Owners Guide
Model 74-250(C)
Digital Weather Receiver with NWR-SAME decoding,
thermometer and Digital clock with 2 alarms
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• High Performance Receiver – Receives weather broadcasts up
to 50 miles from transmitter.
• Dot Matrix LCD display for viewing alert type and monitor
status.
• Clock displays time and date and has 2 alarms and snooze
functions.
• Powered from two AA batteries (optional).
• Flexible Antenna – Provides maximum range reception-up to
50 miles.
• Fully Variable Digital Volume Control – Adjusts audio
output.
• Compact, Ultra Modern Styling – Small enough to take along.
• Earphone Jack – Allows private listening or remote speaker
location.
• Charge jack- allows for charging Ni-Cd or Ni- Mh batteries
(optional).
CONTROLS:
Mode – This is a push
button that switches the
display from time, date
and temperature display
to alarm display. Also is
used to change the active
county.
Set – This button allows
setting
of
various
functions.
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Snooze/Function – This is a push button
that switches between time, date and
temperature display and alert message
area. By pressing and holding this button
you can switch between alert with siren
voice and alert message, alert message
only, turn the weather alert off or listen to
the weather broadcast.
UP/Down – These buttons allow for
changing volume and changing
settings.
Earphone jack – This jack allows for
attaching an earphone for private
listening.
Charge Jack - This jack allows for
charging optional NI-Cd (Nickel Cadmium) or Ni-Mh (nickel
metal hydride) batteries.
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
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Midland 74-250 7-channel weather/ all hazards monitor is
designed to receive these SAME transmissions.
Your Midland 74-250 can be programmed with up to 9 predefined
county/channels that will define which notices broadcast by your
local NOAA weather station will cause the radio to alert you.
This includes warnings, watches and statements of weather and
other area emergencies, about 40 different types.
Also included in the SAME message is the amount of time for
which the message is effective. The 74-250 will continue to
display the alert until its time expires. In the upper left of the
display will be the time the alert was received.
You don’t need to wait for the 74-250 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.
See quick use guide
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.
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Acquiring FIPS codes for the desired Area:
The FIPS codes can be found by calling the NWS toll free
number
1-888-NWS-SAME
(1-888-697-7263) Please be sure you are dialing the correct
number
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 spelling 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 usually beginning with a zero.
INITIAL SETUP
To Install Batteries:
1. Hold the radio face down. Press the latch so it swings away
from the cover.
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2. Lift the battery cover slightly. Gently slide the cover off the
unit.
3. Insert 2 AA batteries observing the proper polarity.
Insert the top battery first by inserting the - terminal end of
the battery first and gently pressing the battery into place.
Install the second battery by inserting the + terminal into the
radio first and gently pressing the battery into place.
4. Replace the battery cover over the batteries and fasten with
the latch.
5. For optional rechargeable batteries, please charge for 10-14
hours before use.
6. Read and understand the programming instructions before
attempting programming.
Display Backlight
When any buttons are pressed the backlight will be activated for
about 5 seconds. For additional seconds of viewing time with
back-light, press and release “SET” button.
Programming
This radio has 9 memory locations. Each memory location allows
you to store one county code and one channel associated with the
county code. The radio will initially be programmed as follows:
The FIPS code 999999 is the
all county code. You may
continue to use this code that
allows the radio to receive
all alerts regardless of
county. By selection of one
of the memory locations, you
may find the best NWS
channel to listen to.
Memory Code
Channel
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
999999
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
1
1
999999
999999
999999
999999
999999
999999
999999
999999
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When you have finished with entering the county code and the
channel associated with it, the radio will automatically revert back
to the last county the radio was on. This means that when you
finish with programming a county/channel you must be sure of
the memory location you programmed. If you programmed
county 2 and the radio was on county 1, when you are finished
programming the radio it will be on location 1. You must cause
the radio to switch to the county you just stored in a memory
other than 1. Below are detailed instructions on programming the
radio.
Before programming the radio, we suggest turning off the
NOAA receiver. To temporally deactivate the receiver, press and
hold the SNOOZE/FUNC button until you do not see the NOAA
or any of the speaker icons associated with it. The display should
look like this...
Alert display
or like this…
Clock display
Use this mode also when monitoring for alerts is not required.
Battery life will be much greater.
