Radio Shack 12-519 User manual

12-519
User’s Guide
Thank you for purchasing your All-Hazards Weather Alert Clock Radio with
Skywarn from RadioShack. Please read this user’s guide before installing, setting
up, and using your new weather radio.
All-Hazards Weather Alert Clock Radio with Skywarn

2
Contents
Contents
Package Contents ........................................................................................................ 3
Features......................................................................................................................... 3
Setup ..................................................................................................................4
Understanding Your Radio ............................................................................................ 4
Power your Radio .......................................................................................................... 6
Install Backup Batteries............................................................................................. 6
Use the Antenna............................................................................................................ 7
Basic Operation.................................................................................................. 8
Set the Clock ................................................................................................................. 8
Set the Alarm................................................................................................................. 8
When the Alarm Sounds ........................................................................................... 8
Using the Radio ............................................................................................................. 8
Set Radio Station Memory........................................................................................9
Using the Weather Radio .........................................................................................9
Set Weather Channel Memory.................................................................................. 9
Viewing Weather Alerts .......................................................................................... 10
Receiving Alerts for Specific Areas ......................................................................... 10
Using Skywarn ............................................................................................................. 10
Programming Skywarn Channels into Memory ...................................................... 11
Advanced Operation........................................................................................ 12
Changing Radio Settings ............................................................................................ 12
Turning Audible Alerts ON or OFF ............................................................................. 15
Connecting an External Alert...................................................................................... 15
Restoring Factory Default Settings ............................................................................. 15
Additional Information ..................................................................................... 16
NWS Alert Descriptions .............................................................................................. 16
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ........................................................................... 19
Specifications............................................................................................................... 22
Care ............................................................................................................................. 22
Service and Repair....................................................................................................... 22
FCC Information .......................................................................................................... 23
Limited Warranty ......................................................................................................... 24

3
Package Contents
• Radio • AC Adapter
• BNC-to-Phono Adapter
• User’s Guide • Quick Start
Features
• Multifunctional design: alarm clock, radio, and weather radio
• Receive FM, AM, seven NOAA weather channels, and Skywarn reports.
• Digital SAME technology.
• Programmed with all U.S. states and counties.
• Sixteen alert volume levels.
• Separate daytime and night time alert volume settings.
• Different color LEDs indicate if the alert is a warning (red), watch (orange), or
advisory (yellow).
• Alert reminder lets you know if you’ve missed an incoming transmission.
• Alert notifications display as text and can sound as tone or tone with voice.
• Auxiliary input enables you to play an MP3 player or other device through
the radio speakers.
• Dual alarm clock can be set for two people to wake up at different times.
• Choose an alarm to wake you up: FM, AM, or alarm tone.
• Battery indicators.
• 60-hour battery backup.
• Recharges Ni-MH rechargeable batteries.
• Bilingual display: English or Spanish.

4
Setup
Setup
Understanding Your Radio
DC 12V
Connect the AC adapter.
ALERT OUT
Connect to a
compatible external
alert device with a
3.5mm phono plug.
AUX INPUT
Connect to an
external audio
source.
ALERT ON/OFF
Turn audible alerts
on or off.
ALARM1 SET/ON/OFF,
ALARM2 SET/ON/OFF
Turn the alarm on /off or set
alarm.
Right Panel Back Panel
SNOOZE
Pause the alarm
for 15 minutes.
Telescopic Antenna
Adjust to receive best
signal reception.
Alert Indicators
ADVISORY/WATCH/WARNING
•Flashes for 60 seconds when the alert
begins, then lights for the duration of
the alert.
•Alternating flashes indicate loss of
weather signal.

5
Setup
Menu and
,,,
•Set time and
choose radio
stations.
•Navigate and
adjust menu
items.
Number Buttons
Enter FIPS code or Skywarn channel
frequency.
SELECT
Confirm
settings.
AUX
Listen to an
external audio
source. AUX
appears.
M1 – M5
Radio station
memory
locations.
Manual/Scan/Program/Enter
Refer to “Using Skywarn” on page 10.
CLOCK
Press and hold
to set the clock.
/
Increase/decrease
volume.
FM/AM/ WX
SKYWARN
Select a band.
n Note: The power source must supply 12V DC and deliver at least 400mA. Its
center tip must be set to positive and its plug must fit the DC 12V jack. Using
an adapter that does not meet these specifications could damage the radio or
adapter.

