Portable Weather Alert Radio

Model: WR601

User Manual

CONTENTS

Introduction ............................................................... 2

About the National Weather Radio system ............ 2

Key features ............................................................. 3

Front ....................................................................... 3

Back ....................................................................... 3

Top ......................................................................... 3

Left / Right .............................................................. 4

7.5V AC / DC adapter ............................................. 4

Carrying holder ....................................................... 5

Cradle ..................................................................... 5

LCD ........................................................................ 5

Getting started .......................................................... 5

Installing the batteries ............................................ 6

Different display modes .......................................... 6

Early warning alert system ...................................... 7

Message codes used by the NWR ......................... 8

Finding local NWR channels and county codes ..... 8

About radio channels ............................................. 9

Programming “SAME” county codes .................... 10

1

Radio volume ....................................................... 12

Reception test ........................................................ 12

Reception problems and solutions .................... 13

Many things affect reception!............................... 13

Clock and calendar ................................................. 13

How to set the time and date ............................... 13

How to set the alarms .......................................... 14

Disabling an alarm ............................................... 14

Enabling an alarm ................................................ 15

How to stop an alarm ........................................... 15

Snooze ..................................................................... 15

Backlight ................................................................. 15

Emergency Alert System (EAS) ............................. 15

Same messages ...................................................... 17

Care and maintenance ........................................... 18

Specifications ......................................................... 19

Radio functions .................................................... 19

Time functions ...................................................... 19

General specifications .......................................... 19

About Oregon Scientific ........................................ 19

FCC statement ....................................................... 20

Declaration of conformity ..................................... 21

WR601_IM_USA_P1-P8_R0.indd 1 2007.6.27 1:51:10 PM

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for selecting the compact Portable Weather

Alert Radio (WR601) from Oregon Scientific™. The WR601 is a multi-function device that operates on the same radio frequencies used by the National Weather Radio

(NWR). With an Early Alert system, users are alerted to weather and other environmental dangers. This small, lightweight device is constructed of durable materials and has a reception range of up to 50 miles (64 km). It is also equipped with a digital clock and daily alarm.

The 2-line liquid crystal display (LCD) is easy to read.

Switching from 1 display mode to another is a 1-step procedure, and the electroluminescent (EL) backlight ensures that nighttime warnings can be seen in low light levels.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL WEATHER RADIO

SYSTEM

The National Weather Service (NWS) is an agency within the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration

(NOAA) that operates a nationwide network of radio stations known as the NOAA Weather Radio (NWR).

The NWR radio system broadcasts warning information for all types of hazards both natural and technological.

Working in conjunction with the Emergency Alert System

(EAS), NWR is an all-in-one hazards radio network and is considered to be the single source of all comprehensive weather and emergency information.

A nationwide network, the NWR consists of more than

800 stations in the United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S.

Virgin Islands and U.S. Pacific Territories. Broadcasts are designed to meet local needs. Routine programming is repeated every few minutes and consists of local forecast, regional conditions and marine forecasts. Additional information, including river stages and climatic data, is also provided. During emergencies, these routine broadcasts are interrupted to report specific warnings, watches or other critical information.

2

WR601_IM_USA_P1-P8_R0.indd 2 2007.6.27 1:51:10 PM

KEY FEATURES

FRONT

• Enter / change the setting of a displayed county code.

6. RADIO SPEAKER

Adjustable voice-speaker volume.

BACK

1. LCD

2. MODE BUTTON

• Switch between clock, calendar, and alarms

(1 and 2).

• Enables clock, calendar, and alarm setting.

3. CHANNEL BUTTON

• Enable / exit channel setting mode.

• Press CHANNEL and in quick succession to activate / deactivate the keypad lock.

4. INDICATOR

Red / green LED indicates radio (on / off) and alert status.

5. COUNTY BUTTON

• Enables county mode.

• Change county settings (0-6).

