Northstar Navigation Explorer 710 Vhf Users Manual 710VHF_MN_USA_BV_N_370

Explorer 710 VHF EXPLORER_VHF710

710 VHF to the manual bc3ee76e-f49e-4abd-a3d8-8587d4455c45

2015-02-05

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Explorer 710 VHF
VHF Marine Radio
Operation and Installation Manual

www.northstarnav.com

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Please read carefully before installation and use.
This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to potential
personal injury hazards, Obey all safety messages that follow this symbol to
avoid possible injury or death.
WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious injury
CAUTION indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could
result in minor or moderate injury.
CAUTION used without the safety alert symbol indicates a potentially
hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in property damage.
DISCLAIMER: It is the owner’s sole
responsibility to install and use the instrument
and transducers in a manner that will not cause
accidents, personal injury or property damage.
The user of this product is solely responsible for
observing safe boating practices.

has been translated from, another language
(Translation). In the event of any conflict
between any Translation of the Documentation,
the English language version of the
Documentation will be the official version of the
Documentation.

BRUNSWICK NEW TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND ITS
SUBSIDIARIES AND AFFILIATES DISCLAIM ALL
LIABILITY FOR ANY USE OF THIS PRODUCT IN A
WAY THAT MAY CAUSE ACCIDENTS, DAMAGE OR
THAT MAY VIOLATE THE LAW.

This manual represents the Explorer 710
as at the time of printing. Brunswick New
Technologies Inc. and its subsidiaries and
affiliates reserve the right to make changes to
specifications without notice.

Governing Language: This statement,
any instruction manuals, user guides and
other information relating to the product
(Documentation) may be translated to, or

FCC Statement
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference in a normal installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in
a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct
the interference by one or more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an output on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced technician for help.
A shielded cable must be used when connecting a peripheral to the serial ports.

Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual

Contents
Section 1 - General Information ...............................................................................................................5
1-1 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1-2 Customizing your Northstar VHF Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1-3 How to Display and Navigate Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1-4 How to Enter Alphanumeric Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1-5 LCD Symbols and Meanings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1-6 Basic Operation and Key Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Section 2 - The Radio Menu (MENU) ..............................................................................................11
2-1 Radio Menu Options (Menu) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2-2 Maintain Your Buddy List (BUDDY LIST) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
2-3 Local or Distance Sensitivity (LOCAL/DIST) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
2-4 Backlighting (BACKLIGHT) and Contrast (CONTRAST) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
2-5 GPS Data and Time (GPS/DATA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
2-6 GPS Simulator (SIMULATOR) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
2-7 Reset to Factory Defaults (RESET) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Section 3 - Radio Setup Menu (RADIO SETUP) ........................................................................................... 18
3-1 Radio Setup Menu (RADIO SETUP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
3-2 Channel Names (CH NAME) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
3-3 RING & BEEP Volume (RING VOL) and (BEEP VOL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
3-4 Internal Speaker Connections (INT SPEAKER) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
3-5 Set the Priority Channel (WATCH MODE) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
3-6 Weather Alert (Wx ALERT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
3-7 NMEA protocol (COM PORT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Section 4 - DSC Setup Menu (DSC SETUP) .................................................................................................. 21
4-1 DSC Setup - Menu Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
4-2 Enter Your USER MMSID (USER MMSID) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
4-3 Maintain Your Groups (GROUP SETUP). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
4-4 Response to Individual Calls (INDIV REPLY) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
4-5 ATIS MMSID & ATIS Functionality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
4-6 DSC functionality options (DSC FUNC). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
4-7 Response Type to LL Polling Calls (LL REPLY) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Section 5 - Sending and Receiving DSC Calls............................................................................................. 26
5-1 WHAT IS DSC? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
5-2 Sending DSC calls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
5-3 Receiving DSC Calls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual

Section 6 - Distress Calls .......................................................................................................................... 32
6-1 Sending a Distress Call . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
6-2 Receiving a Distress Call (DISTRESS!) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
6-3 Distress Acknowledgement (distress ack) or Relay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Appendix A - Technical Specifications......................................................................................................34
Appendix B - Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................. 36
Appendix C - VHF Marine Channel Charts ................................................................................................. 37
Appendix D - MMSID and License Information ......................................................................................... 49
Section 7 - Installation Section ............................................................................................................... 50

RF Emissions Notice:
This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment.
This device’s antenna must be installed in accordance with provided instructions; and it must be operated
with minimum 96 cm spacing between the antennas and all person’s body (excluding extremities of
hands, wrist and feet) during operation. Further, this transmitter must not be co-located or operated in
conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
IMPORTANT:
1. Some features described in this manual are not available on every model. In particular, DSC
functions are NOT available.
2. DSC functions will not operate on the 710US or the 710EU until your MMSID has been entered.
Refer to section 4.2 for details.
3. The radio channels installed into the Northstar VHF radio may vary from country to country,
depending upon the model, and government or national communications authority
regulations.
4. Northstar NZ Ltd recommends that you check the radio operating licensing requirements of your
country before using the Northstar VHF radio. The operator is solely responsible for observing
proper radio installation and usage practices.
5. A DSC warning label is supplied with the 710US. To comply with FCC regulations, this label must
be aﬃxed in a location that is clearly visible from the operating controls of this radio. Make sure
that the chosen location is clean and dry before applying this label.

Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual

Section 1 - General Information
1-1 Features
Congratulations on your purchase of a Northstar VHF 710US, or 710EU marine band VHF radio. All of
these models provide the following useful features:
•

Prominent channel display

•

Adjustable contrast settings for the LCD

•

Adjustable keypad backlighting for easy night-time use

•

Waterproof and submersible to comply with JIS-7

•

GPS latitude and longitude (LL) and time display (when connected to a GPS)

•

Choice of High or Low (25 W or 1 W) transmission power

•

Top centred PTT button for comfortable left- or right-handed use

•

Powerful 4 W external audio output

•

Access to all currently-available marine VHF channel banks (USA, Canada, International) including
weather channels where available

•

Special CH16 or CH16/9 key for quick access to the priority (international distress) channel

•

Special 3CH key to select your three favourite channels

•

PSCAN (similar to dual watch) facility

In addition, the VHF 710 US/EU models also provide:
•

DSC (Digital Select Calling) capability that meets USCG SC101 and
Class D Standards. 710US only.

•

DSC (Digital Select Calling) capability that meets EC Class D Standards. VHF 710EU only.

•

DISTRESS call button to automatically transmit the MMSID and position until an
acknowledgement is received

•

Easy access to a buddy list of up to 20 favourite people

•

MMSID storage for three favourite groups

•

Group Call and All Ships Call facility

•

LL position polling information

•

Weather alert facility. VHF 710US only.

•

ATIS facility for inland waterways. VHF 710EU only.

1-2 Customizing your Northstar VHF Radio
You can customize the radio to suit your individual preferences. Some preferences can be set directly through
the keys as explained in this Section.
Other preferences are set up through the built-in menus and these are explained in the other Sections.

Note: VHF 710CAN operation is the same as VHF 710US. technical and DSC speciﬁcations for VHF
710CAN are the same as VHF 710EU

Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual

1-3 How to Display and Navigate Menus
1. Hold down MENU (or CALL/MENU). Note that only four menu items can be displayed at any one time
on the screen.
2. Press + CH - to scroll up and down the menu until the cursor is positioned at the desired option.
Press ENT to display that option.
3. Make any entries or changes as explained in the following section.
4. Press ENT to confirm changes. Otherwise, press ESC to keep the original entry.
5. Press ESC to backup one screen or exit. Any changes are active as soon as you exit the screen.

1-4 How to Enter Alphanumeric Data
If your radio does not have the optional alphanumeric microphone, use the + CH - key to enter
alphanumeric data.
Press - to count through numbers, or hold down to scroll rapidly to the desired number.
Press + to step through the alphabet, or hold down to scroll rapidly to the desired character.
If you make an error, press - until < is displayed, then press ENT to backup and correct
the entry.

1-5 LCD Symbols and Meanings
This simulation shows the locations of all the following information symbols:

Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual

Symbol

Meaning

Transmitting.

HI LO

Transmission power. High (HI) 25 W or Low (LO) 1 W.

Weather channel.

WX ALT

Weather Alert. Alarm beeps will sound. VHF 710US only.

BUSY

Receiver busy with an incoming signal.

PRI

Priority channel is selected.

Duplex operation. Otherwise, blank for Simplex operation.

LOCAL

Local calling is selected. Otherwise, blank for distance calling.

DSC

DSC capability is available. VHF 710US and VHF 710EU only.
Indicates an incoming DSC call, or blinks to notify you of any unread Call Log
messages
Low Battery warning (activates at 10.5 V)

Channel selected.

USA INT CAN

Selected channel bank for VHF radio operations and regulations.

Channel is temporarily deleted from the ALL SCAN operation.

Channel suﬃx, if applicable.

CH1 CH2 CH3

Shows which of the 3 favourite channels, if any, are selected.
Otherwise blank.

ATIS

Enabled for use in European inland waterways. Otherwise blank.
VHF 710EU only.

A typical operational display is shown here.

The latitude and longitude of the vessel and the local time are shown.
A transmission on Channel 16 is being made at high power using the International channel bank.
Channel 16 is set as the Priority channel. It is also set as favourite channel 1.
There is an incoming DSC call so the receiver is busy.

Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual

1-6 Basic Operation and Key Functions
All possible keys and their functions are listed. Note that some of the keys are not available depending on
your Northstar VHF radio model.

Key

Function

VOL/PWR

Volume and Power. Turn clockwise to power on. Continue to turn until a comfortable
volume is reached. VOL/PWR will also adjust the settings of an external speaker, if
connected.

SQL

Squelch or Threshold Level. Sets the threshold level for the minimum receiver
signal. Turn fully counterclockwise until random noise is heard, then turn slowly
clockwise until the random noise disappears. Make another 1/4 turn clockwise for
best reception in open sea conditions.
In areas of high noise (eg close to large cities) reception may improve if sensitivity
is reduced. Either turn SQL slowly clockwise or use the LOCAL setting. See section
2.3.

16/9

Priority Channel. VHF 710US only. Also on the microphone. Press to cancel all other
modes and to tune into the priority channel. Press again to return to your original
channel.
The default is Channel 16. To make Channel 09 the priority channel, hold down 16/9
until a beep sounds and 09 is displayed.

Priority Channel. VHF 710EU. Also on the microphone. Press to cancel all other
modes and to tune into the priority channel, Channel 16, on high power. Press
again to return to your original channel.

Weather Channel. VHF 710US. In USA and Canadian waters, press to hear the most
recently selected weather station. The WX symbol is displayed on the LCD.
Press + or - to change to a diﬀerent weather channel. Press WX again to return to
the most recent channel.
If the weather alert mode (ALT) is ON and an alert tone of 1050Hz is broadcast from
the weather station, it is picked up automatically and the alarm sounds. Press any
key to hear the weather alert voice message.

Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual

H/L

Transmission Power. High (HI) 25 W or Low (LO) 1 W. Press to toggle between high
or low transmission power for the entire channel bank. The HI or LO selection is
shown on the LCD.
Some channels allow only low power transmissions. Error beeps will sound if the
power transmission setting is incorrect.
Some channels allow only low power transmissions initially, but can be changed
to high power by holding down H/L and PTT at the same time. See Appendix C for
a complete listing of channel charts.

3CH

Three Favourite Channels. Also on the microphone. Press to toggle between your
favourite channels. The CH1, CH2, or CH3 symbol appears on the LCD to show which
favourite channel is selected.
To scan only one of your favourite channels, press 3CH then immediately press
and release SCAN. If you want to scan all three favourite channels, press 3CH then
immediately press and hold SCAN.
To add a favourite channel for the ﬁrst time, select that channel then hold 3CH
to store it in the CH1 location. Repeat the procedure to store two more favourite
channels in the CH2 and CH3 locations respectively.
If you try and add another favourite channel it will overwrite the existing CH3. CH1
and CH2 remain unless you delete them.
To delete a favourite channel, select that channel then hold down 3CH until the
CH1, CH2 or CH3 symbol disappears oﬀ the LCD.

