Ambient Weather WR-333A User manual

Version 2.6 ©Copyright 2013, Ambient LLC. All Rights Reserved. Page 1
Ambient Weather WR-333A User Manual
Table of Contents
1. Introduction.....................................................................................................................................2
2. Controls...........................................................................................................................................2
3. Cables..............................................................................................................................................3
4. Important Notes and Warnings........................................................................................................5
4.1 Before You Get Started...........................................................................................................5
4.2 Warnings.................................................................................................................................5
5. Features...........................................................................................................................................6
6. Power Sources.................................................................................................................................6
6.1 Best Practices for Charging....................................................................................................7
6.2 DC and AC Power..................................................................................................................7
6.3 Solar Power............................................................................................................................8
6.4 Hand Crank Power.................................................................................................................8
6.5 Dry Cell Battery AAA Battery Power ....................................................................................9
6.6 Power Consumption.............................................................................................................10
7. Operation.......................................................................................................................................10
7.1 Flashlight Operation.............................................................................................................10
7.2 Radio Operation ...................................................................................................................10
7.3 Time ..................................................................................................................................... 11
7.4 Radio Band Mode................................................................................................................. 11
7.4.1 AM/FM Radio Tuning......................................................................................................11
7.4.2 Weather Band Tuning.......................................................................................................12
7.4.3 Weather Alert Mode .........................................................................................................12
7.5 Cell Phone and mp3/mp4 Operation ....................................................................................12
7.6 Low Battery Indication.........................................................................................................13
7.7 Audio Output / Head Phones................................................................................................13
7.8 Resetting the Unit.................................................................................................................13
8. Care and Maintenance...................................................................................................................14
8.1 Battery Maintenance.............................................................................................................14
8.2 8.2 General Care and Maintenance ......................................................................................14
9. Specifications................................................................................................................................14
10. Troubleshooting Guide.............................................................................................................15
11. Accessories...............................................................................................................................17
12. Liability Disclaimer..................................................................................................................17
13. Warranty Information ...............................................................................................................17
14. FCC Statement..........................................................................................................................18
15. Battery Recycle Statement........................................................................................................19
If any feature is not working, Press the reset button with an open-ended paper clip (Figure 1,
Reference 22)

Version 2.6 ©Copyright 2013, Ambient LLC. All Rights Reserved. Page 2
1. Introduction
Thank you for your purchase of the Ambient Weather WR-333A Emergency Solar Hand Crank Radio,
Flashlight with AM/FM/NOAAWeather Band, Certified Weather Alert and Smart Phone/PDACharger.
To download the latest full size manual (for easy viewing) and additional troubleshooting tips, please
visit: http://ambientweather.wikispaces.com/wr333
2. Controls
No
Description
No
Description
1
Flashlight ON/OFF button
7
Clock/Radio Tune Down ( ) button
2
LCD Display
8
Volume Down (-) button
3
Clock/Radio Tune Up ( ) button
9
Radio Mode Select and Clock Set button
4
Volume Up (+) button
10
Weather Alert Indicator
5
Solar Panel
11
Speaker
6
Power On/Standby ( )
Figure 1

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No
Description
No
Description
13
Telescopic Antenna
19
USB Charging Port (under the Rubber Dust Cover)
14
Metal Clasp
20
Headphone Jack (under the Rubber Dust Cover)
15
Battery Compartment
21
Power Source Selector (located under the Rubber
Dust Cover)
16
Rubber Dust Cover
22
Reset button (under the Rubber Dust Cover)
17
Mini USB DC Input Port (under the
Rubber Dust Cover)
23
Crank Handle
18
Charging Indicator (under the
Rubber Dust Cover)
Figure 2
3. Cables
There are two cables included:
1. Power Input (from USB, AC or DC converter) to charge the radio
2. Power Output (10-in-1 smart phone connector) to charge smart phone and PDA devices.

Version 2.6 ©Copyright 2013, Ambient LLC. All Rights Reserved. Page 4
Figure 3
Cable
Description
1
Mini USB to USB power input cable
2
10 in 1 power output smart phone cables for:
A. Apple IPhone/Ipod/Ipad®
B. Motorola V3
C. Motorola V8
D. Nokia 8250
E. Nokia N90
F. Sony Ericcson K750
G. Samsung 1900
H. Samsung D800
I. LG KK90
J. PSP
® Registered trademarks of Apple Inc.
NOTE: The tip for the IPhone5 is not included, but you can connect the IPhone5 USB cable that came
with your IPhone5 directly into the WR-333AUSB power output port.
If your smart phone included a USB cable, you can substitute this cable for the conversion cables in
Figure 3 and plug directly into the WR-333AUSB power output port.

