Cobra Electronics MRHH125 Marine VHF Transceiver User Manual MRHH125 manual Part 1

Cobra Electronics Corporation Marine VHF Transceiver MRHH125 manual Part 1

Contents

User Manual Part 1

A1 English
Our Thanks to You and
Customer Assistance
Introduction
VHF MARINE RADIO
MR HH125
Printed in China Part No. 480-426-P Version A
Owner’s Manual
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®English
Our Thanks to You •
Thank you for purchasing a CobraMarine®VHF radio.
Properly used, this Cobra®product will give you
many years of reliable service.
How Your CobraMarine VHF Radio Works
This radio is a battery-powered portable transceiver for use afloat. It gives you
two-way vessel-to-vessel and vessel-to-shore station communications, primarily
for safety and secondarily for navigation and operational purposes. With it, you
can call for help, get information from other boaters, talk to lock or bridge tenders,
and make radiotelephone calls to anywhere in the world through a marine operator.
Besides two-way communications, the radio can provide quick access to receive
all the NOAA (National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration) weather
channels and alert you to weather emergencies with a tone on a weather channel
you can select for your area.
Customer Assistance •
Should you encounter any problems with this product, or not understand
its many features, please refer to this owner’s manual. If you require further
assistance after reading this manual, Cobra Electronics offers the following customer
assistance services:
For Assistance in the U.S.A.
Automated Help Desk English only.
24 hours a day, 7 days a week 773-889-3087 (phone).
Customer Assistance Operators English and Spanish.
8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Central Time Mon. through Fri. (except holidays)
773-889-3087 (phone).
Questions English and Spanish.
Faxes can be received at 773-622-2269 (fax).
Technical Assistance English only.
www.cobra.com (on-line: Frequently Asked Questions).
English and Spanish. productinfo@cobra.com (e-mail).
For Assistance Outside the U.S.A.
Contact Your Local Dealer
Customer Assistance
©2008 Cobra Electronics Corporation™
6500 West Cortland Street
Chicago, Illinois 60707 USA
www.cobra.com
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A3 English
Introduction
A2 English
Radio Controls
and Indicators
Introduction
Backlit LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) Screen •
Instant Channel
16/9 Button
ON/OFF/
Volume Control
External Speaker/
Microphone Jack
Antenna
Backlit
LCD
Screen Battery
Compartment
Backlight/
Key Lock
Button
Memory/
Escape
Button
Push to
Talk Button
(Talk)
UIC Active Channel
Map Icons Dual Watch Icon
Battery Power Icon
Button Lock Icon
Weather Icon
Key Tone Icon
Scan Icon
Active Channel Numbers
Speaker
Power Settings
Select 1 or 3 watts of output power
for near or distant calling.
USA/International/Canada Channels
Operate on any of the three (3) different
channel maps set up for these areas.
All NOAA Weather Channels
Instant access to all National Weather
Channels, 24 hours a day.
Emergency Weather Alert
Receive NOAA alerts when threatening
weather is nearby.
Waterproof
Meets JIS4 waterproof standards.
Key Lock
Prevents accidental setting changes
when key lock is set.
Channel Scan/Memory Scan
Scan through all or memorized channels
to find conversations in progress.
Instant Channel 16/9
Provides instant access to priority
Channel 16 and calling Channel 9.
Dual-Watch
Use to monitor two (2) channels at once –
Channel 16 and one programmable channel.
Roger Beep Tone (Selectable)
Confirmation tone indicates the
completion of the user’s transmission and
signals to others it is clear to talk.
On or Off selectable.
Rechargeable NiMH (Nickel-Metal
Hydride) Batteries
Five (5) rechargeable NiMH batteries
supplied with the unit provide extended
operating time compared to alkaline
batteries and have no memory effect.
Five (5) AAA alkaline batteries may also
be used for emergency backup power.
12V Power Cord Included
Charge the NiMH batteries in a car or boat.
Speaker/Mic Jack
Allows connecting optional Cobra Lapel
Speaker/Mic.
Memory Channels
Allows programming of up to
ten (10) VHF memory channels.
Signal Strength Meter
Shows the strength of incoming
or outgoing signals.
Illuminated Buttons
Allows high visibility of all function buttons.
