Radio Shack Weatheradio User manual

Owner’s Manual Please read before using this equipment.
7-Channel
Portable SAME
Weatheradio®
with Alert

2
ˆ Contents
Features ................................................................. 5
How Your Radio Works ......................................... 6
Weather Alerts ................................................. 7
New Alert Types ........................................ 8
Understanding FIPS Codes ............................. 8
Obtaining Your Area’s FIPS Code(s) ........ 9
Preparation .......................................................... 11
Installing Batteries .......................................... 11
Using the Antenna ......................................... 12
Programming ....................................................... 13
Missed Alert Reminder Beep ......................... 17
Enabling/Disabling the Alert Tone .................. 18
Testing the Weatheradio ................................ 20
Manually Testing the Alert Tone .............. 21
Using the Weatheradio’s ‘All Signals’ Code ... 22
Operation ............................................................. 23
The Display Backlight ..................................... 23
Listening to Broadcasts .................................. 24
Using the Alert Function ................................. 24
When a Weather Alert Occurs ................ 25
©1999, 2000 RadioShack Corporation.
All Rights Reserved.
Weatheradio is a registered trademark used by RadioShack Corporation.

3
Reviewing Overlapping Alerts ................ 26
When a Test or Demo Alert Occurs ........ 26
Alert Descriptions ............................................... 28
Troubleshooting ................................................. 32
Care ............................................................... 34
Specifications ..................................................... 35
ˆ FCC Information
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules
.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference,
and (2) this device must accept any interference re-
ceived, including interference that may cause undes-
ired operation.
Product: 7 Channel SAME Weatheradio with Alert
Model: 12-254
Responsible
Party: RadioShack 100 Throckmorton
Fort Worth, TX 76102
Phone: [phone]

4
This equipment has been tested
and found to comply with the limits
for a Class B digital device, pursu-
ant to Part 15 of the
FCC Rules
.
These limits are designed to pro-
vide reasonable protection against harmful interfer-
ence in a residential installation. This equipment
generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency en-
ergy and, if not installed and used in accordance with
the instructions, may cause harmful interference to
radio communications.
THE FCC WANTS YOU TO KNOW
Your Weatheradio might cause TV or radio interfer-
ence even when it is operating properly. To determine
whether your Weatheradio is causing the interfer-
ence, turn off your Weatheradio. If the interference
goes away, your Weatheradio is causing it. Try to
eliminate the interference by moving your Weathera-
dio away from the TV or other radio.

5
Features
ˆ Features
Your RadioShack Weatheradio represents the latest
generation of weather alert technology. Your Weath-
eradio uses SAME (Specific Area Message Encod-
ing) circuitry to provide more complete information
about weather conditions in your immediate area, let-
ting you avoid hearing alerts for geographical areas
that do not affect you.
SAME Operation — lets you program up to 15 differ-
ent FIPS (Federal Information Processing System)
codes into the Weatheradio’s memory so your Weath-
eradio sounds an alert only when a weather emer-
gency is declared in those locations.
Display Backlight — makes the display easy to read
in low light situations.
Missed Alert Reminder Beep — assures you that
you do not miss an important weather alert by con-
tinuing to sound a chirp tone until the alert time ex-
pires.

6How Your Radio Works
ˆ How Your Radio Works
Traditional weather radios simply receive the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
weather broadcast (usually within a 50-mile radius)
then sound an alarm if an emergency code was trans-
mitted along with the broadcast. This means that peo-
ple who live outside an affected area are often alerted
even when their area is not affected, causing many of
them to ignore potentially real weather warnings that
can save lives.
In 1994, NOAA began broadcasting coded signals
called FIPS (Federal Information Processing System)
codes along with their standard weather broadcasts
from stations in your area. These codes identify the
type of emergency and the specific geographic area
(such as a county) affected by the emergency. Your
Weatheradio receives, interprets, and displays infor-
mation about the codes so you can determine if the
emergency might affect your area. Only SAME com-
patible weather radios (such as this Weatheradio)
are able to take advantage of this new technolo-
gy.
Each FIPS code identifies a specific geographic area
(defined by the National Weather Service), so your

