Everything You Wanted to Know (and More) About Weather Radios
Information courtesy of WFO Huntsville, Alabama

NOAA Weather Radios can be classified into two different groups:
1) Those with Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME)
2) Those without SAME

Some examples of NOAA Weather Radios with SAME include:

• Oregon Scientific WRB308 Public Alert Weather Radio Station
• Midland WR-100 Desktop Weather Alert Radio
• Midland WR-300 Weather Alert Radio
• First Alert WX-167 Emergency Alert Radio
• First Alert WX-268 NOAA Emergency Alert Radio
• Reecom R-1630 All Hazard/Weather Alert Radio
• Reecom R-1650 All Hazard/Weather Alert Radio
• First Alert WX-150 Public Alert Radio

Some examples of NOAA Weather Radios without SAME include:

• Eton Grundig FR400 Emergency Radio (several colors)
• Eton Grundig FR300 AM/FM radio with NOAA Weather (several colors)
• KA009 Aviation Band and Clear Weather Bands
• Freeplay Emergency Twin Pack Weatherband Radio
• Sun Mate 837D Info-Mate World Band Dynamo and Solar Radio
• Weather One W100 Emergency Alert Portable Weather Radio with AM/FM
• Midland WR-10 NOAA Weather Radio with AM/FM
• Kaito KA-007 Hand Crank Solar AM FM Worldband TV VHF Weather Band Radio
• First Alert WX-17 Weather Alert Radio
• Weather One W1W Weather Radio
• Cobra 18WXSTII Weather CB Radio-NOAA

Note: Jensen Weather Radios that are still possibly being sold across the area are outdated (due to the fact that production has stopped on this brand of weather radio). If problems are experienced with this radio, the user should contact the company.

Information and images courtesy of Ambient Weather

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Programming Your NOAA Weather Radio

Weather Radio Channel Frequencies

There are 7 channels preset on NOAA Weather Radios:

Ch#	Frequency	Mobile County Warning Area Transmitters
1	162.400 MHz	Pensacola, FL
2	162.425 MHz	Greenville, AL / Leaksville, MS
3	162.450 MHz
4	162.475 MHz	Brewton, AL
5	162.500 MHz	Jackson, AL
6	162.525 MHz
7	162.550 MHz	Mobile, AL / Dozier, AL

Instructions for programming some of the most common NOAA Weather Radios are provided here. Their manufacturers and model numbers are:

1. Midland 74-210
2. Midland 74-200
3. Oregon Scientific WR-108
4. Midland WR-300
5. Radio Shack Hazard Alert 12-262
6. Midland WR-100

In addition, information on the various SAME product codes, and helpful information on the definitions of watches and warnings is provided below.

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Midland 74-210

Controls

1. Can store 10 different alert messages
2. PROGRAM key used to enter or exit from the PROGRAM MODE
3. ENTER key used to confirm selection made in the program mode
4. ARROW key used to move the cursor to the next position in program mode, or display real-time clock when receiving weather messages
5. STOP key used to turn off the alert when receiving SAME event code, or to exit to previous menu in program mode
6. SEARCH knob used to scroll up and down in program mode

Selecting a Channel

1. Set the FM/WR switch to WR position, and press RADIO (current channel number is displayed on LCD screen)
2. Press PROGRAM key to enter the program mode, and rotate the SEARCH knob until CHANNEL is displayed.
3. Hit ENTER and the channel number (1-7) will be displayed next to the word "CHANNEL".
4. Rotate the SEARCH knob until the desired channel is played.
5. Press ENTER to store the setting.

Selecting Alert "On" or "Off"

• Weather alert with a CHECK MARK displayed will display the alert message and WILL trigger an alarm
• Weather alert with an X displayed will display the alert message but WILL NOT trigger an alarm

Setting the Federal Information Processing System (FIPS) or SAME Code

These codes are used to identify each state and county for the purpose of broadcasting weather conditions. Click here for programming codes for your county.

1. Press the PROGRAM button to enter program mode, and rotate the SEARCH knob until you see six digits for a county on the screen. (For example: 000000)
2. Press the ENTER key to select this menu, and rotate the SEARCH knob to select the county code memory location.
3. Press ENTER to begin selecting your desired county code entry. The first two digits will begin to blink, and you will enter the first two numbers of the code.
4. Press the ARROW key, and the next two digits will blink. You will enter the next two digits of the code.
5. Repeat step #4 for the last two digits of the code.
6. Press ENTER to store this selection.
7. Press the PROGRAM key to exit program mode.

