COBRA MARINE MR F45 D MRF45D ENGLISH

User Manual: COBRA MARINE MR F45-D

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Introduction

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
Owner’s Manual

This radio is a VHF transceiver for fixed mounting on your boat. It gives you 2-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 2-way communications, in the U.S.A., the radio can provide quick
access to receive seven NOAA (National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration)
and two Canadian weather channels for alerting you to weather emergencies with a tone
on a weather channel you can select for your area.

Customer Assistance

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.
Printed in China Part No. 480-684-P Version C

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 5:30 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).

MR F45-D

For Assistance Outside The U.S.A.

Class-D Fixed Mount VHF Radio
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®

Contact Your Local Dealer
English

A1 English

©2015 Cobra Electronics Corporation
6500 West Cortland Street
Chicago, Illinois 60707 USA
www.cobra.com

Transceiver Controls,
Indicators And Connections

Introduction

Introduction

Backlit LCD
Screen
Radio Status and
Data Display

Down
Button

Instant Channel
16/9 Button

Up
Button
Active
Channel
Number

Microphone And
Product Features

Microphone With Auxiliary Controls
Up/Down
Buttons
Can be used
instead of those
on the transceiver.

Simplex
Operation
Icon
Squelch
Knob

On-Off
Power/
Volume
Knob

Instant Channel
16/9 Button
Can be used
instead of the
one on the
transceiver.

Talk
Button

Down
Button

•
Microphone

Up
Button
Instant
Channel
16/9 Button

Product Features
Dual Power
Selectable to one (1) or 25 watts output
power for near or distant calling.

Weather/UIC
Button

Speaker

High/Low Power
Button
Position Coordinates –
Latitude and Longitude

Dual-Watch
Button
Call/Set
Button

Scan
Button

Microphone
Cord
Connection
Socket
DSC Distress Button
(Behind Red Spring
Loaded Cover)

Power
Connection

Antenna
Socket

A2 English

External
Speaker Jack

Global Positioning
System (GPS) Jack

Scan
Lets you scan through all channels in the
active channel map to find conversations
in progress.

•

USA/International/Canada Channels
Allows operation on any of the three (3)
Dual-Watch
different channel maps established for these Lets you monitor two (2) channels at once
areas.
— Channel 16 and one (1) user selectable
channel.
All NOAA Weather Channels
Instant access to all of the National Weather Controls On The Microphone
Channels, 24 hours a day.
Handy control buttons on the microphone
let you operate one (1) handed at a distance
Emergency Weather Alert
from the radio.
Can alert you with an audible tone and visual
alarm if threatening weather is nearby.
Illuminated Buttons
Helps you quickly find the buttons
Instant Channel 16/9
you need in low light conditions.
Instant access to the priority
Channel 16 and calling Channel 9.
Mounting Kits Included
Radio can be mounted on or under almost
Digital Selective Calling (DSC
any flat surface using one (1)
Class-D)
of the included brackets.
Allows the ability to maintain a listening watch on
VHF Channel 16 while simultaneously monitoring Waterproof
Submersible to one (1) meter of water
Channel 70 for DSC calls. Allows sending a
distress message at the touch of a button as well for 30 minutes — meets JIS7 Standards.
as specific station-to-station calls. Radio utilizes
two (2) built-in encoders (receivers).
A3 English

Introduction

Table Of Contents

Introduction
Our Thanks To You.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .
Customer Assistance.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .
Transceiver Controls, Indicators And Connections .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .
Microphone.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .
Product Features.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .
Important Safety Information. .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .
Recommendations For Marine Communication. .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .

A1
A1
A2
A3
A3
2
4

VHF Marine Radio Protocols
FCC Licensing Information. .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .
VHF Marine Radio Procedures. .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .
Voice Calling .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .
Digital Selective Calling (DSC).  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .
Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI).  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .
Radiotelephone Calls.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .
Emergency Messages And Distress Procedure.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .
Marine Distress Procedure — DSC.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .

5
6
7
8
9
10
10
13

Installation and Start-Up
Included In This Package. .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .
Optional Accessories.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .
Mounting And Powering The Radio.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .
Antenna Requirements And Attachment .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .
External Devices And Connections. .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .

14
15
16
20
22

Operating Your Radio
Getting Started. .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .
Set-Up Routines. .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .
Voice Transmission.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .
Weather Radio And Alert.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .
Advanced Operation. .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .
Digital Select Calling (DSC) Set-Up.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .
Digital Select Calling (DSC) Operation.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .
Maintenance & Troubleshooting.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .
Specifications. .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .

24
28
32
34
35
38
44
56
57

Appendix
VHF Marine Channel Assignments. .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 58
Weather Channel Assignments .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 71
World City Time Zones .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 72
Warranty
Limited 3-Year Warranty.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 73
Customer Service
Product Service.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 74
Flush Mount Template.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 75
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®

1

Introduction

Important Safety Information

Important Safety Information
Before installing and using your CobraMarine VHF radio,
please read these general precautions and warnings.

Introduction

•

Warning And Caution 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 it. Special attention must be paid to the WARNING
and CAUTION statements in this manual.
WARNING
Statements identify conditions that could result in personal injury or loss of life.
CAUTION
Statements identify conditions that could cause damage to the radio
or other equipment.

Safety Training Information

This CobraMarine radio is designed for and classified as “Occupational Use Only.”
It must only be used in the course of employment by individuals aware of both the
hazards and the ways to minimize those hazards. This radio is NOT intended for
use in an uncontrolled environment by the “General Population.”
This radio has been tested and complies with the FCC RF exposure limits for
“Occupational Use Only.” 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:
n FCC OET Bulletin 65 Edition 97-01 Supplement C, Evaluating
Compliance with FCC Guidelines for Human Exposure to Radio
Frequency Electromagnetic Fields.

2

n


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.

n


American
National Standards Institute (C95.3-1992), IEEE
Recommended Practice for the Measurement of Potentially
Hazardous Electromagnetic Fields — RF and Microwave.

English

Important Safety Information

The following WARNINGS and CAUTIONS will make you aware of RF exposure
hazards and how to assure you operate the radio within the FCC RF exposure
limits established for it.
WARNINGS
Your radio generates electromagnetic RF (radio frequency) energy when
it is transmitting. To insure that you and those around you are not exposed
to excessive amounts of that energy, DO NOT touch the antenna when
transmitting and KEEP yourself and all others on your vessel the required
distance away from the antenna while transmitting. SEE page 30 in the
antenna requirements section for further information.
DO NOT operate the radio without a proper antenna or equivalent
dummy load attached. Doing so may expose you to excessive RF
energy and will damage the radio.
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 connect the transceiver to AC power. It can be a fire hazard, may
cause an electric shock, and may damage the transceiver.
NEVER mount the transceiver or microphone 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.
NOTE
Throughout this manual, the term “Transceiver” will be used to identify
the main unit containing the LCD screen and controls. The term “Radio”
will be used to identify the entire equipment including transceiver,
microphone, antenna and any attached external speakers.

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®

3

Introduction

Recommendations For
Marine Communication

VHF Marine Radio Protocols

Sea Tow Automated Radio Check (ARC) System

CAUTIONS
AVOID using or storing the radio at temperatures below -4°F (-20°C) or
above 140°F (60°C).
NEVER connect the transceiver to DC power greater than 16 volts or to
any DC source with reversed polarity. Doing so will damage the transceiver.
DO NOT cut the power cables attached to the transceiver. Improper
reconnection with reversed polarity will damage the transceiver.
POSITION your radio, external speakers, and cables at least three (3) feet (0.9 m)
away from your vessel’s magnetic navigation compass. CHECK your compass
before and after installation to be sure that it has not introduced any deviation.
DO NOT attempt to service any internal parts yourself. Have any
necessary service performed by a qualified technician.

DO NOT use chemicals or solvents such as mineral spirits and alcohol
to clean your radio. They may damage the case surfaces.
Changes or modifications to your radio MAY VOID its compliance with FCC (Federal
Communications Commission) rules and make it illegal to use.

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 25 watt maximum output of your radio isn’t sufficient for the
distances you travel from the coast, consider installing 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 don’t know where you are, the
Coast Guard will have difficulty finding you if you’re 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.
4

English

Please try the Sea Tow Automated Radio Check service. Areas where the safety check
service is available include the East Coast, Gulf of Mexico, Southern California, and select
inland locations including the Great Lakes. The first and only boating safety program of
its kind, the Sea Tow Automated Radio Check service is fully automated and allows 24
hour a day automated responses to radio check calls.
Conducting a radio check through the Sea Tow Automated Radio Check service couldn’t
be simpler. All boaters need to do is tune their VHF radio to Channel 24, 25, 26, 27,
28 or 84 (channel varies by location), then key the mic and ask for a radio check. The
system responds to each radio check with an automated reply including the location, and
also replays the boater’s original radio transmission, allowing them to assess the strength
of the signal and confirm the VHF radio is in good working order.
To find the Sea Tow Automated Radio Check service channel in an area boaters, radio
owners should visit www.seatow.com/arc. The web page allows you to search for the
local channel and has an instructional video on how to use the service step by step.

FCC LICENSING INFORMATION

DO NOT drop the transceiver or microphone. Doing so may crack the
case or damage a waterproof seal. Once these items have been dropped,
the original waterproofing cannot be guaranteed.

Recommendations For Marine Communication

FCC Licensing Information

•

•
CobraMarine VHF radios comply with the FCC (Federal Communication Commission)
requirements that regulate the Maritime Radio Service.
This CobraMarine radio incorporates a VHF FM transceiver designed for use in the
frequency range of 156.025 to 163.275 MHz. It requires 13.8 volts DC and has a
switchable RF output power of one (1) or 25 watts.
The transceiver is capable of Class-D (Digital Selective Calling) operation in accordance
with CFR Part 47, Section 80,225.
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) key.

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 a HF single side
band radiotelephone, or carrying a marine satellite terminal must obtain a station license.
FCC license forms and applications for ship and land stations can be downloaded through the
Internet at www.fcc.gov/forms. 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.
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®

5

VHF Marine Radio Protocols

VHF Marine Radio
Procedures

VHF Marine Radio Protocols

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

You must not call the same station for more than 30 seconds at a time.
If you do not get a reply, wait at least two (2) minutes before calling again.
After three (3) calling periods, wait at least 15 minutes before calling again.

Change Channels

Station Identification

Identify, in English, your station by your FCC call sign, ship name, the state registration
number, or other official number at both the beginning and end of each message.

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.

Prohibited Communications
You MUST NOT transmit:

FCC Warnings: 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.

Maintain Your Watch

Limits On Calling

After contacting another station on a calling channel, change immediately
to a channel which is available for the type of message you want to send.

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.

VHF Marine Radio Procedures

•

Whenever your boat is underway, the radio must be turned On and be tuned to Channel
16, except when being used for messages.

Power

Try 1 watt first if the station being called is within a few miles. Try a second call after
waiting two (2) minutes. If there is no answer, switch to a higher power. This will conserve
your battery and minimize interference to other users by avoiding repeated calls.

n

False distress or emergency messages.

n

Messages containing obscene, indecent, or profane words or meaning.

n

 eneral calls, signals, or messages (messages not addressed to a particular
G
station) on Channel 16, except in an emergency or if you are testing your radio.

n

When you are on land.	

Voice Calling
n

Make sure your radio is On.

n

Select Channel 16 and listen to make sure it is not being used.
NOTE
Channel 9 may be used by recreational vessels for general-purpose
calling. This frequency should be used whenever possible to relieve
congestion on Channel 16.

Call a coast station on its assigned channel. You may use Channel 16
when you do not know the assigned channel.

Calling Other Vessels

Call other vessels on Channel 16 or on Channel 9. (Channel 9 is preferred for recreational
vessel use.) You may also call on ship-to-ship channels when you know that the vessel is
listening on a ship-to-ship channel.

n

 hen the channel is quiet, press the Talk button and call the ship you wish to
W
call. (Hold the microphone a few inches from your face and speak directly into
it in a normal tone of voice — clearly and distinctly.) Say “[name of station
being called] THIS IS [your vessel’s name or call sign].”

n

 nce contact is made on the calling channel, you must switch to a proper
O
working channel. See the channel listing on page 14 through 15.