Product Features •
Belt Clip
Engagement
Microphone
Low/High Power Icons
Battery Door
Latch
Simplex Operation Icon
Backlit LCD Screen
and Product Features
Roger Beep Icon
Memory Channel Icon
Weather Alert Icon
Power Level/
Weather Button
Enter/Setup
Button
Dual Watch/
Scan Button
Channel Down Button
Receive & Transmit Icons
Signal Strength Icon
Broadcast Receive Icon
Squelch
Defeat
Button
Charge Jack
Wrist Strap
Connector
Channel Up Button
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Introduction
1
Nothing
Comes Close to a Cobra®
Table of Contents
Introduction
Our Thanks to You . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A1
Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A1
Radio Controls and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A2
Backlit LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A3
Product Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A3
Important Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Recommendations for Marine Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
FCC Licensing Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Installation
Included in this Package . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Wrist Strap, Belt Clip and External Speaker/Mic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Batteries and Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Operating Your Radio
Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Setup Mode Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Standby, Receive and Transmit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
NOAA All Hazards/Weather Radio and Alert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Advanced Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
VHF Marine Radio Protocols
VHF Marine Radio Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Voice Calling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Radiotelephone Calls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Emergency Messages and Distress Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Warranty and Trademark
Limited 1-Year Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Trademark Acknowledgement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Customer Service
Product Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Appendix – English/Español
VHF Marine Channel Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Weather Channel Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
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2English
Important Safety Information
Introduction
Important Safety Information •
Before installing and using your CobraMarine®VHF radio, please read these
general precautions and warnings.
Warning and Notice Statements
To make the most of this radio, it must be installed and used properly. Please read
the installation and operating instructions carefully before installing and using the
radio. Special attention must be paid to the WARNING and NOTICE statements in
this manual.
WARNING
Statements identify conditions that could result in personal injury or loss of life.
NOTICE
Statements identify conditions that could cause damage to the radio
or other equipment.
Safety Training Information
This CobraMarine®radio has been tested and found to comply with the FCC RF
exposure limits for use by the “General Population” and Industry Canada RF exposure
limits for use by the “General Public.” This CobraMarine VHF radio also complies with
the following guidelines and standards regarding RF energy and electromagnetic
energy levels as well as evaluation of those levels for human exposure:
■ FCC OET Bulletin 65 Edition 97-01 Supplement C, Evaluating Compliance with
FCC Guidelines for Human Exposure to Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Fields.
■ American National Standards Institute (C95.1-1992), IEEE Standard for Safety
Levels with Respect to Human Exposure to Radio Frequency Electromagnetic
Fields, 3 kHz to 300 GHz.
■ American National Standards Institute (C95.3-1992), IEEE Recommended
Practice for the Measurement of Potentially Hazardous Electromagnetic
Fields — RF and Microwave.
General Precautions •
The following WARNINGS and NOTICE information on the following page will make
you aware of RF exposure hazards and how to assure you operate the radio within
the FCC RF exposure limits established for the radio.
Introduction
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3
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®
Important Safety Information
WARNINGS
Your radio generates electromagnetic RF (radio frequency) energy when it is
transmitting. To ensure that you and those around you are not exposed to excessive
amounts of that energy, DO NOT touch the antenna when transmitting. KEEP the
radio at least two (2) inches (5cm) away from yourself and others when transmitting.
DO NOT transmit more than 50% of the time the radio is in use — 50% duty
cycle. The radio is transmitting when the Talk button is pressed and the transmit
information shows on the LCD screen.
ALWAYS use only Cobra authorized accessories.
DO NOT operate the radio in an explosive atmosphere, near blasting sites,
or in any area where signs are posted prohibiting radio transmissions.
NEVER place the transceiver or microphone/speaker where they might interfere
with operation of your vessel or cause injury.
DO NOT allow children or anyone unfamiliar with proper procedures to operate
the radio without supervision.
Failure to observe any of these warnings may cause you to exceed FCC RF
exposure limits or create other dangerous conditions.
Introduction
NOTICE
Your radio is waterproof only when the batteries are properly installed.
AVOID using or storing the radio at temperatures below -4˚F (-20˚C)
or above 140˚F (60˚C).
KEEP your radio at least 3 ft (0,9 m) away from your vessel’s magnetic
navigation compass.
DO NOT attempt to service any internal parts yourself. Have any necessary
service performed by a qualified technician.
This radio is supplied with NiMH (Nickel-Metal Hydride) rechargeable batteries.
■Use only the Cobra power cord to recharge NiMH batteries in the radio.
■Do not short circuit the batteries.
■When replacing the batteries, dispose of the old batteries properly. The NiMH
batteries may explode if disposed of in a fire.
Changes or modifications to your radio MAY VOID its compliance with FCC (Federal
Communications Commission) rules and make it illegal to use.
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4English
Marine Communication,
Procedures & FCC Licensing
Introduction
Recommendations for Marine Communication •
The frequencies your radio uses are set aside to enhance safety afloat and for vessel
navigation and operational messages over a range suitable for nearshore voyages.
If the 3 watt maximum output of your radio is not sufficient for the distances you travel
from the coast, consider a higher powered handheld or installing a Cobra Marine fixed
mount radio with up to 25 watts of output power. (Visit www.cobra.com or your
local dealer for model availability.)
If traveling far offshore, you should consider adding even more powerful radio
equipment such as HF single side band or satellite radio for your vessel.
The U.S. Coast Guard does not endorse cellular telephones as substitutes for marine
radios. They generally cannot communicate with rescue vessels and, if you make a
distress call on a cellular telephone, only the party you call will be able to hear you.
