Midland WR-300 User manual

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Your new MIDLAND Weather Radio (WR-300) is the
latest advance in Weather monitoring technology providing you
with the information you need for your greatest safety from the
effects of weather and other external hazards. The Midland
Weather Radio has a special receiver that tunes to the 24/7
broadcasts issued by the National Weather Service. The
combined All Hazards/Weather Alert broadcast network is the
single, most immediate source for comprehensive weather and
emergency information available instantaneously to the public, in
advance of TV and radio bulletins.
This MIDLAND Weather Radio has an innovative automatic
alert system. In the event of special warning broadcasts, the radio
is automatically activated along with a loud tone, a flashing LED
indicator, and an “alert” message in the LCD. Emergency
weather bulletins include alerts about: Tornados, Hurricanes,
Floods, Ice/Snow Storms, and other Severe Weather. Other
emergencies might include: Amber Alert, Hazardous Explosions,
Fires, Chemical Spills, and other civil emergencies.
We encourage you to read this Owner’s Manual thoroughly
before operating this unit. This manual is a valuable part of your
new Midland Weather Radio. See the “Quick Start” section of
this manual for the initial weather radio setup and programming.
The quick & easy programming menus are designed to meet your
radio operation needs. After this weather radio is programmed
and operating properly, store the manual in a safe place.
MidlandRadioCorporation
5900 Parretta Dr.
Kansas City, Mo. 64120
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
URL: www.midlandradio.com

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(See “Controls” & “Quick Start” sections in this manual.)
DIAGRAM OF THE WEATHER RADIO:
1. WEATHER/HAZARD ON/OFF standby mode button
2. ALERT ON/OFF button
3. SNOOZE clock alarm snooze button
4. “WARNING” Alert Status light
5. “WATCH” Alert Status light
6. “STATEMENT” Alert Status light
7. AM/FM radio AM or FM selector button
8. RADIO AM/FM radio on/off button
9. OFF Weather Radio unit on/off dial & volume control
10. ALARM OFF/ON switch
11. MENU (programming) menu mode activation button
12. SELECT (programming) select & confirm option button
13. Arrows (programming) buttons – up, down, right & left
Note: This unit programs with menus similar to a TV remote control.
Features located on back of unit are not shown: DC jack (also for
AC Power Adapter), and jacks for optional external alert, external
antenna & earphone.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Your new MIDLAND Weather Radio (WR-300)............ 1
Diagram of the Weather Radio......................................... 2
Product Information.......................................................... 5
Features............................................................................. 5
Controls ............................................................................ 8
Quick Start Instructions
1. Batteries .................................................................. 10
2. AC Power Adapter.................................................. 10
3. Antenna................................................................... 10
4. Setting the AM/FM Clock Radio
a. Time................................................................... 11
b. Date.................................................................... 11
c. Alarm (for AM/FM Clock Radio....................... 12
5. Program the Weather Channel for Your Area ........ 13
6. About S.A.M.E. & the County Codes..................... 13
Programming Your Weather Radio.................................. 14
NWR, NOAA, NWS, & SAME....................................... 14
Emergency Power (connecting power & reception) ........ 15
What is a FIPS Code?....................................................... 16
Acquiring FIPS codes for Your Area............................... 17
Adjusting the Weather Frequency.................................... 18
Changing the Alert Pattern............................................... 19
FIPS Code Programming.................................................. 20
Using the Alert Function.................................................. 22
Testing Siren & External Alert Devices........................... 23
NWR Alert Descriptions (chart)....................................... 23
Reviewing Overlapping Alerts......................................... 26
When a Test of Demo Alert Occurs ................................. 26
Defeat Siren Alert Option................................................. 27
Adding Future SAME Event Codes................................. 27
Backlight of the Display................................................... 28
AM/FM Radio Use........................................................... 28
AM/FM Memory Channels.............................................. 29
Programming Memory Channels ..................................... 29

