Radio Shack 7-Channel WRSAME Alert Weatheradio Owners Manual

Radio Shack 7-Channel WRSAME Alert Weatheradio

Features

Your RadioShack Weatheradio represents the latest generation of weather alert technology. Your Weatheradio uses SAME (Specific Area Message Encoding) circuitry to provide more complete information about weather conditions in your immediate area, letting you avoid hearing alerts for geographical areas that do not affect you.

• SAME Operation — lets you program up to 15 different FIPS (Federal Information Processing System) codes into the Weatheradio’s memory so your Weatheradio sounds an alert only when a weather emergency is declared in those locations.
• Display Backlight — makes the display easy to read in low-light situations.
• Missed Alert Reminder Beep — assures you that you do not miss an important weather alert by continuing to sound a chirp tone until the alert time expires.

How Your Radio Works

Traditional weather radios simply receive the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather broadcast (usually within a 50-mile radius) and then sound an alarm if an emergency code is transmitted along with the broadcast. This means that people who live outside an affected area are often alerted even when their area is not affected, causing many of them to ignore potentially real weather warnings that can save lives.

In 1994, NOAA began broadcasting coded signals called FIPS (Federal Information Processing System) codes along with their standard weather broadcasts from stations in your area. These codes identify the type of emergency and the specific geographic area (such as a county) 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 Weatheradio) are able to take advantage of this new technology. Each FIPS code identifies a specific geographic area (defined by the National Weather Service), so your Weatheradio sounds 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.

WEATHER ALERTS

When the Weatheradio receives a weather alert:

• it sounds an alert beep
• it displays a description of the alert and the alert duration

Note: If the Weatheradio receives more than one weather alert at the same time, it displays information
for each alert in sequence. 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 “Alert Descriptions” on Page 28.

Warning: The NWS uses sophisticated weather 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.

New Alert Types

Your Weatheradio is designed to recognize all common weather alert types currently used by the NWS.
However, the NWS occasionally creates and broadcasts new alert types (for which the Weatheradio’s
memory does not contain a specific, corresponding description). If your Weatheradio receives a signal for a new alert type, it is preset (if the alert function is turned on) to displaythe alert descriptionthen sound a beeping alert.

UNDERSTANDING FIPS CODES

For the purpose of broadcasting weather information, the NWS has divided the United States into regions by state and county (or parish, where applicable) and then assigned a 6-digit FIPS code to identify each county or parish. For example, the code for Tarrant County, Texas, is 048439. The first digit in a FIPS code identifies the county subdivision, the next two digits identify the state, and the last three digits identify the county or parish. Note: Most FIPS codes begin with 0, which means the code represents an entire county. The NWS, however, plans to eventually subdivide some large counties.
When that happens, each subdivision will be assigned a digit from 1–9, resulting in codes such as
148439, 248439, and so on.

Your Weatheradio can receive all the same alert signals broadcast within about a 50-mile radius of where you installed 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. For example, this lets you avoid hearing an alert that applies to an area within a 50-mile radius but not necessarily to your county or parish.

Preparation

INSTALLING BATTERIES

Your radio uses three AA batteries for power. For the best performance and longest life, we recommend
RadioShack alkaline batteries.

Warning: Dispose of old batteries promptly and properly do not bury or burn them.

Cautions:

• Use only fresh batteries of the required size and recommended type.
• Do not use rechargeable batteries in your Weatheradio.
• Never leave weak or dead batteries in the radio. They can leak chemicals that can damage the
  radio.
• If you do not plan to use your radio for several weeks, remove the batteries.

1. Turn off the radio by rotating VOLUME counterclockwise until it clicks.
2. Remove the battery compartment cover by sliding it off in the direction of the arrow.
3. Install three AA batteries as indicated by the polarity symbols (+ and –) marked inside the compartment.
4. Replace the cover. Whenappears, the display dims orappears when you turn on the radio, replace the batteries.

USING THE ANTENNA

For the best reception at all times, fully extend the radio’s built-in antenna and keep it vertical.

Programming

The first time you use your Weatheradio, it is preset to use NOAA weather broadcast frequency 162.400
MHz (Channel 1), and to receive all the same alert signals broadcast within a 50-mile radius. Your Weatheradio is programmed with the seven NOAA broadcast frequencies (Channels 1–7). Depending
on your location, you might need to select a different channel. Follow these steps to select a NOAA weather frequency, set the Alert Pattern, and enter FIPS codes in the Weatheradio’s memory.

