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SECTION 4: THE NOAA MESSAGING UNIT
USING THE EARLY ALERT WARNING SYSTEM
The early warning system uses radio signals to alert the user to weather and
environmental dangers A built-in radio receiver responds to seven (7) user-
selected signal channels.
The WR196T has four activity status levels: NOAA-On, NOAA-Stand-by, NOAA-
Mute and NOAA-Off.
1. NOAA-On: The radio is on and audio messages will be continuously heard.
2. NOAA-Stand-by: The radio is in standby mode and will activate
automatically when an alert message is received.
3. NOAA-Mute: The radio is in standby mode without audio capability. When
an alert message is received, the LED (Figure D) will flash. Voice
messages will not be heard until the radio is switched to NOAA-On mode.
4. NOAA-Off: The radio is off and will not respond to alert messages.
To select an activity level, press [NOAA]. With each press, the status level
advances sequentially.
To hear an alert message when the radio is in NOAA-Mute mode, press [NOAA]
until the status becomes NOAA-On, and then adjust the volume level if necessary.
ALERTS AND MESSAGES
When a NOAA message is detected, an alert will sound (except in Mute or OFF
modes) and the backlight will flash. The alert type (warning, watch or statement)
and description (flood, tornado, fire, etc.) will be displayed. The WR196T can store
up to 3 NOAA messages. To display stored messages, press [MESSAGE]. The
messages will be displayed with the most current one as “MSG1.” The red message
LCD will be lit when at least one message is in effect. The message(s) will
automatically erase when the alert has been discontinued.
SAME MESSAGE CODES USED BY THE NWR
When the NWR airs alert warnings, a digital code known as “Specific Area
Message Encoded” (SAME) is included as part of the warning. This code includes
information specific to an affected or endangered local geographical area. With
SAME codes, the user can select the geographical area(s) of interest and program
the WR196T to receive only those specific alerts. When the WR196T is programmed
with SAME codes, the user will be alerted to warnings only for those pre-selected
geographical areas. Alerts are intially shown on the WR196T as a text display on
the LCD screen (Figure A4); then an audio broadcast will follow. At completion of
the audio broadcast, the WR196T will emit a short burst of static to indicate end of
message.
In NOAA-Stand-by mode, the WR196T will automatically turn the audio on so that
the warning broadcast can be heard. The WR196T will then return to NOAA-
Stand-by mode after the audio broadcast has been completed.
FINDING LOCAL NWR CODES AND CHANNELS
SAME codes are available from the NWR. To contact the NWR by phone, call
toll-free: 888-697-7263 and follow the voice menu to NWR channels and SAME
codes. The NWR can also be contacted via the internet at: www.nws.noaa.gov/
nwr/indexnw.htm. Click on the state for which information is desired.
Example of the first ten county radio channels and SAME codes for Montana:
ST. COUNTY SAME # NWR TRANSMITTER FREQMHZ CALL WATTS REMARKS
MT
Beaverhead
030001 Butte MT 162.550 WXL79 100
MT Big Horn 030003 Billings MT 162.550 WXL27 400
MT Blaine 030005 Havre MT 162.400 WXL53 300
MT
Broadwater
030007 Helena MT 162.400 WXK66 300
MT Carbon 030009 Billings MT 162.550 WXL27 400
MT Carter 030011
—No NWR Coverage—
MT Cascade 030013 Great Falls MT 162.550 WXJ43 300
MT Chouteau 030015 Havre MT 162.400 WXL53 300
MT Chouteau 030015 Great Falls MT 162.550 WXJ43 300
MT Custer 030017 Miles City MT 162.400 WXL54 300
In addition, many counties have been further subdivided into as many as 9 smaller
sub-sections. The numbers of one (1) to nine (9) in the far left column of a SAME
code identifies specific sub-sections of a county. If the county has not been
subdivided, the first digit of the county code will be zero (0). (See “Description of
SAME Codes.”)
ABOUT NOAA CHANNELS
The NWR radio channels work in the same way as channels of a regular radio. All
of the NWR transmission stations operate on one of seven frequencies:
Channel Corresponding Radio Frequency
A 162.400MHz
B 162.425MHz
C 162.450MHz
D 162.475MHz
E 162.500MHz
F 162.525MHz
G 162.550MHz
The WR196T labels each frequency channel “A” to “G.” Once a radio
frequency for a region has been selected, the WR196T will receive audio and
code information on this frequency. The radio channel is located in the upper
left hand corner of the LCD screen.