6
Setup
Power your Radio
Connect the supplied AC adapter to the DC 12 V jack and plug in to a
standard household outlet.
Install Backup Batteries
1. Open the battery compartment cover.
2. Slide the RCH/ALK switch to RCH for
rechargeable or ALK for alkaline backup
batteries.
3. Install six AA alkaline or Ni-MH rechargeable
batteries (neither supplied). Insert batteries
as indicated by the polarity symbols (+ and –)
marked inside.
nNotes:
• flashes when the rechargeable batteries
are charging, will appear when charging is
finished. Charging can take up to 30 hours.
• If the radio’s power supply is switched from AC to battery operation, the
three alert LEDs will blink for 3 minutes.
b Battery Notes:
• When or displays, replace the batteries.
• Use only fresh batteries of the required size and type.
• Dispose of old batteries promptly and properly. Do not burn or bury them.
• Do not mix old and new batteries, different types of batteries (standard,
alkaline, or rechargeable), or rechargeable batteries of different capacities.
• If you do not plan to use your radio for a long period, remove the batteries.
Batteries can leak chemicals that may damage electronic parts.
RCH/ALK
Recycle Rechargeable Batteries
Placing rechargeable batteries in the trash can be harmful to the environment. Instead,
recycle old rechargeable batteries at your local RadioShack store free of charge.
RadioShack participates in the RBRC©battery recycling program, and is committed to
preserving the environment and conserving natural resources. Call 1-800-THE-SHACK (1-800-843-
7422) for more information.

7
Basic Operation
Use the Antenna
2. If needed, connect the supplied BNC-to-phono adapter to the phono/RCA
plug from your antenna.
3. Connect the external antenna (Follow the installation instructions that came
with your external antenna.)
For better reception, you can install an external antenna to your radio.
1. Pull out the installed telescopic antenna.
Telescopic Antenna
External Antenna
BNC-to-Phono Adapter
Phono/RCA plug

8
Basic Operation
Basic Operation
Set the Clock
1. If necessary, press CLOCK to switch to clock
mode.
2. Briefly hold CLOCK until the hour digits flash.
3. Use ,,,to set the hour, minute and AM/PM.
4. After setting clock , press CLOCK or SELECT to confirm and exit.
Set the Alarm
1. Slide ALARM 1 or ALARM 2 to SET.
2. Press ,,, to set the alarm hour, minute, and alarm source (buzzer
loudness / / or FM/ AM).
3. After setting the alarm, slide ALARM 1 or ALARM 2 to ON/OFF to confirm
and exit.
4. To turn the alarm on, slide ALARM 1/ ALARM 2 to ON. To turn it off, slide
ALARM 1/ ALARM 2 to OFF.
When the Alarm Sounds
• The alarm will sound for 2 hours at the set time.
• To pause the alarm for 15 minutes, press SNOOZE.
• When the alarm time expires, the alarm will sound again the next day at the
same time.
nNote: The radio automatically exits setting mode if you do not press any
button for 15 seconds while setting the alarm or clock.
Using the Radio
Press AM or FM to enter radio mode.
Manual Scan – Press or to find a station.
Auto Scan – Briefly hold or until the channels start to change rapidly. The
radio automatically stops when it finds a station. If no station is found, the radio
will continue scanning.

9
Basic Operation
Set Radio Station Memory
1. Press AM or FM to toggle between AM1, AM2,
FM1 or FM2. The selected band indicator
appears on the left side of the display.
2. Press or to find a station.
3. Briefly hold a memory button (M1–M5) until the selected memory indicator
(M1–M5) appears on the right side of the display.
You can store up to five channels each for AM1, AM2, FM1, and FM2.
4. To listen to a preset station, press AM or FM to toggle between AM1,
AM2, FM1 or FM2, then press one of memory buttons M1–M5.
Using the Weather Radio
Press WX to listen to the weather radio. The radio will select the last channel
used.
Manual Scan – Press WX, then press or .
Auto Scan – Press WX and then briefly hold
or until the channels start to change. The
radio stops when it finds the channel with strongest
signal strength.
n Notes:
• All seven NOAA weather channels are preprogrammed on your radio. If the
radio cannot find a signal, it will keep scanning.
•If the weather signal is lost, WARNING and ADVISORY alert indicators
flash alternately, and WATCH indicator lights.
• If you are having trouble finding a weather signal, try adjusting the antenna
or moving the radio to a different location. You may need to install an
external antenna. See “External Antenna” on page 7.
• If the radio has not received a SAME alert signal (including test or demo
signals) for 10 days or longer, a warning message will scroll on the display:
“10 days have lapsed since last message received. Check
reception.” See “How do I test my radio?” on page 20.

