GSSNET ALERT FM User manual
ALERT FM Receiver
User Guide
2
Contents
1Getting Started ...................................................... 3
1.1 Introduction...................................................... 3
1.2 Powering the unit............................................. 3
1.3 Turning on the receiver.................................... 4
1.4 Push Button Keys............................................ 5
1.5 Display panel................................................... 5
2Settings.................................................................. 6
2.1 ZIP Code......................................................... 6
2.2 Address........................................................... 7
2.3 Service ............................................................ 7
2.4 Radio............................................................... 8
3Handling Messages............................................... 8
3.1 Receiving messages........................................ 8
3.2 Viewing Messages........................................... 8
3.3 Deleting messages.......................................... 9
4Maintenance .......................................................... 9
4.1 Factory Reset................................................ 10
4.2 Erasing messages......................................... 10
4.3 Upgrading the Software................................. 10
4.4 Scan for stations............................................ 10
5Limitation of Liability .......................................... 11
6Limited Warranty and Exclusions...................... 11
6.1 Hardware....................................................... 11
6.2 Exclusive Remedies and Procedure.............. 12
6.3 Severability Clause........................................ 13
6.4 Limitations and Exclusions............................. 13
6.5 Governing Law .............................................. 14
3
1 Getting Started
This chapter describes how you get started with the
ALERT FM Receiver
1.1Introduction
The ALERT FMreceiver is an advanced Emergency
Warning Receiver. The information is transmitted over the
ALERT FM radio network in areas with good coverage.
The ALERT FM receiver is equipped with a graphical
display capable of showing multiple lines of information. In
addition to alert messages, users can receive other
services such as weather information.
Battery Compartment Lid
MSG
S
NEXT
ALARM STOP
ON LINE
SETUP
11:59
am
Nov 29
ALERT FM
Signal Quality
GSSNet indicator
Battery charge
Messages
(Back)
Next
Alarm Stop
(Select)
On Line
Setup
External Power
USB connector
Figure 1: ALERT FM Receiver (when On-Line)
1.2Powering the unit
We recommend operating the ALERT FM receiver on
USB (external) power and also have a battery installed.
When running on USB power, the battery acts as backup
in case of power interruption. A new, good quality Alkaline
cell (AA-size) should keep the unit operational up to 12
weeks without external power.
The power source is indicated on the display panel with
either a battery symbol or an AC connector symbol.
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Note: Use new AA size alkaline cells
Inserting the Battery
1. Open the unit so the display is visible. Insert battery
into the compartment as directed on receiver.
2. Place the battery compartment lid (long tab) over the
installed battery (closest to the device).
3. Press the battery compartment lid (short tab) into
place, closing the battery compartment.
Using the Battery
The battery should only be used for the purpose
intended.
Never use a damaged or worn out battery.
Don’t short-circuit the battery. Short-circuiting the
battery may damage it.
Always store the battery in a temperature range of
15ºC to 25ºC (59ºF to 77ºF).
Never throw batteries into open fire. Dispose of
them in an environmentally correct manner.
External Power
We recommend using external power whenever possible.
When using external power, the battery life can be
extended. We recommend routine replacement of the
battery in the receiver.
The supplied wall unit is connected to the mini USB
connector and plugged into the wall.
1.3Turning on the receiver
The ALERT FM Receiver should start immediately after
power is applied. If not, call the ALERT FM Customer
Service. The first time the receiver is used (and after
factory reset), it will ask for a ZIP Code. See “Entering a
ZIP Code” below for assistance.
After entering a ZIP Code the receiver is ready for
operation. Make sure the SETUP switch is ON LINE. If
there is an ALERT FM transmitter in reach, the receiver
will display date and time as well as an antenna and the
key symbol (see Figure 1).
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1.4Push Button Keys
The ALERT FM receiver is operated by three push
buttons and a switch. The switch sets the operating mode,
which can be ON LINE (normal) mode or SETUP mode.
1. ONLINE/SETUP: ON LINE is the normal operating
mode. Time and date is shown when no messages
are received.
SETUP is used for configuration of the receiver and
checking radio status.
2. MSGS: ON LINE Mode: Shows received messages
SETUP Mode: Return back to previous screen.
3. NEXT: ON LINE Mode: Shows next message.
SETUP Mode: Move/scroll through menu items
4. ALARM STOP: ON LINE Mode: Stops beeping when
message is received.
SETUP Mode: Enter/select option.
1.5Display panel
The Display Panel provides information about the
receiver’s current status. The top of the display is
reserved for this information. The Display Panel is
available in ON LINE Mode and in SETUP-Radio Mode.