Version 2.6 ©Copyright 2013, Ambient LLC. All Rights Reserved. Page 5
4. Important Notes and Warnings
4.1 Before You Get Started
Remove the plastic battery pull tab that was included during shipping to energize the
rechargeable battery.
Set the power switch (Figure 1, Reference 21) to the left Lithium Ion battery switch
position to energize the rechargeable battery.
Press the reset button with an open-ended paper clip (Figure 1, Reference 22)
4.2 Warnings
When used in the directed manner, this unit has been designed and manufactured to ensure your
personal safety. However, improper use can result in potential electrical shock or fire hazards. Please
read all safety and operating instructions carefully before use, and keep these instructions handy for
future reference. Take special note of all warnings listed in these instructions.
Before using this product, please read the following warning and cautions:
1. Read these instructions –All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the
unit is operated.
2. Keep these instructions –The safety and operating instructions should be kept for future
reference.
3. Heed all warnings –All warnings on the device and in the operating instructions should be
adhered to.
4. Follow all instructions –All operation and use instructions should be followed
5. Do not use this item near water –The device should not be used near water; for example, near
a bath tub, washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool.
6. Clean only with dry cloth –The device should be cleaned only as recommended by the
manufacturer.
7. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other device
(including amplifiers) that produce heat. The battery can explode.
8. Do not place near a fire. The battery can explode.
9. Only use attachments / accessories recommended by the manufacturer.
10. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the device has
been damaged in any way, such as liquid has been spilled or the device has been exposed to
rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
11. This device shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing water and that no object filled with
liquids such as vases shall be placed on the device.
12. Unplug immediately if liquid has been spilled or any object has fallen into the unit.
13. Power Sources –The device should be connected to a power supply only of the type
described in the operating instructions or as marked on the device. Do not overload wall
outlet.
14. Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or
equivalent type.
15. Do not attempt to dismantle, open or repair this product yourself. If a fault occurs, seek
advice from Ambient Weather support only. Only the rechargeable battery can be replaced or
serviced.
16. Only operate within specified temperature range (32 °F to 131 °F).
17. Do not store the AAA batteries for extend periods of time. They may leak or rupture and
damage the unit.

Version 2.6 ©Copyright 2013, Ambient LLC. All Rights Reserved. Page 6
Lithium Battery Safety Instructions
Do not burn or bury batteries. Do not puncture or crush. Do not disassemble. Recycle Lithium
batteries. Do not dispose of in the trash.
If the electrolyte in the cells should get on your skin, thoroughly wash with soap and water. If
in the eyes, rinse thoroughly with cool water. Immediately seek medical attention.
Charge batteries on a fireproof surface away from flammable items or liquids.
Hand Crank Warning
To prevent overheating of the dynamo hand crank and permanent damage, do not crank faster than
approximately two revolutions per second. Do not crank continuously for more than two minutes.
After two minutes, allow two minutes of rest before cranking again.
DO NOT crank radio with battery pull tab inserted.
DO NOT crank radio with battery out of compartment.
Failure to do so will DAMAGE the radio.
5. Features
The WR-333A includes the following features:
Super bright 3 LED flashlight
AM/FM with Weather Band Feature
Weather Alert Feature (public alert certified)
Emergency smart phone/PDA/USB charger
Backlight digital display
Clock
Audio output (headphones)
6. Power Sources
The WR-333A 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
Three AAA batteries (optional)
To select the power source, lift the rubber tab on the back of the WR-333A to expose the connectors,
as shown in Figure 2.
For AC, DC, USB, solar power and hand crank power source operation, choose the Lithium Ion
battery switch position:
ForAAA dry cell battery power operation, choose the AAA battery switch operation:

Version 2.6 ©Copyright 2013, Ambient LLC. All Rights Reserved. Page 7
NOTE: There is a charging LED on the back of the unit (Figure 4, reference 18). The LED lights RED
during charging. When fully charged, the LED turns GREEN.
Figure 4
6.1 Best Practices for Charging
We recommend periodically charging the radio completely through the WR-333A’s mini USB power
input port (from your computer or the optional AC adaptor or DC converter). You can also leave it
connected to this power source all of the time (the WR-333A includes over current protection).
The solar collector will not completely charge your unit and is intended to extend the existing battery
charge.
6.2 DC and AC Power
Prior to using the WR-333A, we recommend you fully charge the rechargeable battery through the
mini USB Power Input Port (Figure 2). This may take up to four hours.
Lift the rubber tab on the back of the WR-333A to expose the power switch, as shown in Figure 2.
Select the Lithium Ion battery switch position:
Connect the DC power input cable (Figure 3) to the USB mini jack, and the other end to the USB
power source. The red battery charge indicator light will illuminate when charging (Figure 2).
Continue to charge the WR-333A for several hours or until the charging light turns from red to green.
The WR-333A is now ready for use.