Initial Calling on Channel 16 or 9

The use of Channel 16 is permitted for making initial contact (hailing) with another
vessel. The limits on calling must be followed. Be reminded, Channel 16’s most important
function is for Emergency Messages. If, for some reason, Channel 16 is congested, the
use of Channel 9, especially in U.S. waters, may be used as the initial contact (hailing)
channel for non-emergency communication.
English

•

To Call Another Vessel Or A Shore Installation Such As A Lock Or Bridge Tender:

Calling Coast Stations

6

Voice Calling

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7

VHF Marine Radio Protocols

Digital Selective Calling (DSC)

Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI)

For Example

The vessel Corsair calling the vessel Vagabond:

The MMSI Number Is Available In The U.S.A. From Any Of Two (2) Sources:
n U.S. Power Squadron www.usps.org

Corsair: “Vagabond, this is Corsair (station license number call sign).”
Vagabond: “Corsair, this is Vagabond. Over.”

n

Corsair: “Vagabond go to working Channel 68. Over.”
Corsair: “Vagabond I need to talk to you about... Over.”
Vagabond: “Corsair in answer to your question about... Over.”

 fter each transmission, say “OVER” and release the microphone Push to Talk (PTT)
A
button. This confirms that the transmission has ended. When all communication
with the other vessel is totally completed, end the message by stating your call sign
and the word “OUT.” Remember, it is not necessary to state your call sign with each
transmission, only at the beginning and end of the message.
NOTE
For best sound quality at the shore station or other vessel receiving your call,
hold the microphone/speaker at least 2 in. (51 mm) from your mouth and
slightly off to one (1) side. Speak in a normal tone of voice.

DSC will eventually replace aural (listening) watches on distress frequencies
and will be used to announce routine and urgent maritime safety information
broadcasts. Until DSC is fully implemented, it is still necessary to maintain a
listening watch on Channel 16.

BoatU.S.: 1-800-563-1536 – www.boatus.com/mmsi

An MMSI is a nine (9) digit number used on a marine radio capable of using digital
selective calling (DSC). It is used to selectively call other vessels or shore stations
and is similar to a telephone number.

Corsair: “Vagabond, thanks for the information about... (call sign and out).”

Digital selective calling is a semi-automated system for establishing a radio
call. It has been designed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO)
as an international standard for VHF, MF, and HF calls and is part of the
Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS).

•

NOTE
The above references are for recreational vessels only. Commercial vessels
should contact the FCC.

Both parties switch over to the agreed upon working channel....

Digital Selective Calling (DSC)

VHF Marine Radio Protocols

Maritime Mobile
Service Identity (MMSI)

For your CobraMarine radio to operate in the DSC mode, you must enter your
maritime mobile service identity (MMSI) number. See page 41 for instructions
on how to enter it.
In Canada, Contact:
n Industry Canada Spectrum Management Office (only available on the Internet):
http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/insmt-gst.nsf/vwGeneratedInterE/sf01742e.html
To Obtain An MMSI Number Outside The U.S.A.:
Users can obtain an MMSI from their country’s telecommunications authority
or ship registry. This may involve amending or obtaining a ship station license.

•

WARNING
This equipment is designed to generate a digital maritime distress and
safety signal to facilitate search and rescue. To be effective as a safety
device, this equipment must be used only within communication range
of a shore-based VHF marine channel to distress and safety watch system.
The range of the signal may vary, but under normal conditions should be
approximately 20 nautical miles.

The DSC system allows mariners to instantly send a distress call with GPS
position coordinates (requires a GPS receiver to be connected to the radio)
to the Coast Guard and other vessels within range of the transmission.
DSC also allows mariners to initiate and receive distress, urgent, safety,
routine, position request, position send, and group calls between vessels
equipped with DSC capable radios.
8

English

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9

VHF Marine Radio Protocols

Radiotelephone Calls

Emergency Messages And Distress Procedure
The ability to summon assistance in an emergency is the primary reason
to have a VHF marine radio. The marine environment can be unforgiving,
and what may initially be a minor problem can rapidly develop into a
situation beyond your control.

VHF Marine Radio Protocols

•

The Coast Guard monitors Channel 16, responds to all distress calls, and
coordinates all search and rescue efforts. Depending on the availability of
other capable vessels or commercial assistance operators in your vicinity,
Coast Guard or Coast Guard Auxiliary craft may be dispatched.
In any event, do communicate with the Coast Guard as soon as you experience
difficulties and before your situation becomes an emergency. Use the emergency
message procedures only after your situation has become grave or you are faced
with a sudden danger threatening life or property and requiring immediate help.
Use channel 16 to communicate your emergency message. Make sure you transmit
on high power. If you are merely out of gas, do not send an emergency message.
Drop your anchor and call a friend or marine to bring the fuel you need or to give
you a tow.

Emergency Messages
And Distress Procedure

Marine Emergency Signals

The three (3) spoken international emergency signals are:
MAYDAY

The distress signal MAYDAY is used to indicate that a station is threatened
by grave and imminent danger and requests immediate assistance.
PAN

The urgency signal PAN is used when the safety of the vessel or person
is in jeopardy. (This signal is properly pronounced pahn.)
SECURITE

The safety signal SECURITE is used for messages about the safety of navigation or
important weather warnings. (This signal is properly pronounced see-cure-it-tay.)
When using an international emergency signal, the appropriate
signal is to be spoken three (3) times prior to the message.

If You Hear A Distress Call

You must give any message beginning with one (1) of these signals priority
over any other messages. ALL stations MUST remain silent on Channel 16
for the duration of the emergency unless the message relates directly to
the emergency.
If you hear a distress message from a vessel, stand by your radio. If it is
not answered, YOU should answer. If the distressed vessel is not nearby,
wait a short time for others who may be closer to acknowledge. Even if
you cannot render direct assistance, you may be in a position to relay
the message.

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VHF Marine Radio Protocols

Emergency Messages
And Distress Procedure

Marine Distress Procedure
Speak slowly — clearly — calmly.
1. Make sure your radio is On.

VHF Marine Radio Protocols

Emergency Messages
and Distress Procedure

Keep the radio nearby. Even after your message has been received, the Coast Guard
can find you more quickly if you can transmit a signal for a rescue boat to hone in on.
For Example

2. Select VHF Channel 16.

“Mayday — Mayday — Mayday”

3.	Press Talk button and say:
“MAYDAY — MAYDAY — MAYDAY.”
(Or “PAN — PAN — PAN,”
or “SECURITE — SECURITE — SECURITE.”)

“This is Corsair — Corsair — Corsair” [or “Illinois 1234 AB“ three (3) times]

4.	Say:
“THIS IS [your vessel name or call sign].” Repeat three (3) times.

“Four adults, three children aboard — no one injured”

5. S
 ay:
“MAYDAY (or “PAN” or “SECURITE”)
[your vessel name or call sign].
6.	Tell where you are:
(what navigational aids or landmarks are near).
7. State the nature of your distress.
8. State the kind of assistance needed.
9. Give number of persons aboard and conditions of any injured.
10. Estimate present seaworthiness of your vessel.
11. Briefly describe your vessel (length, type, color, hull).
12.	Say:
“I WILL BE LISTENING ON CHANNEL 16.”
13.	End message by saying:
“THIS IS [your vessel name or call sign] OVER.”
14.	Release Talk button and listen. Someone should answer.
If not, repeat the call, beginning at item 3 above.

“Mayday Corsair (or Illinois 1234 AB)”
“Navy Pier bears 220 degrees magnetic — distance 5 miles”
“Struck submerged object and flooding — need pump and tow”
“Estimate we will remain afloat one-half (1⁄2) hour”
“Corsair (or Illinois 1234 AB) is 26 foot sloop with blue hull and tan deck house”
“I will be listening on Channel 16”
“This is Corsair (or Illinois 1234 AB)”
“Over”
It is a good idea to write out a script of the message form and post it where you
and others on your vessel can see it when an emergency message needs to be sent.

Marine Distress Procedure – DSC

•

Digital Selective Calling (DSC) is a semi-automated system that will allow you to
press the Distress button from any routine to make a distress call. When the distress
button is pressed, all other channels go to Standby mode and allow the digitally
encoded “pre-programmed” message to take precedence. Important information such
as your MMSI number, position and name will be transmitted on Channel 16. The
distress alarm will sound for two (2) minutes or until the alarm is cleared.
The DSC system allows you to choose a “pre-programmed” distress call such as:
“Man Overboard, Sinking, Collision.” There are many pre-programmed choices
to choose from. If a GPS is connected to your radio, your coordinates will also
be sent to the Coast Guard as well as to other vessels that are within range of
the transmission. DSC calling also allows the user to initiate and receive distress,
urgent, safety, routine, position request, position send and group calls between
vessels equipped with DSC capable radios.
WARNING
This radio will generate a digital maritime distress and safety signal to
help facilitate search and rescue. This radio must be used only within
communication range of a shore based VHF station with a distress and safety
watch system. The range of the signal may vary, however, under normal
conditions should be approximately 20 nautical miles.

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13

Installation And Start-Up

Included In This Package

Included In This Package
You should find all of the following items in the
package with your CobraMarine VHF radio:
Transceiver*

Transceiver Surface Mount Kit

Microphone

Microphone Mounting Kit

Operating Instruction Manual

Warning Sticker

Installation And Start-Up

•

Accessories Order Info

Optional Accessories

•

You can find quality Cobra products and accessories at your local Cobra
dealer, or in the U.S.A., you can order directly from Cobra.

Transceiver Controls,
Indicators And Connections

Introduction

Backlit LCD
Screen
Radio Status and
Data Display

Owner’s Manual

Down
Button

Instant
Channel
16/9 Button

Up
Button
Active
Channel
Number

Simplex
Operation
Icon
Squelch
Knob

Printed in China Part No. 480-684-P Version A

On-Off
Power/
Volume
Knob

High/Low Power
Button
Position Coordinates –
Latitude and Longitude

Dual-Watch
Button
Call/Set
Button

Scan
Button

Microphone
Cord
Connection
Socket
DSC Distress Button
(Behind Red Spring
Loaded Cover)

Power
Connection

Antenna
Socket

Class-D Fixed Mount VHF Radio
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®

GPS Interface Cable

Weather/UIC
Button

Speaker

MR F45-D
English

External
Speaker Jack

Global Positioning
System (GPS) Jack

A2 English

Item #
Description

CM 210-001

Flush Mount Kit

Ordering From U.S.A.

Call 773-889-3087 for pricing or visit www.cobra.com.
For Credit Card Orders
Call 773-889-3087 [Press one from the main menu] 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Central Time,
Monday through Friday.
Make Check or Money Order Payable To
Cobra Electronics, Attn: Accessories Dept.,
6500 West Cortland Street, Chicago, IL 60707 U.S.A.
To Order Online
Please visit our website: www.cobra.com

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Installation And Start-Up

Mounting And
Powering The Radio

Mounting And Powering The Radio
Before using your CobraMarine VHF radio, it must be installed on your vessel.

Installing Your Radio

 hoose a location for your radio where it will be conveniently accessible with the
C
following factors in mind:
n The leads to the battery and the antenna are best kept as short as possible.
n

The antenna must be mounted at least 3 feet (0.9m) from the transceiver.

n

 radio and all speakers need to be far enough from any magnetic
The
compass to avoid deviation due to the speaker magnet.

n

T here needs to be free air flow around the heat-sink fins on the back
of the transceiver.

Surface Mount

A Surface Mounting kit is included with your CobraMarine VHF radio to allow its
installation on almost any flat surface.
Surface Mounting Kit
			
To Mount The Transceiver
On Almost Any Flat Surface:
			
1. Use the mounting bracket
as a template to drill holes
for the mounting screws.
			
2. Attach the mounting bracket
to the chosen surface with the
mounting bracket screws and
washers.
			
3. Attach the transceiver to
the mounting bracket with
the tilt lock knobs.
			
4. Tilt the transceiver to
a convenient angle and
Tilt Lock Knobs
tighten the tilt lock knobs.

16 English

Mounting And
Powering The Radio

Installation And Start-Up

•

Microphone Bracket
		

Microphone Bracket

		
		
		

To Install The Microphone Bracket:
Install the microphone bracket on a vertical surface near the
transceiver using the supplied stainless steel screws.

Flush Mount Kit (Not Included)

		A Flush Mounting kit is available as an optional accessory
for your CobraMarine VHF radio to allow its installation
in almost any flat surface. See page 15 for ordering
information.
Use Supplied Template
		
		See page 75

for template.

To Mount The Transceiver Flush In Almost Any Flat Surface:
1. Use the supplied template to mark and cut an opening
in the flat surface. See page 75 for template.

		NOTICE
Before cutting, be sure the area behind the flat
surface is clear of any instruments or wires that
might be damaged in the process.

Insert Transceiver

		

2. Insert the transceiver into the opening.

Attach Mounting Brackets
			

			

Adjust Screws

3. A
 ttach the mounting brackets to
the sides of the transceiver with
the adjusting screw flanges facing
the back of the flat surface.
4. Tighten the adjusting screws against
the back of the flat surface until the
flange on the front of the transceiver
is tight against the flat surface. Do not
over-tighten.