ZZ
1
95.5
2
3
4
(Flashing)
(Scrolling)
Figure 2: The Display Panel
1. Radio reception quality: The more indicators it
shows, the better the reception quality is at the
present location. Normally two bars are required for
reliable reception. When searching for a valid station,
the receiver will show scrolling bars. If no station is
found, it will “sleep” in order to save battery (it will not
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sleep if USB powered). Sleeping is indicated by the zz
symbol. Pressing any button will make the receiver
search for a new station.
2. Locked to FM station: The key symbol indicates that
the receiver is tuned to an FM transmitter carrying the
ALERT FM signal. If you do not see the key symbol,
then your receiver will not be able to receive
messages.
3. Frequency indicator: This is the current frequency.
Note that this is only displayed in the SETUP –Radio
mode.
4. Battery condition: The more indicators it shows, the
more power the battery has left. If the battery is low on
power, the indicator will flash and the receiver will
generate alert signals.
When external (USB) power is available, an AC-
connector symbol is shown.
2 Settings
The ALERT FM receiver should function after power is
applied (battery and/or external power) and the ZIP Code
is entered. If not, call the ALERT FM Customer Service.
It is possible to add new services and addresses as well
as to monitor the radio tuning system.
Note that the ALERT FM receiver will receive the
important alert messages without the need for any user
settings (the ZIP Code must always be entered).
To make settings, set the switch in the SETUP position
and select the desired field by pressing the NEXT button.
2.1ZIP Code
ZIP Codes can be entered immediately after initial power
on (or after factory reset) or by selecting SETUP –ZIP
Code.
To input the ZIP Code use the NEXT button to scroll to
desired digit (0-9) and then move to next digit with the
ALARM STOP button (MSGS button will go back to
previous digit).
When all digits are entered, press ALARM STOP to return
to SETUP menu.
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2.2Address
With ALERT FM, messages can be sent to groups of
receivers based upon their location or addresses. An
address is a code stored in the receiver. All receivers
with a certain address can receive a message sent to this
address assuming that the receiver is properly powered
(See Section 1.2 above) and properly tuned to an FM
station (See Section 2.4 below).
A receiver can have up to 30 addresses.
Please visit the My ALERT FM section of
www.alertfm.com for the public address codes available in
your area.
Check Addresses: Enter SETUP mode and press NEXT
button followed by ALARM STOP button to enter the
Address display.
The first line will show the current address and total
number of addresses, e.g.: Addr: 01 (03). Here address 1
is shown, and the receiver has a total of 3 addresses.
Addresses 2 and 3 are displayed after pressing the NEXT
button.
Enter new Address: Press ALARM STOP button to add
a new address. To input the address use the NEXT button
to scroll to desired alphanumeric digit (0-9, A-F) and then
move to next digit with the ALARM STOP button (MSGS
button will go back to previous digit).
When all digits are entered, press ALARM STOP twice to
return to SETUP menu.
Note: Only enter Addresses approved by ALERT FM
Remove an address: An address is removed when an
identical address is added.
Scroll to the address to be removed. (Take a note of the
address). Press ALARM STOP button to “add” the
address. Add the address as described above.
2.3Service
All messages sent on the ALERT FM channel are part of
some service. A service has messages of similar type,
such as; alert service, weather service or a paging
service.
As new services are introduced, their ID (a number) can
be found on the My ALERT FM section of
www.alertfm.com. To get access to its messages, the
service ID must be entered into the receiver.
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Note: Only enter Services approved by ALERT FM
Check Services: Enter SETUP mode and press NEXT
button twice followed by ALARM STOP button to enter the
Service display.
Enter/remove Service: This is done in the same way as
for Addresses (see above).
2.4Radio
The ALERT FM Receiver tunes to ordinary FM stations.
These stations transmit in the 88-108 MHz band.
A more detailed view of the radio behavior can be found
by entering into SETUP –Radio.
In this mode the display will show the Call Sign of the
tuned FM station (instead of time) and its frequency.
By pressing the ALARM STOP button the receiver will
perform a full scan and search for best ALERT FM
station.
3 Handling Messages
The ALERT FM Receiver is capable of receiving text
messages up to 240 characters. Normally, messages will
be shorter to make them easier to read on the display.
The ALERT FM Receiver can store up to 30 messages.
When the list is full, new messages will replace the oldest
in the list.
3.1Receiving messages
When you receive a new message, the receiver will
generate an alert signal (beep) for one minute and display
the message. Pressing the ALARM STOP button stops
the beep and by pressing it once more you go back to the
state before the message arrived.
Messages are stored in non-volatile memory and will not
be lost during power failure.
3.2Viewing Messages
New messages are displayed immediately, as described
above. To see old messages, press MSGS button when
in ON LINE mode.
