Radio Shack 12-519 manual Frequently Asked Questions FAQs

UNRECOGNIZED displays.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are FIPS codes and SAME signals?

The National Weather Service (NWS) precedes each weather alert with a digitally encoded SAME (Specific Area Message Encoding) signal, then a 1050 Hz tone. The SAME signal includes a FIPS (Federal Information Processing Standard) code and an event code that corresponds with the type of alert being sent.

The FIPS code format is:

Subdivisions	State	County
0-9	01-50	XXX
(0=entire area)	(00=all states)	(000=all counties)

Example: 048439

(0=All; 48=Texas; 439=Tarrant County)

To obtain the FIPS codes for your area, contact your local RadioShack store or call the NWS toll free at 1-888-NWR-SAME (1-888-697-7263). You can also visit the NWS website: www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/indexnw.htm.

nNote: Your weather radio comes pre-programmed with FIPS codes sorted by state and county. Do not change your FIPS code unless you have confirmed with the NWS. See “Receiving Alerts for Specific Areas” on page 10 for more information.

What is an alert?

Your radio is preset to receive warnings, watches, and advisories from the NWS. When an alert is received, a voice or tone alert sounds, and the alert description and duration appear on the display. Alert descriptions are based on a list of specific weather alert types published by NWS. For a list of alert descriptions displayed on your Weather Alert Radio, refer to “NWS Alert Descriptions” on page 16-18.

nNote: If severe weather is imminent, do not wait for an alert tone.

What are undefined or unrecognized alerts?

The NWS occasionally broadcasts weather information intended for commercial or other non-public use, or creates and broadcasts new alert types. If a signal for a new alert type is received and the alert is turned on,

and the alert description (warning, watch, or advisory)

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