VEC135_Manual_051705 5/18/05 2:57 PM Page 12

VEC135

ONE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY PROGRAM

This limited warranty program is the only one that applies to this product, and it sets forth all the
responsibilities of Vector Manufacturing, regarding this product. There is no other warranty, other than those
described herein.
This Vector Manufacturing product is warranted, to the original purchaser only, to be free of defects in
materials and workmanship for one year from the date of purchase without additional charge. The
warranty does not extend to subsequent purchasers or users. Manufacturer will not be responsible for any
amount of damage in excess of the retail purchase price of the product under any circumstances. Incidental
and consequential damages are specifically excluded from coverage under this warranty.
STORMTRACKER™
This product is not intended for commercial use. This warranty does not apply to accessories or damage to TV/LANTERN/AM/FM/EMERGENCY/WEATHER RADIO
units from misuse or incorrect installation. Misuse includes wiring or connecting to improper polarity power
sources.
RETURN/REPAIR POLICY: Defective products, other than accessories, may be returned to manufacturer. Any
defective product, other than accessories, that is returned to manufacturer within 30 days of the date of
purchase will be replaced free of charge. If such a product is returned more than 30 days but less than one
year from the purchase date, manufacturer will repair the unit or, at its option, replace it free of charge.
If the unit is repaired, new or reconditioned replacement parts may be used, at manufacturer’s option. A
unit may be replaced with a new or reconditioned unit of the same or comparable design. The repaired or
replaced unit will then be warranted under the terms of the remainder of the warranty period. The customer
is responsible for the shipping charges on all returned items after 30 days. During the warranty period,
manufacturer will be responsible for the return shipping charges.
LIMITATIONS: This warranty does not cover accessories, bulbs, fuses and batteries, defects resulting from
normal wear and tear (including chips, scratches, abrasions, discoloration or fading due to usage or
exposure to sunlight), accidents, damage during shipping to our service facility, alterations, unauthorized
use or repair, neglect, misuse, abuse, failure to follow instructions for care and maintenance, fire, flood and
Acts of God.
If your problem is not covered by this warranty, call Technical Support at (866) 584-5504 for general
repair information and charges, if applicable. You may also contact us through our website at
www.vectormfg.com.
STATE LAW RIGHTS: This warranty gives you specific legal rights. Some states do not allow limitations on
how long an implied warranty lasts or the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages,
so the exclusions or limitations stated herein may not apply. This warranty gives the purchaser specific legal
rights; other rights, which vary from state to state, may apply.
TO REQUEST WARRANTY SERVICE FOR THIS PRODUCT: Contact Technical Support by telephone, fax or
mail (see below). We suggest that you keep the original packaging in case you need to ship the unit. When
returning a product, include your name, address, phone number, dated sales receipt (or copy) and a
description of the reason for return and product serial number. After repairing or replacing the unit, we will
make every effort to return it to you within four weeks.
WARRANTY ACTIVATION: Please complete Warranty Activation Card and mail to Vector Manufacturing.
Enter “VEC135” as Model and “Stormtracker™” as Product Type. All Vector products must be registered
within 30 days of purchase to activate this warranty. Mail the completed registration form, along with a
copy of the original sales receipt to:

USER’S MANUAL
ATTN.: CUSTOMER SERVICE
4140 SW 30th Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33312 & WARRANTY INFORMATION
• TOLL FREE: (866) 584-5504 • FAX: (954) 584-5556 •
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION, SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF INJURY, USER MUST READ AND UNDERSTAND

WARRANTY IS NON-TRANSFERABLE AND NON-REFUNDABLE. THIS INSTRUCTIONAL MANUAL. THIS MANUAL CONTAINS IMPORTANT
INFORMATION REGARDING THE OPERATION AND WARRANTY OF THIS
PRODUCT. PLEASE RETAIN FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
BD030205
4140 S.W. 30th Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33312
© 2005 VECTOR MANUFACTURING Toll Free: (866) 584-5504
MADE IN CHINA
www.vectormfg.com