3

1. BATTERY COMPARTMENT LATCH

2. BATTERY COMPARTMENT

Houses 3 UM-3 or “AA” size 1.5V alkaline batteries.

TOP

WR601_IM_USA_P1-P8_R0.indd 3 2007.6.27 1:51:12 PM

1.

SP JACK

Line out jack for optional external speakers.

2.

NOAA BUTTON

• Switches between NOAA (on / standby / mute and off) modes.

• Direct access to NOAA-on mode from NOAAmute mode during SAME message alerts.

LEFT / RIGHT

• Press CHANNEL and in quick succession to activate / deactivate the keypad lock.

2.

DOWN VOLUME BUTTON

• Decrease settings in any setting mode.

• Decreases volume.

• Turns selected daily alarm (1 or 2) on / off.

• Scrolls downward to select county code (6-0).

3.

ANTENNA

Receives radio signals.

4.

SNOOZE BUTTON

• Enables the snooze function when alarm sounds.

• Momentarily activates backlight.

5.

AC / DC POWER PORT

AC / DC power jack for connecting unit to external power source.

7.5V AC / DC ADAPTER

1.

UP VOLUME BUTTON

• Increase settings in any setting mode.

• Increases volume.

• Turns selected daily alarm (1 or 2) on / off.

• Scrolls upward to select county code (0-6).

4

CARRYING HOLDER LCD

1.

CARRYING HOLDER

Mount on a wall or attach to a belt for easy portability.

CRADLE

House your weather radio in this cradle for convenient placement.

4

7

8

1.

Voice radio in NOAA on [ NOAA ] position (NOAA

standby [ ], NOAA mute [ ], and NOAA off).

2.

Radio frequency channel.

3.

County code display.

4.

Time / date / alarm displays.

5.

Low battery warning icon.

6.

Warning message indicators (WARNING, WATCH,

ADVISORY and TEST).

7.

Alarm (1 and 2) icons.

8.

Keypad lock icon.

GETTING STARTED

The WR601 LCD display will light up once the batteries are inserted. To turn the LCD display on or off, press and hold the NOAA key for 2 seconds.

To conserve power, the radio can be turned off, set to

NOAA standby, NOAA mute, or NOAA off modes instead of NOAA on.

5

NOTE Leaving the radio in NOAA on mode will consume substantially more power. To save power, it is recommended that the WR601 be on NOAA standby when the user is not listening to radio broadcasts.

INSTALLING THE BATTERIES

The WR601 uses 3 UM-3 or “AA” size 1.5V alkaline batteries.

shows when batteries are low.

NOTE The non-volatile flash memory enables the unit to store your settings in the event of temporary power loss.

NOTE Do not use rechargeable batteries. It is recommended that you use alkaline batteries with this product for longer performance. Please dispose of used batteries properly to prevent harm to the environment.

Standard Alkaline batteries contain significant amounts of water. Because of this they will freeze in low temperatures of approximately 10˚F (-12˚C). Disposable Lithium batteries have a much lower threshold for temperature with an estimated freezing range of below -40˚F (-40˚C). The

6

Liquid Crystal Display in outdoor thermometers will remain operational to -20˚F (-28˚C) with adequate power.

Wireless ranges can be impacted by a variety of factors such as extremely cold temperatures. Extreme cold may temporarily reduce the effective range of the unit. If the unit’s performance fails due to low temperature, the unit will resume proper functioning as the temperature rises to within the normal temperature range (i.e. no permanent damage will occur to the unit due to low temperatures).

DIFFERENT DISPLAY MODES

The LCD displays different types of information depending upon the display mode. Display modes can be subdivided into 2 basic categories:

1.

Clock Display Mode: Relates to functions of time and date, shows current time, date or alarm time and status for either alarm.

2.

Radio Status Mode: Displays information specific to the early-warning functions of the radio.

To alternate between various time / date displays:

Press MODE to advance the second line through the time, date and alarm displays.

