life-
saving weather warning. ꢀ
ꢀCAUTION ꢀ
The National Weather
Service (NWS) uses
sophisticated models to
determine an alert’s
effective time; however, the
end of an alert does not
necessarily mean that the
related weather emergency
is over.
In 1994, NOAA began broadcasting coded signals
called SAME (Specific Area Message Encoding)
codes along with their standard weather
broadcasts. These codes identify the type of
emergency and the specific geographic area (such
as a county or parish and one or more separate
areas within a county called a subcounty) affected
by the emergency. Your Weatheradio receives,
interprets, and displays information about the codes
so you can determine if the emergency might affect
your area. Only SAME-compatible weather
radios (such as this one) are able to take
advantage of this technology. Each SAME alert
includes a FIPS (Federal Information Processing
System) code that identifies a specific geographic
area (defined by the National Weather Service).
Your Weatheradio can be programmed to sound an
alert only when a weather emergency is declared in
that area. This helps you more efficiently track the
weather conditions in and around your area.
Your Weatheradio displays weather alert
information in the following ways.
Type of
Alert
Indicator
Recommended Action
Take shelter/take immediate action
to protect life and property from
the described weather condition.
Warning
Red
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Type of
Alert
Ô NOTE Ô
Indicator
Recommended Action
•
•
If the Weatheradio
receives more than one
weather alert at the
same time, it displays
information about each
alert.
Be aware that conditions are
favorable for the described
weather condition to develop.
Watch
Yellow
Be aware that conditions could
become favorable for the described
weather condition to develop.
Statement
Green
If you are close to a
county line, NWS-
assigned subcounty line,
or parish line, you might
want to obtain the codes
for the adjacent
counties, sub-counties,
or parishes.
WHEN A WEATHER ALERT OCCURS
When the Weatheradio receives a weather alert, it
sounds an alert (siren or beep), the alert’s
description and duration appear, and an indicator
on the front of the Weatheradio lights.
•
Although the list of FIPS
codes programmed into
your Weatheradio is up
to date as of the time it
was manufactured, the
NWS periodically des-
ignates new codes. If
you do not find your
county code, subcounty
code, or parish code on
the FIPS code list,
The alert descriptions your Weatheradio can display
are based on a list of specific weather alert types
published by the NWS. For a list of all the alert
descriptions that your Weatheradio can display, see
“NWS Weather Alert Descriptions” on Page 26. Ô
Your Weatheradio works with FIPS codes in the
following ways:
First
Digit
contact the NWS at
1-888-697-7263 to get
the current FIPS code
for your county,
of
Key
Result
FIPS
Code
subcounty, or parish.
All
If programmed, receives all alerts for
0
counties a county, including subcounty alerts.
If programmed, receives only sub-
county alerts that match the entered
digit and all-county alerts that start
with 0.
1–9 Subcounty
UNDERSTANDING FIPS CODES
For the purpose of broadcasting weather
information, the NWS has divided the United States
into regions by state, county and subcounty (or
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parish, where applicable) then assigned a 6-digit
FIPS code to identify each county, subcounty, or
parish. For example, the code for Tarrant County,
Texas, is 048439. The first digit in a FIPS code
identifies the subcounty (if any), the next two digits
identify the state, and the last three digits identify
the county or parish.
Obtaining Your
Area’s FIPS
Code(s)
To obtain the FIPS code
for the location where you
installed your 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.
Your Weatheradio can receive all SAME alert
signals broadcast within about a 50-mile radius of
where you install it. To receive SAME alerts and
broadcasts about weather occurring only in
particular counties within that area, you can
program up to 15 FIPS codes into the
Weatheradio’s memory. This lets you avoid hearing
alerts that pertain to areas within a 50-mile radius
but not within your immediate vicinity.
You can also obtain a
state/country list of all
FIPS codes by visiting the
NWS website:
To get all alerts for your county, enter 0 as the first
digit of the FIPS code. To only be alerted to all-
county notices and notices for your particular
subcounty, enter your subcounty’s code (1–9).
indexnw.htm
Click on your state or
territory.Ó
PREPARATION
USING THE WEATHERADIO FOR THE
FIRST TIME
Ó HINT Ó
1. Connect the Weatheradio to AC power (see
“Connecting the Weatheradio to AC Power” on
Page 10).
Since you can program up
to 15 FIPS codes into the
Weatheradio’s memory,
you might want to obtain
codes for other areas that
you frequently travel
2. Install the backup battery (see “Installing the
Backup Battery” on Page 10).
through (as long as those
areas are covered by your
local NWS broadcast
3. Extend the Weatheradio’s antenna (see “Using
the Built-In Antenna” on Page 10).
station). That way, you can
program those codes into
the Weatheradio and
receive broadcasts cover-
ing those locations, too.
4. Press WEATHER to hear the weather broadcast.
5. Repeatedly pressß or Ü to adjust the volume
to the desired listening level. VOLUME: and a
number appear showing the current volume.