UIC

Channel Bank. 710US only. Press to toggle between USA, International or Canadian
channel banks. The selected channel bank is displayed on the LCD along with the
last used channel. All the channel charts are shown in Appendix C.

U/I

Channel Bank. Press to toggle between channel banks. Note that the channel banks
available are dependent upon your VHF radio model. The selected channel bank is
displayed on the LCD along with the last used channel. All the channel charts are
shown in Appendix C.

DIM

Backlighting. 710EU only. Press to toggle between the backlighting settings. OFF
will extinguish all the backlighting except for the DISTRESS key. (Otherwise, use the
menu to change the backlight setting.)

SCAN

Scan. Press to scan between your current channel and the priority channel in DUAL
or TRI WATCH mode. The weather channel is also scanned if the USA channel bank
is selected and the weather alert mode (ALT) is ON.
Hold down SCAN to enter ALL SCAN mode where the priority channel is checked
every 1.5 seconds.
When a signal is received, scanning stops at that channel and BUSY appears on the
screen. If the signal ceases for more than 5 seconds, the scan restarts.
Press ENT to temporarily skip over (lock out) an “always busy” channel when in ALL
SCAN mode and resume the scan. An X is shown on the screen to designate a
skipped channel. Note that it is not possible to skip over the priority channel.
Press SCAN to stop at the current channel.

+ CH -

Channel Select. Also on the microphone. The current channel is shown on the screen
in BIG digits with an appropriate designator suﬃx A or B in small letters below the
channel number.

Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual

Press + or - to step through the available channels one at a time, or hold down
to scroll rapidly through all the available channels. See Appendix C for a listing of
channel charts.
Alphanumeric Entry. This key can also be used for menu selection and for alphanumeric entry. Press + or - to scroll the cursor up or down menu options when
navigating menus.
When editing an item containing only numbers, press - to count through the
numbers or hold down to scroll rapidly.
To enter a character, press + to step through the alphabet or hold down to scroll
rapidly.
ENT

Enter. Use ENT when navigating menus, to conﬁrm entries and edits.

ESC

Escape. Use ESC when navigating menus, to clear incorrect entries, to exit from a
menu without saving changes, and to back up to the previous screen.

CALL/MENU

DSC Setup Menu and DSC Call Menu. 710US and 710EU only. Press to enter the DSC
Call Menu and make DSC calls. See Section 5.
Hold down to enter MENU SELECT. Scroll to DSC SETUP to setup your MMSID and
other DSC information. Go to RADIO SETUP to customize your Northstar VHF radio.
See Section 4.

Radio menu. 7000 only. Press to enter the Radio Menu and customize your Northstar
VHF radio. See Section 3.

DISTRESS

Send DSC Distress Call. 710US & 710EU only. See Section 6.

PTT

Press To Talk. Press PTT to transmit at any time on an allowable channel. This automatically exits you from menu mode and stops scanning. You must release PTT to
receive a signal.
If PTT sticks, a built-in timer will automatically shut down a transmission after ﬁve
minutes and sound the error beeps.
This time out is required by FCC regulations.

Note: VHF 710CAN operation is the same as VHF 710US. Technical and DSC speciﬁcations for VHF
710CAN are the same as VHF 710EU

Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual

Section 2 - The Radio Menu (MENU)
2-1 Radio Menu Options (Menu)
The following options are available through MENU (or CALL/MENU):

BUDDY LIST

Maintain your buddy list.

Set radio sensitivity.

LOCAL/DIST

See Section 2-2.

See Section 2-3.

BACKLIGHT

Set backlight level.

Set contrast level.

CONTRAST

See Section 2-4.

GPS/DATA

MANUAL
SETTING

Set position & UTC manually.
See Section 2-5.
Set local time and time format.
See Section 2-5.

DSC SETUP

USER MMSID

DSC Setup Menu.

GROUP SETUP

710US and 710EU only.

INDIV REPLY

See Section 4.

DSC FUNC
ATIS MMSID

Make DSC calls.

ATIS FUNC

710US and 710EU only.

LL REPLY

See Section 5.
Radio Setup Menu.

RADIO SETUP

CH NAME

See Section 3.

RING VOLUME
BEEP VOLUME
INT SPEAKER
WATCH MODE
WX ALERT
COM PORT

Turn the GPS Simulator on/oﬀ.
See Section 2.6.

GPS SIM

Reset factory settings.

RESET

See Section 2.7.

1-3 and 1-4 explain how to navigate around the menu and enter, save and change data.

Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual

2-2 Maintain Your Buddy List (BUDDY LIST)
VHF 710US and VHF 710EU only.
MENU SELECT
>BUDDY LIST
LOCAL/DIST
BACKLIGHT

Use the Buddy List to store the names and associated MMSIDs of 20 favourite people.
Names are stored in the order of entry, with the most recent entry shown ﬁrst.
The following sections show to use BUDDY LIST to add, edit, and delete entries on
your buddy list.
Section 3 explains how to call a buddy.

2-2-1 Add an Entry
BUDDY LIST
> MANUAL NEW
ALEX
TOM

ENTER NAME
––––––––––––
ENTER MMSID
–––––––––

ENTER NAME
BOB
ENTER MMSID
123456789

BOB
123456789
> STORE
CANCEL

1. Select BUDDY LIST. The cursor is at MANUAL NEW. Press ENT.
2. Enter the buddy name, one character at a time (this may be alphanumeric) then press ENT
repeatedly until the cursor moves to the MMSID entry line.
4. Enter the MMSID associated with that buddy name (this must be numeric) then press ENT.
5. The new buddy name and MMSID are displayed. Press ENT to store the new entry, which is displayed
at the top of your buddy list.
Note that when the BUDDY LIST is full (20 entries), you cannot make a new entry until you have deleted an
existing entry.

2-2-2 Edit an Entry
BUDDY LIST
> MANUAL NEW
ALEX
TOM

ALEX
> EDIT
DELETE

EDIT NAME
ALEX
EDIT MMSID
112233445

ALEX
111223344
> STORE
CANCEL

1. Select BUDDY LIST. Press ENT to display the list of entries.
2. Scroll down (if required) to the incorrect entry and press ENT.
3. Select EDIT. The cursor is at the first character of the name.
4. Edit the buddy name or, to edit only the MMSID, press ENT repeatedly until the cursor moves to the
MMSID line.
5. When you are finished, press ENT (repeatedly if necessary) to display the next screen.
6. Press ENT to store the changes. The buddy list is displayed again. If more changes are required,
repeat Steps 2 thru 6. Otherwise, press ESC to exit.

Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual

2-2-3 Delete an Entry
BUDDY LIST
> MANUAL NEW
ALEX
TOM

BUDDY LIST
MANUAL NEW
ALEX
> TOM

TOM
EDIT
> DELETE

Select BUDDY LIST. Press ENT to display the list of entries.

Scroll down (if required) to the entry you want to delete and press ENT.

Select DELETE then select YES.

The entry is deleted immediately and the buddy list is displayed again.

DELETE BUDDY
TOM
> YES
NO

2-3 Local or Distance Sensitivity (LOCAL/DIST)
MENU SELECT
BUDDY LIST
> LOCAL/DIST
BACKLIGHT

Use LOCAL/DIST to improve the sensitivity of the receiver either locally (LOCAL) or
over distances (DIST).
LOCAL is not recommended for use in open sea conditions. It is designed for use
in areas of high radio noise; for example, close to cities.
See also SQL (Squelch Control) in Section 1.6.

2-3-1 Set Distance Sensitivity
SENSITIVITY
> DISTANT
LOCAL

Select LOCAL/DIST then select DIST.

Press ENT to activate the DIST setting. This disables local sensitivity and the
menu is displayed again.

2-3-2 Set Local Sensitivity
SENSITIVITY
DISTANT
> LOCAL

Select LOCAL/DIST then scroll to LOCAL.

Press ENT to activate the LOCAL setting. This
disables distance sensitivity and the menu is
displayed again.

LOCAL is displayed on the LCD as a reminder that local sensitivity is selected.

2-4 Backlighting (BACKLIGHT) and Contrast (CONTRAST)
MENU SELECT
LOCAL/DIST
> BACKLIGHT
CONTRAST

Use BACKLIGHT to set the backlight levels for the LCD and the keypad at a comfortable level.
The microphone keypad backlighting is either ON or OFF.
Use CONTRAST to set the contrast level for the LCD.

Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual

2-4-1 Set the Backlighting Level
BACKLIGHT
LO HI

Select BACKLIGHT.

Select a comfortable backlight level using + or - to change the setting.

Press ENT to enable the setting and return to the menu.

Note that the DISTRESS key backlighting cannot be switched oﬀ.

2.4.2 Set the Contrast Level
CONTRAST
LO HI

Select CONTRAST.

Select a comfortable contrast level using + or - to change the setting.

Press ENT to enable the setting and return to the menu.

2-5 GPS Data and Time (GPS/DATA)
MENU SELECT
BACKLIGHT
CONTRAST
> GPS/DATA

If the boat has an operational GPS navigation receiver, the VHF radio automatically
detects and updates the vessel position and the local time.
However, if the GPS navigation receiver is disconnected or absent, you can specify
the vessel position and the local time manually, using the GPS/DATA option.

This information is important because it will be used if a DSC distress call is transmitted.
You can also enter the course (COG) and speed (SOG) and select GPS Alert and GPS Simulator options.

2-5-1 Manually Enter Position and UTC Time (MANUAL)
Note that this function is available only if an operational GPS receiver is not connected.
GPS/DATA
> MANUAL
SETTING

MANUAL LL
––’ ––’ ––––N
––’ ––’ ––––W
MAN ––:––UTC

Select GPS/DATA, then MANUAL.

Enter the latitude, then the longitude, then the UTC.

Press ENT when all the information is correct.
The vessel’s latitude and longitude are shown on the screen, with the UTC time. The preﬁx MAN indicates
a manual entry. The manual entries are cancelled if a real GPS position is received.

Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual

2-5-2 Local Time (TIME OFFSET)
The local time can be set by entering the time oﬀset between UTC and local time as follows.
GPS/DATA
MANUAL
>SETTING

GPS/DATA
> TIME OFFSET
TIME FORMAT
TIME DISPLY

TIME OFFSET
>+01:30
02:30PM LOC

Select GPS/DATA, then SETTING.

Select TIME OFFSET to enter the diﬀerence between UTC and local time. Half hour increments can be
used with a maximum oﬀset of ±13 hours.
In this example, a diﬀerence of +1.5 hours has been entered and the local time is displayed with the
suﬃx LOC.

LM Y X

Z
‡

T
M

S
T

Zone boundaries are approximate

Daylight Saving Time (Summer Time),
usually one hour in advance of Standard
Time, is kept in some places
Map outline © Mountain High Maps
Compiled by HM Nautical Almanac Office

120°W

90°W

P
60°W

h m

Z
A
B
C
C*
D
D*
E

30°W

L
L

K
*

h m

0
+1
+2
+3
+ 3 30
+4
+ 4 30
+5

E*
F
F*
G
H
I
I*

+ 5 30
+6
+ 6 30
+7
+8
+9
+ 9 30

‡

0°

K
K*
L
L*
M
M*
M†

+10
+10 30
+11
+11 30
+12
+13
+14

h m

-1
-2
-3
- 3 30
-4
-5
-6

N
O
P
P*
Q
R
S

No Standard Time legally adopted

30°E

60°E

90°E

M
M*

Standard Time = Universal Time + value from table
O

Corrected to January 2005

STANDARD TIME ZONES

M
I

150°W

E*
F

International Date Line

I
E*

L MY

D*
E

A
Z

W
U

W
W

A
N

M†

h m

T
U
U*
V
V*
W
X
Y

-7
-8
- 8 30
-9
- 9 30
-10
-11
-12

120°E

Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual

WORLD MAP OF TIME ZONES

International Date Line

180°

A B

R
W

A
A

M*
L

N
Z

V
U

‡

150°E

180°

2-5-3 Time Format Options (TIME FORMAT)
Time can be shown in 12 or 24 hour format.
GPS/DATA
MANUAL
> SETTING

SETTING
TIME OFFSET
> TIME FORMAT
TIME DISPLAY

TIME FORMAT
> 12 Hr
24 Hr
07:15AM LOC

1. Select GPS/DATA, then SETTING.
2. Select TIME FORMAT.
3. Select 12 Hr or 24 Hr as desired. In this example, 12 hour format has been selected and so the LCD
shows the AM or PM suffix.