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17

Installation And Start-Up
Warning Sticker
		

Mounting And
Powering The Radio
Warning Sticker

		FCC regulations require that the Warning Sticker
supplied with this radio be applied to a spot where
it is easily seen by the radio operator. Be sure the
location is clean and dry before applying the sticker.
Power Connection Cables
		

Electrical Power Connection

		Your CobraMarine VHF radio is powered
from the vessel’s 13.8-volt negative
ground direct current electrical system
(12-volt nominal). A fused power
–+
connection lead is provided at the back
of the transceiver.
Red Cable
					
To Connect To A Power Source:
Positive (+)
					
1. Attach the black (-) wire to a negative
Black Cable
Negative (-)
(-) ground.
					
2. Attach the fused red power (+) wire
to the positive (+) side of the power
system.

Installation And Start-Up

Mounting And
Powering The Radio

NOTE
All wiring is best kept as short as possible. If the power leads must be
extended, use a high-quality, marine-grade cable sized for up to 10 amps
of current. To minimize voltage drop, choose a wire gauge as follows:
Length

Wire Gauge

Up to 1.5m(4.9ft)

1.6 mils(#14)

Up to 3.0m(9.8 ft)

2.0 mils(#12)

Up to 5.0m(16.4 ft)

2.6 mils(#10)

Up to 6.0m(19.7 ft)

3.3 mils(#8)

NOTE
This radio will draw up to 8 amps when transmitting at full power.
NOTICES
A reverse polarity connection will damage the radio.
When replacing the fuse in your transceiver, use only the size and type
originally provided.

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Installation And Start-Up

Antenna Requirements
And Attachment

Antenna Requirements and Attachment
Antenna Requirements

Installation And Start-Up

•

Your CobraMarine VHF radio requires an external marine antenna
to send signals into the air and to receive them. The radio is arranged
to use any of the popular marine VHF antennas, but it is up to you to
choose which antenna to use.
Since it represents the link between your radio and the outside world,
Cobra suggests you purchase the best quality antenna, coaxial cable
and connectors you can. This is best accomplished with the advice
and guidance of a knowledgeable dealer who can assess the variables
involved with your particular boat and preferences.
WARNING
Compliance with FCC requirements for Radio Frequency Exposure is
the responsibility of both the antenna installer and the radio operator.
Safe Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) Radius
To avoid health hazards from excessive exposure to RF energy, FCC OET
Bulletin 65 establishes an MPE radius of 10 ft (3 m) for the maximum power
of your radio with an antenna having a maximum power gain of 9 dBi.
This means that all persons must be at least 10 ft (3 m) away from the
antenna when the radio is transmitting.

Antenna Requirements
And Attachment

WARNING
Do not transmit when anyone is within the MPE radius of the antenna unless
that person or persons are shielded from the antenna by a grounded metallic
barrier. This is especially important on vessels with antennas mounted as
described in B where no one may be within 9 ft (2,8 m) horizontally from the
base of the antenna during transmissions.
FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE ABOVE LIMITS MAY EXPOSE THOSE WITHIN
THE MPE RADIUS TO RF ENERGY ABSORPTION IN EXCESS OF THE FCC
MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE EXPOSURE. IT IS THE RADIO OPERATOR’S
RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE THAT MPE LIMITS ARE HEEDED AND THAT
NO ONE IS WITHIN THE MPE RADIUS DURING TRANSMISSIONS.
Coaxial Cable Socket

Antenna Lead Attachment

		Once the antenna is installed, the Coaxial Cable Lead can
be attached to the coaxial cable socket at the back of the
transceiver.
		NOTICE
Attempting to transmit without an antenna attached
will damage your CobraMarine VHF radio.

Installation Requirements
n An omnidirectional antenna with a gain not greater than 9 dBi must
be mounted at least 16.4 ft (5 m) above the highest deck where people
may be during radio transmissions, measured vertically from the lowest
point of the antenna. This provides the minimum separation distance
to comply with RF exposure requirements and is based on the MPE
radius of 10 ft (3 m) plus the 6.6 ft (2 m) height of an adult.
n For vessels without structure to mount the antenna as described in A,
it must be mounted as follows AND all persons must be outside the
10 ft (3 m) MPE radius during radio transmissions. The antenna must
be mounted so that its lowest point is at least 3.3 ft (1 m) vertically above
the heads of all persons during radio transmissions.

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Installation And Start-Up

External Devices
And Connections

External Devices And Connections

Installation And Start-Up

•

External Devices
And Connections

Global Positioning System (GPS) Device (Not Included)

		Connect the Microphone to the cord socket located
at the right side of the front of the transceiver.

 obra strongly recommends that you obtain and connect a GPS device to
C
your CobraMarine VHF radio. By having a GPS connected, your position will
be continuously indicated on the LCD and, most importantly, it will be included
automatically in any DSC distress message you may need to send. That will
take the “search” out of “search and rescue.”
FCC rules require the radio to prompt the user with visual and audible (beeps) alerts
if a GPS is not connected or position information is not entered manually every four
(4) hours.

		
		

		
GPS Connection
		

Your CobraMarine VHF radio is set up to connect auxiliary devices for navigation,
convenience, and added versatility. As is the case with the antenna, choosing these
devices is best done with the advice and guidance of a knowledgeable dealer.
Standard connectors are provided on the front and back of the transceiver.
Microphone Socket

		
		
External Speaker Jack

Microphone Attachment

To Connect The Microphone Attachment:
1. Align the connector and push it firmly into
the socket.
2. Tighten the captive nut to hold the connector
in place.
3. Slide the waterproof sleeve over the nut until it
seats in the recess around the socket.

22 English

		

External Speaker (Not Included)

		An External Speaker can provide greater volume to
hear messages than the speaker incorporated in the
CobraMarine transceiver.
		
		

		

T o Install An External Speaker:
Connect the speaker lead to the standard jack on the back of
the transceiver.

To Install A GPS Device:
1. Install the GPS device in a convenient location
according to its manufacturer’s directions.
2. Bond the NMEA out negative wire to the black
wire of the GPS interface cable.
3. Bond the NMEA out positive wire to the red
wire of the GPS interface cable.

		NOTE
When bonding the wires, make sure connections
are secure and properly insulated.
		

4. Connect the new combination cable to the GPS
device and to the back of the transceiver.
		NOTE
Satellite acquisition time is dependent on the
GPS device.

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23

Operating Your Radio

Getting Started

Getting Started
Refer to the foldout on the front cover of this manual to identify the various
controls and indicators on your radio.

Operating Your Radio

•

T hroughout this manual you will be instructed to press or to press and hold
buttons on the transceiver or on the microphone. Press means a momentary
press, then release; press and hold means to hold the button.

Tones And Alarms

When your CobraMarine VHF radio is On, you can expect to hear the following tones
and alarms. The volume of these sounds is controlled by the circuitry in the radio
and is not affected by the volume set with the On-Off Power/Volume knob.
Confirmation Tone
Single high-pitched beep confirms all button presses except the Talk button.
It can be turned On or Off. See set-up routines on page 40.

Getting Started

DSC Position Request Alarm
Medium-loud, continuous, low-pitched series of closely spaced, four (4) beeps
[three (3) short – one (1) long] groups — sounds when a POSITION REQUEST call
is received. Press any button to turn it Off.
DSC Individual Alarm
High—pause—high—pause—high. Long pause, then repeat. Press any button to
turn it Off.
Weather Alarm
Medium-loud, continuous, medium-pitched series of one-half (1⁄2) second beeps
spaced one-half (1⁄2) second apart — sounds when weather alert is turned On
and NOAA sends a 1050 Hz weather alert tone on the selected weather channel.
Press any button to turn it Off.

Error Tone
Two low-pitched beep indicates an invalid button press.
DSC Distress Alarm
High—low—high—low—high. Pause, then repeat. The volume of all alarms will
increase after 10 seconds. Press any button to turn it Off.
NOTE
This alarm sounds only for DSC distress calls on Channel 70.
It does not sound for voice calls on Channel 16 — you still
must listen for those.
Distress Acknowledgement Alarm
High—low—high—low—high. Pause, then repeat. The volume of all alarms will
increase after 10 seconds. Press any button to turn it Off.
DSC Routine Call Alarm
High—pause—high—pause—high. Long pause, then repeat. Press any button to
turn it Off.
DSC Geographical Alarm
Loud, continuous, medium-pitched, high-low tones (warble) — sounds
when a geographical call is received. Press any button to turn it Off.

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25

Operating Your Radio

Getting Started

Volume

The On-Off Power/Volume knob on the transceiver controls the speaker volume.
The volume adjustment applies only to what you hear from the speaker and does
not affect the volume of your outgoing messages. That is controlled by the circuitry
of your radio.
		
To Increase The Volume:
On-Off Power/
Volume Knob
		
Turn the On-Off Power/Volume knob clockwise.
		
To Decrease The Volume:
		
Turn the On-Off Power/Volume knob counter-clockwise.

Squelch

 quelch control filters weak signals and radio frequency noise so that you can more
S
clearly hear the signals you want. You can think of it as a variable barrier that blocks
what you don’t want to hear.
Squelch Knob
		
		

To Squelch Your Radio:
1. With the Squelch knob turned fully counter-clockwise,
turn the On-Off/Volume knob clockwise until you hear
a hissing (noise) sound.
		
2. Turn the Squelch knob clockwise until the hissing
Turn Until Hissing
sound stops.
Sound Starts
		Turning the Squelch knob further clockwise (higher bearier)
will filter weak and medium strength signals until only
the strongest signal can get through at the highest
squelch setting.
Turn Until Hissing
Sound Stops

Lower Bearier

26 English

NOTE
To receive Weaker Signals
Turn the Squelch Knob counterclockwise (lower
bearier). If the squelch is set so that you can hear a
continuous hissing sound, the scan and dual-watch
functions will be blocked.

Operating Your Radio

Getting Started

Standby And Receive

Standby mode is the usual mode for the radio whenever it is turned On.
		
Standby Mode
		

From Standby Mode, You Can:
n Change your radio’s settings using set-up routines.

		

n

 eceive messages on the current channel as well
R
as DSC messages.

		

n

Receive NOAA alerts if Weather Alert mode is turned On.

		

n

Switch to Transmit mode using the Talk button.

		While the radio is in Standby mode, the Receive mode is
entered whenever a strong enough signal to break squelch
is sent to the radio. You will hear the message through
whichever speakers are connected to the radio.
		
To Change The Channel You Are Listening To
Up/Down Buttons
You Can Choose One (1) Of The Following:
n Press the Up/Down buttons. This will take you to
		
the next higher or lower VHF channel. For rapid
advance, press and hold the Up or Down button.
n Press the Channel 16/9 button. This will take
		
you to Channel 16 with one (1) press and to Channel 9
with a second press. Additional presses will toggle
Channel 16/9 Button
between Channels 16 and 9.
n Press the Weather/UIC button. This will toggle the
		
			radio between Standby mode and Weather Radio mode.
			When in Weather Radio mode, the Up/Down buttons
			 will change the weather channel.
Weather/UIC Button

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27

Operating Your Radio

Set-Up Routines

Set-Up Routines

•

Settings Menu

The Settings menu in the CobraMarine VHF radio allows you to turn On and Off
many of its features, to adjust other features to suit your preferences, and to enter
your user MMSI number.
		
To Enter The Settings Menu:
Call/Set Button
		
Press and hold the Call/Set button.
		
The Settings menu will appear on the LCD.
		After entering the Settings menu, you can scroll
through it to make as many entries as you like.
Settings Menu
Whenever the setting selection arrow appears in
a feature portion of the menu, it will point to the
setting that was in effect when you entered the menu.
		When you are finished with changes, you can exit
the Settings menu and return to Standby mode.
Up/Down Buttons

		
		
		

Exit

Operating Your Radio

To Exit The Settings Menu:
1. Use the Up/Down buttons to scroll down to
EXIT at the bottom of the menu.
2. With the arrow pointing to EXIT, press the Call/Set
button to return the radio to Standby mode.

		
NOTE
		
Basic set-up routines are described here. For set-up
routines that apply specifically to a particular function,
they are included in the section for that function.

LCD Backlight (Lamp Adjust)

The LCD has a backlight lamp to make it visible in the dark.
This lamp can be adjusted for brightness or turned Off.
		
Lamp Adjustment
		

To Adjust The Backlight Level:
1. Enter the Settings menu and scroll to LAMP ADJ
(lamp adjustment) with the Up/Down buttons.
		
2. Press the Call/Set button and observe the current
backlight setting — HIGH, MEDIUM, LOW or OFF.
High/Medium/Low/Off
		
3. Use the Up/Down buttons to switch to the setting you want.
		
4. Press the Call/Set button to select the backlight setting.
		
5. Use the Up/Down buttons to scroll to EXIT.
		
6. Press the Call/Set button to return to Standby.
		When the backlight is turned On to any intensity,
the lamp will be lit whenever the radio is On.

LCD Contrast (Contrast)

The LCD backlight will not be visible in daylight, but the LCD Contrast
can be adjusted to make it easier to read in different light conditions.
		