Notes:

• The Weatheradio will not receive a warning signal while it is in the programming mode.
• If you do not press a key for 45 seconds, the Weatheradio stores all valid entries and exits the programming mode. Set the PROGRAM/ALERT switch to ALERT OFF or ALERT ON and then to PROGRAM, and begin again.
• The Weatheradio sounds an error tone if you make an invalid entry.

1.  Turn on the Weatheradio by rotating VOLUME clockwise until it clicks.
2. Set PROGRAM/ALERT to PROGRAM. The preset weather channel number flashes on the display.
   (If this frequency is correct for your area and you hear the weather broadcast automatically, you can skip to Step 5.)
3. Lift the front panel cover using the slotted indent on either side.
4. Press a number key (1–7) to select the corresponding numbered channel broadcasting in your area. The Weatheradio displays the selected 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. 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.
5. Press YES to confirm the selected channel. The Weatheradio beeps and TONE appears.
6.  Press YES to select TONE mode. To select Voice mode, press NO. VOICE appears. In Tone mode, when NOAA broadcasts an alert, the Weatheradio sounds an alert tone for about 5 minutes and displays the alert description until the alert expires. In Voice mode, when NOAA broadcasts an alert, the Weatheradio sounds an alert tone for about 8 seconds and displays the alert description. When the alert tone stops, you hear the NOAA weather broadcast for up to 5 minutes, then the Weatheradio returns to standby. If you enabled the Missed Alert Reminder Beep, the tone sounds every 10 seconds once the broadcast ends until either the alert time expires, you press any key or move PROGRAM/ALERT. See “Manually Testing the Alert Tone” on Page 21.
7. Press YES twice to confirm your choice ALL LOC appears. Select one of three FIPS code modes:
   • 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 SAME alert signals for up to 15 FIPS codes programmed in multiple locations in the radio’s memory.
8. To select ALL LOC, press YES. Otherwise, repeatedly press NO until the desired setting appears,
   then press YES.
9. If you chose SINGLE mode, LOC 1 then 0000000 appears. Use the numbers on the keypad to enter a FIPS code (such as 048439). The display flashes and the numbers appear as they are entered. Then press YES to confirm the entry.
10. If you chose MULTIPLE mode LOC 1 appears, alternating with 000000. Enter a FIPS code (such as 048439). If you make a mistake, press NO and enter the correct number. Otherwise, press YES to confirm the entry LOC 2 then 0000000 appears. Repeat this step to enter up to 15 FIPS codes in
    memory.
11. After you press YES to confirm the last FIPS code entry, set PROGRAM/ALERT to ALERT ON or
    ALERT OFF. The Weatheradio stores all valid entries and exits the programming mode. Then
    WEATHER and the corresponding alert status (ALRT OFF or ALRT ON) appear.

MISSED ALERT REMINDER BEEP

This feature reminds you that you missed a weather alert. To change or set the reminder beep, follow
these steps.

1. Set PROGRAM/ALERT to PROGRAM.
2. Press YES once TONE appears.
3. Press YES again to cancel the reminder beep.
4. Press NO to keep the reminder beep on.
5. Press YES to store your selection.
   Note: The reminder beep only operates once the broadcast has ended.

ENABLING/DISABLING THE ALERT TONE

You can turn the alert tone on or off for certain weather alert types. 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.
•  
•  
• If you set the Weatheradio so it turns itself on when it receives a specific warning, disabling the alert tone for that warning 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 Watch
  Severe Weather Statement	Special Marine Warning
  Special Weather Statement	Test Message
  Volcano Warning	Volcano Watch
  Winter Storm Warning	Winter Storm Watch
  Unknown Statement

TESTING THE WEATHER RADIO

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. 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 and regularly check the Weatheradio to be sure it is operating properly.

Manually Testing the Alert Tone

Notes:

• To make sure your Weatheradio sounds 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 out of range of the broadcast or its batteries are weak.
• An emergency alert broadcast might not trigger your Weatheradio’s alert tone, even if it receives
  voice transmissions clearly or if the alert tone sounds when you manually test it. 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).

1. Turn off the Weatheradio.
2. Hold down WEATHER and turn VOLUME clockwise to turn on the Weatheradio. TESTMOOD appears.
3. Press the number keys (1–7) to verify the programmed NOAA weather frequencies.
4. Press 8 to test the Weatheradio’s alert beep. BEEP ON appears. Press 8 again to stop the alert. BEEP OFF appears
   Important: The next step erases any FIPS codes or weather channels you programmed.
5. To erase the Weatheradio’s memory and restore the factory settings, press 9.
6. Press WEATHER to see all the display elements.
7. To exit Test Mode, turn off the Weatheradio.