10
Basic Operation
Set Weather Channel Memory
While the radio is on the desired channel, press and hold M1 to M5 until
the selected memory indicator (M1–M5) is displayed. You can store up to five
channels.
To listen to a channel from memory, press M1–M5 while in weather radio
mode.
Viewing Weather Alerts
You can view the last four different weather alerts received by the radio. When
an alert is received, the alert description scrolls across the display. If multiple
alerts are received, press or to view them in order. The first description is
always the newest and descriptions are shown in chronological order. Example:
1) Flash Flood Watch 0:15
2) Hurricane Watch 1:15
Receiving Alerts for Specific Areas
When an emergency event happens, the National Weather Service (NWS)
broadcasts a SAME code indicating the affected region along with the alert
signal. You can program your weather radio to alert you for events in up to ten
regions.
1. Press MENU, then press or to scroll to SAME Code.
2. Press or to select Multiple. Press SELECT.
3. Press SELECT to choose Location #1.
4. Press SELECT to choose Edit By Name.
5. Press or to choose your state and press SELECT.
6. Press or to choose your county and press SELECT.
7. Press MENU to return to the location menu.
8. Press to go to Location #2.
9. Repeat steps 4 – 8 to program additional locations.
nNotes:
• If you want to program only one location, choose Single at step 2.
• For more information see “SAME Code” on page 13 and “What are FIPS codes
and SAME signals?” on page 19.

11
Basic Operation
Skywarn
About Skywarn
Many areas of the country have amateur radio repeaters that have been
designated as “Skywarn” repeaters. During times of severe weather, these
repeaters are used to relay reports of severe weather directly to meteorologists
at a local National Weather Service forecast office. Using the Skywarn feature
in your radio, you can easily jump to your local Skywarn frequency and monitor
these reports, in many cases hearing about severe weather in your area
instantly as it occurs.
nNote: If you tune to a Skywarn frequency when the Skywarn net is not
active, you may hear nothing, or you may hear amateur radio operators talking
on a local repeater system.
Programming Skywarn Channels into Memory
Before using the Skywarn function, you must
store Skywarn channels into the memory.
Visit RadioReference.com to find the Skywarn
frequencies used in your area. You can store up to
20 Skywarn frequencies into memory.
Press Skywarn to enter the Skywarn mode, the radio will select the last channel
used.
1. Press Program and use or to scroll to the desired channel number
(1-20).
2. Use the number keys to enter a 6-digit frequency.
3. Press Enter to confirm.
Using Skywarn
To listen to a stored channel:
Press Manual and use or to find desired channel. Press Enter to confirm.
Or, press Scan to auto scan the stored Skywarn channels.

12
Advanced Operation
Advanced Operation
Changing Radio Settings
1. Press MENU then press or to scroll through the features menu. A feature
and one of its options appears. Feature
Feature option
2. Press or to view the feature’s
options.
3. Press SELECT at the feature you want.
An asterisk (*) appears next to the
selected feature.
4. Press MENU to exit or return to a
previous level.
Feature Options
Select
Channel
• Auto – the radio will scan for the best weather channel
(strongest signal strength) automatically after power on.
• Manual – the radio will return to the current weather
radio channel after power on.
Alert Mode • Tone – when an alert is received, an alert tone will sound
for 5 minutes. Pressing any key stops the alert.
• Voice – when an alert is received, an alert tone will
sound for 10 seconds, then an audio broadcast for 5
minutes.
Alert
Reminder
If no key is pressed when the radio receives an alert, the
radio will sound a reminder message every 30 seconds until
the effective alert time expires.
• On – turns on the alert reminder.
• Off – turns off the alert reminder.

13
Advanced Operation
Feature Options
Signal
Reminder
When a weather channel is not detected and there is no key
pressed, the radio will sound a reminder message.
• On – turns on the signal reminder.
• Off – turns off the signal reminder.
When the signal reminder sounds, you can press any button
to mute it.
nNotes:
• If the signal is lost, WARNING and ADVISORY alert
indicators flash alternately, and WATCH indicator lights.
• Press any button to mute signal loss reminder alert. If a
signal is detected but lost within 10 minutes, then the
reminder won’t sound.
SAME Code You can set your weather radio to alert for events affecting
all regions, a single region, or multiple regions.
• All – the radio will alert for all regions within the
broadcast area.
• Single – the radio will alert only for Location 1.
• Edit By Name – select your state and county.
• Edit By FIPS – use number button to key in 6-digit
FIPS code.
• Delete? – clear current memory location.
• Multiple – the radio will alert for events in any of the
programmed regions.
• Edit By Name – select your state and county.
• Edit By FIPS – use number button to key in 6-digit
FIPS code.
• Delete? – clear current memory location.
nNotes:
• For more information see “Receiving Alerts for Specific
Areas” on page 10 and “What are FIPS codes and SAME
signals?” on page 19.
• When you key in FIPS code, you can press or to
select the digit you want to change.

