Uniden WX500 User manual
REFERENCE GUIDE
WX500 web OM final.qxd 07/15/2002 4:30 PM Page 1
Precautions
Before you read anything else,
please observe the following:
Changes or modifications to this product not expressly
approved by Uniden, or operation of this product in any
way other than as detailed by this Reference Guide, could
void your authority to operate this product.
Uniden DOES NOT represent this unit to be waterproof.
To reduce the risk of fire or electrical shock, DO NOT
expose this unit to rain or moisture.
WX500 web OM final.qxd 07/15/2002 4:30 PM Page 2
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
About Your Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
About Emergency/Weather Alerts . . . . . . . . . . . 2
About FIPS Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Obtaining Your Areas FIPS Code(s) . . . . . . . . . 4
Taking Proper Care of Your Radio . . . . . . . . . . 5
Unpacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Setting Up the WX500 All Hazards/
Weather Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Battery Backup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Controls & Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Initial Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Clock Setting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Alarm Clock Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
NWS Broadcast Channel Setting . . . . . . . . . . . 14
FIPS Code Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Alert Type Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Backlight Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Using the All Hazards/Weather Radio . . . . . . . 20
Testing the Weather Alert Radio. . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
One-Year Extended Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
Getting
Started
Operation
Initial Settings
Troubleshooting
Specifications
WX500 web OM final.qxd 07/15/2002 4:30 PM Page 3
1
About Your Radio
Traditional weather radios receive NOAA's weather broadcast (usually
within a 50-mile radius) then sound an alarm of any emergency code
which was transmitted along with the broadcast. This means that people
who live outside an affected area are often alerted even when their area
is not affected, causing many of them to ignore potentially real
emergency/weather warnings that can save lives.
In 1994, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (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 an emergency and the
specific geographic area (such as a county) affected by the emergency.
The WX500 was developed with the S.A.M.E. (Specific Area Message
Encoding) technology. This allows your radio to receive, interpret,
and display the information about the codes so you can determine
if the emergency might affect your area. Only S.A.M.E. compatible
emergency/weather radios are able to take advantage of this new
technology.
Each FIPS code identifies a specific geographic area (defined by the
National Weather Service), so your radio sounds an alert only when
an emergency/weather emergency is declared in those locations.
This helps you more efficiently track the emergency/weather conditions
in and around your area.
INTRODUCTION
WX500 web OM final.qxd 07/15/2002 4:30 PM Page 1
2
Your new radio is equipped with the following features:
■7 Preprogrammed National Weather Service Broadcast Channels
■Programmable Emergency/Weather Alert with S.A.M.E. Technology
■Liquid Crystal Display for Alert Description
■Backlit Display
■20 Programmable Area Codes
■3 Alert Modes (Display, Tone, Voice)
■Multiple Alert Display Capability
■Alarm Clock with Snooze
■Battery Backup Power Source
About Emergency/Weather Alerts
When the WX500 receives an emergency/weather alert:
It sounds an alert tone.
A description of the alert appears.
An indicator on the front of the radio illuminates.
The alert descriptions your radio can display are based on a list of
specific emergency/weather alert types published by the NWS.
For a list of all the alert descriptions that your radio can display, see
NWS Emergency/Weather Alert Event Code descriptions on pages 22 - 23.
Caution: The NWS uses sophisticated models to determine an
alerts effective time. However, the end of an alert does
not necessarily mean that the related emergency is over.
If the radio receives more than one emergency/weather
alert at the same time, it displays information about
each alert.
WX500 web OM final.qxd 07/15/2002 4:30 PM Page 2
3
About FIPS Codes
For the purpose of broadcasting emergency/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 subdivision,
the next two digits identify the state,
and the last three digits identify the
county or parish.
Your radio can receive all S.A.M.E. alert signals broadcasted within about
a 50-mile radius of where you installed it. To receive S.A.M.E. alerts and
broadcasts about emergencies/weather occurring only in particular
counties within that area, you can program up to 20 FIPS codes into the
radios 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.
Most FIPS codes begin with 0, which means that FIPS code
represents an entire county. The NWS, however, eventually
plans to subdivide some large counties. When that
happens, each subdivision will be assigned a digit from 1-
9, resulting in codes such as 148439, 248439, and so on.
