Midland 74-200 - Digital Weather Receiver Manual

PRODUCT INFORMATION

The 74-200 N.W.R./ S.A.M.E. (National Weather Radio/Specific Area Message Encoding) Weather / All Hazard Monitor provides you with constant monitoring of your local National Weather Service broadcast for messages warning you of hazardous conditions. The NWR/SAME decoding allows you to hear only messages concerning the area concerning you. You now have a choice as to what information will be brought to you. No more will you be awakened to hear of a problem many miles from your home that will not affect you. A clock with alarm is also featured.

The 74-200 has an emergency battery backup system for use if you lose power. It will provide up to three hours of operation if power fails.

The 74-200 NWR/SAME Weather / All Hazard Monitor is the latest advance in Weather monitoring technology providing you with the information you need for your greatest safety from the effects of weather and other external hazards.

FEATURES

• VHF Weather Monitor with seven different National Weather Service channels in the 162 MHz FM band – Provides 24-hour-a-day National Weather Service information from seven different channels for maximum reception possible (in areas where available)
• Alert monitor system receives NWR/SAME codes transmitted by National Weather Service stations warning of dangerous weather conditions and other general hazards. The SAME codes designate which counties or parts of counties are affected by the individual message. When the alert feature is activated, the receiver remains in a standby mode. As SAME coded messages are received, the receiver automatically activates to warn you of dangerous weather conditions.
• User-selectable warning system – Your choice of siren alarm, voice or visual flasher.
• Weather Command Button – large touchbar turns unit from alert mode to full time monitoring.
• High Performance Chassis – Receives weather broadcasts up to 50 miles from transmitter.
• Large Top-Firing Speaker – Directs alerts and audio toward listener.
• Eight-character LCD display for viewing alert type and monitor status.
• Clock displays time and date and has alarm and snooze functions.
• Emergency Powered from a single 9-volt battery (optional).
• Telescopic Antenna – Provides maximum range reception-up to 50 miles. Antenna folds down for easy transport.
• Fully Variable Volume Control – Adjusts audio output.
• Alert siren volume adjustable for maximum flexibility.
• External Alert jack to operate external warning devices.
• External Antenna Jack – Permits use of an optional extended range base antenna or a mobile antenna.
• External Power Jack – Allows use of AC adapter (included) or DC cigarette lighter power cord (optional) to run off a car or boat battery.
• Compact, Ultra Modern Styling – Small enough to take along – looks good anywhere.
• Earphone Jack – Allows private listening or remote speaker location.

CONTROLS

[add illustration with numbers and lines to controls.]

1. Weather Bar Button – This is a push "on" button. One push activates the weather receiver. Push again to return receiver to standby.
2. Alert Bar Button – This is a push on switch. It enables and disables the alert siren and external alert signals. When Alert is off, only the LED indicators are active.
3. Off Bar button – this switch cancels alert siren sounds and any external alert features when alert is active.
4. "WARNING" LED Indicator – This red light emitting diode visual indicator tells you that the unit has received a SAME message that has issued a warning for your area.
5. "WATCH" LED Indicator – This yellow light emitting diode visual indicator tells you that the unit has received a SAME message that has issued a watch for your area.
6. "STATEMENT" LED Indicator – This green light emitting diode visual indicator tells you that the unit has received a SAME message that has issued a statement for your area.
7. Off/On/Volume Control – This is the volume control and the main power switch. It lets you adjust volume to the desired listening level.
8. Earphone Jack – Allows private listening with use of an optional earphone. Also may be used for connecting an external speaker.
9. Alarm Switch – Enables and disables clock alarm function.
10. DISP. MODE/year button – Normally this button selects what is seen on the LCD display. Pressing the button changes the display from current time to current date to alarm time to weather alert. The display automatically switches to display messages from the SAME decoder when they are received.
11. SET button – Press this button to switch from display to set mode in time, date or alarm time display modes. Characters will flash in set mode. Use the other three adjacent buttons to change settings. Press SET again to return to display mode.
12. MIN/ MONTH and HOUR/DATE buttons – Used mostly for time and date setting. Not active in normal display mode.
13. SNOOZE button – Used for advancing the alarm time by 9 minutes each time the clock alarm sounds.
14. Programming Keypad – used to enter "FIPS" codes into the memory of the radio, to set the radio to the National Weather Radio channel for your area and to change other programmable functions. See section on programming your radio for details.

