Vector Stormtracker Elite

Question

I am unable to program our Vector Stormtracker Elite (WC3000DSV). I have programmed everything the instructions say to do, but the weird part is that it says the dial must be turned to Weather in order for the weather alert feature to be used. If I turn the dial to Weather and leave it on all the time, I hear the weather stations. I thought the whole purpose of a weather alert radio was to alert you even when the radio is in off mode. Can someone please help? Thanks.