Midland Wr-10 Weather Alert Radio Product Information Manual

							 
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PRODUCT INFORMATION 
 
The WR-10 Weather Max gives you two products in one. You have a 
combination AM/FM broadcast radio. You also have a 24-hour a day National 
Weather Service monitor. A complete information system in the palm of your hands. 
 
The Weather Max has a full tone alert signaling system built in. When the 
National Weather Service issues an emergency report, they transmit a special tone. 
This tone is picked up by your WR-10 to provide you instant emergency weather 
information. Your WR-10 will advise you of special weather warnings even if you are 
listening to standard AM or FM broadcasts. 
 
The WR-10 has an emergency battery backup system for use if you lose power. 
It will provide up to six hours of operation if power fails. It also allows the WR-10 to be 
used as a temporary portable to take on trips, picnics to the beach, etc. 
 
The WR-10 provides a new concept in high performance Weather Monitors 
combined with the information and entertainment of an AM-FM radio. 
  
						

							 
3 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) 
•  AM-FM Reception – Receives standard AM and FM commercial broadcast 
stations.~ Special system interrupts broadcast reception for emergency weather 
warnings. 
•  Alert monitor system receives special tones transmitted by National Weather 
Service stations warning of dangerous weather conditions – When the alert 
feature is activated, the receiver remains in a standby mode. As special tones 
are received, the receiver automatically activates itself to warn you of 
dangerous weather conditions. 
•  User-selectable warning system – Your choice of led only, led & alarm or voice 
only 
•  Weather Button – large touch-bar turns unit from alert mode to full time 
monitoring. 
•  High Performance Chassis – Receives weather broadcasts up to 50 miles from 
transmitter. 
•  Test Button – Permits testing of alert system. 
•  Large Top-Firing Speaker – Directs alerts and audio toward listener. 
•  Emergency Powered – Uses a single 9-volt battery (optional). -Makes unit 
completely portable. 
•  Telescopic Antenna – Provides maximum range reception-up to 50 miles-folds 
down for easy transport. 
•  Fully Variable Volume Control – Adjusts audio output. 
•  External Antenna Jack – Permits use of an optional extended range base 
antenna or a mobile antenna. 
•  External Power Jack – Allows use of AC adapter (included) or DC cigarette 
lighter power cord (optional) to run off a car or boat battery. 
•  Compact, Ultra Modern Styling – Small enough to take along; looks good 
anywhere. 
•  External Alert Jack – Allows control of other alerting devices.  
						

							 
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CONTROLS: 
 
1.  Weather Bar Button – This is a 
push on button. One push activates 
the weather receiver. 
2.  Alert Test Button – This is a 
momentary switch bar. Pressing and 
holding it down lets you check to see 
that your WR-10 tone coded alert 
system is operating. A loud siren-type 
sound will be emitted from the speaker 
if the ALERT switch is set to LED & 
ALARM. 
3.  Alert Bar Button – This is a push on 
switch. It switches the special alert tone 
coding system on so you can receive emergency weather broadcasts. In the 
AM-FM mode it also acts as the on switch for the AM-FM radio if you have 
activated the weather receiver. 
4.  Alert LED Indicator – This light emitting diode visual indicator tells you when the 
unit is in the alert mode. It is normally a steady light. If an emergency broadcast 
is received
 this indicator will pulse on and off. 
5.  Tuning Dial – This dial lets you 
select AM or FM stations 
 
6.  WX-AM-FM  Mode Switch – 
Lets you select AM broadcasts, FM 
broadcasts or weatherband 
broadcasts 
7.  Telescopic Antenna – Extends fully for best reception. 
8.  Off/On/Volume Control – This 
is the volume control and the main 
power switch. It lets you adjust 
volume to the desired listening 
level. 
9.  External Alert Device Jack – 
Allows connection of external 
alerting devices such as X-10. 
10.  External Antenna – Allows you the option to plug in an optional external 
antenna for better reception inside your home or car, or from distant weather 
stations. 
11.  Power Jack – A power jack is located on the side of the unit for use with an  AC 
adapter or optional 12 Volt adapter.  
						