Enter the county code and NWS channel into memory
When you receive this radio it is programmed with the “all
county” code 999999. You may continue to use this code
which allows the radio to receive all alerts regardless of the
county.
Your 74-250 is supplied with a booklet that lists most of
the NWS frequencies and the major cities they are in. Find
the desired city and the frequency associated with it and
refer to the list at the bottom of this section and program as
desired. Do not enter the frequency (162.xxx) as a county
code.
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• From the clock display:
1. Press and release the “FUNC/SNOOZE” once to change from
clock to alert display.
• You will see on the display in most cases “NO
MESSAGE” scrolling across the screen. This message will
depend on if you have received any alerts recently. Above
the message you will see on the right center of the display
“COUNTY” followed by a number (1-9) (as described
earlier). This number is the county/channel location
presently in use.
2. Press and hold “SET” button until you see six digits on the
display. The number next to the word “COUNTY” will flash.
The six numbers are the county (fips) code. Refer to the
instructions above on how to acquire the FIPS code
2. Press the “UP” button to select the county code/memory
location you desire (1-9). This number will flash indicating
you are able to change that digit.
ꢀ There are nine county code/channel memory locations
available. Each location can have a different county code
and channel if desired.
4. Press and release the set button. The first digit of the county
code will flash indicating you are able to change that digit.
ꢀ Each press of the “SET” button will allow you to change
each digit with the “UP/DOWN” buttons on the side of the
radio. The digits will flash indicating you can change that digit
5. Press and release the “UP/DOWN” buttons to change the
digit.
6. Press and release the “SET” button to move to the next digit.
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7. After setting the 6th-digit of the county code, press “SET”
once, the number will flash next to CH.
8. Press and release the “UP/DOWN” button to select the
channel (1-7).
9. Press and release “SET” one time to end programming.
When no buttons have been pressed for 10 seconds, the
current setting is stored and the display switches to alert
display mode automatically. If after 30 seconds there has
been no buttons pressed the radio will switch to clock mode.
Channel Frequency
(MHz)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
162.400
162.425
162.450
162.475
162.500
162.525
162.550
Setting the “County” to listen to.
After setting the county or counties desired you now must
select one to listen to.
•
From the Weather message display:
1. Press and hold the “MODE” button until you see the 6 digit
county code on the display. The number next to the word
COUNTY will flash. Press the “UP/DOWN” buttons to select
the county location number desired.
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2. Press and release the “MODE” button to restore the radio to
alert mode.
Setting how your Radio alerts you
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 74-250 can receive broadcasts from the Weather Stations up
to 50 miles. Hills and certain terrain can reduce reception. 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).
Setting the Clock and Temperature units
• From the clock display:
ꢀPress and release FUNC/SNOOZE first if in alert mode.
1. Press and hold the “SET” button, the hours will flash.
2. Press and release the “UP or Down” button to set the hours.
3. Press and release the “SET” button the minutes will flash.
4. Press and release the “UP or Down” button to set the minutes.
5. Press and release the “SET” button a HR12 or HR24 will be
displayed depending on previous setting.
The HR12 indicates the 12-hour format. The HR24
indicates military 24-hour format.
6. Press and release the “UP or Down” button to select the
desired format.
7. Press and release the “SET” button, the F or C will flash next
to the temperature.
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F is for Fahrenheit and C is for Celsius.
8. Press and release the “UP or Down” button to select F or C.
9. Press and release the “SET” button to store your selection and
return to clock mode.
The day of the week will be correct when you set the Date.
ꢀ When no buttons have been pressed for 10 seconds, the
current setting is confirmed and the radio switches to alert
display mode automatically. If after 30 seconds there has
been no buttons pressed the radio will revert to clock mode.
Setting the Date
From the Clock display
1. Press and release the “MODE” button, the Date will be
displayed.
2. Press and hold the “SET” button, the Year will flash.
3. Press and release the “UP/DOWN” button, to select the Year.
4. Press and release the “SET” button, the Month will flash.
5. Press and release the “UP/DOWN” button to select the Month.
6. Press and release the “SET” button, the Day will flash.
7. Press and release the “UP/DOWN” button, to select the Day.
8. Press and release the “SET” button, to return to the Date
display.
Setting the Alarms
There are two alarms available. They are identified with a
number one and a number two inside of a bell that is
displayed next to the temperature.
