Weather radio channel?

[gianfri]

Hello,

I just "discovered" that I do have indeed a weather radio on my recently acquired 2014 RT! I always only got static noise when I tried in the past, so I thought perhaps it was an optional feature that I did not have, but now I managed to get some, distorted sound from channel 3. The problem is that: 1. The sound is barely intelligible; and, 2) Channel 4 is the local NOAA channel, and it works on multiple other weather radios I have in the house, but I receive nothing on channel 4 on the Spyder.

What am I missing?

Thanks.

 

[SpyderAnn01]

I haven’t used that in a long time but I thought that when you select that band you can then change stations using the buttons that you change regular radio stations with.

 

[Bob Denman]

With the way that those Meteorologists lie to us: you just ain't missing much! :banghead:
(3 RTs, and nothing but static...)

 

[gianfri]

I haven’t used that in a long time but I thought that when you select that band you can then change stations using the buttons that you change regular radio stations with.

Yes, I get that, but when I tune to Channel 4, which is the local NOAA channel, all I get is static, while in channel 3, where I should get nothing, I get some distorted voice....

 

[SpyderFlyer76]

Do you only have the AM/FM antenna hooked up to the bike? It might need the optional CB antenna that you may not have installed. Also some NOAA channels switch throughout the seasons due to interference from other frequencies. Additionally, like in my area of NY...NOAA goes silent until spring and summer then all channels become stronger signals. I’d check the NOAA website for any hints on the channels see if that could be it. But first I’d investigate to see if you have proper antenna installed on bike.

Hope that helps

 

[gianfri]

Do you only have the AM/FM antenna hooked up to the bike? It might need the optional CB antenna that you may not have installed. Also some NOAA channels switch throughout the seasons due to interference from other frequencies. Additionally, like in my area of NY...NOAA goes silent until spring and summer then all channels become stronger signals. I’d check the NOAA website for any hints on the channels see if that could be it. But first I’d investigate to see if you have proper antenna installed on bike.

Hope that helps

I only have the AM/FM antenna. That is probably why, although it still does not explain the odd transposition of channels.

 

[SpyderFlyer76]

I only have the AM/FM antenna. That is probably why, although it still does not explain the odd transposition of channels.

Well since i don't know your setup in your home and how you receive Channel 4...all I can say is without an antenna that can be a big factor. another thing could be line of site to the NOAA transmission. Simple things like trees or buildings could effect the reception of this signal. I wonder if you monitor it while riding around the neighborhood if the signal would get stronger for you. But again add the antenna would probably return a more positive result.

 

[Snowbelt Spyder]

The weather radio on the Spyder is a function of the standard radio and antenna. It does not need the CB radio nor does it need the CB antenna. NOAA broadcasts are VHF FM. The antenna that comes installed on the Spyder is not the best, as far as being tuned for VHF, but it functions.

There is no FCC standard for channel assignment numbers for NOAA weather radio. My main frequency in Cleveland is 162.550. That is the highest of the 7 NOAA frequencies. That is received on Channel 7 on my inside radio - although it is labeled as Channel G - and it is received on Channel 1 on the Spyder. And it comes in pretty clear. However, people have complained for years about the radio reception on the Spyders, which is mostlty due to the excessive amount of thread locker used when installing the antenna - which is more likely your issue. As mentioned, test it out while riding in the open and see how things change.

Wherever you may be, the key to receiving the applicable weather broadcast for that area is to cycle through the channels until you find the best reception. That would, of course, be the closest one to you. Don't concern yourself with channel numbers. As you know, every few minutes the station broadcasts its ID and location.

Edit: corrected UHF to VHF.

 

[Navydad]

My weather band works fine on my 2015. I just wish it would switch to weather band automatically when a warning is issued. My Triumph Trophy audio system did this and it was appreciated.

 

[Revalden]

Down here in Eastern Oklahoma we look up to the western sky and drive away from the black clouds or try to outrun them. hyea:

 

[SpyderFlyer76]

Down here in Eastern Oklahoma we look up to the western sky and drive away from the black clouds or try to outrun them. hyea:

LOL yeah those kinda clouds don't need any type of warning...just Go the other way...smart thinking

 

[gianfri]

The weather radio on the Spyder is a function of the standard radio and antenna. It does not need the CB radio nor does it need the CB antenna. NOAA broadcasts are UHF FM. The antenna that comes installed on the Spyder is not the best, as far as being tuned for UHF, but it functions.

There is no standard for channel assignment numbers for NOAA weather radio. My main frequency in Cleveland is 162.550. That is the highest of the 7 NOAA frequencies. That is received on Channel 7 on my inside radio - although it is labeled as Channel G - and it is received on Channel 1 on the Spyder. And it comes in pretty clear. However, people have complained for years about the radio reception on the Spyders, which is mostlty due to the excessive amount of thread locker used when installing the antenna - which is more likely your issue. As mentioned, test it out while riding in the open and see how things change.

Wherever you may be, the key to receiving the applicable weather broadcast for that area is to cycle through the channels until you find the best reception. That would, of course, be the closest one to you. Don't concern yourself with channel numbers. As you know, every few minutes the station broadcasts its ID and location.

That makes sense. Thank you!