14
Advanced Operation
Feature Options
Set Alert You can turn off audio alert for specific alert events.
Press or to scroll through the events and press SELECT
to turn the alert tone on or off. See “NWS Alert Descriptions” on
page 16 for a list of alert events.
nNote: Some events cannot be turned off.
Set
Language
Select either English or Spanish.
Alert Vol-Day • Press or to adjust volume level for the hours
between 6 AM to 10 PM. *
Alert Vol-
Night
• Press or to adjust volume level for the hours
between 10 PM to 6 AM.*
Backlight Select from three brightness levels: High,Mid,or Low
nNote: If the radio is powered by the AC adapter, the
backlight will stay on all the time. But if radio is powered
by battery, the backlight will turn off automatically after 10
seconds.
* n Note: To avoid missing alerts, always set the volume level at maximum
volume.

15
Advanced Operation
Turning Audible Alerts On or Off
• To enable audible alerts, slide ALERT ON/OFF to ON.
• To disable audible alerts, slide ALERT ON/OFF to OFF.
nNotes:
• You must slide ALERT ON/OFF to OFF while your radio is powered on,
or the change will not take effect. This prevents accidentally switching off
alerts.
• Even if you’ve turned off audible alerts, the backlight will still light up and
the event message will scroll on the display until the effective time expires.
Connecting an External Alert
Connect a compatible external alerting device such as a pillow shaker or a
flasher to the ALERT OUT jack. The external device can be up to 200mA with a
3.5mm phono plug (not supplied).
Your radio passes alerts to the external device. The alert turns off automatically
when the alert period ends or is manually reset by pressing SNOOZE.
Restoring Factory Default Settings
1. Unplug the AC adapter and remove the backup batteries.
2. While holding down MENU, plug the AC adapter into an outlet. Keep
holding MENU until “Reset to default Completed” is shown on the
display.
3. Unplug and then plug in the AC adapter again and install batteries.

16
Advanced OperationAdditional Info
Additional Information
NWS Alert Descriptions
Event Code Level Default
Administrative message Advisory Off
Avalanche Watch Watch On
Avalanche Warning Warning On
Biological Hazard Warning Warning On*
Boil Water Warning Warning On
Blizzard Warning Warning On
Child Abduction Emergency Advisory On
Civil Danger Warning Warning On*
Civil Emergency Message Warning On*
Coastal Flood Watch Watch On
Coastal Flood Warning Warning On
Chemical Hazard Warning Warning On*
Contaminated Water Warning Warning On*
Dam Watch Watch On
Dam Break Warning Warning On*
Contagious Disease Warning Warning On*
Practice/Demo Advisory Off
Dust Storm Warning Warning On
Emergency Action Notification Warning On*
Emergency Action Termination Advisory On*
Earthquake Warning Warning On*
Immediate Evacuation Warning On*
Evacuation Watch Watch On
Food Contamination Warning Warning On*
Flash Flood Watch Watch On
Flash Flood Statement Advisory On
Flash Flood Warning Warning On
Flood Watch Watch On
Flood Statement Advisory On

17
Advanced OperationAdditional Info
Event Code Level Default
Flood Warning Warning On
Fire Warning Warning On
Flash Freeze Warning Warning On
Freeze Warning Warning On
Hurricane Statement Advisory On
Hazardous Materials Warning Warning On*
Hurricane Watch Watch On
Hurricane Warning Warning On*
High Wind Watch Watch On
High Wind Warning Warning On
Iceberg Warning Warning On
Industrial Fire Warning Warning On*
Local Area Emergency Advisory On*
Law Enforcement Warning Warning On*
Land Slide Warning Warning On*
National Audible Test Advisory Off
National Information Center Advisory Off
Network Notification Message Advisory Off
National Periodic Test Advisory Off
National Silent Test Advisory Off
Nuclear Power Plant Warning Warning On*
Power Outage Advisory Advisory On
Radiological Hazard Warning Warning On*
Required Monthly Test Advisory Off
Required Weekly Test Advisory Off †
Special Marine Warning Warning On
Special Weather Statement Advisory On
Shelter In-Place Warning Warning On*
Severe Thunderstorm Watch Watch On
Severe Thunderstorm Warning Warning On
Severe Weather Statement Advisory On
Tornado Watch Watch On