Contrast
		
		
Contrast Setting
		

		
		
		

28 English

Set-Up Routines

To Change The Contrast:
1. Enter the Settings menu and scroll to CONTRAST
with the Up/Down buttons.
2. Press the Call/Set button and observe the current
contrast setting — a number between one (1) and 16.
3. Use the Up/Down buttons to change the number
up or down.
4. Press the Call/Set button to select a contrast level.
5. Use the Up/Down buttons to scroll to EXIT.
6. Press the Call/Set button to return to Standby.

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29

Operating Your Radio

Set-Up Routines

Confirmation Tone (Key Tone)

The Confirmation Tone sounds when your CobraMarine VHF radio is turned On
and to confirm all button presses except for the Talk button. If you would prefer
not to hear the Confirmation Tone, you can turn it Off and On as you choose.
		
Key Tone
		
		
		
On/Off
		
		
		

To Turn The Confirmation Tone On Or Off:
1. Enter the Settings menu and scroll to KEY TONE
with the Up/Down buttons.
2. Press the Call/Set button and observe the current
confirmation tone setting — ON or OFF.
3. Use the Up/Down buttons to switch to the setting
you want.
4. Press the Call/Set button to select the setting.
5. Use the Up/Down buttons to scroll to EXIT.
6. Press the Call/Set button to return to Standby.

Operating Your Radio

Set-Up Routines

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
on pages 14 through 23). Your radio has all three (3) maps built into it and will
operate correctly in whichever area you choose.
		
To Set Your Radio For The Area In Which
Weather/UIC Button
You Will Be Using It:
		
1. From Standby mode, press and hold the Weather/UIC
button. The radio will shift one (1) channel map and the
active channel map will show on the top line of the LCD.
		
2. Repeat step 1 to shift to the next channel map(s)
Active Channel Map
in the sequence USA, INT (International),
CAN (Canada) then back to USA.
		The radio will return to Standby mode each time the
button is released.

Time Offset

All VHF, DSC, and GPS activities use a 24-hour clock and Coordinated Universal
Time (UTC) which was formerly known as Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Time Offset
uses your connected GPS to gather time inputs. For time inputs to be converted to
local time, you need to enter the hour offset of your local time zone from Greenwich.
(See world city time zone chart on page 24.)
		
Time Offset
		
		
		
		
Set Time
		
		

To Change The Time Offset:
1. Enter the Settings menu and scroll to TIME OFFST
(time offset) with the Up/Down buttons.
2. Press the Call/Set button and observe the current setting.
3. Use the Up/Down buttons to change to the setting for
your local time zone.
4. Press the Call/Set button to select the setting.
5. Use the Up/Down buttons to scroll to EXIT.
6. Press the Call/Set button to return to Standby.

		
NOTE
		
If you leave the time offset at zero (0), the LCD will show
the time as UTC. If you enter the hour offset for your
time zone, the LCD will show the local time. In either
event, DSC messages will always be based on UTC.
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Operating Your Radio

Voice Transmission

Voice Transmission
Transmit mode gives you the ability to communicate 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.
(The tables on pages 14 through 23 will help you select the proper channels.)
Before pressing the Talk button to transmit a message, you should select the
appropriate channel and transmit power output.

Operating Your Radio

•

Channels

You can transmit voice messages on most VHF Channels. Refer to the VHF marine
channel assignments on pages 14 through 23 to select a channel according to the
type of message you are going to send.
		
To Change The Channel You Can Choose
Up/Down Buttons
From One (1) Of The Following:
n Press the Up/Down buttons. This will take you to the next
		
		
higher or lower VHF channel. (When on Channel 88A, the
			 next higher channel is Channel 1 and vice versa.) For
			 rapid advance, press and hold the Up or Down buttons.
Channel 16/9 Buttons
			
(The confirmation tone will sound only for each button
			 press, not during rapid advance.)
n 	Press the Channel 16/9 button. This will take you to
		
Channel 16 with one (1) press and to Channel 9 with
a second press. Additional presses will toggle between
Channel 16 and Channel 9. Press and hold the Channel
16/9 button to return to Standby mode.

Voice Transmission

Transmit Power Output

Your radio can Transmit selectively at 1 or 25 watts of power. Cobra suggests
you maintain the low power setting for short-range communications and to avoid
overpowering nearby stations with your 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.
		
High/Low Power Button
		

To Toggle Between The High And Low Power Modes:
Press the High/Low Power button.
The LCD will show which mode is in effect.
		Some channels are restricted to use at a maximum of
one (1) watt. Your radio will automatically set the power
High/Low Power
to Low Power mode when you select those channels.
		While using the U.S.A. channel map, if, in an emergency,
you need to increase the output power on Channel 13 and
Channel 67 for your signal to be heard, you can override
the Low Power mode by pressing and holding the
High/Low Power button.
Low Power Setting

		
		
		

Two (2) Inches
[Five (5) cm] From Mouth

		

Talk Button
		

Transmit A Message

To Transmit A Message:
1. Check to see that your unit is set to a proper
channel for the type of message being sent.
2. Toggle to the low power setting by pressing the
High/Low Power button.
3. With the microphone about two (2) inches [five (5) cm]
from your mouth, press and hold the Talk button and
speak into the microphone. TX (Transmit) displays
on the LCD display.
4. Release the Talk button when you are finished speaking.
To hear a response, the Talk button must be released.

		NOTE
If the Talk button is held down for five (5) minutes,
the radio will automatically cease transmitting to
Transmit Icon
prevent unwanted signal generation. As soon as
the Talk button is released, it can be pressed
again to resume transmission.

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33

Operating Your Radio

Weather Radio And Alert

NOAA All Hazards/Weather Radio And Alert

Operating Your Radio

•

NOAA broadcasts Weather information as described in the NOAA weather channels
section on page 25 of this manual. You can listen to one (1) or two (2) of these
receive-only channels at any time.

NOTE
Usually only one (1) or two (2) of the weather channels will be operating in any
given location. You will need to select the channel with the strongest signal in
your location. This is the channel the radio will scan for the weather alert signal.
		
Weather/UIC Button
		

		
Weather Mode

		

To Listen To The Weather Channels:
1. From Standby mode, press the Weather/UIC
button. The unit will enter the Weather mode
and show it on the LCD.
2. Press the Up/Down buttons to change the
weather channels — hold the button for
fast advance.
3. To exit the Weather mode and return to
Standby mode, press the Weather/UIC
button again.

Weather Alert Set-Up

You must have Weather Alert mode turned On to benefit from the Weather Alert
condition signal described in the NOAA weather channels section on page 25.
		
Weather Alert
		
		
		
		
		
On/Off
		

34 English

To Turn Weather Alert On:
1. Enter the Settings menu and scroll to WX ALERT
(weather alert) with the Up/Down buttons.
2. Press the Call/Set button and observe the current
setting — ON or OFF.
3. Use the Up/Down buttons to change to the setting.
4. Press the Call/Set button to select the setting.
5. Use the Up/Down buttons to scroll to EXIT.
6. Press the Call/Set button to return to Standby.

Advanced Operation

Weather Alert Signal

When NOAA broadcasts a Weather Alert signal and your radio is in the Weather
Alert mode, you will hear a continuous audible tone and the radio will automatically
switch to Weather Radio mode. The alert indicators will sound regardless of what
channel you are operating on as soon as a NOAA alert signal is received.
When You Hear The Alert:
Press any key to turn Off the alert alarm and LCD indicator.

Advanced Operation

•

Cobra has incorporated several features in your CobraMarine VHF radio to give you
quick access to the voice calling channels and to let you monitor more than
one (1) channel at once.

Channel 16/9

This function gives you quick access to calling Channel 16 or Channel 9
from any operational mode.
		
Channel 16/9 Buttons
		
		

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.
		Additional presses of the Channel 16/9 button will toggle
back and forth between the two (2) channels.
Channel 16/9 Toggle
		To exit the Channel 16/9 mode and return to the previous
channel, press and hold the Channel 16/9 button.
		

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35

Operating Your Radio

Advanced Operation

Dual-Watch

Scanning

Dual-Watch gives you one (1) button access to scan the two (2) locations of most
importance to you. Channel 16 will always be included as a scanned location. The
remaining location will be the VHF channel in effect when you enter Dual-Watch mode.
NOTE
The radio must be squelched for dual-watch to function. See page 36
for squelch procedure.
		
Standby Mode
		

To Enter Dual-Watch Mode:
1. In Standby mode, use the Up/Down buttons to go
to the channel you want to add as the second location
to be scanned.
		
2. Press the Dual-Watch button.
Dual-Watch Button
		
Dual-watch will be indicated on the LCD and the radio
will scan between Channel 16 and the second dual-watch
location you selected. A signal on any one (1) of the two (2)
channels will stop the scan to allow you to listen to the traffic
on the channel. The channel number will be displayed on
the LCD.
		
		

Operating Your Radio

To Exit Dual-Watch Mode:
Press the Dual-Watch button. The radio will
return to Standby mode.

		
During Dual-Watch (while receiving an incoming
Dual-Watch Mode
transmission), You Can Choose From The Following:
n 	 Press the Talk button to remain on that
		
dual-watch location and return to Standby mode.
n 	 Press the Up/Down buttons to resume scanning
		
dual-watch locations.
		If you do not press any buttons, your radio will automatically
resume scanning dual-watch locations
when the incoming transmission is complete.

Advanced Operation
Scan

		During Scan, 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 ten (10) seconds
to allow you to listen briefly on that channel. It will then
continue to scan unless you switch out of the Scan mode.
		NOTE
The radio must be squelched for Scan mode to
function. See page 36 for squelch procedure.
		
To Enter Scan:
Scan Button
		
From Standby mode, press the Scan button.
		The radio will immediately begin to scan the entire channel
map selected in the active channel map. SCAN will show
on the LCD.
		
Scan
		
		

To Exit Scan:
From Scan mode, press the Scan button.
This will return the radio to Standby mode on the last
scanned channel.

		During Scan (while receiving an incoming transmission),
You Can Choose From The Following:
n 	 Press the Talk button to remain on that channel and end
		
scanning. This will return the radio to Standby mode.
n 	 Press the Up/Down buttons to resume scanning.
		
		If you do not press any buttons within ten (10) seconds,
your radio will automatically resume scanning.
		During Scan (while not receiving a transmission):
		Press the Talk button to communicate on the last
channel scanned and return to Standby mode.

		During Dual-Watch (while not receiving a transmission):
		
Press the Talk button to communicate on the last
dual-watch location scanned and return to Standby mode.

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Operating Your Radio

Digital Select Calling (DSC)
Setup

Digital Select Calling (DSC) Setup

Operating Your Radio

•

Digital Selective Calling (DSC) uses digital signals to increase messaging range. This
provides the most reliable message delivery per watt of output power. Digital signals
are less susceptible to distortion from noise and atmospheric conditions than analog
signals.
DSC equipped radios also interface with GPS and automate many operations for
sending and receiving messages. This results in compact, accurate messages and
less airwave congestion.
Setup procedures for all DSC features use the Setup menu. Refer to page 40 for
information on entering and exiting the Setup menu.

		
User MMSI
		
		
		
User MMSI ID Entry
		

		

User MMSI Number

The nine (9) digit MMSI number, similar to a telephone number, is a unique
identifier for a vessel. DSC incorporates this number into every message that is Sent
(Tx) or Received (Rx). Enter the MMSI number as soon as you receive your MMSI
number from the issuing agency listed on page 9.
NOTE
The radio does not operate in the DSC mode until an official MMSI number is
entered. An error tone will sound when attempting to operate in the DSC
mode without an MMSI number.

		

		
		

Digital Select Calling (DSC)
Setup
To Enter Your MMSI Number:
1. Enter the Settings menu and scroll to USER MMSI
with the Up/Down buttons.
2. Press the Call/Set button and the blinking cursor will
appear at the first digit under USER MMSI ID ENTRY.
3. Use the Up/Down buttons to scroll through the number
list to that digit of your number.
4. Press the Call/Set button to select the digit and the
blinking cursor will move to the next digit of the number.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until all nine (9) digits of your
MMSI number are entered.
NOTE
Press the High/Low Power button to backspace
and erase the last selected number.
6. Check that you have entered the number correctly. The
unit will ask you to re-enter your number to confirm.
7. Press and hold the Call/Set button to return to the
Settings menu.

NOTE
An MMSI number can only be entered one time. To create a new MMSI
number, the unit must be reset by the dealer.

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39

Operating Your Radio

Digital Select Calling (DSC)
Setup

If You Transfer Your Radio To A Different Vessel

 ontact the MMSI issuing agency from which you obtained your number
C
and change the information associated with your number to correspond
to vessel in which it will be mounted.
		
To View Your MMSI Number At Any Time:
User MMSI
		
1. Enter the Settings menu and scroll to
USER MMSI with the Up/Down buttons.
		
2. Press the Call/Set button and the blinking
cursor will appear at the first digit of your
already entered number under USER MMSI
ID ENTRY.
		