WX500 web OM final.qxd 07/15/2002 4:30 PM Page 3
4
Obtaining Your Areas FIPS Code(s)
To obtain the FIPS code for the location where you installed your radio,
contact the NWS toll free at 1-888-NWR-SAME (1-888-697-7263).
Visit their website: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/indexnw.htm
If you call the NWS, follow the instructions you hear.
Hint:
Since you can program up to 20 FIPS codes into the radios
memory, you might want to obtain the codes for other local areas
(as long as those areas are within a 50 mile radius of your local
NWS broadcast station). That way, you can program those codes
into the radio and receive broadcasts covering those locations, too.
If you are close to a county or parish line, you might want
to obtain the codes for the nearby counties or parishes.
WX500 web OM final.qxd 07/15/2002 4:30 PM Page 4
5
Taking Proper Care of Your Radio
■Do not use the radio in high-moisture environments such as the
kitchen or bathroom.
■Avoid placing the unit in direct sunlight, near heating elements,
or vents.
■Do not plug the radio into an outlet controlled by a wall switch as
prolonged periods without power causes the clock to reset.
Unpacking
Carefully check the contents against this list:
■WX500 Radio with built-in telescopic antenna
■AC Adaptor (Model AC500)
■Cigarette Lighter Adaptor (Model DC500)
■This Reference Guide and other printed materials
☞If any items are missing or damaged, contact the
Uniden Parts Department at (800) 554-3988. Hours
are from 7:00a.m. to 5:00p.m. Monday through Friday,
Central Time. We may also be reached at:
www.uniden.com.
☞Complete and mail your Registration Form immediately.
☞Read this Reference Guide thoroughly before operating
the radio.
WX500 web OM final.qxd 07/15/2002 4:30 PM Page 5
6
Setting Up the WX500 All Hazards/Weather Radio
1. Plug the AC adaptor into an outlet and into the WX500. Make sure
that the outlet is not controlled by a switch that is turned OFF.
2. Install the 9V Backup Battery by removing the battery compartment
cover and snapping the battery onto the terminals.
3. If you would like to program your radio to receive Alerts only for
certain areas, determine the SAME codes you need. SAME codes for
your area can be found using the National Weather Service toll-free
phone number or the NOAA website. Phone: 1-888-NWR-SAME
(1-888-697-7263) Web: http://205.156.54.206/nwr/indexnw.htm
(a branch from http://www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr)
NOTE: If the radio will be located close to a county or parish
boundary lines, you may want to program SAME codes for
the nearby areas.
GETTING STARTED
WX500 web OM final.qxd 07/15/2002 4:30 PM Page 6
7
4. Determine the best Emergency/Weather Channel to use in your area.
The best channel for your area is listed on the NOAA website at:
http://205.156.54.206/nwr/indexnw.htm along with the SAME codes,
or at http://205.156.54.206/nwr/nwrbro.htm. Or, you can turn the
Emergency/Weather Radio and NWR broadcast ON, enter the Menu,
and change the CHANNEL until you find the broadcast with the best
reception.
5. Enter the Menu (menu key) and use the 3,4,5,6 and select
key if you would like to change the user-programmed settings.
Channel Number NOAA Frequency (MHz)
1 162.550
2 162.400
3 162.475
4 162.425
5 162.450
6 162.500
7 162.525
WX500 web OM final.qxd 07/15/2002 4:30 PM Page 7
8
Battery Backup
Battery backup capability allows the WX500 to operate for a limited time
when AC power is not available. During AC power loss, all radio features
are available, but turning the Emergency/Weather Radio OFF will
conserve the battery. Remove the battery if the WX500 will not be
plugged in for an extended period of time. Without AC or Battery Backup
power, the Clock time will be lost, but all other programmed information
will be kept.
WX500 will sound a Low Battery tone at the time that a low battery
condition is detected. After the tone, the Low Battery Icon will turn
ON to indicate that the Backup Battery needs replacement.
WX500 web OM final.qxd 07/15/2002 4:30 PM Page 8
9
Controls & Functions
1. LCD Display Displays time, channel, frequency, and functions.
2. Green Indicator Indicates that a Statement type of alert broadcast is in
effect. Refer to the alert table for details.
