First Alert WX-150 - Manual (Page 15)

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NOAA transmits coded weather and civil emergency alerts using Specific Area Message
Encoding (S.A.M.E. technology). SAME enables you to customize your WX-150 to
receive messages relevant to your area, thereby reducing unwanted alerts. SAME is
activated by programming a 6 digit code - called a FIPS code - into your radio.
What is a fIPS Code?
A Federal Information Processing System (FIPS) code is a six digit code that identifies
the states and counties (or parishes) in the United States. The first digit identifies the
county subdivision. The next two digits identify the state or territory, and the last three
identify the county. The FIPS code for your area can be found by calling the NWS toll free
number or visitng the website.
The phone number is 1-888-NWS-SAME (1-888-697-7263)
Upon calling, an automated system will prompt you to enter your state and county. When
you confirm the information, the system will provide your six digit FIPS code.
The website is: www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/indexnw.htm
Upon selecting your state from the chart, you will see a listing of all the counties in that
state. For each county there is a listing of the SAME# (FIPS code), the location of the
transmitter, the WB frequency, the call sign, the transmitter power and miscellaneous
remarks. NOTE: Because broadcast areas overlap you may want to set more than one
S.A.M.E. location. If you live near the border between counties, you may want to receive
alerts from more than one tower. Please write your selected FIPS codes here for future
reference.
Subdivision State County
FIPS Code #1: ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
FIPS Code #2: ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
FIPS Code #3: ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
FIPS Code #4: ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
FIPS Code #5: ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
Specific Area Message Encoding (S.A.M.E.)
You are now ready to use your WX-150. To listen to the weather channel press the
LISTEN button. Place the radio where it gets the best reception. To Turn off the weather
channel press the LISTEN button again. Your radio can be further programmed to respond
to alerts in specific areas.To custom program your radio for alerts in your area only, see
the SAME programming instructions below.
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Setting the Alert Mode
Your WX-150 has 2 programmable Alert Modes.
1. Voice Mode - Sounds a warning siren for 10 sec. and turns on voice broadcast
2. Siren Mode - Sounds warning siren for the duration of the message.
To set the Alert Mode:
1. Press and hold the menu button for 3 seconds. The radio will display the main menu list
showing ALERT MODE.
2. Press the NEXT button to enter the Alert Mode menu. The alert icon will begin blinking.
Press the UP/DOWN (/) buttons to toggle between the Voice and Siren alert modes.
Note: When an alert is received, the colored LED warning light indicators will light up in both
of the Alert Modes.
Press the NEXT button to save the Alert Mode setting and exit to the main menu list. Press
the MENU button to return to normal operation. Note: if you exit the ALERT MODE menu
by pressing the MENU button, your changes will not be saved.
Chapter 3 - Advanced Programming Options
Set Backlight
The backlight for the WX-150 has an adjustable setting.
Off - the backlight is always off except when a button is pressed or an alert
is received.
ON - the backlight is always on except when operating on battery power.
When operating on battery power, the backlight is activated only when a
button is pressed or an alert is received.
ALERT MODE
SET BACKLIGHT
To set the backlight:
1. Press and hold the menu button for 3 seconds. The radio will
display the main menu list showing ALERT MODE.
2. Press the DOWN () button 1 time to scroll down through the
main menu list to the SET BACKLIGHT menu.
3. Press the NEXT button to enter the Set Backlight menu. The
ON setting will begin flashing. Press the UP/DOWN (/)
buttons to select the desired ON or OFF setting.. ON
Press the SAVE button to save the Set Backlight setting and exit to main menu list.
Press the MENU button to return to normal operation. Note: if you exit the SET
BACKLIGHT menu by pressing the MENU button, your changes will not be
saved.