WR-300 Owner’s Manual

About NOAA, NWS, & S.A.M.E. County Codes

In 1994, NOAA began broadcasting coded emergency signals that identify the specific geo- graphic area (such as the county within a state) that is affected by an emergency. Until that time, such specific emergency weather information was not available directly to the public.

NOAA transmits the coded emergency signals using a technique called Specific Area Message Encoding (S.A.M.E.) The WR-300 weather radio is designed to receive these S.A.M.E. county code transmissions.

The National Weather service divides the United States by state and county (or parish) and assigns a six digit code number called a FIPS (Federal Information Processing System) code, also known as a S.A.M.E. county code.

You can program the weather radio with up to 23 S.A.M.E. county codes. The weather radio allows you to receive broadcast alerts for either your own county, or for up to 23 counties. This will eliminate any alerts that are not within your area of interest.

When you program your S.A.M.E. county code(s) into the WR-300 weather radio, you eliminate any alerts that are not within those counties. Warnings, watches and advisories of weather and other area emergencies, about 50 different types, will activate the weather radio for only your programmed specific area.

The S.A.M.E. message the NWS sends contains information pertaining to the period for which the alert is valid. NWS 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.

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Midland Radio WR-300 owner manual About NOAA, NWS, & S.A.M.E. County Codes
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WR-300 specifications

The Midland Radio WR-300 is a highly regarded weather radio known for its reliability and user-friendly features. Designed to keep users informed about changing weather conditions, the WR-300 is especially popular among outdoor enthusiasts, travelers, and anyone who wants to stay alert during severe weather events.

One of the standout features of the WR-300 is its ability to receive real-time weather alerts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This radio is equipped with Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME) technology, which allows users to receive alerts specific to their geographic area. This ensures that they are only notified about severe weather events that might affect them directly, preventing unnecessary worry over distant storms.

The WR-300 also boasts a user-friendly interface with a large, backlit LCD display that makes it easy to read alerts, even in low-light conditions. Its intuitive controls allow users to quickly adjust settings, change channels, and program alert tones. The radio is designed to be portable, with a compact size that makes it easy to carry on hikes or road trips.

In addition to weather alerts, the WR-300 can also serve as a standard AM/FM radio, providing entertainment and information when it's not being used to monitor weather conditions. The built-in speaker delivers clear sound quality, making it a versatile device for both weather updates and music.

Battery backup is another essential feature of the WR-300. It operates on AC power but includes battery backup functionality, ensuring that it remains operational during power outages. This is particularly important during severe weather events when the power supply may be disrupted.

Furthermore, the WR-300 includes a tuner for accessing a range of weather bands and channels, ensuring comprehensive coverage of local reports. Its durable construction and dependable performance make it a trustworthy companion for anyone who needs to stay informed about the weather.

Overall, the Midland Radio WR-300 stands out with its advanced weather monitoring capabilities, ease of use, and dual functionality as an entertainment source. With its combination of reliable performance and essential features, the WR-300 is an essential tool for anyone looking to stay ahead of the weather.
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