2-5-4 Time Display Options (TIME DISPLAY)
If you have entered the time manually as described in the previous sections, the time is always shown on
the screen with the preﬁx M.
However, if the vessel position is being updated through a GPS navigation receiver, you can switch the time
display on the screen ON or OFF as follows:
GPS/DATA
TIME OFFSET
TIME FORMAT
> TIME DISPLY

TIME DISPLY
ON
> OFF

Select GPS/DATA, then SETTING.

Select TIME DISPLAY.

Select ON (on) or OFF (oﬀ ) as desired. In this
example, OFF has been selected and so the
screen no longer shows the time.

If the time display is set ON, course and speed data are not displayed on the LCD (see
section 2-5-6).

2-5-5 Position Display Options (LL display)
If you have entered the vessel position manually as described in the previous section, the vessel position is
always shown on the screen with the suﬃx M.
However, if the time is being updated through a GPS navigation receiver, you can switch the vessel position
display on the screen on or oﬀ as follows:
1.
GPS/DATA
TIME FORMAT
TIME DISPLY
> LL DISPLAY

LL DISPLAY
ON
> OFF

Select GPS/DATA, then SETTING.

Select LL DISPLAY.

Select ON (on) or OFF (oﬀ ) as desired. In this
example, OFF has been selected and the screen
no longer shows the vessel position.

2-5-6 Course & Speed Display Options (COG/SOG)
Use this option to display course over ground (COG) and speed over ground (SOG) data on the screen.
1.
GPS/DATA
TIME DISPLY
LL DISPLY
> COG/SOG

COG/SOG
> ON
OFF

Select GPS/DATA, then SETTING.

Select COG/SOG.

Select ON (on) or OFF (oﬀ ) as desired. In this
example, ON has been selected and so the
screen shows the bearing and speed.

If GOG/SOG is set ON (on), the time is not displayed on the screen (see section 2-5-4).

Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual

2-5-7 GPS Alert Options (ALERT)
The GPS alert is usually set to ON (on) so that if the GPS navigation receiver is disconnected, the alarm
sounds.
1.
GPS/DATA
LL DISPLY
COG/SOG
> GPS ALERT

GPS ALERT
> ON
OFF

Select GPS/DATA, then SETTING.

Select GPS ALERT.

Select ON (on) or OFF (oﬀ ) as desired.

2-6 GPS Simulator (SIMULATOR)
The GPS Simulator is set to OFF whenever the radio is turned ON or whenever real GPS data is available
through the COM port. However, if you want to test it, turn it on.
1.
MENU SELECT
DSC SETUP
RADIO SETUP
> GPS SIM

Select GPS SIM, then select ON (on) or OFF (oﬀ ) as desired.
Whenever the GPS Simulator is turned ON (on), simulated Speed Over Ground
(SOG), Course Over Ground (COG), and LL position appear on the screen. This
data is updated automatically during the simulation.

It is not possible to send a DSC transmission when in Simulator mode.

2-7 Reset to Factory Defaults (RESET)
Use this to return every setting to the factory defaults except all MMSID settings and the entries in your
buddy list.
MENU SELECT
RADIO SETUP
GPS SIM
> RESET

RESET RADIO
ARE YOU SURE
> YES
NO

1. Select RESET. The radio asks for confirmation.
2. Select YES to reset the radio and return to the menu.
The Call Logs will be cleared but the BUDDY LIST will be saved. The receiver and transmitter factory
settings are restored to default conditions.

Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual

Section 3 - Radio Setup Menu (RADIO SETUP)
3-1 Radio Setup Menu (RADIO SETUP)
CH NAME

Edit or delete channel names.
See Section 3-2.

RING VOLUME

Set the volume level of the incoming call notiﬁcation beeps.
See section 3-3.

BEEP VOLUME

Set the volume level of the beeps.
See section 3-3.

INT SPEAKER

Switch ON/OFF (on/oﬀ ) the radio’s internal speakers.
See section 3-4.

WATCH MODE

Selects the operation of Dual or Tri watch scanning.
See section 3-5.

WX ALERT

COM PORT

(Selects if the WX Alert scanning mode is ON (on) or OFF (oﬀ ). (VHF 710US only.)
See section 3-6.
Select NMEA protocol for communications between the VHF radio and any other
instruments.
See section 3-7.

Sections 1-3 and 1-4 explain how to navigate around the menu and enter, save and change data.

3-2 Channel Names (CH NAME)
The channel charts are listed in Appendix C with their default name tags. CH NAME gives you the option
to edit or delete the channel name tags displayed on the screen.
RADIO SETUP
> CH NAME
RING VOLUME
BEEP VOLUME

EDIT CH NAME
TELEPHONE

CH NAME
TELEPHONE

TELEPHONE
> EDIT
DELETE

SAVE CH NAME
PHONE1
> YES
NO

Select RADIO SETUP, then CH NAME.

Use + or - to step through the channels with their name tags until you see the channel name tag you
want to change, then press ENT. In this example, the channel name TELEPHONE associated with channel
01 is being changed to PHONE1.

Select EDIT and press ENT to edit the existing name tag. Input the new name over the existing name.

It can be a maximum of 12 characters.
To delete the channel name, select DELETE and press ENT.
4.

Press ENT (repeatedly if necessary) to display the YES/NO conﬁrmation.

Press ENT to conﬁrm the new channel name tag or the deletion, then press ESC to return to the menu.

Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual

3-3 RING & BEEP Volume (RING VOL) and (BEEP VOL)
Set the volume level of the incoming signal beeps (RING VOLUME) and/or the error and warning beeps (BEEP
VOLUME) to HIGH (high) or LOW (low) as follows:
RADIO SETUP
> CH NAME
RING VOLUME
BEEP VOLUME

RING VOLUME
> HIGH
LOW

BEEP VOLUME
> HIGH
LOW
OFF

Select RADIO SETUP, then RING VOLUME or BEEP VOLUME as appropriate.

Select a HIGH or LOW volume. (It is possible to turn the beeps oﬀ completely by selecting BEEP VOLUME
then OFF.)

Press ENT to enable the new volume setting and return to the menu.

3-4 Internal Speaker Connections (INT SPEAKER)
Switch the radio’s internal speaker ON (on) or OFF (oﬀ ). The external speaker is always ON (on) if a speaker is
plugged into the external speaker jack.
RADIO SETUP
RING VOLUME
BEEP VOLUME
> INT SPEAKER

INT SPEAKER
> ON
OFF

Select RADIO SETUP, then INT SPEAKER.

Select ON (on) or OFF (oﬀ ) then press ENT to
enable the setting and return to the menu.

3-5 Set the Priority Channel (WATCH MODE)
If you have VHF 710EU, watch mode is similar to a dual watch, scanning between the priority channel and
the working channel. CH16 is the priority channel.
However, if you have a VHF 710US and are operating on USA or Canadian channel banks, you can set the
priority channel to cover both CH16 and CH09 as well as the working channel, as follows:
RADIO SETUP
BEEP VOLUME
INT SPEAKER
> WATCH MODE

WATCH MODE
> ONLY 16CH
16CH+9CH

Select RADIO SETUP, then WATCH MODE.

Select ONLY 16CH for dual watch mode, or
16CH+9CH for tri watch mode.

Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual

3-6 Weather Alert (Wx ALERT)
VHF 710US only.
The NOAA provides several weather forecast channels on USA and Canadian channel banks. If severe weather
such as storms or hurricanes are forecast, the NOAA broadcasts a weather alert on 1050 Hz. You can set up
the radio to pick up weather alerts, as follows:
RADIO SETUP
INT SPEAKER
WATCH MODE
> WX ALERT

WX ALERT
ON
> OFF

Select RADIO SETUP, then WX ALERT.

Select ON (on) or OFF (oﬀ ) then press ENT to
enable the setting and return to the menu.

When a weather alert is broadcast, the alarm will sound. Press any key to hear the weather alert voice
message.

3-7 NMEA protocol (COM PORT)
The radio can be added to a group of instruments using NMEA protocol.
RADIO SETUP
WATCH MODE
WX ALERT
> COM PORT

NMEA
CHECKSUM
> ON
OFF

Select RADIO SETUP, then COM PORT.

Select CHECKSUM ON (on) or OFF (oﬀ ) then
press ENT to enable the setting and return to
the menu.

CHECKSUM ON is the usual setting.

Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual

Section 4 - DSC Setup Menu (DSC SETUP)
These DSC facilities are available only on the 710US and 710EU and a valid user MMSID must be
entered to access the DSC functions.

4-1 DSC Setup - Menu Options
The following options are available:
USER MMSID

GROUP SETUP

Enter your user MMSID. See section 4.2. (If you do not have a user MMSID, see
Appendix D.)
Enter or change the name and/or details of a group.
See section 4.3.

INDIV REPLY

Choose an automatic or manual response to calls (VHF 710US only). See section
4.4.
Enter or change your ATIS MMSID (VHF 710EU only).

ATIS MMSID

See section 4.5.
Enable/disable the ATIS function (VHF 710EU only).

ATIS FUNC

See section 4.5.
Turn the DSC operation ON/OFF (on/oﬀ ).

DSC FUNC

See section 4.6.
Select the type of response to an LL polling request.

LL REPLY

See section 4.7.

Sections 1.3 and 1.4 explain how to navigate around the menu and enter, save and change data.

4-2 Enter Your USER MMSID (USER MMSID)
This is a once-only operation. You must enter your user MMSID before you can access the DSC functions.
DSC SETUP
> USER MMSID
GROUP SETUP
INDIV REPLY

INPUT USER
MMSID
–––––––––

187654321
MMSID
> STORE
CANCEL

USER MMSID
INPUT AGAIN
–––––––––

You can display and read your user MMSID at any time, but you get only one opportunity to enter your user
MMSID.
1. Select DSC SETUP, then USER MMSID.
2. If this is the ﬁrst time that you are entering your user MMSID, a dashed line appears.
Enter your user MMSID along the dashed line. Press ENT to conﬁrm each correct entry and to move to
the next digit.
If you make an error, press - until < appears, then press ENT to backup and correct the entry.
3. Press ENT to store your user MMSID.
4.

Enter your user MMSID again as a password check, then press ENT to permanently store the user MMSID
and return to the menu.
You can view your stored user MMSID at anytime by selecting USER MMSID in the main menu.
Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual

4-3 Maintain Your Groups (GROUP SETUP)
Use GROUP SETUP to create, edit, or delete 1, 2, or 3 groups of frequently called people stored in alphanumeric
order. A group MMSID always starts with 0.

4-3-1 Create a Group (GROUP SETUP)
DSC SETUP
USER MMSID
> GROUP SETUP
INDIV REPLY

GROUP SETUP
> MANUAL NEW
000000000

GROUP NAME
––––––––––––
GROUP MMSID
0––––––––

FISHER1
012345678
> STORE
CANCEL

Select DSC SETUP, then GROUP SETUP.

If this is the ﬁrst time that you are entering a group name, a line of nine zeros appears. Otherwise, any
existing group names are displayed. Press ENT to display the input screen.

Enter the group name along the dashed line. It can be alphanumeric. Press ENT to conﬁrm each correct
entry and to move to the next digit. When you have ﬁnished, press ENT repeatedly until the cursor moves
to the MMSID line.
If you make an error, press - until < appears, then press ENT to backup and correct the entry.

Enter the group MMSID. (Note that the ﬁrst number is always 0.) Press ENT.

The group name and group MMSID are shown in a conﬁrmation screen. Press ENT to store the details
and return to the GROUP SETUP screen.