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Button Press Beeps........................................................... 29
Troubleshooting & Help................................................... 30
Notes & Maintenance....................................................... 31
12 Volt Operation............................................................. 32
FCC Compliance Information.......................................... 32
FIPS Code Form............................................................... 34
Service.............................................................................. 35
One Year Limited Warranty............................................. 36
Specifications ................................................................... 37
Glossary............................................................................ 38

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PRODUCT INFORMATION:
The WR-300 N.W.R./ S.A.M.E. (National Weather
Radio/Specific Area Message Encoding) Weather / All Hazard
Monitor provides you with constant monitoring of your local
National Weather Service broadcast for messages warning you of
hazardous conditions. The NWR/SAME decoding allows you to
hear only messages concerning the area concerning you. You
now have a choice as to what information will be brought to you.
No more will you be awakened to hear of a problem many miles
from your home that will not affect you. A clock with alarm and
AM/FM radio are also featured.
The WR-300 has an emergency battery backup system for use if
you lose power. It will provide up to thirty hours of operation if
power fails.
The WR-300 NWR/SAME Weather / All Hazard Monitor is the
latest advance in Weather monitoring technology providing you
with the information you need for your greatest safety from the
effects of weather and other external hazards.
FEATURES:
•VHF Weather Monitor with seven different National
Weather Service channels in the 162 MHz FM band –
Provides 24-hour-a-day National Weather Service
information from seven different channels for maximum
reception possible (in areas where available)

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•Alert monitor system receives NWR/SAME codes
transmitted by National Weather Service stations
warning of dangerous weather conditions and other
general hazards. The SAME codes designate which
counties or parts of counties are affected by the
individual message. When the alert feature is activated,
the receiver remains in a standby mode. As SAME coded
messages are received, the receiver automatically
activates to warn you of dangerous weather conditions.
•User-selectable warning system – Your choice of siren
alarm, voice or visual flasher.
•Weather Command Button – large touch bar turns unit
from alert mode to full time monitoring.
•High Performance Chassis – Receives weather
broadcasts up to 50 miles from transmitter.
•Large Top-Firing Speaker – Directs alerts and audio
toward listener.
•Eleven-character LCD display for viewing alert type.
•Clock displays time and date and has alarm and snooze
functions.
•AM/FM radio for listening or wake-up alarm.
•Emergency Powered from 4 type AA batteries (optional).
•Telescopic Antenna – Provides maximum range
reception-up to 50 miles. Antenna folds down for easy
transport.
•Fully Variable Volume Control – Adjusts audio output.
•Alert siren volume adjustable for maximum flexibility.

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•External Alert jack to operate external warning devices.
(optional)
•Earphone Jack – Allows private listening or remote
speaker location. (optional)
•External Antenna Jack – Permits use of an optional
extended range base antenna or a mobile antenna.
•External Power Jack – Allows use of AC adapter
(included) or DC cigarette lighter power cord (optional)
to run off a car or boat battery.
•Compact, Ultra Modern Styling – Small enough to take
along – looks good anywhere.

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CONTROLS:
Note: The MIDLAND Weather
Radio volume control and the main power switch (# 9 above)
must be turned on to activate the following controls unless
otherwise noted by an asterisk.
1. WEATHER/HAZARD ON/OFF standby mode button.
The Weather/Hazard broadcast & alert receiver is active
whenever the Weather Radio unit is turned on. Press this
button to put the weather/hazard receiver into standby mode
(alert monitor mode.) Press button again to return to
hearing National Weather Service weather/hazard reports.
2. ALERT ON/OFF button. Press this button to cancel alert
siren sounds and any external alert features when alert
active. Press and hold button to enable and disable alert
siren and external alert signals (see Page 20).
When Alert is off, only the LED indicator lights
(“Warning”, “Watch”, & “Statement”) are active.
3. SNOOZE clock alarm snooze button. Press to advance the
clock alarm time by 9 minutes each time the clock alarm
sounds.
4. “WARNING” Alert Status light. This red LED Indicator
light tells you that a warning has been issued for your area
by the National Weather Service.
5. “WATCH” Alert Status Light. This yellow LED Indicator

