Radio Shack HTX-420 75+06*.%6410+% %1/2#55, Understanding Same Codes, Turning on the Same Alert

them to potentially ignore real weather warnings that can save lives.

In 1994, NOAA began broadcasting SAME (Specific Area Message Encoding) codes along with their standard weather broadcasts from local stations in your area. SAME codes identify the type of emergency and the specific geographic area (such as a county) affected by the emergency. Your transceiver receives, interprets, and displays information about the codes so you can determine if the emergency might affect your area. Only SAME-compatible radios (such as this transceiver) are able to take advantage of this new technology.

Each SAME code identifies a specific geographic area (defined by the National Weather Service [NWS]), so your transceiver sounds an alert only when a weather emergency is declared in that area. This helps you more efficiently track the weather conditions in and around your area.

70&'456#0&+0)"5#/'"%1&'5 For the purpose of broadcasting weather information, the NWS divided the United States into regions by state and county (or parish, where applicable) then assigned a six-digit SAME code to identify each county or parish. For example, the code for Tarrant County, Texas, is 048439.

The first digit in a SAME code identifies the county subdivision, the next two digits identify the state, and the last three digits identify the county or parish. ±

Your transceiver can receive all SAME alert signals broadcast within about a 40-mile radius. To receive SAME alerts and broadcasts about weather occurring only in particular counties within that area, you can program up to nine SAME codes into the transceiver’s memory (see “Entering Your Area’s SAME Codes” on Page 9). For example, this lets you avoid hearing an alert that applies to an area within a 40-mile radius but not necessarily to your county or parish.

6740+0)"10"6*'"5#/'"#.'46 When your local weather station broadcasts a weather alert signal, the transceiver sounds an alert tone and displays an alert code for 5 seconds, showing the level of alert being broadcast. Follow these steps to turn on the alert.

1. Repeatedly press	to select the
weather mode.

2.Repeatedly press 6 or 7 until I7C; appears.

3.Press 8 or 9 to select ed. rappears.

4. Press or PTT to store the setting.

The transceiver displays one of the following codes when it receives an alert signal.

M7HD for Warning

M7J9> for Watches

IJCJ for Statement

J;IJ for Test

The weather alert operates only when the transceiver is in weather mode. ±

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You can store up to nine SAME codes. Refer to the SAME codes at http:// www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/indexnw.htm. for the corresponding codes for any specific area you wish to monitor for weather warnings or watches.

1.Repeatedly press 6 or 7 until 7H;7

appears. If no SAME codes are stored in memory, _ _ _ _ _ _ and 7' appear.

2.Repeatedly press 8 or 9 to select the desired memory location (A1–A9).

3.Enter your area’s SAME code using the number keys.

If you want to enter another SAME code, repeat Steps 2 and 3.

4. Press	or PTT to store the code and
exit.

75+0)"6*'"'.'%6410+%" %1/2#55

Your transceiver has an electronic compass that can display two digits of direction such as SE or NW and up to three digits of directional angle such as 360°, 180°, 90°, or 45° in five degree steps.

You must calibrate the electronic compass before using it.

1.Turn off the transceiver.

2.Place the transceiver horizontally on a flat surface that does not give off electrical or magnetic interference.

3.Hold down COMP and press PWR.

4.Place your index finger on the side of the transceiver’s antenna and turn the transceiver clockwise or counterclockwise, twice, smoothly and continuously. Take 8 to 9 seconds to complete a circle.

5. Press PTT or . ±

To use the electronic compass press

F+COMP (H/L) to see the magnetic direction.

The display provides 8 primary directions; D, D;, ;, I;, I, IM, M, and DM. If you press any

key, the compass display disappears. ±

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Understanding SAME Codes

Most SAME codes begin with 0, which means the code represents an entire county. The NWS plans to eventually subdivide some large counties. When that happens, each subdivision will be assigned a digit from 1 through 9, resulting in codes such as 148439, 248439, and so on.

Turning on the SAME Alert

•When the SAME code is detected, the audio is muted.

•If you do not program any SAME codes into the transceiver’s memory, the transceiver detects all SAME signals when the SAME function is on.

Using the Electronic Compass

•The compass is not intended to be used as a scientific instrument. The accuracy of the compass is affected by environmental

factors in the area where the radio is being used. 9E#;HH appears when the transceiver does not detect compass data. If 9E#;HH appears, repeat Steps 1–5 to re-calibrate the

compass.

•To use the electronic compass feature, you need to hold the transceiver within 30 degrees of a horizontal position.

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