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 VEC135_Manual_051705 5/18/05 2:57 PM Page ii

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful
WARNINGS interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received,
1. To reduce the risk of fire or electrical shock, do not expose this unit to rain or including interference that may cause undesired operation.
moisture.
2. Never attempt to recharge disposable dry cell “C” size batteries. This could be This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
dangerous. Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
3. Do not open this unit except to replace dry cell batteries. There is no other designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
replaceable part. residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio
4. Keep unit out of reach of children (whether stored or in use). frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
CAUTIONS
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
1. Use only the supplied cords/adapters for recharging this unit.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
2. Make sure all switches are in the OFF position before connection to a power source installation. If equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
or load. television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off
3. Never insert anything other than the supplied AC adapter and DC power adapter and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
into the 12 volt DC charging/power socket on this unit. Do not use any accessory more of the following measures:
not recommended or provided by the manufacturer.
4. When using the AC adapter or DC adapter, do not use near water, such as a • Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
bathtub, sink or laundry, in a wet basement or next to a swimming pool. • Increase the separation between equipment and receiver.
5. All slots and openings in this unit are required for ventilation and temperature
control and should not be blocked or covered in any way. • Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to
6. Never push objects of any kind into the unit’s ventilation slots, since they may touch which the receiver is connected.
dangerous voltage points or short circuit parts that could result in fire or electrical • Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
shock.
7. Follow all warnings, cautions, and instructions marked on this unit.
CAUTION: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the
8. For protection during violent storms, or when left unattended or unused for long
periods of time, unplug the AC adapter or 12 volt DC power adapter and disconnect party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate
any AV equipment. the equipment.
9. To prevent possible electrical damage to unit or your vehicle, always unplug the 12
volt DC adapter cord from your vehicle’s accessory power outlet BEFORE removing
the plug from the unit.
10. Never submerge this unit in water.
11. Check unit periodically and discontinue use if parts or accessories are found to be
damaged or defective. To replace worn or defective parts, contact Vector’s Customer
Service department toll-free (866) 584-5504.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Power System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Back-Up Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Controls and Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
General Operating Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Powering the Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Operating the TV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Operating the AM/FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Operating the Weather Band Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Operating the Lantern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Operating the LED Area Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Care and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Recharging Back-up Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 9
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing the Vector STORMTRACKER™ Portable TV/AM/FM/
Emergency/Weather Radio (VEC135). Please read this guide carefully before
use to ensure optimum performance and to avoid damage to the unit.

FEATURES
• AM/FM/weather band radio with automatic hazard alert
• Built-in 5.5" black-and-white TV (VHF and UHF)
• Hand crank to recharge batteries
• Built-in batteries included for auxiliary back-up power
• Powerful lantern which can tilt up and down
• Long-lasting LED area light
• Built-in earphone or audio outlet
• Includes 12 volt DC and 120 volt AC adapters for external power supplies
• AV out receptacle for external TV connection
• Brightness/contrast/vertical hold TV controls
• Battery, 12 volt DC or 120 volt AC powered
Power System
The VEC135 has a unique power system. Its primary power source is the common
household “C” size battery, but it may also be powered using the AC-DC power
adapter that plugs into a standard 120 volt AC household outlet, or the VEC135 may
be powered using an external 12 volt DC power supply (such as a car/vehicle’s
accessory outlet) and the 12 volt DC power adapter.

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Back-Up Power GENERAL OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

This unit also comes with built-in Ni-MH rechargeable batteries, which serve as Powering the Unit
“auxiliary” back-up power for the AM/FM/weather radio and LED area light, should
no other power source be available. This auxiliary power system may be recharged The unit can be powered in one of three ways:
using the AC-DC power adapter plugged into an 120 volt AC household wall outlet, 1. With nine (9) dry cell “C” size batteries (not included).
a 12 volt DC power adapter connected to a 12 volt DC source, or, in emergency 2. With household 120 volt AC 60 Hz power and the AC-DC power adapter
situations when no other power is available, by using the dynamo hand crank. included with the unit.
Note: Back-up battery power will only operate the radio and LED area light. It cannot 3. With 12 volt DC power and the 12 volt DC power adapter included with the unit.
and will not power the TV, lantern.
In addition, a back-up power system consisting of built-in rechargeable batteries
CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS allows the radio and area lights to operate when no other power source is
available. The rechargeable back-up battery is not user-accessible and
2 can only be used to power the radio and LED area light.
Note: Before first use, the unit’s rechargeable batteries should be charged for a full
12 hours. See also “Recharging Back-Up Power” in the “Care and
1 Maintenance” section on page 8.