NWR-SAME

In 1994, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) began broadcasting coded emergency signals that identify the specific geographic area (such as a county) affected by an emergency. Until that time such specific emergency weather information was sent in other ways to broadcast stations and others then relayed to the public.

NOAA transmits the coded weather emergency signals using a technique called SAME (Specific Area Message Encoding). The Midland 74-200 7-channel weather/ all hazards monitor is designed to receive these SAME transmissions.

Your Midland 74-200 can be programmed with up to 15 predefined state/county codes that will define which notices broadcast by your NOAA weather station will cause the radio to alert you. Warnings, watches and statements of weather and other area emergencies, about 40 different types- will activate the radio if one or more location code programmed into your unit is included in the SAME message.

Also included in the SAME message is the amount of time for which the message is effective. The 74-200 will continue to display the alert until its time expires.

You don't need to wait for the 74-200 to give you an alert. Just find the NWR station broadcasting to your area from the 7 available channels. You can listen at any time, day or night to the latest weather information from the National Weather Service.

EMERGENCY POWER

To install the emergency backup battery, turn the unit off and disconnect it from the AC power adapter. Remove the cover by pushing the battery door in the direction of the arrow.

Install a 9-volt alkaline battery (Eveready 522 or equivalent, not supplied). Observe the battery polarity (+ and -). Replace the battery cover. (Rechargeable batteries are not recommended because the 74-200 will not charge the battery.)

INITIAL SETUP

Connecting power

The AC power adapter is required for normal operation if the radio is to be in service for more than a few hours. Plug the wall adapter into a 110-115 Volt AC (standard house current) outlet. Connect the cord end to the DC-12Volt power jack on the back of the unit.

A backup battery as stated above is also recommended. The condition of the battery is monitored by the radio. When REPLACE BATTTERY appears on the display, the battery has been discharged and should be replaced. Do not leave a dead or weak battery in the radio. Do not leave a battery in the radio when it is not in use. The battery may leak and possibly damage your unit. Dispose of batteries properly.

Antenna

The telescoping antenna on the back of the radio should be positioned vertically and extended to its full length. In most cases this antenna should provide good reception of your NWR broadcast.
In some cases especially in remote areas an external antenna may be used to improve weak reception.

NOTE: The National Weather Radio service operates Weather Broadcast systems covering a large area of the United States. Some areas are not included. Check the directory enclosed for weather broadcast availability.

Your 74-200 can receive broadcasts from the Weather Stations up to 50 miles. Hills and certain terrain can reduce reception. An external antenna can improve range. If your city is listed as having a Weather Service Station but you do not receive it please call your local Weather Service to confirm they are broadcasting (Sometimes these stations are shut down for maintenance). If your local Weather Service is transmitting and you are not receiving the broadcasts, you may need an outdoor antenna.

What is a FIPS Code

The NWR divides the United States and territories by state and county (or parish) and assigns a six digit code number called a FIPS (Federal Information Processing System) code or also known as a NWR/SAME county code. The first digit identifies subdivision. The next two identify the state or territory, and the last three identify the county. For example the code for Clay county Missouri is 029047. The"047" indicates the county, the "29" indicates the state, and the "0" indicates the subdivision of the county. In this case and most cases the code will have a zero for the first digit, indicating that no subdivision is in use. The NWS plans to introduce subdivisions of some counties in the future, assigning digits 1 through 9 to the parts resulting in codes like 529047.

Acquiring FIPS codes for Your Area

The FIPS codes can be found by calling the NWS toll free number
1-888-NWS-SAME
(1-888-697-7263)

Automated instructions will guide you to the numbers you need.

The FIPS codes and much more information can be found by way of the Internet at www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/indexnw.htm

Note: You might want to obtain the codes for other counties close to you or those you might frequently travel through. The counties still must be within the coverage area of your NWS broadcast.

This is what to expect when you call the NWS number.