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light tells you that a watch has been issued for your area by
the National Weather Service.
6. “STATEMENT” Alert Status Light. This green LED
Indicator light tells you that a statement has been issued for
your area by the National Weather Service.
7. AM/FM radio Am or FM selector button. Switches
between AM & FM bands of the broadcast radio. (Weather
Radio and AM/FM radio must both be turned on.)
8. RADIO AM/FM radio on/off button. Turns FM/AM
(broadcast) radio on & off. (The weather service channel is
monitored for alerts whether or not the FM/AM radio is on.)
9. OFF Weather Radio unit on/off dial & volume control.
This is the MIDLAND Weather Radio volume control and
the main power switch. Click unit on & adjust to desired
listening level. (Only the clock is active when this dial is
set to off.)
10. ALARM OFF/ON switch. Enables and disables clock
alarm function.
11.* MENU (programming) menu mode activation button. Press
to activate programming mode. (Use directional arrows to
move through programming menu options.)
12.* SELECT (programming) select & confirm option button.
Press to confirm your selection.
13.* Arrows (programming) buttons – up, down, right & left.
Use directional arrows to program the MIDLAND Weather
Radio menus. (This unit programs with menus similar to a
TV remote control.) Note: you can also use the arrows to
review previous alerts when in normal display mode.

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QUICK START INSTRUCTIONS:
After reading the “Features” & “Controls” sections in this
manual set up your MIDLAND Weather Radio as follows:
1. BATTERIES. This Weather Radio operates on AC power
or 4 AA battery backup. (Batteries are not included.) It is
recommended that you install emergency backup batteries: (4)
type AA alkaline batteries (not supplied). First, be sure the unit is
disconnected from the AC power adapter. Then, remove the
battery compartment cover on the underside of the unit by
pressing the battery compartment door latch in the direction of the
arrow and lifting. Observe the battery polarity indicators (+ and -
) as you install the batteries. Replace the battery compartment
cover. (Rechargeable batteries are not recommended because the
WR-300 will not charge the batteries.)
2. AC POWER ADAPTER. Plug the AC Power Adapter into
a 110-115 Volt AC power outlet (standard house current). Plug
AC Power Adapter into DC jack on back of the Weather Radio.
3. ANTENNA.Position telescoping antenna vertical and
extend to its full length above the Weather Radio. In most cases,
this antenna will provide good reception. In some remote areas
an external antenna may be used to improve weak reception.

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4. SETTING THE AM/FM CLOCK RADIO.
a. Set the TIME. First turn on the Weather Radio unit, then:
Press and release the “MENU” button. Press the “DOWN” arrow
button until “SET UP TIME” is displayed in the left side of the
display. Press the “SELECT” button, hour setting will begin
flashing. (Note and adjust A.M./P.M. indicator located to left of
the flashing hour setting.) Press and release the “UP” buttons to
adjust the hour setting. Press and release the “RIGHT” arrow to
adjust minutes. Press and release the “UP” buttons to adjust the
minute setting. Press the “SELECT” button to store the time
setting.
b. Set the DATE. First turn on the Weather Radio unit, then:
Press and release the “MENU” button. Press the “DOWN” arrow
until “SET UP DATE” is displayed in the left side of the display.
Press and release “SELECT”. Press and release the “UP” arrow
to adjust the day. Press and release the “RIGHT” arrow to choose
setting the month. Press and release the “UP” arrow to adjust the
month. Press and release the “RIGHT” arrow to select the year.
Press and release the “UP” arrow to adjust the Year. Press and
release the “SELECT” button to store DAY/MONTH/YEAR.
c. Set the ALARM (for the AM/FM Clock Radio). First turn
on the Weather Radio unit, then:
Press and release the “MENU” button. Press the “DOWN” arrow
until “SET UP ALARM” is displayed in the left side of the
display. Press and release the SELECT button. The alarm hour