4-3-2 Edit Group Name Details
GROUP SETUP
MANUAL NEW
> FISHER1
FRIENDS1

FISHER1
> EDIT
DELETE

EDIT NAME
FISHER1
EDIT MMSID
012345678

FISHER2
012345678
> STORE
CANCEL

Select DSC SETUP, then GROUP SETUP. The existing group names are displayed. Press + or - to scroll to
the incorrect entry then press ENT.

Press ENT to edit. The group name details are displayed, with the cursor at the ﬁrst character of the
name.

Edit the buddy name or, to edit only the MMSID, press ENT repeatedly until the cursor moves to the
MMSID line.

When you are ﬁnished, press ENT (repeatedly if necessary) to display the next screen.

Press ENT to store the changes and return to the GROUP SETUP screen.

Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual

4-3-3 Delete a Group
GROUP SETUP
MANUAL NEW
> FISHER2
FRIENDS1

FISHER2
EDIT
> DELETE

DELETE GROUP
FISHER2
> YES
NO

Select DSC SETUP, then GROUP SETUP. The existing group names are displayed.

Press + or - to scroll to the incorrect entry then press ENT.

Select DELETE and press ENT. The radio asks for conﬁrmation.

Press ENT to delete the group and return to the GROUP SETUP screen.

4-4 Response to Individual Calls (INDIV REPLY)
VHF 710US only. You can respond to incoming individual calls with an automatic response or with a manual
response.
An automatic response sends an acknowledgement and then sets the request link channel, ready for a
conversation.
A manual response asks if you want to acknowledge the call, and then asks if you want to converse with
the caller.
DSC SETUP
USER MMSID
GROUP SETUP
> INDIV REPLY

INDIV REPLY
> AUTO
MANUAL

Select DSC SETUP, then INDIV REPLY.

Select AUTO for an automatic response, or
MANUAL for a manual response.

Press ENT to conﬁrm your choice and return to the menu.

4-5 ATIS MMSID & ATIS Functionality
VHF 710EU only. You must enter your ATIS MMSID to access ATIS functionality if you are navigating inland
waterways within Europe.
ATIS sends a digital message anytime that you release the PTT key. Inland waterways rules require 1 W Tx
power on Channels 06, 08, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 71, 72, 74, and 77.

4-5-1 Enter or Edit YOUR ATIS MMSID
DSC SETUP
GROUP SETUP
INDIV REPLY
> ATIS MMSID

INPUT ATIS
MMSID
9––––––––

INPUT ATIS
MMSID
> STORE
CANCEL

INPUT AGAIN
ATIS MMSID
9––––––––

ATIS MMSID
923456789
> STORE
CANCEL

Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual

VHF 710EU only. An ATIS MMSID always starts with the number 9. To enter or edit your ATIS MMSID:
1.

Select DSC SETUP, then ATIS MMSID.

If this is the ﬁrst time that you are entering your ATIS MMSID, a dashed line appears. Enter your ATIS
MMSID along the dashed line. The ﬁrst number is always 9. Press ENT to conﬁrm each correct entry and
to move to the next digit.
If you make an error, press - until < appears, then press ENT to backup and correct the entry.
If you are editing an existing ATIS MMSID, this will be displayed. Make the required changes.

Press ENT to store your user MMSID.

Enter your ATIS MMSID again as a password check, then press ENT to permanently store the ATIS MMSID
and return to the menu.
You can view your stored ATIS MMSID at anytime by selecting ATIS MMSID in the main menu.

4-5-2 Enable ATIS Functionality (ATIS FUNC)
VHF 710EU only. ATIS functionality will operate only after the ATIS MMSID has been entered (see previous
section).
DSC SETUP
INDIV REPLY
ATIS MMSID
> ATIS FUNC

ATIS FUNC
> ON
OFF

ATIS

Select DSC SETUP, then ATIS FUNC.

Select ON (on) to enable the ATIS functionality and automatically disable DSC functionality. The ATIS
annunciator appears on the screen.
It is not possible to have both ATIS ON (on) and DSC ON (on) simultaneously. When you enable one, the
other will turn OFF (oﬀ ). If DSC and ATIS are both OFF (oﬀ ), DSC will have to be switched ON (on) for
normal DSC operation.

There are two annunciators in the screen to show you the current mode: if the DSC annunciator is shown,
DSC is operational, if the ATIS annunciator is shown, ATIS is operational.

4-6 DSC functionality options (DSC FUNC)
DSC functionality can be disabled but this is not recommended.
DSC SETUP
GROUP SETUP
INDIV REPLY
> DSC FUNC

DSC FUNC
> ON
OFF

Select DSC SETUP, then DSC FUNC.

Press ENT to select ON and to operate the DSC functionality. This will automatically disable ATIS functionality. The DSC annunciator appears on the screen.

It is not possible to have both ATIS ON (on) and DSC ON (on) simultaneously. When you enable one, the
other will turn OFF (oﬀ ). If DSC and ATIS are both OFF (oﬀ ), DSC will have to be switched ON (on) for normal
DSC operation.
24

Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual

There are two annunciators in the screen to show you the current mode: if the DSC annunciator is shown,
DSC is operational. If the ATIS annunciator is shown, ATIS is operational.

4-7 Response Type to LL Polling Calls (LL REPLY)
You can set up the radio to respond to an LL polling request in one of three ways:
AUTO

automatically replies to any incoming LL polling requests from any of your buddies.

MANUAL choose whether to reply automatically or manually to any incoming buddy polling requests.
OFF

ignores all incoming buddy LL polling requests.

DSC SETUP
INDIV REPLY
DSC FUNC
> LL REPLY

LL REPLY
> AUTO
MANUAL
OFF

Select DSC SETUP, then LL REPLY.

Select your response and press ENT to conﬁrm
and return to the menu.

Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual

Section 5 - Sending and Receiving DSC Calls
These DSC facilities are available only on the VHF 710US and VHF 710EU models, and a valid user
MMSID must have been entered to access the DSC functions.

5-1 WHAT IS DSC?
DSC (Digital Selective Calling) is a semi-automated method of establishing VHF, MF, and HF radio calls. It has
been designated as an international standard by the IMO (International Maritime Organization) and is part
of the GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System).
Currently, you are required to monitor Distress Channel 16, but DSC will eventually replace listening watches
on distress frequencies and will be used to broadcast routine and urgent maritime safety information.
DSC enables you to send and receive calls from any vessel or coast station that is equipped with DSC functionality, and within geographic range. Calls can be categorised as distress, urgency, safety, or routine, and
DSC selects a working channel automatically.

5-2 Sending DSC calls
1.
DSC CALL
>INDIVIDUAL
LAST CALL
GROUP

Press CALL MENU to show the types of DSC call that can be made.
Note: Only four DSC call types can be shown at any one time on the screen.

+ or - to scroll up and down the DSC call types until the cursor is positioned
at the desired option. then press ENT. the DSC call types are:

Make a routine call or acknowledgement to a new caller or a buddy.
INDIVIDUAL

See Section 5-2-1, 5-2-2, and 5-2-3.
Show the details of the most recent incoming call.

LAST CALL

See Section 5-2-4.
Make a call to one of your three groups.

GROUP

See Section 5-2-5.
Make an All Ships call.

ALL SHIPS

See Section 5-2-6.
Show the details of the 20 most recent incoming calls.

CALL LOG

See Section 5-2-7.
Show the details of the 10 most recent distress calls.

DIST LOG

See Section 5-2-8.
Request the LL position of a buddy.

LL REQUEST

See Section 5-2-9.

Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual

5-2-1 Make a Routine Call (Individual)
DSC CALL
> INDIVIDUAL
LAST CALL
GROUP

INDIVIDUAL
> MANUAL NEW
BOBBY D
REBECCA T

MANUAL MMSID
0––––––––

012345678
INDIVIDUAL
ROUTINE
> SET CHANNEL

012345678
INDIVIDUAL
ROUTINE
> SEND?

12345678
INDIVIDUAL
ROUTINE
CALLING...

012345678
INDIVIDUAL
ROUTINE
WAITING ACK

INDIV ACK
012345678
PRESS PTT
ESC –> EXIT

You can call any other person that has another DSC equipped radio.
1.

Press CALL/MENU to enter DSC mode, then select INDIVIDUAL. This allows you to call another person.

Select MANUAL NEW to call a person that is not in your buddy list, otherwise select the name of your
buddy. Press ENT.
If you selected MANUAL NEW, you need to enter the user MMSID and then press ENT.

Select the working channel and press ENT. (Note: Duplex channels cannot usually be called and are
automatically eliminated from the suggested call list. If the call is to a Coast Station, the radio will recognize
this and select the correct channel.)

The radio summarizes the call details and asks for conﬁrmation to send the call (SEND?). Press ENT to
send the call. The radio goes to CH70 and the TX annunciator is displayed on the screen while the DSC
call is being sent.

If the call is acknowledged (ACK), press PTT to talk. If there is no reply, retry making the call. See Section
5-2-2.

5-2-2 Retrying a Routine Call
1.
VHF710
SEND AGAIN?
>YES
CANCEL

If there is no reply to your call after one minute (UNABLE TO ACKNOWLEDGE)
the radio asks if you want to retry the call (SEND AGAIN?).
Select YES and press ENT to retry the call.
The radio will repeat this cycle twice. If the call still cannot be placed, the radio
returns to normal operation.

5-2-3 Acknowledgement of an Individual Incoming Call (INDIV)
RCV: INDIV
012345678
ENTER –> ACK
ESC –> EXIT

The VHF 710EU requires the operator to manually send an acknowledgement to
the requesting radio.
Press ENT to send an acknowledgement or ESC to cancel.
The VHF 710US will automatically send an acknowledgement to the requesting
radio within 10 seconds of receiving the call.

Note: For some Countries in Europe it is possible to select ROUTINE, SAFETY, URGENCY, and DISTRESS as
the call category for Individual call transmissions.

Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual

5-2-4 Recall the Most Recent Incoming Call (LAST)
DSC CALL
INDIVIDUAL
> LAST CALL
GROUP

VHF710 USA
INDIVIDUAL
ROUTINE
10:22AM LOC

VHF710 USA
INDIVIDUAL
ROUTINE
> SET CHANNEL

VHF710 USA
INDIVIDUAL
ROUTINE
> SEND?

This facility is useful and used frequently.
1.

Press CALL/MENU to enter DSC mode. LAST CALL is automatically selected. Press ENT to display the
contact details of the most recent incoming call.

The radio summarizes the call details and asks for conﬁrmation to send the call (SEND?). Press ENT to
send the call, and continue as explained in Section 5-2-1.

5-2-5 Call a Group (GROUP)
DSC CALL
INDIVIDUAL
LAST CALL
> GROUP

SELECT GROUP
> RD GROUP
GROUP #2
GROUP#3

RD GROUP
055554444
ROUTINE
> SET CHANNEL

VHF710 USA
INDIVIDUAL
ROUTINE
> SEND?

Press CALL MENU to enter DSC mode, then select GROUP. The radio displays the names of your
groups.

Select the group that you want to call (the Group MMSID must be set before making the call). Then set
the channel and continue as explained in Section 5-2-1.

5-2-6 Call All Ships (ALL SHIPS)
DSC CALL
LAST CALL
GROUP
> ALL SHIPS

ALL SHIPS
> URGENCY
SAFETY
ROUTINE

ALL SHIPS
URGENCY
> YES
NO

The ALL SHIPS ROUTINE call option is shown only on the VHF 710US.
1.

Press CALL MENU to enter DSC mode, then select ALL SHIPS.

The priority is set automatically to URGENCY. However, you can select one of the following call priorities:

URGENCY
SAFETY
ROUTINE
DISTRESS

For use when a serious situation or problem arises that could lead to a distress situation
To send safety information to all other vessels in range;
Routine call (VHF 710US only).
Used in some countries in Europe

CH16 is selected automatically as the working channel and the radio asks for conﬁrmation of the ALL
SHIPS call. Press ENT to select YES and send the call. Continue as explained in Section 5-2-1.

Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual

5-2-7 Call using the Call Log (CALL LOG)
DSC CALL
GROUP
ALL SHIPS
> CALL LOG

11 VHF710
INDIVIDUAL
ROUTINE
10:45PM LOC

VHF710
> CALL BACK
DELETE
SAVE

VHF710
INDIVIDUAL
ROUTINE
> SET CHANNEL

VHF710
INDIVIDUAL
ROUTINE
> SEND?

The Call Log contains the contact details for the 20 most recent incoming calls, so that you call any of them
again quickly.
1.

Press CALL MENU to enter DSC mode, then select CALL LOG.
Scroll down to the desired contact details.
The radio displays the contact details for the most recent incoming call as the ﬁrst entry (01) in the call
log. In the example, the contact details for the 11th most recent call are displayed.

Press ENT to conﬁrm the call back, then set the working channel and press ENT to send the call. Continue
as explained in Section 5-2-1.

To save this log entry in your Buddy list, select SAVE and press ENT. Then enter the Name. The logged
MMSID is automatically displayed.

5-2-8 Call using the Distress Log (DIST LOG)
DSC CALL
ALL SHIPS
CALL LOG
> DIST LOG

02 10:03 UTC
VHF710 (xxx)
82º50. N
27º45. W

VHF710
INDIVIDUAL
ROUTINE
> SET CHANNEL

VHF710
INDIVIDUAL
ROUTINE
> SEND?

DISTRESS
RELAY
PIRACY
987654321

VHF710
> CALL BACK
DELETE

Note: DISTRESS RELAY calls can be sent in some countries.
The Distress Log contains the Distress Log data for the 10 most recent relayed Distress Calls, so that you can
call any of them quickly. LL position is received to 3 decimal places, if the sending radio is qualiﬁed. Always
try to make voice contact on CH16 ﬁrst, as follows:
1.

Press CALL/MENU to enter DSC mode, then select DIST LOG.

The most recently received Distress Call Is the ﬁrst entry (01) in the Distress Log. Select the entry that
you want to call and press ENT.
The details are displayed over two screens that alternate every 1.5 seconds; the ﬁrst screen shows the
location and name or MMSID of the vessel in Distress, the second screen shows the nature of the emergency (if speciﬁed) and the MMSID of the vessel that relayed the Distress Call.

Set the channel and continue as explained in Section 5-2-1.

Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual

5-2-9 Request the LL Position of a Buddy (LL REQUEST)
LL REQUEST
> SAM
VHF710
BUDDY #3

DSC CALL
CALL LOG
DIST LOG
> LL REQUEST

SAM
LL REQUEST
> SEND?

SAM
LL REQUEST
CALLING...

channel name
SAM
LL REQUEST
AWAITING ACK

Press CALL/MENU to enter DSC mode, then select LL REQUEST.

Select the buddy whose LL position you want to request then press ENT to send the request. (See Section
5-3-5 for the acknowledgement.)

The working channel name is displayed while the radio waits for an acknowledgement from your buddy.
If there is no reply after 1 minute the radio asks if you want to retry. Continue as explained in Section
5-2-2.

5-3 Receiving DSC Calls
Several types of DSC calls can be received from vessels within range at various priority levels:
DISTRESS
ALL SHIPS
INDIVIDUAL
GROUP
GEOGRAPHIC
POLLED POSITION

See Section 6.
Urgency or Safety priority (see Section 5-3-1)
Note: In some countries, ALL SHIP DISTRESS calls are received.
Urgency, Safety, or Routine priority (see Section 5-3-2)
Note: In some countries, INDIVIDUAL DISTRESS RELAY calls are received.
Routine priority only (see Section 5-3-3)
Routine priority only (see Section 5-3-4)
Routine priority only (see Section 5-3-5)

In addition to the audible alert, the telephone icon will ﬂash on the screen.

5-3-1 Receiving an All Ships Call (ALL SHIPS)
RCV: ALL SHIP
priority
VHF710
ESC –> EXIT

1. When you receive notiﬁcation of an ALL SHIP call, press any key to
cancel the alert. The radio automatically selects CH16.
The priority level and the user MMSID are displayed on the screen. If the
radio recognises the user MMSID as one of your buddies, the buddy’s
name is displayed in place of the user MMSID.

2. No acknowledgement is required. Press PTT to initiate voice contact on CH16 and then switch to a
working channel.
The call data is stored in the Call Log (see Section 5-2-7).

Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual

5-3-2 Receiving an Individual Call (INDIV)
RCV: INDIV
VHF710
ENTER –> ACK
ESC –> EXIT

INDIV ACK
VHF710
PRESS PTT
ESC –> EXIT

1. When you receive notiﬁcation of an INDIV
call, press any key to cancel the alert. The
radio automatically selects the channel
designated in the incoming call. INDIV
calls are almost always Routine priority.

If the radio recognises the user MMSID as one of your buddies, the buddy’s name is displayed in
place of the user MMSID.
2. The VHF 710US responds automatically but the VHF 710EU prompts you to press ENT to
acknowledge the incoming call.
3. The caller should respond to your acknowledgement by making voice contact on the designated
channel. If this does not happen, you can press PTT to initiate voice contact instead.
The call data is stored in the Call Log (see Section 5-2-7).

5-3-3 Receiving a Group Call (GROUP)
RCV: GROUP
GP: RD GROUP
VHF710
ROUTINE

1. When you receive notiﬁcation of a GROUP call, press any key to cancel
the alert. The radio automatically selects the channel designated in the
incoming call.
The priority level is always routine, and the group is identiﬁed on the
screen. The group will be one of the three groups of frequently called
people that you set up earlier (see Section 4-3).

2. You do not need to send an acknowledgement. If desired, press PTT to initiate voice contact on the
designated channel.
The call data is stored in the Call Log (see Section 5-2-7).

5-3-4 Receiving a Geographic Call (GEOGRAPH)
RCV: GEOGRAPH
VHF710
10:34 UTC
ESC –> EXIT

A geographic call is received by vessels within a speciﬁc geographic
boundary area.
1. When you receive notiﬁcation of a GEOGRAPH call, press any key to
cancel the alert. The radio automatically selects the channel designated
in the incoming call.

The time and the user MMSID or name are displayed on the screen. If the radio recognises the user
MMSID as one of your buddies, the buddy’s name is displayed in place of the user MMSID.
2. Monitor the working channel for an announcement from the calling vessel.

5-3-5 Receiving a Polled Position Call (POSITION)
RCV: POSITION
SAM
82º50.003'N
27º45.543'W

1. When you receive GPS position data from a buddy in response to your
LL request (see Section 5-2-9), you are recommended to make a written
note of the position, especially if it is a good ﬁshing position.
If enhanced LL position information is available from your buddy, this is
shown on the screen until the screen display changes.

Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual

Section 6 - Distress Calls
This DSC function is available only on the 710US and 710EU models, and a valid user MMSID must have been
entered to access this DSC function.

6-1 Sending a Distress Call
DISTRESS CALL
> PIRACY
OVER BOARD
UNDEFINED

DISTRESS CALL
> PIRACY
HOLD DISTRESS
2 SECONDS..

DISTRESS CALL
SENT! WAIT..
PRESS ESC
TO CANCEL...

Open the red cover labelled DISTRESS.
If time is available to specify the nature of the distress, go to step 2. Otherwise, go directly to step 3.

Press the DISTRESS key to display the following categories. Scroll to the category that describes your
situation, then press ENT:
UNDEFINED
FIRE
FLOODING
COLLISION
GROUNDING
LISTING
SINKING
ADRIFT
ABANDONING
PIRACY
OVER BOARD

Hold down the DISTRESS key for about 3 seconds, until you see the distress call sent message (DISTRESS
CALL SENT!) on the screen. The whole display starts to ﬂash and beep loudly.
The distress call repeats ﬁve times continuously. It then repeats randomly every 3.5 to 4.5 minutes until
a distress acknowledgement (DISTRESS ACK) is received from a search and rescue authority or until you
cancel the distress call manually.
The radio selects CH16 automatically so that you can hear any incoming voice contacts from search and
rescue authorities or other vessels within range.
Press ESC if you need to cancel the distress call. This is the only key that operates in distress mode.

Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual

6-2 Receiving a Distress Call (DISTRESS!)
1.
RCV: DISTRESS
123456789
FLOODING
ESC –> EXIT

RCV: DISTRESS
10:34 UTC
82º50.003'N
27º45.543'W

An alert sounds when a distress call (DISTRESS!)
is received. Press any key to cancel the alert. You
do not need to send an acknowledgement.

The radio automatically selects CH16 and displays the details of the distress call on the screen. Press PTT
to establish voice contact.
The details are displayed over two screens that alternate every 1.5 seconds; the ﬁrst screen shows the user
MMSID and nature of the emergency (if speciﬁed), the second screen shows the time and the location
(if speciﬁed). If the location and time are not speciﬁed, these are replaced with sequences of 9s and 8s
respectively.
The VHF710 is capable of receiving enhanced LL position data if the vessel transmitting the Distress Call
is sending this. This provides the position of the distressed vessel to within 20 m (60ft).

6-3 Distress Acknowledgement (distress ack) or Relay
RCV: DISTRESS
RELAY
123456789
ESC –> EXIT

An alert sounds when a Distress Relay (DISTRESS RELAY) is received. Press any key
to cancel the alert.
Try to make voice contact with the calling vessel. Maintain a listening watch on
CH16 and standby to lend assistance.

For a Distress Acknowledgement (DISTRESS ACK) sent from the Coast Guard, your radio automatically cancels
Distress Mode transmissions and CH16 appears. Press PTT to establish voice contact with the Coast Guard.
The Coast Guard is the only agency allowed to send a Distress Acknowledgement (DISTRESS ACK).

Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual

Appendix A - Technical Specifications
Northstar VHF 710 US.EU
GENERAL
Power Supply:

13.6V DC.

Current drain:
Transmit

6 A at 25 W Tx / 1.5A at 1W Tx

Receive

Less than 250mA in standby

Useable channels:

International, USA, Canada, Weather (country speciﬁc)

Mode:

16K0G3E (FM) / 16K0G2B (DSC)

PHYSICAL
LCD display (viewing):

26 mm (H) x 46 mm (W)
FSTN 4 x 12 character matrix with big CH digits/icons

Contrast and
Dimming control:

Yes

Antenna connector:

SO-239 (50 ohm)

Temperature Range:

-15ºC to +50ºC

Waterproof:

JIS-7

Dimensions:

161(W) x 75(H) x 147(D) mm - without bracket

Weight:

1.29 kg (2.8 lbs) - without microphone

Frequency stability:

+/- 10ppm

Frequency control:

PLL

GPS/NMEA input:

Yes

Comm. port:

4800 baud NMEA

DSC:

Yes

FEATURES
Flush Mount kit and
dust cover:

Yes

Local/Distant control:

Yes

Position polling:

Yes

Group Call:

Yes

Call logs:

Yes - 20 individual and 10 distress

DSC (USCG SC101
and Class D):

Yes (VHF 710US, Class D 710EU)

Channel Naming:

Yes

Tri watch, Favourite
channel scan, All scan:

Yes

User programmable
MMSID:

Yes, User MMSID and ATIS (710EU)

MMSID and NAME
directory:

Yes - 20 numbers & group

Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual

TRANSMITTER
Frequency:

156.025 - 157.425 MHz

Output power:

25 W / 1 W selectable

Transmitter protection:

Open / short circuit of antenna

Max Freq deviation:

+/- 5 kHz

Spurious & harmonics:

better than 2.5 μ W

Modulation distortion:

Less than 4%@ 1 kHz for a +/-3 kHz deviation

RECEIVER
Frequency:
156.025 - 163.275 MHz
12 dB SINAD sensitivity: 0.25 uV (distant) / 2.5 uV (local)
20 db SINAD sensitivity: 0.35 uV
Adjacent CH selectivity:more than 70 db (VHF 710US)
more than 70 db (VHF 710EU)
Spurious response:
more than 70 db (VHF 710US)
more than 70 db (VHF 710EU)
Intermodulation
Rejection ratio:
more than 68 db (VHF 710US)
more than 68 db (VHF 710EU)
Residual Noise level:
more than -40 db unsquelched
Audio output power:
2 W (with 8 ohm at 10% distortion)
4 W with 4 ohm external speaker
Compass safe distance: 0.5 m (1.5')
Speciﬁcations are subject to change without notice.

Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual

Appendix B - Troubleshooting
1. The transceiver will not power up.
A fuse may have blown OR there is no voltage getting to the transceiver.
a) Check the power cable for cuts, breaks, or squashed sections.
b) After checking the wiring, replace the 7 Amp fuse (2 spare fuses are supplied).
c) Check the battery voltage. This must be greater than 10.5 V.
2. The transceiver blows the fuse when the power is switched on.
The power wires may have been reversed.
a) Check that the red wire is connected to the positive battery terminal, and the black wire is connected
to the negative battery terminal.
3. The speaker makes popping or whining noises when the engine is running.
Electrical noise may be interfering with the transceiver.
a) Re-route the power cables away from the engine.
b) Add a noise suppressor to the power cable.
c) Use resistive spark plug wires and/or use an alternator whine ﬁlter.
4. No sound from the external speaker.
a) Check that the external speaker cable is physically connected.
b) Check the soldering of the external speaker cable.
5. Transmissions are always on low power, even when high (HI) power is selected.
The antenna may be faulty.
a) Test the transceiver with a diﬀerent antenna.
b) Have the antenna checked out.
6. Battery symbol is displayed.
The power supply is too low.
a) Check the battery voltage. This should be at least 10.5 V ± 0.5 V DC.
b) Check the alternator on the vessel.
7. No position information is displayed.
The GPS cable may faulty or the GPS setting may be incorrect.
a) Check that the GPS cable is physically connected.
b) Check the polarity of the GPS cable.
c) Check the baud rate setting of the GPS if applicable. The baud rate setting should be 4800 and parity
should be set to NONE.

Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual

Appendix C - VHF Marine Channel Charts
C.1 International (EU-DSC ON)
NOTE

For assistance in understanding the Table, see notes a) to o) below. (WRC-2000)

Channel
designator

Notes

Transmitting
frequencies
MHz
Ship
stations

Intership

Coast
stations

Port operations
and ship movement
Single
frequency

Public
correspondence

Two
frequency

156,025

160,625

156,050

160,650

m), o)

156,075

160,675

m), o)

156,100

160,700

m), o)

156,125

160,725

m), o)

156,150

160,750

m), o)

156,175

160,775

m), o)

156,200

160,800

m), o)

156,225

160,825

m), o)

156,250

160,850

m), o)

156,275

160,875

156,300

156,325

160,925

156,350

160,950

156,375

156,400

68
09

156,425

156,450

156,475

156,500

156,525

Digital selective calling for distress, safety and calling

156,550

156,575

156,600

156,625

156,650

h), i)

156,675

156,700

156,725

156,725
156,750

156,750

156,775

x
x
x

x
x

Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual

Channel
designator

Transmitting
frequencies
MHz

Notes

Ship
stations

156,800

156,825

156,850

Coast
stations

Port operations
and ship movement
Single
frequency

Public
correspondence

Two
frequency

156,800

DISTRESS, SAFETY AND CALLING

156,850

156,875

Intership

156,900

161,500

156,925

161,525

156,950

161,550

156,975

161,575

157,000

161,600

157,025

161,625

157,050

161,650

157,075

161,675

x
x

157,100

161,700

m), o)

157,125

161,725

m), o)

157,150

161,750

m), o)

157,175

161,775

m), o)

157,200

161,800

m), o)

157,225

161,825

m), o)

157,250

161,850

m), o)

157,275

161,875

m), o)

157,300

161,900

m), o)

157,325

161,925

157,350

161,950

157,375

157,400

157,425

x
162,000
x

AIS 1

161,975

AIS 2

162,025

SPECIAL NOTES ON INTERNATIONAL CHANNEL USEAGE
Notes referring to the Table
General notes
The International mode is not legal for use in US or Canada Waters
a.

Administrations may designate frequencies in the inter-ship, port operations and ship movement services
for use by light aircraft and helicopters to communicate with ships or participating coast stations in predominantly maritime support operations under the conditions speciﬁed in Nos. 51.69, 51.73, 51.74, 51.75,
51.76, 51.77 and 51.78. However, the use of the channels which are shared with public correspondence
shall be subject to prior agreement between interested and aﬀected administrations.

The channels of the present Annex, with the exception of channels 06, 13, 15, 16, 17, 70, 75 and 76, may
also be used for high-speed data and facsimile transmissions, subject to special arrangement between
interested and aﬀected administrations.

The channels of the present Annex, but preferably channel 28 and with the exception of channels 06,
13, 15, 16, 17, 70, 75 and 76, may be used for direct-printing telegraphy and data transmission, subject
to special arrangement between interested and aﬀected administrations.

Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual

The frequencies in this Table may also be used for radiocommunications on inland waterways in accordance with the conditions speciﬁed in No. 5.226. – 56 – 62238 IEC:2003(E)

Administrations having an urgent need to reduce local congestion may apply 12,5 kHz channel interleaving on a non-interference basis to 25 kHz channels, provided:
– Recommendation ITU-R M.1084-2 shall be taken into account when changing to 12,5 kHz channels;
– it shall not aﬀect the 25 kHz channels of the present Annex maritime mobile distress and safety frequencies, especially the channels 06, 13, 15, 16, 17, and 70, nor the technical characteristics mentioned
in Recommendation ITU-R M.489-2 for those channels;
– implementation of 12,5 kHz channel interleaving and consequential national requirements shall be
subject to prior agreement between the implementing administrations and administrations whose ship
stations or services may be aﬀected.

Speciﬁc notes
f.

The frequency 156,300 MHz (channel 06) (see No. 51.79 and Appendices 13 and 15) may also be used for
communication between ship stations and aircraft stations engaged in coordinated search and rescue
operations. Ship stations shall avoid harmful interference to such communications on channel 06 as well
as to communications between aircraft stations, ice-breakers and assisted ships during ice seasons.

Channels 15 and 17 may also be used for on-board communications provided the eﬀective radiated
power does not exceed 1 W, and subject to the national regulations of the administration concerned
when these channels are used in its territorial waters.

Within the European Maritime Area and in Canada, these frequencies (channels 10, 67, 73) may also
be used, if so required, by the individual administrations concerned, for communication between ship
stations, aircraft stations and participating land stations engaged in coordinated search and rescue and
anti-pollution operations in local areas, under the conditions speciﬁed in Nos. 51.69, 51.73, 51.74, 51.75,
51.76, 51.77 and 51.78.

The preferred ﬁrst three frequencies for the purpose indicated in Note a) are 156,450 MHz (channel
09),156,625 MHz (channel 72) and 156,675 MHz (channel 73).

Channel 70 is to be used exclusively for digital selective calling for distress, safety and calling.

Channel 13 is designated for use on a worldwide basis as a navigation safety communication channel,
primarily for intership navigation safety communications. It may also be used for the ship movement
and port operations service subject to the national regulations of the administrations concerned.

These channels (AIS 1 and AIS 2) will be used for an automatic ship identiﬁcation and surveillance system
capable of providing worldwide operation on high seas, unless other frequencies are designated on a
regional basis for this purpose.

These channels may be operated as single frequency channels, subject to special arrangement between
interested or aﬀected administrations. (WRC-2000)

The use of these channels (75 and 76) should be restricted to navigation-related communications only
and all precautions should be taken to avoid harmful interference to channel 16, e.g. by limiting the
output power to 1 W or by means of geographical separation.

These channels may be used to provide bands for initial testing and the possible future introduction
of new technologies, subject to special arrangement between interested or aﬀected administrations.
Stations using these channels or bands for the testing and the possible future introduction of new
technologies shall not cause harmful interference to, and shall not claim protection from, other stations
operating in accordance with Article 5. (WRC-2000)

Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual

C.2 USA Channel Chart
CH

SEND
(MHz)

01A
03A 4
05A

RECEIVE
(MHz)

TRAFFIC TYPE

SHIP SHIP NAME TAG
TO
TO
SHIP SHORE

156.050 156.050

Port Operations, Selected VTS Areas

Yes

156.150

US Government, Coast Guard

Yes

UNAUTHORIZED

156.250 156.250

Port Operations, Selected VTS Areas

Yes

PORT OPS/VTS

156.300 156.300

Inter-ship Safety

Yes

SAFETY

07A

156.350 156.350

Commercial

Yes

COMMERCIAL

156.400 156.400

Commercial (inter-ship only)

Yes

COMMERCIAL

156.450 156.450

Recreational Calling Channel

Yes

CALLING

156.500 156.500

Commercial

Yes

COMMERCIAL

156.550 156.550

Commercial, VTS in Selected Areas

Yes

VTS

156.600 156.600

Port Operations, Selected VTS Areas

Yes

PORT OPS/VTS

13 3

156.650 156.650

Intership Navigation Safety (bridgeto-bridge), 1W with Power-up

Yes

BRIDGE COM

Yes

156.150

PORT OPS/VTS

156.700 156.700

Port Operations, Selected VTS Areas

Yes

15 2

RX Only 156.750

Environmental, RX Only

------ ------

ENVIROMENTAL

156.800 156.800

International Distress, Safety, and
Calling

Yes

DISTRESS

17 1

156.850 156.850

State Controlled – 1W Only

Yes

SAR

18A

156.900 156.900

Commercial

Yes

COMMERCIAL

Yes

PORT OPS/VTS

19A

156.950 156.950

Commercial

Yes

COMMERCIAL

157.000 161.600

Port Operations, Canadian Coast
Guard, Duplex

Yes

PORT OPS

20A

157.000 157.000

Port Operations

Yes

PORT OPS

21A 4

157.050

U.S. Government, Canadian Coast
Guard

Yes

UNAUTHORIZED
COAST GUARD

157.050

22A

157.100 157.100

Coast Guard Liaison

Yes

23A 4

157.150

U.S. Government, Coast Guard

Yes

UNAUTHORIZED

157.200 161.800

Public Correspondence, Marine
Operator

Yes

TELEPHONE

157.250 161.850

Public Correspondence, Marine
Operator

Yes

TELEPHONE

157.300 161.900

Public Correspondence, Marine
Operator

Yes

TELEPHONE

157.350 161.950

Public Correspondence, Marine
Operator

Yes

TELEPHONE

157.400 162.000

Public Correspondence, Marine
Operator

Yes

TELEPHONE

157.150

Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual

SEND
(MHz)

RECEIVE
(MHz)

