Ambient Weather WR-111 ADVENTURER User manual

Ambient Weather WR-111 ADVENTURER Emergency
Solar Hand Crank Radio, Flashlight with AM/FM/NOAA
Weather Band, Weather Alert and Cell
Phone/mp3/mp4/USB Charger User Manual
Table of Contents
1. Introduction.....................................................................................................................................2
2. Important Notes...............................................................................................................................3
3. Features...........................................................................................................................................4
4. Power Sources.................................................................................................................................4
4.1 DC and AC Power..................................................................................................................4
4.2 Solar Power............................................................................................................................4
4.3 Hand Crank Power.................................................................................................................4
5. Operation.........................................................................................................................................5
5.1 Flashlight Operation...............................................................................................................5
5.2 Radio Operation .....................................................................................................................5
5.3 Time........................................................................................................................................5
5.4 Radio Band Mode...................................................................................................................6
5.4.1 AM/FM Radio Tuning........................................................................................................6
5.4.2 Weather Band Tuning.........................................................................................................6
5.4.3 Weather Alert Mode ...........................................................................................................6
5.5 Cell Phone and mp3/mp4 Operation ......................................................................................6
5.6 Low Battery Indication...........................................................................................................7
5.7 Audio Input ............................................................................................................................7
6. Battery Maintenance .......................................................................................................................7
7. Specifications..................................................................................................................................8
8. Troubleshooting Guide....................................................................................................................8
9. Accessories .....................................................................................................................................9
10. Liability Disclaimer..................................................................................................................10
11. Warranty Information ...............................................................................................................10
Version 1.3 ©Copyright 2011, Ambient LLC. All Rights Reserved. Page 1

1. Introduction
Thank you for your purchase of the Ambient Weather WR-111 ADVENTURER Emergency Solar
Hand Crank Radio, Flashlight with AM/FM/NOAA Weather Band, Weather Alert and Cell
Phone/mp3/mp4/USB Charger. To download the latest full size manual (for easy viewing) and
additional troubleshooting tips, please visit:
http://ambientweather.wikispaces.com/wr111
Figure 1
Figure 2
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Cable Description
A Power output to cell phone/mp3/mp4/Ipod/Ipad/USB. Connects to tips D,E,F, and G
B Audio input from mp3/mp4/Ipod/Ipad device.
C USB power input from USB source (computer, AC or DC with optional converters)
D Ipod/Ipad/Iphone tip
E Micro cell phone tip
F Mini cell phone tip
G USB female tip (connects to USB conversion cables from your cell phone provider, not
included) Figure 3
2. Important Notes
Remove the plastic battery pull tab that was included during shipping to energize the
rechargeable battery. Never hand crank the radio with this pull tab in place or when the
battery compartment is empty. Failure to do so may damage the radio.
Before using this product, please read the following warning and cautions:
•This unit is water resistant, but is not water proof. Do not expose to rain or moisture. Do not
submerge or expose for extended periods to water.
•Only operate within specified temperature range (32 °F to 131 °F).
•Unplug immediately if liquid has been spilled or any object has fallen into the unit.
•Clean only with a dry cloth. Do not use detergents or chemical solvents as this might damage
the finish.
•Do not remove cover (or back). Only the rechargeable battery can be replaced or serviced.
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•Do not place near a fire. The battery can explode.
•For long term storage, you may want to remove the fully charged battery or re-insert the
plastic battery pull tab.
3. Features
The ADVENTURER includes the following features:
•Super bright 3 LED flashlight
•AM/FM with Weather Band Feature
•Weather Alert Feature
•Emergency cell phone/mp3/mp4/USB charger
•Backlight digital display
•Clock
•Audio input
4. Power Sources
The ADVENTURER can be powered from the following sources:
•DC power from a USB power source, such as a computer.
•AC power by adding a USB to AC adaptor (optional).
•DC car charger by adding a USB to DC car adaptor (optional).
•Solar power.
•Hand crank power.
4.1 DC and AC Power
Prior to using the ADVENTURER, we recommend you fully charge the rechargeable battery through
the USB Power Input (Figure 2).
Lift the rubber tab on the back of the ADVENTURER to expose the connectors, as shown in Figure 2.
Connect the DC power input cable (Figure 3, C) to the USB mini jack (C.2), and the other end to the
USB power source (C.1). The red battery charge indicator light will illuminate when charging.
Continue to charge the ADVENTURER for several hours or until the charging light turns from red to
green. The ADVENTURER is now ready for use.
Important Note: Use 5.0V USB power source (from a computer or appropriate AC or DC adaptor).
Over-voltage may result in damaging the ADVENTURER.
4.2 Solar Power
Place the ADVENTURER in direct (or indirect) sunlight with the solar panel facing upwards. The
green battery charging light may illuminate when charging, as shown in Figure 1.
NOTE: There is not enough solar energy to turn on the red charging light. Thus, no light or a faint
green light (which consumes less energy) may be present during solar charging.
NOTE: If the display heats up outside the operational range, the display will fade. For solar charging,
partial sunlight or shade is sufficient.
4.3 Hand Crank Power
To operate the hand crank, perform the following:

1. Lift the hand crank from the cradle, as shown in Figure 2.
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.
2. Turn the hand crank either clockwise or counterclockwise at about two cranks per second for
3-5 minutes to activate the internal battery for initial use, or when the unit has not been used
for more than 60 days. The red battery charging light illuminates when charging, as shown
in Figure 1
3. For subsequent charges, turn the hand crank for one minute to produce 70 minutes of
continuous light for the LED flashlight, or 16-20 minutes of continuous radio usage (subject
to volume) or approximately 3-5 minutes of talk time on the cell phone (your results may vary
due to phone variation).
5. Operation
5.1 Flashlight Operation
Turn the light on and off with the light switch on the top of the unit (Figure 1).
NOTE: The flashlight switch does not operate in Weather Alert Mode.
5.2 Radio Operation
The ADVENTURER includes a digital LCD display (Figure 4) with backlighting, with the following
push button controls:
•POWER. Turns on and off the radio. Transitions from clock display to radio tuner display.
•MODE. Switches the radio band between AM, FM, weather band, and weather band alert
mode.
•TUN+: Adjusts the radio frequency up
•TUN-: Adjusts the radio frequency down
•VOL+:Adjusts the radio volume up
•VOL-: Adjusts the radio volume down
Figure 4
5.3 Time
When first powered up, the time will default to 12:00 AM.
1. Set 12Hr/24Hr Mode. Press and hold the MODE button for two seconds to enter the time
setting mode. 12 Hr will begin flashing. Press the TUN+ button to switch between 12 hour
and 24 hour time mode. Press the MODE button to proceed to the next step.
2. Set Hour. Press the TUN+ or TUN- to adjust the hour up or down. Hold the TUN button to
change rapidly. Press the MODE button to proceed to the next step.
3. Set Minute. Press the TUN+ or TUN- to adjust the minute up or down. Hold the TUN button
to change rapidly. Press the MODE button to exit the time setting mode.

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5.4 Radio Band Mode
NOTE: Radio reception is dramatically reduced when charging from USB. Disconnect USB power
when listening to the radio.
Press the POWER button to turn the radio on and transition from the time mode.
The radio will default to FM band (or the last radio band since power up). Press the MODE button to
change to the AM band. Press the MODE button to change to the Weather Band (WB). While
displaying the Weather Band, press and hold the MODE button for two seconds to change to Weather
Band Alert mode (the WB symbol will begin flashing).
Note: Radio interference will be present while charging the ADVENTURER.
5.4.1 AM/FM Radio Tuning
When the radio is turned on, press the TUN+ button to increase the frequency and press the TUN-
button to decrease the frequency.
To auto scan, press and hold the TUN (+ or -) key for at least one second and the radio will
automatically tune to next radio station with sufficient reception.
5.4.2 Weather Band Tuning
There are seven distinct weather channels. The frequencies are 162.400 MHz, 162.425 MHz, 162.450
MHz, 162.475 MHz, 162.500 MHz, 162.525 MHz and 162.550 MHz.
For a complete list of weather radio broadcasting stations, please visit the National Weather Service
website: www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/indexnw.htm
Our recommendation is to tune to the station with the best reception using the TUN+ button. You will
hear the “voice of the National Weather Service”, and automated voice that provides forecast
information, weather statements, watches and warnings.
5.4.3 Weather Alert Mode
You can silence the radio and enter the alert mode. The radio will remain in standby mode until there
is a weather statement, watch or warning. To activate the Weather Alert Mode, tune to your local
station as defined in the previous section.
Press and hold the MODE button until the WB symbol begins flashing. The WB symbol will continue
to flash until there is a weather statement, watch or warning. In the event of an alert, the alert light
will flash and the radio will sound (with the voice of the National Weather Service). To disable the
alert light, press any key. To disable the alert light but continue in alert mode, press and hold the
MODE button to two seconds.
To verify you have reception in your area, the National Weather Service (NWS) normally run tests
each Wednesday between 10 a.m. and noon local time. Tests may occur at other days and times when
there is a threat of severe weather in the listening area or for other reasons.
5.5 Cell Phone and mp3/mp4 Operation
Because cell phone batteries vary in their current ratings, we cannot specify charging rates or usage
time. 10 to 15 minutes of cranking may result in 1 or more minute of talk-time, but your results may
vary.