CHANGING RADIO CHANNELS
1. In any of the time display modes, press [CHANNEL] and hold for two (2)
seconds. The channel selection icon will begin to flash.
2. While the channel selection icon is flashing, press [VOLUME UP/DOWN]
to scroll through the channel selections.
3. When the channel has been selected, press [MODE] to save selection and
return to time display mode.
PROGRAMMING SAME COUNTY CODES
SAME county codes are required to selectively receive weather and
environmental alerts for a specific county, and need to be entered into the
WR196T. Up to nine selected SAME codes can be entered.
The first step in programming SAME codes requires the user to select the option
of receiving [ALL] warnings or selected warnings. Selecting [ALL] will result
in the WR196T broadcasting all alerts and warnings issued on a particular radio
frequency which can encompass a large geographical area of many counties.
(See “About Radio Channels”) To receive warnings for a specific county, that
county code must be programmed into the WR196T
NOTE: It is recommended that the user program the WR196T with specific
county codes of interest or need in order to receive alerts and warnings
pertinent to only those counties. Selecting [ALL] of the county code will result in
the WR196T receiving all of the messages for an entire transmission region.
These regions are quite large and encompass about 5,000 square miles.
Display fields permit up to nine county codes to be entered. The user can select
less than nine codes by leaving the unused fields empty.
To program a county code:
1. Press [COUNTY] once. “County 0 ... All” will be displayed.
2. Press [COUNTY] again to bring up “County 1.” Hold [COUNTY] until the
first digit field begins to flash.
3. When the digit field flashed press [VOLUME UP/DOWN] to select the first
code digit.
4. Press [COUNTY] to save selection and to advance to the second digit field.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 to select and save digit selections in the other code fields.
6. Repeat step 2 to advance and program other county codes.
To individually enable or disable a county code:
1. Locate the county number by using [COUNTY]. To select all counties,
choose COUNTY 0.
2. Press [ALARM ON/OFF]. When a county is disabled, blanks will be displayed.
To enable it again, simply press [ALARM ON/OFF].
Note that the unit will only response to enabled county codes.
DESCRIPTION OF SAME CODES
SAME codes are comprised of 6 columns of numbers.
State-county coding:
The 3 digits on the far right identify the specific county coding. Each
county within a state will have an independent three-digit code.
NOTE: To receive all of the alerts for a given state, insert 000 into the
county section.
State codes:
The next two digits, to the left of the county code, are for state coding.
Each of the 50 US states has its own two-digit code.
County sub-section code
The last digit on the extreme left is the county subsection. A county may be
are broken into nine subsections; each number between one to nine
represents a specifc county subsection.
NOTE: If the county subsection code is stated as 0, then that county is not
subsectioned. To receive all of the alerts for a given county, insert 0 into
the county subsection field.
Code Area Code Area
1 Northwest 6 East
2 North 7 Southwest
3 Northeast 8 South
4 West 9 Southeast
5 Central
SAME MESSGES
The WR196T receives and displays SAME warning messages in three
classifications depending upon severity of emergency: Warning, Watch and
Statement. In addition to these classes of alert messages, there is now a
new type of message: Test.
The purpose of this new class is to assist you in verifying that your NOAA weather
radio is set-up and working properly. Each week the National Weather Service will
broadcast a Test message in SAME format. To receive the Test message, your
WR196T needs to be in NOAA-On, NOAA-Stand-by or NOAA-Mute mode with
a county code and NWR channel selected and programmed into the WR196T. If
the WR196T is properly set, a flashing “Test” icon will be displayed on the LCD
screen when a Test message is received. The “Test” icon will continue to flash for
over an hour after the Test message is received.
NOAA Weather Radio stations broadcast the Test message every Wednesday
between 10:00AM-Noon, local time. (Test messages may also be sent on other days
and times when there is a threat of severe weather in the listening area or for other
reasons.)
Corresponding with the “Test” icon, the following broadcast will be made
immediately after sounding the Test alarm:
“This is the National Weather Station office in ...(city).... The preceding signal was
a test of the Weather Radio Station ...(call sign)... public warning system. During
potentially dangerous weather situations, specially built receivers can be
automatically activated by this signal to warn of the impending hazard. Tests of this
signal and receivers’ performance are normally conducted by the National Weather
Service at ...(time)... each Wednesday. If there is a threat of severe weather, the
test will be postponed to the next available good-weather day. Reception of this
broadcast, and especially the warning alarm, will vary at any given location. This
variability, normally more noticeable at greater distances from the transmitter, can
occur even though you are using a good quality receiver in good working condition.