Additionally, cellular telephones may have limited coverage over water and can be
hard to locate. If you do not know where you are, the Coast Guard will have difficulty
finding you if you are using a cellular telephone.
However, cellular telephones can have a place on board where cellular coverage
is available — to allow social conversations and keep the marine frequencies
uncluttered and available for their intended uses.
VHF Marine Radio Procedures •
If you are not familiar with or need to brush up on the protocols that must be
followed when using a VHF Marine Radio, please study the section beginning
at page 28 before putting your radio into service.
FCC Licensing Information •
CobraMarine VHF radios comply with the FCC (Federal Communications
Commission) requirements that regulate the Maritime Radio Service.
The radio operates on all currently allocated marine channels and is switchable for
use according to U.S.A., International or Canadian regulations. It features instant
access to emergency Channel 16 and calling Channel 9 as well as NOAA (National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) All Hazards Radio with Alert that can be
accessed by pressing one (1) button.
Station License
An FCC ship station license is no longer required for any vessel traveling in U.S.A. waters
which uses a VHF marine radio, RADAR, or EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating
Radio Beacon), and which is not required to carry radio equipment. However, any vessel
required to carry a marine radio on an international voyage, carrying an HF single side
band radiotelephone, or carrying a marine satellite terminal must obtain a station license.
Introduction
10222_MRHH125_En_F.qxp 6/28/07 5:02 PM Page 4
Introduction
5
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®
FCC Licensing
FCC license forms and applications for ship and land stations can be downloaded
through the Internet at www.fcc.gov. Forms can also be obtained by calling the FCC
at 888-225-5322.
International Station License
If your vessel will be entering the sovereign waters of a country other than the
U.S.A. or Canada, you should contact that country’s communications regulatory
authority for licensing information.
Radio Call Sign
Currently, the FCC does not require recreational boaters to have a license. The
United States Coast Guard recommends that the boat’s registration number and
state of registry (e.g., IL 1234 AB) be used as a call sign and be clearly visible
on the vessel.
Canadian Ship Station License
You need a Radio Operator’s Certificate if your vessel is operated in Canadian waters.
Radio Operator training and certification is available from the Canadian Power
Squadron. Visit their website (http://www.cps-ecp.ca/english/newradiocard.html),
contact the nearest field office or write: Industry of Canada, Radio Regulatory
Branch, Attn: DOSP, 300 Slater Street, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0C8.
User Responsibility and Operating Locations
All users are responsible for observing domestic and foreign government regulations
and are subject to severe penalties for violations. The VHF frequencies on your radio
are reserved for marine use and require a special license to operate from land,
including when your boat is on its trailer.
NOTE
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject
to the following two (2) conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
FCC Warning: Replacement or substitution of transistors, regular diodes or
other parts of a unique nature, with parts other than those recommended by
Cobra may cause a violation of the technical regulations of part 80 of the FCC
Rules, or violation of type acceptance requirements of part 2 of the rules.
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6English
Included in this Package
Included in this Package •
You should find all of the following items in the package with your CobraMarine VHF radio.
Radio
Wrist Strap
12V Power Cord
For connection to 12-volt
power sources.
5 Rechargeable NiMH Batteries
Operating Instruction Manual Spring-Loaded Belt Clip
VHF Marine Radio ProtocolsInstallation
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7
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®
Wrist Strap, Belt Clip
and External Speaker/Mic
Wrist Strap and Belt Clip •
Wrist Strap
The radio comes with the wrist strap already attached.
It can be easily removed if you choose not to use it.
Belt Clip
Use the spring-loaded belt clip to carry the radio on your
person.
1. Press open the belt clip, slide it over the belt and
release the clip.
2. Insert the round guide on the back of the radio into the
guide channel on the belt clip. The radio must be upside-
down, as shown, to remove it from the belt clip.
3. Once the knob is inserted all the way into the belt clip
channel, the radio swings free but remains secure.
External Speaker/Microphone Jack •
Your radio can be fitted with an optional External
Speaker/Microphone (not included), freeing your hands
for other tasks. Contact your local CobraMarine®dealer
or Cobra®directly for optional accessories.
To attach the external speaker/microphone:
1. Open the speaker/microphone tab on top
of the radio.
2. Insert the plug into the speaker/microphone jack.
Wrist Strap
Belt Clip Secured to Belt
Removing the Radio
Secure Radio
VHF Marine Radio ProtocolsInstallation
Speaker/Microphone Jack
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Install Batteries
VHF Marine Radio ProtocolsInstallation
8English
Batteries and Charging
Batteries and Charging •
The radio is is shipped with five (5) NiMH rechargeable
batteries.
WARNING
The 12V power cord supplied with this radio is only
to be used with its rechargeable batteries. Do not
attempt to charge any other type of batteries in the
radio as fire, explosion or battery damage will occur.
Rechargeable battery life will be prolonged if extreme
ambient temperatures are avoided.