18
Advanced OperationAdditional Info
Event Code Level Default
911 Telephone Outage Emergency Advisory On
Tornado Warning Warning On*
Tropical Storm Watch Watch On
Tropical Storm Warning Warning On*
Tsunami Watch Watch On*
Tsunami Warning Warning On*
Transmitter Backup On Advisory Off
Transmitter Carrier Off Advisory Off
Transmitter Carrier On Advisory Off
Transmitter Primary On Advisory Off
Volcano Warning Warning On*
Wild Fire Watch Watch On
Wild Fire Warning Warning On*
Winter Storm Watch Watch On
Winter Storm Warning Warning On
Unrecognized Watch Watch On
Unrecognized Emergency Advisory On
Unrecognized Statement Advisory On
Unrecognized Warning Warning On*
n Notes:
* Alert is enabled permanently and cannot be selected or disabled.
† Test alerts you can use to ensure your local broadcasts are being
received.

19
Advanced OperationAdditional Info
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are FIPS codes and SAME signals?
The National Weather Service (NWS) precedes each weather alert with a
digitally encoded SAME (Specific Area Message Encoding) signal, then a 1050
Hz tone. The SAME signal includes a FIPS (Federal Information Processing
Standard) code and an event code that corresponds with the type of alert
being sent.
The FIPS code format is:
Subdivisions State County
0-9
(0=entire area)
01-50
(00=all states)
XXX
(000=all counties)
Example: 048439
(0=All; 48=Texas; 439=Tarrant County)
To obtain the FIPS codes for your area, contact your local RadioShack store or
call the NWS toll free at 1-888-NWR-SAME (1-888-697-7263). You can also visit
the NWS website: www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/indexnw.htm.
nNote: Your weather radio comes pre-programmed with FIPS codes sorted
by state and county. Do not change your FIPS code unless you have confirmed
with the NWS. See “Receiving Alerts for Specific Areas” on page 10 for more
information.
What is an alert?
Your radio is preset to receive warnings, watches, and advisories from the
NWS. When an alert is received, a voice or tone alert sounds, and the alert
description and duration appear on the display. Alert descriptions are based
on a list of specific weather alert types published by NWS. For a list of alert
descriptions displayed on your Weather Alert Radio, refer to “NWS Alert
Descriptions” on page 16-18.
nNote: If severe weather is imminent, do not wait for an alert tone.
What are undefined or unrecognized alerts?
The NWS occasionally broadcasts weather information intended for
commercial or other non-public use, or creates and broadcasts new alert
types. If a signal for a new alert type is received and the alert is turned on,
UNRECOGNIZED and the alert description (warning, watch, or advisory)
displays.

20
Advanced OperationAdditional Info
How do I test my radio?
The NWS broadcast test alerts every week on Wednesday between 11 AM
and 1 PM. To find out the specific test schedule in your area, contact your
local NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) or the NWS
(National Weather Service). These offices are listed in most telephone books
or online at www.nws.noaa.gov. These test alerts are off by default. To change
your alert settings see “Set Alerts” on page 14.
wImportant: Clear reception of a weather broadcast signal does not
guarantee an emergency alert will trigger your radio’s alert function. The alert
function will only be triggered by an emergency alert when you program the
weather radio with the FIPS code for your area.
Multiple FIPS codes are stored, but why does the radio only respond to
alerts for one area?
Make sure your radio is set to MULTIPLE mode. See “SAME Code” on page
13.
Why is there no weather broadcast when I press WX?
• Make sure the telescoping antenna is fully extended.
• Make sure the radio is set to the weather channel broadcast in your area.
See “Select Channel” on page 12
What is the difference between a watch and a warning?
• A watch alerts you to potential severe weather approaching your area. It
doesn’t mean severe weather will occur, but that the right conditions exist
which could lead to severe storms. You should be prepared for deteriorating
weather.
• A warning states the severe weather is imminent or present in your vicinity.
You should immediately take precautions to protect yourself and your
family.
How can I adapt my weather alert radio for special needs?
You can use your weather alert radio with a universal interface or modules that
trigger a siren and/or flash lights when an alert is received. See “Connecting an
External Alert” on page 15 for more information.