Version 2.6 ©Copyright 2013, Ambient LLC. All Rights Reserved. Page 8
NOTE: Use 5.0V USB power source (from a computer or appropriate AC or DC adaptor).
Over-voltage may result in damaging the WR-333A.
6.3 Solar Power
Lift the rubber tab on the back of the WR-333A to expose the power switch, as shown in Figure 2.
Select the Lithium Ion battery switch position:
Place the WR-333A 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.
NOTE: The solar collector will not completely charge your unit and is intended to extend the existing
battery charge. The solar collector efficiency is significantly impacted by direct vs. indirect sunlight,
angle of the solar collector, angle of the sun and weather conditions, including your latitude, time of
year (winter vs. summer), time of day, and cloud cover.
Figure 5
6.4 Hand Crank Power
Lift the rubber tab on the back of the WR-333A to expose the power switch, as shown in Figure 2.
Select the Lithium Ion battery switch position:
To operate the hand crank, perform the following:
IMPORTANT NOTE: Disconnect the smart phone or PDA first from the USB charging port first

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before cranking (the crank charges the internal battery and by design, the smart device must be
disconnected first to prevent the phone from power cycling and reduce the load on the crank).
1. Lift the hand crank from the cradle, as shown in Figure 2.
2. Turn the hand crank either clockwise or counterclockwise at about two cranks per second for
two 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. After two minutes, rest for two minutes to extend the life of the hand crank and
repeat.
Figure 6
6.5 Dry Cell Battery AAA Battery Power
The WR-333A also includes the option to power from 3 x AAA power instead of the rechargeable
battery source. This is convenient if you have drained the rechargeable battery source and you wish to
avoid hand cranking the unit.
1. Open the Battery Door on the back of the radio.
2. Insert 3 x AAA (UM-4) batteries (not included) and close the battery door (Figure 2,
reference 15).
NOTE: For optimum performance, alkaline-type batteries are recommended.
3. Follow the polarity diagrams shown in the battery compartment.
4. Lift the rubber tab on the back of the WR-333A to expose the power switch, as shown in
Figure 2. Select the AAA battery switch position: .
NOTE: The AAA battery selection will disable the Lithium Ion rechargeable batteries.
NOTE: Make certain the batteries are installed correctly. The wrong polarity may damage the
unit.
NOTE: Do not crank the radio with the switch in the AAA position. This may cause permanent
damage to the radio.
WARNING:
Do not mix old and new batteries.
Do not mix alkaline, standard (carbon-zinc) or rechargeable (nickel-cadmium) batteries.
Only batteries of the same or equivalent type as recommend are to be used.

Version 2.6 ©Copyright 2013, Ambient LLC. All Rights Reserved. Page 10
If the unit is not to be used for an extended period of time, remove the batteries. Old or
leaking batteries can cause damage to the unit and may void the warranty.
Do not dispose of batteries in fire, batteries may explode or leak.
6.6 Power Consumption
The WR-333A includes a 3.7V rechargeable Lithium Ion large battery capacity (600 mAh) as the
primary energy storage, but different operational modes result in significantly varying power
consumption requirements. Here is a general guide on power consumption, typical user operation and
recommend power sources.
Mode
Typical User Operation
Power
Consumption
Recommend Power Source
Flashlight
Emergency or remote use
Low
Solar, Hand Crank,AAA
Batteries
AM/FM/Weather
Band Radio
Emergency or remote use
Low
Solar, Hand Crank,AAA
Batteries
Weather Alert
Continuous monitoring (1)
High
AC, USB (from computer),
Hand Crank,AAA Batteries
Smart phone
charging
Short term emergency use (2)
High
AC, USB (from computer),
Hand Crank
(1) The weather alert mode consumes a significant amount of power because it is constantly
scanning for the emergency 1050 Hz tone from the National Weather Service. We
recommend connecting the power input to a USB computer port or the optional USB to AC
converter for continuous alert operation (reference Section 11). Otherwise, you must rely on
hand crank power in this mode when no power is available.
(2) TheAAA batteries may not provide enough current to charge a smart phone.
7. Operation
7.1 Flashlight Operation
Turn the light on and off with the light switch on the top of the unit (Figure 1).
7.2 Radio Operation
The WR-333A includes a digital LCD display (Figure 7) 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
NOTE: The backlight will automatically turn off if no buttons are pressed for 20 seconds.