USING THE WEATHERADIO’S ‘ALL SIGNALS’ CODE

This Weatheradio is preset to the ALL LOC (all signals) mode (see Page 16), which lets it receive all SAME broadcasts within a 50-mile radius. The first time you program the Weatheradio, you replace
the ALL LOC mode with a specific NWS FIPS code. To reset the Weatheradio to use the ALL LOC mode again, follow Steps 1–7 in “Programming” on Page 13.

Operation

1. To turn on the Weatheradio, turn VOLUME clockwise until it clicks.
2. Set PROGRAM/ALERT to ALERT ON. WEATHER then ALRT ON appears.
3.  To turn off the Weatheradio, turn VOLUME counterclockwise until it clicks.

THE DISPLAY BACKLIGHT

The display backlight activates for 10 seconds when:

• you press any key
• you slide PROGRAM/OPERATION
• the radio receives an alert
• you hold down WEATHER for 1 second

LISTENING TO BROADCASTS

1. Set PROGRAM/ALERT to ALERT ON or ALERT OFF.
2. Press WEATHER then adjusts VOLUME as desired.
3. To turn off the weather broadcast, press WEATHER again.

USING THE ALERT FUNCTION

Set PROGRAM/ALERT to ALERT ON 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 the Weatheradio’s memory. WEATHER then ALRT ON appears and the radio beeps.

Notes:

• If you programmed more than one FIPS code into memory, be sure the Weatheradio is set to Multiple Mode. Otherwise, the Weatheradio will only receive broadcasts for the FIPS code you stored in the first memory location.
• If severe weather threatens, do not wait for an alert tone; turn on the weather broadcast and monitor the weather information.

To set the Weatheradio so it does not sound an alert, set PROGRAM/ALERT to ALERT OFF. The Weatheradio beeps twice and WEATHER then ALRT ON appears.

When a Weather Alert Occurs

If you select the VOICE pattern (see Page 15) the Weatheradio sounds an alert for about 8 seconds, then automatically turns on the weather (voice) broadcast for 5 minutes. Then it returns to standby mode. It also displays the alert description and duration until the alert’s effective time expires. For example, SEVER THUNDER WATCH alternates with 3HOOM meaning this alert’s duration is 3 hours and 0
minutes. The duration counts down each minute until the alert expires.

To turn off the alert sooner, press WEATHER. The broadcast turns on. If you select the TONE pattern, the Weatheradio sounds an alert for 5 minutes and displays the alert description for the alert’s effective time. To turn off the alert sooner, press WEATHER.

Warning: 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 storm-related activity might continue after the alert ends. The end of an alert does not necessarily mean that the related weather emergency is over.

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.

For example, a multiple alert might appear as follows: FLOOD WATCH 3HOOM 3 EVENTS  To review the Weatheradio’s memory and review all effective alerts, press NO to scroll forward or YES to scroll backward. If you do not press a button for 10 seconds, the most recent alert message appears.

When a Test or Demo Alert Occurs

The NWS sends out daily and weekly test signals you can use to confirm that your Weatheradio is working properly. To find out the specific test schedule in your area, contact your local NOAA or NWS office. See “Enabling/Disabling the Alert Tone” on Page 18 for more information. When the Weatheradio’s alert function is turned on and the Weatheradio receives a test broadcast for a FIPS code you programmed into its memory, it responds in one of these ways:

Alert Descriptions

Your Weatheradio can display these NWS weather alert descriptions (shown in alphabetical order).

Troubleshooting

If your Weatheradio is not working as it should, these suggestions might help you eliminate the problem.

CARE

Keep the Weatheradio dry. Use and store the Weatheradio only in normal temperature environments. Handle the Weatheradio carefully. Keep the Weatheradio away from dust and dirt, and wipe it with a damp cloth occasionally to keep it looking new. Modifying or tampering with the Weatheradio’s internal components can cause a malfunction and might invalidate its warranty and void your FCC authorization to operate it. If your Weatheradio is not performing as it should, take it to your local RadioShack store for assistance. If the trouble is affecting the telephone lines, the phone company can ask you to disconnect your Weatheradio until you have resolved the problem.

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Radio Shack 7-Channel WRSAME Alert Weatheradio-FAQs