JMS2012
7
Weather Band Operation
What is the NOAA Weather Radio/Weatheradio Canada?
This is a nationwide system that broadcasts local weather emergency information 24 hours a
day. The U.S. network has more than 530 stations covering the 50 states as well as the
adjacent costal waters, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the U.S. Pacific Territories.
Each local area has its own transmitting station and there are a total of seven broadcasting
frequencies used. A similar system is available in Canada under the Weatheradio Canada
service administered by Environment Canada.
Tuning to Weatherband
Press and hold
the
BAND/WB
button (16) to access the Weatherband. The indication "WB"
will appear on the display panel, along with the current number and channel indication: "WB-1",
“WB-2", "WB-3", "WB-4", "WB-5", "WB-6" or "WB-7". The seven frequencies are shown in the
following table:
The above table also shows which preset button will access the frequency. Note that one
frequency cannot be accessed using a preset button. The frequency can only be reached
using the tuning controls.
Use the
SEEK |<< / >>|
buttons (13, 14) or the preset buttons to tune to each of the seven
channels until you find the weatherband station broadcasting in your area.
How many stations can I expect to receive?
Since the broadcasts are local weather and information, the transmission power is usually very
low (much less than standard AM or FM stations) so you will usually receive only one station,
unless you are on the edge of two or more broadcast signals. The most you will receive will be
two or three, and that is rare.
Is it possible I won't receive any stations?
Depending on where you are located, there is a possibility you will receive only a very weak
signal or none at all. Also, similar to AM and FM signals, weatherband signals are subject to
surrounding conditions, weather, obstructions of the signal by hills or mountains, etc.
Table 1: WB Frequencies
Frequency (MHz)
Preset
162.400
2
162.425
4
162.450
5
162.475
3
162.500
6
162.525
-
162.550
1