TRAFFIC TYPE

SHIP SHIP NAME TAG
TO
TO
SHIP SHORE

61A 4

156.075

U.S. Government, Canadian Coast
Guard

Yes

UNAUTHORIZED

63A

156.175 156.175

Port Operations, VTS in Selected
Areas

Yes

PORT OPS/VTS

U.S. Government, Canadian
Commercial Fishing

Yes

UNAUTHORIZED
PORT OPS

64A 4 156.225

156.225

65A

156.275 156.275

Port Operations

Yes

66A

156.325 156.325

Port Operations

Yes

PORT OPS

67 3

156.375 156.375

Commercial, bridge-to-bridge, 1W
with Power-up

Yes

BRIDGE COM

156.425 156.425

Boat Operations, Recreational

Yes

SHIP - SHIP

156.475 156.475

Boat Operations, Recreational

Yes

PLEASURE

70 6

156.525 156.525

Digital Selective Calling - DSC

------ ------

DSC

156.575 156.575

Boat Operations, Recreational

Yes

PLEASURE

156.625 156.625

Boat Operations, Recreational

Yes

SHIP - SHIP

156.675 156.675

Port Operations

Yes

PORT OPS

156.725 156.725

Port Operations

Yes

PORT OPS

77 1

156.875 156.875

Port Operations –1W Only

Yes

PORT OPS

78A

156.925 156.925

Boat Operations, Recreational

Yes

SHIP - SHIP

79A

156.975 156.975

Commercial

Yes

COMMERCIAL

80A

157.025 157.025

Commercial

Yes

COMMERCIAL

81A 4

157.075

U.S. Government, Environmental
Protection Agency Operations

Yes

UNAUTHORIZED

82A 4

157.125

U.S. Government, Canadian Coast
Guard

Yes

UNAUTHORIZED

83A 4 157.175

157.175

U.S. Government, Canadian Coast
Guard

Yes

UNAUTHORIZED

157.225 161.825

Public Correspondence, Marine
Operator

Yes

TELEPHONE

157.275 161.875

Public Correspondence, Marine
Operator

Yes

TELEPHONE

157.325 161.925

Public Correspondence, Marine
Operator

Yes

TELEPHONE

157.375 161.975

Public Correspondence, Marine
Operator

Yes

TELEPHONE

157.425 162.025

Public Correspondence, Marine
Operator

Yes

TELEPHONE

88A

157.425 157.425

Commercial, Intership Only

Yes

COMMERCIAL

Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual

WEATHER

MHz

TRAFFIC TYPE

Wx01

RX Only

162.550

NOAA WEATHER CHANNEL

------

------ NOAA WX

NAME TAG

Wx02

RX Only

162.400

NOAA WEATHER CHANNEL

------

------ NOAA WX

Wx03

RX Only

162.475

NOAA WEATHER CHANNEL

------

------ NOAA WX

Wx04

RX Only

162.425

NOAA WEATHER CHANNEL

------

------ NOAA WX

Wx05

RX Only

162.450

NOAA WEATHER CHANNEL

------

------ NOAA WX

Wx06

RX Only

162.500

NOAA WEATHER CHANNEL

------

------ NOAA WX

Wx07

RX Only

162.525

NOAA WEATHER CHANNEL

------

------ NOAA WX

Wx08

RX Only

161.650

CANADIAN WEATHER CHANNEL

------

------ CANADA WX

Wx09

RX Only

161.775

CANADIAN WEATHER CHANNEL

------

------ CANADA WX

Wx10

RX Only

163.275

NOAA WEATHER CHANNEL

------

------ NOAA WX

SPECIAL NOTES ON USA CHANNEL USAGE
1.

LOW POWER (1 W) only.

Receive Only.

LOW POWER (1 W) initially. Override to HIGH POWER by holding down H/L key before transmitting. Used
normally in bridge-to-bridge communications.

Lightly Shaded Simplex channels 03A, 21A, 23A, 61A, 64A, 81A, 82A, and 83A cannot be lawfully used in
U.S. waters unless special authorization is obtained from the U.S. Coast Guard. Not for use by the general
public.

The letter “A” illuminated by the channel number indicates the USA channel is simplex. This same channel
is always duplex when selecting International. There is no “A” reference for International channels. The
letter “B” is only used for some Canadian “Receive Only” channels.

Channel 70 is designated for use exclusively for Digital Selective Calling (DSC), such as Distress, Safety,
and Ship Calls. No voice communication is allowed on CH70.

Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual

C-3 CANADA Channel CHART
CH

SEND
(MHz)

RECEIVE
(MHz)

TRAFFIC TYPE

SHIP SHIP TO NAME TAG
SHORE
TO
SHIP

156.050

160.650

Public Correspondence, Duplex

Yes

TELEPHONE

156.100

160.700

Public Correspondence, Duplex

Yes

TELEPHONE

156.150

160.750

Public Correspondence, Duplex

Yes

TELEPHONE

04A

156.200

Canadian Coast Guard, SAR

Yes

CANADIAN CG

05A

156.250

Port Operations, VTS in Selected
Areas

Yes

PORT OPS/VTS

156.300

Inter-ship Safety

Yes

SAFETY

07A

156.350

Commercial

Yes

COMMERCIAL

156.400

Commercial (inter-ship only)

Yes

COMMERCIAL

156.450

Recreational Calling Channel

Yes

CALLING

156.500

Commercial

Yes

COMMERCIAL

156.550

Commercial, VTS in Selected Areas Yes

Yes

VTS

156.600

Port Operations, VTS in Selected
Areas

Yes

PORT OPS/VTS

13 3

156.650

Intership Navigation Safety (bridge- Yes
to-bridge) 1W with power-up

BRIDGE COM

156.700

Port Operations, VTS in Selected
Areas

Yes

PORT OPS/VTS

15 1

156.750

Commercial – 1W Only

Yes

COMMERCIAL

156.800

International Distress, Safety, and
Calling

Yes

DISTRESS

17 1

156.850

State Controlled – 1W Only

Yes

SAR

18A

156.900

Commercial

Yes

COMMERCIAL

Yes

19A

156.950

Canadian Coast Guard

Yes

CANADIAN CG

20 1

157.000

161.600

Canadian Coast Guard, Duplex– 1W No
Only

Yes

CANADIAN CG

157.050

161.650

Port Operations, Duplex

Yes

PORT OPS

21A

157.050

U.S. Government, Canadian Coast
Guard

Yes

UNAUTHORIZED

21B

RX Only

161.650

Port Operations, RX Only

------

PORT OPS

22A

157.100

Canadian Coast Guard Liaison

Yes

CANADIAN CG

157.150

161.750

Public Correspondence, Duplex

Yes

TELEPHONE

157.200

161.800

Public Correspondence, Duplex

Yes

TELEPHONE

157.250

161.850

Public Correspondence, Duplex

Yes

TELEPHONE

25B

RX Only

161.850

Public Correspondence, RX Only

------

TELEPHONE

157.300

161.900

Public Correspondence, Duplex

Yes

TELEPHONE

157.350

161.950

Public Correspondence, Duplex

Yes

TELEPHONE

157.400

162.000

Public Correspondence, Duplex

Yes

TELEPHONE

Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual

SEND
(MHz)

RECEIVE
(MHz)

TRAFFIC TYPE

SHIP SHIP TO NAME TAG
TO
SHORE
SHIP

28B

RX Only

162.000

Public Correspondence, RX Only

------

156.025

160.625

Public Correspondence, Duplex

Yes

TELEPHONE

61A 4 156.075

156.075

U.S. Government, Canadian Coast
Guard

Yes

UNAUTHORIZED

62A

156.125

Canadian Coast Guard

Yes

CANADIAN CG

156.225

160.825

Public Correspondence, Duplex

Yes

TELEPHONE

64A 4 156.225

156.225

U.S. Government, Canadian
Commercial Fishing

Yes

UNAUTHORIZED

65A

PORT OPS

TELEPHONE

156.275

Port Operations

Yes

66A 1 156.325

156.325

Port Operations – 1W Only

Yes

PORT OPS

156.375

Commercial, SAR

Yes

COMMERCIAL

156.425

Boat Operations, Recreational

Yes

SHIP - SHIP

156.475

Commercial Fishing Only

Yes

COMMERCIAL
DSC

70 6

156.525

Digital Selective Calling - DSC

------

156.575

Boat Operations, Recreational

Yes

PLEASURE

156.625

Intership

Yes

SHIP - SHIP

156.675

Commercial Fishing Only

Yes

COMMERCIAL

156.725

Commercial Fishing Only

Yes

COMMERCIAL

77 1

156.875

Port Operations –1W Only

Yes

PORT OPS

78A

156.925

Boat Operations, Recreational

Yes

SHIP - SHIP

79A

156.975

Commercial

Yes

COMMERCIAL

80A

157.025

Commercial

Yes

COMMERCIAL

81A 4 157.075

157.075

U.S. Government Operations

Yes

UNAUTHORIZED

82A 4 157.125

157.125

U.S. Government, Canadian Coast
Guard

Yes

UNAUTHORIZED

157.175

161.775

Canadian Coast Guard

Yes

CANADIAN CG

83A 4 157.175

157.175

U.S. Government, Canadian Coast
Guard

Yes

UNAUTHORIZED

83B

RX Only

161.775

Canadian Coast Guard, RX Only

------

CANADIAN CG

157.225

161.825

Public Correspondence, Marine
Operator

Yes

TELEPHONE

157.275

161.875

Public Correspondence, Marine
Operator

Yes

TELEPHONE

157.325

161.925

Public Correspondence, Marine
Operator

Yes

TELEPHONE

157.375

161.975

Public Correspondence, Marine
Operator

Yes

TELEPHONE

157.425

162.025

Public Correspondence, Marine
Operator

Yes

TELEPHONE

Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual

WEATHER

MHz

TRAFFIC TYPE

Wx01

RX Only

162.550

NOAA WEATHER CHANNEL

------

NAME TAG
NOAA WX

Wx02

RX Only

162.400

NOAA WEATHER CHANNEL

------

NOAA WX

Wx03

RX Only

162.475

NOAA WEATHER CHANNEL

------

NOAA WX

Wx04

RX Only

162.425

NOAA WEATHER CHANNEL

------

NOAA WX

Wx05

RX Only

162.450

NOAA WEATHER CHANNEL

------

NOAA WX

Wx06

RX Only

162.500

NOAA WEATHER CHANNEL

------

NOAA WX

Wx07

RX Only

162.525

NOAA WEATHER CHANNEL

------

NOAA WX

Wx08

RX Only

161.650

CANADIAN WEATHER CHANNEL

------

CANADA WX

Wx09

RX Only

161.775

CANADIAN WEATHER CHANNEL

------

CANADA WX

Wx10

RX Only

163.275

NOAA WEATHER CHANNEL

------

NOAA WX

SPECIAL NOTES ON CANADA CHANNEL USAGE
1.

LOW POWER (1 W) only.

Receive Only.

LOW POWER (1 W) initially. Override to HIGH POWER by holding down H/L key before transmitting. Used
normally in bridge-to-bridge communications.

Lightly Shaded Simplex channels 21A, 23A, 61A, 64A, 81A, 82A, and 83A cannot be lawfully used in
Canada waters unless special authorization is obtained from the Canadian Coast Guard. Not for use by
the general public.

The letter “A” illuminated by the channel number indicates the Canada channel is simplex. This same
channel is always duplex when selecting International. There is no “A” reference for International channels.
The letter “B” is only used for some Canadian “Receive Only” channels.

Channel 70 is designated for use exclusively for Digital Selective Calling (DSC), such as Distress, Safety,
and Ship Calls. No voice communication is allowed on CH70.

The CANADA mode is not legal to use in U.S. waters.

Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual

C-4 EU INLAND WATERWAY CHANNELS Country Specific
For speciﬁc channel information for your country, please refer to local authorities.

SPECIFIC
FOOTNOTES

TRANSMITTING
FREQUENCY (MHZ)

SHIP-TO-SHIP

SHIP-TOPORT NAUT.INFORM

SHIP

LAND

156.025

160.625

156.05

160.65

156.075

160.675

156.1

160.7

156.125

160.725

156.15

160.75

156.175

160.775

156.2

160.8

156.225

160.825

156.25

160.85

156.275

160.875

a) b)

156.3

156.325

160.925

156.35

160.95

a) c)

156.375

a) q)

156.4

156.425

a) b) c)

156.45

156.475

156.5

156.525

Digital selective calling for distress,
saftey and calling
x

x
x

156.55

156.575

156.6

a) r)

156.625

156.65

f ) g)

156.675

156.7

156.725

156.75

156.775

x
x

156.8

j) d) o)

156.825

Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual

156.85

a) k)

156.875

x
x

156.9

161.5

156.925

161.525

156.95

161.55

156.975

161.575

157

161.6

20
80

157.025

161.625

157.05

161.65

157.075

161.675

157.1

161.7

22
82

l) m)

157.125

161.725

157.15

161.75

a) m)

157.175

161.775

157.2

161.8

157.225

161.825

157.25

161.85

a) m)

157.275

161.875

157.3

161.9

a) m)

157.325

161.925

157.35

161.95

a) d)

157.375

157.4

162

x
x

a) p)

157.425

AIS 1

a) n)

161.975

AIS 2

a) n)

162.025

Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual

1.1 General remarks to frequency table 1
1.1.1 The channels for service categories ship-to-ship and nautical information may also be used for vessel
traﬃc -systems by traﬃc centres.
1.1.2 In some countries, frequencies certain channels are used for an other service category or other radio
services. These countries are Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia,, the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Hungary,
Moldova, Romania, the Russian Federation, the Slovak Republic, the Czech Republic (with exemption
of channels 08, 09, 72, 74 and 86), Ukraine and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The Administrations
concerned should make any possible attempt to make these frequencies channels as soon as possible
available for the radiotelephone service on Inland Waterways and/or the required service category.
1.2 Explanation of speciﬁc footnotes in frequency table 1
a.