7
How Your Radio Works
Weatheradio sounds an alert only when a weather
emergency is declared in that area. This helps you
more efficiently track the weather conditions in and
around your area.
WEATHER ALERTS
When the Weatheradio receives a weather alert:
• it sounds an alert beep
• it displays a description of the alert and the alert
duration
Note: If the Weatheradio receives more than one
weather alert at the same time, it displays information
for each alert in sequence.
The alert descriptions your Weatheradio can display
are based on a list of specific weather alert types pub-
lished by the NWS. For a list of all the alert descrip-
tions that your Weatheradio can display, see “Alert
Descriptions” on Page 28.
Warning: The NWS uses sophisticated weather
models to determine an alert’s effective time. Howev-
er, the end of an alert does not necessarily mean that
the related weather emergency is over.

8How Your Radio Works
New Alert Types
Your Weatheradio is designed to recognize all com-
mon weather alert types currently used by the NWS.
However, the NWS occasionally creates and broad-
casts new alert types (for which the Weatheradio’s
memory does not contain a specific, corresponding
description). If your Weatheradio receives a signal for
a new alert type, it is preset (if the alert function is
turned on) to display 81.12:1
81.12:181.12:1
81.12:1, the alert description,
((0(5*(1&
(0(5*(1&(0(5*(1&
(0(5*(1&, 67$7(017
67$7(01767$7(017
67$7(017, :$51,1*
:$51,1*:$51,1*
:$51,1*, or :$7&+
:$7&+:$7&+
:$7&+), and 781(
781(781(
781( 79
7979
79,
then sound a beeping alert.
UNDERSTANDING FIPS CODES
For the purpose of broadcasting weather information,
the NWS has divided the United States into regions
by state and county (or parish, where applicable) then
assigned a 6-digit FIPS code to identify each county
or parish. For example, the code for Tarrant County,
Texas, is 048439.
The first digit in a FIPS code identifies the county sub-
division, the next two digits identify the state, and the
last three digits identify the county or parish.
Note: Most FIPS codes begin with 0, which means
the code represents an entire county. The NWS, how-

9
How Your Radio Works
ever, plans to eventually subdivide some large coun-
ties. When that happens, each subdivision will be
assigned a digit from 1–9, resulting in codes such as
148439, 248439, and so on.
Your Weatheradio can receive all SAME alert signals
broadcast within about a 50-mile radius of where you
installed it. To receive SAME alerts and broadcasts
about weather occurring only in particular counties
within that area, you can program up to 15 FIPS
codes into the Weatheradio’s memory. For example,
this lets you avoid hearing an alert that applies to an
area within a 50-mile radius but not necessarily to
your county or parish.
Obtaining Your Area’s FIPS Code(s)
To obtain the FIPS code for the location where you in-
stalled your Weatheradio, contact your local
RadioShack store or call the NWS toll free at 1-888-
NWR-SAME (1-888-697-7263). If you call the NWS,
follow the instructions you hear.
You can also obtain a state/county list of all FIPS
codes by visiting the NWS website:
www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/
indexnw.htm#sametable

10 How Your Radio Works
Note: If you are close to a county or parish line, you
might want to obtain the codes for the nearby coun-
ties or parishes.
Hint: Since you can program up to 15 FIPS codes
into the Weatheradio’s memory, you might want to
obtain the codes for other local areas that you fre-
quently travel through (as long as those areas are
within a 50 mile radius of your location and within an
area covered by your local NWS broadcast station).
That way, you can program those codes into the
Weatheradio and receive broadcasts covering those
locations, too.

11
Preparation
ˆ Preparation
INSTALLING BATTERIES
Your radio uses three AA batteries for power. For the
best performance and longest life, we recommend
RadioShack alkaline batteries.
Warning: Dispose of old batteries promptly and prop-
erly; do not bury or burn them.
Cautions:
• Use only fresh batteries of the required size and
recommended type.
• Do not use rechargeable batteries in your Weath-
eradio.
• Never leave weak or dead batteries in the radio.
They can leak chemicals that can damage the
radio.
• If you do not plan to use your radio for several
weeks, remove the batteries.

