AcuRite 08553W User Manual

CONTENTS

Unpacking Instructions ........... 2

Package Contents .................. 2

Product Registration ............... 2

Features & Benets ................. 3

Setup .................................... 4

Install or Replace Batteries...... 4

Power Dock ........................... 5

Quick Setup........................... 6

Set the SAME #/FIPS Code .... 6

Set the Channel ..................... 6

Set the Time Zone .................. 6

Set DST Preference ................ 6

Set the Time ........................... 7

Set the Date .......................... 7

Instruction Manual

Weather Alert Radio

models 08525 / 08535 /

08550W / 08551W /

08552W / 08553W

Manual Setup ........................ 7

Edit SAME/FIPS Code ........... 7

Edit the Channel ................... 7

Edit the Time & Date ............. 8

Edit Alerts ............................. 8

Placement Guidelines ............. 8

Using the Radio ..................... 9

Troubleshooting ....................10

Alert Descriptions .................. 11

Care & Maintenance .............14

Specications ........................14

FCC Information ...................14

Customer Support ................. 15

Warranty..............................15

Questions? Contact Customer Support at

[phone] or visit www.AcuRite.com.

SAVE THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

Congratulations on your new AcuRite product. To ensure the best
possible product performance, please read this manual in its entirety
and retain it for future reference.

Unpacking Instructions

Remove the protective lm that is applied to the LCD screen prior to using this
product. Locate the tab and peel off to remove.

Package Contents

1. Weather alert radio with removable belt clip

2. Power dock

3. AC power adapter

4. Instruction Manual

PRODUCT MUST BE REGISTERED

IMPORTANT

PRODUCT REGISTRATION

Register online

to receive 1 year

warranty protection

www.AcuRite.com

TO RECEIVE WARRANTY SERVICE

Register a Product

►

2

Features & Benets

MENU

READY

HISTORY
SILENCED AUTO ON

CH

Weather Radio

1. Current Channel

2. Alert Message Display Area
Displays alert type, alert issued,

and menu text.

3. Menu Mode Indicator

4. History Mode Indicator

Indicates previous alerts are being

reviewed.

5. Listen Mode: Silenced
Radio WILL NOT alert for

advisories or watches. Warnings
cannot be silenced.

6. Menu Button

7. Navigation Button

8. Speaker

9. Power Dock

10. Yellow Light: Advisory

11. Lanyard / Attachment Point

12. Orange Light: Watch

13. Headphone Jack

14. Red Light: Warning

15. Volume Control Buttons

16. Radio Ready Indicator

Indicates optimal channel reception.

17. Docked Power Indicator
Indicates unit is securely docked;

power contacts are connected.

18. Low Battery Indicator

19. Volume Indicator
Indicates volume level; disabled when

radio is silenced.

20. Listen Mode: On

Listen to the weather report.

11 12 14 1513

10

1
2

3
4
5

6

7

8

9

Continued...

21. Listen Mode: Auto
Radio alerts for all advisories,

watches and warnings that
it is programmed to receive.

22. Listen Button
Toggles between SILENCED, AUTO

& ON modes.

16
17

18
19
20
21

22

3

SETUP

Install or Replace Batteries

AcuRite recommends high quality alkaline or lithium batteries for the
best product performance. Heavy duty or rechargeable batteries are not
recommended.

Batteries provide backup power in the event of a power outage. They
provide portable power so you can take the radio with you for outdoor

activities, such as ball games, hiking, skiing, boating, hunting, shing, etc.

You can also quickly take your radio with you to a safe location during an
emergency.

The power dock is the main
power source for this weather

radio. The radio is always “listening”
for alerts, even when the audio
speaker is silenced. This funtion
requires substantial power and, as
a result, the weather radio will last
approximately 3 days on battery
power alone.

Install Batteries

1. Release clip and slide off the clip on
the back of the radio.

2. Slide off battery compartment cover.

3. Insert 3 x AA batteries into the
battery compartment. Follow the
polarity (+/-) diagram in the battery
compartment.

4. Replace the battery cover.

FIRST, RELEASE CLIP

THEN, SLIDE OFF

After installing batteries, the weather
report audio will automatically turn on.

To silence, press the “LISTEN” button.

4

Power Dock

Plug-in the power dock as the main power source for the weather radio. Place
the weather radio into the power dock and the “ ” icon appears, indicating
the radio is docked correctly.

NOTE: The weather radio and power dock do NOT contain charging circuits
and will NOT charge or supply power to the batteries.