Long messages spanning more then one page are
scrolled with the NEXT button.
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When in ON LINE mode, the message list can be scrolled
with the NEXT button (jumps to next message or next part
of long message) and MSGS button (jumps to previous
message)
When the ALARM STOP button is pressed you return to
the state prior to viewing messages.
3.3Deleting messages
The message list can be cleared (all messages deleted)
by keeping the MSGS button depressed while power
cycling the receiver.
4 Maintenance
The ALERT FM Receiver is a highly advanced product
and should be treated with the greatest care. If you follow
the recommendations below, you will fulfill requirements
for the warranty and the receiver should provide several
years of useful service.
Keep the receiver away from small children.
Protect it from moisture. Fluids and moisture may
contain substances that can corrode the receiver’s
electronics.
Avoid use in dusty and unclean environments
Don’t store in hot places. High temperatures can
shorten the lifetime of electronics devices
Don’t store in cold places. When the receiver is
warmed up to its normal temperature, there may
be moisture inside the receiver that could damage
the electronics. At temperatures below -10ºC (-
14ºF), the receiver should be carried within your
clothing to keep the LCD functioning.
Don’t try to open the receiver. Unauthorized
tampering with the receiver can damage it. Call
ALERT FM Customer Service if your receiver
needs to be repaired.
Don’t drop or shake the receiver. If handled
roughly, the electronics could be damaged.
Don’t try to connect the receiver to incompatible
devices Incompatible devices may damage the
electronics.
Don’t use strong chemicals or detergents to clean
the receiver. Instead use a soft moist cloth.
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The receiver is usually unaffected by brief
exposure to the weak magnetic fields from
domestic appliances, e.g., TV stereo sets and
computers. However, it should not be placed near
or on these devices since this lowers the
sensitivity to messages.
IMPORTANT: The ALERT FM Receiver, like any radio
communication device, operates using data transmission
networks, radio signals, messages and programmed
functions which naturally are not 100% reliable and which
are beyond the control of Global Security Systems, LLC
(“GSS”). Therefore you should never rely solely upon any
such radio communication device for essential
communications (e.g. medical emergencies).
4.1Factory Reset
The ALERT FM receiver is reset to factory settings by
keeping all three buttons depressed for 4 seconds.
All addresses and services that have been entered in the
device will be erased.
4.2Erasing messages
All messages will be erased by keeping the MSGS button
depressed while cycling power.
4.3Upgrading the Software
It is possible to upgrade the internal software in the
ALERT FM Receiver. This is done by connecting it to a
Windows PC using USB.
Detailed instructions for how to do this can be found on
the ALERT FM web site.
4.4Scan for stations
The ALERT FM Receiver will automatically tune to the
best available station. It is however possible to force it to
rescan the FM band in order to make a new complete
search for stations.
A scan is initiated by entering SETUP –Radio and
pressing the ALARM STOP button.
When scanning, the receiver will first search for FM
stations with RDS (Radio Data System –a standard for
sending data on the FM stations) and then check them for
an ALERT FM signal. This may take a few minutes.
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5 Limitation of Liability
Customer acknowledges that messages may be lost,
incorrect, garbled or not received by the intended
recipient due to circumstances that are beyond the control
of GSS. Customer acknowledges that GSS has no liability
at law or in equity for the failure of a message to reach its
intended recipient. Customer acknowledges and agrees
that, in the absence of willful misconduct by GSS, that
GSS and its representatives shall not be responsible for
any incidental, special, consequential, punitive or other
damages including lost profits arising out of any
messaging disruption, interruption, mistakes, omissions,
delays, errors or defects in the service or transmission of
messages.
6 Limited Warranty and
Exclusions
GSS LLC provides a limited consumer hardware warranty
to the original registered (non-commercial) consumer (the
"Customer") of ALERT FM products who registers the
Product with the Company within ninety (90) days of
purchase. This warranty is non-transferable and does not
apply to any product used in any manner other than under
normal intended customer use by an individual consumer.
6.1Hardware
Subject to the exclusions, limitations and conditions
stated, GSS LLC warrants that all units are free of defects
in material and workmanship, under normal intended
consumer (non-commercial) use, for a period of ninety
(90) days from the original purchase date. GSS
additionally warrants to the Customer that all ALERT FM
hardware, accessories and components purchased from
GSS, including but not limited to the Cables, Power
Cords, and Batteries, will be free from defects in
workmanship and materials, under normal customer use,
for a period of ninety (90) days from the original purchase
date.
