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WX-80
SAME
Weather Monitor

Operating Instructions

I have inserted a description of the function keys here, Bob, K8LR

The keypad is like a telephone keypad with the exception of the keys on
either side of the zero key. The star key on the left of the zero is the YES key and the pound key is the NO key. To the left of the YES key is the power on/off switch which is on when the switch is to the left.
To the left of that switch is the volume up/down button.
The three large keys above the keypad are from left to right
off-programming
weather, The largest of the three buttons
alert on/off
The DC power and antenna jacks are on the left side.

Table of Contents
I.
II.
III.
IV.
v.
VI.
FCC Information 1
About Topaz3 2
AboutYour WX-80 2
Unpacking and Checking Equipment 4
Getting to Know Your WX-80 *
Powering the Weather Monitor 6
Installing the Backup Battery 6
Connecting the Weather Monitor to AC Power 7
Using the Built-in Antenna 8
VII.
VIII.
Listening to a Weather Broadcast 8
Programming Your WX-80 9
Factory Default Programming 9
Setting the Alert Type 12
Setting the Backlight 14
Understanding SAME Geographic (FIPS) Codes 15
Monitoring Single or Multiple Locations 17
Entering FIPS Location Codes 19
IX.
x.
XI.
Alert Tones 21
Finding the Best Location for Your WX-80 Monitor 26
Testing the Alert Tone 26
Using the Alert Function 27
Setting the Alert Tone Volume 28
Setting the WX-80's "All Signals" Code 29
Reviewing Overlapping Alerts 30
When a Test or Demo Alert Occurs 31
Undefined Weather Descriptions 31
Test Mode 32
XII.
XIII.
XIV.
xv.
XVI.
NWS Weather Event Descriptions 34
Specifications 38
Maintenance 39
Warranty Service Instructions 39
Warranty Statement 40
.
I. FCC INFORMATION

The FCC (Federal Communications Commission)
requires that you be advised of certain requirements
involving the use of this device. This equipment has
been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B Digital Device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC
Rules and Regulations. These rules are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference
in a residential environment.

This equipment uses and can generate radio frequency
(RF) energy. If not used in accordance with the instructions,
it may cause interference to other radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that the
interference will not occur in another device's reception
(which can be determined by turning the equipment
off and on). The user is encouraged to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
Increase the separation between the radio and other
devices
Consult the manufacturer for technical assistance

FCC Warning: This equipment generates or uses radio
frequency (RF) energy. Changes or modifications not
expressly approved in writing may cause harmful
interference and void the user's authority to operate
this equipment.

II. ABOUT TOPAZ3

Topaz3 is the exclusive supplier of Maxon*, Legacy and
TruTalk brand communication products.

Our product line ranges from two-way radios suitable for
Business and Industry (B&l) markets like farm, government,
law enforcement, utility, etc. to consumer communications
equipment for recreational and light-duty business markets.

Product offerings include a variety of UHF and VHP
handheld and mobile radios, repeaters and RF link modules,
as well as FRS (Family Radio Service), GMRS (General
Mobile Radio Service) radios, MURS (Multi User Radio
Service) radios, Citizen's Band radios and weather monitors.

Available accessory items include a variety of carrying
cases, spare batteries, desktop and mobile chargers, ear
bud speaker microphones and more for each radio model.

For additional information on our product line, visit our
website: www.topaz3.com
.
III. ABOUT YOUR WX-80

The WX-80 SAME Weather Monitor "hears" weather
alert broadcasts from the National Weather Service,
and announcements from the Emergency Alert System
to keep you aware of ever-changing conditions.

SAME (Specific Area Message Encoding) technology lets
you program the monitor to receive forecasts, updates
targeted to your area. The unit stores up to 15 SAME
geographic codes, allowing you to hear weather events
in the counties you choose -
not those far away from you.

Other features of the TruTalk WX-80 include:

Provides instant weather information anytime night or day -up
to 50 miles from nearest transmitter

Stores up to 15 SAME geographic codes -allowing
you to hear weather events in the counties you choose

Meets EAS (Emergency Alert System) standards

LED Indicators identify alert types: Statement, Watch and Warning

Keypad selects weather channel, enters SAME geographic codes

and chooses alert type

Backlit 8-character LCD shows specific emergency messages

Variable alert tone and audio broadcast volume levels

Built-in "test mode confirms operation and resets to factory default

settings

Separate alert "off" control button
Telescopic antenna

AC Power operation (AC power adaptor included)

9V Battery backup keeps you advised during power outage

(battery not included)

Compact monitor can be used on counter or wall-mounted
One Year Warranty

IV. UNPACKING AND CHECKING EQUIPMENT

Carefully unpack the monitor and any accessories. Use
the item list below to identify the components included
in the product packaging, to ensure that no items are
discarded in the packing materials.

WX-80 Weather Monitor
AC Power adaptor
Wall mounting hardware

If any items are missing or damaged, you should
contact the TopazS Customer Service Department.
Dial 1-800-821-7848, Ext. 499 for assistance.

V. GETTING TO KNOW YOUR WX-80

A) Speaker -announces
event messages and alert tones
B) Telescopic antenna -extends
for maximum radio reception

C) 8-Character LCD -displays
event message, radio alert status and low battery condition

D) Statement, Watch, Warning LED's -visually
confirms weather event status condition

E) ALERT Button -used
to turn alert on or off

F) WEATHER Button -used
to obtain NWS weather
announcements anytime night or day

G) OFF / PROGRAM Button -used
to turn off weather
alert siren and enter programming mode

H) Numeric keypad -used
to enter SAME geographic
codes

I) NO Function selection button -declines
function during programming

J) YES / Tone Function button - selects
function during programming; adjusts alert siren tone

K) Power On / Off switch

L) Volume up / down switch

Monitor base (not shown):

Battery compartment door, Wall mounting keyholes On Monitor side (not shown):

External antenna jack, DC Power jack

VI. POWERING THE WEATHER MONITOR

Your WX-80 weather monitor uses standard 12V DC
power for normal operation and one 9V battery (not
supplied) for backup power when standard power fails
or is temporarily disconnected. For the best performance
and longest life during power failure, we recommend
an alkaline battery. A fresh backup battery will power
the weather monitor for up to 1 hour with the weather
broadcast turned on or up to 8 hours in alert standby
mode. However, we recommend you always connect
the weather monitor to AC power for normal use.

Remember, when the unit is powered OFF, no alert
signal will be received, even with a backup battery
installed! The unit must be "ON" to receive alerts and
broadcasts.

Installing the Backup Battery

1. Place the monitor's power on / off switch into the
" OFF" position by sliding it to the right.

2. Press the tab on the battery compartment cover,

lift the cover up and set it aside.

3. Using a fresh 9V alkaline battery, "snap" the terminal
connector onto the battery, and place the battery
into the compartment, taking care not to crimp
or damage the wiring.

4. Replace the cover.
5. Power ON the WX-80 by sliding the power switch
to the left, ("ON" position).

NOTE: Do NOT use a rechargeable-type battery in your
weather monitor. Use standard alkaline batteries only.

NOTE: If the backup battery becomes weak, your
weather monitor might not sound a tone when an
emergency or test alert is broadcast. Check the monitor's
reception periodically, and replace the battery as
needed.

CAUTION: Dispose of an old or weak battery promptly
and properly. Do not burn or bury it. Batteries can leak
chemicals that can cause personal injury and/or damage
to the monitor unit.

When "REPLACE BATTERY" appears on the radio
display or the weather monitor stops operating (while
under battery-only power), replace the battery with a
fresh one. "REPLACE BATTERY" will also appear on the
radio display if no backup battery is installed and the
weather monitor is connected to AC power and then
turned on. This is to remind you that the battery
backup capability will not work in times of AC power
outages without a battery installed!

Connecting the Weather Monitor to AC Power

1. Place the monitor's power on / off switch into the
" OFF" position by sliding it to the right.

2. Plug the AC power adaptor into the power jack

on the left side of the monitor.

3. Plug the power adaptor into a standard, household
110V AC outlet.

Using the Built-in Antenna

The weather monitor's built-in telescoping antenna
lets you receive strong local signals. Lift the antenna
to a vertical position, then fully extend it for optimum
reception.

To improve reception in remote areas, you can connect
an external 50 Ohm antenna to your weather monitor
using an optional adapter cable with an RCA plug
connected to the side panel EXT ANT (External Antenna)
jack. Your local electronics store sells a wide variety of
antennas. Follow the installation instructions provided
with the antenna to connect to the WX-80 monitor.

VII. LISTENING TO A WEATHER BROADCAST

Your weather monitor is pre-programmed with the 7 NOAA weather broadcast frequencies (Channels 1-7).
To select a frequency broadcast for your area, follow
steps outlined on the next few pages.

1. With the WX-80 powered ON, push the "WEATHER"
button to activate the monitor audio circuitry.

2. Adjust the audio volume to the desired listening
level using the Volume Up / Down bar. Volume
settings range from 1 -the lowest setting, to 8 -the highest setting. The audio volume control
has a mute setting (volume setting 0) that will
allow you to temporarily mute all audio.

3. To turn off the weather broadcast, press the
WEATHER button again.

VIII. PROGRAMMING YOUR WX-80
Factory Default Programming

Your weather monitor is preprogrammed to receive
broadcasts for ALL area broadcasts and ALL weather
alert types. This is called "All Signals Code", (refer to
Table of Contents for page number). The first time
you use your weather monitor, you will find that it is
automatically set to use the NOAA weather broadcast
frequency 162.550 MHz (Channel 1).

Depending on your location, you may need to select a
different channel, determined by your local area NWS
transmitter frequency. Follow these steps to select your
local broadcast frequency.

IMPORTANT: During all programming modes, if there
is a pause of 40 seconds without a key press, the WX-80
will store current settings and return to operations mode.
This will ensure that the WX-80 is operational, should
there be any interruptions during your programming
setup.

The following programming instructions are broken
down by specific function. Each programming topic
ends by terminating the programming and returning to
standby or operating mode.