3. Press and hold the WX/ESC button to
User MMSI ID Entry
return to the Settings menu.

Operating Your Radio

Digital Select Calling (DSC)
Setup

Group MMSI Number

 autical organizations such as yacht clubs and the organizers of events
N
such as regattas can establish Group MMSIs. These allow a message to be
sent automatically to all members of the group without having to call each
one individually.
Group MMSIs can be entered and changed any time without resetting the radio.
Each member of a group must enter the group MMSI number in their radio to
receive group messages.
		
Group MMSI
		
		

		
Group MMSI ID Entry

		

		

To Enter A Group MMSI Number:
1. Enter the Settings menu and scroll to GROUP MMSI
with the Up/Down buttons.
2. Press the Call/Set button and the blinking cursor
will appear at the first digit under GROUP MMSI ID
ENTRY.
3. Use the Up/Down buttons to scroll through the
number list to that digit of your number.
4. Press the Call/Set button to select the digit and the
blinking cursor will move to the next digit of the number.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until all nine (9) digits of
the group MMSI number are entered.

		NOTE
Press the High/Low Power button to backspace
and erase the last selected number.
6. Check that you have entered the number correctly. The
unit will ask you to re-enter your number to confirm.
		
7. Press and hold the Call/Set button to return
to the Settings menu.
		The group MMSI is established by modifying the MMSI
assigned to one (1) of the group members. The last digit
of that member’s MMSI number is dropped and a zero (0)
is inserted at the beginning. Example: Member MMSI
number 366123456 becomes group MMSI number
036612345.
		
		

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41

Operating Your Radio

Digital Select Calling (DSC)
Setup

Position Request Reply Type

T he ability to send your position to another station is an added feature of DSC
radios that have GPS attached. It is handy for rendezvous and rescue situations.
Your CobraMarine VHF radio allows you to choose whether to have the radio
automatically respond to all Position Requests it receives or to alert you to a
Position Request and allow you to choose whether to respond or not —
manual reply.
		
Position Reply
		

		
		
Auto/Manual/Exit
		
		
		

To Set The Position Request Reply Type:
1. Enter the Settings menu and scroll to
POS RPLY (position reply) with the
Up/Down buttons.
2. Press the Call/Set button and observe
the current setting — AUTO or MANUAL.
3. Use the Up/Down buttons to change the setting.
4. Press the Call/Set button to select the setting.
5. Use the Up/Down buttons to scroll to EXIT.
6. Press the Call/Set button to return to the
Settings menu.

Individual Directory

 SC calling allows you to call another vessel or station directly if you know its MMSI
D
number. Your CobraMarine VHF radio allows you to store up to 10 names and their
associated MMSI numbers for quick access.
		
To Enter Or Edit Names And MMSI Numbers
Individual Directory
In The Directory:
		
1. Enter the Settings menu and scroll to INDV DIR
(individual directory) with the Up/Down buttons.
		
2. Press the Call/Set button to enter a
memory location (1-10).
		
3. Use the Up/Down buttons to scroll through the
memory locations to one you want to select.
Location 01

42 English

Operating Your Radio

		
New Individual

		
		

		
		

Digital Select Calling (DSC)
Setup
4. Press the Call/Set button to select the memory location.
The cursor will begin to blink at the first character under
NAME.
5. Use the Up/Down buttons to scroll through the character list.
6. Press the Call/Set button to select a character. This will
also move the blinking cursor to the next character under
NAME.
7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 to enter additional characters —
up to a maximum of nine (9) — for the name.
NOTE
Press the High/Low Power button to backspace
and erase the last selected character.

Enter MMSI

8. After entering the name, press and hold the Call/Set
button to move the blinking cursor to the first character
under MMSI.
		
9. Use the Up/Down buttons to scroll through the number list.
Next/Exit
10. Press the Call/Set button to select the number and
move the cursor to the next character under MMSI.
11. Repeat steps 9 and 10 until the nine (9) digit
MMSI is entered.
12. Press and hold the Call/Set button to move to the
next memory location or exit.
13. Select NEXT or EXIT with the Call/Set button.
		If NEXT is selected, pressing the Call/Set button will
move to the next memory location where another
name can be entered by repeating steps 3 through 11.
		If EXIT is selected, pressing the Call/Set button
will return you to the Settings menu.
		You can enter a total of 10 names and MMSI numbers in the
directory.

		

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43

Operating Your Radio

Digital Select Calling (DSC)
Operation

DSC Operation

Operating Your Radio

•

Sending DSC calls is done from menus similar to the Settings menu. Whereas
entering the Settings menu required a press and hold of the Call/Set button,
the sending menus appear with a press of the Distress button.
All received DSC calls will sound one (1) or another of the alarms to alert you to them.
See pages 34 through 35 for descriptions of the different alarms. Pressing any button
will turn Off the alarm while maintaining the received call information on the LCD.

Sending Distress Calls

Sending and receiving distress calls and acknowledgements on Channel 70 can be a
lifesaver for mariners.
NOTE
The DSC call will:
		n Sound the distress alarm at all receiving stations.
		n Informs receiving stations of the sender’s identity (MMSI).
		n Informs receiving stations of the nature of the emergency.
		n Informs receiving stations of sending position when a GPS device is
connected or a position is manually entered.
DSC operation does not provide receiving stations with information like number of
persons aboard or injuries. This specific information must be communicated by voice
on Channel 16 to the station that acknowledges a DSC Distress call.
		
Distress Button
		

To Send a DSC Distress Call:
1. From Standby mode, lift the spring-loaded red door on
the transceiver and press the Distress button.
The Distress menu displays with an arrow
pointing to SEND. There are three (3) choices:
n Send a distress call automatically, with your position,
			
Send/Manual/Exit
if you are connected to a GPS. Or send the call,
without your position, if not connected to a GPS.
		 n Include a Nature of Distress message with the distress
call.
		 n Abort the distress call process and return to
Standby mode.
		

44 English

Digital Select Calling (DSC)
Operation
2. Choose one (1) of the following:

Distress Button
		

			 To Send An Automatic Distress Call:
			 Press and hold the Distress button.
			Include a Nature of Distress Message with Distress Call:
			a.
Press and release the Distress button.
Manual
			b.	Press the Channel Up/Down buttons to manually select
from the list of pre-programmed Nature of Distress
calls — UNDEFINE, FIRE, FLOODING, GROUNDIN,
COLLISIO, MORE.
Position Entry Screen
			c.
Press and hold the Distress button for three (3)
seconds to transmit the distress signal.
			 Abort The Distress Call Process:
			
If the Distress button is pressed by mistake or to
discontinue resending an automatic distress message:
Exit
			a. Press the Channel Up/Down buttons to move the
arrow to EXIT.
			b. Press the Distress button to return to Standby mode.
		
Transmit USA High
				NOTE
				 You may also press the WX/ESC (escape) button to
				 return to the Standby mode.
		
Distress Waiting
		
		
		
		
n
Distress
Acknowledgement

n

The Distress alarm sounds to confirm that the message is
transmitted. At the end of the transmission, the radio
maintains a watch on Channel 16 and Channel 70 for an
acknowledgement. Press any button to turn Off the alarm
and return to Standby mode.
If an acknowledgement is received, the Distress alarm
sounds again and the responding party’s MMSI number
displays on the LCD.
If no acknowledgement is received, the radio resends the
message at approximately four (4) minute intervals until an
acknowledgement is received or the Distress call is aborted.

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45

Operating Your Radio

Digital Select Calling (DSC)
Operation

Operating Your Radio

Digital Select Calling (DSC)
Operation

Receiving Distress Calls

Sending An All Ships Calls

		
Distress Info on LCD
		

		
Standby Mode
		
		
		

When a vessel is within range of a DSC Distress call, the radio receives the call,
sounds the Distress alarm, and switches to Channel 16. All DSC calls that are
received will sound one (1) alert alarm. See pages 36-37 for descriptions of the
different alarms. Press any button to turn Off the alarm. The received call information
continues to display on the LCD.

		
Distress Info on LCD

		

When A Distress Call Is Heard:
1. Press any button to turn Off the alarm and return
to Standby mode.
2. Read and write down the distress information on the
LCD (there may or may not be position data shown),
then determine whether you should answer the call.
3. Respond, if appropriate, by pressing and holding
the Talk button to transmit on Channel 16.

		
NOTE
		Your radio will automatically switch to Channel 16
upon receiving a DSC distress call.

Regarding Distress Relay Calls

This radio cannot send Distress Relay calls. Only large ships and shore stations,
with specially equipped radios, can send Distress Relay calls.

Receiving Distress Relay Calls

Use DSC All Ships call is used for the same urgency and safety purposes as the Pan
and Securite voice calls as well as to send routine messages to all stations at once.
The DSC All Ships call reaches all stations within range of your radio. Use the DSC
All Ships call if you have an urgent, but not life-threatening, situation or a safety
warning to broadcast to all vessels in your area.
To Send An All Ships Call:
1. Press the Call/Set button to enter the Call Send menu.
2. Use the Up/Down buttons to scroll to ALL SHIPS.
3. Press the Call/Set button to move to the message
type menu.
All Ships
		
4. Use the Up/Down buttons to select a message type
— URGENCY or SAFETY.
		
5. Press the Call/Set button to send the message.
		
After urgency and safety calls, the radio will switch
to Channel 16 and wait for you to press the Talk button to
Urgency/Safety/Routine
send the urgent or safety message by voice.
		
DSC equipped radios that receive your message will be
		
automatically switched to Channel 16.
		To return to Standby mode without sending a message,
use the Up/Down buttons to scroll to EXIT and
Urgency Waiting
press the Call/Set button.

This radio does respond to a received Distress Relay call juat as it responds to a
Distress call.

Sending a Test Call

Allows you test and confirm the DSC operation of your radio.
To Send a Test Call:
1. Press the Call/Set button to enter the Call/Send menu.
2. Use the Up/Down buttons to scroll to TEST CALL and press the Call/Set
button to enter the TEST CALL menu.
3. Using the Up/Down buttons to enter the STORED DIRECTORY or MANUAL to
allow you to enter the MMSI number of the radio to be called.
4. After selecting the radio to be called, press the Call/Set key to transmit the
TEST CALL.
5. Your radio will wait for the called radio to reply and will show the
acknowledgement on the display.
46 English

Routine Waiting

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47

Operating Your Radio

Digital Select Calling (DSC)
Operation

Receiving An All Ships Call

All Ships calls sent by stations within range of your radio will sound
the distress alarm on your radio and switch your radio to Channel 16.
		
All Ships Call
		
		
		

When An All Ships Call Is Heard:
1. Press any button to turn Off the alarm and return to
Standby mode.
2. Read and write down the MMSI of the vessel sending
the call as well as the date and time of the call.
3. Listen to the voice message sent on the channel your
radio was switched to by the incoming all ships call.
Some All Ships calls have channel information.

Sending A Geographical Call

Your radio cannot send Geographical calls. Only large ships and shore
stations with specially equipped radios can send Geographical calls.

Receiving A Geographical Call

Geographical calls are sent by specially equipped radios to all stations in a
particular geographical area to alert only those stations of the call and not
stations in unaffected areas. If you are in an area to which a Geographical
call is made, the radio will sound the geographical alarm and switch to the channel
chosen by the transmitting station.
		
Geographical Call
		
		

		
		

48 English

When A Geographical Call Sounds:
1. Press any button to turn Off the alarm.
2. Read and write down the MMSI of the vessel
sending the call as well as the date and time
of the call in case you will want to respond.
3. Listen to the voice message sent on the channel your
radio was switched to by the incoming Geographical call.
4. Press one (1) of the following three (3) buttons to
switch from geographical call receive to Standby mode:
Call/Set button or Channel 16/9 button.

Operating Your Radio

Digital Select Calling (DSC)
Operation

Sending An Individual Call

The DSC Individual call feature allows you to notify one (1), and only one (1),
station that you want to communicate with that station. The DSC Individual call does
not alert all other stations within range.
Standby Mode
		
		

To Send An Individual Call:
1. In Standby mode, select a channel on which you
want to communicate.
		
2. Press the Call/Set button to enter the Call Send menu.
		
3. Use the Up/Down buttons to scroll to INDIVIDUAL.
Individual
		
4. Press the Call/Set button to move to the individual directory.
		
5. Use the Up/Down buttons to select the name you
want to call from the directory.
		
6. Press the Call/Set button to send the message or
return to Standby mode if EXIT was chosen.
Select Name
		If the radio you are calling sends back an automatic DSC
response of “able to comply,” the individual alarm will sound.
Wait for a voice message from the called station.
		If the called radio does not send an “able to comply”
Individual Waiting
response, your radio will wait eight (8) seconds and
resend the message.
		If an “unable to comply” response or no reply is received,
your radio will go to the Unavailable menu.
		At the Unavailable menu, you can choose SEND or
Send/Exit
EXIT with the Up/Down buttons. If you choose SEND,
your radio will restart the individual call. If you choose
EXIT, you will be returned to the individual location
on the Call Send menu.