When your rechargeable batteries begin to discharge too
quickly, it is time to install new batteries. Your radio will also
operate with five (5) high-quality AAA alkaline batteries.
Installing the Batteries
Install the AAA batteries in the slots in the battery
compartment with the batteries oriented according
to the polarity (+ & -) marks in the slots.
Initial Charge
The Cobra-provided NiMH batteries may be charged in a car
or boat using the appropriate 12V power cord.
1. Insert the power cord into the side of the radio.
2. Insert the other end of the power cord into a 12V power
source.
3. Observe that the red light on the power cord glows to
indicate that power is present.
4. Allow the batteries to charge for 12 to 14 hours before use.
WARNING
Only the rechargeable NiMH batteries can be
recharged. You MUST use the charging device
provided with this radio. Do not substitute any other
type of charging adapter. Battery damage, fire or
explosion may result. It is equally important to
prevent the NiMH batteries from freezing to obtain
best performance from them.
Install Batteries
Power Source
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VHF Marine Radio ProtocolsInstallation
9
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®
Batteries and Charging
To Remove Batteries from Radio
1. Pivot the locking tab on the battery cover and remove it.
2. Pull the individual batteries out of the radio housing.
NOTICE
NiMH batteries are toxic. Please dispose of properly.
Some marine suppliers accept old batteries for
recycling and some municipal waste disposal agencies
have special provisions for battery disposal.
Fully Charged
Partially Charged
Fully Discharged
Locking Tab
Maintaining the Battery Charge
As you use your radio, the battery power icon will show the
battery power remaining. When the icon begins to flash, it is
time to recharge or change the batteries.
NOTICE
Use only the 12V power cord provided by Cobra. Do
not use the power cord with alkaline batteries; only
the NiMH batteries are rechargeable. Spent alkaline
batteries must be discarded and replaced.
It is a good idea to keep a set of fresh, high-quality AAA
alkaline batteries with your radio. Should the rechargeable
batteries become discharged and no electrical power source
be available, you can insert fresh alkaline batteries and
continue to use your radio.
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VHF Marine Radio ProtocolsOperating Your Radio
10 English
Getting Started
Getting Started •
Refer to the foldout at the front of this manual to identify the
various controls and indicators on your radio. Throughout
this manual you will be instructed to “Press” or to “Press
and Hold” various buttons (except “Push to Talk”) on the
radio. “Press” means a momentary press of approximately
one (1) second. “Press and Hold” means to hold the button
down for approximately three (3) seconds.
Whenever you press any button except the Talk button on
your radio, a brief tone (beep) will sound to confirm the
button press. With all button presses, the appropriate icon
will appear on the LCD and the backlight will turn On. The
backlight will stay On for 10 seconds after the button is
released.
At times, you will hear two (2) other sounds. Two (2) beeps
will sound to confirm your setting changes and three (3)
beeps will sound to notify you of an error.
Common Radio Functions
The following procedures define common operating functions of the radio when in
either Marine Standby or Weather (WX) Standby modes.
Power/Volume Control
Power On/Off Control
The On/Off/Volume control is located at the upper right side
of the radio. Turning the On/Off/Volume control past the
detent position will turn the radio On or Off.
Power Saver
Your radio has a unique circuit designed to extend battery life. If
there are no transmissions, signals, or button presses for ten
(10) seconds, the radio will automatically switch to Power
Save mode. Signal reception or any button press will take the
radio out of Power Save mode.
Volume Control
Volume is controlled by turning the On/Off/Volume control.
■To increase the volume, turn the On/Off/Volume control
clockwise.
■To decrease the volume, turn the On/Off/Volume control
counterclockwise.
On/Off/Volume Control
(Counterclockwise)
On/Off/Volume Control
(Clockwise)
MR HH125 Radio
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VHF Marine Radio ProtocolsOperating Your Radio
11
Nothing
Comes Close to a Cobra®
Getting Started
Radio Speaker and Microphone
The internal Radio Speaker and Microphone are located on the
bottom front face of the radio below the lower control buttons.
An optional Speaker/Microphone jack is located at the top of
the radio between the antenna and the On/Off/Volume control.
Flip the protective cap open and insert the plug into the jack.
Talk Button
Press and hold the Talk button to transmit messages.
Release the Talk button to stop transmitting. If the Talk
button is pressed while on a receive only channel, a three
beep error signal will sound.
Squelch Control
This radio is equipped with an automatic squelch control.
Squelch filters weak signals and radio frequency (RF) noise
so you can hear the main signal clearly.
To receive weak signals, the automatic squelch can be
turned Off (opened) by pressing the Squelch Defeat button.
You will likely hear a lot of static and RF noise along with
the weak signal.
Press the Squelch Defeat button for up to five (5) seconds to
briefly open squelch. To hold squelch open for longer periods,
press and hold the Squelch Defeat button for more than five
(5) seconds. Squelch will remain open until you press the
Squelch Defeat button again or you change channels.