Disabling the Warning Code Alert

1. Press the PROGRAM key to enter the program mode, and rotate the SEARCH knob until it reads "DISABLE WARNING" on the screen.
2. Hit ENTER to select this menu, and rotate the SEARCH knob to select the type of weather emergency message.
3. Press ENTER, which will tell the radio not to generate an alarm when the event listed on the screen is issued (i.e., severe thunderstorm watch).
4. Press ENTER again to repeat step #2, or press STOP to exit this setting.

Adding New SAME Event Codes

1. Press the PROGRAM key to enter the program mode, and rotate the SEARCH knob until it reads "ADD NEW MESSAGE" on the screen.
2. Hit ENTER to select this menu, and rotate the SEARCH knob to the desired message code entry (i.e., "MESSAGE", the first entry for the new SAME message code).
3. Press ENTER to select it, and the screen will display the SAME code before, or if the user has never entered one previously, it will read "XXX". In either case, the first letter will flash, and the user can enter the desired character. This is known as the PIL code.
4. Press ARROW to move the cursor to the next character.
5. Repeat steps #3 & 4 to store the characters for the desired SAME message, and press ENTER to confirm. The screen will now display the weather emergency message.
6. Next, select the severity (weather status) for the new SAME message code (i.e., statement, watch, or warning) by rotating the SEARCH knob, and press ENTER to confirm.
7. Press ARROW to store a new SAME message code, or hit STOP to exit to the main menu.

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Midland 74-200

Controls

1. WEATHER BAR is a push "on" button that activates the weather receiver
2. ALERT BAR is a push-on switch that enables and disables the alarm and any external alert signals
3. WARNING LIGHT indicates that the unit has received a SAME message that issued a warning for the user's area
4. WATCH LIGHT indicates that the unit has received a SAME message that has issued a watch for the user's area
5. STATEMENT LIGHT indicates that the uit has received a SAME message that has issued a statement for the user's area
6. SET button is used to switch screen display to set mode, so that the user can set the time, date, or alarm time
7. PROGRAMMING KEYPAD is used to enter FIPS codes into the radio, and for other programming purposes

Adjusting the Weather Frequency

1. To determine the channel number that best corresponds to your area, press and release the WEATHER BAR and listen for transmissions.
2. To set the channel, press and release the DISPLAY MODE button, until "WEATHER ALERT" shows on the display.
3. Open the access door on the top of the unit to show the programming buttons, and press and release the PROGRAM button.
4. Press and release the CHANNEL button corresponding to the frequency of your NOAA Weather Radio broadcast station to select it.
5. Press and release the YES button to continue programming, or press and release the PROGRAM button to end programming.

Setting the Federal Information Processing System (FIPS) or SAME Code

These codes are used to identify each state and county for the purpose of broadcasting weather conditions. Click here for programming codes for your county.

1. Press and release the VOICE/ALERT button to display the present code programmed in the radio.
2. Press the YES button to overwrite this code, or press the NO button to keep the code.
3. If you press YES to change the code, the previous code is cleared from the screen, and you can then press the number keys to enter the desired new code.
4. Press YES to confirm that the new code entered is correct, and it will then go to the next code slot.
5. Press NO if a mistake is made, and the entire line of code will be cleared, and the user can reenter the desired code again.
6. After pressing YES, a new code will be displayed if one exists, or the screen will display 000000 if no other codes have been programmed. To modify or add a code, repeat steps #3-5.
7. Press and release PROGRAM to store the settings when all desired codes have been entered.
8. To cause the weather radio to receive all SAME messages without regard to area, enter the code "999999" and follow steps 4 and 6.
9. Press ARROW to store a new SAME message code, or hit STOP to exit to the main menu.

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Oregon Scientific WR-108

Controls

1. TR/HM: press and hold to select travel or home mode
2. EXIT: press to exit any display or setting
3. ARROW KEYS: used to increase or decrease a setting, disable the alarms, or move up or down to select county codes
4. LED indicator (red/green) indicates radio on/off and alert status
5. ENVELOPE: used to change between alert messages
6. MENU: used to switch between clock, calendar, and alarm 1 & 2 displays, and by pressing & holding, can be used to enter a setting mode

Changing Settings

1. To change the clock, alarm, channel, and location settings, press and hold MENU for a few seconds to enter setting mode.
2. Press the ARROW KEYS to scroll through the setting mode (set alarm/clock/location) and press MENU to select the desired one.
3. Use ARROW KEYS to change a setting, and then press MENU to confirm, and move on to the next setting.