3. Yellow Indicator Indicates that a Watch type of alert broadcast is in effect.
Refer to the alert table for details.
4. Red Indicator Indicates that a Warning type of alert broadcast is in effect.
Refer to the alert table for details.
5. Antenna
6. 56Key With more than one NWR Alert active, forces a change of
the display to the next active Alert. During Menu
operation, changes the current Menu item.
7. 34 Key While setting the Clock time, the Alarm time, or a SAME
code during Menu operation, moves to the previous/next
field (for example, moving from Minutes to AM/PM).
8. menu Key Enters and exits the Main Menu. Returns to a previous
menu while using Sub-menus.
9. select Key During Menu operations, selects the current menu or
accepts the current setting.
10. weather/snooze Turns the NWR broadcast (speaker) ON and OFF.
When Alarm Clock tones are being heard, stops the tones
WX500 web OM final.qxd 07/15/2002 4:30 PM Page 9
10
and sets the Alarm Clock tones to start again in 8 minutes
(press any other key to reset the Alarm until the alarm
time is reached again).
11. volume/on/off Turns the Weather Radio's receiver ON and OFF.
Sets the Volume level for NWR broadcasts. The receiver
must be ON in order to use the Weather button or to
receive alerts.
12. Speaker
NOTE: If the Emergency/Weather Radio is turned OFF while alert messages
are active, the active alerts will be deleted.
NOTE: When the WX500 is sounding NWR Alert tones, buttons do
not perform their normal functions. Instead, they stop the
Alert tones.
1. 14-Segment Characters : Displays Time, Alert information, and Menus
2. Low Battery Icon : Indicates when the Backup Battery needs to be
changed.
3. Menu Icon : Indicates Menu programming is active.
4. NOAA Icon : Shown when the Weather Radio receiver is ON,
extinguished when the Weather Radio is OFF.
5. Tone Icon : Indicates that the Alert Method is set to TONE.
6. Voice Icon : Indicates that the Alert Method is set to VOICE.
7. Alarm Icon : Indicates that the Alarm Clock is set to sound
Alarm tones.
If the NOAA icon is ON but the TONE and VOICE icons are OFF, the
Weather Receiver is available (ON) for listening to NWR broadcasts and
the Alert Method is DISPLAY (Alerts will be displayed, but no Alert tones
will be sounded).
WX500 web OM final.qxd 07/15/2002 4:30 PM Page 10
11
Initial Settings
There are six menu options that you must set up prior to proper
operation.
To do this, press the menu key. Use the 5/6keys to change the six
menu options.
Setting Default
Clock Time (TIME) 12:00 AM
Alarm (ALARM) OFF
Channel (CHANNEL) 1 (162.550 MHz)
SAME code (SAME SET) ANY
Alert type (ALT TYPE) VOICE
Backlight mode (LIGHT) SAVE
To exit the menu mode, press menu repeatedly.
Each of these options are described in more detail following this
introduction.
WX500 web OM final.qxd 07/15/2002 4:30 PM Page 11
12
Clock Setting
When you first apply power or when there is a power outage without the
battery backup, the current time on the display will not be correct.
To set the current time:
1. Press menu.
2.
TIME
appears on the display.
3. Press select.
4. Enter the time by pressing the 3, 4, 5, and 6keys.
5. Press select to complete the entry. The display goes back to the
Menu mode.
WX500 web OM final.qxd 07/15/2002 4:30 PM Page 12
13
Alarm Clock Setting
As an additional feature, the WX500 has an audible alarm clock.
Before setting this feature, set the clock to the current time.
(See page 12.)
1. Press the menu key.
2. Press 5/6until
ALARM
appears.
3. Press select for setting the Alarm Clock.
4. Press 5/6to choose the
Alarm Clock Setting. If you do
not want to set the Alarm Clock,
select
OFF
. The display goes
back to the menu mode.
5. If you select
ON
; enter the
time by pressing the 5/6
keys. To scroll more quickly (in
15 minute increments), press
and hold 5/6for more than
5 seconds.
6. To move to the next digit press 3/4.
7. To exit press the menu key.
WX500 web OM final.qxd 07/15/2002 4:30 PM Page 13
14
NWS Broadcast Channel Setting
Your radio is preprogrammed with the seven National Weather Service
broadcast frequencies (Channel 1-7). Depending on your location, you
may be able to receive more than one channel with clear reception.