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6. Press WEATHER to turn off the weather broadcast,
WARNING
then repeatedly pressß or Ü to adjust the alert
o
o
Dispose of an old battery
promptly and properly. Do
not burn or bury it.
tone volume to the desired listening level.
CONNECTING THE WEATHERADIO
TO AC POWER
ꢀCAUTION ꢀ
Connecting the
Weatheradio to
AC Power
Your Weatheradio uses the supplied AC adapter 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. Always connect the Weatheradio to
the supplied AC adapter for normal use. Power the
Weatheradio using the supplied 9V, 300 mA AC
adapter.ꢀ
You must use
a Class 2
power source
!
that supplies
9V DC and delivers at
least 300 mA. Its center
tip must be set to
positive and its plug
must fit the
Insert the supplied AC adapter’s barrel plug into DC
9V on the back of the Weatheradio, then plug the
adapter into a standard AC outlet.
Weatheradio's DC 9V
jack. The supplied
adapter meets these
specifications. Using an
adapter that does not
meet these specifications
could damage the
Weatheradio or the
adapter.
Installing the Backup Battery
1. Press the tab on the battery compartment
cover, then lift up the cover to remove it.
2. Snap a 9V battery onto the battery terminals
inside the compartment. Then place the battery
inside the compartment.
•
Always connect the AC
adapter to the
Weatheradio before you
connect it to AC power.
When you finish,
disconnect the adapter
from AC power before
you disconnect it from
the Weatheradio.
3. Replace the cover. ꢀ
Ô
o
Using the Built-In Antenna
The Weatheradio’s built-in telescoping antenna lets
it receive strong local signals. To use the telescoping
antenna, lift it up so it is vertical, then fully extend it.
Connecting an External Antenna
To improve reception in remote areas, you can
connect an external antenna to the Weatheradio
using an optional adapter cable with a phono plug.
Your local RadioShack store sells a variety of
antennas.
Ô NOTE Ô
flashes, the backup
battery is not installed or is
low. Install or replace the
backup battery.
LOW
If
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To connect an external antenna to the Weatheradio,
connect one end of the adapter cable to EXT ANT on
the back of the Weatheradio, then connect the other
end to the antenna.
MOUNTING THE WEATHERADIO
ꢀCAUTION ꢀ
Installing the
Backup Battery
You can place your Weatheradio on a flat surface,
such as a desk, shelf, or table, or mount it on a wall.
To mount the Weatheradio on a wall, you need to
attach the supplied mounting bracket to it. You also
need two screws (not supplied) that fit the keyhole
slots on the back of the mounting bracket. For the
best reception, place your Weatheradio where it can
receive alert signals and you hear its alert tone. ꢀ
•
Use only a fresh battery
of the recommended
type and required size.
•
Always remove an old or
weak battery. Batteries
can leak chemicals that
can destroy electronic parts.
Follow these steps to mount the Weatheradio on a
wall.
Mounting the
Weatheradio
1. Align the slots on the bottom of the
Weatheradio with the hooks on the mounting
bracket, then gently push the Weatheradio
down onto the bracket to secure it.
•
Electronic noise gene-
rated by your computer
might interfere with your
Weatheradio’s operation.
Place your Weatheradio
as far away from your
computer as possible.
2. Mark the mounting screw locations 11/2 inches
(38 mm) apart, one above the other.
•
Keep the Weatheradio
away from heat or cold
sources such as stoves,
heating and air
conditioning vents, and
radiators.
3. Drill a hole at each marked location, then
thread a screw into each hole until the screw’s
head extends about 1/8-inch (3.5 mm) from the
wall.
4. Align the keyhole slots on the back of the
mounting bracket with the screw heads in the
wall.
5. To secure the Weatheradio, slide it down until it
stops.
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CONNECTING THE WEATHERADIO
TO AN EXTERNAL SYSTEM
IMPORTANT
!
!
•
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
location, but not be
triggered if placed
You can connect optional external modules such as
Plug ’n Power or X-10 (available at your local
RadioShack store) to sound a siren or flash a light
when the Weatheradio receives a weather
emergency alert broadcast.
To connect your Weatheradio to an external
system, connect the Weatheradio’s positive (+) and
negative (–) ALARM OUT quick-connect terminals to
the corresponding (+ and –) terminals on the external
system. To remove wires you connected to your
Weatheradio’s ALARM OUT terminals, use a pointed
object such as a straightened paper clip to press
the orange tabs under the wires, then gently pull out
the wires.
somewhere else (even
close by).
•
Be sure you choose the
proper location for the
Weatheradio (see
“Mounting the
Your local RadioShack store carries a wide
selection of cable and audible or visible alert
accessories you can use with the recommended
external module interface (see “Parts and
Accessories” on Page 29).
Weatheradio” on
Page 11) and regularly
check the Weatheradio
to be sure it is operating
properly.
TESTING THE WEATHERADIO’S TONE
For your Weatheradio to be effective, you must
place it where it can receive an emergency alert
•
•
To make sure your
Weatheradio will sound
the alert tone when it
receives an emergency
signal, always keep the
telescoping antenna fully
extended.
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, so you can be sure your Weatheradio is
operating. 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 “U.S. Government, Department of
Commerce.”
Testing the Weatheradio
erases all data you
stored in its memory.
1. Unplug the AC adapter and remove the backup
battery if one is installed.
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2. While holding down WEATHER, plug the
Weatheradio’s AC adapter into a standard AC
outlet. USER SETUP appears and the
Ô NOTE Ô
The Weatheradio does
not receive alert signals
while you program it.
•
•
Weatheradio beeps. Then release WEATHER.
(to select the Weatheradio’s
3. Press eitherß
If you press MENU or do
not press a key for about
45 seconds while
beep tone) or Ü (to select the Weatheradio’s
siren tone). The Weatheradio sounds the tone
you selected.
programming the
Weatheradio, it saves
any valid entries you
made and exits pro-
gramming.
4. Press to silence the tone. Ô
Þ
5. Press MENU to clear the Weatheradio’s
memory and restore the factory settings.
DEFAULT ON then USER SETUP appear. Ô
•
While programming the
Weatheradio, you can
press
previous menu unless
otherwise noted.
to return to the
Ý
6. Unplug the AC adapter then follow the steps
under “Connecting the Weatheradio to AC
Power” on Page 10 and “Installing the Backup
Battery” on Page 10 to power the Weatheradio
and protect its memory.
•
•
An alert might be in
effect for several hours.
If you programmed the
Weatheradio (see
“Programming the
PROGRAMMING THE
WEATHERADIO
Weatheradio”) before
you press MENU in Step
5, the Weatheradio’s
memory is cleared and
the factory settings are
restored.
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 (see
“Selecting a Channel” on Page 19). The first time
you use your Weatheradio, it: Ô
• sounds a tone for 5 minutes during a weather
alert and displays an alert description until the
alert's effective time expires
• receives all SAME alert signals broadcast
within a 50-mile radius of where you installed it
• automatically scans to find the strongest NOAA
weather broadcast frequency in your area
If necessary, you can program your Weatheradio to
change the way it operates. Follow these steps and
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the steps in subsequent sections to program your
IMPORTANT
!
!
Weatheradio.
!
•
Write down the FIPS
codes you want to
program (see “Obtaining
Your Area’s FIPS
Code(s)” on Page 9)
before you start to
program your
1. Insert the supplied AC adapter’s barrel plug
into DC 9V on the back of the Weatheradio,
then plug the adapter into a standard AC outlet.
2. Press MENU. SELECT CH appears.
3. Repeatedly pressß or Ü to select one of the
following menu options, then skip to the section
that provides information about that option.
Weatheradio.
•
When you set up the
Weatheradio using your
PC, make sure the
Weather Reporter
software (supplied with
your Weatheradio) is not
running before you start
to program your
•
•
•
•
•
ALERT MODE (see “Selecting an Alert Type” on
Page 14)
REMINDER (see “Selecting Missed Alert
Reminders” on Page 15)
Weatheradio.
AREA SELECT (see “Selecting/Changing a
FIPS Code” on Page 16)
TONE DEFEAT (see “Enabling/Disabling Alert
Tones” on Page 17)
SELECT CH (see “Selecting a Channel” on
Page 19)
SELECTING AN ALERT TYPE
You can set the Weatheradio to respond to an NWS
alert broadcast in one of two ways.
TONE — The Weatheradio sounds an alert for 5
minutes and displays an alert description until the
alert's effective time expires. To turn off the alert
sooner, press WEATHER. You hear the NWS
broadcast. The Weatheradio automatically selects
TONE the first time you turn it on.
VOICE — The Weatheradio sounds an alert for about
8 seconds, then automatically turns on the weather
(voice) broadcast for 5 minutes. It also displays the
alert description (such as TORNADO WARNING) until the
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alert's effective time, received as part of the NWS
broadcast code, expires.
1. When ALERT MODE appears, press . The
Þ
currently selected alert type (TONE or VOICE)
appears.
2. To change the alert pattern, repeatedly pressß
or Ü to select TONE or VOICE.
3. Press when the option you want appears.
Þ
The Weatheradio beeps, then TONE MODE or
VOICE MODE appears.
4. When you finish programming the
Weatheradio, press MENU or wait about 45
seconds without pressing any key.
SELECTING MISSED ALERT
REMINDERS
The Weatheradio beeps about every 10 seconds
after a weather alert broadcast ends until the
weather alert expires. This is called a missed alert
reminder. The Weatheradio automatically selects
REMINDER OFF the first time you turn it on.
Follow these steps to check if missed alert remin-
ders are turned on or off and to change the setting.
1. When REMINDER appears, press . REMINDER ON
Þ
or REMINDER OFF appears.
2. Repeatedly pressß or Ü to select REMINDER ON
or REMINDER OFF. When the option you want
appears, press . The Weatheradio beeps and
Þ
REMINDER appears.
3. When you finish programming the
Weatheradio, press MENU or wait about 45
seconds without pressing any key.
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SELECTING/CHANGING A FIPS CODE
You can set the Weatheradio to work with FIPS
codes in one of three ways.
ALL LOCATION — the Weatheradio receives all SAME
alert signals broadcast within about a 50-mile
radius. The Weatheradio automatically selects ALL
LOCATION the first time you turn it on.
SINGLE LOC — the Weatheradio receives a SAME
alert signal for one FIPS code programmed in
memory location 1.
MULTIPLE LOC — the Weatheradio receives a SAME
alert signal for up to 15 FIPS codes programmed in
multiple locations in the Weatheradio’s memory.
1. When AREA SELECT appears, press . The
Þ
currently selected FIPS mode (ALL LOCATION,
SINGLE LOC, or MULTIPLE LOC) appears.
2. Repeatedly pressß or Ü until the FIPS mode
you want appears, then press
.
Þ
•
If you selected SINGLE LOC or MULTIPLE LOC
and you have not programmed the
Weatheradio with a FIPS code, LOC1 ------
appears. Otherwise, LOC, the memory location
number, and FIPS code already
programmed into that memory location
appears. Go to Step 3.
•
If you selected ALL LOCATION, the radio beeps
and AREA SELECT appears. Go to Step 8.
3. If you selected SINGLE LOC, go to Step 4.
Otherwise, repeatedly pressß or Ü to select
the memory location where you want to store a
FIPS code.
4. To add a FIPS code or change the displayed FIPS
code, press . The FIPS code’s first digit flashes.
Þ
5. Repeatedly press or to move the cursor
Þ
Ý
backward or forward to the digit to be changed,
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then repeatedly pressß or Ü until the desired
digit appears. Then press
.
Þ
For example, if 155300 appears and you want to
change it to 153300, press
twice.
twice then press Ü
Þ
To erase a displayed FIPS code, hold down
for about 1 second. The cursor returns to the
first digit.
Ý
6. Repeat Step 5 for each digit you want to
change or add. Then press when the last
Þ
digit flashes. The radio beeps and saves the
FIPS code.
7. If you selected MULTIPLE LOC in Step 2, the FIPS
code stored in the next memory location
appears. Repeat Steps 3–6 for each additional
FIPS code you want to add or change (up to 15).
8. When you finish programming the
Weatheradio, press MENU or wait about 45
seconds without pressing any key.
ENABLING/DISABLING
ALERT TONES
Ô NOTE Ô
The Weatheradio automatically sounds an alert tone
during specific types of weather alerts. You can turn
the alert tone on or off for each of these alerts. For
example, you can turn off the alert tone for a volcano
warning if you do not live near a volcano. Ô
The Weatheradio still
detects and displays
information about alerts
even if you disable their
alert tone.
1. When TONE DEFEAT appears, press
.
Þ
2. Repeatedly pressß or Ü until the type of alert
you want to work with (WARNING, WATCH,
STATEMENT, or TEST) appears, then press
.
Þ
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•
If you selected WARNING, repeatedly pressß
or Ü to select one of the following specific
alerts:
AVALANCHE WARNING
BLIZZARD WARNING
CHILD ABDUCTION
EMERGENCY
COASTAL FLOOD
WARNING
DUST STORM WARNING
FLOOD WARNING
FLASH FLOOD WARNING
HIGH WIND WARNING
SPECIAL MARINE
WARNING
VOLCANO WARNING
WINTER STORM WARNING
•
If you selected WATCH, repeatedly pressß or
Ü
to select one of the following specific alerts:
AVALANCHE WATCH
COASTAL FLOOD WATCH
FLOOD WATCH
FLASH FLOOD WATCH
HIGH WIND WATCH
HURRICANE WATCH
SEVERE
THUNDERSTORM WATCH
TROPICAL STORM WATCH
WINTER STORM WATCH
VOLCANO WATCH
•
If you selected STATEMENT, repeatedly
pressß or Ü to select one of the following
specific alerts:
FLASH FLOOD
STATEMENT
FLOOD STATEMENT
SEVERE WEATHER
STATEMENT
HURRICANE STATEMENT
SPECIAL WEATHER
STATEMENT
UNKNOWN STATEMENT
TUNE TV
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•
If you selected TEST, press to select one of
the following specific alerts:
Þ
ALL TEST
DEMO MESSAGE
WEEKLY TEST
MONTHLY TEST
3. Press . TONE ON (if the Weatheradio is set to
Þ
sound a tone during that alert) or TONE OFF
appears (if the Weatheradio is set not to sound
a tone during that alert).
4. Repeatedly pressß or Ü to select TONE ON or
TONE OFF for the specific alert you selected,
then press
.