NOTE Each press will advance the display sequentially.

Current time Alarm 1

Current date Alarm 2

To alternate between various radio-status displays:

Press NOAA button to scroll through the NOAA mode options (on, standby, mute, or off). The NOAA mode is displayed on the top line of the LCD.

NOAA OFF NOAA ON

NOAA Standby NOAA Mute

7

EARLY WARNING ALERT SYSTEM

The early warning system uses radio signals to alert the user to environmental dangers. A built-in radio receiver will respond to 7 specified signal channels. To use the early warning function, select 1 of 4 options to determine the activity status of the radio receiver.

Radio-status options are:

• Radio ON [

NOAA

]

The radio is ON and voice messages can be heard continuously.

• Radio Standby [ ]

The radio is in Standby and will switch to the ON position when an alert signal is received.

• Radio Mute [ ]

The radio is in Standby and the LED will flash red to indicate that the unit has received an alert signal.

Voice messages cannot be heard until the unit is switched to the ON position.

• Radio OFF

The radio is turned OFF and the unit will not respond to alert signals.

To select radio settings:

Press NOAA to alternate between various radio status settings. Each press will advance the setting by 1 unit.

To listen to an alert signal from the radio mute position:

Press NOAA until the unit enters the radio on position and adjust the volume level if necessary.

To contact the NWS by telephone:

1.

Phone 1-888-NWR-SAME (1-888-697-7263).

2.

Follow prompts through a simple voice menu.

MESSAGE CODES USED BY THE NWR

When the NWR airs urgent warnings, a digital code known as Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME) is included as part of the message. This coding system contains specific information including the localized geographical area affected and the expiration time of the message. The WR601 retrieves and interprets SAME code messages and alerts the user. When SAME codes for a specific region have been entered into the unit, the unit alerts the user to relevant warning information for the specified region. Once alerted, a voice broadcast can be heard. At the end of the broadcast message, the listener will hear a brief end-of-message static burst.

In Standby mode, the unit will retrieve messages from a specific location and then the voice radio will automatically activate so that voice message can be heard. Several minutes after the message is completed, the unit will automatically deactivate the voice radio and revert to

Standby mode.

FINDING LOCAL NWR CHANNELS AND

COUNTY CODES

Successful operation of the WR601 requires that the user obtain appropriate NWR radio channels and SAME codes for a specific county or region.

8

To obtain NWS radio channels and SAME codes on the internet:

1.

Locate www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/indexnw.htm

2.

Click the State for which information is needed.

For example, clicking on “Montana” will give a list of information relevant to the State of Montana including the names of counties, SAME codes, NWR transmitter locations, the frequency of the transmitter, the strength of the signal in WATTS, and any remarks as applicable.

Example of the first 10 county radio channels and

SAME codes for Montana:

COUNTY/

CITY/AREA

Beaverhead

Beaverhead

Big Horn

Blaine

Blaine

Broadwater

Carbon

Carter

Cascade

Chouteau

SAME # NWR

TRANSMITTER

030001

030001

030003

030005

030005

030007

030009

030011

030013

030015

Butte, MT

Dillon, MT

Billings, MT

Havre, MT

Malta, MT

FREQ.

162.550

162.475

162.550

162.400

162.475

Helena, MT

Billings, MT

162.400

162.550

Baker, MT 162.550

Great Falls, MT 162.550

Belgian Hill, MT 162.500

CALL WATTS

WXL79 100

WNG638 150

WXL27

WXL53

WWG85

300

300

100

WXK66

WXL27

WXK57

WXJ43

WWG84

1000

300

300

300

300

REMARKS

N

NOTE Many counties have been subdivided into as many as 9 smaller subsections. The numbers 1 to 9 in the far left column of the SAME code identifies specific subsections of a county. If a county has not been subdivided, the first digit of the county code will be zero.