Using the AC-DC Power Adapter

9 10
• Plug the AC-DC power adapter’s barrel connector into the “DC 12V IN” receptacle.

8 11

7
3 6
4 5 16

15 17
• Plug the AC-DC power adapter’s prong connector into a powered 120 volt AC wall
14
outlet.
18
19
13 20
12 (Bottom of unit)

1. 5.5” black-and-white TV 12. Dry cell battery compartment

2. Lantern 13. Fuse
3. TV/fine tune and VHF/UHF 14. DC 12 volt IN adapter jack for
selector knobs external power supply
4. OFF/TV/WEATHER/AM/FM 15. LED area lights
selector 16. LED area light power switch
5. Hazard alert lock selector 17. Built-in TV/radio antenna
6. Weather radio scan control 18. Earphone jack
• Test by turning the lantern on before proceeding to general operation.
7. AM/FM Radio Tuner 19. AV out jack for external TV
8. Volume control connection
9. AM/FM/radio frequency 20. Vertical Hold/Brightness/Contrast
Note: Lantern is powered by AC/DC adapters as well as “C” Batteries
10. Hand crank to recharge back-up TV controls
batteries Do not operate the lantern and TV at the same time when using the 120 volt
AC power adapter.
11. TV/Radio Speaker

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Using the 12 Volt DC Power Adapter OPERATING THE TV

• Extend the built-in TV/radio antenna and adjust for best
• Plug the 12 volt DC power adapter’s barrel connector into the “DC 12V IN” reception.
receptacle.

• Turn the OFF/TV/WEATHER/AM/FM dial to the “TV”

position.

• Plug the 12 volt DC power adapter’s large connector into a vehicle’s accessory
power outlet or other 12 volt DC power source. • Turn the VHF-L/VHF-H/UHF dial to select the TV band.

• Turn the TV TUNE/FINE TUNE knob to select the desired TV

channel.*
* For available channels, see Specifications.

• Test by turning the lantern on before proceeding to general operation.

• Adjust the picture’s brightness, contrast and vertical hold (if
Using Battery Power necessary) using the respective knobs on the back panel of the
• Open the battery cover and insert 9 dry cell “C” size batteries. unit.
• Test by turning the lantern on before proceeding to general operation.

• Insert the earphone into the EARPHONE socket if private

listening is desired.

Note: This unit is designed in accordance with North American Standards and may
not receive TV broadcasts in countries that have other broadcasting standards.

WARNING
Operation of a TV in a moving vehicle is not permitted if the driver can
view the screen while driving. Use this appliance in a responsible and
safe manner.

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OPERATING THE AM/FM RADIO OPERATING THE WEATHER BAND RADIO

• Extend the built-in TV/radio antenna and adjust for best • Extend the built-in TV/radio antenna and adjust for best
reception. reception.

• Rotate the OFF/TV/WEATHER/AM/FM rotary knob to the • Rotate the OFF/TV/WEATHER/AM/FM rotary knob to the
desired frequency (the AM or FM position). WEATHER position.

• Rotate the Radio Tuner knob to tune to the desired station. • Slide the ALERT selector to the OFF position. (The unit
Adjust the antenna if necessary for better reception. automatically locates the regional channel. Press or to

▲
▲
search for other available channels.)

• Rotate the Volume knob to adjust radio volume.

• Rotate VOLUME knob to adjust radio volume.

• Insert the earphone into the EARPHONE socket if private

listening is desired. • Insert the earphone into the EARPHONE socket if private
listening is desired.

