Midland Weather Radio WR120 Manual
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Midland Weather Radio WR120 Manual

WR120

Quick Start Instructions

  1. Place 3 AA alkaline batteries (not supplied) into the compartment on the underside of radio.
    (Note: Batteries provide approximately 5 hours of emergency power or 75 hours of standby power for the radio in case of a power
    outage).
  2. Plug the AC Adapter into a standard outlet. Plug the other end of the adapter into the DC jack on the back of the radio.
  3. Pull out antenna and extend to its full length.
  4. Ensure ON/OFF switch is in the ON position
  5. WELCOME will be displayed.
  6. To SET LANGUAGE press the SELECT button then:
  7. Choose your language by pressing ▲ or ▼ then press the SELECT button.
  8. To SET LOCATION press the SELECT button then:
  9. Choose location type ANY then press SELECT.
  10. To SET TIME press the SELECT button then:
  11. Set the time by using ► ▲ ▼ or ◄ then press SELECT.
  12. To SET CHANNEL press the SELECT button then:
  13. Tune the channel to the desired broadcast by using ▲ or ▼.
  14. Adjust the volume by using the VOLUME UP or VOLUME DOWN button.
  15. To complete setup press the SELECT button.

    NOTE: To reset the radio to the factory defaults, press and hold the WEATHER / SNOOZE button while turning on the unit.

To get the S.A.M.E. code in the USA: Call 1-­ 888-­ 697-­ 7263 or go to www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/indexnw.htm

To get the CLC in Canada: Call 1-­ 877-­ 789-­ 7733 or go to www.ec.gc.ca/weatheradio

Quick Start Instructions

Getting to know your Weather Radio

WR-­ 120 Features

WR-­120 Features

Icons on the Display

Icons on the Display

Battery
Indicates when the battery level is low

Menu
Indicates when the radio is in MENU mode

NOAA
Indicates when the radio is in weather radio mode

Tone
Displayed if user has chosen the Tone Alert

Voice
Displayed if user has chosen the Voice Alert

Alarm Clock
Indicates if the alarm clock is activated

Volume
Indicates volume level

Accessory Jacks

Accessory Jacks

PLEASE NOTE: MIDLAND (NOAA) Weather Radio Model WR-­ 120, "S.A.M.E. Digital Weather/Hazard Alert Radio". This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harm-­ ful interference; ; (2) This device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Setting up your Weather Radio

Set Time

  1. Press MENU to open menu options.
  2. Press ▲ to scroll through menu to SET TIME.
  3. Press SELECT (hour option will begin flashing).
  4. Press ▲ until current hour is displayed.
    (Note: AM/PM changes as you scroll through the hours)
  5. Press ► to save current hour and advance to minute settings.
  6. Program both minute digits the same way.
  7. Press SELECT to store the current time.
  8. Press MENU to exit menu mode.

Set Alarm

  1. Press MENU to open menu options.
  2. Press ▲ to scroll through menu to SET ALARM, then press SELECT.
  3. Press ▲ to display ON. Press SELECT.
  4. Press ▲ until the hour you want is displayed.
    (Note: AM/PM changes as you scroll through the hours)
  5. Press ► to save alarm hour and advance to alarm minutes. Program both minute digits the same way.
  6. Press SELECT to save the alarm time.
  7. Press MENU to exit menu mode.

To temporarily silence the sleep alarm, press the WEATHER / SNOOZE button. This will advance the alarm time by 8 minutes. To silence the alarm for the remainder of the day, press the MENU button.

Set Language

  1. Press MENU to open menu options.
  2. Press ▲ to scroll through menu to SET LANGUAGE then press SELECT.
  3. Press ▲ to choose "ENGLISH", "ESPANOL" or "FRANCAIS" then press SELECT.
  4. Press MENU to exit menu mode.

Locating your S.A.M.E codes

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

You can program the WR-120 All Hazards Alert Weather Radio with up to 25 S.A.M.E. codes. The United States and Canada assign unique six digit identification codes to each forecast region and sub region. These codes are known as Federal Information Processing System (FIPS in the USA) or Canadian Location Coded (CLC in Canada).

Warnings, watches and statements of weather and other area emergencies, about 80 different types, will activate the weather radio for only your
programmed specific area. The S.A.M.E. message contains information pertaining to the period for which the alert is valid. The broadcast station can set the active time of the alert from 15 minutes up to 6 hours. When the designated time has passed, the weather radio display message and light will automatically reset to their normal appearance.

Getting the S.A.M.E. Codes

For USA

  1. The National Weather Service Toll-­ Free Number
    1-­ 888-­ NSW-­ SAME (1-­ 888-­ 697-­ 7263)
  2. National Weather Service Website
    www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/indexnw.htm
  3. Midland Radio Corporation Website
    www.midlandradio.com/Products/Be-­ Weather-­ Aware

For Canada

  1. Environment Canada's Meteorological Service Number
    1-­ 877-­ 789-­ 7733 (Canada Only)
  2. Environment Canada's Meteorological Service
    www.ec.gc.ca/weatheradio
  3. Midland Radio Corporation website
    www.midlandradio.com/Products/Be-­ Weather-­ Aware
  4. E-­ mail
    weather.info.meteo@ec.gc.ca

Set Location

Your WR-­ 120 All Hazards Weather Alert Radio comes preprogrammed to receive weather and hazard alert transmissions for all S.A.M.E. codes within range. If this is what you want, leave the radio set to ANY.