							 
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12. Weather Channel Selector Switch – Allows you to select the proper weather 
channel for your area. This switch is recessed on the bottom of the unit and 
once set, no further adjustment is necessary for home use. 
13.  Alert Mode Selector – Your 
WR-10 has three different alert 
modes: 
A)  LED Only – When an 
emergency alert tone is 
received AM-FM broadcast 
radio reception will be muted 
and ONLY the LED warns you. 
B)  LED and Alarm – When 
an emergency broadcast is 
received the LED will flash and 
a loud siren sound will be 
emitted. The broadcast radio 
reception will also be muted. 
C)  Voice – The unit will be silent in WX mode. When an emergency broadcast 
is received, it will turn your WR-10 audio system on so the voice of the 
weather station can be heard.  In AM or FM mode, the broadcast radio 
reception will also be muted so the voice of the weather station can be 
heard. 
14.  Battery Compartment – Holds the 9-volt back-up battery. Alkaline or lithium 
batteries are recommended. Do not use rechargeable batteries. The WR-10 is 
not equipped with charge capabilities.. Battery is optional. 
15. Reset switch 
 
 
 
  
						

							 
6 EMERGENCY POWER
 
 
Remove the battery cover. Turn the unit over. Remove the cover by pushing the 
battery door in the direction of the arrow and lifting the battery cover away from the 
radio. Install a 9-volt Alkaline battery (Eveready 522 or equivalent, not supplied). 
Observe the battery polarity (+ and -). Replace the battery cover.  (Power adapters will 
not charge the battery.) 
 
INITIAL SETUP
 
 
Set the controls and switches as follows: 
 
VOLUME/POWER – Advance the control about half way. 
WX-AM-FM SELECTOR – to FM 
WX 1 - - - WX7 SWITCH - to (1) 162.550 
ALERT SWITCH - to LED & ALARM 
 
Now, fully extend the telescopic antenna. Next, remove the AC Wall Adapter from 
the package. Plug the wall adapter into a 110-115 Volt AC (standard house current) 
outlet. Plug the other end into the DC-12V jack of your WR-10 
 
AM/FM OPERATION
 
 
From the above steps, we are set to listen to FM stations. If you desire to listen to 
AM stations, set the WX--AM--FM selector switch to the AM position now. 
 
1.  Advance the POWER/VOLUME ON/OFF switch toward the top of the radio. 
Continue rotating it about one half of the way. 
2.  Slide the TUNING button to receive the desired station. 
3.  Readjust the volume to desired listening levels. 
4.  Position the telescopic antenna for best FM reception. On AM, the antenna is 
built into the cabinet. Rotating the cabinet itself can improve AM signal 
reception. 
 
You will notice the ALERT light comes on when power is supplied. Your WR-10 is 
listening for EMERGENCY signals from the Weather Service.  We have not adjusted 
the weather frequency for your local area. Look up your city or a major city near you in  
the supplied Weather Service directory and set the switch on the bottom of your unit to 
the frequency listed. To test for weather signals, simply press the WEATHER bar on the 
top of your 74-105XL. This will switch the WR-10 from AM or FM to receive the Weather 
broadcast. To return to AM or FM reception, press the ALERT button.  
						

							 
7 Once you have adjusted the weather frequency and are receiving weather 
broadcast stations, your WR-10 will automatically switch from AM or FM reception to the 
Weather mode if the weather Service sends the special tone to warn you of dangerous 
weather conditions. The setup procedure previously set your radio to SIREN mode. 
You may also select a VOICE mode or a silent LED mode. See the instructions under 
the ALERT mode section for adjusting this mode. 
 
NOTE: The National Weather 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 WR-10 can receive broadcasts from the Weather Stations up to 50 miles. Hills 
and certain terrain can reduce reception. An external antenna can improve range. 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). If your local Weather Service is transmitting 
and you are not receiving the broadcasts, you may need an outdoor antenna. 
 
WEATHERBAND OPERATION
 
 
Follow the INITIAL SETUP instructions except put the WX – AM – FM switch to 
the Weather (WX) position. 
1.Set the WX-AM-FM mode switch to the WEATHER (WX) position. 
2. Lift the antenna from its resting position to a vertical position and extend it fully 
for best reception. 
3.Turn the OFF/ON/VOLUME control on and set the volume to about the midpoint, 
The ALERT indicator (LED) should be lit indicating the unit is in the ALERT Mode 
and turned on. 
4. Press the WEATHER button to exit the ALERT Mode (ALERT LED should turn 
off). 
5. Set the CHANNEL selector switch on the bottom of the unit to the channel 
indicated from the NOAA Weather Radio Network chart inserted in this owners 
guide for the location of the weather radio station nearest you. 
6.  Reset the VOLUME control to the desired listening level. 
7.  When you are finished listening to the WEATHER information, reset the radio to 
the ALERT MODE, (or AM-FM MODE), by pressing the ALERT button. The 
ALERT indicator LED will again light showing you are in the ALERT Mode. If you 
desire the AM or FM Mode, move the MODE SELECTOR to AM or FM and press 
the ALERT button.  Now in the event of a weather emergency, the National  
						