The first time you use your radio, Channel 1 (162.550 MHz) is
automatically set as your emergency/weather channel. Depending
on your location, you may be able to receive this channel. To check
or change channels, perform the following steps.
1. Turn the on/off/volume control until it clicks. The NOAA icon will
appear in the display.
2. Press weather/snooze.
3. Adjust the volume control to a comfortable listening level. You may
hear the emergency/weather broadcast on the initially selected
channel. If not or if you wish to select another channel, continue on.
Otherwise stop here. Your channel is set.
4. Press menu.
5. Press 5/6until
CHANNEL
appears.
6. Press select.
7. Press 5/6to scroll through the list of channels. The channel
number and the corresponding frequency appear in the display.
If you receive more than one channel, select the one that has the
clearest audio.
8. Press select again to complete the entry.
CH No. Frequency (MHz)
1 162.550
2 162.400
3 162.475
4 162.425
5 162.450
6 162.500
7 162.525
WX500 web OM final.qxd 07/15/2002 4:30 PM Page 14
15
FIPS Code Setting
The 6-digit Federal Information Processing System (FIPS) code
established by the National Weather Service (NWS) identifies geographic
areas in the United States. Programming FIPS code is necessary to
receive S.A.M.E. alerts about emergencies/weather occurring in a
particular area.
To set FIPS codes:
1. Press menu and toggle 5/6until
SAME SET
appears in
the display.
2. Press select.
3. Press 5/6to select
SINGLE
,
MULTIPLE
, or
ANY
.
or:
If you select
ANY
, press select. This completes the entry.
The display returns to menu mode.
If you select
SINGLE
,
a) Press select. Then enter the FIPS code that you want to be
monitoring.
b) Press select and the display returns to menu mode.
If you select
MULTIPLE
,
a) Press select.
SAME 1
appears in the display. If you do not
want to see or change the first FIPS caode, use 5/6to choose
another location.
b) Press select again and the first digit of the FIPS code starts
flashing, indicating that the code is ready to be edited.
c) Press the 5/6, 3/4keys to enter the code and
press select again.
d) Repeat the above steps in any or all memory locations using the
5/6to select another location.
e) To exit this mode, press menu key until
SAME SET
appears in the display.
WX500 web OM final.qxd 07/15/2002 4:30 PM Page 15
16
Option Description:
ANY FIPS When this option is selected, your radio receives the alert
signals of any FIPS codes whether you have programmed
them or not.
SINGLE When this option is selected, your radio only receives the
alert signals corresponding to the FIPS code that you
enter.
MULTIPLE When this option is selected, your radio receives the alert
signals corresponding to the FIPS code that you program
in any of the 20 memory locations.
6. To turn OFF the radio, turn the on/off/volume control until it clicks.
Your radio will continue to function as an Alarm Clock. The selected
settings remain for the next time the radio is turned ON
WX500 web OM final.qxd 07/15/2002 4:30 PM Page 16
17
Alert Type Setting
When the All Hazards/Weather Radio is ON, this setting determines how
WX500 will communicate screened NWR Alert messages. For all three
selections, the 5 most recent Alerts, along with Severity and Time of the
Message Expiration, will be shown on the display.
DISPLAY: Upon receiving a screened NWR Alert, only the Alert and
Alert Severity displays will be affected. No Alert tones will
sound and the broadcast will not be heard unless you
press the weather/snooze key.
VOICE: Upon receiving a screened NWR Alert, an alert tone
will sound for about 8 seconds. After the alert tone, the
WX500 will automatically turn ON the emergency/weather
broadcast (speaker). You will hear the broadcast until the
NWR End-of-Message code is received or until you turn the
broadcast OFF. The WX500 automatically selects the
VOICE Alert Type the first time you turn it ON.
TONE: Upon receiving a screened NWR Alert, an alert tone will
sound for up to 15 minutes. A press of any key will stop
the Alert tone. The broadcast will not be heard unless you
press the weather/snooze key.
WX500 web OM final.qxd 07/15/2002 4:30 PM Page 17
Other Uniden Weather Radio manuals