• From the clock display:
1. Press and release the “MODE” button (usually twice) until
you see the bell icon on the display with a 1. This is displayed
in the upper center of the display. The time is followed by AL.
The bell icon with the number is the alarm you will be
setting.
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1. Press and hold the “SET” button until the hour is flashing.
Press the “UP or DOWN” buttons to set the hour.
2. Press and release the “SET” button, the minutes will flash.
Press and release the “UP or DOWN” buttons to change the
minutes.
3. Press and release the “SET” button when setting is
complete.
To set the second alarm press “MODE” button to cause the bell
icon with a 2 to be displayed and repeat the steps above.
Turning On or Off the Alarms
It is possible to turn on or off one or both of the alarms.
• From the clock display:
1. Press and release the “MODE” button (two or three times
depending on which alarm you want to turn off) to see the bell
icon on the display flashing with the number inside. The number
will be the alarm you are turning off.
2. Press and hold the “SET” button until the hours flash.
3. Press and release the “SNOOZE/FUNC” button. The display
will flash OFF.
4. Press “SET” to set the alarm to the off position.
5. To turn the alarm (s) back on follow the steps under Setting
the Alarms.
Turning on the Alarm (s)
• From the clock display:
1. Press and release the “MODE” button (two or three times
depending on which alarm you want to turn on) until you see
the bell icon on the display with the number of the alarm you
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want. You will see on the display OFF.
2. Press and hold the “SET” button until the OFF flashes.
3. Press and release the “SNOOZE/FUNC” button to cause the
alarm time to be displayed. The hours will flash indicating
you can set as desired. Follow the instructions above to set the
alarm.
LISTENING TO WEATHER BROADCASTS
These icons indicate the receiving mode.
To change modes, press and hold the
SNOOZE/FUNC button until the desired
mode is displayed.
1. This icon indicates that weather alerts will only display and
not sound.
2. This icon indicates the weather receive is in voice mode.
3. This icon indicates normal alert monitoring mode.
When no icons are displayed, the radio is off. Only time
and temperature are active. You can extend your battery
life if this mode is used when you do not require weather
alerts.
With icon 2 and 3 displayed the broadcast is heard and
the radio is in alert mode. When an alert is received the
LED on the top of the radio flashes Red and the alert type
will scroll across the display.
With icon 1 and 3 displayed the speaker is muted. When
an alert is received the siren or voice will not be heard. The
LED on top of the radio will flash Red and the alert type
will scroll across the display.
With only icon 3 displayed the speaker is muted. When an
alert is received, the siren is heard then the speaker is un-
muted and the broadcast will be heard for 5 minutes, the
alert type will scroll across the display. If you do not desire
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to listen to the broadcast for the 5 minutes press and release
the “Snooze/Func” button to mute the speaker.
USING THE ALERT FUNCTION:
When your 74-250 receives alert, an audible alert tone is heard
(depending on settings) and the display will scroll showing the
nature of the alert, watch, warning, statement, and the time the
alert was received. The audio will be turned on (depending on
settings) to allow you to hear the broadcast. The LED on top of
the radio will flash red indicating the radio has received an alert.
The alert duration can be between 15
minutes and 6 hours. This duration is
determined by the NWS.
NWR Alert Descriptions
This table contains the NWR descriptions of all the types of alerts
that your 74-250 will display. The display text and type of alert
sound are shown for each type of alert
What You See
Alert Sound
Tornado Watch
Tornado Warning
Fast siren
Very fast siren
Fast siren
Very fast siren
Fast siren
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Sever Thunderstorm Warning
Flash Flood Watch
Flash Flood Warning
Flood Watch
Very fast siren
Fast siren
Flood Warning
Very fast siren
Fast siren
Very fast siren
Very fast siren
Fast siren
Winter Storm Watch
Winter Storm Warning
Blizzard Warning
High Wind Watch
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High Wind Warning
Hurricane Warning
Hurricane Watch
Very fast siren
Very fast siren
Fast siren
Coastal Flood Watch
Fast siren
Coastal Flood Warning
Special Marine Warning
Avalanche Watch
Very fast siren
Very fast siren
Fast siren
Avalanche Warning
Very fast siren
Fast siren
Volcano Watch
Vlocano Warning
Very fast siren
Very fast siren
Very fast siren
Fast siren
Immediate Evacuation Warning
Shelter in Place Warning
Civil Danger Watch
Civil Danger Warning
Radiological Hazard Watch
Radiological Hazard Warning
Hazardous Material Watch
Hazardous Material Warning
Law Enforcement Warning
Fire Warning
Tune Tv (unknown watch)
Tune Tv (unknown warning)
Local Area Emergency
Severe Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement
Flash Flood Statement
Hurricane Statement
Very fast siren
Fast siren
Very fast siren
Fast siren
Very fast siren
Very fast siren
Very fast siren
Fast siren
Very fast siren
Very fast siren
Beeps
Beeps
Beeps
Beeps
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 and what type of
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the alert is issued. When the designated time has passed the
display message and LED will be reset to their normal state.
