Northstar Navigation Explorer 710 Vhf Users Manual 710VHF_MN_USA_BV_N_370

Explorer 710 VHF EXPLORER_VHF710

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Explorer 710 VHF

VHF Marine Radio

Operation and Installation Manual

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

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.

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.

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.

Governing Language: This statement,

any instruction manuals, user guides and

other information relating to the product

(Documentation) may be translated to, or

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.

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.

Inc. Northstar™ is a registered trademark of

Brunswick New Technologies Inc

3Northtstar 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

4 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

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 aﬃ xed 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.

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.

5Northtstar 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 speciﬁ cations for VHF

710CAN are the same as VHF 710EU

6 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:

7Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual

Symbol Meaning

TX Transmitting.

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

WX 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.

D 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)

88 Channel selected.

USA INT CAN Selected channel bank for VHF radio operations and regulations.

X Channel is temporarily deleted from the ALL SCAN operation.

B A Channel suﬃ x, 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.

8 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.

16 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.

WX 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 diﬀ erent 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.

9Northtstar 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 ﬁ rst 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 suﬃ x A or B in small letters below the

channel number.

10 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 alpha-

numeric 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 conﬁ rm 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.

MENU 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 auto-

matically 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 ﬁ ve

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 speciﬁ cations for VHF

710CAN are the same as VHF 710EU

11Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual

UDDY LIS

LOCAL/DIS

KLIGH

NTRAS

DATA

ADI

SET

ESE

CH NAME

RING VOLUME

BEEP VOLUME

INT SPEAKER

WATCH MODE

WX ALERT

COM PORT

Maintain your buddy list.

See Section 2-2.

Set radio sensitivity.

See Section 2-3.

Set backlight level.

See Section 2-4.

Set contrast level.

See Section 2-4.

Set position & UTC manually.

See Section 2-5.

Set local time and time format.

See Section 2-5.

Radio Setup Menu.

See Section 3.

Turn the GPS Simulator on/oﬀ .

See Section 2.6.

Reset factory settings.

See Section 2.7.

Section 2 - The Radio Menu (MENU)

2-1 Radio Menu Options (Menu)

The following options are available through MENU (or CALL/MENU):

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

MANUAL

SETTING

USER MMSID

GROUP SETUP

INDIV REPLY

DSC FUNC

ATIS MMSID

ATIS FUNC

LL REPLY

DSC Setup Menu.

710US and 710EU only.

See Section 4.

Make DSC calls.

710US and 710EU only.

See Section 5.

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

2-2 Maintain Your Buddy List (BUDDY LIST)

VHF 710US and VHF 710EU only.

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 ﬁ rst.

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

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

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.

MENU SELECT

>BUDDY LIST

LOCAL/DIST

BACKLIGHT

BUDDY LIST

> MANUAL NEW

ALEX

TOM

ENTER NAME

––––––––––––

ENTER MMSID

–––––––––

BOB

123456789

> STORE

CANCEL

ENTER NAME

BOB

ENTER MMSID

123456789

BUDDY LIST

> MANUAL NEW

ALEX

TOM

ALEX

> EDIT

DELETE

ALEX

111223344

> STORE

CANCEL

EDIT NAME

ALEX

EDIT MMSID

112233445

13Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual

2-2-3 Delete an Entry

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

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

3. Select DELETE then select YES.

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

2-3 Local or Distance Sensitivity (LOCAL/DIST)

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

1. Select LOCAL/DIST then select DIST.

2. Press ENT to activate the DIST setting. This disables local sensitivity and the

menu is displayed again.

2-3-2 Set Local Sensitivity

1. Select LOCAL/DIST then scroll to LOCAL.

2. 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)

Use BACKLIGHT to set the backlight levels for the LCD and the keypad at a com-

fortable level.

The microphone keypad backlighting is either ON or OFF.

Use CONTRAST to set the contrast level for the LCD.

BUDDY LIST

> MANUAL NEW

ALEX

TOM

BUDDY LIST

MANUAL NEW

ALEX

> TOM

DELETE BUDDY

TOM

> YES

TOM

EDIT

> DELETE

MENU SELECT

BUDDY LIST

> LOCAL/DIST

BACKLIGHT

SENSITIVITY

> DISTANT

LOCAL

SENSITIVITY

DISTANT

> LOCAL

MENU SELECT

LOCAL/DIST

> BACKLIGHT

CONTRAST

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

2-4-1 Set the Backlighting Level

1. Select BACKLIGHT.

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

3. 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

1. Select CONTRAST.

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

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

2-5 GPS Data and Time (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.