AC adapter

“DOCKED”

indicator

PLEASE DISPOSE OF OLD OR DEFECTIVE BATTERIES IN AN ENVIRONMENTALLY SAFE
WAY AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH YOUR LOCAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS.

used for an extended period of time. Follow the polarity (+/-) diagram in the battery compartment. Promptly remove dead batteries from the device. Dispose of used
batteries properly. Only batteries of the same or equivalent type as recommended are to be used. DO NOT incinerate used batteries. DO NOT dispose of batteries in fire,
as batteries may explode or leak. DO NOT mix old and new batteries or types of batteries (alkaline/standard). DO NOT use rechargeable batteries. DO NOT recharge
non-rechargeable batteries. DO NOT short-circuit the supply terminals.

BATTERY SAFETY: Clean the battery contacts and also those of the device prior to battery installation. Remove batteries from equipment which is not to be

5

Quick Setup

Most basic preferences can be set with the Quick Setup process. To access
Quick Setup, press the “MENU” button. The display will show “ ”.
Navigate right by pressing “u”. Press “OK” to enter into Quick Setup.

You can exit by pressing the “MENU” button.

Set the SAME # (FIPS Code)

Specic Area Message Encoding (SAME) ensures you only receive alerts
intended for your specic area. The code is a six digit number that identies

your state and county/parish in the USA. The default selection for the code is
“000000”, which enables the radio to respond to all alerts. To receive alerts

for your area only, enter your location’s SAME#/FIPS code.

To nd your SAME#/FIPS code, call the national weather service toll free at

1-888-NWS-SAME (1-888-697-7263) or visit the website below:

www.weather.gov/nwr/indexnw.htm#sametable

MY SAME #___________________________

To enter the code, press the “p” or “q” buttons to adjust the currently

selected (ashing) digit. Press “t” or “u” buttons to select the digit you would
like to adjust. Press “OK” to conrm your selection. The display will read “FIPS

CODE SET”.

Set the Channel

After the FIPS code is set you’ll automatically move on to “CHANNEL SETUP

- PRESS OK TO SCAN”. Press “OK” and the radio scans for the strongest

channel available. The display will read “SEARCHING”.

After the scan is complete, the display will read “THE STRONGEST SIGNAL IS
CHANNEL _”. This is the channel that offers the best signal strength for your

location.

Set the Time Zone

After channel is set you’ll automatically move on to “ENTER TIME ZONE”. To
enter your time zone, press the “p” or “q” buttons to nd your time zone.
Press “OK” to conrm your selection.

Set the Daylight Saving Time (DST) Preference

After time zone is set you’ll automatically move on to setting Daylight Saving

Time. Press the “p” or “q” buttons to select “DST ON” or “DST OFF”.Press

“OK” to conrm your selection.

NOTE: If you live in an area that observes DST, DST should be set to ON.

6

Set the Time

After the DST preference is set you will automatically move on to Current Time
setting. Press the “p” or “q” buttons to adjust the hour. Press the “u ” button
to set the minutes. Press the “p” or “q” buttons to adjust the minutes, then
press the “u ” button to set AM or PM. Press the “p” or “q” buttons to select

“AM” or “PM”. Press “OK” to conrm your selection.

NOTE: To receive correct starting and ending times of advisories, watches, and
warnings the time MUST be set to the current time.

Set the Date

After the time is set you will automatically move on to the Date setting. The
display will read “MONTH 01”. Press the “p” or “q” buttons to adjust the

month. Press “OK” to conrm your selection.

Next, set the date by pressing the “p” or “q” buttons. Press “OK” to conrm
your selection.

Finally, enter the YEAR by pressing the “p” or “q” buttons. Press “OK” to

conrm your selection.

Quick Setup is Complete

The display will read “SETUP COMPLETE” and will display the default clock

screen.

Manual Setup

Advanced preferences can be set with the Manual Setup process. To access
Manual Setup, press the “MENU” button. The display will show “ ”.
Navigate left by pressing “t”. Press “OK” to enter into Manual Setup. Use the
“t” or “u” buttons to scroll throught the following options: EDIT FIPS CODE,

EDIT CHANNEL, EDIT TIME/DATE, EDIT ALERTS.

You can exit by pressing the “MENU” button.

Edit the SAME # (FIPS Code)

To edit the code, press the “p” or “q” buttons to adjust the currently selected

(ashing) digit. Press “t” or “u” buttons to select the digit you would like
to adjust. Press “OK” to conrm your selection. The display will read “ADD

ANOTHER FIPS CODE”. You can enter up to 10 codes.