  1. Press MENU to open menu options.
  2. Press ▲ to scroll through menu to SET LOCATION, then press SELECT.
  3. Press ▲ to ANY then press SELECT.
  4. Press MENU to exit menu mode.

"Single" S.A.M.E. Code

  1. Press MENU to open menu options.
  2. Press ▲ to scroll through menu to SET LOCATION, then press SELECT.
  3. Press ▲ to SINGLE then press SELECT.
  4. SAME 01 will be displayed. Press SELECT.
  5. Use ► ▲ ▼ or ◄ to program the 6 digit S.A.M.E. code.
  6. Press SELECT.
  7. Press MENU to exit menu mode.

Note: In the single mode the last S.A.M.E. code programmed will be the only one the radio alerts to, even though multiple codes can be entered in alternate S.A.M.E. positions.

"Multiple" S.A.M.E. Code

  1. Press MENU to open menu options.
  2. Press ▲ to scroll through menu to SET LOCATION, then press SELECT.
  3. Press ▲ to MULTIPLE then press SELECT.
  4. SAME 01 will be displayed. Press SELECT.
  5. Use ► ▲ ▼ or ◄ to program the 6 digit S.A.M.E. code.
  6. Press SELECT.
  7. Press ▲ to advance to SAME 02.
  8. Repeat steps 4-­ 7 to program up to 25 codes.
  9. Press SELECT.
  10. Press MENU to exit menu mode.

Note: While in MENU mode, if no buttons are pressed for 60 seconds, the radio will automatically exit MENU mode.

User Notifications

Alert Type (Display, Voice or Tone)

  1. Press MENU to open menu options.
  2. Press ▲ to scroll through menu to ALERT TYPE, then press SELECT.
  3. Press ▲ to choose VOICE, TONE or DISPLAY then press SELECT.
  4. Press MENU to exit menu mode.
Alert Type Description
Display When the DISPLAY alert type is chosen, only a text alert will scroll on the display. There will be no audible alarm.
Voice When the VOICE alert type is chosen, the alert tone will sound for 8 seconds, then you will hear the voice of the weather broadcast for 3 minutes.
Tone When the TONE alert type is chosen, the alert tone will sound for 3 minutes, or until you press any but ton.

Reviewing Recent Alerts

The WR-­ 120 All Hazards Weather Alert Radio can store up to 10 different Weather/Hazard alerts (with overlapping effective times) in its memory. If the weather radio receives a new alert while any previous alert is still in effect, it automatically displays the new alert. You can review all alerts still in effect by pressing ▲ to scroll through the weather radio's active alert memory. A double beep indicates the end of the list. "NO MESSAGE" will be displayed if no alerts are active.

Alert Test

  1. Press MENU to open menu options.
  2. Press ▲ to scroll through menu to ALERT TEST.
  3. Press SELECT to sound the alert siren.
  4. Press any button to silence the siren or press MENU to exit menu mode.
    Note: Ensure ON/OFF switch is in the ON position

Set Channel/Volume

  1. Press MENU to open menu options.
  2. Press ▲ to scroll through menu to SET CHANNEL then press SELECT.
  3. Tune the channel to the desired broadcast by using ▲ or ▼.
  4. Adjust the volume to a comfortable level by using VOLUME UP or VOLUME DOWN.
  5. Press MENU to exit menu mode.
    Note: Ensure ON/OFF switch is in the ON position

Backlight

  1. Press MENU to open menu options.
  2. Press ▲ to scroll through menu to BACKLIGHT, then press SELECT.
  3. Press ▲ to choose BLT NORM, BLT ON, BLT OFF then press SELECT.
  4. Press MENU to exit menu mode.
Backlight Type Description
BLT NORM The backlight turns on whenever any button is pressed and will turn off after 5 seconds.
BLT ON The backlight comes on and will stay on continuously until you turn it off manually through the menu.
BLT OFF The backlight will remain off at all times until turned on manually though the menu.

Button Beeps

  1. Press MENU to open menu options.
  2. Press ▲ to scroll through menu to BUTTON BEEPS, then press SELECT.
  3. Press ▲ to choose ON or OFF then press SELECT.
  4. Press MENU to exit menu mode.

Weekly Test

  1. Press MENU to open menu options.
  2. Press ▲ to scroll through menu to WEEKLY TEST, then press SELECT.
  3. Press to ▲ choose ON or OFF then press SELECT.
  4. Press MENU to exit menu mode.

NOTE: A test signal is transmitted once a week. The "WEEKLY TEST" option enables or disables the audible siren for this event. By default, the siren is disabled.

