Midland 74-250 Weather Radio Owners Manual

							OWNER’S MANUAL FOR THE 74-250 
http://www.midlandradio.com  Page 1 of 15 
 
 
 
Owner’s Manual for the 74-250 Weather Radio 
 
 
 
 
 
www.midlandradio.com  
						

							OWNER’S MANUAL FOR THE 74-250 
http://www.midlandradio.com  Page 2 of 15 
 
 
PRODUCT INFORMATION 
 
The 74-250 N.W.R./ S.A.M.E. (National Weather Radio/Specific Area Message Encoding) 
Weather / All Hazard Monitor provides you with constant monitoring of your local National 
Weather Service broadcast for messages warning you of hazardous conditions. The NWR/SAME 
decoding allows you to hear only messages concerning the area concerning you.  You now have 
a choice as to what information will be brought to you. No more will you be awakened to hear of a 
problem many miles from your home that will not affect you.  A clock with alarm is also featured.   
 
The 74-250 NWR/SAME Weather / All Hazard Monitor is the latest advance in Weather 
monitoring technology providing you with the information you need for your greatest safety from 
the effects of weather and other external hazards. 
 
FEATURES: 
 
VHF Weather Monitor with seven different National Weather Service channels in the 162 MHz FM 
band - Provides 24-hour-a-day National Weather Service information from seven different 
channels for maximum reception possible (in areas where available) 
 
Alert monitor system receives NWR/SAME codes transmitted by National Weather Service 
stations warning of dangerous weather conditions and other general hazards. The SAME codes 
designate which counties or parts of counties are affected by the individual message. When the 
alert feature is activated, the receiver remains in a standby mode. As SAME coded messages are 
received, the receiver automatically activates to warn you of dangerous weather conditions. 
 
• 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). 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
						

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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. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 NI-Cd (Nickel 
Cadmium) or Ni-Mh (nickel metal hydride) batteries. (optional)  
 
 
 
 
 
  
						

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NWR-S.A.M.E.- An explanation 
 
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 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.  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 dont 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. 
 
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. The047 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. 
 
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) 
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 
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr
 
 
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.  
						

							OWNER’S MANUAL FOR THE 74-250 
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INITIAL SETUP 
 
To Install Batteries: 
 
1.  Hold the radio face down. Press the latch so it swings away from the cover. 
2.  Lift the battery cover slightly. Gently slide the cover off the unit. 
3.  Insert 2 AA batteries observing the proper polarity. 
a.  Insert the top battery first by inserting the - terminal end of the battery first and 
gently pressing the battery into place.  
b.  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 rechargeable batteries, please recharge 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 
 
Programming: Please Read (VERY IMPORTANT) 
 
This radio has 9 memory locations. Each memory location called the County allows you to store 
one county code and one channel associated with the county code. The radio will initially be 
programmed as follow: 
  
       
County Code Channel 
1 999999 1 
2 999999 2 
3 999999 3 
4 999999 4 
5 999999 5 
6 999999 6 
7 999999 7 
8 999999 1 
9 999999 1 
 
The FIPS code 999999 is the all county code. You may continue to use this code that allows the 
radio to receive alerts regardless of county. By selection of the first 7 memory locations, you may 
find the best NWS channel you will listen to.  
  
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 will still be on location 1. You must cause the radio to switch to county you 
just stored in memory. Below are detailed instructions on programming the radio. 
  
 
 
 
 
  
						

							OWNER’S MANUAL FOR THE 74-250 
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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...                 or like this… 
 
 
Enter the county code into memory  (FIPS Code)
 
 
You can elect to skip this step and go directly to Set the Channel. You can come back to this step 
later. 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 alerts regardless of the county. 
 
From the clock display: 
 
1. Press and release the FUNC / SNOOZE once to change from clock to weather / display 
mode if necessary. 
  
You will see on the display a scrolling message NO MESSAGE. 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 describe 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 numbers associated with the county FIPS code. Refer to the instructions 
above on how to acquire the FIPS code 
 
3. Press 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 codes / channel number memory locations available. Each location 
can have a different county code and channel if desired.  
 
4.  Press and release the set button this will allow you to start programming the county code. 
• Each press of the SET button will allow you to change each digit with the UP / DOWN 
buttons. 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 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.  Follow the steps starting with number 4 below or press SET again to end 
programming. 
 
o 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 NWS Channel 
 
• Your 74-250 is supplied with a booklet that lists most of the NWS frequencies and the 
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. 
 
 
• From the clock display: 
 
1.  Press and release the FUNC / SNOOZE button once to enter the weather mode. You 
will see on the display the scrolling message NO MESSAGE in most cases. 
2.  Press and hold SET until you see on the display the current county code. This will be a 
six-digit number.  
• If this is the first time the county code has been programmed the digits will be all 9s. 
  
3. Press SET seven times.  
• This will take you past the county code.    
• The number next to CH will flash 
• Press UP/Down button to change to the desired channel 1 to 7. When you are 
choosing the channel to go with the county code in your immediate area you should 
hear the weather broadcast.  
4. Press SET once to end programming. 
• When no buttons have been pressed for 10 seconds, the current setting is confirmed 
and it switches alert display mode automatically. If after 30 seconds there has been 
no buttons pressed the radio will revert to clock mode. 
 
 
Channel Frequency (MHz) 
1 162.400 
2 162.425 
3 162.450 
4 162.475 
5 162.500 
6 162.525 
7 162.550  
						

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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 on the display the 6 digit county 
code or the all county code. The number next to the county will flash. Press the UP / 
DOWN buttons to select the county location desired.  
2.  Press and release the MODE button to restore the radio to display 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: 
 
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. 
 
a.  The HR12 indicates the 12-hour format. The HR24 indicates military 24 hour 
format. 
6.  Press and release the SET button to store your selection. 
 
a.  The next selection is to choose how the temperature is displayed. F is for 
Fahrenheit and C is for Celsius. The F or C will flash next to the temperature. 
 
7.  Press and release the UP or Down button to select F or C. 
8.  Press and release the SET button to store your selection and return to clock mode. 
 
• 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.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
						

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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 on the display the 
bell icons 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. 
 
 
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 the UP or DOWN 
buttons to change the minutes. 
3.  Press 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 off the Alarms  
 
It is possible to turn off one or both of the alarms. 
 
• From the clock display: 
1.  Press the Mode button (two or three times depending on which alarm you want to 
turn off) to see on the display the bell icon 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. 
 
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 on the display the bell icon with the number of the 
alarm you 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. 
 
 
  
						

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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 showing.   
1.This icon indicates that weather alerts will only display and not sound. 
2.This icon indicates the weather receive is in voice listening mode. 
3.This icon without 1 or 2 indicates normal alert monitoring mode. 
4.When no icons are displayed, the radio is off.  Only time and 
temperature is active. 
 
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 as short 15 minutes and as long as 6 hours. 
This duration is determined by the NWS.