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®

49

Operating Your Radio
Caller Identified

Digital Select Calling (DSC)
Operation
Receiving An Individual Call

Receiving A Group Call

To Receive An Individual Call:
Press the Talk button and greet the caller.

Caller Identified
		
		
		

		When another station makes an Individual call to your radio,
the individual alarm will sound, the caller will be identified
on the LCD, and your radio will be switched to the channel
selected by the caller. Press any button to turn Off the
alarm.
		
		

Sending A Group Call

Sending a Group call is very similar to sending an individual call, except that
the group MMSI is used and the resend and DSC responses do not apply. See page
XX for creating and entering a group MMSI.
Standby Mode

		
		

Operating Your Radio

Digital Select Calling (DSC)
Operation

To Send A Group Call:
1. In Standby mode, select a channel on which you want
to communicate.
		
2. Press the Call/Set button to enter the Call Send menu.
Group
		
3. Use the Up/Down buttons to scroll to GROUP.
		
4. Press the Call/Set button to move to the send
or exit menu.
		
5. Use the Up/Down buttons to select SEND or EXIT.
		
6. Press the Call/Set button to send the message or
Send/Exit
return to the Call Send menu if EXIT was chosen.
		
All radios will be switched to the channel selected in
step 1. Press and hold the Talk button to send your
voice message to everyone in the group.
		
Anyone in the group can now also transmit on
Group Waiting
that channel.

When another station makes a Group call to your radio, the individual alarm
will sound, the caller will be identified on the LCD, and your radio will be
switched to the channel selected by the caller, just as for an individual call.
Press any button to turn Off the alarm.
To Receive A Group Call:
1. Listen for the group voice message.
2. Press the Talk button and respond
only if appropriate.

Sending A Position Request

Position Request mode enables a DSC radio to obtain the position (latitude and
longitude) of a station that has a GPS device connected to the DSC radio at that
station. In most cases, a reply will be forthcoming. If for some reason, your request
is not acknowledged in five (5) minutes, the user will be prompted to Resend the
request or exit the menu.
		
Standby Mode
		

To Request The Position Of Another Station:
1. In Standby mode, select a channel on which
you want to communicate.
		
2. Press the Call/Set button to enter the
Call Send menu.
Position Request
		
3. Use the Up/Down buttons to scroll to
POS REQST (position request) on
the menu.
		
4. Press the Call/Set button to enter the
Individual Directory menu.
		
5. Use the Up/Down buttons to scroll to the
name of the station whose position you
Individual Directory
want to request.
		
6. Press the Call/Set button. Y
 our radio will send the
			 position request and there will be one (1) of three (3)
			 possible responses:
n You will receive the position.		
		
Position Request

		
		
50 English

 ou will receive a no position data response, meaning
Y
the station you queried is not connected to a GPS device
and cannot send its position.
n You will receive a no reply response, meaning the operator
n

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®

51

Operating Your Radio

Digital Select Calling (DSC)
Operation
of that station has chosen not to reply to your request.

Sending A Position Request continued

					 Choose one (1) of the following:
Receiving a Position
				If You Receive A Position:
				The requested position with the station name
and MMSI will show on your screen.

No Position Data

				Press the Call/Set button to return to Standby mode
			after you have noted the station’s position.
				If The Station You Called Cannot Send Its Position:
				
NO POS DATA (no position data) will show
on your screen.
				1. P
 ress the Call/Set button to return to the
Individual Directory menu.
				2. U
 se the Up/Down buttons to scroll to EXIT.
				3. Press the Call/Set button to return to the
Call Send menu.
				4. Use the Up/Down buttons to scroll to EXIT.
				5. Press the Call/Set button to return to
Standby mode.			

Resend The Request

				If The Station You Called Chose Not To Reply:
				NO REPLY will show on your screen.
				You will have two (2) choices:
		 		 n RESEND the request.
				n EXIT the Position Request mode.
				To Resend Your Position Request:
				1. Use the Up/Down buttons to scroll to RESEND.
				2. Press the Call/Set button.
				To Exit The Position Request Mode:
				1. Use the Up/Down buttons to scroll to EXIT.
				2. Press the Call/Set button to return to the
Individual Directory menu.
				3. Use the Up/Down buttons to scroll to EXIT.
				4. Press the Call/Set button to return to the
Call Send menu.
				5. Use the Up/Down buttons to scroll to EXIT.
				6. Press the Call/Set button to return to

52 English

Operating Your Radio

Digital Select Calling (DSC)
Operation
Standby mode.

Receiving A Position Request

When you went through the DSC set-up process, you set a position request reply
type. (See page 52 to change your setting.) Depending on the setting you chose,
when a Position Request message is received, your radio will enter either:
n The Auto Reply mode.
nPosition
The Manual
Request Reply mode.
		
When The Radio Is In Auto Reply Mode:
		A position request will sound the position request
alarm and show the name of the requesting station
on the LCD. Your radio will automatically respond.
It will send your position, if you have a GPS connected
to your radio, or NO POS DATA (no position data),
if you do not have a GPS device connected.
		
Press any button to silence the alarm and
exit the display.
Position Request
		
When The Radio Is In The Manual Reply Mode:
		A position request message will sound the position
request alarm and show the name of the requesting
station. You can choose to:
Reply/Exit
n Reply and send your position.
		
n Exit without sending your position.
		
			If You Choose To Reply With Your Position:
			1. Use the Up/Down buttons to select REPLY.
			2. Press the Call/Set button to send your position.
			3. Press any button to return to Standby mode.
			 If You Choose Not To Reply:
			1. Use the Up/Down buttons to select EXIT.
			2. Press the Call/Set button to return to Standby
mode without sending your position.

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®

53

Operating Your Radio
Standby Mode

Digital Select Calling (DSC)
Operation
Sending A Position Send

		Position Send uses your connected GPS in similar
fashion to the position request function, except that
you initiate the activity to let another station know
where you are.
Position Send
		
		

To Send A Position Send Message:
1. In Standby mode, select a channel on which you want
to communicate.
		
2. Press the Call/Set button to enter the Call Send menu.
		
3. Use the Up/Down buttons to scroll to POS SEND
(position send).
		
4.
Press the Call/Set button to enter the individual directory.
Individual Directory
		
5. Use the Up/Down buttons to select the station
to which you want to send your position.
		
6. Press the Call/Set button to send your position.
		After your position is sent, the LCD will show POS SEND
Transmit Position
(position send). You will have two (2) choices.
n Resend your position to the same station.
		
n Exit from Position Send mode.
		
			 To Resend Your Position:
			1.
Use the Up/Down buttons to select SEND.
Send/Exit
			2. Press the Call/Set button to resend your position.
			 To Exit From The Position Send Mode:
			1. Use the Up/Down buttons to select EXIT.
			2. Press the Call/Set button to return to the
Call Send menu.
Position Send

Receiving A Position Send

		When another station sends you its position in Position
Send mode, the individual alarm will sound and the station’s
name and position will be shown on the LCD. Press any
button to turn Off the alarm and return to Standby mode.

54 English

Operating Your Radio

Call Log Menu

All Messages Viewed

Unread Messages

Digital Select Calling (DSC)
Operation
Call Log and Distress Log

Call Log functions similarly to the caller ID function on your
telephone. It will capture the caller’s MMSI identification
number and any other data included in a DSC message.
NOTE
The call waiting memory can hold up to 20 messages.
Once the memory becomes full, each new call will erase
the oldest call information on a
first-in first-out basis.
T o Review Call Log Messages Received
While In DSC Standby Mode:
1. From Standby mode, press the Call/Set button
to enter the Call Send menu.
2. Use the Up/Down buttons to scroll to CALLLOG
3. Press the Call/Set button to enter the Call Log mode.
NOTE
The fourth line will show the type of message.
4. Use the Up/Down buttons to move from message
to message in the call log memory.
5. Press the Call/Set button to return to Standby mode.
To Clear Messages From The Call Log Memory:
1. From Standby mode, press the Call/Set button
to enter the Call Send menu.
2. Use the Up/Down buttons to scroll to CALLLOG
(call waiting).
3. Press the Call/Set button to enter the Call Log mode.
NOTE
The fourth line will show the type of message.
4. Use the Up/Down buttons to select the message
you want to delete.
5. Press and hold the Memory Scan/Memory Clear button
for one (1) second or more. Repeat steps 4 through 5 to
delete additional messages.		
6. Press the Call/Set button to return to Standby mode.
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®

55

Operating Your Radio

Maintenance And
Troubleshooting

Operating Your Radio

Maintenance
Very little maintenance is required to keep your CobraMarine VHF radio in good
operating condition.
n Keep the radio clean by wiping with a soft cloth and mild detergent.
Rinse with fresh water. Do not use solvents or harsh or abrasive cleaners,
which could damage the case or scratch the LCD screen.
n

•

Specifications		

Number of Channels	All U.S.A., Canadian, International and all
NOAA Weather Channels

•

Channel Spacing

25 kHz

Modulation

5 kHz Max.

Input Voltage

13.8 VDC

Current Drain:
Stand-by
Receive
Transmit

20 mA
200 mA
5A @ High power
-15˚ C to +55˚ C

1A @ Low

Problem

Possible Cause(s)

Solution(s)

Temperature Range

No display on LCD when
radio is turned On

Improper power
connection

Insure power connections
are proper and secure

Unit Dimensions	6.25” x 2.25” x 7.125”
(15.9 cm x 5.7 cm x 18 cm)

Will transmit at
one (1) watt, but not
at 25 watts

Selected channel is
limited to one (1) watt

Switch to
another channel

Receiver

Will not transmit

Selected channel is
limited to receive only

Switch to
another channel

No sound from speaker

Volume level is too low or
squelch level is too deep

Readjust volume
and squelch

No answer to calls

Out of range of
other station
Signal is blocked
by terrain

56 English

Switch to high power
(25 watts) or move closer
Move until you have
a “line-of-sight” to
the other station

•

General

If the radio is exposed to salt water, rinse it in fresh water at least once
a day to prevent build-up of salt deposits, which could interfere with
button operation.

Troubleshooting

Specifications

Unit Weight

2 lbs., 6.8 oz. (1100 g)

Frequency Range

156.050 to 163.275 MHz

Receiver Type

Double Conversion Super-Heterodyne

Sensitivity:
20 dB Quieting
12 dB Sinad

0.35 uV
0.30 uV

AF Output

4 Watts @ 8 Ohms

Frequency Range: TX

156.025 to 157.425 MHz

RF Output Power

1 and 25 Watts

Spurious Emissions

-60 dB High -55 dB Low

Microphone Type

Electret

Frequency Stability

+/-10 ppm

FM Hum and Noise

40 dB

Transmitter

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®

57

Appendix

VHF Marine
Channel Assignments

VHF Marine Channel Assignments

Appendix

•

Three (3) sets of VHF channels 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 on the following
pages). Your radio has all three (3) maps built into it and will operate correctly in
whichever area you choose.
The following is a brief outline of the channel assignments in the U.S.A. Channel Map.
Channel Assignments (English)

						

Distress, Safety, and Calling

Channel 16
Getting the attention of another station (calling) or in emergencies (distress and safety).

Calling

Channel 9
General-purpose (non-emergency) calling by non-commercial vessels. Recreational boaters are
urged to use this channel to reduce congestion on Channel 16.

Intership Safety

Channel 6
Ship-to-ship safety messages and for search and rescue messages to Coast Guard ships
and aircraft.

Coast Guard Liaison

Channel 22A
To talk to the Coast Guard, Canadian Coast Guard (non-emergency) after making contact on
Channel 16.

Asignación de canales de VHF para radiocomunicación marítima
Existen tres (3) juegos de canales VHF para uso marítimo en los EE.UU., Canadá y
el resto del mundo (internacional). La mayoría de los canales coinciden en los tres
(3) mapas, pero sin duda existen diferencias (consulte las tablas en las páginas
siguientes). El radio incorpora los tres (3) mapas y funcionará correctamente en
cualquiera de las tres áreas.
A continuación presentamos en forma resumida las asignaciones de canales del
Mapa de canales para EE.UU.
Asignaciones de canales (Español)

Canal 16

Para ser oídos por otra estación (llamadas) o en casos de emergencia (auxilio y seguridad).

Llamadas
Canal 9

Llamadas de carácter general (excepto casos de emergencia) para embarcaciones no comerciales.
Se le pide encarecidamente a la tripulación de las embarcaciones recreativas usar este canal
para reducir la congestión del canal 16.

Seguridad entre embarcaciones
Canal 6

Para mensajes de seguridad entre embarcaciones y para mensajes de búsqueda y rescate
enviados a barcos y aviones de la guardia costera.

Enlace con la guardia costera
Canal 22A

Para hablar con las guardias costeras estadounidenses y canadienses (excepto casos de
emergencia) tras haber establecido contacto por el canal 16.