Troubleshooting

Problem Suggestion

No Power

Make sure the power adapter is securely plugged into back of the weather radio and into the wall outlet.

Make sure batteries are installed in case of a power failure.

No Sound

Check VOLUME control to ensure volume is turned up to an audible level.

No Weather broadcast when you press the WEATHER/SNOOZE button

Ensure the telescoping antenna is up and fully extended.

If you are using an external antenna, ensure it is connected properly. Ensure the radio is set to the weather channel in use in your area.

Contact the broadcasting station to ensure they are presently broadcasting.

If in a metal structure, make sure you are close to a window.

If in a weak signal area, you will need an external antenna.

The radio is not responding properly to weather alert broadcasts

Check to see that you have programmed in the correct S.A.M.E. code(s).

Check that the tower nearest you is broadcasting.

For Technical Support Contact

Midland Radio Corporation
5900 Parretta Drive
Kansas City, Missouri 64120
Phone: (816) 241-­ 8500
Fax: (816) 241-­ 5713
E-­ mail: mail@midlandradio.com
Web site: www.midlandradio.com

Reception

The National Weather Service and Environment Canada operate a system of weather and hazard alert broadcasts covering a large area of the United
States and Canada. Currently, only a few areas are not covered. Typical broadcasts are within reception distance of 25-40 miles of the weather
station. Your WR-120 All Hazards Alert Weather Radio can receive broadcasts from up to 40 miles from the weather station depending on your
location and conditions of weather, terrain, etc... If you find reception is not good in your area, try different locations in your home or office to find a
spot of improved reception.

NOTE: Placement near a window usually improves reception.

If a weather broadcast cannot be heard on any of the 7 channels, contact your local weather office and verify the closest station is on air. Also verify
the channel frequencies the station is broadcasting. If your station is transmitting and you are not receiving the broadcasts, you may need an external
antenna. Please visit our web site at www.midlandradio.com to view our suggested antenna, the 18-259W VHF Through-Glass Antenna. This antenna
improves reception when applied to a window.

NOTE: Metal structures are more difficult to receive reception in because metal interferes with the signal. If you live in a metal structure, you may need an external antenna.

Test Signals Broadcast

All Weather Service stations periodically transmit test signals. You can find out when your local station broadcasts test signals by calling the NOAA
National Weather Service Forecast Office (listed under "Weather" in the Federal Government section of the telephone book).

In Canada these tests are performed every Wednesday at 12:00 noon.

During the weekly test signal, the local station will give a list of counties covered by their transmitter. The test signal allows everyone with weather
radio receivers to verify the operation of their equipment.

The following test signals may be sent during testing: required weekly test, required monthly test, system demo, and national periodic test.

During a test, the yellow advisory LED will light up and the "Weekly Test" or "Monthly Test" message will be visible on the display. While disabled in the
menu, the radio will not sound an audible alert tone to avoid giving the impression of an actual alarm. The visual response to the test is confirmation that your radio is working properly.

One Year Limited Warranty

MIDLAND Radio Corporation will repair or replace, at its option without charge, your WR-120 All Hazards Alert Weather Radio which fails due to a
defect in material or workmanship within ONE YEAR following the initial consumer purchase. This warranty does not include any antennas, which may
be a part of or included with the warranted product, or the cost of labor for removal or re-installation of the product in a vehicle or other mounting. Per-
formance of any obligation under this warranty may be obtained by returning the warranted product, freight prepaid, along with a copy of the original
sales receipt to Midland Radio Corporation at the address provided below.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights, which vary, from state to state.

NOTE: The above warranty applies only to merchandise purchased in the United States of America or any of the territories or possessions thereof, or from a U.S. Military exchange. For warranty coverage on merchandise purchased elsewhere ask your dealer.

Service

If your Midland Weather Radio fails to operate properly, check the "Troubleshooting" section in this manual before returning it for service. If necessary,
return as follows:

  1. Pack the unit in its original box and packing. Then pack the original box in a suitable shipping carton.
    Caution: Improper packing may result in damage during shipment.
  2. Include the following:
    1. Full description of any problems
    2. Daytime telephone number, name & address
  3. For warranty service include a photocopy of the bill of sale from an authorized dealer or other proof of purchase showing the date of sale.
  4. You do not need to return accessory items (AC/DC Adapter, Batteries, Owner's Guide) unless they might be directly related to the problem.
  5. A flat rate of $25.00 will apply to repairs not covered by warranty or units that are over one year old. Send only cashier's check, money order or Master Card or Visa card number.

Midland Radio Corporation
5900 Parretta Drive
Kansas City, Missouri 64120
Phone: (816) 241-8500
Fax: (816) 241-5713
E-mail: mail@midlandradio.com
Website: www.midlandradio.com

Brand

Videos

How to Reset the Midland WR120 Video

Midland WR-120 - How To Program Video

Documents / Resources

References

Download manual

Here you can download full pdf version of manual, it may contain additional safety instructions, warranty information, FCC rules, etc.

Download Midland Weather Radio WR120 Manual

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