Squelch Control
Speaker/Mic Jack
Talk Button
10222_MRHH125_En_F.qxp 6/28/07 5:02 PM Page 11
VHF Marine Radio Protocols
12 English
Getting Started
Backlight/Key Lock Button
The LCD will be illuminated by the backlight as long as any
button is pressed and will remain On for 10 seconds after
the button is released.
To Display the Backlight Momentarily:
Press the Backlight/Key Lock button. The backlight will
remain On for 10 seconds. If the backlight is already On,
a press of the Backlight/Key Lock button will turn it Off.
Key Lock
To prevent accidental changes to your settings, you can lock
all of the buttons on the front of the the radio along with the
Squelch Defeat button.
To Lock or Unlock the Buttons:
Press and hold the Backlight/Key Lock button for two (2)
seconds. The Key Lock icon will appear or disappear in
the LCD. When Key Lock is On, pressing any of the
buttons on the front of the radio will result in a three (3)
beep error message.
Both the Backlight/Key Lock button and the Talk button are
active — you can Receive (Rx) or Transmit (Tx) a message
with Key Lock On, but you cannot change the channel.
Channel Up/Down Buttons
Your radio will Receive (Rx) and Transmit (Tx) VHF signals on
the channel indicated on the LCD display. You can change the
channel at any time using the Channel Up/Down buttons.
To Change Channels:
Press the Channel Up/Down buttons.
If you are on Channel 88, pressing the Channel Up button
will advance to Channel 01. If you are on Channel 01,
pressing the Channel Down button will advance to
Channel 88.
You can press and hold the Channel Up/Down button for
fast advance. The beep sound will occur only at the first
press of the buttons and not during fast advance.
If the new channel selected is restricted to low power, the
radio will automatically switch to Low Power mode and
the Low Power icon will appear on the LCD.
If the radio is in the Key Lock mode, the channel will not
change and the three (3) beep error signal will sound.
Backlight/Key Lock Button
Key Locked Buttons
Key Lock Icon
Channel Up/Down Buttons
Currently On Channel 88
VHF Marine Radio ProtocolsOperating Your Radio
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VHF Marine Radio Protocols
13
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®
Getting Started
SCAN Button
Press and release the SCAN button to scan all channels.
The SCAN icon will display on the LCD display. Scanning
begins at lower channels, and scans to higher channels.
Press Channel Up/Down button to change the scan
direction.
When a signal is received in SCAN mode, the radio will
pause 10 seconds before resuming SCAN operation.
The scan will stop when the Talk button is pressed.
NOTE
Memory channels need to be saved to effectively
enter the Memory Channel mode and scan all
memory channels. See page 25.
High/Low (HI/LO) Power Button
Your radio can transmit selectively at 1 or 3 watts of power.
Cobra suggests you maintain the low power setting for
short-range communication. You will conserve battery life
and avoid overpowering nearby stations by using a low
power signal. Use the High Power setting for long-range
communications or when you do not receive a response
to a signal sent at 1 watt.
To Toggle Between HI/LO Power Modes:
Press the Power Level/Weather button. The LCD
will show which mode is in effect. Some channels are
restricted for a maximum use of 1 watt. Your radio will
automatically set the power to Low Power mode when
you select those channels.
NOTE
Some channels, frequency bands and countries of use
might not be able to operate in High Power mode.
Scan Button
HI/LO Power Button
VHF Marine Radio ProtocolsOperating Your Radio
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VHF Marine Radio Protocols
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Setup Mode Programming
Enter/Setup Button
VHF Marine Radio Protocols
Operating Your Radio
Setup Mode Programming •
The following series of procedures is designed to allow you to set the programmable
features of your radio. Correctly following these steps results in a minimal amount
of radio setup programming time.
NOTE
When in the Setup mode, if you stop programming for longer than 15 seconds,
your entry will be saved and the radio will go back to the Marine Standby
mode. Pressing any of the non-programming buttons (Talk, Dual-Watch/Scan,
Power Level/Weather, Instant Channel 16/9) will also exit Setup mode and
invoke the button function or return the radio to Marine Standby mode.
When you return to Setup mode and continue programming you will see the last
“value” displayed. While in the Setup mode, you will not receive any signal reception.
Programming these features will allow you to customize certain features of this
radio to enhance your “On-Water” audio needs.
Start from Marine Standby mode to begin Marine (VHF)
Setup programming. Press and hold the Enter/Setup button
for three (3) seconds to enter the programming mode.
Marine (VHF) Mode Programming
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Setup Mode Programming
U.S.A./International/Canada Channel Maps
Three (3) sets of VHF Channel Maps have been established for marine use in the U.S.A.,
Canada, and the rest of the world (International). Most of the channels are the same
for all three (3) maps, but there are definite differences (see table in the Appendix).
Your radio has all three (3) maps built into it and will operate correctly in whichever
area you choose.