ABOUT RADIO CHANNELS

The NWR radio channels work in the same way as a regular radio channel. All of the NWR transmission stations operate on 1 of 7 frequencies.

CHANNEL

3

4

5

6

7

1

2

CORRESPONDING RADIO FREQUENCY

162.400 MHz

162.425 MHz

162.450 MHz

162.475 MHz

162.500 MHz

162.525 MHz

162.550 MHz

The WR601 labels each frequency as a channel (1-7).

Once the radio frequency for a region has been selected, the WR601 will receive voice and code information from that station. The radio channel information is located on the upper left hand corner of the LCD.

To change to radio channel:

1.

In any of the time displays, press and hold CHANNEL for 2 seconds.

2.

Press or to switch between various channels.

3.

When the appropriate channel has been selected, press MODE to confirm and return to the Clock-

Display mode.

9

PROGRAMMING “SAME” COUNTY CODES

SAME county codes are required to receive weather and environmental information, and need to be entered into the WR601. Up to 6 specific SAME codes can be entered into 6 display fields.

NOTE The system can only alert the user to weather or warning information after SAME county-code information has been entered and enabled.

When the county code display is first entered, the user will see a display field providing the option of selecting all

(ALL) or none [----] of the county codes. Selecting ALL will set the unit so all of the warnings and weather messages from a specified channel can be received. If none [----] is selected the unit will receive warning or weather information only from the specific regions that have been specified with respective county codes.

NOTE It is recommended to select a SAME code field between (1-6) and then enter a specific code for that field. Selecting ALL will result in the unit giving warnings for regions that are not relevant to the user. These regions are quite large and can encompass about 5,000 square miles (13 sq km).

6 display fields permit up to 6 county codes to be entered.

The user can select less than 6 codes by leaving the unused display fields empty.

As mentioned in the section “Finding local NWR channels and County codes”, a toll-free phone number or Internet website are available to locate county code information.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC AREA MESSAGE

ENCODING CODES.

A SAME code is broken into 6 fields of numbers.

3 04 003

Code for Cochise County

Code for Arizona

Code for northeast sub-section of Cochise County

County code for Cochise County, Arizona

10

State-county coding:

The 3 digits on the far right refer to the state county coding. Each county within a state will have an independent

3-digit code.

NOTE To receive all of the alerts for a given state, insert

000 into the county section.

State codes:

Moving towards the left, the next 2 digits are for state coding. Each of the 50 U.S. states has their own 2-digit code.

County sub-section code:

The last digit on the extreme left is the county subsection. A county may be subdivided into nine subsections; each number between (1-9) represents a specific county sub-section.

NOTE If the county sub-section code is stated as 0, then that county is not sub-divided and all alerts for that county will be received. To receive all of the alerts for a given county, insert 0 into the county sub-section.

A county can be subdivided as follows:

4

5

6

1

2

3

7

8

9

Northwest

North Central

Northeast

West Central

Central

East Central

Southwest

South Central

Southeast

11

To receive all warnings or only warnings from specified localities:

1. Press COUNTY to enter the county-code display from any Clock Display Mode.

2. Press or to switch between receiving all (ALL) warnings or only warnings from specified local areas [----].

NOTE If (1-6) [----] (specified local area) is selected, local county codes need to be programmed into the unit.

6. When finished, press COUNTY to advance to the next county-code field, or wait 9 seconds to automatically return to Clock Display Mode.

RADIO VOLUME

Before you can set the volume, the radio needs to be in NOAA on mode.

To set the radio volume:

In Clock Display Mode, with the radio set to NOAA on, press or to adjust the volume. (Maximum volume is 7, no sound is 1.)

To enter the appropriate county code:

1. Press COUNTY to enter the county-code display from Clock Display Mode.

2. Press COUNTY to bypass the county-code field 0 and advance to county code field 1.

3. To enter the county-code in this field, press and hold

COUNTY for 2 seconds. The extreme left county- code digit will flash.