Setting the Federal Information Processing System (FIPS) or SAME Code

These codes are used to identify each state and county for the purpose of broadcasting weather conditions. Click here for programming codes for your county.

1. Navigate to the SET LOCATION mode (see Changing Settings section above).
2. Select a location to store your code in (up to 9 different locations can be stored, and if one is not selected, it will default to C0), and select a 6-digit code.
3. Select "NAME" or "FIPS".
4. If "NAME" is selected, you can enter the state, then the county of the chosen location, and press EXIT to save the location. (If you hit EXIT right after you have entered the state, you will receive ALL alert messages for that state.)
5. If FIPS is selected, you must enter the 6-digit FIPS code corresponding to the selected area, then press EXIT to save the location.
6. To activate a location, select a stored location, press MENU, then when the code begins to blink, press the UP ARROW to activate, DOWN ARROW to deactivate, and EXIT to confirm the setting.

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Midland WR-300

Controls

1. WEATHER BAR is a push "on" button that activates the weather receiver
2. ALERT BAR is a push "on" switch that enables and disables the alert alarm and any external alert signals
3. WARNING LIGHT indicates that the unit has received a SAME message that issued a warning for the user's area
4. WATCH LIGHT indicates that the unit has received a SAME message that has issued a watch for the user's area
5. STATEMENT LIGHT indicates that the uit has received a SAME message that has issued a statement for the user's area
6. SELECT button is used to switch screen display to set mode, so that the user can set the time, date, or alarm time
7. MENU button is used to display various menus with different features and information, and is used to enter and exit programming functions
8. PROGRAMMING KEYPAD is used to enter FIPS codes into the radio and for other programming purposes

Adjusting the Weather Frequency

1. Press the MENU button.
2. Use the ARROW KEYS until "WEATHER CHANNEL" is displayed on the screen.
3. Press the SELECT button.
4. Use the UP ARROW key to scroll through the different channels until the broadcast is heard.
5. Press the SELECT button to save the channel.
6. Press MENU to exit the programming mode.

Setting the Federal Information Processing System (FIPS) or SAME Code

These codes are used to identify each state and county for the purpose of broadcasting weather conditions. Click here for programming codes for your county. This radio can be programmed with 23 different SAME codes.

1. To program a single SAME code, press the MENU button, and use the UP ARROW to scroll through the options until "County Code" is displayed.
2. Press SELECT, then use the UP ARROW key to scroll through "SINGLE", "MULTIPLE", or "ALL" until "SINGLE" is displayed, then hit SELECT.
3. Press SELECT again to begin programming the new code (the first digit space will be blinking).
4. Use the UP ARROW key to scroll through the 0-9 digits. Press the RIGHT ARROW key to save that selection, and move to the next digit.
5. Repeat step #4 for the other digits, then press SELECT to save the entered SAME code.
6. To program multiple SAME codes, repeat step #2 until "MULTIPLE" is displayed, then hit SELECT.
7. Use the UP ARROW to scroll through the 23 different county code locations, and hit SELECT when the desired location is reached.
8. Repeat steps 3-5, then use the UP ARROW key to select a new code location.
9. When all the codes have been entered, hit MENU to store the settings.

Choosing an Alert Type

1. Press the MENU button.
2. Use the ARROW KEYS until "ALERT MODE" is displayed on the screen.
3. Press the SELECT button and "VOICE" will begin to blink.
4. If you wish to activate the voice alert, press SELECT.
5. If you wish to activate the alarm or siren alert, press the UP ARROW key until "SIREN" is displayed, then press SELECT to save this setting.
6. If "SIREN" is chosen, alert tones will sound for 5 minutes unless you press the ALERT ON/OFF button.