Note: Regardless of the SAME / FIPS code(s) entered, you will only receive
alerts within your local range.

7

Edit the Channel

To manually select a channel, when the display reads “EDIT CHANNEL” press

the “p” or “q” buttons to select one of the 7 NOAA broadcast channels.

Press “OK” to conrm your selection.

Edit Time & Date Preferences

To edit the time zone, DST preference, Time and/or Date, enter into the “EDIT
TIME/DATE” menu. Use the navigation buttons to adjust each selection and

press “OK” to conrm your selections.

Edit Alerts

Enter into the “EDIT ALERTS” menu to remove or add ADVISORY and WATCH

alert messages. While each alert type scrolls across the display, press the “p”
button to turn the alert ON ( bell icon displayed) or OFF ( no bell icon).

The “Alert Descriptions” on page 11 provide additional details on the alerts
available. Note: Warnings cannot be turned off or edited.

Placement Guidelines

Place the radio in a location you are most likely to hear the alert tone or see
the alert indicator lights. It is critical to choose a location where the radio can
receive the emergency alert signal broadcast. The radio and power dock are
designed for tabletop placement on a level, dry surface away from moisture.

Keep the radio away from sources of electronic interference, such as computer

monitors and TV’s, other radios, motors, microwaves, etc.

The display reads “READY” when radio reception is optimal. Press the

“LISTEN” button to verify your reception. If you do not have good reception,

relocate the radio near a window and away from objects that may limit the
radio signal.

TEST YOUR SIGNAL RECEPTION PRIOR TO RELYING ON THIS DEVICE

IN AN EMERGENCY. Verify radio reception during the National Weather
Service (NWS) Required Weekly Test (RWT). This test typically occurs every
Wednesday between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM (CT), when weather permits.

The test consists of the RWT SAME code, a short tone and message explaining
the test. If adverse weather prevents the test from being broadcasted on Wed.,
it is postponed until the next day with good weather. If the test is not conducted
by Friday, it is postponed until the following Wednesday.

You can verify the test time with your local station.

8

OPERATION

Using the Weather Radio

Alerts

When an alert is issued by the NWS, the weather radio will sound an alert, a
text readout of the alert type (advisory, watch or warning) will scroll across the
display and the corresponding alert light will illuminate.

Press the “LISTEN” button to silence an alert. The radio will then enter silent
mode and the display will read “SILENCED”.

The weather alert radio will hold up to 4 messages in it’s memory at a time, in

sequence of when they were received.

Alert History

To cycle through the last 4 alerts stored in the radio, press “p” or “q” when

the default clock is displayed. The HISTORY Mode Indicator displays to conrm

you are viewing previous alerts.

If no alerts have been received, “NO MESSAGES” will display.

Alert Text Scrolling Rate

To adjust the text alert scrolling speed: When the default clock is displayed
press the “u” button until “SCROLLING RATE _” is displayed. Press “p” or
“q” to select a scrolling rate from 1 (slowest) to 3 (fastest). Press “OK” to

conrm your selection.

Backlight

The backlight will automatically turn ON for several seconds when an alert is
received or for every button press.

During power dock use, the backlight remains ON by default. To turn the

backlight OFF, press AND HOLD the “OK” button. Repeat this step to turn the

backlight back ON.

9

Troubleshooting

No power

No sound

Static when LISTEN

button is pressed

Radio not responding

to alerts

• Verify AC power adapter is securely plugged into

power dock.

• Verify radio is securely docked in power dock. The
“ ” indicator conrms radio is being powered by the

dock.

• Verify you are using fresh batteries. If the radio

is powered by batteries alone, battery life is
approximately 3 days.

• Verify volume is adjusted up to an audible level.

• If external speaker/headphones are plugged into the

headphone jack the main speaker will NOT sound
until external speaker/headphones are unplugged.

• Relocate the radio for better reception. If you are in

a weak reception area, position radio near a window
and as high up as possible for best reception.

• Verify radio is set to correct channel for proper

reception. You may need to change the channel
(page 7).

• Contact the National Weather Service to verify they

are currently broadcasting.

• Make sure you have programmed the correct SAME #

(FIPS code) for your area.

• Contact the NWS to make certain they are currently

broadcasting.

If your AcuRite product does not operate properly after trying
the troubleshooting steps, visit www.AcuRite.com or call
[phone] for assistance.