To provide the most consistant and dependable warning service possible, the
warning alarm will be activated for hazardous watches and warnings for the
following counties ...(list of counties)....”
When more than one state is involved, the state names will always precede the
names of the counties in that state.
If the Test is cancelled due to threat of severe weather, the Test broadcast schedule
will resume with the next good-weather day.
If you have questions regarding alarm tests or to verify if a test was conducted,
contact the programming office of your local NOAA Weather Radio station.
SECTION 5: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
RESET THE UNIT
If the unit needs to be reset, unplug the AC power adaptor then remove the batteries.
When the display is blank, reinstall the batteries and all the settings will reflect their
default values.
PRECAUTIONS
• Read the user’s manual thoroughly.
• Do not subject the unit to excessive force, shock, dust and temperature.
• Do not tamper with the unit internal components.
• Do not mix fresh and old batteries, or batteries of different specifications.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
Oregon Scientific has made every effort to design and manufacture the WR196T
to provide you with many years of service. Should you have questions or require
additional information, please contact our Customer Service Department at
800-853-8883 or via email at: helpme@oscientific.com.
We also invite you to explore the international world of Oregon Scientific and our
diverse line of practical and useful products designed to enhance your lifestyle and
protect your family. Please visit our website at: www.oregonscientific.com.
WARRANTY
This product is warranted to be free of manufacturing defects for 90 days from day
of purchase. Defective product returns should be directed to the place of retail
purchase. This warranty does not cover a product subjected to abuse, misuse or
accidental damage.
MAINTENANCE
When handled properly, the WR196T will provide you with many years of service.
1. Do not clean with abrasive or corrosive materials. Abrasive cleaning agents
may scratch the plastic parts and corrode the electronic circuit.
2. Do not subject to excessive force, shock, dust, temperature, moisture or
humidity. Such treatment may result in malfunction, a shorter electronic life
span, damaged batteries or distorted parts.
3. Do not tamper with unit’s internal components. Doing so will void product’s
warranty and may cause damage. The WR196T does not contain any user-
servicable parts.
4. Use only fresh batteries as specific in this manual. Do not mix old and new
batteries as the old batteries may leak corrosive or hazardous fluids.
NOTICE
- The content of this manyual is subject to change without notice.
- Due to printing limitations, the displays shown in this manual may differ from
the displays on the actual product.
- The manufacturer and its suppliers hold no responsiblity to you or any other
person for any damage, expenses, lost profits, or any other claim arising from
using this product.
- The contents of this manual may not be reproduced without permission of the
manufacturer.
SPECIFICATIONS
Radio Functions
NOAA Channels: Digital PLL tuning for seven (7) NOAA channels
SAME code setting: Nine (9) independent setting or ALL counties
options
FM Band: 88 - 109.2MHz at 100KHz steps
AM Band: 540 - 1600KHz at 10KHz steps
Preset Memory: Ten (10) preset memories can be assigned to
stations in either AM or FM bandswidths
Volume: Sixteen (16) adjustment levels
Sleep timer: 15, 30, 60, 90, 120 minutes
Time Functions
Clock: 12 hour format
Calendar: Day-of-the-week display in English, German,
French, Italian or Spanish
Month / Day / Year format
Daily alarms: Two (2) one - minute duration alarms with alarm beep
tone or 60 minutes radio
Snooze: Eight (8) minute alarm delay
Accuracy: +/- 0.5 seconds / day
General Specifications
Battery Type: Three (3) AA-size (UM-3) 1.5V
alkaline batteries
LCD Dimensions: Upper: 2-2/3” (L) x 1-1/4” (W)
Upper: 65mm (L) x 32mm (W)
Lower: 2-2/3” (L) x 1/2” (W)
Lower 65mm (L) x 14mm (W)
Unit Dimensions: 6-7/8” (L) x 5-3/8” (W) x 7/8” (H)
173.6mm (L) x 135mm (W) x 23mm (H)
Unit Weight: 11.2 oz (without batteries)
320g (without batteries)
Operating Temperature: 23°F to 122°F
-5
o
C to 50
o
C
NOTE ON COMPLIANCE
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 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.
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 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 correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the WR196T
- Increase the distance between the WR196T and the radio and/or
television
- Plug the WR196T into a different electrical outlet from that which
the radio or television
- Consult an experienced radio/television technician for further
assistance
Product Name: NOAA - SAME AM/FM Weather Radio
Model Number: WR196T
Responsible Party: Oregon Scientific, Inc.
19861 SW 95th Place
Tualatin, Oregon 97062 USA
Tel: 503-639-8883
osi-usa
086-002082-09 WR196T