Þ
5. To select another alert type and specific alert,
press then repeat Steps 2–4. Otherwise,
Ý
press MENU or wait about 45 seconds without
pressing any key.
Ô NOTE Ô
SELECTING A CHANNEL
•
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.
The Weatheradio automatically searches for and
tunes the strongest weather broadcast channel in
your area the first time you turn it on.
Follow these steps to automatically select a channel
or select a channel manually.
Contact your local
1. When SELECT CH appears, press . AUTO
Þ
RadioShack store or the
NWS to find out which
frequency NOAA is
appears.
2. Repeatedly pressß or Ü to select AUTO or
using to broadcast from
the station nearest your
location, then select that
channel in Step 2.
MANUAL channel setup. Ô
To set the Weatheradio so it automatically
searches for channels, press when AUTO
appears. CHANNEL and SEARCHING ... appear.
Þ
•
If you manually select a
channel and the
Weatheradio loses
power, the Weatheradio
does not search for the
channel again. It stays
on the channel you
selected before.
If there is an available channel, CHANNEL and
the number of the currently selected channel
and AVAILABLE appear. If there is no available
channel, NO CHANNEL, AVAILABLE, and BACK TO
CHANNEL and the number of the currently
19
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selected channel appear. Then, AUTO appears
and the Weatheradio beeps.
To manually search for channels, press when
Þ
MANUAL appears. CHANNEL and the number of
the currently selected channel appears and the
Weatheradio tunes the channel and turns on
the broadcast so you can hear it. To select
another channel, repeatedly pressß or Ü until
the desired channel number appears.
3. Press to confirm the selection. The
Þ
Weatheradio beeps and CH, the number of the
currently selected channel, and SELECT appear.
Then SELECT CH appears.
LISTENING TO A WEATHER
BROADCAST
1. Press WEATHER. WEATHER, CH (channel), and
the current weather channel number appear.
If the Weatheradio finds a weather channel, the
Ô NOTE Ô
channel’s number and
appear. If the
Weatheradio did not find a weather
If SIGNAL LOSS appears, the
Weatheradio stopped
receiving the weather
signal. STATEMENT,
WATCH, and WARNING
flash. Press any key to turn
off STATEMENT, WATCH,
and WARNING.
channel,
flashes. The Weatheradio checks
the strength of the received signal while it is
turned on. The display might show any of the
following: Ô
You See
When
The Weatheradio is receiving a
very strong signal.
The Weatheradio is receiving a
strong signal.
The Weatheradio is receiving a
moderate signal.
The Weatheradio is receiving a
weak signal.
20
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The Weatheradio is receiving a
very weak signal.
Ô NOTE Ô
Turning the Alert Tone
On/Off
The received signal is extremely
weak or lost its carrier.
SIGNAL LOSS
•
If you programmed more
than one FIPS code into
the Weatheradio’s
memory, be sure the
Weatheradio is set to its
MULTIPLE LOC or ALL
LOCATION mode.
2. Repeatedly pressß or Ü to adjust the volume
to the desired listening level. VOLUME: and a
number appear showing the current volume.
3. To turn off the weather broadcast, press
WEATHER again. To turn off the Weatheradio,
unplug the AC adapter and disconnect the
backup battery.
Otherwise, the
Weatheradio only
receives broadcasts for
the FIPS code you
stored in the first
TURNING THE ALERT TONE ON/OFF
memory location.
•
•
If severe weather
To set the Weatheradio so it sounds an alert tone when
threatens, do not wait for
an alert tone. Turn on
the Weatheradio and
monitor the weather
information.
it receives an alert, set ALERT ON/OFF to ON. The
ON
radio beeps once and ALERT and
appear. Ô
To set the Weatheradio so it does not sound an alert
tone, set ALERT ON/OFF to OFF. The radio beeps
OFF
If you turned off the
Weatheradio’s alert tone
(see “Enabling/Disabling
Alert Tones” on
twice and ALERT and
appear.
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 the new alert. Ô
Page 17), ALERT and
OFF
ON
or
will only
show the position where
you set ALERT ON/OFF.
•
The Weatheradio is
preset to sound an alert
when you turn it on,
even if ALERT ON/OFF
is set to OFF.
While an alert is in effect, the corresponding alert
indicator (WARNING, WATCH, or STATEMENT) on
the front of the Weatheradio lights. Press to
Ý
review the previous alert or to view the next alert.
Þ
Reviewing
Overlapping Alerts
Press or to view all alerts in the order they were
Ý
Þ
received.
•
While reviewing alerts, if
you do not press or
Þ
Ý
for about 10 seconds,
the Weatheradio
displays the most
recently received alert.
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USING THE WEATHERADIO WITH A PC
Ô NOTE Ô
Reviewing
Overlapping Alerts
Your Weatheradio comes with a Weatheradio
software CD. When you install this software, your
computer automatically detects the Weatheradio. Ô
(continued)
1. Turn on your computer and start the Windows
operating system (Windows 2000, Windows
ME, Windows 98SE, or Windows XP).
•
The Weatheradio stores
and displays up to three
alert messages in the
order it receives them.
Older alert messages
might not appear, even if
their effective time has
not yet expired.
2. Connect the supplied USB cable’s plug to PC
on the Weatheradio first. Then connect the
other end of the USB cable to the computer.
3. Insert the supplied Weatheradio software CD
into your CD-ROM drive. A dialog box appears
with installation instructions. Follow the instruct-
ions to install the software. After installation is
complete, an icon appears in the lower right
corner of the window. Click the icon to view a
menu that lets you view the alert message log
and define how Weather Reporter works.
Ô NOTE Ô
For more information
•
about using your
If you need help setting up the Weatheradio using
the software on the Weatheradio software CD after
you install it, click HELP on the pull-down menu or
use the Setup Wizard within the TOOLS menu. Or,
click HELP on the pull-down menu in the Weather
Reporter software for operation details.
Weatheradio with a PC
(including detailed
operating instructions),
refer to the Operating
Guide ReadMe .pdf,
supplied with the
Weatheradio software
CD.
•
Some programs might
require that you reboot
your system after
installing them. Follow
the program's prompt to
reboot your computer if
necessary.
22
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TROUBLESHOOTING
If your Weatheradio is not working as it should, these suggestions might help you
eliminate the problem. If the Weatheradio still does not operate properly, take it to
your local RadioShack store for assistance.
Problem
No power.
Suggestion
Make sure the AC adapter is connected to the Weatheradio
or a backup battery is installed. See “Using the
Weatheradio for the First Time” on Page 9.
If the backup battery becomes weak, your Weatheradio
might not sound a tone when an alert is broadcast. Test
your Weatheradio’s reception periodically (see “Testing the
Weatheradio’s Tone” on Page 12), and replace the battery
if the tone does not sound.
No sound.
Adjust the volume.
LOW
The backup battery is low. Replace the battery.
flashes slowly.
flashes quickly and
LOW
The backup battery is not installed or dead. Install or
replace the battery.
the AC adapter is connected
to power.
Multiple FIPS codes are
Make sure the Weatheradio is set to its MULTIPLE LOC
stored, but the Weatheradio mode. See “Programming the Weatheradio” on Page 13.
only responds to weather
Make sure the FIPS code(s) stored in memory are correct.
alert broadcasts for one
See “Programming the Weatheradio” on Page 13.
code.
One or more FIPS codes
are stored, but the
Weatheradio responds to
Make sure the Weatheradio is not set to its ALL LOCATION
weather alert broadcasts for mode. See “Programming the Weatheradio” on Page 13.
areas not covered by those
codes.
The Weatheradio constantly monitors the channel you set
it to, even while it is sounding a continuous alert. Each time
The Weatheradio’s
continuous alert tone
sounds intermittent or
seems to warble.
the Weatheradio receives a signal on the channel, it
pauses very briefly to compare the signal against those
stored in its memory. If the Weatheradio pauses frequently
(depending on how often it receives a signal), it might
make the continuous alert tone sound intermittent. This is
not a malfunction.
23
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Problem
Suggestion
Make sure the telescoping antenna is fully extended. See
“Using the Built-In Antenna” on Page 10.
Make sure the Weatheradio is set to the NOAA channel
that is being broadcast in your area. See “Selecting a
Channel” on Page 19.
No weather broadcast when
you press WEATHER.
Adjust the volume.
Your computer might be interfering with the Weatheradio’s
reception. For the best reception, place your Weatheradio
as far as possible from your computer.
Make sure you programmed the correct FIPS code(s) into
the Weatheradio’s memory. See “Programming the
Weatheradio” on Page 13.
You might be out of the weather broadcast’s range. Move
the Weatheradio closer to the broadcast if possible.
Make sure ALERT ON appears. If it does not, set ALERT
ON/OFF to ALERT ON.
Make sure the telescoping antenna is fully extended. See
“Using the Built-In Antenna” on Page 10.
The Weatheradio is not
responding properly to NWS
weather alert
Make sure the Weatheradio is set to the NOAA channel
that is being broadcast in your area. See “Programming the
Weatheradio” on Page 13.
broadcasts.
Your computer might be interfering with the Weatheradio’s
reception. For the best reception, place your Weatheradio
as far as possible from your computer.
If the backup battery becomes weak, your Weatheradio
might not sound a tone when an alert is broadcast. Test
your Weatheradio’s reception periodically (see “Testing the
Weatheradio’s Tone” on Page 12), and replace the battery
if the tone does not sound.
The Weatheradio has not received any type of SAME alert
signal (including test or demo signals) for about one week.
Make sure the FIPS code(s) stored in memory are correct.
See “Programming the Weatheradio” on Page 13 and
“Selecting/Changing a FIPS Code” on Page 16.