10

Alert Descriptions

NOAA

Code

ADR

AVA

AVW

BHW

BWW

BZW

CAE

CDW

CEM

CFA

CFW

CHW

CWW

DBA

DBW

DEW

DMO

DSW

EAN

EAT

EQW

EVA

EVI

FCW

FFA

FFS

FFW

FLA

FLS

FLW

FRW

FSW

Default

Setting

Off Advisory Administrative Message

Off Watch Avalanche Watch

On Warning Avalanche Warning

On Warning Biological Hazard Warning

On Warning Boil Water Warning

On Warning Blizzard Warning

Off Advisory Child Abduction Emergency

On Warning Civil Danger Warning

On Warning Civil Emergency Message

Off Watch Coastal Flood Watch

On Warning Coastal Flood Warning

On Warning Chemical Hazard Warning

On Warning Contaminated Water Warning

Off Watch Dam Watch

On Warning Dam Break Warning

On Warning Contagious Disease Warning

Off Advisory Practice Demo

On Warning Dust Storm Warning

On Warning Emergency Action Notication

On Advisory Emergency Action Termination

On Warning Earth Quake Warning

Off Watch Evacuation Watch

On Warning Immediate Evacuation

On Warning Food Contamination Warning

Off Watch Flash Flood Watch

Off Advisory Flash Flood Statement

On Warning Flash Flood Warning

Off Watch Flood Watch

Off Advisory Flood Statement

On Warning Flood Warning

On Warning Fire Warning

On Warning Flash Freeze Warning

Alert Type Alert Message

11

NOAA

Code

FZW

HLS

HMW

HUA

HUW

HWA

HWW

IBW

IFW

LAE

LEW

LSW

NAT

NIC

NMN

NPT

NST

NUW

POS

RHW

RMT

RWT

SMW

SPS

SPW

SVA

SVR

SVS

TOA

TOE

TOR

TRA

TRW

Default

Setting

On Warning Freeze Warning

Off Advisory Hurricane Statement

On Warning Hazardous Material Warning

Off Watch Hurricane Watch

On Warning Hurricane Warning

Off Watch High Wind Watch

On Warning High Wind Warning

On Warning Iceberg Warning

On Warning Industrial Fire Warning

On Advisory Local Area Emergency

On Warning Law Enforcement Warning

On Warning Land Slide Warning

Off Advisory National Audible Test

Off Advisory National Information Center

Off Advisory Network Notication

Off Advisory National Periodic Test

Off Advisory National Silent Test

On Warning Nuclear Power Plant Warning

Off Advisory Power Outage Advisory

On Warning Radiological Hazard Warning

Off Advisory Required Monthly Test

On Advisory Required Weekly Test

On Warning Special Marine Warning

Off Advisory Special Weather Statement

On Warning Shelter In Place Warning

Off Watch Severe Thunderstorm Watch

On Warning Severe Thunderstorm Warning

Off Advisory Severe Weather Statement

Off Advisory Tornado Watch

Off Advisory 911 Telephone Outage Emergency

On Warning Tornado Warning

Off Watch Tropical Storm Watch

On Warning Tropical Storm Warning

Alert Type Alert Message

12

NOAA

Code

TSA

TSW

TXB

TXF

TXO

TXP

VOW

WFA

WFW

WSA

WSW

??A

??E

??S

??W

Default

Setting

On Watch Tsunami Watch

On Warning Tsunami Warning

Off Advisory Transmitter Backup On

Off Advisory Transmitter Carrier Off

Off Advisory Transmitter Carrier On

Off Advisory Transmitter Primary On

On Warning Volcano Warning

Off Watch Wild Fire Watch

On Warning Wild Fire Warning

Off Watch Winter Storm Watch

On Warning Winter Storm Warning

Off Watch Unrecognized Watch

Off Advisory Unrecognized Emergency

Off Advisory Unrecognized Statement

On Warning Unrecognized Warning

Alert Type Alert Message

13

Care & Maintenance

Clean with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use caustic cleaners or abrasives.

This product is NOT waterproof. To reduce the risk of re, electric shock, or

damage, do not expose to rain, moisture, or immerse in water. To reduce the
risk of electric shock, DO NOT disassemble or modify this product. Take this
product to the manufacturer when repair work is required. Opening the case of
the radio or the power dock/adapter voids the warranty. This product contains
NO user serviceable parts.