1. Select GPS/DATA, then MANUAL.

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

3. Press ENT when all the information is correct.

The vessel’s latitude and longitude are shown on the screen, with the UTC time. The preﬁ x MAN indicates

a manual entry. The manual entries are cancelled if a real GPS position is received.

BACKLIGHT

LO HI

CONTRAST

LO HI

MENU SELECT

BACKLIGHT

CONTRAST

> GPS/DATA

GPS/DATA

> MANUAL

SETTING

MANUAL LL

––’ ––’ ––––N

––’ ––’ ––––W

MAN ––:––UTC

15Northtstar 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 oﬀ set between UTC and local time as follows.

1. Select GPS/DATA, then SETTING.

2. Select TIME OFFSET to enter the diﬀ erence between UTC and local time. Half hour increments can be

used with a maximum oﬀ set of ±13 hours.

In this example, a diﬀ erence of +1.5 hours has been entered and the local time is displayed with the

suﬃ x LOC.

ZABC D F GHI

STANDARD TIME ZONES

Corrected to January 2005

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

+330

+430

+530

+630

+930

M†

+10

+10 30

+11

+11 30

+12

+13

+14

-1

-2

-3

-330

-4

-5

-6

-7

-8

-830

-9

-930

-10

-11

-12

hhhhh m

No Standard Time legally adopted

‡

Standard Time = Universal Time + value from table

XKL

HI* K

‡

KLM

0° 30°E 60°E 90°E 120°E 150°E

30°W

60°W

90°W

120°W

150°W

180° 180°

LM Y

†

International Date Line

WORLD MAP OF TIME ZONES

GPS/DATA

MANUAL

>SETTING

GPS/DATA

> TIME OFFSET

TIME FORMAT

TIME DISPLY

TIME OFFSET

>+01:30

02:30PM LOC

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

2-5-3 Time Format Options (TIME FORMAT)

Time can be shown in 12 or 24 hour format.

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 preﬁ x 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:

1. Select GPS/DATA, then SETTING.

2. Select TIME DISPLAY.

3. 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 suﬃ x 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. Select GPS/DATA, then SETTING.

2. Select LL DISPLAY.

3. 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. Select GPS/DATA, then SETTING.

2. Select COG/SOG.

3. 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).

GPS/DATA

TIME OFFSET

TIME FORMAT

> TIME DISPLY

TIME DISPLY

> OFF

GPS/DATA

TIME FORMAT

TIME DISPLY

> LL DISPLAY

LL DISPLAY

> OFF

GPS/DATA

TIME DISPLY

LL DISPLY

> COG/SOG

COG/SOG

> ON

OFF

GPS/DATA

MANUAL

> SETTING

SETTING

TIME OFFSET

> TIME FORMAT

TIME DISPLAY

TIME FORMAT

> 12 Hr

24 Hr

07:15AM LOC

17Northtstar 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. Select GPS/DATA, then SETTING.

2. Select GPS ALERT.

3. 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. 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.

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.

GPS/DATA

LL DISPLY

COG/SOG

> GPS ALERT

GPS ALERT

> ON

OFF

MENU SELECT

RADIO SETUP

GPS SIM

> RESET

RESET RADIO

ARE YOU SURE

> YES

MENU SELECT

DSC SETUP

RADIO SETUP

> GPS SIM

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

Section 3 - Radio Setup Menu (RADIO SETUP)

3-1 Radio Setup Menu (RADIO SETUP)

Edit or delete channel names.

See Section 3-2.

Set the volume level of the incoming call notiﬁ cation beeps.

See section 3-3.

Set the volume level of the beeps.

See section 3-3.

Switch ON/OFF (on/oﬀ ) the radio’s internal speakers.

See section 3-4.

Selects the operation of Dual or Tri watch scanning.

See section 3-5.

(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.

1. Select RADIO SETUP, then CH NAME.

2. 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.

3. 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 conﬁ rmation.

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

CH NAME

RING VOLUME

BEEP VOLUME

INT SPEAKER

WATCH MODE

WX ALERT

COM PORT

RADIO SETUP

> CH NAME

RING VOLUME

BEEP VOLUME

EDIT CH NAME

TELEPHONE

CH NAME 01

TELEPHONE

SAVE CH NAME

PHONE1

> YES

TELEPHONE

> EDIT

DELETE

19Northtstar 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:

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

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

then OFF.)

3. 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.

1. Select RADIO SETUP, then INT SPEAKER.

2. 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:

1. Select RADIO SETUP, then WATCH MODE.

2. Select ONLY 16CH for dual watch mode, or

16CH+9CH for tri watch mode.