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setting will begin flashing. (Note and adjust A.M./P.M. indicator
located to left of the flashing alarm hour setting.) Press and
release the “UP” arrow to adjust the alarm hour setting. Press and
release the “RIGHT” arrow to choose setting alarm minutes.
Press and release the “UP” arrow to adjust the alarm minute
setting. Press the “SELECT” button to store the Alarm settings.
Choose type of alarm. Press and Release “MENU”. Use “UP”
arrow to choose radio or sound for clock alarm. (The
icons are located below the clock display.) Press “SELECT” to
store the type of alarm setting.
To activate the alarm, set the “ALARM OFF/ON” switch to the
“ON” position. The clock face icon will appear. To cancel
the alarm when sounding, press a button other than “SNOOZE”.
The “SNOOZE” button on the top of the WR-300 is for
advancing the alarm time by 9 minutes each time the alarm
sounds. The “SNZ” icon will be displayed.
(Turn alarm off with the ”ALARM OFF/ON” switch on side of
unit.)
5. PROGRAM THE WEATHER CHANNEL FOR YOUR
AREA. After you select the weather channel in your area, your
Weather Radio will receive all alerts issued by the National
Weather Service. Program your Weather Radio with the weather
channel in your area as follows:
a. Turn on Weather Radio unit.

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b. Press “MENU”.
c. Press up (or down) directional arrow until “WEATHER
CHANNEL” is displayed on the LCD.
d. Press “SELECT”.
e. Press up (or down) directional arrow until you hear the
broadcast of your station. Be Sure Weather Radio Unit
volume is turned up sufficiently for you to hear broadcast.
f. Press “SELECT”.
5. ABOUT S.A.M.E. & THE COUNTY CODES.
S.A.M.E. - Is a feature in MIDLAND Weather Radios that
allows you to program in your county code or counties codes.
This will eliminate any Alerts that are not within your
programmed Specific Area. For example, if you only want to be
informed for alerts within your county just program in your
county code. But, if you want to be informed about counties that
are North, South, East and West of you, you can do so. Find the
county codes you want on the internet web site of NOAA
Weather Radio-County by County Coverage @
www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/indexnw.htm.
You can also restrict what you hear on your Weather Radio to
alerts in which you have an interest. Program your Weather
Radio as explained in the “Programming” section in this manual.

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PROGRAMMING YOUR WEATHER RADIO.
NWR, NOAA, NWS, & SAME:
National Weather Radio (NWR) is a service of the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA.) As the
"Voice of the National Weather Service", it provides continuous
broadcasts of the latest weather information from your local
National Weather Service (NWS) office.
In 1994, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
began broadcasting coded emergency signals that identify the
specific geographic area (such as a county) affected by an
emergency. Until that time such specific emergency weather
information was sent in other ways to broadcast stations and
others then relayed to the public.
NOAA transmits the coded weather emergency signals using a
technique called SAME (Specific Area Message Encoding). The
Midland WR-300 7-channel weather/ all hazards monitor is
designed to receive these SAME transmissions.
Your Midland WR-300 can be programmed with up to 30
predefined state/county codes that will determine which notices
broadcast by your NOAA weather station will cause the radio to
alert you. Warnings, watches and statements of weather and other
area emergencies, about 50 different types- will activate the radio
if one or more location code programmed into your unit is
included in the SAME message.

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Also included in the SAME message is the amount of time for
which the message is effective. The WR-300 will continue to
display the alert until its time expires.
You don’t need to wait for the WR-300 to give you an alert. Just
find the NWR station broadcasting to your area from the 7
available channels. You can listen at any time, day or night to the
latest weather information from the National Weather Service.
EMERGENCY POWER
Connecting power –
The AC power adapter is required for normal operation if the
radio is to be in service for more than a few hours. Plug the wall
adapter into a 110-115 Volt AC (standard house current) outlet.
Connect the cord end to the DC JACK12Volt power jack on the
back of the unit.
A backup battery as stated above is also recommended. The
condition of the battery is monitored by the radio. When
BATTTERY icon flashes on the display, the battery has been
discharged and should be replaced. Do not leave a dead or weak
battery in the radio. Do not leave a battery in the radio when it is
not in use. The battery may leak and possibly damage your unit.
Dispose of batteries properly.
The clock will run for at least 10 days on batteries when
the radio is turned off with the VOLUME / OFF control.