You will be prompted to enter your state. We suggest entering the entire state to expedite the process. Next you will be prompted to enter the county. Again spell the entire county. We suggest you locate several counties surrounding you especially the county in the direction most of the storms will be coming from. When you have entered the county, the system will ask you to confirm what you entered is correct. Be ready to write the number. The system tells you the number fairly quick but you have the option to have it read back to you so you can get the whole number. Remember the number will be six digits long.

Setting the Clock, Alarm and Calendar

CLOCK

1. Press and release the "Display Mode" button until "Time" is displayed in the upper left corner of the display.
2. Press the "Set" button, the display will start flashing. Press and release the "Hour / Date" button to increment the hour. Each press of the "Hour / Date" button changes the time by one hour. Press and release the "Min / Month" button to increment the minute. Each press of the "Min / Date" button changes the time by one minute. Press the "Set" button to store the setting.

DATE

1. Press and release the "DISP. MODE" button until "Date" is displayed in the upper left corner of the display.
2. Press and release the set button, The display will start flashing. Press and release the "Hour /Date" button to increment the Date by one day. Press and release the "Min / Month" button to increment the month by one month. Press and release the "DISP. MODE / Year" button to increment the Year by one year. Each press of the "DISP. MODE changes the year by one year. Press the "Set" button to store your settings.

ALARM

1. Press and release the "DISP. MODE" button until "AL Time" is displayed in the upper left corner of the display.
2. Press and release the set button. The display will begin flashing. Press and release the "Hour / Date" button to change the Hour. Press and release the "Min /Month" button to change the Minute. Press the "Set" button to store your settings
3. To activate the alarm, set the switch on the right side of the 74-200 marked "ON OFF ALARM" to the ON position.

The "SNOOZE" button on the top of the 74-200 is for advancing the alarm time by 9 minutes each time the alarm sounds. To switch OFF the alarm, move "ON/ OFF/ ALARM" switch to the "OFF" position.

Adjusting the Weather Frequency

We have not adjusted the weather frequency for your local area. Look up your city in the supplied Weather Service directory and note the frequency. Find the channel number that corresponds to your frequency. To test for weather signals, switch the 74-200 on with the switch marked "Max / Volume / OFF". Press and release the WEATHER bar on the front of your 74-200. This will temporarily switch the 74-200 from standby to listen for Weather Transmissions.

To set the channel. Press and release the "DISP. MODE" button until "WEATHER ALERT" shows on the display. Open the access door on the top of the unit to show the programming buttons. Press and release the PROGRAM button then the channel button corresponding to the frequency of your NOAA weather broadcast station. If you find there is more than one broadcast station in your area, be sure that station will broadcast your county code. To confirm this listen to the broadcast associated with the weekly test. Durring the broadcast they will give a list of counties covered by the transmitter.

When you have selected the correct channel press and release the YES button to continue programming or press and release the program button to end programming.

NOTE: If no program keys are pressed for about 30 seconds the 74-200 will go back to alert mode. To continue after the 74-200 goes back to alert mode, follow the previous step above.

Changing the Alert Pattern

The alert tone is a high low alternating sound. The speed of the tones depends on if the 74-200 received a watch or warning. The alert pattern has two options available through the program button, VOICE and ALERT. If VOICE is chosen, the alert will sound for about 8 seconds then the voice weather broadcast will be heard for about 5 minutes when an alert message is received. If you desire to listen to the broadcast longer, press the "WEATHER" bar on the front the 74-200.

If ALERT is chosen, alert tones will sound for the duration of the alert(in some cases for several hours) or until the OFF button is pressed. To change the pattern, press and release "DISP. MODE" button until the display is showing WEATHER ALERT. Open the top hatch to reveal the programming keys. Press and release the "PROGRAM" button then "YES" to display the current alert pattern. Press and release the "YES" button to keep that pattern or "NO" to change it to the other option then press and release the "YES" button to accept that option and continue with programming or press and release the "PROGRAM" button to return the radio to alert mode.

NOTE: Remember if there are no buttons pressed for 30 seconds the 74-200 will go back to alert mode. To continue after the 74200 goes back to alert mode, go back to "Adjusting Weather Frequency" to continue with programming.