Reviewing Overlapping Alerts
The 74-250 radio can store up to five different alerts (with
overlapping effective times) in its memory. If the radio receives a
new alert while a previous alert is still in effect, the radio
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 the “UP /DOWN” Buttons. Each alert will be displayed
with the time it was received.
When a Test or Demo Alert Occurs
NWR sends a 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.
What You See
Required Weekly Test
What You Hear
Beeps
Required Monthly Test
System Demo
Beeps
Beeps
National Periodic Test
No sound
As the NWS adds new alert capabilities your radio is set to
receive them and alert you automatically with no modifications.
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TROUBLESHOOTING
Problem
Suggestion(s)
Check that the batteries are
installed correctly and the
batteries are good.
No power.
No sound.
Check VOLUME setting
Ensure that the county has the
correct channel.
No weather broadcast when
you press Snooze/Func button
Ensure that the radio is set to
the NOAA weather channel in
use in your area. Contact
NOAA to ensure they are
presently broadcasting.
Ensure that the correct
One or more FIPS codes are
stored in memory but the radio ‘County’ (FIPS and channel
responds to alerts for areas
other than those for the codes
stored.
setting) selected.
The radio is not responding
Ensure that you have
properly to NWS weather alert programmed the correct FIPS
broadcasts
code(s) into the radio’s
memory.
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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. 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 to find a place of good reception.
2.
3.
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.
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 74-250 near a
window.
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FCC Compliance Information
Midland NWR-SAME Weather Monitor
Model 74-250
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions:
This device may not cause harmful interference.
This device must accept any interference received including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
For compliance information contact:
Midland Radio Corporation
1120 Clay St.
North Kansas City, MO 64116
Tel: (816) 241-8500
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SPECIFICATIONS
Specifications are nominal and subject to change.
GENERAL
Frequency Range
(162.40, 162.425, 162.45, 162.475, 162.50,
162.525, 162.55MHz)
Number of WX Channels
…………….7
Input Voltage .........................................3 Volts DC
Dimensions ….. 73mm W x 105mm H x 30mm D
(2 7/8 x 4 1/8 x 1 1/4 in.)
Battery life (alkaline):6 to12 days monitoring, up to 6 months in
clock mode.
Battery life (Ni-cad): 2 to 4 days monitoring, up to 2 months in
clock mode.
RECEIVER
20 dB Quieting Sensitivity…………...…..0.5 uV
FIPS Code Sensitivity @5kHz Dev..…….0.5uV
Channel Selectivity ………..................±25kHz, 30dB
Speaker Impedance ……………......…..4 ohms
Power Output @10%THD........................150 mW max.
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SERVICE:
If it ever becomes necessary to return your 74-250 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.
North Kansas City, Mo. 64116
Tele. 816-241-8500
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ONE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
Midland Radio Corporation will repair or replace, at its option
without charge, your 74-250 weather alert 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, prior service
attempts, liquid damage, abuse or misuse.
Performance 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, Warranty Service Department, 1120 Clay St. North
Kansas City, Missouri 64116, or to the place of purchase (if a
participating dealer).
Warranty information may be obtained by writing
Midland Consumer Radio, Warranty Service Department.
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.
Midland Radio Corporation
1120 Clay St.
North Kansas City, Mo. 64116
Tel: (816) 241-8500
E-mail: [email protected]
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FIPS codes
Use this space to record the FIPS codes and weather radio
channels you have programmed into your 74-250-weather
monitor.
Co. Code
Channel Location
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
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