4. To enter the first county-code digit, press or .

Remember: This part of the code subdivides a county into localized sub-sections. If the county code has not been subdivided into smaller sub-sections, select (0) in the far left column.

5. Enter the remaining 5 digits by following the same process. Press COUNTY followed by or .

12

RECEPTION TEST

The fact that you can get clear voice reception does not guarantee that an emergency alert will trigger your unit's alert tone. To test actual reception, your unit must receive a test or emergency alert signal broadcast. The

National Weather Service (NWS) broadcasts a test alert every week on Wednesday between 11AM and 12PM

(noon). To find out the specific test schedule in your area, contact your local National Oceanic and Atmospheric

Administration (NOAA) or National Weather Service

(NWR) office. These offices are usually listed in the telephone book under "US Government".

REMEMBER For your system to be effective, you must

WR601_IM_USA_P1-P8_R0.indd 12 2007.6.27 1:51:22 PM

place the emergency radio in a location where it can receive an emergency alert signal, you can hear its siren, and see its flashing indicator lights.

RECEPTION PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS

MANY THINGS AFFECT RECEPTION!

Forests, deserts, and hills / mountains tend to greatly reduce reception. Reception in cities may be reduced due to steel and concrete, while higher elevations will enhance the signal. Reception can vary from room to room. Moving even a few feet can enhance signal reception.

RECOMMENDATION Place the your weather radio near a window, away from other electronic equipment, and on an upper level of your house.

CLOCK AND CALENDAR

The Clock Display Mode is the unit’s default display mode.

When in another display mode it will automatically return to the Clock-Display after 9 seconds.

Setting the clock and calendar is sequential. Any part of the setting sequence can be bypassed by pressing

MODE. Once changes are made and the setting mode has been exited, the day-of-the-week will automatically be determined. Days of the week are viewable in 3 languages: English, French and Spanish.

HOW TO SET THE TIME AND DATE

You can choose between 12 / 24-hour clock or month / day, day / month display format.

NOTE At any stage of the setting sequence, if no entry is made after 9 seconds, the unit will automatically exit the Clock-Setting mode and return to the Clock Display

Mode.

To set the time:

1. In Clock Display Mode, press and hold MODE for

2 seconds.

2. To change the setting, press or .

3. Press MODE to confirm and move onto the next setting.

4. The setting sequence is 12 / 24 hour format, hour, minute, year, month-date format, month, day and day of the week language (English, French or

Spanish).

NOTE Pressing and holding or will advance digits in rapid sequence.

13

WR601_IM_USA_P1-P8_R0.indd 13 2007.6.27 1:51:22 PM

HOW TO SET THE ALARMS

The WR601 has 2 alarms (alarm 1 and alarm 2). They can be used together or independently. The alarm icons are only displayed when alarm 1 or alarm 2 are active. No icon(s) indicate that the alarm(s) have not been set.

3. To enter the hour, press or until the desired hour has been selected.

Remember: Pressing and holding or will advance digits in rapid sequence.

Remember: From the Clock Display Mode, press MODE to enter Calendar-Display and then again to set Alarm

1. Press MODE once more to set Alarm 2.

Setting the Alarm:

1. With the clock displayed, press MODE until alarm

(1 or 2) display is entered.

4. When the desired hour is reached, press MODE to advance select minutes. Press or to change values.

5. After selecting the minutes, press MODE or wait

9 seconds to exit Alarm-Setting Mode and return to

Clock Display Mode. The alarm ON icon ( ) for the chosen alarm, will be shown to indicate that the alarm is set and will sound at the set time.

When an alarm goes off, it will sound for 1 minute, the

EL backlight will activate. Alarms 1 and 2 are identified by different sounds: Alarm 1 has 2 short bursts of sound followed by a pause which then repeats. Alarm 2 has 4 short bursts of sound followed by a pause, which then repeats. Unless disabled, the alarms will sound for a total of 1 minute before automatically turning off.