FIPS Code programming

NOTE: The 74-200 has enough memory to store 15 "FIPS" codes.

The next display after VOICE/ALERT will display six numbers. These numbers will determine the areas or counties that your 74200 will be set to respond to SAME messages. See "Acquiring FIPS Codes for Your Area" for how and where to find the codes for your area.

To change the first code displayed,(this will usually be "999999" this provides all county alert in your area) press and release the YES button to overwrite the code displayed or no to keep the code. If you pressed YES the display will now show "_ _ _ _ _ ". Press and release the number buttons to enter the FIPS code you want. When the display shows the correct number press and release the YES button. This accepts the code you entered and will go to the next code slot. If you make a mistake while entering the code, press and release the NO button to clear the digits then reenter the code. After you press and release the YES button, the display will show "000000" if no other codes are programmed. If there is a code in the next slot, decide if you want to keep the code or overwrite the code (see above). If you press YES the display will go to "_ _ _ _ _ _ " asking for another code. Proceed as you did for the first code. When you have entered all the desired codes, press and release the "Program" button to store your settings.

Reviewing stored "FIPS" codes

Enter the program mode as described earlier. When the "FIPS" codes are displayed, press and release the "NO" button repeatedly to review all memory locations you desire. All empty memory locations will be "000000". When finished reviewing the "FIPS" codes press and release the program button.

ALL County Code

To cause the 74-200 to receive all SAME messages without regard to area, enter the code "999999. Be sure there are no other codes programmed in any other memory location.

If you have not selected a weather channel frequency for your local area follow the instructions in "Adjusting Weather Frequency". To listen to the weather broadcast, press and release the "WEATHER" bar on the front of the 74-200. Adjust the volume for your best listening level. Press and release the "WEATHER" bar again to mute the voice broadcast.

USING THE ALERT FUNCTION

Setting the Alert Volume

To set the alert volume, find the alert tone volume control on the bottom of the radio. Use a coin or small screwdriver to turn the control clockwise for more volume or counter-clockwise for less volume. We recommend setting the control to maximum volume when first setting up the radio then decreasing the volume if necessary.

Connecting the External Alert Output to an External Device

You may need to turn on or off another device when an alert is received. The 74-200 provides a switch closure to signal other devices at the EXT. ALERT jack when the radio receives an alert. The output is compatible with home automation devices from suppliers like X-10 and others. Connect the positive lead of the interface to the tip of the ¹/₈ inch (3.5mm) phone plug and the negative lead to the body of the plug.

A DC powered device using 12 Volts or less and requiring less than 300mA of current can be switched directly using the EXT. ALERT jack. Observe the polarity of the jack so that the negative side of the external power source is connected to the body of the ¹/₈ inch (3.5mm) phone plug and the device is connected to the positive source and to the tip of the phone plug.

The internal switch is closed when an alert is received. Pressing the OFF button on the front of the radio will open the switch. For best control of external devices we recommend using the ALERT only mode as opposed to the VOICE mode.

NWR Alert Descriptions

This table contains the NWR descriptions of all the types of alerts that your 74-200 will display. The display text and type of alert sound are shown for each type of alert

The SAME message the NWR sends contains information, which tells the radio the time period for which the alert is valid. The time can be set from 15 minutes up to 6 hours. When the designated time has passed the display message and light will be reset to their normal state.

Reviewing Overlapping Alerts

The 74-200 radio can store up to three different alerts (with overlapping effective times) in its memory. If the radio receives a new alert while a previous alert is still in effect, is automatically displays the alert description and sounds the alert for the new alert message. To scroll backward and forward through the radio's memory and review all the effective alerts, press NO (to scroll forward) or YES (to scroll backward).

When a Test or Demo Alert Occurs

NWR sends out weekly test and occasional demonstration signals to let everyone with weather monitor receivers verify the operation of their equipment.
To find out the test schedule of for your area, contact the local
NOAA or NWS office. Look for the number under US Government, Department of Commerce.
The following alert descriptions are for testing only.

As the NWS adds new alert capabilities your radio is set to receive them and alert you automatically with no modifications.