No comerciales

Commercial

Comerciales

Channels 1A, 7A, 8, 9, 10, 11, 18A, 19A, 63A, 67, 72, 79A, 80A, 88A*
Working channels for working ships only. Messages must be about business or needs
of the ship. Use Channels 8, 67, 72 and 88A only for ship-to-ship messages.

58 English

•

Auxilio, seguridad y llamadas

Non-Commercial

Channels 68*, 69, 71, 72, 78A, 79A*, 80A*
Working channels for small vessels. Messages must be about needs of the vessel, such as
fishing reports, berthing and rendezvous. Use Channel 72 only for ship-to-ship messages.

VHF Marine
Channel Assignments

Canales 68*, 69, 71, 72, 78A, 79A*, 80A*
Canales activos para pequeñas embarcaciones. Los mensajes deberán estar relacionados
con necesidades de las embarcaciones, como por ejemplo, informes de pesca, atraques y
agrupamientos. Use el canal 72 solamente para mensajes entre embarcaciones.

Canales 1A, 7A, 8, 9, 10, 11, 18A, 19A, 63A, 67, 72, 79A, 80A, 88A*
Canales activos para embarcaciones activas solamente. Los mensajes deberán estar
relacionados con la actividad comercial o las necesidades de la embarcación. Use los
canales 8, 67, 72 y 88A solamente para mensajes entre embarcaciones.
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®

59

Appendix

VHF Marine
Channel Assignments

Channel Assignments (English)

						

Appendix

VHF Marine
Channel Assignments

Asignaciones de canales (Español)

Sea Tow Automated Radio Check (ARC)

Sea Tow Control de radio automatizado (ARC)

Port Operations

Operaciones portuarias

Navigational

Navegación

Maritime Control

Control marítimo

Digital Selective Calling

Llamadas selectivas digitales

Weather

Meteorología

Channels 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 84*
Tune your radio to the proper channel for your area (see seatow.com/arc). Conduct a radio
check as you normally would. Upon releasing the mic the system will replay your transmission
letting you hear how you sound.

Channels 1A*, 5A*, 12*, 14*, 18, 19, 20A, 21, 22, 63A*, 65A, 66A, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77*, 79, 80,
81, 82
Used for directing the movement of ships in or near ports, locks or waterways. Messages
must be about operational handling, movement and safety of ships.

Channels 13, 67
Channels are available to all vessels. Messages must be about navigation, including passing
or meeting other vessels. These are also the main working channels for most locks and
drawbridges. You must keep your messages short and power output at no more than 1 watt.

Channel 17
For talking to vessels and coast stations operated by state or local governments. Messages
must be about regulation and control, boating activities, or assistance.

Channel 70
This channel is set aside for distress, safety and general calling using only digital selective
calling techniques. Voice communication is prohibited; your radio cannot transmit voice
messages on this channel.

Channels Wx 1 Thru 10
Receive-only channels for NOAA and Canadian weather broadcasts. You cannot transmit on
these channels.
NOTE
* These channels are restricted to the listed uses in certain parts of the country
or for certain types of users only. Consult FCC rules or a knowledgeable radio
operator before using them.
60 English

Canales 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 84
Sintonice su radio en el canal correcto para su área (ver seatow.com/arc). Llevar a cabo una
comprobación de la radio como lo haría normalmente. Al soltar el micrófono el sistema se
volverá a reproducir la transmisión que le permite escuchar cómo suena.

Canales 1A*, 5A*, 12*, 14*, 18, 19, 20A, 21, 22, 63A*, 65A, 66A, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77*, 79, 80, 81, 82
Usados para dirigir el movimiento de las embarcaciones dentro de áreas portuarias, esclusas o
canales. Los mensajes deberán estar relacionados con maniobras operacionales, movimientos
y seguridad de las embarcaciones.

Canales 13, 67
Estos canales están disponibles para todas las embarcaciones. Los mensajes deberán
estar relacionados con la navegación, incluidas las maniobras para pasar o alcanzar otras
embarcaciones. Éstos también son los principales canales activos para la mayoría de las
esclusas y puentes levadizos. Usted deberá transmitir mensajes cortos y mantener la potencia
de salida en un vatio como máximo.

Canal 17
Para comunicarse con embarcaciones y estaciones costeras operadas por entidades
gubernamentales locales o estatales. Los mensajes deberán estar relacionados con regulación y
control, asistencia o actividades de navegación.

Canal 70
Este canal está reservado para solicitudes de auxilio, seguridad y llamadas de carácter general
que usen solamente técnicas de llamadas selectivas digitales. Las comunicaciones verbales
están prohibidas; el radio no puede transmitir mensajes de voz por este canal.

Canales Wx 1 a 10
Canales de recepción únicamente para difusión de información meteorológica NOAA y
canadiense. Usted no puede transmitir por estos canales.
NOTA
* E l uso de estos canales está dedicado a las aplicaciones que aparecen en la lista, en
ciertas partes del país o para ciertos tipos de usuario solamente. Consulte las normas
de la FCC o a un operador de radio con experiencia antes de usarlos.
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®

61

VHF Marine
Channel Assignments

Appendix

Número
de canal

Frequency

Channel Map

Channel
Number

Frecuencia

Mapa de canales

USA

EE.UU.

Int’l

nternac

Canada Transmit

Canadá

01
01A

•

02
03
03A
04

•
•
•
•
•		
•

•

•

Transm.

156.050

Appendix

Power Limits

Límites de potencia

Receive

Channel Use (English)

Recepción

160.650

VHF Marine
Channel Assignments

				

156.050
156.050
				
											

Uso de canales (Español)

Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)

Correspondencia pública (operador marítimo)

Port Operations and Commercial,		
VTS in selected areas			

Operaciones portuarias y comerciales;
VTS en áreas selectas

156.100

160.700					

Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)

Correspondencia pública (operador marítimo)

156.150

160.750					

Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)

Correspondencia pública (operador marítimo)

156.150

156.150

				Government Only			

Entidades gubernamentales solamente

156.200
160.800
				
Public Correspondence (Marine Operator),
Correspondencia pública (operador marítimo)
											Port Operations, Ship Movement		operaciones portuarias,movimiento de embarcaciones

04A			•
156.200
156.200
				West Coast (Coast Guard Only); 		
											
East Coast (Commercial Fishing) 		

Costa occidental (guardia costera solamente);
Costa oriental (pesca comercial)

05
•
156.250
160.850
				
Public Correspondence (Marine Operator),
Correspondencia pública (operador marítimo)
											Port Operations, Ship Movement		operaciones portuarias,movimiento de embarcaciones
05A
06
07

•		•
•
•
•
•

156.250

156.250

				

156.300

156.300

				Intership Safety			Seguridad entre embarcaciones

07A
08
09

•		•
•
•
•
•
•
•

156.350

156.350

				Commercial				Comerciales

156.400

156.400

				

•
•
•
•

156.500

156.500					Commercial 			Comerciales

156.550

156.550

				

Commercial, VTS in selected areas		

Comercial; VTS en áreas selectas

156.600

156.600

				

Port Operations, VTS in selected areas

Operaciones portuarias; VTS en áreas selectas

156.650

156.650

Port Operations, VTS in selected areas

Operaciones portuarias; VTS en áreas selectas

156.350
160.950					
Public Correspondence (Marine Operator),
Correspondencia pública (operador marítimo)
											Port Operations, Ship Movement		operaciones portuarias,movimiento de embarcaciones
Commercial (Intership Only)		

Comercial (entre embarcaciones solamente)

156.450
156.450
				
Boater Calling Channel, 			
Canal de llamada de la tripulación,
											Non-Commercial (Recreational)		no comercial (recreativo)

10
11
12
13

62 English

•
•
•
•

•
•
•
•

 eguridad marítima entre embarcaciones (de
1 watt USA and CAN			Intership Navigation Safety (Bridge-to-Bridge). S
puente de mando a puente de mando). En aguas
In U.S. waters, large vessels maintain a
1 vatio EE.UU. y Canadá
estadounidenses, las grandes embarcaciones
listening watch on this channel.
se mantienen vigilantes con sus radios
									
sintonizados en este canal

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®

63

VHF Marine
Channel Assignments

Appendix

Número
de canal

14
15

Frequency

Channel Map

Channel
Number

Frecuencia

Mapa de canales

USA

Int’l

•
•

•

EE.UU.

nternac

Appendix

VHF Marine
Channel Assignments

Canada Transmit

Canadá

•

Transm.

156.700

Receive

Channel Use (English)

Recepción

156.700

				

Port Operations, VTS in selected areas

Uso de canales (Español)
Operaciones portuarias; VTS en áreas selectas

Rx Only
156.750
				
Environmental (Receive Only). 		
Medioambiental (recepción solamente).
															Usado por radiobalizas de localización
															de siniestros (EPIRB) clase C

15
•
•
156.750
156.750
1 watt CAN and INT			
											
1 vatio Canadá y Internac.

Canada (EPIRB Buoys Only); International
(On-Board Communication)		

Canadá (boyas de EPIRB solamente);
Internacional (comunicación de a bordo)

16
•
•
•
156.800
156.800
				International Distress, Safety and Calling
Llamadas, seguridad y solicitud
															de auxilio internacional
17

•

•

•

156.850

156.850

1 watt USA and CAN			
1 vatio EE.UU. y Canadá

State Controlled (U.S.A. Only)		

Controlado a nivel estatal (EE.UU. solamente)

18
156.900
161.500
				Port Operations, Ship Movement		Operaciones portuarias,
•
															movimiento de embarcaciones
18A
19

•		•
•

156.900

19A
20

•		•
•
•
•

156.950

20A
21

•

157.000

156.900

				Commercial				Comerciales

156.950
161.550
				Port Operations, Ship Movement		Operaciones portuarias,
															movimiento de embarcaciones
156.950

				Commercial				Comerciales

157.000
161.600
1 watt CAN			
Canada (Coast Guard Only); International
Canadá (guardia costera solamente);
											(Port
Operations, Ship Movement)		Internacional (operaciones portuarias,
1 vatio Canadá
															movimiento de embarcaciones)		

•

157.000

				Port Operations			Operaciones portuarias

•

157.050
161.650
				Port Operations, Ship Movement		Operaciones portuarias,
															movimiento de embarcaciones

21A
157.050
157.050
				
U.S. (Government Only); 		
EE.UU. (entidades gubernamentales solamente); 			
•		•
											Canada (Coast Guard Only)		 Canadá (guardia costera solamente)

21B			•
RX only
161.650
				
Coast Guard Only – Weather Broadcasts
Solamente Guardacostas –
															Transmisiones Meteorológicas
22
157.100
161.700
				Port Operations, Ship Movement		Operaciones portuarias,
•
															movimiento de embarcaciones

22A
U.S. and Canadian Coast Guard Liaison and
157.100
157.100					
•
•
											
Maritime Safety Information Broadcasts that
											
are announced on Channel 16		
23
23A

64 English

•
•
•		

157.150

161.750					

157.150

157.150

Public Correspondence (Marine Operator),

				Government Only 			

Enlace entre las guardias costeras estadounidenses
y canadienses, y difusión de información sobre
seguridad marítima anunciada por el canal 16
Correspondencia pública (operador marítimo)
Entidades gubernamentales solamente
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®

65

VHF Marine
Channel Assignments

Appendix

Número
de canal

Frequency

Channel Map

Channel
Number

Frecuencia

Mapa de canales

USA

Int’l

24
25
25B

•
•

•
•

26
27
28
28B

•
•
•

EE.UU.

nternac

Canada Transmit

Canadá

Transm.