NOTE The last set time of the alarm will be displayed.

If you have not set the alarm before, or if the alarm has been disabled, the time will be displayed as [----].

2. Press and hold MODE for 2 seconds.

Remember: At any stage of the setting sequence, if no entry is made after 9 seconds, the unit will automatically return to the Clock Display Mode.

14

DISABLING AN ALARM

When disabled, the respective alarm icon will not be displayed. A disabled alarm display is indicated by blanks [----].

To disable alarm (1 or 2):

Press MODE to enter alarm-1 or alarm-2 display followed by or .

WR601_IM_USA_P1-P8_R0.indd 14 2007.6.27 1:51:23 PM

NOTE When an alarm is activated, the alarm time will be displayed in the alarm display. In the Clock Display

Mode, the respective alarm-on icon will appear indicating that alarm 1, 2 (or both) is set.

ENABLING AN ALARM

When disabled, the respective alarm icon will not be displayed. The display will show blanks [----].

To enable alarm (1 or 2):

Press MODE to enter alarm 1 or alarm 2 display followed by or . The respective alarm-on icon will appear and the [----] alarm time will be replaced with the alarm time set.

HOW TO STOP AN ALARM

An alarm can be disabled but remain set so that it will activate at the same time the following day.

To stop an alarm:

When the alarm sound is activating, press any button

(except . The alarm will be stopped and will activate again at the same time the next day.

SNOOZE

When either alarm 1 or 2 sounds, pressing will stop the alarm for 8 minutes before it sounds again.

15

BACKLIGHT

The EL back light casts a blue light evenly across the LCD making information easy to read in low light conditions.

To activate the backlight, press .

EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM (EAS)

The Emergency Alert System (EAS) uses the latest technology to allow local authorities to broadcast important emergency information to specific areas. The Emergency

Alert system was originally designed as a communications link between the President and the general public during times of emergency. The EAS communication link is instant and can target the State, National, and Local

Area levels. The EAS and NWS share the same digital signal used on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric

Administration’s Weather Radio (NWR). Ultimately, the purpose of EAS is to deliver emergency alert information to those who need it.

NOTE This product is equipped to receive all required

NOAA and newly added EAS events.

To receive EAS events, make sure your WR601 radio is working properly. Please refer to the “SAME Messages” section for information about how to receive “Test” messages. When an EAS event is sent by the NWS, any 1 of the following messages will be displayed on your radio: “WARNING”, “WATCH”, or “ADVISORY”

Please refer to the list of the National Events and

Messages below:

WR601_IM_USA_P1-P8_R0.indd 15 2007.6.27 1:51:24 PM

NATURE OF ACTIVATION

Administrative message

Avalanche Watch

Avalanche Warning

Biological Hazard Warning

Boil Water Warning

Blizzard Warning

Child Abduction Emergency

Civil Danger Warning

Civil Emergency Message

Coastal Flood Watch

Coastal Flood Warning

Chemical Hazard Warning

Contaminated Water Warning

Dam Watch

Dam Break Warning

Contagious Disease Warning

Practice / Demo

Dust Storm Warning

Emergency Action Notification

Emergency Action Termination

Earthquake Warning

Immediate Evacuation

Evacuation Watch

Food Contamination Warning

WR601_IM_USA_P1-P8_R0.indd 16

WARNING

WATCH

WARNING

WARNING

ADVISORY

WARNING

WARNING

ADVISORY

WARNING

WARNING

WATCH

WARNING

MESSAGE

ADVISORY

WATCH

WARNING

WARNING

WARNING

WARNING

ADVISORY

WARNING

WARNING

WATCH

WARNING

WARNING

16

NATURE OF ACTIVATION

Flash Flood Watch

Flash Flood Statement

Flash Flood Warning

Flood Watch

Flood Statement

Flood Warning

Fire Warning

Flash Freeze Warning

Freeze Warning

Hurricane Statement

Hazardous Materials Warning

Hurricane Watch

Hurricane Warning

High Wind Watch

High Wind Warning

Iceberg Warning

Industrial Fire Warning

Local Area Emergency

Law Enforcement Warning

Land Slide Warning

National Audible Test

National Information Center

Network Notification

National Periodic Test

WARNING

WATCH

WARNING

WARNING

WARNING

ADVISORY

WARNING

WARNING

ADVISORY

ADVISORY

ADVISORY

ADVISORY

MESSAGE

WATCH

ADVISORY

WARNING

WATCH

ADVISORY

WARNING

WARNING

WARNING

WARNING

ADVISORY

WARNING

WATCH

2007.6.27 1:51:24 PM

NATURE OF ACTIVATION

National Silent Test

Nuclear Power Plant Warning

Power Outage Advisory

Radiological Hazard Warning

Required Monthly Test

Required Weekly Test

Special Marine Warning

Special Weather Statement

Shelter In-Place Warning

Severe Thunderstorm Watch

Severe Thunderstorm Warning

Severe Weather Statement

Tornado Watch

911 Telephone Outage Emergency

Tornado Warning

Tropical Storm Watch

Tropical Storm Warning

Tsunami Watch

Tsunami Warning

Volcano Warning

Wild Fire Watch

Wild Fire Warning

Winter Storm Watch

Winter Storm Warning

WATCH

ADVISORY

WARNING

WATCH

WARNING

WATCH

WARNING

WARNING

WATCH

WARNING

WATCH

WARNING

MESSAGE

ADVISORY

WARNING

ADVISORY

WARNING

ADVISORY

ADVISORY

WARNING

ADVISORY

WARNING

WATCH

WARNING

ADVISORY

WR601_IM_USA_P1-P8_R0.indd 17

NATURE OF ACTIVATION

Unrecognized Watch

Unrecognized Emergency

Unrecognized Statement

Unrecognized Warning

MESSAGE

WATCH

ADVISORY

ADVISORY

WARNING

NOTE The 4 “Unrecognized” messages above will appear when a new NOAA alert message is created and broadcasted. The unit will not be able to recognize the message as it is not in the software database.

For more information about the Emergency Alert

System and event codes, please visit: www.fcc.gov/eb/eas/ or www.nws.noaa.gov/os/eas_ codes.htm

17

SAME MESSAGES

The WR601 receives SAME warning messages in 3 classifications depending upon the level of emergency: Warning, Watch and

Advisory. In addition to these 3 classifications, there is another type of message - Test. The purpose of this NWR service is to assist you in verifying that your WR601 NOAA weather radio is set-up and working properly. Each week the National

Weather Service Office will broadcast a test message in

SAME format. To receive the Test message, your WR601 needs to be in NOAA-on, NOAA-standby, or NOAA-mute mode with a county code and NWR channel selected and programmed into the radio. If your WR601 is properly set, a flashing “Test” icon will be displayed on the LCD when a Test message is received. The “Test” icon will continue

2007.6.27 1:51:24 PM

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 and 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 Service 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 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 order. To provide the most consistent 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 1 state is involved, the names of the states will always preceed the names of the counties in that state.

18

If the Test is cancelled due to the threat of severe weather, the Test broadcast schedule will resume with the next available good-weather day.

If you have any questions regarding alarm tests or to verify if a test was conducted, contact the programming office of your local NOAA Weather Radio station.

CARE AND MAINTENANCE

When handled properly, this unit is engineered to give years of satisfactory service.

To properly maintain this product:

1. The unit is splash proof but do not immerse it in water. If the unit comes in contact with water, dry it with a soft lint-free cloth.

2. Do not clean the unit with abrasive or corrosive materials. Abrasive cleaning agents may scratch the plastic parts and corrode the electronic circuit.

