First Alert Public Alert WX-268, WX-26 User Manual

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Contents in this package

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS-------------------------------------------------3 CARE AND MAINTENANCE--------------------------------------------------4 FCC NOTICE TO USERS -----------------------------------------------------5 INTRODUCTION -----------------------------------------------------------------6 MAIN FEATURES----------------------------------------------------------------7 LOCATION OF CONTROLS --------------------------------------------------8 DESCRIPTION OF CONTROLS---------------------------------------------9 BATTERY INSTALLATION ----------------------------------------------------10

CHAPTER 1 - BASIC OPERATION

1.1 CHOOSING A LOCATION------------------------------------11

1.2 CONNECTING POWER----------------------------------------11

1.3 LANGUAGE SELECTION--------------------------------------12

1.4 SETTING THE CLOCK -----------------------------------------12-13

1.5 SETTING WEATHER CHANNEL ................................. 13-14

SETTING ALERT VOLUME -----------------------------------------14

CHAPTER 2 - RECOMMENDED PROGRAMMING

2.1 SETTING SAME LOCATION----------------------------------14-15

2.2 SELECTING EAS SOURCE -----------------------------------16

2.3 SETTING AM/FM CHANNELS --------------------------------17

2.4 SETTING ALARM CLOCK, SLEEP AND SNOOZE ..... 17

2.5 AUTO-SET ATOMIC (NIST) CLOCK............................. 18

CHAPTER 3 - ADVANCED PROGRAMMING OPTIONS

3.1 SET ALERTING OPTIONS ------------------------------------18

3.2 SETTING EVENT BLOCKING --------------------------------18

MENU TREE DIAGRAM -------------------------------------------------------20 APPENDIX A - NOTES AND TIPS ------------------------------------------21

APPENDIX B - HANDICAPPED ACCESSORIES ........................... 22

WALL MOUNTING--------------------------------------------------------------22 NOAA MESSAGE TABLE -----------------------------------------------------23 TROUBLESHOOTING----------------------------------------------------------24-26 SPECIFICATIONS ---------------------------------------------------------------26 SERVICE ---------------------------------------------------------------------------27 WARRANTY -----------------------------------------------------------------------28

• One Public Alert

Radio – WX-268

• One AC Power Adapter 120VAC: 9VAC

• One User’s Manual (this document)

• One Wall Mounting Kit 1 bracket, 2 screws, 2 wall anchors

• One Quick Start Guide

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

When using electrical appliances, the following basic safety precautions should always be followed.

CAUTION!

The Manufacturer does not represent this unit to be waterproof. To reduce the risk of fire, electrical shock, or damage to the unit, do not expose this unit to rain or moisture or immerse in water.

CAUTION!

This product has the capability to operate with five (5) 1.5V AA batteries (either rechargeable Nicad, NiMH or non-rechargeable alkaline), Please dispose of batteries properly or recycle at the end of the life of the battery. Do not incinerate or compost batteries, as they can explode at high temperatures. Contact your local authority for information concerning reclamation and disposal of rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries. Cadmium is a chemical identified by Proposition 65 in the State of California to cause cancer.

CAUTION!

This product has a built-in circuit for charging five (5) 1.5V AA rechargeable NiCad or NiMH batteries. When regular alkaline batteries are used as a backup power source, set the selection switch in the battery compartment to the “Alkaline” position to switch off the internal charger.

CHARGING ALKALINE BATTERIES CAN CAUSE LEAKAGE OR A FIRE

DANGER!

To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not disassemble this product. Take it to a manfacturer authorized service personnel when service or repair work is required. Opening or removing cover voids warranty. This unit does not contain any parts that can be repaired by the user.

- The output jacks for the Remote Alert provide a floating relay contact output to external warning devices. The contact will close when an alert broadcast has been received. Do not exceed the maximum voltage or current rating of the contacts - 1 Amp (A) @ 30V DC.

- Wipe unit with a damp cloth occasionally to clean. Do not use harsh chemicals, cleaning solvents or strong detergents.

- Do not allow anything to rest on the power cord.

- Do not locate this product where persons walking on it could damage the cord. Keep cord away from heated surfaces.

- To disconnect, grip the AC adapter and pull it from the wall outlet. Never disconnect by pulling on the cord.

- This product is designed to operate using the AC adapter supplied in a household application or 12V DC for portable use.

- LCD screens can change color in extreme temperatures. If the unit is exposed to temperatures below -20ºC (-5ºF) or above +60ºC (+140ºF), the display may temporarily cease to function properly, or could result in permanent damage.