Reset Button

Should your 74-200 become unresponsive to button entries or does not work properly, a reset button has been added. This button is accessed from the bottom of the 74-200. To activate this function, use a long object such as a straightened paper clip. Carefully insert this into the small hole marked "Reset". When you press the button inside the 74-200, you will feel a click. This resets the Clock, Calendar and alarm time. This reset will not affect the "SAME" codes entered.

Back Light of the Display

When the AC to DC adapter is used the display back light is always on. When only the backup battery is used to power your 74-200, pressing and releasing the "SNOOZE" button will turn on the back light for about 5 seconds.

Button press Beeps

When a button is pressed with the "Max / Volume / Off" switch

ON, the 74-200 emits a beep sound. One beep represents that the 74-200 has received a command and has taken effective action. Two beeps represents the command is not valid (wrong button pressed) and no action is taken.

TROUBLESHOOTING

NOTES AND MAINTENANCE

1. The typical weather (162MHz) reception distance will range from 25-50 miles depending on your location and conditions of weather, terrain, etc. Also, some Weather Stations operate at much higher power levels than others and have their transmitting towers on the top of high buildings or hills. For better reception from greater distances, an external antenna can be used. To use an external antenna, you must have an antenna with an RCA phono plug or an adapter to RCA phono plug to connect into the back of the 74-200. If reception in your area is not good, check with your local dealer for assistance and ask about typical reception range in your area. Also try different locations in your home or office to find a place of good reception. A location near a window is a good starting place.
2. If Weather Stations cannot be heard on any channel, contact your local National Weather Service office to verify that the station is on the air and also verify the CHANNEL (Frequency) and location of the weather station.
3. All National Weather Service stations periodically transmit an Alert test signal. Some broadcast only once a week and others more often. You can always find out when the test signal is broadcast by calling the U.S. Weather Service's phone number for your local NOAA station.
4. Mobile home reception is difficult due to the metallic structure preventing reception. Put your 74-200 near a window. If this doesn't provide reasonable reception-then an outside antenna must be used. One suggested antenna is the Midland 18-259W VHF through-glass antenna. This antenna must be used on single pane windows only.

12 VOLT OPERATION

Your 74-200 can be powered from any 12-Volt CAR-TRUCKRV or BOAT battery. An optional (Model 18-235) power cord adapter is available from Midland or your local dealer.

SPECIFICATIONS

Specifications are nominal and subject to change.

GENERAL

Frequency Range: (162.4O, 162.425, 162.45, 162.475, 162.50, 162.525, 162.55MHz)
Number of WX Channels: 7
Input Voltage: 9-14 Volts DC
Dimensions: 200MM W x 53MM H x 131MM D
(7 ⁷/₈ x 2 ¹/₈ x 5 ¹/₄ in.)

RECEIVER

20 dB Quieting Sensitivity: 0.5 uV
FIPS Code Sensitivity @5kHz Dev: 0.5uV
Channel Selectivity: ±25kHz, 60dB
Speaker Impedance: 8 ohms
Power Output @10%THD: 500 mW max.

EXT. ALERT OUTPUT

Sinking Current: 300mA DC max.
States... Alarm: pull down,......Normal: voltage out

SERVICE

If it ever becomes necessary to return your 74-200 for service:

1. Pack the unit in its original box and packing. Pack the original box in a suitable shipping carton along with the following. Improper packing may result in damage during shipment.
2. Include a full description of any problems and a daytime telephone number.
3. For warranty service include a photocopy of the bill of sale or other proof of purchase showing the date of sale.
4. Include a money order for $7.50 to cover shipping and handling (this may not be required in some states).

You do not need to return accessory items (AC/DC Adapter, Owners Guide) unless they maybe directly related to the problem.

A flat rate of $45.00 will apply to repairs not covered by warranty or units that are over one year old. Send only cashiers check, money order or Master Card or Visa card number.

Midland Radio Corporation
1120 Clay St
N. Kansas City, Mo. 64116
Tele. 816-241-8500

E-mail: mail@midlandradio.com

visit us at http://www.midlandradio.com

Documents / Resources

References

• NOAA Weather Radio
• Midland Radio | Two Way Radios and Weather Radios

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