12 Preparation
1. Turn off the radio by rotating
VOLUME counterclockwise until
it clicks.
2. Remove the battery compart-
ment cover by sliding it off in
the direction of the arrow.
3. Install three AA batteries as
indicated by the polarity sym-
bols (+ and –) marked inside the compartment.
4. Replace the cover.
When 5(3/$&(
5(3/$&(5(3/$&(
5(3/$&( then %$77(5<
%$77(5<%$77(5<
%$77(5< appears, the display
dims, or %$77
%$77%$77
%$77 /2:
/2:/2:
/2: appears when you turn on the radio,
replace the batteries.
USING THE ANTENNA
For the best reception at all times, fully extend the ra-
dio’s built in antenna and keep it vertical.

13
Programming
ˆ Programming
The first time you use your Weatheradio, it is preset
to use NOAA weather broadcast frequency 162.400
MHz (Channel 1), and to receive all SAME alert sig-
nals broadcast within a 50-mile radius.
Your Weatheradio is programmed with the seven
NOAA broadcast frequencies (Channels 1–7). De-
pending on your location, you might need to select a
different channel.
Follow these steps to select a NOAA weather fre-
quency, set the Alert Pattern, and enter FIPS codes in
the Weatheradio’s memory.
Notes:
• The Weatheradio will not receive a warning sig-
nal while it is in the programming mode.
• If you do not press a key for 45 seconds, the
Weatheradio stores all valid entries and exits the
programming mode. Set the PROGRAM/ALERT
switch to ALERT OFF or ALERT ON and then to
PROGRAM, and begin again.

14 Programming
• The Weatheradio sounds an error tone if you
make an invalid entry.
1. Turn on the Weatheradio by rotating VOLUME
clockwise until it clicks.
2. Set PROGRAM/ALERT to PROGRAM. The preset
weather channel number flashes on the display.
(If this frequency is correct for your area and you
hear the weather broadcast automatically, you
can skip to Step 5.)
3. Lift the front panel cover using the slotted indent
on either side.
4. Press a number key (1–7) to select the corre-
sponding numbered channel broadcasting in
your area. The Weatheradio displays the
selected channel.
Notes:
• If you receive a NOAA broadcast on more
than one channel, the one with the best recep-
tion
might not
be the one broadcasting infor-
mation for your location. Contact your local
RadioShack store or the NWS to find out
which frequency NOAA is using to broadcast

15
Programming
from the station nearest your location, then
select that channel.
5. Press YES to confirm the selected channel. The
Weatheradio beeps and 721(
721(721(
721( appears.
6. Press YES to select 721(
721(721(
721( mode. To select Voice
mode, press NO. 92,&(
92,&(92,&(
92,&( appears.
In Tone mode
, when NOAA broadcasts an alert,
the Weatheradio sounds an alert tone for about 5
minutes and displays the alert description until
the alert expires.
In Voice mode
, when NOAA broadcasts an alert,
the Weatheradio sounds an alert tone for about 8
seconds and displays the alert description. When
the alert tone stops, you hear the NOAA weather
broadcast for up to 5 minutes, then the Weath-
eradio returns to standby.
If you enabled the Missed Alert Reminder Beep,
the tone sounds every 10 seconds once the
broadcast ends until either the alert time expires,
you press any key, or move PROGRAM/ALERT.
See “Manually Testing the Alert Tone” on
Page 21.

16 Programming
7. Press YES twice to confirm your choice. $//
$//$//
$// /2&
/2&/2&
/2&
appears.
Select one of three FIPS code modes:
•$//#/2&
$//#/2&$//#/2&
$//#/2&: The Weatheradio receives all SAME
alert signals broadcast within about a 50-mile
radius.
•6,1*/(
6,1*/(6,1*/(
6,1*/(: The Weatheradio receives a SAME
alert signal for one FIPS code programmed in
memory Location 1.
•08/7,3/(
08/7,3/(08/7,3/(
08/7,3/(: The Weatheradio receives SAME
alert signals for up to 15 FIPS codes
programmed in multiple locations in the radio’s
memory.
8. To select $//
$//$//
$//#
###/2& /2&/2&
/2&, press YES. Otherwise, repeat-
edly press NO until the desired setting appears,
then press YES.
9. If you chose 6,1*/(
6,1*/(6,1*/(
6,1*/( mode, /2&
/2&/2&
/2& 4
444then 333333 333333333333
333333
appears.
Use the numbers on the keypad to enter a FIPS
code (such as 048439). The display flashes and
the numbers appear as they are entered. Then
press YES to confirm the entry.