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Radio Shack Hazard Alert 12-262

Controls

1. WEATHER/SNOOZE key is used to listen the broadcast, stop alarm, or activate snooze when the alarm sounds
2. MENU/SELECT key is used to choose menu items and confirm your selection
3. ARROW keys are used to navigate the programming menu and adjust the volume
4. CLOCK key is simply used to set the time on the clock on the LCD screen
5. WARNING LIGHT indicates that the unit has received a SAME message that has issued a warning for the user’s area
6. WATCH LIGHT indicates that the unit has received a SAME message that has issued a watch for the user’s area
7. STATEMENT LIGHT indicates that the unit has received a SAME message that has issued a statement for the user’s area
8. READY LIGHT indicates that the unit is ready to receive SAME messages (weather alerts) if they are issued for the user’s area

Selecting Channel

1. Press MENU/SELECT and use the ARROW keys until “SELECT CH” is displayed.
2. Press MENU/SELECT again and use the ARROW keys to select either: “AUTO” (default) or “MANUAL”.
3. If “AUTO” is selected the screen will display “SEARCHING CHANNEL X” during the search where “X” is the channel number 1-7, “WEATHER CHANNEL X AVAILABLE” when a channel is selected and “NO CHANNEL AVAILABLE BACK TO CHANNEL X” when there is no other channel available. The radio will return to its original frequency.
4. If “MANUAL” is selected the user can use the ARROW keys to select a desired channel and then MENU/SELECT to save the channel.
5. Press the LEFT ARROW key to exit the entire menu.

Programming Alerts

1. Press MENU/SELECT and then use the ARROW KEYS until “SET ALERT?” is displayed.
2. Press MENU/SELECT and then press the ARROW KEYS to select either: “WARNING”, “WATCH”, or “ADVISORY”.
3. Press MENU/SELECT and use the ARROW keys to choice a specific alert and then press MENU/SELECT.
4. Use the ARROW keys to select “ALERT ON” or “ALERT OFF”.
5. Press MENU/SELECT to select and confirm this.
6. Press the LEFT ARROW key to exit the menu
   

Setting the Federal Information Processing System (FIPS) or SAME Code

These codes are used to identify each state and county for the purpose of broadcasting weather conditions. Click here for programming codes for your county. This radio can be programmed with 23 different SAME codes.

1. Press MENU/SELECT and press the ARROW to select “LOCATION” setup and press the MENU/SELECT to enter the code for the desired area.
2. Press the ARROW keys to select one of the following choices: “ALL”, “SINGLE”, and “MULTIPLE”
3. If “ALL” is selected the radio will receive all SAME alert signals within a 50 mile radius (There are no locations to edit).
4. If “SINGLE” is selected it will receive a SAME alert signal for only one programmed location (Press MENU/SELECT to select a location and use the ARROW keys to select “EDIT?” Or “DELETE?”) to select an empty location or a location to edit.
5. If “MULTIPLE” is selected it will receive a SAME alert signal for the preprogrammed locations (up to 9) and press the ARROW keys to select an empty location or a location to edit (Press MENU/SELECT to select a location and use the ARROW keys to select “EDIT?” Or “DELETE?”) to select an empty location or a location to edit.
6. To edit the code in these locations, press MENU/SELECT and use the ARROW keys to select a new state and county.
7. After a state and county is selected, press the RIGHT ARROW key to display the SAME code.
8. Use the ARROW keys to change the first digit in the SAME code and the RIGHT ARROW key to select the next digit in the code.
9. Press MENU/SELECT to confirm this selection and exit this menu.

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Midland WR-100

NOTE: Not all Midland WR-100 Desktop Weather Radios will audibly alerts for the routine weekly alert test (Wednesdays at 11:30am). Newer models will only display an LED alert and readout for the Wednesday test.

Controls

1. WEATHER BAR is a push “on” button that activates the weather receiver
2. ALERT SWITCH is a push on switch that enables and disables the alert siren and any external alert signals
3. WARNING LIGHT indicates that the unit has received a SAME message that has issued a warning for the user’s area
4. WATCH LIGHT indicates that the unit has received a SAME message that has issued a watch for the user’s area
5. STATEMENT LIGHT indicates that the unit has received a SAME message that has issued a statement for the user’s area
6. SELECT button is used to switch screen display to set mode so that the user can set the time, date, or alarm time
7. MENU button used to display various menus with different features and information and is used to enter and exit programming functions
8. ARROW KEYPAD used to scroll through menus and for other programming purposes

Adjusting the Weather Frequency

1. Press the MENU button.
2. Use the ARROW KEYS until “WEATHER CHANNEL” is displayed on the screen.
3. Press the SELECT button.
4. Use the UP ARROW key to scroll through the different channels until the broadcast is heard.
5. Press the SELECT button to save the channel.
6. Press MENU to exit the programming mode.
   

Setting the Federal Information Processing System (FIPS) or SAME Code

These codes are used to identify each state and county for the purpose of broadcasting weather conditions.Click here for programming codes for your county. This radio can be programmed with 23 different SAME codes.