Appendix

VHF Marine
Channel Assignments

Power Limits

Límites de potencia

Receive

Channel Use (English)

Recepción

Uso de canales (Español)

•
•
•

157.200

161.800					

Sea Tow Automated Radio Check Service

Sea Tow Servicio de radio automatizado del control

157.250

161.850					

Sea Tow Automated Radio Check Service

Sea Tow Servicio de radio automatizado del control

•
•
•
•

157.300

161.900					

Sea Tow Automated Radio Check Service

Sea Tow Servicio de radio automatizado del control

157.350

161.950					

Sea Tow Automated Radio Check Service

Sea Tow Servicio de radio automatizado del control

157.400

162.000					

Sea Tow Automated Radio Check Service

Sea Tow Servicio de radio automatizado del control

Safety: Continuous Marine Broadcast (CMB)
service by MCTS Canada		

Seguridad: Transmisión Marítima Continua (CMB)
servicio por MCTS Canadá

•

156.025

				

Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)

Correspondencia pública (operador marítimo)

156.075
160.675
				
											

Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)
Port Operation, Ship Movement		

Correspondencia pública (operador marítimo),
operaciones portuarias, movimiento de embarcaciones

 .S. (Government Only); Canada (Coast
U
Guard Only); West Coast (Coast Guard
Only); East Coast (Commercial Fishing)

E E.UU. (entidades gubernamentales
solamente); Canadá (guardia costera
solamente); Costa occidental (guardia costera
solamente); Costa oriental (pesca comercial)

Public Correspondence (Marine Operator),
Port Operations, Ship Movement		

Correspondencia pública (operador marítimo),
operaciones portuarias, movimiento de embarcaciones

RX only
161.850					Safety: Continuous Marine Broadcast (CMB)
											
service by MCTS Canada		

•
•
•

RX only
162.000 					
											

60
61

61A

•
•

•		•

156.075

160.625

156.075					

62
156.125
160.725
				
•
											

156.125
156.125					West Coast (Coast Guard Only); 		
62A
•
		
										
East Coast (Commercial Fishing) 			

63
156.175
160.775
				
•
											

Public Correspondence (Marine Operator),
Port Operations, Ship Movement		

Seguridad: Transmisión Marítima Continua (CMB)
servicio por MCTS Canadá

Costa occidental (guardia costera 		
solamente); Costa oriental (pesca comercial)
Correspondencia pública (operador marítimo),
operaciones portuarias, movimiento de embarcaciones

63A
156.175
156.175
				
Port Operations and Commercial, 		
Operaciones portuarias y comerciales;
•		
											VTS in selected areas			VTS en áreas selectas
64
156.225
160.825
				
•
•
											

Public Correspondence (Marine Operator),
Port Operations, Ship Movement		

Correspondencia pública (operador marítimo),
operaciones portuarias, movimiento de embarcaciones

64A
156.225
156.225
				U.S. (Government Only); 		
EE.UU. (entidades gubernamentales
•		•
											Canada (Commercial Fishing)		solamente); Canadá (pesca comercial)
65
156.275
160.875
				
•
											
65A
66

•

•
•

•

156.275

156.275

Correspondencia pública (operador marítimo),
operaciones portuarias, movimiento de embarcaciones

				Port Operations			Operaciones portuarias

156.325
160.925
				
											
66 English

Public Correspondence (Marine Operator),
Port Operations, Ship Movement		
Public Correspondence (Marine Operator),
Port Operations, Ship Movement		

Correspondencia pública (operador marítimo),
operaciones portuarias, movimiento de embarcaciones
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®

67

VHF Marine
Channel Assignments

Appendix

Channel Map

Channel
Number
Número
de canal

Mapa de canales

USA

EE.UU.

Int’l

nternac

Frequency
Frecuencia

Canada Transmit

Canadá

Appendix

VHF Marine
Channel Assignments

Transm.

Receive

Recepción

Channel Use (English)

Uso de canales (Español)

78		
•
78A
•		•
79
•

156.925
161.525
				
Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)
Correspondencia pública (operador marítimo)
156.925
156.925
				Non-Commercial (Recreational)		No comercial (recreativo)
156.975
161.575
				
Port Operations, Ship Movement		
Operaciones portuarias,
															movimiento de embarcaciones
79A
156.975
156.975					
Commercial (Also Non-Comercial 		
Comercial (en los Grandes
•		•
											only in Great Lakes) 			Lagos también no comercial)
80
157.025
161.625					
Port Operations, Ship Movement 		
Operaciones portuarias,
• 		
															movimiento de embarcaciones
80A
157.025
157.025					
Commercial (Also Non-Commercial 		
Comercial (en los Grandes
•		•
											only in Great Lakes)			Lagos también no comercial)
81
157.075
161.675					
Port Operations, Ship Movement
Operaciones portuarias,
•
															movimiento de embarcaciones
81A
157.075
157.075
				U.S. (Government Only; Environmental
EE.UU. (entidades gubernamentales solamente;
•		•
											Protection Operations)			operaciones de protección medioambiental)
82		
157.125
161.725
				
Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)
Correspondencia pública (operador marítimo)
•
											
Port Operation, Ship Movement		
operaciones portuarias, movimiento de embarcaciones
82A
157.125
157.125
				U.S. (Government Only); Canada 		
EE.UU. (entidades gubernamentales solamente);
•		•
											(Coast Guard Only)			Canadá (guardia costera solamente)
83
157.175
161.775
				Canada (Coast Guard Only)		
Canadá (guardia costera solamente))
•
•
83A
157.175
157.175
				
U.S. (Government Only); Canada 		
EE.UU. (entidades gubernamentales solamente);
•		•
											(Coast Guard Only)			Canadá (guardia costera solamente)
83B			•
RX only
161.775					Coast Guard Only – Weather Broadcasts
Solamente Guardacostas –
															Transmisiones Meteorológicas
84
157.225
161.825
				
Sea Tow Automated Radio Check Service
Sea Tow Servicio de radio automatizado del control
•
•
•
84A
157.225
157.225
				
Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)
Correspondencia pública (operador marítimo)
•		
85
157.275
161.875
				
Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)
Correspondencia pública (operador marítimo)
•
•
•
85A
157.275
157.275
				
Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)
Correspondencia pública (operador marítimo)
•		
86
157.325
161.925
				
Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)
Correspondencia pública (operador marítimo)
•
•
•
86A
157.325
157.325
				
Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)
Correspondencia pública (operador marítimo)
•		
87
157.375
161.975
				
Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)
Correspondencia pública (operador marítimo)
•
•
•
87A
157.375
157.375
				
Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)
Correspondencia pública (operador marítimo)
•
88
157.425
162.025
				
Public Correspondence (Ship to Coast).
Correspondencia pública (entre embarcación y costa).
•
•
•
											
In U.S. only within 75 miles of Canadian Border. En los EE.UU., solamente dentro de los casi
															
121 kilómetros (75 millas) de la frontera canadiense
88A
•		
157.425
157.425
				
Commercial Intership only		
Comercial entre embarcaciones solamente

68 English

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®

69

Appendix

VHF Marine
Channel Assignments

VHF Marine Channel Assignments (English)

NOTE
Many of the plain-numbered channels, such as 01, 02 and 03, transmit and
receive on different frequencies. This is termed duplex operation. The rest of the
plain-numbered channels and all of the A channels, such as 01A, 03A and
04A, transmit and receive on a single frequency, which is termed simplex
operation. Your radio automatically adjusts to these conditions. When in simplex
operation, the A icon will appear on the LCD (see illustration on page A3).
NOTE
All channels are preprogrammed at the factory according to international
regulations and those of the FCC (U.S.A.) and Industry Canada (Canada).
They cannot be altered by the user nor can modes of operation be changed
between simplex and duplex.

Asignación de canales de VHF para radiocomunicación marítima (Español)

NOTA
Muchos de los canales de números simples, como 01, 02 y 03, transmiten
y reciben en diferentes frecuencias. A esto se le llama operación dúplex. El
resto de los canales de números simples y todos los canales A, como 01A,
03A y 04A, transmiten y reciben en una sola frecuencia, a la que se le llama
operación simple (simplex). Su radio se ajusta automáticamente a estas
condiciones. Cuando esté en operación simple, el icono A aparecerá en la
pantalla de cristal líquido (vea la ilustración de la página A3).

Appendix

Weather Channel
Assignments

Weather Channel Assignments

Asignaciones de canales meteorológicos
Channel
Number
Número
de canal

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

RX Frequency MHz
Frecuencia de recepción (MHz)

•
Weather Channel
Weather Channel

162.550

NOAA			

162.400

NOAA

162.475

NOAA

162.425

NOAA

162.450

NOAA

162.500

NOAA

162.525

NOAA

161.650

Canada

161.775

Canada

163.275

NOAA

NOTA
Todos los canales vienen programados previamente de fábrica conforme
a los reglamentos internacionales y a los de la FCC (EE. UU) e Industry Canada
(Canadá). No pueden ser alterados por el usuario, así como tampoco pueden
cambiarse los modos de operación entre simple y dúplex.

70 English

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®

71

Appendix

World City Time Zones

World City Time Zones

Warranty

•

In order to set correct local time as compared to different World City Time Zones,
enter the hour “offset” as listed below. The correct local time appears on the VHF for
Cities all over the world. See page 43 for setup information.

Warranty and Trademark

Limited 3-Year Warranty

•

For Products Purchased In The U.S.A.

Cobra Electronics Corporation warrants that its CobraMarine VHF radio, and the
component parts thereof, will be free of defects in workmanship and materials
for a period of three (3) years from the date of first consumer purchase. This
warranty may be enforced by the first consumer purchaser, provided that the
product is utilized within the U.S.A.
Cobra will, without charge, repair or replace, at its option, defective radios,
products or component parts upon delivery to the Cobra Factory Service department,
accompanied by proof of the date of first consumer purchase,
such as a duplicated copy of a sales receipt.
You must pay any initial shipping charges required to ship the product for warranty
service, but the return charges will be at Cobra’s expense, if the product is repaired
or replaced under warranty. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you
may also have other rights which may vary from state to state.

Longitudinal Zone

Offset

City

E172.50 to W172.50

-12

IDLW (International Date Line West)

W172.50 to W157.50

-11

Nome

W157.50 to W142.50

-10

Honolulu

W142.50 to W127.50

-9

Yukon STD

W127.50 to W112.50

-8

Los Angeles STD

W112.50 to W097.50

-7

Denver STD

W097.50 to W082.50

-6

Chicago STD

W082.50 to W067.50

-5

New York STD

W067.50 to W052.50

-4

Caracas

W052.50 to W037.50

-3

Rio de Janeiro

W037.50 to W022.50

-2

Fernando de Noronha

W022.50 to W007.50

-1

Azores Islands

W007.50 to E007.50 GMT

+0

London

E007.50 to E022.50

+1

Rome

E022.50 to E037.50

+2

Cairo

E037.50 to E052.50

+3

Moscow

E052.50 to E067.50

+4

Abu Dhabi

E067.50 to E082.50

+5

Maldives

E082.50 to E097.50

+6

Dhuburi

E097.50 to E112.50

+7

Bangkok

E112.50 to E127.50

+8

Hong Kong

Trademark Acknowledgement

E127.50 to E142.50

+9

Tokyo

E142.50 to E157.50

+10

Sydney

Cobra®, CobraMarine®, Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®, and the snake design are
registered trademarks of Cobra Electronics Corporation, USA.

E157.50 to E172.50

+11

Solomon Islands

E172.50 to W172.50

+12

Auckland

72 English

Exclusions: This limited warranty does not apply:
1. To any product damaged by accident.
2. In the event of misuse or abuse of the product or as a result
of unauthorized alterations or repairs.
3. If the serial number has been altered, defaced, or removed.
4. If the owner of the product resides outside the U.S.A.
All implied warranties, including warranties of merchantability and fitness for a
particular purpose are limited in duration to the length of this warranty. Cobra
shall not be liable for any incidental, consequential or other damages; including,
without limitation, damages resulting from loss of use or cost of installation.
Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts and/or
do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages,
so the above limitations may not apply to you.

For Products Purchased Outside The U.S.A.
Please contact your local dealer for warranty information.

•

Cobra Electronics Corporation™ is a trademark of Cobra Electronics Corporation, USA.

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®

73

Please call Cobra first! DO NOT RETURN THIS PRODUCT TO THE STORE!
See customer assistance on page A1.
If your product should require factory service, please call Cobra first before sending
your radio. This will ensure the fastest turn-around time on your repair. You may
be asked to send your radio to the Cobra factory. It will be necessary to furnish the
following to have the product serviced and returned:
1. For warranty repair include some form of proof-of-purchase, such as a
mechanical reproduction or carbon of a sales receipt. If you send the original
receipt, it cannot be returned.
2. Send the entire product.
3. Enclose a description of what is happening with the radio. Include a typed
or clearly printed name and address of where the radio is to be returned.
4. Pack radio securely to prevent damage in transit. If possible, use the
original packing material.
5. Ship prepaid and insured by way of a traceable carrier such as United Parcel
Service (UPS) or Priority Mail to avoid loss in transit to: Cobra Factory Service,
Cobra Electronics Corporation, 6500 West Cortland Street, Chicago, Illinois
60707 U.S.A.
6. If the radio is in warranty, upon receipt of your radio it will either be repaired
or exchanged depending on the model. Please allow approximately three (3)
to four (4) weeks before contacting Cobra for status. If the radio is out of
warranty, a letter will automatically be sent informing you of the repair
charge or replacement charge.

Customer Service

If you have any questions, please call 773-889-3087 for assistance.

PRECAUCIÓN
Antes de cortar, compruebe que no haya instrumentos o cables en el área
detrás de la superficie plana, que puedan resultar dañados durante el proceso.

•

Use la plantilla suministrada para marcar y cortar el agujero en la superficie plana.

If you have any questions about operation or installing your
new CobraMarine VHF product, or if you are missing parts…

CAUTION
Before cutting, be sure the area behind the flat surface is clear of any
instruments or wires that might be damaged in the process.

Product Service

Use the supplied template to mark and cut an opening in the flat surface.

Product Service

Flush Mount Template / Plantilla para montaje empotrado

Customer Service

74 English

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®

75



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