• Slide the Alert selector to the ALERT or LOCK position for alert
standby mode. Note that the speaker is muted while radio
monitors for a hazard alert.

Notes: While in the ALERT position, the hazard alarm will sound briefly when a
hazard alert is received. While in the LOCK position, the alarm sounds
continuously when the hazard alert is received.
While in either ALERT or LOCK mode, the AM-FM/weather stations will
function.
The WEATHER RADIO LED will light to indicate a “locked in” weather radio
station.

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OPERATING THE LANTERN Replacement Parts

The lantern can be tilted up and down to direct the beam where For replacement parts (bulbs, Ni-MH batteries, fuses, etc.), contact Vector Customer
you need it. It is controlled by the ON/OFF trigger switch located Service, toll-free, at (866) 584-5504.
beneath the unit handle. Battery Replacement
Make sure the light is turned OFF when the unit is being recharged It is recommended that the unit be returned to manufacturer for battery replacement.
or stored. Contact Vector Customer Service, toll-free, at (866) 584-5504.
Note: Do not operate the lantern and TV at the same time when using the 120 volt
AC adapter.
WARNING
• Do not dispose of the battery in fire. This may result in an explosion.
OPERATING THE LED AREA LIGHTS • Before disposing of the battery, protect exposed terminals with
The LED Area Lights are controlled by the ON/OFF switch on top heavy-duty electrical tape to prevent shorting, which can result in
of the lantern. Slide the switch to the ON position to turn the LEDs injury or fire.
on. Slide the switch to the OFF position to turn the LEDs off. • Do not expose the battery to fire or intense heat as it may explode.
Battery Disposal
CARE AND MAINTENANCE This unit contains a Ni-MH battery. Dispose of used batteries properly. For more
Recharging Back-up Power information on recycling batteries, call toll free (800) 822-8837.
120 Volt AC Charging Fuse Replacement
You can watch TV or listen to the radio while charging the back-up power battery. 1. Using a screwdriver, open the fuse cover and remove the defective fuse.
1. Plug the AC plug of the AC/DC adapter/charger into any 2. Insert a replacement 2 amp fuse into the FUSE socket.
standard 120 volt AC wall outlet. 3. Close the fuse cover.
2. Plug the barrel connector attached to the AC/DC
adapter/charger into the small barrel receptacle labeled “DC
CAUTION
12V IN”. THIS UNIT USES A 2 AMP FUSE. FOR CONTINUED PROTECTION
3. Charge the back-up power battery regularly so it is ready for AGAINST RISK OF FIRE, REPLACE THE FUSE ONLY WITH ONE OF THE
emergency use. SAME TYPE AND RATING.
Note: The unit cannot be overcharged using the AC method.

Using the Hand Crank

For ease of use, the crank handle can be “locked” into place. Flip
the handle to release and press it against the unit body to secure
into position. Rotate the dynamo crank handle to generate power
if back-up battery power is low and to recharge the back-up
rechargeable batteries.
Note: The back-up power operates the LED area lights and the radio only. The TV and
lantern will not operate from the back-up power, they operate only from the
replaceable “C” size batteries, AC adapter or 12 volt DC power adapter.

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SPECIFICATIONS

Model No.: VEC135

Operating Voltage: 12 volt DC
TV Channels: VHF-L: Channels 2-6
VHF-H: Channels 7-13
UHF: Channels 14-83
Radio Stations: AM: 530-1710 kHz
FM: 88-108 MHz
Weather: 162.400, 162.425, 162.450,
162.475, 162.500, 162.525, and 162.550 MHz
Weather Radio Sensitivity: 0.6µV@12dB SINAD
0.5µV@1050 Hz alert tone
Speaker: 8 ohm, 1W
Fuse: 2A, 125V
AC/DC Adapter: 120 Volt AC input, 12 Volt DC, 1200 mA output
DC Adapter: 12 Volt DC, 2 amps
Lantern Bulb: 12V, Krypton
Built-In Rechargeable
Battery: Ni-MH 3.6V, 600 mAh

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