CHECK OP
(check operation) appears.
Make sure the telescoping antenna is fully extended. See
“Using the Built-In Antenna” on Page 10.
Your computer might be in its sleep mode and cannot
receive information from the Weatheradio. If this happens,
simply wait about 20 seconds. It should resume automatic
operation.
The Weatheradio does not
respond when you press a
key on your computer.
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CARE
Keep the Weatheradio dry; if it gets wet, wipe it dry
immediately. Use and store the Weatheradio only in
normal temperature environments. Handle the
Weatheradio carefully; do not drop it. Keep the
Weatheradio away from dust and dirt, and wipe it
with a damp cloth occasionally to keep it looking
new.
SERVICE AND REPAIR
If your Weatheradio is not performing as it should,
take it to your local RadioShack store for
assistance. Modifying or tampering with the
Weatheradio’s internal components can cause a
malfunction and might void its warranty.
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 .................................................... 162.550
Receiving Sensitivity (at 12 dB SINAD) ................. 0.3 µV
FIPS Code Sensitivity @ ±3 kHz Deviation /
90% Success Rate ................................................ 0.3 µV
Signal-to-Noise Ratio .............................................. 45 dB
Channel Selectivity .................................. ±25 kHz, 45 dB
Audio Output Power:
Maximum .................................................... 250 mW
At 10% THD ................................................ 200 mW
Power Supply ............................. 9V DC 300 mA Adapter,
DC 9V battery for backup
ALARM OUT Active Voltage (with AC adapter) ..... 9V DC
Antenna .................................. Telescoping Rod Antenna
Dimensions (HWD) ....................... 19/16 × 57/10 × 417/32 in.
(40 × 145 × 115 mm)
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Weight
(not including 9V Battery and Wall Mount) ........... 9.14 oz
(260 g)
Supplied Accessories ............AC-to-DC (9V DC, 300 mA)
AC Adapter, CD-ROM Software
6 ft. (1.82 m) USB Low-Speed Detachable Cable
Wall-Mount Bracket
Specifications are typical; individual units might vary.
Specifications are subject to change and improvement
without notice.
NWS WEATHER ALERT DESCRIPTIONS
Your Weatheradio can display these NWS weather alert descriptions.
Weather/Alert Description
Avalanche warning
You See
You Hear
Siren
AVALANCHE WARNING
Avalanche watch
Siren
AVALANCHE WATCH
Blizzard warning
Siren
BLIZZARD WARNING
Child abduction emergency
Civil danger warning
Civil danger watch
Siren
CHILD ABDUCTION EMERGENCY
CIVIL DANGER WARNING
CIVIL DANGER WATCH
Siren
Siren
Civil emergency — turn on the
TV for information or, if no
information is available on TV,
call your local NWS office
Siren
CIVIL EMERGENCY
Coastal flood warning
Coastal flood watch
Dust storm warning
Siren
Siren
Siren
Siren
Siren
Beep
Siren
Siren
Beep
COASTAL FLOOD WARNING
COASTAL FLOOD WATCH
DUST STORM WARNING
EARTHQUAKE WARNING
EMERGENCY ACTION WARNING
EMERGENCY ACTION TERMINATION
EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY
FIRE WARNING
Earthquake warning
Emergency action warning
Emergency action termination
Evacuate immediately
Fire warning
Flash flood statement
FLASH FLOOD STATEMENT
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Weather/Alert Description
Flash flood warning
Flash flood watch
You See
You Hear
Siren
Siren
Beep
Siren
Siren
Siren
Siren
Siren
Siren
Beep
FLASH FLOOD WARNING
FLASH FLOOD WATCH
Flood statement
FLOOD STATEMENT
Flood warning
FLOOD WARNING
Flood watch
FLOOD WATCH
Hazardous material warning
Hazardous material watch
High wind warning
HAZARDOUS MATERIAL WARNING
HAZARDOUS MATERIAL WATCH
HIGH WIND WARNING
High wind watch
HIGH WIND WATCH
Hurricane statement
Hurricane warning
HURRICANE STATEMENT
HURRICANE WARNING
Siren
Siren
Siren
Siren
Siren
Siren
Hurricane watch
HURRICANE WATCH
Immediate evacuation warning
Law enforcement warning
Local area emergency
National hazard warning
IMMEDIATE EVACUATION WARNING
LAW ENFORCEMENT WARNING
LOCAL AREA EMERGENCY
NATIONAL HAZARD WARNING
National information center
(information from an official
government source)
Siren
Beep
NATIONAL INFORMATION CENTER
National periodic test
NATIONAL PERIODIC TEST
NUCLEAR POWER PLANT WARNING
DEMO MESSAGE
Nuclear power plant warning
Practice/Demo
Siren
No Sound
Siren
Radiological hazard warning
Radiological hazard watch
Required monthly test
RADIOLOGICAL HAZARD WARNING
RADIOLOGICAL HAZARD WATCH
MONTHLY TEST
Siren
Beep
Beep
Required weekly test
WEEKLY TEST
Siren
Severe thunderstorm warning
Severe thunderstorm watch
Severe weather statement
Shelter in-place warning
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH
SEVERE WEATHER STATEMENT
SHELTER IN-PLACE WARNING
Siren
Beep
Siren
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Weather/Alert Description
Special marine warning
Special weather statement