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6.2Exclusive Remedies and Procedure
In the event of a defect in material or workmanship during
the warranty period, GSS will, at its sole option, repair or
replace the product at no charge to Customer for parts or
labor. To obtain warranty service, Customer must contact
the GSS Customer Service Center for a return
authorization code, and return the unit shipping postpaid,
with proof of the date of original purchase and Customer
return address, to:
Warranty Returns
C/O: GSS
308 East Pearl Street, Suite 202
Jackson, MS 39201.
Shipping labels must contain the return authorization
code. ANY shipments sent for warranty service WITHOUT
the appropriate return authorization code will be refused
and returned to the Customer at Customer's expense.
GSS will not be responsible for any loss or damage to the
product incurred while the product is in transit from
Customer for repairs. Customer should, as a precaution,
purchase adequate insurance for the unit while in transit.
GSS shall not be responsible for any software, firmware,
data, information, or memory data contained in, stored on,
or integrated with any products returned to GSS for repair
by the Customer, whether the products are under
warranty or not.
GSS's only obligation under this warranty shall be, at
GSS's sole discretion, to repair or replace the product or
part with a comparable product or part, or if neither repair
nor replacement is reasonably available, GSS may refund
to Customer the purchase price paid for the product or
part. Replacement products or parts may be new or
reconditioned. Parts removed by the GSS shall become
the sole property of GSS. GSS's repair or replacement of
defective parts does not extend the term of this Limited
Warranty, which shall expire upon the expiration of the
applicable Consumer Limited Warranty period from the
date of original purchase.
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6.3Severability Clause
If any provision of this Consumer Limited Warranty shall
be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity,
legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions
shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby, and
all other provisions shall remain in full force and effect as
if such invalid, illegal, or unenforceable provision had
never been contained herein.
6.4Limitations and Exclusions
This warranty excludes
(1) cosmetic or physical damage to the surface of the
product, including cracks or scratches on the LCD screen
or outside casing;
(2) damage caused by misuse, neglect, improper
installation or testing, unauthorized attempts to modify the
product, attempted servicing, except for battery
replacement, by anyone other than an authorized service
representative of GSS or any other cause beyond the
range of intended use;
(3) damage caused by accident, fire, water or liquids,
power changes, other hazards, or acts of God;
(4) use of the product with any non-ALERT FM device,
component (such as chargers or connection cables) or
service, if such device, component or service causes the
problem;
(5) use of this product for any non-consumer, commercial
or rental purpose;
(6) ALERT FM Software, installation software, or any
other software used in conjunction with ALERT FM
hardware.
Any third-party products, including software included with
ALERT FM products, are not covered by this Consumer
Limited Warranty, and the Company makes no
representation or warranties on behalf of such third
parties. Any warranty on such products is from the
supplier or licensor of the third-party product.
THE FOREGOING WARRANTIES AND REMEDIES ARE
EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER
WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,
PERFORMANCE, ACCURACY, CORRESPONDENCE
WITH DESCRIPTION, AND NONINFRINGEMENT, ALL
OF WHICH ARE EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMED. IN NO
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EVENT SHALL GSS BE LIABLE, WHETHER IN
CONTRACT OR TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE)
FOR DAMAGES IN EXCESS OF THE PURCHASE
PRICE OF THE PRODUCT, ACCESSORY OR
SOFTWARE, OR FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL,
SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES
OF ANY KIND OR LOSS OF REVENUE OR PROFITS,
LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF INFORMATION OR
DATA, SOFTWARE OR APPLICATIONS OR OTHER
FINANCIAL LOSS ARISING OUT OF OR IN
CONNECTION WITH THE ABILITY OR INABILITY TO
USE THE PRODUCTS, ACCESSORIES OR SOFTWARE
TO THE FULL EXTENT THESE DAMAGES MAY BE
DISCLAIMED BY LAW. EVEN IF GSS HAS BEEN
ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES,
GSS'S ENTIRE LIABILITY SHALL BE LIMITED TO
COSTS OF REPLACEMENT, REPAIR, OR REFUND OF
THE PURCHASE PRICE PAID, AT THE SOLE OPTION
OF THE COMPANY TO THE EXTENT THESE
DAMAGES MAY BE SO LIMITED BY APPLICABLE LAW.
Some states and jurisdictions do not allow the limitation or
exclusion of incidental or consequential damages, or
limitation on the length of an implied warranty, so the
above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you. This
warranty may give you specific legal rights, and you may
also have other rights that vary from state to state and
from one jurisdiction to another.
6.5Governing Law
This Registered User Limited Warranty shall be governed
by the laws of the State of Mississippi, U.S.A. and by the
laws of the United States, excluding their conflicts of law
principles. The United Nations Convention on Contracts
for the International Sale of Goods is hereby excluded in
its entirety from application to this Limited Warrantee.
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