CAUTION!

You should understand the danger of lightning striking an external antenna and make appropriate measures to protect yourself from injury and fire hazard resulted from a lightning strike on an external antenna.

- When an external antenna is used, make sure that there is sufficient lightning protection on the antenna and its cable feed. Make sure all the ground connections are sound and fit. Do not get close to the unit when it is operating during a thunderstorm.

- Lower, retract or remove the telescopic antenna when using an external antenna.

- Contact your external antenna supplier for more information on lightning protection and grounding issues on your antenna. You could also get information from lightning protection device suppliers.

Care and Maintenance

FCC NOTICE TO USERS

The system may cause interference to a TV or radio even when it is operating properly. To determine whether the system is causing the interference, turn it off. If the interference goes away, the system is causing the interference. 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 equipment 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 receiver.

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

• Contact your dealer for help.

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.

2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

WARNING: changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment

IMPORTANT!

Clear voice reception is important, but does not guarantee that an emergency alert will trigger your unit’s alert siren. To test actual reception and alert response, your unit must receive a test or emergency alert signal broadcast. The National Weather Service (NWS) broadcasts a test alert every week typically on Wednesday between 11AM and 12PM (noon). The radio will warn you if it has not received an alert within 10 days.To find out the specific test schedule in your area, contact your local National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) or National Weather Service (NWS) office - 1-898-697-7263. These offices are usually listed in the telephone book under “US Government” or visit the NOAA website at

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/

REMEMBER – FOR YOUR SYSTEM TO BE EFFECTIVE, YOU MUST PLACE IT WHERE IT CAN RECEIVE AN EMERGENCY ALERT SIGNAL AND WHERE YOU CAN HEAR ITS ALERT SIREN OR SEE ITS FLASHING LIGHTS.

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on your purchase of the First Alert® brand Public AlertTM Radio, Model

WX-268. This product complies with the exacting standards for CEA-2009 Public Alert

devices, and will provide reliability, long life and outstanding performance. The WX-268 receives digitally encoded civil and weather emergency alert messages transmitted from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Weather Radio (NWR) broadcast towers. NOAA has more than 900 towers in the 50 states and near adjacent coastal waters, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the U.S. Pacific Territories. The WX-268 Public Alert

Radio receives all 7 NOAA weather channels and uses Specific Area Message Encoding (S.A.M.E.) technology to identify specific areas, like a county or portion of a state.

The WX-268 also receives alerts broadcast by the Emergency Alert System (EAS) over commercial AM and FM stations.

In addition, the WX-268 receives the signal from the atomic clock at the National Institiute of Standards and Technologies. The NIST clock automatically sets the correct time and date and adjusts for daylight savings time.

How it works

The WX-268 displays NOAA and EAS text messages on the LCD screen. When an alert is received, the alert siren sounds and the radio automatically switches to the voice broadcast. Messages are identified by one of three color-coded LED lights as follows: “Advisory” (yellow), “Watch” (orange) or “Warning” (red). External handicapped accessory devices are also triggered, if connected.

To simplify programming, the WX-268 has a built-in database of over 3000 state and county locations. You can select up to 20 locations for your radio to respond to. Note:

You must select the correct weather channel to receive warnings from NOAA for the state/county locations that you have programmed.

There are advanced optional settings which you can use, such as Event Blocking, Alerting Options and Select Source to customize the response of your radio. For up-todate information on NOAA and weather frequencies used in your area, check the NOAA web site at http://www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr. Call 1-888-NWR-SAME (1-888-697-7263)

for further information.

NOAA/EAS Alert Function

Your Public Alert

Radio will automatically sound an alert tone siren and flash the corresponding LED color indicator when it receives a weather or civil emergency broadcast from NOAA (Weather Band) or EAS (AM/FM Bands).

Specific Area Message Encoding (S.A.M.E.)

Allows you to store up to 20 different location codes into memory. Each code identifies a specific geographic area, typically a county as defined by NOAA and EAS. Setting the S.A.M.E. location helps reduce unnecessary alerts.

Alphanumeric Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)

The LCD displays the NOAA weather band, AM and FM channels, time, programming information and alert/status description. The LCD tilts to provide optimal visibility. When powered from the AC adapter or 12V DC source, the display is backlit continuously for low light situations.

Non-Volatile Memory

Radio programming is stored in non-volatile memory and will not lose settings, even when AC and battery power is removed.

Remote Alert

This feature can be used to control external handicapped accessible devices such as strobe lights, pillow vibration modules and external sirens.