To Set Channel Map Operating Area:
1. The Channel Map mode is the first mode that begins the
Marine (VHF) Setup programming.
2. U, I and Cwill display, with the current setting
(the Uicon is the default) flashing.
3. Press Channel Up/Down buttons to select the
U, I or Cicon.
4. Press Enter/Setup button to save this entry and move to
the next setup programming mode – Roger Beep.
NOTE
One or two of the channel maps might have been
disabled for sales of this radio in some countries.
Active Channel Map Icon
Set Channel Map
Channel Up/Down Buttons
VHF Marine Radio ProtocolsOperating Your Radio
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Setup Mode Programming
Roger Beep Mode
In Roger Beep mode, your listener will hear an audible tone
when you release the Talk button. This alerts your listener
that you are finished talking and it is OK for them to speak.
To Set Roger Beep On or Off:
1. Display will show ROG icon and ON or OFF flashing.
2. Press Channel Up/Down buttons to select ON or OFF.
ROG will be displayed when On.
3. Press Enter/Setup button to save this entry and move to
the next setup programming mode – Key Tone.
Key Tone Mode
In Key Tone mode, an audible tone will sound each time a
button is pressed or you change a setting.
To Set Key Tone On or Off:
1. Display will show Key Tone icon and ON or OFF flashing.
2. Press Channel Up/Down buttons to select
ON or OFF.
3. Press Enter/Setup button to save all entries.
You have now ended Marine (VHF) Setup programming
mode and will enter Marine Standby mode.
Roger Beep Mode
Key Tone Mode
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Setup Mode Programming
Programming these features will allow your radio to listen to all NOAA Hazard Alert
radio signals and warnings.
Start from WX Standby mode (see page 20) to begin WX Alert Setup programming.
Press and hold the Enter/Setup button for three (3) seconds to enter the
programming mode.
To Set WX Alert On or Off:
1. WX Alert mode is the first mode that begins WX Alert
Setup programming.
2. Display will show WX Alert icon and ON or OFF flashing.
3. Press Channel Up and Channel Down buttons
to select ON or OFF.
4. Press Enter/Setup button to save this entry and move to
the next setup programming mode.
To Set WX Auto Search (SCAN) On or Off:
1. Display will show WX Alert icon and SCAN,
ON or OFF is flashing.
2. Press Channel Up and Channel Down buttons
to select SCAN, ON or OFF.
3. Press the Enter/Setup button to save entry.
You have now ended the WX Alert Setup programming mode and will enter the
WX Alert Standby mode.
When WX Alert is On and WX Auto Search (SCAN) is Off, the unit will continuously
check the selected WX channel from Marine or WX Standby for the WX Alert tone. When
the tone is detected, the radio will sound an alert tone and flash the WX Alert icon.
The unit will remain on that WX channel until you switch back to Marine Standby
mode.
When WX Auto Search (SCAN) is On, the unit will periodically check all ten (10)
weather channels from Marine Standby for the WX Alert tone.
WX Alert On/Off
WX Auto Search (SCAN)
Weather (WX) Alert Mode Programming
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Standby, Receive
and Transmit
Standby, Receive and Transmit •
Marine Standby and Receive (Rx) Mode
Marine Standby mode is the default mode for the radio whenever it is turned On.
From this mode, you can change current settings by becoming familiar with the
different key functions that are active in Marine Standby mode. While in Marine
Standby mode, the user will be able to transmit by pressing the Push to Talk (Talk)
button. Users will hear signals on the selected channel(s) in Receive (RX) mode and
can hear alerts broadcast by the Coast Guard and NOAA.
NOTE
Coast Guard alerts are broadcast on Channel 16 and you need to have the WX
Alert turned On to receive NOAA weather alerts. While in Marine Standby mode,
you will receive any messages sent on the channel to which you are tuned.
Transmit (Tx) Mode
Transmit (Tx) mode gives you the ability to interact with safety services, other vessels
and shore stations. When you use this capability, be sure to follow the procedures and to
observe the courtesies that govern its use so everyone benefits. See Appendix to help
you select the proper channels.
To Transmit a Message:
1. Check to see that your radio is set to a proper channel for
the type of message you plan to send.
2. Toggle to the Low Power setting.
3. With the microphone about 2 in. [51 mm] from your
mouth, press and hold the Talk button and speak into the
microphone. The Transmit icon will appear on the LCD.
4. Release the Talk button when you are finished
speaking. Your radio can only operate in either
Transmit (Tx) or Receive (Rx) mode at any
given time. You will not hear the response to
your message unless the Talk button is released.
If the Battery Power icon begins blinking on the
LCD when the Talk button is pressed, the radio
will NOT transmit.
Low Power Mode
Check Channel Number
Talk Button
NOTE
If the Talk button is held down for five (5) minutes,
the radio will automatically sound a series of beeps
and cease transmitting to prevent unwanted signal
generation and battery drain. As soon as the Talk
button is released, it can be pressed again to
resume transmission.