3. Do not subject the unit to excessive force, shock, dust, temperature, or humidity. Such treatment may result in malfunction, a shorter electronic life span, damaged batteries, or distorted parts.

4. Do not tamper with the unit’s internal components.

Doing so will terminate the unit’s warranty and may cause damage. The unit contains no user-serviceable parts.

5. Only use new batteries as specified in this instruction manual. Do not mix new and old batteries as the old batteries may leak corrosive or hazardous fluids.

WR601_IM_USA_P1-P8_R0.indd 18 2007.6.27 1:51:24 PM

SPECIFICATIONS

RADIO FUNCTIONS

Channels:

SAME code setting options:

Volume:

Digital PLL tuning for 7 NOAA channels

6 independent setting or ALL counties

7 adjustment levels

CAUTION

• The content of this manual is subject to change without notice.

• Due to printing limitations, the display shown in this manual may differ from the actual product display.

• The contents of this manual may not be reproduced without the permission of the manufacturer.

TIME FUNCTIONS

Clock:

Calendar:

Daily alarms:

Snooze:

Accuracy:

12 or 24 hour format

Calendar day-of-the-week display in English, French or Spanish

User-select month/day or day/ month format

2 one-minute duration alarms

8-minute alarm delay

+ / - 0.5 seconds / day

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

Battery Type:

AC / DC Adapter:

3 UM-3 or “AA” size 1.5V alkaline batteries

7.5V - 350mA

LCD Dimensions:

Unit Dimensions:

Unit Weight:

2 (L) x 0.9 (W) inches (50 x 22 mm)

5.4 (L) x 3 (W) x 1.4 (D) inches

(137 x 74 x 35 mm)

4.5 oz (131 g) without batteries

Operating Temperature: 23 ˚F to 122 ˚F (-5 ˚C to 50 ˚C)

19

ABOUT OREGON SCIENTIFIC

Visit our website (www.oregonscientific.com) to learn more about Oregon Scientific products such as digital cameras; MP3 players; children’s electronic learning products and games; projection clocks; health and fitness gear; weather stations; and digital and conference phones. The website also includes contact information for our Customer Care department in case you need to reach us, as well as frequently asked questions and customer downloads.

We hope you will find all the information you need on our website, however if you’re in the US and would like to contact the Oregon Scientific Customer Care department directly, please visit: www2.oregonscientific.com/service/default.asp

OR

Call 1-800-853-8883.

For international inquiries, please visit: www2.oregonscientific.com/about/international.asp

WR601_IM_USA_P1-P8_R0.indd 19 2007.6.27 1:51:24 PM

FCC STATEMENT

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 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 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 connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio / TV technician for help.

20

WR601_IM_USA_P1-P8_R0.indd 20 2007.6.27 1:51:25 PM

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

The following information is not to be used as contact for support or sales. Please call our customer service number

(listed on our website at www.oregonscientific.com), or on the warranty card for this product) for all inquiries instead.

We

Name:

Address:

Oregon Scientific, Inc.

19861 SW 95th Ave., Tualatin,

Oregon 97062 USA

Telephone No.: 1-800-853-8883 declare that the product

Product No.: WR601

Product Name: Weather Radio

Manufacturer: IDT Technology Limited

Address: Block C, 9/F, Kaiser Estate,

Phase 1,41 Man Yue St.,

Hung Hom, Kowloon,

Hong Kong is in conformity 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.

21

WR601_IM_USA_P1-P8_R0.indd 21 2007.6.27 1:51:25 PM

WR601_IM_USA_P1-P8_R0.indd 22

Portable Weather Alert Radio

Model: WR601

User Manual

22

2007.6.27 1:51:25 PM

WR601_IM_USA_P1-P8_R0.indd 23

23

© 2007 Oregon Scientific. All rights reserved.

086L003836

2007.6.27 1:51:25 PM