17
Programming
10. If you chose 08/7,3/(
08/7,3/(08/7,3/(
08/7,3/( mode, /2&
/2&/2&
/2& 4
444appears, alter-
nating with 333333
333333333333
333333.
Enter a FIPS code (such as 048439). If you make
a mistake, press NO and enter the correct num-
ber. Otherwise, press YES to confirm the entry.
/2&
/2&/2&
/2& 5#
5#5#
5#then 333333
333333333333
333333 appears.
Repeat this step to enter up to 15 FIPS codes in
memory.
11. After you press YES to confirm the last FIPS code
entry, set PROGRAM/ALERT to ALERT ON or
ALERT OFF. The Weatheradio stores all valid
entries and exits the programming mode. Then
:($7+(5
:($7+(5:($7+(5
:($7+(5 and the corresponding alert status ($/57
$/57$/57
$/57
2))#
2))#2))#
2))#or $/57
$/57$/57
$/57 21
2121
21) appears.
MISSED ALERT REMINDER BEEP
This feature reminds you that you missed a weather
alert. To change or set the reminder beep, follow
these steps.
1. Set PROGRAM/ALERT to PROGRAM.
2. Press YES once. 721(#
721(#721(#
721(#appears.
3. Press YES again to cancel the reminder beep.

18 Programming
4. Press NO to keep the reminder beep on.
5. Press YES to store your selection.
Note: The reminder beep only operates once the
broadcast has ended.
ENABLING/DISABLING THE ALERT
TONE
You can turn the alert tone on or off for certain weath-
er alert types. For example, you can turn off the alert
tone for a volcano warning if you do not live near a
volcano.
Notes:
• The Weatheradio still detects and displays infor-
mation about alerts even after you disable the
tone for those alerts.
• If you set the Weatheradio so it turns itself on
when it receives a specific warning, disabling the
alert tone for that warning means that the Weath-
eradio will not turn itself on when it receives that
warning.

19
Programming
You can set the Weatheradio so it does not sound an
alert tone during
only
the following types of alerts:
1. Set PROGRAM/ALERT to PROGRAM.
2. Repeatedly press YES until the first alert type,
$9$/$1&+( :$51,1*
$9$/$1&+( :$51,1*$9$/$1&+( :$51,1*
$9$/$1&+( :$51,1*, appears.
3. Press NO to disable that alert type’s tone, or
press YES to enable the alert tone. The next
weather alert type appears.
Avalanche Warning Avalanche Watch
Blizzard Warning Coastal Flood Warning
Coastal Flood Watch Flash Flood Statement
Flash Flood Warning Flash Flood Watch
Flood Statement Flood Warning
Flood Watch High Wind Warning
High Wind Watch Hurricane Statement
Hurricane Watch Practice/Demo
Required Monthly Test Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Severe Weather Statement Special Marine Warning
Special Weather Statement Test Message
Volcano Warning Volcano Watch
Winter Storm Warning Winter Storm Watch
Unknown Statement

20 Programming
4. If desired, repeat Step 3 for all 27 alert types.
5. 6(/(&7
6(/(&76(/(&7
6(/(&7 then &+(&.
&+(&.&+(&.
&+(&. appears after you set the last
alert type. Press YES to review the alert tone sta-
tus for all 27 alert types, or press NO to store all
the settings without verification.
6. The Weatheradio returns to Weather channel
selection.
7. Set PROGRAM/ALERT to ALERT ON or ALERT
OFF.
TESTING THE WEATHERADIO
For your Weatheradio to be effective, you must place
it where it can receive an emergency alert broadcast
and where you can hear its alert tone.
In the United States, the NWS broadcasts a test alert
every week on Wednesday between 11 AM and 1
PM. To find out the specific test schedule in your ar-
ea, contact your local NOAA or NWS office. These of-
fices are usually listed in the telephone book under
US Government, Department of Commerce.
Important: The fact that you get clear reception of a
weather broadcast signal does
not
guarantee that an
emergency alert broadcast will trigger your Weathera-