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NOAA All Hazards/Weather
Radio and Alert
WX Standby Display
NOAA Weather Channels
Monitoring the weather will probably be a frequent use of your radio. NOAA provides
continuous, around-the-clock broadcasts of the latest weather information. Taped
weather messages run every four (4) to six (6) minutes and are revised every two (2)
or three (3) hours, or as needed. The Coast Guard also announces weather and other
safety warnings on Channel 16. Smart boaters keep an eye on safety and an ear to
the radio — and never let the weather catch them unaware.
NOAA Emergency Weather Alert
In the event of a major storm or other weather condition requiring vessels at sea
or on other bodies of water to be notified, NOAA broadcasts a 1050 Hz tone that
receivers such as your CobraMarine VHF radio can detect and warn you of a weather
alert condition. When the Weather Alert mode on your radio is On, this signal will
produce a loud tone from the speaker in the radio and will automatically switch to
the alerting weather channel so the alert broadcast can be heard.
NOAA Test Alert System
To test this system, NOAA broadcasts the 1050 Hz signal every Wednesday sometime
between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. in each local time zone. Any receiver that can detect the
weather alert tone may use this service to verify that this system is functioning properly.
These signals will be received in Marine or Weather Standby modes as described below.
Weather (WX) Standby Mode
To enter the WX Standby mode, press and hold the
Power Level/Weather button. All common operating
functions of the radio will work the same in WX Standby
mode as they do in the normal Marine Standby mode. The
radio will be monitoring for all alerts in the background when
in the WX Standby mode.
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NOAA All Hazards/Weather
Radio and Alert
WX Alert Standby Mode
When NOAA broadcasts a weather alert signal and your radio is in WX Alert Standby
mode, the following items will be displayed on the LCD display:
■The WX icon (cloud/sun) icon will be displayed.
■The last used weather channel will be displayed.
■The bar graph will display received signal strength level.
■The WX Alert icon (safety triangle) will be displayed.
NOTE
Only one (1) or two (2) of the weather channels will be operating in any
given location (only in Receive (Rx) mode). You will need to select the
channel with the strongest signal in your location.
NOTE
When in the WX Alert mode, and NOAA sends the 1050Hz alert tone,
the radio will sound a series of loud beeps regardless of the volume
control setting.
WX Auto Search (SCAN) Mode Function:
The purpose of the WX Auto Search (SCAN) function is to
enable the receiver to automatically scan for Weather Alerts
on all ten (10) WX channels while the radio is in Marine
Standby status. This allows use of the communication
functions of the radio without missing a Weather Alert when:
■WX Auto Search (SCAN) function is On.
■WX Alert is On.
■The radio is tuned to a Marine VHF channel and
has entered Power Save mode (meaning there
is no signal activity or user input for 10 seconds).
■The radio software has detected that the current
WX channel signal level has dropped below
a preset minimum level or is gone completely.
Under these conditions, the software will scan the
WX channels looking for an active WX channel.
When an active WX channel is found, it will stop
the scan and use the new WX channel to look for
the standard 1050Hz alert tone.
WX Auto Search (SCAN)
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Advanced Operation
Advanced Operation •
Several capabilities of your radio can add to its versatility and ease of use even
though they are not needed for its basic operation.
Channel 16/9 Mode
Channel 16/9 mode gives you quick access to calling on Channel 16 and Channel 9
from any operational mode.
To Switch to Channel 16 or Channel 9:
1. Press the Channel 16/9 button to change
to Channel 16.
2. Press the Channel 16/9 button again to change
to Channel 9.
3. Press the Channel 16/9 button a third time and return to
the last used Standby channel.
NOTE
This key is labeled as “16” for maximum visibility.
Channel 16/9 Button
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Advanced Operation
Dual-Watch Scan Mode
Dual-Watch Mode
Dual-Watch mode gives you one (1) button access to scan a total of two (2) channels of
most importance to you. Channel 16 is preprogrammed and will always be one (1) of
the scanned locations. The other channel can be any marine VHF channel of your choice.
Using Dual-Watch
1. In Marine Standby mode, select the desired channel for
Dual-Watch scanning.
2. Press the Dual-Watch button. The DW icon will appear
on the LCD display and the radio will scan channel 16
and the selected channel.
3. A signal on any one (1) of the two (2) channels will
stop the scan for 10 seconds to allow you to listen
to the traffic on that location.
NOTE
After the Dual-Watch scan stops to monitor a
channel, as long as you do not press any buttons
within 10 seconds, your radio will automatically
resume scanning the Dual-Watch channels.
4. Press the Channel Up or Channel Down buttons
to resume scanning the Dual-Watch channels or
to change the scan direction.
5. To EXIT the Dual-Watch scan, press the Dual-Watch
button again. The DW icon will disappear from the
LCD and the radio will return to Marine Standby mode.