In the countries mentioned under 1.1.2, it is strictly prohibited to use this channel.

This channel is not allowed to be used between Rhine km 150 and km 350.

In the Netherlands, this channel is used by for its on-scene communications during safety operations
on the North Sea, IJsselmeer, Waddenzee, Ooster- and Westerschelde.

This channel may also be used for piloting, mooring, tugging and for other nautical purposes.

This channel is the ﬁrst ship-to-ship channel, unless the competent authority has designated an other
channel.
In the countries mentioned under 1.1.2, it is allowed that the output power is set to a value between 6
and 25 W until 1 January 2005.

In the countries mentioned under 1.1.2, this channel is used for service category ship-to-port authorities.

g. In the Netherlands, this channel is used by its national coastguard for communications during oil pollution operations on the North Sea and for safety messages for the North Sea, Waddenzee, IJsselmeer,
Ooster- and Westerschelde.
h.

This channel may be used only for service category on-boardon board communications.

i. This channel may be used only for communications between seagoing vessels and participating land stations in case of distress and safety communications within the maritime sea-areas.
In the countries mentioned under 1.1.2, this channel may be used only for distress, safety and calling.
j.

The output power shall be reduced automatically to a value between 0.5 and 1 W.

This channel may be used for communications with a social character.

In the Netherlands and Belgium, this channel may be used for transmitting messages
concerning
bunkering and victualling. The output power has to be reduced manually to a value between 0.5 and- 1
W.

m. This channel may also be used for public correspondence.
n.

This channel will be used for an automatic ship identiﬁcation and surveillance system (AIS) capable of
providing worldwide operating on seas and Inland Waterways.

The availability of this channel is on a voluntary basis. All existing equipment shall be capable to of
operatinge on this channel within a ten-year period after the entry into force of this Arrangement.

After permission of the competent authority, this channel may be used only for special events on a
temporary basis.

In the Czech Republic this channel is used for service category nautical information.

In the Czech Republic this channel is used for service category ship-to-port authorities.

Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual

Special Channels 2
CH

SEND
(MHz)

RECEIVE
(MHz)

TRAFFIC TYPE

SHIP TO
SHIP

SHIP TO
SHORE

NAME TAG

00 1

156.000

UK Coast Guard Users

Yes

UK COAST GRD

157.425

157.850

UK Marina Channel M1

Yes

UK MARINA
UK MARINA

161.425

UK Marina Channel M2

Yes

157.550

162.150

INT’L, Duplex (Holland)

Yes

NL MARINA

96H 162.425

162.425

INT’L (Belgium)

Yes

BEL G MARINA

155.500

INT’L (Skandinavia)

Yes

LEISURE 1

155.525

INT’L (Skandinavia)

Yes

LEISURE 2

155.650

INT’L (Skandinavia– not in
Denmark)

Yes

LE ISURE3

155.625

INT’L (Skandinavia)

Yes

FISHING 1

155.775

INT’L (Skandinavia)

Yes

FISHING 2

155.825

INT’L (Skandinavia) call back

Yes

FISHING 3

AIS1 161.975

161.975

AIS1

-----

AIS2 162.025

162.025

AIS2

-----

Note:
1.

Lightly Shaded Simplex channel CH00 is only available in the UK to Coast Guard users with written
authorization.

The special channels above maybe ﬁtted to your radio. These are only licensed for use in the country
indicated. No atttempt should be made to use them in any other country.

Appendix D - MMSID and License Information
You must obtain a user MMSID (Marine Mobile Service Identity) and enter it into your 710 in order to use
the DSC functions. Contact the appropriate authorities in your country. If you are unsure who to contact,
consult your Northstar dealer.
The user MMSID is a unique nine digit number, similar to a personal telephone number. It is used on marine
transceivers that are capable of using DSC (Digital Select Calling).
Depending upon your location, you may need a radio station license for the VHF 710. You may also need an
individual operator’s license.
Copyright © 2005 Brunswick New Technologies Inc. Northstar™ recommends that you check the requirements of your national radio communications authorities before operating DSC functions.

Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual

Section 7 - Installation Section

RED

2 x FUSES

EXTERNAL SPEAKER

BLACK

BATTERY

4
GPS NAVIGATION RECEIVER

1
VHF ANTENNA

Waterproof
deck outlet

This Northstar radio is designed to generate a digital maritime distress call to facilitate search and rescue. To be
eﬀective as a safety device, this radio must be used only within the geographic range of a shore-based VHF marine
Channel 70 distress and safety watch system. The geographic range may vary but under normal conditions is approximately 20 nautical miles.

Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual

Checklist (pictured over)
The following items should be supplied in the box. Check before starting the installation and contact your
dealer if an item is missing. Note that an antenna is not provided with the VHF Radio. Consult your Northstar
dealer for advice if necessary.
1.

Mounting gimbal for the VHF radio

Power supply cable and external speaker connection cable

Two mounting knobs

Microphone bulkhead mount

GPS connection cable

Four self-tapping screws for the mounting gimbal

Four ﬂat screws for the mounting gimbal

Four plain washers for the mounting gimbal

Four spring washers for the mounting gimbal

10. Four nuts for the mounting gimbal
11. Two self-tapping screws for the microphone bulkhead mount
12. Two ﬂat screws for the microphone bulkhead mount
13. Two plain washers for the microphone bulkhead mount
14. Two spring washers for the microphone bulkhead mount
15. Two nuts for the microphone bulkhead mount.

Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual

Checklist (middle picture opposite)
16. Two ﬂush mount kit brackets
17. Two M5x32 screws
18. Two M5x10 screws
19. Two lock nuts
20. Two plastic bulkhead bushings.
21. Installation template (not pictured)
22. One 7 Amp spare fuse (not pictured) in case of accidental reverse of the battery polarity

Installation Options
There are two ways to install the radio. You can choose:
•

a deck or overhead mounted gimbal installation. The reversible mounting gimbal is ﬁxed to to a suitable
site and the radio is placed into it. The radio can be removed for storage and the viewing angle can be
adjusted.

•

a recessed installation. The radio is recessed into a cavity cut into a bulkhead. The radio ﬁxture is permanent and the viewing angle cannot be adjusted.

Location Requirements - Please check these before doing any cutting or drilling.
Whichever installation method you choose, ensure that the chosen location:
•

is at least one metre (3') from the antenna

•

allows easy connection to (at least) a 10 Amp fused 13.6V DC electrical source and the antenna

•

is at least 45cms (1.5') from the compass to avoid creating magnetic deviation of the compass during
radio operation

•

has a suitable space close by for installing the microphone bulkhead mount

•

provides easy access to the front panel controls

•

provides reasonable access to the wiring at the back of the radio

•

provides enough room to ﬁx the DSC warning label (710US and 720US).

Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual

Gimbal Installation
1.

Hold the mounting gimbal at the chosen location and use a soft pencil to mark the screw hole positions
onto the mounting surface.

If you cannot reach behind the mounting surface to attach the nuts, use the 5mm self-tapping screws
instead of the ﬂat screws shown in the picture. If you are drilling into ﬁberglass, use a drill bit smaller
than 5mm to drill the pilot holes.
Otherwise, drill the four screw holes where marked, using a 5mm (3/16”) drill bit. Drill completely through
the mounting surface.

Use a Philips screwdriver and the set of four ﬂat screws, spring washers, plain washers, and nuts to attach
the mounting gimbal to the location site.

Slide the radio into the mounting gimbal.

Insert the two mounting knobs through the holes and tighten them suﬃciently to hold the radio at the
desired viewing angle.

Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual

Changing the Viewing Angle
The viewing angle has a 20º tilt range. To change the current viewing angle on a gimbal mount:
1.

Support the radio then loosen the mounting knobs until the radio can be moved.

Re-position the radio then tighten the mounting knobs again.

Recessed Installation (picture below)
1.

Tape the installation template onto the chosen location site.

Cut out the area marked by the solid dark line. (The dashed line indicates the total area that will be
covered by the radio fascia after installation.)

Remove the installation template and slide the radio into the cavity.

Working from the rear of the bulkhead, align the racheted outstand on each side of the radio with the
central hole in each mounting bracket.

Use the two short M5x10 screws to screw the mounting brackets to the sides of the radio.

Slide each M5x32 screw through the screw hole in the mounting bracket, then attach the lock nut and
the stopper. If your bulkhead exceeds 13mm, the stopper nut can be discarded if necessary.

Tighten the M5x32 screws until the radio is held against the rear of the bulkhead.

Tighten up the lock nuts to secure the installation.

Connecting the Radio
There are three sockets at the rear of the radio, as shown. The combined power & speaker socket and the
GPS socket have short connectors already in place but further electrical wiring is required at the rear of the
radio.

Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual

Connect the Radio Cables - Rear view of base unit

2
1

3
4
1. VHF Antenna connection. (Antenna is not supplied.)
2. Combined power and speaker cable. The end of the power cable splits in two:
BLACK. Earth. Connect to the (-) NEGATIVE battery terminal.

RED. Power. Connect to the (+) POSITIVE battery terminal. Check that a 10A fuse is installed on this
power cable, close to the battery.
3. External speaker cable.
4. GPS connector cable.

Wiring Details
In case a cable is cut accidentally the pinouts are shown here for information only.
Do not cut cables intentionally.

Cable
1

VHF Antenna

Power

Pinout

External speaker

GPS connector (pins used)

Color

1. 13.6V DC +

Red (thick cable)

2. 13.6V DC -

Black (thick cable)

1. EXTERNAL SPK +

White (thin cable)

2. EXTERNAL SPK -

Black (thin cable)

4. NMEA IN +

Yellow

5. NMEA IN -

Green

2. NMEA OUT +

Orange

6. NMEA OUT -

Black

Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual

User MMSID
You must obtain a user MMSID (Marine Mobile Service Identity) and enter it into your 710 or 720 in order to
use the DSC functions. Contact the appropriate authorities in your country. If you are unsure who to contact,
consult your Northstar dealer. The user MMSID is a unique nine digit number, similiar to a personal telephone
number. It is used on marine transceivers that are capable of using DSC (Digital Select Calling).
You cannot make any DSC transmissions until you have obtained an MMSID and entered it into your 710
or 720.

Entering your user MMSID is ONCE ONLY operation.
1.

Press and hold CALL/MENU to display the menu.

Press +CH- or rotate the knob to select DSC SETUP, then press ENT.

Press ENT to select USER MMSID. A dashed line appears.

Enter your user MMSID along the dashed line. Use an alphanumeric microphone or the +CH- key. Press
ENT to conﬁrm each correct entry.
If you make an error, press - until < is displayed, then press ENT to backup and correct the entry.

When your MMSID number is entered correctly, press ENT to store it.

You must re-enter your MMSID again as a password check, then press ENT to store it permanently.

You can view your stored MMSID anytime in the DSC SETUP screen.

Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual

AMERICAS
30 Sudbury Road,
Acton, MA 01720, USA

EUROPE
Unit 2, Ocean Quay,
Belvidere Rd, Southampton,

Ph: +1 978.897.6600

SO14 5QY, ENGLAND

Ph: +1 800.628.4487

Ph: +44 2380 339922

Fax: +1 978.897.7241

Fax: +44 2380 330345

sales@bntmarine.com

northstaruk@northstarnav.com

AUSTRALIA

NEW ZEALAND

PO Box 479,

PO Box 68 155,

Gladesville, NSW 2111,
AUSTRALIA

Newton, Auckland
Auckland, NEW ZEALAND

Ph: +61 2 9879 9060

Ph: +64 9 481 0509

Fax: +61 2 9879 9009

Fax: +64 9 481 0590

northstaraus@northstarnav.com

northstarnz@northstarnav.com

www.northstarnav.com

0560
MN000599A-G

Designed in New Zealand
Made in China

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