1. To program a single SAME code press the MENU button and use the UP ARROW to scroll through the options until “SAME Set” is displayed.
2. Press SELECT and then use the UP ARROW key to scroll through “SINGLE”, “MULTIPLE” or “ANY” until “SINGLE” is displayed and then hit SELECT (“SAME 01” will be displayed).
3. Press SELECT again to begin programming the new code (The first digit space will be blinking).
4. Use the UP ARROW key to scroll through the 0-9 digits and press the RIGHT ARROW key to save that selection and move to the next digit.
5. Repeat step 5 for other digits and press SELECT to save the entered SAME code.
6. To program multiple SAME codes repeat step 3 until “MULTIPLE” is displayed and hit SELECT.
7. Use the UP ARROW to scroll to the location that you wish to save the new code in (“SAME 02, “SAME 03”, etc” will be displayed) and hit SELECT when the desired location is reached.
8. Repeat steps 4-6 and then use the UP ARROW key to select a new code location.
9. When all the codes have been entered hit MENU to store the settings.

Choosing an Alert Type

1. Press the MENU button.
2. Use the ARROW KEYS until “ALT TYPE” is displayed on the screen.
3. Use the UP ARROW to scroll through the three alert types: “DISPLAY”, “VOICE”, or “TONE”.
4. Press SELECT to choose the desired alert type.
5. Press MENU to exit programming mode.

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SAME Message Codes, Watches & Warnings

PIL Codes
4 main codes are used for severe weather warnings:

1. TOR is Tornado Warning
2. SVR is Severe Thunderstorm Warning
3. FFW is Flash Flood Warning
4. WSW is Winter Storm Warning

NWS Definitions
The difference between a WATCH and a WARNING:

1. TORNADO WATCH
   This is issued by the Storm Prediction Center when conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes in and close to the watch area. Their size can vary depending on the weather situation. They are usually issued for a duration of 4 to 8 hours and normally are issued well in advance of the actual occurrence of severe weather. During the watch, people should review tornado safety rules and be prepared to move a place of safety if threatening weather approaches. The National Weather Service (NWS) will let the public know which counties are included by way of a Watch Redefining Statement. During the watch, the NWS will keep the public informed on what is happening in the watch area and also let the public know when the watch has expired or been cancelled.
   
2. TORNADO WARNING
   This is issued when a tornado is indicated by the WSR-88D radar or sighted by spotters; therefore, people in the affected area should seek safe shelter immediately. They can be issued without a Tornado Watch being already in effect and are usually issued for a duration of around 30 minutes. It is issued by the National Weather Service and will include where the tornado was located and what towns will be in its path. If the thunderstorm which is causing the tornado is also producing torrential rains, this warning may also be combined with a Flash Flood Warning. After it has been issued, the affected NWS office will follow it up periodically with Severe Weather Statements. These statements will contain updated information on the tornado and they will also let the public know when warning is no longer in effect.
   
3. SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH
   This is issued by the Storm Prediction Center when conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. A severe thunderstorm by definition is a thunderstorm that produces 3/4 inch hail or larger in diameter and/or winds equal or exceed 58 miles an hour. The size of the watch can vary depending on the weather situation. They are usually issued for a duration of 4 to 8 hours and are normally issued well in advance of the actual occurrence of severe weather. During the watch, people should review severe thunderstorm safety rules and be prepared to move a place of safety if threatening weather approaches. Like with a tornado watch, the NWS will keep the public informed on what is happening in the watch area and also let the public know when the watch has expired or been cancelled.
   
4. SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING
   This is issued by the National Weather Service when either a severe thunderstorm is indicated by the WSR-88D radar or a spotter reports a thunderstorm producing hail 3/4 inch or larger in diameter and/or winds equal or exceed 58 miles an hour; therefore, people in the affected area should seek safe shelter immediately. Severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes with little or no advance warning. Lightning frequency is not a criteria for issuing a severe thunderstorm warning. They are usually issued for a duration of one hour and can be issued without a Severe Thunderstorm Watch being already in effect.
   Severe Thunderstorm Warnings will include where the storm was located, what towns will be affected by the severe thunderstorm, and the primary threat associated with the severe thunderstorm warning. Like with tornado warnings, if the severe thunderstorm is also causing torrential rains, this warning may also be combined with a Flash Flood Warning.

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Disclaimer: The above information is provided for convenience and does not constitute an endorsement of the products discussed.