DUAL-WATCH Button
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Advanced Operation
To enter Memory mode, press Memory/Escape button. The
display will show the MEM icon and the Memory Channel
bank will be activated and displayed.
To Program Memory Locations:
1. Press and hold the Memory/Escape button for
two (2) seconds. The memory location number
will start flashing and the MEM icon will be
turned On.
2. Use the Channel Up and Channel Down buttons to
advance to the memory location (0-9) you want to
program.
3. Press the Memory/Escape button to select the
memory location. The memory channel number
will stop flashing and the channel number will
start flashing.
4. Use the Channel Up and Channel Down buttons
to change to the channel you want to store into the
selected memory location.
5. Press the Memory/Escape button to program that
channel. The memory location number will flash again.
Repeat steps 2 through 5 to program as many additional
memory locations as you want [up to ten (10) VHF memory
channels].
6. Press and hold the Memory/Escape button for
two (2) seconds. This will return the radio to
Memory mode.
7. Press and release the Memory/Escape button
again to return to Marine Standby mode.
MEM/ESC Button
Memory Location Number
Channel Up/Down Buttons
Channel Number
Memory Location Mode
Your radio has ten (10) memory locations (numbered 0 to 9) for your most frequently
used channels. These memory locations can be selected individually or can be scanned.
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Advanced Operation
To Recall a Stored Memory Location:
1. Press the Memory/Escape button. The MEM icon will be
turned On.
2. Press the Channel Up or Channel Down button to select
the memory location. If a memory location has been
programmed, its associated channel will display on the
LCD. Your radio is now in Marine Standby mode on the
selected memory location.
To Exit Memory Location Mode:
Press the Memory/Escape button to return the radio
to Marine Standby mode. The last channel used in
Marine Standby mode will now be displayed on the
LCD and the MEM icon will disappear.
To Erase Stored Memory Locations:
1. Press and hold the Memory/Escape button for two (2)
seconds. The memory location number will start flashing
and the MEM icon will be turned On.
2. Use the Channel Up and Channel Down buttons to
advance to the memory location you want to erase.
3. Press the Memory/Escape button to select the memory
location. The memory channel number will stop flashing
and the channel number will start flashing.
4. Use the Channel Up and Channel Down buttons to
change the channel to read “00” at the selected memory
location.
5. Press the Memory/Escape button to erase that memory
location.
Repeat steps 2 through 5 to erase as many additional
memory locations as you want.
6. Press and hold the Memory/Escape button for two (2)
seconds. This will return the radio to Memory mode.
7. Press and release the Memory/Escape button again
to return to Marine Standby mode.
MEM Icon
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Advanced Operation
Memory Location Scan Mode
During Memory Location Scan mode, the radio will rapidly
scan through all programmed memory channels. Whenever
any activity is detected on a channel, the radio will stop the
scan for 10 seconds to allow you to listen briefly on that
channel. It will then continue to scan unless you switch out
of Memory Location Scan mode.
NOTE
If there are fewer than two (2) memory locations
programmed in the radio, the Memory Location
Scan option will not be available. At least two (2)
memory locations need to be programmed to
use the Scan button.
To Enter Memory Location Scan:
1. From Marine Standby mode, press the Memory/Escape
button.
2. Press the DUAL WATCH/SCAN button. The radio will
immediately begin to scan all pre-assigned memory
channels. The SCAN and MEM icons will show on the
LCD.
3. A signal on any channel will stop the scan for
10 seconds to allow you to listen to the traffic
on that location.
4. Press the Channel Up or Channel Down button
to resume scanning the Memory Location Scan
channels or to change the scan direction.
5. To EXIT Memory Location Scan mode, press the
DUAL WATCH/SCAN button again. The SCAN and MEM
icons will disappear from the LCD and the radio will
return to Marine Standby mode.
Memory Location Scan
MEM/ESC Button
Scan Button
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Advanced Operation
Channel Scan Mode
During Channel Scan mode, the radio will rapidly switch
from channel to channel through ALL the channels.
Whenever any activity is detected, the radio will stop the
scan for 10 seconds to allow you to listen briefly on that
channel. The radio will then continue to scan unless you
switch out of the Channel Scan mode.
To Enter Channel Scan:
1. From Marine Standby mode, press and hold the
DUAL WATCH/SCAN button. The radio will immediately
begin to scan the entire channel map selected in
the active channel map. The SCAN icon will show
on the LCD.
2. A signal on any channel will stop the scan for
10 seconds to allow you to listen to the traffic
on that location.
3. Press the Channel Up or Channel Down button
to resume scanning the Channel Scan channels
or to change the scan direction.
4. To EXIT Channel Scan mode, press and hold the
DUAL WATCH/SCAN button again. The SCAN icon
will disappear from the LCD and the radio will
return to Marine Standby mode.
SCAN Button
SCAN Icon
Scanning
Channel Up/Down Buttons
Operating Your Radio
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