Note: Charging a cell phone through the Phone Charger Jack is intended for emergency purpose only.
It is not intended for recharging fully a discharged cell phone battery. Cell phone battery capacity
significantly exceeds the battery capacity of the ADVENTURER. Therefore, a fully charged
ADVENTURER will only partially charge a cell phone or mp3/mp4 device. After the battery stops
charging the device, begin cranking if a DC power source is not available to continue recharging the
cell phone.
To charge the cell phone or music player device:
1. Set POWER button to OFF.
2. Plug the cell phone charging cable (Figure 2, A.2) into the ADVENTURER charge output
(Figure 2). Connect the appropriate cell phone tip (Figure 3, D.1, E.1, F.1) into the other end
of the cell phone charging cable (Figure 3, A.1).
3. Plug other end of the cell phone tip (Figure 3, D.2, E.2, F.2) into the cell phone’s charging
connector.
In addition to the cell phone tips, a USB female connector (G) is available if your cell phone
connector is not supported. If this is the case, contact your cell phone manufacturer for the
appropriate USB to cell phone charger conversion cable. Connect the female USB tip (Figure
3, G.1) into the other end of the cell phone charging cable (Figure 3, A.1), and connect the
female USB tip (Figure 3, G.2) into the cell phone’s conversion cable.
4. If the phone does not begin charging, begin cranking. When charging a cell phone via the cell
phone charger, it is important to turn the crank at least two revolutions per second, or until
you see red charging LED turn on. This is an indication that the phone is receiving enough
power from the radio. Continue to crank at this rate until you are satisfied that an appropriate
level of charge has been received by your cell phone. If you decide to stop cranking for
whatever reason, please wait at least 5 seconds before cranking the radio again.
Note: You may receive a charging compatibility error on your cell phone, but your device may still
charge and it will not harm your device.
5.6 Low Battery Indication
When the battery voltage is less than 3.0V, the low battery indication will be displayed:
The radio will not operate in a low battery condition.
5.7 Audio Input
The ADVENTURER includes an audio input jack. This allows you to listen to your Ipod, Ipad or
mp3 device through the ADVENTURER’s speakers by connecting the audio cable (Figure 3, B).
6. Battery Maintenance
•Periodically charge the battery to extend battery life
•Switch off power after radio use to extend battery life
•Remove the battery or reinsert the plastic battery pull tab for extended storage
The battery is a rechargeable 3V / 800 mAh lithium ion battery. To replace the battery, open the
battery compartment cover (Figure 2) by squeezing the tab.
Important Note: Only replace with rechargeable 3V lithium battery (CR123A). Replacing the battery
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with a non-rechargeable battery may damage the unit. Rechargeable 3V lithium batteries are
available from Ambient Weather.
7. Specifications
Battery Power:
3V / 800 mAh lithium ion rechargeable battery (replaceable)
Working voltage: 3-5V
Radio Bands:
AM: 525 KHz to 1710 KHz
FM: 88 MHz to 108 MHz
WeatherBand: 162.400 to 162.550 MHz
Flashlight:
3-LED Flashlight
Size and Dimensions:
Dimensions: 5.5" x 3.0" x 2.0"
Weight: less than 0.5 lbs.
Temperature Range:
Working temperature range: 32 to 131 °F (0 to 55 °C)
Storage temperature range: 14 to 140 °F (-10 to 60 °C)
8. Troubleshooting Guide
If your question is not answered here, you can contact us as follows:
1. Email Support: [e-mail]
2. Live Chat Support: www.ambientweather.com/chat.html (M-F 8am to 4pm Arizona Time)
3. Technical Support: 480-283-1644 (M-F 8am to 4pmArizona Time)
Problem Solution
Phone generates an error message when
plugged into the ADVENTURER. A lower voltage output may result in error messages on the phone but should still charge the phone.
My Ipod / IPhone does not display the
charge signal. The output voltage of the ADVENTURER is lower than the operating voltage of the IPod / IPhone, and will not
charge these devices until the battery is fully discharged.
The device is only intended for emergency charges and
not for topping off already charged devices.
The ADVENTURER will no longer hold
a charge. Replace the 3V lithium ion rechargeable battery (CR123A). Typically, this battery will hold 2000 charge
cycles.
Important note: ALWAYS replace with rechargeable
batteries, available fromAmbientWeather.com.
The Weather Band reception is poor.
•
Weather band reception can be poor inside a
metal building, structure or where electronic
noise is present. Try moving outside to improve
reception
•Check local reception by driving to a different
location and testing the weather band reception.
•Radio reception is dramatically reduced when
charging from USB. Disconnect USB power
when listening to the radio.
My cell phone connector is not supported. Contact Ambient Weather with your cell phone model