Alert Audio Output

Allows connection of the siren and audio signal to a Public Address system, amplifier and un-amplified external speaker. The volume contol knob controls the audio output.

External Antenna (F connector)

Allows connection to an optional external antenna (not included) to improve reception in fringe or low reception areas such as a shelter.

Rear Power Jack

Connects to 9V AC wall adapter or 12VDC car accessory plug adapter.

Battery Backup

The unit will operate on five AA rechargeable Ni-Cad, NiMH or standard alkaline batteries. A switch located in the battery compartment is provided to select the type of battery used. Alkaline batteries will provide up to 24 hrs of operation while rechargeable NiCad and NiMH batteries will provide up to 12 hours. See battery installation section (page 10) for more information.

NIST Auto-set Atomic Clock

This radio monitors a time signal broadcast by the atomic clock at the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Upon receiving the signal it will automatically set the clock to the correct time. Reception varies according to time of day and location. For more information visit the NIST website at

http://www.boulder.nist.gov/timefreq/stations/wwvb.htm

The main features of the WX-268 Public Alert Radio include:

1. IntegratedTelescopic Antenna

2. Remote Alert Jack (3.5 mm)

3. Alert Audio Out Jack (6.2 mm)

4. External Antenna Jack (F Connector)

5. DC Power Jack

6. Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)

7. Warning Indicator (red) LED

8. Watch Indicator (orange) LED

9. Advisory Indicator (yellow) LED

10. Power Indicator (green) LED

11. Function Knob

12. ALERT Volume/OFF Switch

13. Volume Knob

14. Speaker

15. Snooze button

16. Sleep button

LOCATION OF CONTROLS

17. PREV Button (Denoted as <)

18. SAVE Button

19. PROGRAM Button

20. NEXT Button (Denoted as >)

21. Radio OFF Button

22. Radio ON Button

23. Radio Band button

24. Alarm 1 & Alarm 2 buttons

25. Battery type switch

LCD Screen

1. Time of Day with AM/PM indicator

2. Alarm Settings - OFF, BUZZ, AM, FM, WB

3. Alert Siren Setting

4. Number of Stored Alerts

5. Scrolling Text

LCD Screen

WX-268

1. Integrated Telescopic Antenna – Fully extend the antenna and orient it for best reception.

2. Remote Alert (3.5 mm Jack) – Provides contact closure to activate external devices.

3. Alert Audio Out (6.2 mm Jack) – Mono jack allows connection to a Public Address system.

4. External Antenna (F Connector) – F connector allows you to connect to optional external antenna (not included) for weather band only.

5. DC Power Jack – Connect AC Adapter or 12V DC from car cigarette adapter (not included).

6. LCD Display – Displays time and alert messages. Also used to display different options when programming.

7 -9 . Indicator Lights - “Warning” (Red), “Watch” (Orange), “Advisory ” (Yellow)

10. Power Indicator (Green) – Steady light indicates the unit has external power. Blinking indicates battery power.

11. Function (Scroll) Knob – Allows you to scroll “Up” and “Down” through option selections when the radio is in programming mode. Also use to tune AM and FM band stations.

12. Alert Volume Hi/Low/Off Switch: Setting the switch to the OFF position will mute the alert siren. The radio will still receive alerts but will not sound the siren.

13. Volume Control – Controls listening volume and alert audio output volume level. This control will not

affect the volume level of the alert siren.

14. Speaker

15. Snooze Button - Silences wake-up alarm for a period of 9 minutes.

16. Sleep Button - A timer that turns off the radio after a set period of time. Set in 15 mintue increments up to 2 hours.

17. PREV(ious) Button – Use to scroll back through previous menu options while programming.

18. SAVE Button – Allows you to confirm the menu selections made while programming and stores the selections into the unit’s internal memory.

19. PROGRAM Button – Press and hold for 3 seconds to put the radio into programming mode. Press again to exit menu without saving changes to setup.

20. NEXT Button – Use to scroll forward through menu options while programming.

21. Radio OFF Button – Press to stop the alert siren and revert to standby mode. Also press to mute voice broadcast.

22. Radio ON Button – Allows you to un-mute the speaker and listen to the voice broadcast.

23. Radio BAND Button - Selects radio band.

24. Alarm 1 and Alarm 2 buttons - Use to set wake up alarm

25. Battery Selection Switch – Select “Alkaline” or “NiCad” according to back-up battery type. Set switch to the right for alkaline and to the left for rechargeable. See battery installation instructions on page 10 for diagram.

Description of controls and functions

+ 19 hidden pages

First Alert Public Alert WX-268, WX-26 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual