Author Topic: Midland WR-300 - 4 Different Versions?  (Read 21226 times)

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Offline WeatherBeacon

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Midland WR-300 - 4 Different Versions?
« on: February 28, 2008, 09:28:15 PM »

I just started looking at NOAA weather radios. I see frequent references to the Midland WR-300. So first, is that a good radio?

Second, and this confuses me most -- Ambient lists what appears to be four radios with model number WR-300 at four different prices:

    http://search.store.yahoo.com/cgi-bin/nsearch?catalog=yhst-37697109791737&query=wr-300

Can someone describe the differences, and what features should I look for?

Despite Ambient's listing 4 versions of the WR-300, Midland's site shows only one WR-300. Can anyone explain the differences to me?

Thanks!

Kevin...
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Kevin  (Member AMS) http://www.wxbeacon.com               Genesee County, Michigan
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Offline saratogaWX

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Re: Midland WR-300 - 4 Different Versions?
« Reply #1 on: February 29, 2008, 01:05:38 AM »
It's funny, I have a WR-300 too



and all the pictures on the Ambient shop look the same.

Mine has "S A M E Digital Weather / ALL Hazards Alert Radio with AM/FM" on the front panel, and the
Public Alert and NOAA Radio logos on the top.

The Midland site (http://www.midlandradio.com/comersus/store/comersus_viewItem.asp?idProduct=3106) shows only one model WR300  ???

The Owners Manual (PDF) is at http://www.midlandradio.com/comersus/store/catalog/WR300.pdf
The Spec Sheet (PDF) is at http://www.midlandradio.com/comersus/store/catalog/WR300Spec.pdf and it only shows one model.  Maybe some of them are previously-owned to make the price different??

I see Ambient has 4 different SKUs for the items.. perhaps they have different sub-vendors with different prices?

BTW.. love the radio. Feeds my Oddcast WeatherUnderground stream.  Only problem: after an alert or power loss, you may have to hit the Weather Hazard On/Off button to get the audio back.  It's default mode is to mute.
Digital tuner is rock solid and I'm using the built-in antenna (now that I found the best orientation for it).

Best regards,
Ken
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Offline WeatherBeacon

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Re: Midland WR-300 - 4 Different Versions?
« Reply #2 on: February 29, 2008, 07:09:53 PM »
It's funny, I have a WR-300 too ... and all the pictures on the Ambient shop look the same.

Mine has "S A M E Digital Weather / ALL Hazards Alert Radio with AM/FM" on the front panel, and the
Public Alert and NOAA Radio logos on the top.

The Midland site (http://www.midlandradio.com/comersus/store/comersus_viewItem.asp?idProduct=3106) shows only one model WR300  ???

The Owners Manual (PDF) is at http://www.midlandradio.com/comersus/store/catalog/WR300.pdf
The Spec Sheet (PDF) is at http://www.midlandradio.com/comersus/store/catalog/WR300Spec.pdf and it only shows one model.  Maybe some of them are previously-owned to make the price different??

I see Ambient has 4 different SKUs for the items.. perhaps they have different sub-vendors with different prices?

Yeah, that's what confused me... the different "versions" with the same model number.

BTW.. love the radio. Feeds my Oddcast WeatherUnderground stream.  Only problem: after an alert or power loss, you may have to hit the Weather Hazard On/Off button to get the audio back.  It's default mode is to mute.

Yeah, I've been following that discussion in the other thread.

Digital tuner is rock solid and I'm using the built-in antenna (now that I found the best orientation for it).

Best regards,
Ken

Very good. Thanks for the tip, Ken! Makes me feel better.

Regards,

Kevin...
Mae govannen!
Kevin  (Member AMS) http://www.wxbeacon.com               Genesee County, Michigan
Hardware:  Davis Vantage Pro Wireless, Midland WR-300
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Offline capeweather

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Re: Midland WR-300 - 4 Different Versions?
« Reply #3 on: February 29, 2008, 08:28:31 PM »
Hopefully we can figure out a way to keep the radio on 24/7 without it shutting off.  :-x

Chris
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Offline racenet

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Re: Midland WR-300 - 4 Different Versions?
« Reply #4 on: February 29, 2008, 10:20:01 PM »
Chris,

I use the same radio and never had a problem with it shutting off. Wonder if they changed something inside along the way.



Bob



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Offline MesquiteWx

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Re: Midland WR-300 - 4 Different Versions?
« Reply #5 on: March 02, 2008, 05:53:37 PM »
I use the Midland WR-300 as well and love it. I have never had any problems with it shutting off ether. Mine has battery back up if the power goes out. I think that is pretty standard on these radios but not sure. I use the external antenna from Radio Shack and is it fairly affordable and makes a huge difference in clarity and signal strength. You can see the antenna here http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103641&cp=2032052.2032075.2032078.2032098&allCount=24&fbn=Type%2FScanner%26%23047%3BHAM&f=PAD%2FProduct+Type%2FScanner%26%23047%3BHAM&fbc=1&parentPage=family

I wouldn't use Radio Shacks RG-58 though, it is poorly shielded. It you mount it outside mount to a PVC pole with the cable running inside the PVC. If you need pictures of what I am talking about just ask and I will post some. It is an old radio trick since PVC makes a good shield. I do the same thing with my Radio transmitter antenna.

About the 4 Item numbers it might be this but not sure. You will just have to call Ambient and ask. I know Midland makes this radio in 4 different colors. Silver (The one I have), White, Black, and the one I wish I had but didn't know about until after I purchased it, go figure. Mossy Oak break up Camo. So just call and see if the different item numbers are the different colors. You would think it would be clearly noted but who knows. I saw something on there the other day that had four of them and had four different prices and had the same description.

I use it to run my feed which you can hear here, http://www.mesquitechristmas.com/weather/hw3.php?config=&forecast=pass&pass=radio&place=mesquite+country+christmas&state=tx Just press play to start the feed. You can hear the clarity of it with the antenna. I think the only problem I have is I can not get the weekly test message to go away. I haven't read the manual on it yet so it probably isn't really and issue at all. Check out your local Dept stores right now. You might be able to save some money and shipping. I have seen them on sale everywhere right now because storm season is coming up. I know Best Buy, Circuit City, Frys, Target and others carry it and I saw it on sale for under $50-60 bucks. I would definitely recommend it. I am about to add the strobe since I stream the feed I would knew hear if a warning came over or on. So I am going to add the strobe so I can see when an alert is issued. If you are going to stream it online that is the one you want to go with, even if you are not IMO it is probably the best one out there for the money.




Offline jmcmurry

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Re: Midland WR-300 - 4 Different Versions?
« Reply #6 on: March 02, 2008, 07:57:56 PM »
Hopefully we can figure out a way to keep the radio on 24/7 without it shutting off.  :-x

In my manual they have information that doesn't seem to appear in the .pdf file that Ken linked to above.

"Voice and siren alerts can be turned off for all events leaving only the text message and LED light to indicate the event.  Press and hold the Alert ON/OFF button for 5 seconds to see the display "Alert ON(OFF)".  While continuing to hold the Alert ON/OFF button, press the up or down arrow key to change the setting.  Release the buttons then press the Enter key to confirm."

Not sure if this will do it or not, but worth a try.

- Jim

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Offline saratogaWX

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Re: Midland WR-300 - 4 Different Versions?
« Reply #7 on: March 02, 2008, 08:46:38 PM »
Thanks Jim.

I found the same text in the .pdf on page 19.
I toggled the Weather/Hazard On/Off switch, held the Alert On/Off for the 5secs, got the ALERT ON view, did the menu down button, released buttons and pressed Select to enter the value.
Then pressed Weather/Hazard On/Off to restart the audio feed from the speaker.. worked great.

Now to see if the next alert will leave the radio in 'running' mode and not lapse into 'silent' mode.

Best regards,
Ken
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Offline MesquiteWx

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Re: Midland WR-300 - 4 Different Versions?
« Reply #8 on: March 02, 2008, 09:47:30 PM »
You know what I spoke to soon I think. I am not sure if I hit something or it shut off. I think I remember checking it though and it was still on but not sure. I just checked it and it was off. I got a Watch Alert at 6 pm about a Tornado Watch for my S.A.M.E. Location. I heard the radio in the living room go off which is what caught my attention. The watch light for both radios where lit and the radio in the living room came on. The one in the office streaming was already on. So I am not sure if it went off or not. I know after weekly test though it has never gone off before. To be safe though I turned the alert of leaving only the text and LED visual.

To add to the above method for turning it off. The radio has to be off before you hold the alert button down for 5 secs. When I mean off, just hit the Weather/Hazard button to where it is not broadcasting. Guess I need to keep an eye on things for a few hours. I am sure we will get more warnings later on.

Offline MesquiteWx

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Re: Midland WR-300 - 4 Different Versions?
« Reply #9 on: March 03, 2008, 08:05:25 PM »
I got an ext on a watch last night about 2 am. I knew about it because I heard the radio in the living room go off. This morning when I got up to check the feed on the computer I had the speakers turned down when I unmuted the line in to see if it was still on. I though it was off so I hit the weather button then realized I had the speakers turned down. So I am not sure if it was off or not after that watch alert went off. I finally tracked down the strobe light they make for it so I don't have to order one. I will be able to see the alert when it comes in now as well as hear the one in the living room. So when I see it go off with the strobe I can check to see if that trick worked.

Now if you are looking for a cheaper in cost radio that doesn't shut off and you are not going to stream your feed look into the Midland WR-100. It is a step down from the WR-300. I have the WR-100 in my living room then the 300 in the home office streaming. The 100 is a little smaller and doesn't have a line out but does and a ext antenna jack. So you can not stream with it. It has all the same features as the 300 like S.A.M.E., LED indicators, Scrolling text, alerts, etc. I have seen it and many places over the last couple of weeks for under $30 and it is a good radio if you are not going to stream. The reception is not all the great in the interior of your house so you need to have it next to exterior wall or window. That is not a something though that is a big turn off though. That one went off last night and didn't turn off, I had to get up and turn it off after the alert. I was hoping it would go off on its on but didn't.

Another option is you want something portable is the Midland 74-250C. It is a good rugged radio for outdoors and for home. I have taken it on many camping and fishing and boating trips. It has saved my tail many, many times. It has the  S.A.M.E., LED indicators, Scrolling text, alerts, etc. Then thing about the LED is it has one LED that changes 3 different colors depending on if it was a Advisory (Green) Watch (Orange) Warning (Red). Another nice thing I like about it is it comes with a thermometer built in that gives you a digital reading on the screen. If it is freezing it will give you a freezing alert. Even though it is portable it is powerful and nice little radio. It has a headphone jack so you could stream with it and and A/C jack so you can plug it in. (A/C Adapter sold separately).   I would get it online through Ambient. I bought mine from them and they are the cheapest on that radio. I have seen them in the stores for $49 and I think Ambient was $35. So I pretty much have the top 3 Midland radios they have and their Midland 2 way radios as well I use for hunting and camping as well with built in wx band and 30 mile range. You pretty much can not go wrong with anything Midland IMO.

« Last Edit: March 03, 2008, 10:00:50 PM by MesquiteXmas »

Offline WeatherBeacon

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Re: Midland WR-300 - 4 Different Versions?
« Reply #10 on: March 11, 2008, 03:30:00 PM »
I emailed Ambient's support asking why they list the WR-300 four times with four different prices. Here's the reply I received from Ed:

Quote
Please reference:
http://ambientweather.wikispaces.com/Why+are+there+two+or+more+different+prices+for+the+same+product%3F

Regards,

Kevin...
Mae govannen!
Kevin  (Member AMS) http://www.wxbeacon.com               Genesee County, Michigan
Hardware:  Davis Vantage Pro Wireless, Midland WR-300
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Offline MesquiteWx

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Re: Midland WR-300 - 4 Different Versions?
« Reply #11 on: March 18, 2008, 02:10:56 PM »
Ok I just got a alert for a Flash Flood Warning and after 5 mins the radio shut off. So if you are streaming you need to turn alerts off. You will still get Txt Message and LED indicator. Only thing I am wondering about is if the external strobe will still work if the alert is off with the method Ken posted above. I have tried both ways and I can confirm that the radio will not shut off after the alert if you turn it off, but it will if it is on. I wasn't home when the alert came in so I am not sure if the strobe will go off as well when the alerts are off. Does anyone have an idea about this?

Offline WeatherBeacon

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Re: Midland WR-300 - 4 Different Versions?
« Reply #12 on: March 24, 2008, 05:29:15 PM »



It's ordered and on the way. Oh yeah ... it's supposed to be a birthday present, so my wife just told me to get online and order it myself and act surprised (for the kids' sake) when I open it. :-# :-$ :lol:

Kevin...
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Kevin  (Member AMS) http://www.wxbeacon.com               Genesee County, Michigan
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Offline Mark / Ohio

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Re: Midland WR-300 - 4 Different Versions?
« Reply #13 on: March 24, 2008, 08:54:41 PM »
Happy Birthday Kevin!  UU
Mark 
2002 Davis VP I Wireless, WeatherLink (Serial), GRLevel3, VirtualVP, StartWatch, Weather Display, Windows 10


Offline WeatherBeacon

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Re: Midland WR-300 - 4 Different Versions?
« Reply #14 on: March 24, 2008, 09:19:27 PM »

It's a week and a half away, but thanks, Mark!

K...
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Offline MesquiteWx

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Re: Midland WR-300 - 4 Different Versions?
« Reply #15 on: March 26, 2008, 09:35:33 PM »
You are going to like it. It has a lot of good features and an overall solid radio. I have two of them and love them. I have a least one of each Midland weather radios they make. Happy Early Birthday, mine is tomorrow and I am getting tickets for NASCAR from my mom and daughter for next weekend here in Texas. Really looking forward to it, won't be the first race I have been to but every time is an experience. Nothing like the cars coming off turn 4 to take the green flag, man I can't wait...  \:D/

Offline WeatherBeacon

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Re: Midland WR-300 - 4 Different Versions?
« Reply #16 on: March 26, 2008, 11:05:24 PM »

You are going to like it. It has a lot of good features and an overall solid radio. I have two of them and love them.

All right! That's good to hear.

Happy Early Birthday, mine is tomorrow...

Thanks, Mesquite! And Happy birthday to you! Boy, it sounds like you have a great day planned next week.

...and I am getting tickets for NASCAR from my mom and daughter for next weekend here in Texas. Really looking forward to it, won't be the first race I have been to but every time is an experience. Nothing like the cars coming off turn 4 to take the green flag, man I can't wait...  \:D/

I'll bet. I used to enjoy NASCAR more when my oldest son was into it. One of those years one of my friends won tickets for two to a race down in NC (if I recall correctly). It covered everything -- the plane tickets, lodging, a visit to the tents to meet the drivers, the whole deal. His wife wasn't interested, so I knew he was considering whom to ask to join him. I knew he had a brother who liked NASCAR, so I didn't say anything to pressure him. Finally he approached me and said, "I have to tell you, I really wanted to ask you to go with me, but I felt like I had to ask my brother, thinking he might say `no`..."

My WR-300 is scheduled to arrive Friday. I have to go on a short trip and my wife hinted at letting me open it early. (Yes, in some ways I'm still a kid. Gee, take a look at my avatar!)

Happy birthday, and have a great time (next weekend, that is)!

Regards,

Kevin...
Mae govannen!
Kevin  (Member AMS) http://www.wxbeacon.com               Genesee County, Michigan
Hardware:  Davis Vantage Pro Wireless, Midland WR-300
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Offline Anthony

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Re: Midland WR-300 - 4 Different Versions?
« Reply #17 on: March 27, 2008, 07:25:44 AM »
Hope both of you gentlemen have a very Happy Birthday.

P.S. Hope to have lightning detection up and running sometime in May.



Thanks,
Anthony
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Offline MesquiteWx

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Re: Midland WR-300 - 4 Different Versions?
« Reply #18 on: March 27, 2008, 08:58:10 AM »
Thank you Anthony and Kevin.

Kevin, are you going to stream your radio online?

I plan on spending the entire weekend out there starting Thursday night and camp. That is the only way to enjoy the weekend. Sounds like you got a good a pretty good experience. NC is the home track was it the ALL STAR night race or the 600, do you remember? Ether way those are some pretty good races to go to. I have been watching and going to NASCAR for a long time but never been in the pits. Going to Daytona for July 4th weekend race and going to go into the pits for that race since they have that fan zone.

Offline WeatherBeacon

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Re: Midland WR-300 - 4 Different Versions?
« Reply #19 on: March 27, 2008, 10:38:56 AM »

Thank you Anthony and Kevin.

Kevin, are you going to stream your radio online?

I plan to study up on that once I've figured out how to use the radio itself. From what I've read here so far, it sounds like the radio is sophisticated enough that there's a bit of a learning curve to using it.

I plan on spending the entire weekend out there starting Thursday night and camp. That is the only way to enjoy the weekend. Sounds like you got a good a pretty good experience.

Oops. I might not have been clear ... my friend did ask his brother and his brother went with him. So I've never been to a race.

Happy birthday again, Mesquite! (Today, right?)

Regards,

Kevin...
Mae govannen!
Kevin  (Member AMS) http://www.wxbeacon.com               Genesee County, Michigan
Hardware:  Davis Vantage Pro Wireless, Midland WR-300
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Offline MesquiteWx

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Re: Midland WR-300 - 4 Different Versions?
« Reply #20 on: March 27, 2008, 06:53:27 PM »
It is actually pretty straight forward to set up you shouldn't have a problem with it. Just need to put in the SAME codes you want and set time, date, etc. The alert type and if you want you can turn off or on certain alerts. It has everything you need like external antenna jack, line out, ext for strobe. The only downfall to streaming is your radio is tied up to the computer so if you wanted to hear or be notified when you get alerts you won't be able to because it is streaming. Only way you will know an alert as gone off is by the LED indicators. That is why I got a second radio, one to stream and one for personal use. Not only do I stream my radio online I broadcast it through the neighborhood on my low power transmitter which gets about 2 mile radius coverage. So I provide that service for those who don't own weather radios. They can turn to 95.7 and listen during severe weather while in the neighborhood. I have the WR-100 in the living room but wanted a second WR-300 for the office. You will love it, if you need any help streaming just let me know. I think I have my feed as clear as you can get it.

 

anything