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Reception -
NOTE: The National Weather Radio service operates
Weather Broadcast systems covering a large area of the
United States. A very few areas are not currently included.
Your WR-300 can receive broadcasts from the Weather Stations
up to 50 miles. Hills and certain terrain can reduce reception. An
external antenna can improve range. If your city is listed as
having a Weather Service Station but you do not receive it please
call your local Weather Service to confirm they are broadcasting
(Sometimes these stations are shut down for maintenance). If your
local Weather Service is transmitting and you are not receiving
the broadcasts, you may need an outdoor antenna.
What is a FIPS Code:
The NWR divides the United States and territories by state and
county (or parish) and assigns a six digit code number called a
FIPS (Federal Information Processing System) code or also
known as a NWR/SAME county code. The first digit identifies
subdivision. The next two identify the state or territory, and the
last three identify the county. For example the code for Clay
county Missouri is 029047. The“047” indicates the county, the
“29” indicates the state, and the “0” indicates the subdivision of
the county. In this case and most cases the code will have a zero
for the first digit, indicating that no subdivision is in use. The
NWS plans to introduce subdivisions of some counties in the
future, assigning digits 1 through 9 to the parts resulting in codes
like 529047.

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Acquiring FIPS codes for Your Area:
The FIPS codes can be found by calling the NWS toll free
number
1-888-NWS-SAME
(1-888-697-7263)
Automated instructions will guide you to the numbers you
need.
The FIPS codes and much more information can be found
by way of the Internet at www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/indexnw.htm
Note: You might want to obtain the codes for other counties
close to you or those you might frequently travel
through. The counties still must be within the coverage
area of your NWS broadcast.
This is what to expect when you call the NWS number.
You will be prompted to enter your state. We suggest
entering the entire state to expedite the process. Next you
will be prompted to enter the county. Again spell the entire
county. We suggest you locate several counties surrounding
you especially the county in the direction most of the storms
will be coming from. When you have entered the county,
the system will ask you to confirm what you entered is
correct. Be ready to write the number. The system tells you
the number fairly quick but you have the option to have it

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read back to you so you can get the whole number.
Remember the number will be six digits long.
Adjusting the Weather Frequency
Adjust your Weather Radio for the weather frequency for your
local area as follows:
Go to the internet web site of NOAA Weather Radio - County by
County Coverage @ www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/indexnw.htm.
Note the frequency for your local area. Find the channel number
that corresponds to your frequency. Turn on the WR-300 unit.
Press and release the “MENU” button. Press the “UP” arrow
until “WEATHER CHANNEL” is displayed. (This will
temporarily switch the WR-300 from standby to listen for
Weather Transmissions.)
To set the frequency channel. Press and release “SELECT” to
make the channel display flash, then press the “UP” button until
the channel of your National Weather Radio station shows on the
display. You should now hear the voice of the broadcast. If you
find there is more than one broadcast station in your area, be sure
that station will broadcast your county code. To confirm this
listen to the broadcast associated with the weekly test. During the
broadcast they will give a list of counties covered by the
transmitter.

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Channel Frequency
(MHz)
1 162.400
2 162.425
3 162.450
4 162.475
5 162.500
6 162.525
7 162.550
When you have selected the correct freqency channel, press and
release the SELECT button to continue programming. Press and
release the MENU button to end programming.
NOTE: If no program keys are pressed for about one minute the
WR-300 will exit the menu mode.
Changing the Alert Pattern
The alert tone is a high low alternating sound. The speed of the
tones depends on if the WR-300 received a watch or warning.
The alert pattern has two options available through the program
button, VOICE and SIREN. If VOICE is chosen, the alert will
sound for about 8 seconds then the voice weather broadcast will
be heard for about 5 minutes when an alert message is received. If
you desire to listen to the broadcast longer, press the
“WEATHER/HAZARD” bar on the front the WR-300.
If SIREN is chosen, alert tones will sound for five minutes or
until the ALERT ON/OFF button is pressed. To change the