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Problem Solution
Where can I purchase the proper tip for
my cell phone? and connector type. The connectors included cover about 95% of the cell phone market.
The ADVENTURER will not fully charge
my cell phone. Charging a cell phone through the Phone Charger Jack is intended for emergency purpose only. It is not intended
for recharging fully a discharged battery. Cell phone
battery capacity significantly exceeds the battery
capacity of the ADVENTURER.
Therefore, a fully chargedADVENTURER will only
partially charge a cell phone or mp3/mp4 device. After
the battery stops charging the device, disconnect the
device and begin cranking if a DC power source is not
available.
I never receive weather alerts. Verify you receive the test alert from the National
Weather Service on Wednesday as described in the
weather alert section of this manual.
Verify you have tuned the weather band to your local
area and you have reception before activating the
Weather Alert feature.
Make sure you have good weather radio reception. If
your radio reception is poor, you will not receive any
alerts.
How can I receive warnings only and not
watches or statements? Selective filtering of statements, watches and warnings is not possible. You will always receive all three levels.
The ADVENTURER is locked up and
will not respond to commands. How do I
reset it?
Remove the battery. Press the reset button inside the
battery compartment with a paperclip. Reinstall the
battery.
The red charging light does not illuminate
during solar charging. There is not enough solar energy to drive the red charging light. For solar charging, you will see a faint
green light. The brighter the sunlight, the brighter the
green charging light.
The display fades when placed in direct
sunlight. If the display heats up outside the operational range, the display will fade. For solar charging, partial sunlight or
shade is sufficient.
9. Accessories
The following software and hardware accessories are available for the ADVENTURER
at www.AmbientWeather.com .
Accessory Image Description
Ambient Weather
90W1-29100 USB to AC
Adaptor Converter
Converts USB cable to AC power.

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Accessory Image Description
Ambient Weather
30W1-29100 USB to DC
Car Charger Converter
Converts USB cable to DC car charger.
Ambient Weather 3V
Lithium Ion Rechargeable
battery
Replaces rechargeable battery after end of life
(CR123A rechargeable).
10. Liability Disclaimer
Please help in the preservation of the environment and return used batteries to an authorized depot.
The electrical and electronic wastes contain hazardous substances. Disposal of electronic waste in
wild country and/or in unauthorized grounds strongly damages the environment.
Reading the “User manual” is highly recommended.
The specifications of this product may change without prior notice.
This product is not a toy. Keep out of the reach of children.
No part of this manual may be reproduced without written authorization of the manufacturer.
Ambient, LLC WILL NOT ASSUME LIABILITY FOR INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL,
PUNITIVE, OR OTHER SIMILAR DAMAGES ASSOCIATED WITH THE OPERATION OR
MALFUNCTION OF THIS PRODUCT.
11. Warranty Information
Ambient, LLC provides a 1-year limited warranty on this product against manufacturing defects in
materials and workmanship.
This limited warranty begins on the original date of purchase, is valid only on products purchased and
only to the original purchaser of this product. To receive warranty service, the purchaser must contact
Ambient, LLC for problem determination and service procedures.
Warranty service can only be performed by Ambient, LLC. The original dated bill of sale must be
presented upon request as proof of purchase toAmbient, LLC.
Your Ambient, LLC warranty covers all defects in material and workmanship with the following
specified exceptions: (1) damage caused by accident, unreasonable use or neglect (lack of reasonable
and necessary maintenance); (2) damage resulting from failure to follow instructions contained in your
owner’s manual; (3) damage resulting from the performance of repairs or alterations by someone other
than an authorized Ambient, LLC authorized service center; (4) applications and uses that this product
was not intended (5) the products inability to receive a radio signal due to any source of interference,
metal obstructions or other reception issues.
This warranty covers only actual defects within the product itself, and does not cover the cost of
installation or removal from a fixed installation, normal set-up or adjustments, claims based on
misrepresentation by the seller or performance variations resulting from installation-related
circumstances.

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