Specications

POWER

CHANNELS

3 x AA alkaline batteries (not included)
AC power adapter (included)

Voltage: 4.5V; Current: 300mA

Standard: UL/CUL: E149533; CEC: Yes

Digital PLL tuning for 7 NOAA channels:

Channel 1 - 162.400 MHz
Channel 2 - 162.425 MHz
Channel 3 - 162.450 MHz
Channel 4 - 162.475 MHz
Channel 5 - 162.500 MHz
Channel 6 - 162.525 MHz
Channel 7 - 162.550 MHz

WIRELESS RANGE

VOICE OUTPUT

SENSITIVITY

up to 50 miles (80 km)

77dB/1m ( 1 KHz )

( -5dB )

FCC Information

This device complies with part 15 of 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 received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

WARNING: Changes or modications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the
user’s authority to operate the equipment.

NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC
rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equip
ment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may
cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, There is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning
the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
NOTE: The manufacturer is not responsible for any radio or TV interference caused by unauthorized modications to this equipment.
Such modications could void the user authority to operate the equipment.

This device complies with Industry Canada licence-exempt RSS standard(s).
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause interference, and
(2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d’Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils radio exempts de licence.
L’exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes:
(1) l’appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage, et
(2) l’utilisateur de l’appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage est susceptible d’en

compromettre le fonctionnement.

-

14

Customer Support

AcuRite customer support is committed to providing you with best-in­class service. For assistance, please have the model number of this
product available and contact us in any of the following ways:

[phone] [e-mail]

24/7 support at www.AcuRite.com

► Installation Videos ► Register your Product

► Instruction Manuals ► Support User Forum

► Replacement Parts ► Submit Feedback & Ideas

PRODUCT MUST BE REGISTERED

IMPORTANT

PRODUCT REGISTRATION

Register online

to receive 1 year

warranty protection

www.AcuRite.com

TO RECEIVE WARRANTY SERVICE

Register a Product

►

Limited One Year Warranty

At AcuRite, we proudly uphold our commitment
to quality technology. Chaney Instrument Co.
warrants that all products it manufactures to
be of good material and workmanship, and to
be free of defects when properly installed and
operated for a period of one year from the date
of purchase.

We recommend that you visit us at
www.AcuRite.com for the fastest way to register
your product. However, product registration
does not eliminate the need to retain your
original proof of purchase in order to obtain

warranty benets.

Chaney Instrument Co. warrants that all products it manufactures
to be of good material and workmanship, and to be free of
defects when properly installed and operated for a period of
one year from the date of purchase. Remedy for breach of this
warranty is limited to repair or replacement of the defective
item(s). Any product which, under normal use and service, is
proven to breach the warranty contained herein within ONE
YEAR from date of sale will, upon examination by Chaney,
and at its sole option, be repaired or replaced by Chaney.
Transportation costs and charges for returned goods shall
be paid for by the purchaser. Chaney hereby disclaims all
responsibility for such transportation costs and charges. This

warranty will not be breached, and Chaney will give no credit
for products it manufactures which have received normal wear
and tear, been damaged (including by acts of nature), tampered,
abused, improperly installed, damaged in shipping, or repaired
or altered by others than authorized representatives of Chaney.

The above-described warranty is expressly in lieu of all other
warranties, express or implied, and all other warranties are
hereby expressly disclaimed, including without limitation the
implied warranty of merchantability and the implied warranty

of tness for a particular purpose. Chaney expressly disclaims

all liability for special, consequential or incidental damages,
whether arising in tort or by contract from any breach of this
warranty. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation
of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation
or exclusion may not apply to you. Chaney further disclaims all
liability from personal injury relating to its products to the extent

permitted by law. By acceptance of any of Chaney’s products,

the purchaser assumes all liability for the consequences arising

from their use or misuse. No person, rm or corporation is

authorized to assume for Chaney any other liability in connection

with the sale of its products. Furthermore, no person, rm or

corporation is authorized to modify or waive the terms of this
paragraph, and the preceding paragraph, unless done in writing
and signed by a duly authorized agent of Chaney. This warranty

gives you specic legal rights, and you may also have other

rights which vary from state to state.

For in-warranty claims: Chaney Instrument Co.

965 Wells St., Lake Geneva, WI 53147

15

Weather

Stations

Temperature

& Humidity

Weather

Alert Radio

Kitchen

Thermometers

& Timers

Clocks

It’s more than accurate, it’s

AcuRite offers an extensive assortment of precision instruments,

designed to provide you with information you can depend on to

Plan your day with condence

.

™

www.AcuRite.com

Printed in China

08550 INST 060413

©Chaney Instrument Co. All rights reserved. AcuRite is a registered trademark of

the Chaney Instrument Co., Lake Geneva, WI 53147. All other trademarks and copy-

rights are the property of their respective owners. AcuRite uses patented technology.

Visit www.AcuRite.com/patents for details.