							 
8 Weather Service will broadcast a special electronic triggering signal for 10 
seconds that causes the siren alarm to turn on, at which time the alert indicator 
will flash (provided the ALERT Mode selector switch is in the LED & ALARM 
position). Your AM or FM reception will be interrupted and the siren will sound for 
10 seconds warning you that emergency weather information is being broadcast. 
The ALERT indicator will flash until you press the WEATHER Button for 
emergency weather information. 
8.The ALERT Mode selector switch on the bottom of the unit allows you other alert 
modes without the siren.  
•  LED position, only the LED flashes when the National Weather Service transmits 
the special emergency signal.  
•  VOlCE position the unit lets you hear voice only from the weather station for 5 
minutes without pressing the WEATHER Button. After 5 minutes, the WR-10 will 
reset to the AM-FM or WEATHER Mode, ready to receive the next emergency 
signal. During the weather report, you can reset the unit before the 5 minute 
period is up by pressing the ALERT Button.  
•  LED & ALARM position the LED will flash and the siren will sound. 
NOTE: The ALERT Mode setting will determine the type of alert you get while on AM 
or FM reception as well. 
9. Anytime the unit is in the WEATHER ALERT Mode, you can test the alert function 
by pressing the TEST Button. Depending on the position of the ALERT Mode 
selector switch, the unit will either let you hear the voice weather report, or the 
siren will sound and the LED will flash, or just the ALERT LED will begin flashing. 
After testing the alarm, be sure to return the unit to the ALERT Mode by pressing 
the WEATHER bar and then the ALERT bar.  
						

							 
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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. For better reception from 
greater distances, an external antenna can be used. To use an external antenna, 
you must have an antenna with an RCA plug or an adapter to RCA plug to connect 
into the side of the WR-10. 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 in your home or office to find a place that has good reception. 
2.  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. 
3.  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 Services phone 
number for your local NOAA station. 
4.  Mobile home reception is difficult due to the metallic structure preventing reception. 
Put your WR-10 near a window. If this doesnt provide reasonable reception-then a 
outside antenna must be used. One suggested antenna is the Midland 18-259W 
VHF through-glass antenna. 
 
PORTABLE OPERATION 
 
Your WR-10 can be used as a portable (picnics-at the beach, boating, camping, 
etc.)  A fresh battery will last about 6-8 hours. 
 
12 VOLT OPERATION
 
 
Your WR-10 can be powered from any 12 Volt CAR-TRUCK-RV-or BOAT battery. 
An optional (Model 18-235) power cord adapter is available from Midland.  
  
						

							 
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SPECIFICATIONS 
 
Specifications are nominal and subject to change. 
 
GENERAL 
Frequency Range  AM 510-1650KHz 
 FM 88-108MHz 
 WX 162MHz 
  (162.4O, 162.425, 162.45, 162.475, 162.50, 162.525, 162.55MHz) 
Number of WX Channels  7 
Input Voltage  9-14 Volts DC 
Dimensions 217Wx 41Hxl55MMDeep 
 (8 
5/8 x 1 5/8 x 6 1/8) 
 
RECEIVER 
AM Max Sensitivity  60 dB/M 
FM 30 dB Quieting Sensitivity  20 uV 
WX 20 dB Quieting Sensitivity  1.5 uV 
Alarm Trip Sensitivity  1.5uV 
Speaker Impedance  32 ohms 
WX Rejection at 96.6 or 97.7MHz  70dB max. 
10% THD Power Output  210 mW max. 
 
FCC Compliance Information 
Midland WT-5 Weather Station 
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 Consumer Radio 
1670 N. Topping 
Kansas City, MO 64120 
Tel: (816) 241-8500 
  
						

							 
11 NINETY DAY LIMITED WARRANTY 
Midland Consumer Radio Inc. will repair or replace, at its option without charge, your WR-
10 weather alert radio which fails due to a defect in material or workmanship within ninety 
days 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 
Consumer Radio Inc., Warranty Service Department, 1670 North Topping Avenue, Kansas City, 
Missouri  64120, 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 Consumer Radio                URL: www.midlandradio.com 
1670 N. Topping 
Kansas City, Mo. 64120 
Tel: (816) 241-8500 
E-mail: [email protected]
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