Radio Shack 120-0246 User Manual

Weatheradio Alert
(120-0246) Features Faxback Doc. # 19119

Your Radio Shack Weatheradio Alert is designed to receive National Weather
Service broadcasts, which provide information about weather conditions and
forecasts 24 hours a day.

The Weatheradio receives these transmissions from up to 50 miles away.

The Weatheradio sounds an alarm when a weather station broadcasts a special
trigger alert signal indicating a weather emergency.

Your Weatheradio includes the following features:

Seven Channels (1-7) - let you choose the frequency that provides the
best reception.

Alert Mode - sounds the siren when it detects an emergency
weather situation.

Siren Test Button - lets you check the alert siren.

Battery-Saving Circuit - minimizes power consumption in the alert
mode.

Lightweight Compact Design - lets you carry the radio anywhere.

Weatheradio Alert
(120-0246) Batteries Faxback Doc. # 19120

Your radio uses three AA batteries for power. We recommend alkaline
batteries, such as Radio Shack Cat. No. 23-552. Follow these steps to
install the batteries.

NOTE: Do not use rechargeable batteries in your Weatheradio.

1. Remove the battery compartment cover by sliding if off in the
direction of the arrow.

2. Install three AA batteries as indicated by the polarity symbols
(+ and -) marked inside the compartment.

3. Replace the cover.

NOTES: If reception becomes weak or the sound becomes distorted, replace
the batteries.

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.

If your radio's batteries become weak, your radio might not sound a
tone when an emergency or test alert is broadcast. Test your
radio's reception periodically (see "Testing Alert Reception"), and
replace the batteries if the tone does not sound.

Weatheradio Alert
(120-0246) Operation Faxback Doc. # 19121

LISTENING TO THE RADIO

Follow these steps to receive a National Weather Service broadcast.

1. Set WEATHER/ALERT/LOCK to WEATHER.

2. Turn VOLUME/OFF clockwise until it clicks, and adjust it to the
desired sound level.

3. Fully extend the telescoping antenna.

4. Set CHANNEL to the position (1-7) that produces the clearest signal.

USING THE ALERT ALARM

You can set the radio to alert you only when it detects a weather
emergency, so you do not have to continuously listen to the National
Weather Service broadcasts.

1. Turn on the radio.

2. Set CHANNEL to the position that produces the clearest signal.

3. Set WEATHER/ALERT/LOCK to ALERT.

In an emergency situation, your Weatheradio will automatically sound an
alert siren for 10 seconds.

NOTES: After hearing the alert siren, set WEATHER/ALERT/LOCK to WEATHER
to hear the emergency information.

To ensure your Weatheradio will sound the alert tone when it
receives an emergency signal keep the antenna fully extended at all
times.

If severe weather threatens, do not wait for an alert tone; turn on
your Weatheradio and monitor the latest weather information.

Because the alert is broadcast for 10 seconds, if you set the
switch to WEATHER immediately after the siren starts to sound, you
hear the broadcast tone for the remainder of the 10 seconds, and
then the emergency information.

The radio sounds the alert siren at full power, regardless of the
volume setting.

4. Adjust VOLUME/OFF to comfortable listening level.

5. Return WEATHER/ALERT/LOCK to ALERT if you want to monitor the radio
for further emergency broadcasts.

USING THE ALERT LOCK

If you are out of the room or away from your Weatheradio, you might miss an
emergency broadcast.

When you will be out of hearing range of the alert siren, leave WEATHER/
ALERT/LOCK set to LOCK. In this mode, the alert siren stays on until you
change the mode setting.

Use the WEATHER setting to turn off the siren and listen for more emergency
information.

TESTING ALERT OPERATION

For your Weatheradio to be effective, the following two conditions must
be met:

You must place the Weatheradio where it can receive an emergency
alert broadcast (see "Testing Alert Reception").

You must place the Weatheradio where you can hear its alert tone.

Once you determine a location that meets the above two conditions, leave
the radio there for best protection.

Testing Alert Reception

The fact that you get clear voice reception or that the tone sounds when
you press TEST does not guarantee that an emergency signal will trigger
your Weatheradio's alert tone. Also, if you are in a fringe area, your
Weatheradio might be triggered by a in one area, but not be triggered if
you place it somewhere else (even close by).

To test for actual reception, your radio must receive a test or emergency
alert broadcast. The National Weather Service (NWS) broadcasts a test
alert every week on Wednesday between 11 AM and 12 Noon. To find out the
specific test schedule in your area, contact your local National Oceanic

and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) or National Weather Service office.

These offices are usually listed in the telephone book under "US
Government, Department of Commerce."

To verify that your Weatheradio receives the test alert properly, set
WEATHER/ALERT/LOCK to ALERT or LOCK during the time when the test alert
is broadcast in your local area.

If the test alert broadcast does not trigger your radio's tone, you are
either out of range of the broadcast or your radio's batteries are weak.

Note: If you use your Weatheradio when you travel, you cannot guarantee
that an emergency alert broadcast will trigger the radio.

USING THE TEST BUTTON

The TEST button lets you hear the tone the Weathradio produces but does
not test the radio's receiver or guarantee you will receive an emergency
alert. See "Testing Alert Reception".

Follow these steps to hear the tone.

1. Turn on the Weatheradio.

2. Set WEATHER/ALERT/LOCK to ALERT or LOCK.

3. Press and hold TEST until the alert sounds.

If you set WEATHER/ALERT/ LOCK to ALERT, the alert sounds only while
you hold down TEST.

If you set WEATHER/ALERT/LOCK to LOCK, the tone sounds until you set the
switch to WEATHER or ALERT or turn off the radio. While the tone sounds,
walk around the area where you keep the Weatheradio to determine from where
you can hear the tone.

Weatheradio Alert
(120-0246) Care and Maintenance Faxback Doc. # 19118

Your Radio Shack Weatheradio Alert is an example of superior design and
craftsmanship. The following suggestions will help you care for the
Weatheradio so you can enjoy it for years.

Keep the Weatheradio dry.

Use and store the Weatheradio only in normal temperature environments.

Handle the Weatheradio gently and carefully. Don't drop it.

Keep the Weatheradio away from dust and dirt, which can cause premature
wear of parts.

Wipe the Weatheradio with a damp cloth occasionally to keep it looking
new. Do not use harsh chemicals, cleaning solvents, or strong
detergents to clean the Weatheradio.

Use only fresh batteries of the recommended size and type. Always
remove old or weak batteries. They can leak chemicals that destroy
electronic circuits.

Modifying or tampering with the Weatheradio's internal components can cause
a malfunction and might invalidate the Weatheradio's warranty. If your
Weatheradio is not performing as it should, take it to your local Radio
Shack store for assistance.

Weatheradio Alert
(120-0246) Specifications Faxback Doc. # 19122

Frequency Coverage:

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

Power Output:.................................................240 mW (Max.)

Power:.......................................................3 AA Batteries

Antenna:............................................Telescoping Rod Antenna

Size (HxWxD):..................................5 1/2 x 2 5/8 x 15/16 Inches

Weight:..............................................................4.2 oz

Specifications are typical; individual units might vary. Specifications
are subject to change and improvement without notice.

(PH/all-02/15/96)
LN-03/04