IT Blog Today

I purchased this unit 6 months ago with the fear of "tornado season" coming. I live in an area where a tornado is likely with almost every storm. In past years, Easter weekend has been ruined by the destruction of houses in the path of a tornado.

We hear the alarm and listen to the weather service warning BEFORE the news stations can announce the warning on t.v.

The WR-300 has been great. The alarm is clearly heard by everyone throughout the house and the display gives a read out of the alert while the alarm is sounding. You can hear the local weather service with the touch of a button or press the AM/FM button and listen to local radio stations of your choice. The use of this radio is very simple. My kids know how to turn off the siren and how to press the weather radio button to listen to the verbal warning from the National Weather Service. The alarm is a great asset to have during night time hours.

The radio can be plugged in for everyday use and then when power is out for whatever reason, the backup batteries take over so that you can hear announcements and further weather warnings.

Many people have complained about the beeping while pressing the buttons. Yes, there is a beep but it is not that annoying. We do not do very much button pushing in the middle of the night and it has not bothered us.

There is a weekly test that can be a little annoying if you are asleep during the day. My husband is military and his schedule changes regularly, sometimes causing him to work mid-shift. When he is sleeping during the daytime hours, the alarm sounding during the weekly test can be disturbing but it is a small price to pay for safety. On the other side, the weekly test is a nice option. Each week we are assured that the radio is working and the alert will come through during an emergency.

This is a great item and wonderful purchase to make for yourself or a loved one. You really can not put a price on safety.

I am writing this during a significant outbreak of deadly weather. The unit has worked flawlessly and done everything I could ask a radio to do! The price is good too, for an overall excellent value.

Not certain why folks are having difficulty entering SAME codes. They are more than readily available. The only thing you need to remember is that "0" is the first number. My work includes supporting NOAA's Office of Marine and Aviation Operations and the National Weather Service, this radio is perfect. Reception is excellent. Glad I read the reviews here first - did NOT waste my money on the Eton/Grundig radio. In fairness, Grundig makes good radios - shortwave at least. Midland WR-300 and the quick start are excellent. For those wanted more info on SAME codes, a better link is http://www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/nwrrcvr.htm as this is NOAA's Weather Radio site.

Do not confuse the requirement for SAME vs. FIPS. SAME uses the three digit state code and then the remainder of the code IS the FIPS code. Makes things easier to remember and enter. It's nice that Midland added a page in the back so you can write in all of the SAME codes and what they mean right in the manual.

Enjoy this radio. I know people working in the National Weather Service who have this on their desk, at work!

SOLD!