911 telephone outage emergency
Tornado warning
You See
SPECIAL MARINE WARNING
SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
911 OUTAGE
You Hear
Siren
Beep
Siren
Siren
Siren
Siren
Siren
Siren
Siren
Siren
Siren
Siren
Siren
Siren
Siren
Siren
Siren
TORNADO WARNING
Tornado watch
TORNADO WATCH
Tropical storm warning
Tropical storm watch
TROPICAL STORM WARNING
TROPICAL STORM WATCH
TSUNAMI WARNING
Tsunami warning
Tsunami watch
TSUNAMI WATCH
Volcano warning
VOLCANO WARNING
Volcano watch
VOLCANO WATCH
Winter storm warning
Winter storm watch
WINTER STORM WARNING
WINTER STORM WATCH
UNKNOWN WATCH TUNE TV
UNKNOWN WARNING TUNE TV
UNKNOWN EMERGENCY TUNE TV
UNKNOWN STATEMENT TUNE TV
Unrecognized code ending in A
Unrecognized code ending in W
Unrecognized code ending in E
Unrecognized code ending in S
28
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Most of the accessories
listed here can be used
with your Weatheradio to
sound an external alarm
when it receives a
PARTS AND ACCESSORIES
Parts and accessories are available at your local
RadioShack store. Accessories are also available
accessories are available but not limited to the
following. Visit your local RadioShack store or
obtain a RadioShack catalog for a more complete
listing of available accessories.
weather alert, warning
you from almost
anywhere in your home
when bad weather
approaches.
X-10
Appliance
Module
Use with an X-10
Universal Interface
to operate a siren or
flashing light.
X-10
Universal
Interface
Powerhorn Siren
Connect to your
Weatheradio’s
external alarm
terminals to
operate a siren or
flashing light.
Connect to an X-10
Appliance Module to act
as an external alarm.
Flashing
Light
External Antenna
2-Conductor Cable
Connect to your
Weatheradio’s
external antenna
jack for clear, crisp
reception.
Use to connect your
Weatheradio to an
X-10 Universal
Interface.
Connect to
an X-10
Appliance
Module to
act as an
external
alarm.
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NOTES
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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. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED HEREIN, Ra-
dioShack MAKES NO EXPRESS WARRANTIES AND ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING
THOSE OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE LIMITED IN
DURATION TO THE DURATION OF THE WRITTEN LIMITED WARRANTIES CONTAINED HEREIN.
EXCEPT AS PROVIDED HEREIN, RadioShack SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY
TO CUSTOMER OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY WITH RESPECT TO ANY LIABILITY,
LOSS OR DAMAGE CAUSED DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY BY USE OR PERFORMANCE OF THE
PRODUCT OR ARISING OUT OF ANY BREACH OF THIS WARRANTY, INCLUDING, BUT NOT
LIMITED TO, ANY DAMAGES RESULTING FROM INCONVENIENCE, LOSS OF TIME, DATA,
PROPERTY, REVENUE, OR PROFIT OR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSE-
QUENTIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF RadioShack HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF
SUCH DAMAGES.
Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or the exclusion or limita-
tion of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to
you.
In the event of a product defect during the warranty period, take the product and the RadioShack
sales receipt as proof of purchase date to any RadioShack store. RadioShack will, at its option, unless
otherwise provided by law: (a) correct the defect by product repair without charge for parts and labor;
(b) replace the product with one of the same or similar design; or (c) refund the purchase price. All re-
placed parts and products, and products on which a refund is made, become the property of Ra-
dioShack. New or reconditioned parts and products may be used in the performance of warranty
service. Repaired or replaced parts and products are warranted for the remainder of the original war-
ranty period. You will be charged for repair or replacement of the product made after the expiration of
the warranty period.
This warranty does not cover: (a) damage or failure caused by or attributable to acts of God, abuse,
accident, misuse, improper or abnormal usage, failure to follow instructions, improper installation or
maintenance, alteration, lightning or other incidence of excess voltage or current; (b) any repairs other
than those provided by a RadioShack Authorized Service Facility; (c) consumables such as fuses or
batteries; (d) cosmetic damage; (e) transportation, shipping or insurance costs; or (f) costs of product
removal, installation, set-up service adjustment or reinstallation.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state
to state.
RadioShack Customer Relations,
200 Taylor Street, 6th Floor, Fort Worth, TX 76102
12/99
12-258
AO0078AAA1
05A03
Printed in China
RadioShack Corporation
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
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