All programming functions can be set in one session
should you desire to program multiple functions before
returning to operations mode. The YES key is used to
accept the current display setting and will continue to
advance you to the next programming step, allowing
you to skip options that you do not wish to change.

1. Power the WX-80 weather monitor "on" by sliding
the on/ off switch to the left. You will hear a tone
to confirm power is ON.

2. Press the OFF/PROGRAM button for 2 seconds to
begin the prog rammingmode.Thedisplaywill
show the last selected weather channel (possibly
the default setting frequency).

3. Press the WEATHER button to activate the weather
audio, then push the volume up or down key to
adjust the broadcast volume to desired level.

4. Press the number keys, in sequence, from 1 through
7 to find the broadcast channel for your area, by
listening for the strongest signal. Re-adjust the
volume level if necessary, then listen briefly to
the announcement message to ensure information
about your local area is being broadcast. If another
channel seems strong, go to that channel and
listen to its broadcast. Choose the channel which
best represents information for your location.

Channel Frequency Channel Frequency

1 162.550MHz 5 162.450
2 162.400 6 162.500
3 162.475 7 162.525
4 162.425

5. When you have selected the best channel for your
location, push the YES button to store your
selection and advance to the next programming
step, "Setting the Alert Type", or push the OFF /
PROGRAM key for 2 seconds to store the
selection and set mode to operate. The current
alert status (WEATHER ALRT ON or WEATHER
ALRT OFF) appears.

Setting the Alert Type

You can set the WX-80 weather monitor to respond to
an NWS alert broadcast in one of two ways. When the
monitor is powered on and activated by an alert signal,
the following will occur (by setting selection):

VOICE -when
activated by an alert signal, the weather
monitor sounds an alert beep or siren for about 8
seconds, then automatically broadcasts the weather for
5 minutes. Then it returns to standby operation. The
display shows the alert description (such as TORNADO
WARNING) until the alert's effective time expires. An
alert could be in effect for several hours.

ALERT -when
activated by an alert signal, the weather
monitor sounds an alert beep or siren continuously and
displays an alert description until the alert's effective
time expires. To turn off the alert sooner, press the OFF
button. To hear the NWS voice broadcast, press the
WEATHER button.

NOTE: When the weather monitor's alert expires or
you turn it off, you hear the NWS alert termination tone
(three bursts) for a few seconds before you hear the
voice broadcast. The NWS alert termination tone has
a different sound than the weather monitor's alert tone.

The weather monitor is set to the ALERT setting as
the factory default. To change the alert type setting to
VOICE (or to check the current selection), follow these
steps:

1. With the WX-80 powered on, push the
OFF/PROGRAM button for 2 seconds to
set mode to program.

2. Press the YES button once to advance to the Alert
Type setting. The current alert pattern selection
(VOICE or ALERT) appears on the display.

3. To select the alternate setting (choosing VOICE

instead of ALERT or choosing ALERT instead
of VOICE) press the NO button. The alternate
setting appears. To toggle between settings,
press the NO button more than once. Your
selection is saved by pressing the YES button.

NOTE: Pressing the NO button repeatedly will alternate
or toggle between the selection of ALERT and VOICE.

4. When your selection appears on the display, push
the YES button to store the selection and
advance to the next programming step, (Setting
the Backlight) or push the OFF/PROGRAM
button for 2 seconds to store the selection and
set mode to operate. The current alert status
(WEATHER ALRT ON or WEATHER ALRT OFF) will
appear in the display.

Setting the Backlight

Your weather monitor's display backlight automatically
turns on for about 10 seconds each time you press a
key. For extended use in low light situations, you can
set the backlight so it remains on continuously until
you turn it off. NOTE: The monitor must be connected
to AC power to have a continuous backlight setting.

Follow these steps to turn the backlight on or off.

1. With the WX-80 powered on, push the
OFF/PROGRAM button for 2 seconds
to set mode to program.

2. Press the YES button twice so "CONTINUD"
(continuous) and "BACKLITE" alternately flash
on the display.

3. Press the YES button to accept the continuous
backlight setting, or press the NO button to turn
off the continuous backlight. NOTE: If you
choose NO, the backlight setting will turn off
10 seconds after the last button press. The
display will advance to the next programming
step, "Single or Multiple Location Monitoring".

4. Push the OFF/PROGRAM button for 2 seconds to
store the selection and set mode to operate. The
current alert status (WEATHER ALRT ON or
WEATHER ALRT OFF) appears.

Understanding SAME Geographic Codes

NOTE: In the following text, SAME Geographic Codes
are also known as FIPS Codes. The National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) began
broadcasting coded weather alert signals able to
identify specific areas where the weather emergency
is forecasted to occur. These Specific Area codes are
called FIPS (Federal Information Processing System)
codes. A unique FIPS code is assigned to every county
or parish throughout the United States and all US
territories.

Example: The 6-digit FIPS code to identify Kansas City,
Missouri (Jackson County) is 029095.

The first digit in a FIPS code identifies the county
subdivision, used only for extremely large counties or
counties with geographically unusual shapes such as
a long, narrow county. The next two digits identify the
state, and the last three digits identify the county or
parish.

NOTE: Most FIPS codes begin with 0, which means
that FIPS code represents an entire county. The NWS
has future plans to subdivide some large counties.
When that happens, each subdivision will be assigned
a digit from 1 -9,
resulting in codes such as 129059,
229059, and so on.

Event Codes -Emergency
events, such as weather
emergencies or civil emergencies, are also assigned
a code known as an Event Code. These event codes
are used to identify an emergency by type.

Example: (TOW) for Tornado Warning.

SAME -(Specific
Area Message Encoding) combines
the FIPS Code to identify a specific area and an Event
Code to specify the particular emergency event for that
area. The area and event identification data is followed
by a voice message pertaining to the emergency
situation for that area. This data is then digitally
encoded and broadcast by your local NOAA
Weather Radio (NWR) station.

Your WX-80 weather monitor can receive all SAME
alert signals broadcast within about a 40 to 50 mile
radius of the NWR transmitter tower. To receive SAME
alerts about weather emergencies occurring only
in particular counties of interest, you can program up
to 15 FIPS codes into the weather monitor's memory.
This allows you to avoid hearing an alert that applies
to an area that is possibly several counties from you.

Obtaining Your Area's FIPS Code(s)

To obtain the FIPS code for your current location,
call the National Weather Service toll free at 1-888-NWR-SAME (1-888-697-7263). Follow the
instructions as prompted to enter your state and county
location. The system will respond with the FIPS code
for that county. If you are close to a county line, you
might want to obtain the codes for the neighboring
county or other nearby counties of interest to you.

Monitoring Single or Multiple Locations

Your WX-80 Weather Monitor will monitor either a
single location or up to 15 locations, determined by
the number of SAME Geographic Codes you enter,
or choose to monitor.

To set the weather monitor to single or multiple
locations, use the following steps:

1. With the WX-80 powered on, push the
OFF/PROGRAM button for 2 seconds to set
mode to program.

2. Press the YES button three times so the word SINGLE
or MULTIPLE appears on the display.

3. To select the opposite setting (MULTIPLE rather than
SINGLE), press the NO button. The setting you
selected appears. Pressing the NO button
repeatedly will alternate the selection between
SINGLE and MULTIPLE until the YES button is
pressed.

4. Press the YES button to select the option of your
choice. The display will advance to the next
programming step, "Entering the FIPS Location
Codes". Whether you choose the SINGLE or
MULTIPLE location option, the first memory
location (LOG 1) and the FIPS Code stored will
now alternately flash on the display.

5. Push the OFF/PROGRAM key for 2 seconds to
store the selection and set mode to operate.
The current alert status (WEATHER ALRT ON
or WEATHER ALRT OFF) appears.

Entering FIPS Location Codes

Your weather monitor is preset to use a default "All
Signals" code (code 99), this lets the WX-80 receive
any weather alert broadcast within its reception range
(about a 50-mile radius in most locations). This code
is preset in the weather monitor's first memory location
(LOG 1 -99).

To change the FIPS code in any of the memory location
cells (LOG 1 through LOG 15), press the NO button
while the LOG and code are flashing alternately.
Pressing "NO" tells the WX-80 that you do not want the
existing code and intend to change it to another code.

NOTE: This flashing code may be the default code of
'99'. This code value sets the WX-80 to monitor ALL
broadcasts within the area regardless of location code.

Follow these steps to program the weather monitor to
the FIPS code for your local county or counties that
you would like to monitor.

1. With the WX-80 powered on, push the
OFF/PROGRAM button for 2 seconds to set
mode to program.

2. Press the YES button four times so the word "LOG 1"
(location 1) and "99" (the default code or an
existing programmed FIPS code) flashes on the
display. If you choose to monitor multiple
locations, this will be the first of fifteen FIPS
codes (LOG 1 -LOG
15) that can be stored and
monitored.

3. If you do NOT want to retain the existing FIPS code
in this location cell, press the NO button.
Proceed to Step 5 to enter the new FIPS code.

4. If you DO want to retain the FIPS code currently in
this location cell, press the YES button.
The WX-80 will advance to the next location
cell (2 -15). At each location cell, you must
make the same choice to either keep the existing
FIPS code or to enter a new FIPS code.

5. To add or change a code in a different location,
press the YES button repeatedly until you see the
first unused memory location or the code you
want to change, then press the NO button to
clear the existing code. Six dashes ( ) will
appear allowing you to enter a new FIPS code
for that location cell. Use the number keys (0-9)
to enter the 6-digit FIPS code you want to store.

NOTE: If you make a mistake while entering the code
press NO to clear all digits. The dashes ( ) will
reappear and allow you to enter the correct code.

6. Press the YES button to store the desired codes in memory.

Reminder: If you set the weather monitor to its multiple
location mode, the code (if any) stored in the next
memory position appears. Repeat Steps 3-6 for each
code (up to 15) you want to change or add.

To reset the weather monitor to receive ALL SAME
signals within a 50-mile radius, simply enter 99 in the
first memory location. The display will read: LOG 1 99.

When you press the YES button to store a code in the
last location cell (LOG 15), the display will advance to
the next programming step, Alert Tones.

7. Push the OFF/PROGRAM button for 2 seconds
to store the selection and set mode to operate.
The current alert status (WEATHER ALRT ON
or WEATHER ALRT OFF) appears on the display.

IX. ALERT TONES

You have the option to activate or turn off various types
of "geographically confined" weather event alert tones
received by your weather monitor. Optional alerts such
as "Avalanche Watch", "Coastal Flood Warning" and
" Volcano Warning" are naturally confined to their
geographical restrictions.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Weather alerts for unpredictable
weather hazards such as "Tornado Warning" can
NOT be turned off by the user, and do not appear
as options on the chart below.

You can set the weather monitor so it sounds or does
not sound an alert tone during the following types of
events. NOTE: The weather monitor still detects and
displays information about alerts even after you disable
the tone for those alerts. Use this table to note the status
of each alert setting as you are programming.

Event Type Alert: On Off
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Severe Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement
Flash Flood Watch
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Statement
Flood Watch
Flood Warning
Flood Statement
Winter Storm Watch
Winter Storm Warning
Blizzard Warning
High Wind Watch
High Wind Warning
Hurricane Watch
Hurricane Statement
Coastal Flood Watch
Coastal Flood Warning
Special Marine Warning
Avalanche Watch
Avalanche Warning
Volcano Watch
Volcano Warning
Monthly Test
Test Message
Unknown Statement Tune TV
Demo Message

Your WX-80 uses three LED's to give you visual
distinction between the type of event (Statement,
Warning or Watch) being broadcast. Statement means
" A statement contains follow-up information to a
warning, watch or emergency message. Statements
emphasize short term forecast information, making
use of observations and reports to heighten public
perception of personal risk. Stay informed of the latest
conditions and information by AM/FM radio, NOAA
weather radio, television or other means." Watch means "There is potential for hazardous weather or
flood event, but its occurrence, location, and/or timing
is still uncertain. Stay informed of the latest conditions
and information by AM/FM radio, NOAA weather
radio, television or other means." Warning means "A
hazardous weather or flood event is imminent or
occurring. The severe weather event poses a significant
threat to public safety and/or property and the probability
of occurrence and location is high. Use safety
procedures according to the type of event (ie: tornado;
move to the lowest level of home or building, away
from glass or windows, ETC.). Stay informed of the latest
conditions and information using battery operated
AM/FM radio or battery operated NOAA weather radio both
can move easily with you to your place of safety."
When the term Emergency displays, it means "An event
that by itself would not kill or injure persons, or result in
property damage but indirectly may cause other things
to happen that may result in a hazard. For example, a
major power or telephone loss in a large city alone is
not a direct hazard, but disruption to other critical
services could create a variety of conditions that could
directly threaten public safety."

As you proceed through the list of event types, you will
be shown the current status for each alert tone (On or
Off). Toggle between on and off settings by pressing the
NO button. After confirming the desired status of tone
(On or Off) for specific warning(s), save your selection
for by pressing the YES button.
(Example) Alert tone for "Winter Storm Warning". The
eight character LCD will scroll through and display the
message in up to three steps followed by the Alert Status
(On or Off) as shown:

WINTER
STORM
WARNING

TONE ON

To accept and store current alert status (Tone On), press
the YES button.

To change current alert status to (Tone Off), press the
NO button. The display will change to read:

WINTER
STORM
WARNING
TONE OFF

Again, continually pressing the NO button will toggle
between On and Off settings.

Press the YES button to store your selection. The display
will advance to the next optional alert type.

X. FINDING THE BEST LOCATION FOR YOUR
WX-80 MONITOR

For your weather monitor to be effective, you must
place it where it can receive an emergency alert
broadcast and where you can hear its alert tone.

In the United States, the NWS broadcasts a weekly
Test Alert each Wednesday between 11 AM and 1 PM.
To find out the specific test schedule in your area,
contact your local NOAA or NWS office. These offices
are usually listed in the telephone book under "US
Government, Department of Commerce."

Important: The fact that you get clear reception of a
weather broadcast audio signal does NOT guarantee
that an emergency alert tone will trigger your weather
monitor's alert function. Be sure you choose the proper
location for the weather monitor and regularly check
the weather monitor to be sure it is operating properly.

Testing the Alert Tone

To manually test the weather monitor's alert tone and
select a suitable location, perform the following.

1. Turn on the WX-80 weather monitor while holding
down the OFF/PROGRAM button. All LED
indicators will glow and "TESTMODE" will
display on the LCD.

2. Press the ALERT button to test the alert tone function.

The weather monitor will sound the alert tone.
As the tone sounds, walk around the area where
you keep the weather monitor to make sure you
can hear the tone from other nearby rooms.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

To make sure your weather monitor will sound the
alert tone when it receives an emergency signal
always keep the built-in antenna fully extended.

Testing the alert tone only ensures that the weather
monitor's alert tone can be heard. It does not test
the weather monitor's receiver or guarantee you
will receive an emergency alert!

An emergency alert broadcast might not trigger your
weather monitor's alert tone, even if it receives voice
transmission clearly or if the alert tone sounds when
you manually test it. Also, if you are in a fringe area,
your weather monitor might be triggered by a
broadcast when it is placed in one area, but not be
triggered if you place it somewhere else (even close by).

XI. USING THE ALERT FUNCTION

The WX-80 alert function, using the ALERT button, is
what determines whether or not the WX-80 will sound
the alarm when alert signals are detected. With the
monitor powered on, read the display for the Alert
status message. To change the alert status press the
" ALERT" button for 2 seconds. The WX-80 will sound
two beeps for "Alert Off' or one beep for "Alert On".
Release the "Alert" button and re-view the screen to
confirm your chosen setting.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you programmed more than
one FIPS code into memory, be sure the weather
monitor is set to its multiple mode. Otherwise, the
weather monitor will only receive broadcast for the
FIPS code you stored in the first memory position
(LOC1).

IMPORTANT: IF SEVERE WEATHER THREATENS,
DO NOT wait for an alert signal to trigger the alarm;
turn on the weather broadcast and monitor the weather
information.

Setting the Alert Tone Volume

The Alert Tone (siren or beep) has a separate adjustment
than that of the audio volume. To set the alert
volume (Alert Audio Tone), perform the following:

1. With the WX-80 powered on, push the YES button
for 2 seconds. The WX-80 will sound a beep
indicating that the Alert Tone is now adjustable.

2. Press the volume Up / Down switch to adjust the
alert tone from setting 1 being the lowest to 6
being the loudest. Unlike the audio volume,
there is no mute setting on the alert tone adjustment.

Setting the WX-80's "All Signals" Code

To set the weather monitor to respond only to specific
FIPS codes you select, choose the codes you want to
program (up to 15 total codes), program those codes
into memory, and set the weather monitor to its multiple
location mode.

To operate the weather monitor using the "All Signals"
icode and quickly switch to specific area monitoring,
iperform the following steps:

1. Set the weather monitor to "single" as explained
in the "Monitoring Single or Multiple Locations" section.

2. Program the first location cell (LOG 1) with the code
" 99" as explained in the "Entering the FIPS
Location Codes" section.
With the All Signals code (99) stored in the first memory
llocation code and operating the WX-80 in the single
llocation mode, you will receive all alert signals --
regardless of location. You can quickly switch between
" All Signals" and "Specific Area" monitoring.
\ith FIPS Codes / SAME Geographic codes stored in
any of the other memory location codes (LOC 2 -LOC 115) and operating the WX-80 in multiple location
mode, you will receive only the alert signals directed
:to the counties you have specified with the FIPS Codes.
By quickly switching the WX-80 from single to multiple
mode, you change the operation from "All Signals" to
" Specific Area" monitoring.

Reviewing Overlapping Alerts

Your weather monitor can store up to three different
alerts (with overlapping effective times) in its memory.
If the weather monitor receives a new alert while a
previous alert is still in effect, it automatically displays
the alert description and sounds an alert for the new
alert.

To scroll forward or backward through the weather
monitor's memory and review all effective alerts, press
the YES button (to scroll backward).

NOTE: The weather monitor sounds a high-pitched
tone if you try to scroll past the first or last alert in
memory. To continue, press the YES button to begin
scro llingintheoppositedirection.

NOTE: If the weather monitor receives a new alert while
three previous alerts are still in effect, it stores the
newest alert and clears the oldest alert from memory always
keeping the most recent three events in memory.

When a Test or Demo Alert Occurs

The NWS sends out weekly test signals that you can use
to confirm that your WX-80 weather monitor is working
properly. To find out the specific test schedule in your area, contact your local NOAA or NWS office. Those
offices are usually listed in the telephone book under
" US Government, Department of Commerce".

When the weather monitor's alert function is turned
on and the monitor receives a test broadcast for a FIPS
code you programmed into its memory, it responds in
one of these ways:

NWS Alert Type You See You Hear
Demo Message
(sent at random times) DEMO MESSAGE No sound
Required Weekly
SAME Test WEEKLY TEST Beeps
Required Monthly
SAME Test MONTHLY TEST Beeps

'Undefined Weather Descriptions

The NWS might occasionally broadcast several types
< of weather information intended for commercial or
(other non-private use. This information could include,
(for example, messages intended for automated weather
services (such as those used by radio or TV stations).
Your weather monitor's memory does not contain a
specific event code or corresponding description for
the event signals related to these commercial weather
types.

Additionally, your weather monitor is designed to
recognize all common weather alert types currently
used by the NWS. The NWS could, however, eventually
create and broadcast new alert types (for which the
weather monitor's memory does not contain a specific,
corresponding description).

If your weather monitor receives a signal for a new alert
type, it is programmed to display UNKNOWN, the alert
description (EMERGENCY, STATEMNT, WARNING, or
WATCH), and TUNE TV, then sound a Siren Alert. The
display will show:

UNKNOWN
WARNING
TUNE TV

Test Mode

You can test basic functionality of the WX-80 weather
monitor by performing the following.
1. Turn on the WX-80 weather monitor while holding
down the OFF/PROGRAM button. All LED
indicators will glow and "TESTMODE" will
display on the LCD.

2. Refer to the chart on next page, then press a number
key to test the desired function. The weather
monitor tunes to the corresponding channel,
and one of the following appears:

You Press: The weather monitor displays:

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

CH. 1 (with Audio open)
CH. 2 (with Audio open)
CH. 3 (with Audio open)
CH. 4 (with Audio open)
CH. 5 (with Audio open)
CH. 6 (with Audio open)
CH. 7 (with Audio open)
DEFAULT (reset to factory settings)
DEMO ON or DEMO OFF

(the weather monitor's demo mode) NOTE: If you pressed 9 in this step, your weather
monitor can also perform these test functions while
TEST MODE appears.

If you press ALERT, the weather monitor continuously
sounds its alert siren. Press ALERT again to turn off the
siren.
If you press YES, the STATEMENT, WATCH, and
WARNING LEDs light at the same time.
If you press NO, the STATEMENT, WATCH, and
WARNING LEDs turn off at the same time.

If you press WEATHER, all display characters (segments)
appear at the same time.

Turn off the weather monitor and store your selection.
Then turn it back on to begin usi ngthenewsetting.

XII. NWS WEATHER EVENT DESCRIPTIONS

Your weather monitor can display these NWS Weather
Event descriptions. For easy reference, this list also
shows the type of alert (siren or beep) that sounds
during each alert.

Weather Event Type You See You Hear
Avalanche Warning AVALANCH WARNING Siren
Avalanche Watch AVALANCH WATCH Siren
Blizzard Warning BLIZZARD WARNING Siren
Civil Danger Warning CIVIL DANGER WARNING Siren
Civil Danger Watch CIVIL DANGER WATCH Siren
Civil Emergency TUNE TV (power on your
TV for available information;
call your local NWS off ice) Siren
Coastal Flood Warning COASTAL FLOOD
WARNING Siren
Coastal Flood Watch COASTAL FLOOD WATCH Siren
Emergency ActionWarning EMERGENC ACTION WARNING Siren
Emergency Action Termination EMERGENC ACTION TERMINAT Siren
Evacuate Immediately EVACUATE IMMEDIAT Siren
Fire Warning FIRE WARNING Siren
Flash Flood Statement FLASH FLOOD Beeps
Flash Flood Warning FLASH FLOOD WARNING Siren
Flash Flood Watch FLASH FLOOD WATCH Siren
Flood Statement FLOOD Beeps
Flood Warning FLOOD WARNING Siren
Flood Watch FLOOD WATCH Siren
Hazardous Material Warning HAZARD MATERIALWARNING Siren
Hazardous Material Watch HAZARD MATERIAL WATCH Siren
High Wind Warning HIGH WIND WARNING Siren
High Wind Watch HIGH WIND WATCH Siren
Hurricane Statement HURRIACN Beeps
Hurricane Warning HURRIACNWARNING Siren
Hurricane Watch HURRIACN WATCH Siren
Immediate Evacuation Warning IMMEDIAT EVACUATE WARNING Siren
Law Enforcement Warning LAW ENFORCE WARNING Siren
Local Area Emergency LOACLAREAEMERGENC Siren
National Information Center NATIONAL INFO CENTER Siren
Periodic National Test NATIONAL PERIODIC TEST Siren
Practice I Demo DEMO MESSAGE Nothing
Radiological Hazard Warning RADIOLOG HAZARD
WARNING Siren
Radiological Hazard Watch RADIOLOG HAZARD
WATCH Siren
Required Monthly Test MONTHLY TEST Beeps
Required Weekly Test WEEKLY TEST Beeps
Severe Thunderstorm Warning SEVERE THUNDER WARNING Siren
Severe Thunderstorm Watch SEVERE THUNDER WATCH Siren
Severe Thunderstorm Statement SEVERE WEATHER Beeps
Shelter in-place Warning SHELTER IN-PLACE WARNING Siren
Special Marine Warning SPECIAL MARINE WARNING Siren
Special Weather Statement SPECIAL WEATHER Beeps
Test Message TEST MESSAGE Nothing
Tornado Warning TORN ADO WARNING Siren
Tornado Watch TORNADO WATCH Siren
Tsunami Warning TSUNAMI WARNING Siren
Unrecognized Event Ending in S UNKNOWN STATEMENT TV Siren
Unrecognized Event Ending in W UNKNOWN WARNING TUNE TV Siren
Unrecognized Event Ending in A UNKNOWN WATCH TUNE TV Siren
Unrecognized Event Ending in E UNKNOWN EMERGENC TUNE TV Siren
Volcano Warning VOLACNO WARNING Siren
Volcano Watch VOLACNO WATCH Siren
Winter Storm Warning WINTER STORM WARNING Siren
Winter Storm Watch WINTER STORM WATCH Siren

NOTE: TUNE TV might also indicate that the weather
monitor has received a signal for a new event code not
defined in the weather monitor's memory.

XIII. SPECIFICATIONS

Number of Channels:
Receiver Frequencies (MHz):
Receiving Sensitivity
(at12dBSINAD)

FIPS Code Sensitivity
@ +/-3KHz Deviation/
90% Success Rate

Battery Backup
Antenna

Dimensions (H x W x D)
Weight (without battery)

Ch. 1
Ch. 2
Ch. 3
Ch. 4
Ch. 5
Ch. 6
Ch. 7

0.3uV
162.550 MHz
162.400
162.475
162.425
162.450
162.500
162.525
0.3uV
One 9-Volt Battery
Telescoping Rod
Antenna
1.75" x 5.375" x 4.375"
(45 x 137 x 110mm)
9.3oz

XIV. MAINTENANCE

Your WX-80 Weather Monitor is designed to be
(maintenance free. To keep your radio in good working
(condition:

Unplug your WX-80 from the AC power outlet before
cleaning.

< Clean external surfaces with a clean cloth dampened
in a solution of dishwashing detergent diluted in
water. Apply the solution sparingly to avoid any
moisture leaking into cracks and crevices. Do not
submerge the weather monitor! Use a nonmetallic
brush to dislodge stubborn particles, if necessary.
Dry the surface thoroughly with a soft, lint free
cloth.
» DO NOT use solvents or spirits for cleaning -they may permanently damage the housing.

KV. WARRANTY SERVICE INSTRUCTIONS

Refer to these Operating Instructions for proper operation and adjustments. If the problem cannot
be corrected by reference to this document, return
the product with proof of purchase (the sales receipt)
to the place of purchase, or call the Topaz3 Customer
Service Department for return instructions, toll-free:
11-800-821-7848, Ext. 499.

purchase Date:

purchased From:

Serial Number:

XVI. WARRANTY STATEMENT

Topaz3, LLC (herein TopazS), warrants each new radio product
manufactured or supplied by it to be free from defects in material
and workmanship under normal use and service for the time period
listed below, provided that the user has complied with the
requirements stated herein. The Warranty period begins on the date
of purchase from an Authorized Topaz3 Sales and Service Outlet.
This Warranty is offered to the original end user and is not
assignable or transferable. TopazS is not responsible for any
ancillary equipment which is attached to or used in conjunction
with Maxon, Legacy and TruTalk products.

TopazS offers to the original end user a Two (2) Year Limited
Warranty on all Maxon and Legacy Business and Industrial Radio
Products; TruTalk products carry a One (1) Year Limited Warranty.
Maxon and Legacy accessories carry a One (1) Year Limited
Warranty. TruTalk accessories carry either a One (1) Year Limited
Warranty, or a Ninety (90) Day Limited Warranty, dependent on
model.

During this period, if the product fails to function under normal
use because of manufacturing defect(s) or workmanship, it should
be returned to the Authorized TopazS Sales and Service Outlet from
which it was purchased. The Sales and Service Outlet will repair
the product, or return the product for repair to TopazS or its
Authorized Repair Depot. The user is responsible for the payment
of any charges or expenses incurred for the removal of the
defective product from the vehicle or other site of its use; for the
transportation of the product to the Sales and Service Outlet; for
the return of the repaired / replacement product to the site of its
use and for the reinstallation of the product.

TopazS shall have no obligation to make repairs or to cause
replacement required which results from normal wear and tear or is
necessitated in whole or in part by catastrophe, fault or negligence
of the user, improper or unauthorized alterations or repairs to the
Product, incorrect wiring, use of the Product in a manner for which
it was not designed, or by causes external to the Product. This
warranty is void if the product serial number is altered, defaced or
removed.

Topaz3's sole obligation hereunder shall be to replace or repair the
Product covered in this Warranty. Replacement, at TopazS's option,
may include a similar or higher-featured product. Repair may include
the replacement of parts or boards with functionally equivalent
reconditioned or new parts or boards. Replaced parts, accessories,
batteries or boards are warranted for the balance of the original
time period. All replaced parts, accessories, batteries or boards
become the property of Topaz3.

THE EXPRESS WARRANTIES CONTAINED HEREIN ARE IN
LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESSED OR
IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION,
ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

FOR ANY PRODUCT WHICH DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE
WARRANTY SPECIFIED, THE SOLE REMEDY WILLBE be REPAIR
OR REPLACEMENT. IN NO EVENT WILL TOPAZ3 BE LIABLE
TO THE BUYER OR ITS CUSTOMERS FOR ANY DAMAGES,
INCLUDING ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, OR THE LOSS OF PROFIT,
REVENUE OR DATA ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF OR THE
INABILITY TO USE THE PRODUCT.

This Warranty is void for sales and deliveries outside of the U.S.A. or Canada.

Disclaimer: The information on this site is provided as a public service to the blind and visually handicapped community. While we have done our best to ensure the information provided is accurate, please realize the use of any information on this site is solely at your discretion and we take no responsibility for use or attempted use of this information.