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Weather Station Hardware => Weather Radios => Topic started by: Rhino on August 04, 2011, 11:38:26 PM

Title: Acurite weather alert radio
Post by: Rhino on August 04, 2011, 11:38:26 PM
Hello - I am a product designer for a company that makes weather devices, including weather radios in the last 2 years. We have a new unit available at walmart, a portable hand held model for around $30.00 with SAME.

We went through gov. Testing with it in the spring and received very good marks for it's performance, Just wondering if anybody has used it and what their impressions were?

thanks for any feedback or comments, im a curious fellow :-)

Thanks,
Rhino
Title: Re: Acurite weather alert radio
Post by: NEOWx on August 20, 2011, 05:49:54 PM
Picked one up today and I am very happy with this radio so far, I had been using my scanner with SAME for a while but wanted a mobile unit to take with me for some time but never got around to picking one up.
Title: Re: Acurite weather alert radio
Post by: TNETWeather on August 20, 2011, 06:40:38 PM
Is this the Acu-Rite Model 8550 unit?
Title: Re: Acurite weather alert radio
Post by: NEOWx on August 20, 2011, 06:47:24 PM
Sorry, it is a model#8550 unit.
Title: Re: Acurite weather alert radio
Post by: Rhino on August 22, 2011, 03:48:15 PM
Cool! Make sure you let us know what you think of it. One of the goals of the design and user interface was to really focus on the alert functions, leaving out an alarm clock and AM/FM radio and such. We found that a great number of average users were just confused by multiple buttons and functions that said "alarm" and "alert" , etc., really makes for a harder to set up and use (especially under stress during a weather emergency!) product when unnecessary features are added to simply "boost the perceived value".

AcuRite is relatively new weather alert radios, but we have had great feedback so far.

We have a few more units coming out over the next few months, including that same portable radio docked in a basic weather station/alarm clock. I want to hear what you all think of our weather radios, I sure hope there are not too many bad thoughts, but I will take those too ;)
Title: Re: Acurite weather alert radio
Post by: gwwilk on August 30, 2011, 09:34:39 AM
Picked up one of these units (#08550) at a local WalMart over the weekend after failing to find it there late last week.  Employee didn't know about this product which I found in 'Housewares'.  There was a nice selection of Acurite products displayed at very reasonable prices.

Programming the #08550 Weather Alert Radio wasn't difficult if you followed the instructions.  I found my local FIPS code on the NWS website, http://www.weather.gov/nwr/indexnw.htm#sametable (http://www.weather.gov/nwr/indexnw.htm#sametable), given in the manual, and the station was received with a strong signal.  I set up the unit in my bedroom since I'm a very sound sleeper and can easily sleep through alarm clocks unless they're across the room.  So far we haven't had any events with warnings, so I don't know how loud a warning is--I have it silenced so that only warnings will sound, but I may try 'Auto-On' to see how that works.

The only problem I had was with the blue backlight which was too bright for my darkened bedroom.  After the first night I turned it off by pressing the 'OK' button while I docked it.  It took several tries before I got it right and the light turned off.

In all, I think this unit is well-constructed and appears quite robust.  The belt-clip and 3 'AA' batteries enable it to be carried 'in the field' if necessary.  I'm looking forward to seeing what else Acurite has up their collective sleeves for the hobbyist.
Title: Re: Acurite weather alert radio
Post by: WeatherHost on August 30, 2011, 09:59:56 AM
#1, Get it to some other place besides Wally World.  I NEVER go there for any reason!

#2, Make certain the user can exclude Amber Alerts.  (Don't get me started!)

#3, Make sure the audio alarm is adjustable for volume and selectable for tone and duration.  Some people can't handle certain tones.  My current (other brand) unit sounds the tone far too long and I'd like to be able to cut it back to 5 seconds or so.

#4, Provide a selectable visual indicator.  If I'm outside when an alert is sent, obviously I'll miss the tone and audio.  A flashing indicator visible from across a room would show that something is active.  My current unit only has a small, flush mounted LED.  Very easy to miss from any distance.

#5, Make sure the audio shuts off after the alert broadcast and does not continue into other information.  I believe there is usually a code burst transmitted for that purpose.

#6, Provide auxiliary outputs for other audible and visual alert devices.  Also for auxiliary power inputs such as 12VDC.

Title: Re: Acurite weather alert radio
Post by: Rhino on August 30, 2011, 12:25:16 PM
Thanks for the feedback-
The AcuRite portable weather radio is available at many other retailers other than Walmart- Bass Pro & Cabela's for example. You can program radio to ignore certain advisories and alerts, but not warnings per NOAA guidelines. The volume is adjustable. Our radio DOES have LED indicators for advisories, watches and warnings. This radio includes an AC powered dock for everyday use, and the radio has a backup battery for power loss or when you need to move quickly during an emergency. The radio has a EXT jack integrated for audio, future plans include the addition of a output for external audio/visual notification devices.

AcuRite also has a desktop radio with all of the same features that will be available at Lowes, and some other major retailers soon.

i found a few videos some folks out there have made:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vrr7qMAVp8&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WXa4I_xyvk&feature=related

I just brought ours with camping this last weekend- no weather emergencies thankfully. A few years ago we had a big storm come through during a camping trip and had a good bit of damage as a result of not knowing.



Title: Re: Acurite weather alert radio
Post by: Bunty on September 08, 2011, 07:20:33 AM
Sounds like a good radio, especially if you need battery backup for when AC fails.
Title: Re: Acurite weather alert radio
Post by: WXman on March 13, 2012, 06:15:03 PM
I bought a AcuRite 8550 from Walmart last week.  Have previously used Uniden, RadioShack, and Midland wx radios.

Thoughts on the AcuRite:

Cons:   Warning alert is a joke.  It's nothing more than the tone the NWS broadcasts directly to the receiver! There is not really a seperate "warning alert" that sounds from this radio at all.  Will this even wake me up in the middle of the night?  I have to give serious negative marks here...since that is the #1 primary reason to own a wx radio.

Audio has static in it.  It's not from poor reception.  It seems to be a natural occurance with this unit itself.  Audio is always full of static or "white noise".

Stations are listed by "channel" and not by frequency.  This does me absolutely no good whatsoever.  What I need to know is what FREQUENCY am I tuned to?  That way I can know that I'm going to get warnings broadcast to me from the appropriate tower.  The software needs to be changed to show the frequency on the screen, not some arbortrary "channel" number.

Pros:  Everything else.  Great price, love the docking stand, belt clip, and battery backup.  Love that I can grab it and take it with me on the run.  Ease of use is fantastic.  Feels solid for the price.  All around great radio.  Just needs a few changes.
Title: Re: Acurite weather alert radio
Post by: larryf on March 14, 2012, 08:53:25 AM
I can't seem to find this on Walmart's website...  Is this only available in some areas?

Walmart has free shipping to store and (sometimes) 99 cent shipping to home when you order items online.

Larry
Title: Re: Acurite weather alert radio
Post by: Garth Bock on March 14, 2012, 11:25:09 AM
Just a suggestion....the external connection to an alert device would be good. I have several deaf friends who live out in the country and while they have their door bells that flash lights in the house they don't have any way to "see" a weather alert unless the TV is on.
Title: Re: Acurite weather alert radio
Post by: larryf on March 19, 2012, 10:52:46 AM
I found the Walmart link...  But they will not ship to home or another store, all you can do is look at stock in a local Walmart:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Acurite-Weather-Alert-Radio/16888929

It was interesting to note someone was selling one of these on Ebay, and he claimed it was too loud and you could not turn the volume down. I'll probably pick one of these up later this week, if it works as advertised it's a great deal for $30.

Larry
Title: Re: Acurite weather alert radio
Post by: Rhino on March 23, 2012, 11:14:24 AM
The volume of alerts is set at the NWS required DB level, there is a volume control that may be used after the initial alert is received and announces the entire message. AcuRite radios all have S.A.M.E. and had to go through rigorous testing by the NWS and NOAA prior to approval for sale. We were told that our radios has one of the best reception ever tested- we are very proud of that. Because of all the testing we went through, we are able to put the NOAA approval logo and the Public Alert logo on our packaging. If you do not see these logos on packaging, manufacturers likely did not go through the proper testing to make sure their radio is up to snuff.

The channel is displayed as a singular number instead of a frequency because there are only 7 total frequencies, which would require a minimum of 34 additional LCD segments to display- which would affect the readability of the scrolling alphanumeric text. Every LCD panel requires a hardware driver to energize each individual LCD segment. The drivers are matched and selected based on overall LCD size and..how many total segments there are in the panel. We had a specific price point in mind to make our radio a great value for all folks, while making sure we include great features like S.A.M.E.- If we had displayed the full frequencies instead of singular channel numbers- there would have been too many segments for the current driver, resulting in a less readable display with contrast issues- and a different driver would have to be used- the price would also certainly bump up.

Would it help if the cross referenced 7 channel frequencies were etched or printed in the back of the radio unit? Let me know what else you would like to see in a radio, I would love to hear more from the enthusiasts! I design these products for AcuRite, and I am always looking for input directly from the end-user- makes for better products for all!
Title: Re: Acurite weather alert radio
Post by: WXman on March 23, 2012, 02:23:58 PM
The volume of alerts is set at the NWS required DB level, there is a volume control that may be used after the initial alert is received and announces the entire message. AcuRite radios all have S.A.M.E. and had to go through rigorous testing by the NWS and NOAA prior to approval for sale. We were told that our radios has one of the best reception ever tested- we are very proud of that. Because of all the testing we went through, we are able to put the NOAA approval logo and the Public Alert logo on our packaging. If you do not see these logos on packaging, manufacturers likely did not go through the proper testing to make sure their radio is up to snuff.

The channel is displayed as a singular number instead of a frequency because there are only 7 total frequencies, which would require a minimum of 34 additional LCD segments to display- which would affect the readability of the scrolling alphanumeric text. Every LCD panel requires a hardware driver to energize each individual LCD segment. The drivers are matched and selected based on overall LCD size and..how many total segments there are in the panel. We had a specific price point in mind to make our radio a great value for all folks, while making sure we include great features like S.A.M.E.- If we had displayed the full frequencies instead of singular channel numbers- there would have been too many segments for the current driver, resulting in a less readable display with contrast issues- and a different driver would have to be used- the price would also certainly bump up.

Would it help if the cross referenced 7 channel frequencies were etched or printed in the back of the radio unit? Let me know what else you would like to see in a radio, I would love to hear more from the enthusiasts! I design these products for AcuRite, and I am always looking for input directly from the end-user- makes for better products for all!

Yeah like I said, it's not a reception issue at all.  The radio receives the audio fine.  It's just white noise embedded in the audio.  Not a big deal...just something that I don't experience with any other radios.

As far as the channel listing..yeah it would at least be some help if there was a list printed on the back of the unit.  During "automatic setup" the radio told me that Channel 5 was the strongest channel, and it's going to use that one as default.  I was thinking, "UM, ok that's cool...but what channel IS channel 5?  Is that the tower that is going to send warnings to me?  Because if not, I don't care if channel 5 is the strongest signal or not!"  I can receive at least 3 or 4 NOAA towers from my house, but until last year only 1 of them sent warnings for my county (now there are 2 that do).  So I need to know the frequency I'm tuned to, not the channel that this brand of radio wants to use.  Does that make sense?

With the alert tone..  when a warning is issued, the "alert tone" that the AcuRite radio emits is exactly the same alert tone that you would hear if you were monitoring the station with the tones turned off.  In other words, the AcuRite radio simply turns ON when a warning comes out...it doesn't sound a loud, seperate, brand specific tone like all the other radios I've ever used.  This really confused me at first.  It works....it just doesn't work as well.

Again, other than these 3 points I can find no fault with the radio.  It's a GREAT value at $30 bucks.
Title: Re: Acurite weather alert radio
Post by: mackbig on March 23, 2012, 04:52:54 PM
Wxman
Are you confusing alert tone with the alarm?  If you are listening to the stream, yes the tone will sound just like nws tone, because that is what you are listening to.  If you have the alarm on, if a tone is rec'd and you are not listening to the radio, it will sound a 75dB alarm.

I have never seen a radio that doesnt just list the 7 channels. The channel frequencies go up by .025 Mhz from 162.400 to 162.550.  Not too hard to look up or figure out, but I can see how a small label would help.  Of course since all radio's seem to list by numbers 1 to 7, then maybe the NWS should list the channel number on their sites in addition to radio frequency..


Andrew
Title: Re: Acurite weather alert radio
Post by: LFWX on March 25, 2012, 03:10:01 AM
Wxman

I have never seen a radio that doesnt just list the 7 channels. The channel frequencies go up by .025 Mhz from 162.400 to 162.550.  Not too hard to look up or figure out, but I can see how a small label would help.  Of course since all radio's seem to list by numbers 1 to 7, then maybe the NWS should list the channel number on their sites in addition to radio frequency..


Andrew

Unfortunately there are two ways of listing the channels, I've had several radios over the years and have seen it listed both ways:

162.400   WX 2  Numerical Channel # 1
162.425   WX 4  Numerical Channel # 2
162.450   WX 5  Numerical Channel # 3
162.475   WX 3  Numerical Channel # 4
162.500   WX 6  Numerical Channel # 5
162.525   WX 7  Numerical Channel # 6
162.550   WX 1  Numerical Channel # 7

Both of the current radios I'm using list the full frequency (Reecom R1630C / Midland HH54VP2), the Midland is about the same size as the Acurite, but with some added (and very useful) features - I'll post a review shortly.
Title: Re: Acurite weather alert radio
Post by: WXman on March 27, 2012, 11:02:31 AM
Wxman
Are you confusing alert tone with the alarm?  If you are listening to the stream, yes the tone will sound just like nws tone, because that is what you are listening to.  If you have the alarm on, if a tone is rec'd and you are not listening to the radio, it will sound a 75dB alarm.

I have never seen a radio that doesnt just list the 7 channels. The channel frequencies go up by .025 Mhz from 162.400 to 162.550.  Not too hard to look up or figure out, but I can see how a small label would help.  Of course since all radio's seem to list by numbers 1 to 7, then maybe the NWS should list the channel number on their sites in addition to radio frequency..


Andrew

I'm talking about when the radio is silent and is in the mode where it's simply sitting there monitoring for watches and warnings.  When a warning is issued, there is no separate, loud, brand-specific alert tone that gets your attention.  It simply turns on the radio.  That's all it does.  This is very different from any other weather radio I've used in the past 30 years.

Also..  last week a Tornado Watch was issued, and the radio didn't even turn on!  It illuminated the orange LED light on the top of the radio, but it did not send out a tone and the audio did not come on automatically.  My wife was sitting right next to it, and said it didn't make a sound at all... just turned on the LED.

I'm going to be watching it closely throughout the rest of severe weather season, and if it doesn't start acting like a wx radio should act, I'll contact AcuRite and see what they can do for me.
Title: Re: Acurite weather alert radio
Post by: mackbig on March 27, 2012, 11:34:24 AM
That doesnt sound right.  I would contact them now instead.   Maybe Rhino will respond again now that you have posted that additional info.  I thought I read in the manual you cant even opt out of alarm for warnings, only watches.

My midland is setup to be quiet for everything except Tor Warning and Tstorm Warning.   All the other warnings (used up here) do not really need a loud alarm, for me or my area anyway.

Andrew
Title: Re: Acurite weather alert radio
Post by: larryf on March 27, 2012, 09:17:28 PM
I just picked one up...  I thought the reception was pretty good all over the house, even better than the Oregon Scientific I own. My Midland beats them all, but it does have a 2 foot antenna. Haven't heard the 'warning' sound yet, maybe if I'm home tomorrow when the weekly test happens.

Setup was really easy, didn't even use the manual (although I did have to look up the FIPS code and freq online). The OS and Midland radios are more complicated, this seems intuitive. I also see it can 'scan' to get the strongest signal... that will work great when traveling. I like the blue backlight and the advisory/watch/warning colors are a nice touch. It doesn't charge batteries, but none of my other radios do either. Seems fairly solid for an inexpensive radio.

The manual didn't say if the radio stops immediately after the warning, or if it stays on for 5 minutes (like my Midland does). My wife makes me get up and shut the Midland off, that's one of the reasons I only use the Oregon Scientific radio in the Summer thunderstorm season.

In future radios you might want to have the backlight light up red/yellow/orange. I have a Bushnell wireless weather forcaster that changes backlight colors with the temperature outside, makes it easy to see at a glance.

Time will tell if it holds up as I can be a bit rough with portable electronics...  But so far I'm happy with it and it's the cheapest weather radio I ever bought!

Larry
Title: Re: Acurite weather alert radio
Post by: larryf on March 27, 2012, 09:25:26 PM


Also..  last week a Tornado Watch was issued, and the radio didn't even turn on!  It illuminated the orange LED light on the top of the radio, but it did not send out a tone and the audio did not come on automatically.  My wife was sitting right next to it, and said it didn't make a sound at all... just turned on the LED.


It's something you have to set up...  By default, the radio will alarm for all warnings, but not most watches or advisories. Page 15 and 16 in the manual, look at 'edit alerts'.  A description of each alert starts on page 19. 

It looks like you can't turn off warnings, you can only toggle watches and advisories. I don't know why I would need a volcano or avalanche warning in western PA   :-)

Larry
Title: Re: Acurite weather alert radio
Post by: WXman on March 28, 2012, 09:41:18 AM


Also..  last week a Tornado Watch was issued, and the radio didn't even turn on!  It illuminated the orange LED light on the top of the radio, but it did not send out a tone and the audio did not come on automatically.  My wife was sitting right next to it, and said it didn't make a sound at all... just turned on the LED.


It's something you have to set up...  By default, the radio will alarm for all warnings, but not most watches or advisories. Page 15 and 16 in the manual, look at 'edit alerts'.  A description of each alert starts on page 19. 

It looks like you can't turn off warnings, you can only toggle watches and advisories. I don't know why I would need a volcano or avalanche warning in western PA   :-)

Larry


Interesting.....


Tornado Watches are fairly serious items.  Not sure why this would be defaulted to "off".  Will check it out..thanks.
Title: Re: Acurite weather alert radio
Post by: mackbig on March 28, 2012, 10:18:58 AM
I would agree they are fairly serious.  However aren't Tor watches issued sometimes several hours before expected behaviour?  Typically as storms develop a Tstorm warnings would be issued as the danger became immanent or occurring, then Tor Warnings on top?  So there would/should be at least one "alarm" condition before you got Tor warning...

Andrew

Interesting.....
Tornado Watches are fairly serious items.  Not sure why this would be defaulted to "off".  Will check it out..thanks.
Title: Re: Acurite weather alert radio
Post by: larryf on March 29, 2012, 10:02:56 AM
I was at 'home office' when the weekly test went off on the new radio. Yep, it was a loud tone, not just the NWS bleeps and bloops. Also it shut off when the alert was done. If your radio doesn't do that, I think it should be returned.

My Midland does not shut off immediately, it runs for 5 minutes after a warning. Long enough to drive the cat crazy, get the wife upset, and make me get up to shut it off. 

I'm going to leave the tornado watch off for now. Too bad there wasn't a way to have advisories and watches alarm during daylight hours only, but I don't know of any radio that does that.

Larry
Title: Re: Acurite weather alert radio
Post by: smorris on March 31, 2012, 10:20:42 PM
Based on this thread, I picked up an Accu-Rite Model #08550 weather alert radio tonight. It has great reception, better than my desktop First Alert SAME radio with an 18" antenna. The first Alert is by my desk, and I don't always hear it in bed. I'll put this one on the night stand.

Question: When it is on the base with the wall-wart plugged in, does it switch to using AC instead of the internal batteries?

Steve
Title: Re: Acurite weather alert radio
Post by: Rhino on April 02, 2012, 11:00:21 AM
Hi Steve- Glad to hear you like your 08550 radio- we spent a great deal of time working with the test labs tuning the reception on this portable unit. We are hearing lots of positive comments on reception quality.

To answer your question- yes, when the radio is placed in the base/cradle, it automatically switches to AC power.
Title: Re: Acurite weather alert radio
Post by: smorris on April 02, 2012, 02:43:49 PM
Thanks for the reply.

That blue background light sure is bright in the bedroom at night. I'd like an option to turn it off or dim it on future versions.

Steve
Title: Re: Acurite weather alert radio
Post by: WXman on April 05, 2012, 11:36:59 AM
I went through the manual setup options, and sure enough the alert for Tornado Watch, Svr Thunderstorm Watch, etc. were defaulted to off.   #-o  So now I have them all turned on and we'll see how it works during the next severe weather outbreak.

Thanks for the tip.  I'd never have imagined that something like a Tornado Watch would be defaulted to "off".  That's why these forums are great.
Title: Re: Acurite weather alert radio
Post by: Kyfan on April 07, 2012, 10:30:13 AM
I bought one of these at Walmart. I was impressed with its sensitivity, its sound, its display, its menu system. At first, the only negative I found was the belt clip. It was too flimsy to serve as an actual belt clip, plus it was hard to remove when I put in batteries. I thought I had found my perfect weather radio. But then I discovered that there's no way to turn it off. The listen button lets you turn the radio on, auto on, and silenced. I figured silenced meant the radio was silent: no audio and no alarms. That was what I wanted. I have sensitive hearing and I can't tolerate loud noise. I was hoping that there was a way that I could defeat that alarm from happening. I called Chaney Instrument's customer service and told her my problem. She said there is no way to keep it from alarming. She said the only way it would pass NOAA certification was to keep keep the alarm active at all times. She said there's only one way to turn it off: unplug it and take out the batteries. That seemed like a lot of trouble to be, having to put batteries in it just to find out the weather. I already have two other weather radios at home that would serve my purpose much better, so I took this one back to Walmart.
Title: Re: Acurite weather alert radio
Post by: LFWX on April 09, 2012, 01:46:11 AM
I bought one of these at Walmart. I was impressed with its sensitivity, its sound, its display, its menu system. At first, the only negative I found was the belt clip. It was too flimsy to serve as an actual belt clip, plus it was hard to remove when I put in batteries. I thought I had found my perfect weather radio. But then I discovered that there's no way to turn it off. The listen button lets you turn the radio on, auto on, and silenced. I figured silenced meant the radio was silent: no audio and no alarms. That was what I wanted. I have sensitive hearing and I can't tolerate loud noise. I was hoping that there was a way that I could defeat that alarm from happening. I called Chaney Instrument's customer service and told her my problem. She said there is no way to keep it from alarming. She said the only way it would pass NOAA certification was to keep keep the alarm active at all times. She said there's only one way to turn it off: unplug it and take out the batteries. That seemed like a lot of trouble to be, having to put batteries in it just to find out the weather. I already have two other weather radios at home that would serve my purpose much better, so I took this one back to Walmart.

You need the Midland HH54VP2, it offers three alert modes - Tone / Voice / Silent

...and you can turn it OFF to save your batteries when you are not using it at all.
Title: Re: Acurite weather alert radio
Post by: WXman on April 10, 2012, 09:50:16 AM
I called Chaney Instrument's customer service and told her my problem. She said there is no way to keep it from alarming. She said the only way it would pass NOAA certification was to keep keep the alarm active at all times. She said there's only one way to turn it off: unplug it and take out the batteries.

Is this a new NOAA standard?  If not, why does my $30 Midland radio have a switch on the side that totally silences everything instantly, IN ADDITION to selections in the menu that allow me to not get warnings alerted for?   :?:
Title: Re: Acurite weather alert radio
Post by: Sigdigit on April 10, 2012, 12:11:34 PM
Hey, I just appreciate Rhino actually participating in customer feedback!  You never see anyone from Davis on here.
Title: Re: Acurite weather alert radio
Post by: larryf on April 10, 2012, 02:02:38 PM
I don't know who decides the standards for a weather radio....   But here's a few links that would probably explain some things:

NOAA Receiver Consumer Info
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/nwrrcvr.htm

Down the page, a link redirects you here:
http://www.ce.org/Standards/2946.asp

They have a downloadable pdf there. It looks like a company pays 1000/year for each product they sell to have the 'Public Alert' logo. My guess (and maybe Rhino can answer this), is that the weather radios have to meet certain criteria to display the logo.

I like the radio and like the price, but if all new radios adhere to a standard that doesn't meet your expectations you may have to get an older one from Ebay.

Larry
Title: Re: Acurite weather alert radio
Post by: LFWX on April 10, 2012, 06:09:10 PM
My Midland HH54VP2 can be turned off and it has a "Public Alert" logo on it.
http://www.wxforum.net/index.php?topic=12728.msg147221#msg147221
Title: Re: Acurite weather alert radio
Post by: Bigred on April 10, 2012, 10:30:57 PM
I just bought one of the Acurite Model #08550 weather radios at Walmart. The radio calls for a 6-digit FIPS code but the FIPS codes at weather.gov only have 5-digits.  How do you enter it?  Leave the first or the last digit zero?  Anyone know?
Title: Re: Acurite weather alert radio
Post by: BigOkie on April 11, 2012, 03:19:38 PM
I just bought one of the Acurite Model #08550 weather radios at Walmart. The radio calls for a 6-digit FIPS code but the FIPS codes at weather.gov only have 5-digits.  How do you enter it?  Leave the first or the last digit zero?  Anyone know?

First digit is zero.
Title: Re: Acurite weather alert radio
Post by: Rhino on April 12, 2012, 01:44:32 PM
The 08550 handheld alert radio backlight will be on by default when you place the radio in the powered cradle-this helps to confirm that you have placed the radio back on the powered dock in the middle of the night. You can turn the backlight off when the radio is docked by pressing AND HOLDING the "OK" button for a few seconds. Then the backlight will stay off in the dock. THis is also outlined in page 14 of the user manual if you would like more information.

Yes- to have the Public alert" certified logo, one has to pay the fee and also pay to have the radio tested by NWS and NOAA labs with flying colors. Our radios passed and did very well.

One of their requirements are that the unit has to be able to receive any and all WARNINGS by default.

Also, we do have a new Radio/Flashlight Combo unit now that has all the same functionality, but is classified primarily as an emergency flashlight. Because of this, the NOAA radio function can be turned off completely if desired- saves batteries. It has a dynamo crank for emergency power, an internal rechargeable battery, a compartment for standard batteries, and an option to use an external power adaptor. This model (#08560) is hitting walmart stores soon, and is available in many stores already.

http://www.acurite.com/weather/noaa-weather-alert-radio/weather-alert-noaa-radio-led-flashlight-with-hand-crank-08560.html

We will continue to develop Weather Alert Radios that serve the needs of the customers, while providing advanced features for those who want them at a great value. Please continue to let me know what you think- I am listening and I am deeply entrenched in the product design and development at AcuRite. Thanks for the feedback everyone!
Title: Re: Acurite weather alert radio
Post by: Rhino on April 12, 2012, 02:01:45 PM
One more thing- the radio will automatically turn on when it receives the coded signal from the tower- then it will simply play through whatever audio NOAA is broadcasting- including the initial preamble message alert tones which are part of the recorded message that is sent out by NWS.

Some NWS broadcast stations use different tones, and in some cases NWS broadcast stations do not broadcast a preamble alert tone at all. That would be the only reason you would not hear a tone before a message.

Some competitor radios choose to create their own tone when the coded signal is received- before the audio voice information plays through. That is an option we did not pursue in order to allow for future changes to the alert by NOAA and to further ensure none of the message is cut-off and is delivered in the most timely manner.

I hope this helps to clear things up.
Title: Re: Acurite weather alert radio
Post by: LFWX on April 13, 2012, 09:11:00 PM
One more thing- the radio will automatically turn on when it receives the coded signal from the tower- then it will simply play through whatever audio NOAA is broadcasting- including the initial preamble message alert tones which are part of the recorded message that is sent out by NWS.

Some NWS broadcast stations use different tones, and in some cases NWS broadcast stations do not broadcast a preamble alert tone at all. That would be the only reason you would not hear a tone before a message.

Some competitor radios choose to create their own tone when the coded signal is received- before the audio voice information plays through. That is an option we did not pursue in order to allow for future changes to the alert by NOAA and to further ensure none of the message is cut-off and is delivered in the most timely manner.

I hope this helps to clear things up.

This seems to be something the NWS needs to work on - they should have a STANDARD method!

Having the Weather Radio "create it's own tone" allows for the warning tone to have a volume you can set-up, separate from the volume of the the actual "audio voice information".
Title: Re: Acurite weather alert radio
Post by: laustin99 on May 04, 2012, 10:03:55 PM
I just bought mine yesterday, got it setup.  The only thing is my radio didnt go off to let me know that we were under a thunderstorm watch.  I followed the instructions and I dont know why it didnt go off.  The light didnt even show.  Please can you help me??
Title: Re: Acurite weather alert radio
Post by: Sigdigit on May 05, 2012, 09:53:42 AM
NWS doesn't send alerts for thunderstorms unless it is a Severe Thunderstorm Watch or Warning.  They also don't send alerts unless it a short-fuse event, meaning there hasn't been much time to put in in the usual forecast.
Title: Re: Acurite weather alert radio
Post by: laustin99 on May 05, 2012, 02:10:31 PM
It was for a sever thunderstorm watch, sorry I didn't put that in my last post.  We didn't get the bad weather but I am here by myself a lot while the hubby is at work.  We live in a mobile home and our town was hit with a tornado just 6 yrs ago and I bought it to feel a little safer knowing I will have time to get to safety.  I am just worried that it won't go off when it should...any suggestions?
Title: Re: Acurite weather alert radio
Post by: Sigdigit on May 06, 2012, 08:06:25 PM
Make sure you have the correct codes loaded for your county, or set it so it alerts for all areas.  If you've already done that, make sure you are at least getting the weekly test alert every wednesday to ensure you are getting proper reception.  If you get the weekly test, you should be able to recieve any alert they decide to put out.
Title: Re: Acurite weather alert radio
Post by: WXman on July 08, 2012, 04:12:45 PM
OK, now I have another question.  My Acu-Rite stays in it's included desktop stand 99% of the time.  But when I set the volume where I want it and then put it on "Auto On" mode... it will still go to full volume when a watch or warning is issued.  Then I have to turn the volume back down again manually..    then it automatically goes back to full volume when the next watch/warning is issued. 

WHY is this happening?  It's incredibly annoying.  I don't need full volume because it's next to my head when I sleep at night!  First time thing thing does this at 3:00AM my wife is going to be scared out of her skin and I'm going to toss this radio out the window.  Why won't this unit remember the volume I set it to? 
Title: Re: Acurite weather alert radio
Post by: Rhino on July 19, 2012, 04:07:42 PM
Hey all- sorry for the late feedback here- I wanted to get some info out here- bear with me here ;)

The radio is required to be turned on (activated), even if it is silenced, for all warnings and SOME watches:

"Tone alarm: The National Weather Service will send a 1050 Hz tone alarm before most warning and many watch messages are broadcast. The tone will activate all the receivers which are equipped to receive it, even if the audio is turned off. This is especially useful for warnings which occur during the night when most people are asleep. (Public Alert ™ - required)"

Here is some more general information about residential use radios:
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/nwrrcvr.htm

And more information about approved use of the "All-Hazards" logo:
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/conditions.htm

Regarding the high volume of the automatic alert, when the receiver receives the tone to "activate" (turn on) because of an official WARNING (and/or some watches), the receiver must set audio at a high level, as also described in "public alert requirements" This is the specification for audio level (db):
"Voice out put at least 77 dB at 1 meter when receiving a 1 kHz tone Audio Alert out put at least 77 dB at 1 meter over 500 to 1500 kHz range"

Basically, regardless of what audio level you have chosen on the radio, WARNINGS and some WATCHES will always activate the tone/audio at a predetermined volume as required and tested by the NWS. We tested all of our weather radios for compliance last year and passed- so I am confident based on testing and the fact that it is outlined in public documentation as well, that AcuRite radios operate in accordance with the latest NWS compliance requirements.
Title: Re: Acurite weather alert radio
Post by: WXman on July 20, 2012, 08:42:42 AM
Rhino..   thank you so much for taking the time to explain that to me.

Unfortunately, that's going to be a big problem for me and I will likely go back to using my other brands of radio.  I do not like the extremely loud volume when the radio is 2 feet away on my nightstand.  It's overkill. 

Many of these "features" are things I only experience with my Acu-Rite radio.  I wonder how the "other guys" can escape these guidelines and build radios to be user friendly?
Title: Re: Acurite weather alert radio
Post by: tweeks on March 01, 2013, 11:22:28 PM
Regarding the high volume of the automatic alert, when the receiver receives the tone to "activate" (turn on) because of an official WARNING (and/or some watches), the receiver must set audio at a high level, as also described in "public alert requirements" This is the specification for audio level (db):
"Voice out put at least 77 dB at 1 meter when receiving a 1 kHz tone Audio Alert out put at least 77 dB at 1 meter over 500 to 1500 kHz range"

Hey Rhino..
Nice job on the frugal SAME/NOAA radio! I've had mind (8550?) for over a year now and it's been a great benefit in the hills of SW VA!

One thing.. the power level or  constant, piercing tone of the alert tone is blowing your little 1.5w coil based speakers. I thought my radio had died until I plugged headphones into it and found it was still doing its job. I figured it was an intermitting 1/8" jack bypass switch.. so I cleaned that out and resoldered it. No dice. Checked the 8ohm q.5W speaker.. open.. hmm.. hooked up a headphone to the speaker terminals.. bingo. Bad speaker.

I replaced your design with a bit beefier 3w/8ohm 1.5" driver out of an old Rat Shack tape recorder. Works like a charm now.

If you all have got a fair measure of them in, then maybe you should beef up that speaker a bit.  Let me know if you want the serial# off my unit.
(it's upstairs and I'm down.. ;)

Tweeks
Title: Re: Acurite weather alert radio
Post by: Rhino on May 01, 2013, 04:35:27 PM
Thanks for the feedback!

We actually do test each speaker on the production line to make sure it can handle it.

Thanks for the info- we will keep an eye on that!

Thanks,
Ryan from AcuRite
Title: Re: Acurite weather alert radio
Post by: W. Smith on June 03, 2013, 04:53:33 PM
The 08550 handheld alert radio backlight will be on by default when you place the radio in the powered cradle-this helps to confirm that you have placed the radio back on the powered dock in the middle of the night. You can turn the backlight off when the radio is docked by pressing AND HOLDING the "OK" button for a few seconds. Then the backlight will stay off in the dock. THis is also outlined in page 14 of the user manual if you would like more information.

Yes- to have the Public alert" certified logo, one has to pay the fee and also pay to have the radio tested by NWS and NOAA labs with flying colors. Our radios passed and did very well.

One of their requirements are that the unit has to be able to receive any and all WARNINGS by default.

Also, we do have a new Radio/led Flashlight (http://www.robustbuy.com/led-lighting-gadgets-led-flashlights-c-505_1027_730.html) Combo unit now that has all the same functionality, but is classified primarily as an emergency flashlight. Because of this, the NOAA radio function can be turned off completely if desired- saves batteries. It has a dynamo crank for emergency power, an internal rechargeable battery, a compartment for standard batteries, and an option to use an external power adaptor. This model (#08560) is hitting walmart stores soon, and is available in many stores already.

http://www.acurite.com/weather/noaa-weather-alert-radio/weather-alert-noaa-radio-led-flashlight-with-hand-crank-08560.html

We will continue to develop Weather Alert Radios that serve the needs of the customers, while providing advanced features for those who want them at a great value. Please continue to let me know what you think- I am listening and I am deeply entrenched in the product design and development at AcuRite. Thanks for the feedback everyone!

It is quite interesting one. There is some useful features in it. I like the emergency light backup thought.
Title: Re: Acurite weather alert radio
Post by: ThePontificator on June 19, 2013, 11:56:30 PM
The Wal-Mart website shows the black model priced at $29.99 but the same model in "Fire red" or "camo" is $50.99

(local Wally World does not have any Acu-Rite radios in stock at this time)
Title: Re: Acurite weather alert radio
Post by: ThePontificator on June 28, 2013, 01:05:20 PM
The camouflage pattern Acu-Rite portable is currently on sale on Cabela's website for $19.88
Title: Re: Acurite weather alert radio
Post by: cospringswx on June 28, 2013, 01:17:21 PM
Must be this one http://www.cabelas.com/product/Accurite-Weather-Alert-Radio-8535/1393244.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3DsearchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3Dweather%2Bradio%26x%3D0%26y%3D0%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BSearch-All%2BProducts&Ntt=weather+radio&WTz_l=Header%3BSearch-All+Products
Title: Re: Acurite weather alert radio
Post by: jimform2k1 on March 26, 2015, 08:36:22 AM
Sorry to revive an old thread but...

I have a 8505 desktop radio and my lcd display has dead.  I can hear the radio and the display lights up blue but can see no text.

When I remove the batteries and push the reset button on the bottom, the display text becomes visible but flashes on/off a few times and then text is no longer displayed.

Has anyone else experienced this?

Thanks
Title: Re: Acurite weather alert radio
Post by: PugetSoundStormWatch on March 26, 2015, 08:01:02 PM
Sorry to revive an old thread but...

I have a 8505 desktop radio and my lcd display has dead.  I can hear the radio and the display lights up blue but can see no text.

When I remove the batteries and push the reset button on the bottom, the display text becomes visible but flashes on/off a few times and then text is no longer displayed.

Has anyone else experienced this?

Thanks

I experienced a similar problem with my first Sangean CL-100 radio. I bought it refurbished. When I first plugged it in, it worked fine. Within a couple minutes, the LCD display began to flash. Within an hour, the display was dead. The backlight still lit up, and all other functions were normal.

I returned it for a new one shortly after that. There was no way for me to revive it.
Title: Re: Acurite weather alert radio
Post by: WXman on July 14, 2015, 09:40:11 AM
Update:

Still using my Acurite radio but still don't like it.

Volume defaulting to highest setting when warnings are issued is a NO GO with me.

Radio will no longer clear itself when issued products expire.  For example, the Severe Thunderstorm Watch that is displayed on my radio right now will still be displayed and the light will still be on six months from now unless another watch/warning is issued.

Still don't understand why they don't go the extra mile to display frequency like other radios so that you can find the tower you NEED to get warnings.

I sent an email to Acurite this morning.  I'm going to replace the radio soon but I need to know if these issues have been resolved first.

"I have an Acurite handheld weather radio that I bought a couple of years ago.  I've owned several weather radios in the past and I'm a meteorologist and I have an amateur radio license as well so I'm very familiar with them.  This particular Acurite radio drives me insane.  Any time a warning is issued by the local NWS office, this radio defaults to the highest possible volume setting.  Regardless of where I set the volume myself, it will go back to max volume upon receiving a warning.

I understand that the idea of a weather radio is to alert people to dangerous weather and wake those people up if they are asleep.  But causing people to go into cardiac arrest isn't much better.  I have moved the weather radio out of our bedroom and into another room in the house to avoid being scared to death in the middle of the night and now it's almost defeating the purpose of owning it.

I'm considering getting rid of this one and buying another radio for my home.  My question is...do ALL Acurite brand weather radios have this "feature" in them?  Or should I go back to the Midland brand?  I don't mind paying a little more to avoid this annoying feature if I have to."
Title: Re: Acurite weather alert radio
Post by: WXman on July 21, 2015, 07:07:59 AM
Finally got a response from Chaney Instrument Co....

"Hi Shawn,

Thank you for contacting us here at AcuRite, I am happy to assist you.  All of our NOAA radios operate the same way with the volume control.  Once you put the unit in Silent mode to only here the Warnings, it will automatically disable the volume control to ensure that the user will here the warning when it does sound.  There isn't a way to control that on these units.  Please let me know if there is anything else that I can do for you.

Have a great day,
_________"


So basically this means I'll never buy another Acurite radio again.  That's too bad...

Guess I'll pick up a Midland 300 or something so I can move the radio back to my bedroom.