RADIO SETUP

> CH NAME

RING VOLUME

BEEP VOLUME

RING VOLUME

> HIGH

LOW

BEEP VOLUME

> HIGH

LOW

OFF

RADIO SETUP

RING VOLUME

BEEP VOLUME

> INT SPEAKER

INT SPEAKER

> ON

OFF

RADIO SETUP

BEEP VOLUME

INT SPEAKER

> WATCH MODE

WATCH MODE

> ONLY 16CH

16CH+9CH

20 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:

1. Select RADIO SETUP, then WX ALERT.

2. 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.

1. Select RADIO SETUP, then COM PORT.

2. 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.

RADIO SETUP

INT SPEAKER

WATCH MODE

> WX ALERT

WX ALERT

> OFF

RADIO SETUP

WATCH MODE

WX ALERT

> COM PORT

NMEA

CHECKSUM

> ON

OFF

21Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual

Section 4 - DSC Setup Menu (DSC SETUP)

4-1 DSC Setup - Menu Options

The following options are available:

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.

Choose an automatic or manual response to calls (VHF 710US only). See section

4.4.

Enter or change your ATIS MMSID (VHF 710EU only).

See section 4.5.

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

See section 4.5.

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

See section 4.6.

Select the type of response to an LL polling request.

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.

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 ﬁ rst time that you are entering your user MMSID, a dashed line appears.

Enter your user MMSID along the dashed line. Press ENT to conﬁ rm 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.

These DSC facilities are available only on the 710US and 710EU and a valid user MMSID must be

entered to access the DSC functions.

USER MMSID

GROUP SETUP

INDIV REPLY

ATIS MMSID

ATIS FUNC

DSC FUNC

LL REPLY

DSC SETUP

> USER MMSID

GROUP SETUP

INDIV REPLY

INPUT USER

MMSID

–––––––––

USER MMSID

INPUT AGAIN

–––––––––

187654321

MMSID

> STORE

CANCEL

22 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)

1. Select DSC SETUP, then GROUP SETUP.

2. If this is the ﬁ rst 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.

3. Enter the group name along the dashed line. It can be alphanumeric. Press ENT to conﬁ rm each correct

entry and to move to the next digit. When you have ﬁ nished, 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.

4. Enter the group MMSID. (Note that the ﬁ rst number is always 0.) Press ENT.

5. The group name and group MMSID are shown in a conﬁ rmation screen. Press ENT to store the details

and return to the GROUP SETUP screen.

4-3-2 Edit Group Name Details

1. Select DSC SETUP, then GROUP SETUP. The existing group names are displayed. Press + or - to scroll to

the incorrect entry then press ENT.

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

name.

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

MMSID line.

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

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

DSC SETUP

USER MMSID

> GROUP SETUP

INDIV REPLY

GROUP SETUP

> MANUAL NEW

000000000

FISHER1

012345678

> STORE

CANCEL

GROUP NAME

––––––––––––

GROUP MMSID

0––––––––

GROUP SETUP

MANUAL NEW

> FISHER1

FRIENDS1

FISHER1

> EDIT

DELETE

FISHER2

012345678

> STORE

CANCEL

EDIT NAME

FISHER1

EDIT MMSID

012345678

23Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual

4-3-3 Delete a Group

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

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

3. Select DELETE and press ENT. The radio asks for conﬁ rmation.

4. 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.

1. Select DSC SETUP, then INDIV REPLY.

2. Select AUTO for an automatic response, or

MANUAL for a manual response.

3. Press ENT to conﬁ rm 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

GROUP SETUP

MANUAL NEW

> FISHER2

FRIENDS1

FISHER2

EDIT

> DELETE

DELETE GROUP

FISHER2

> YES

DSC SETUP

USER MMSID

GROUP SETUP

> INDIV REPLY

INDIV REPLY

> AUTO

MANUAL

DSC SETUP

GROUP SETUP

INDIV REPLY

> ATIS MMSID

INPUT ATIS

MMSID

9––––––––

ATIS MMSID

923456789

> STORE

CANCEL

INPUT AGAIN

ATIS MMSID

9––––––––

INPUT ATIS

MMSID

> STORE

CANCEL

24 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.

2. If this is the ﬁ rst time that you are entering your ATIS MMSID, a dashed line appears. Enter your ATIS

MMSID along the dashed line. The ﬁ rst number is always 9. Press ENT to conﬁ rm 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.

3. Press ENT to store your user MMSID.

4. 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).

1. Select DSC SETUP, then ATIS FUNC.

2. 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.

1. Select DSC SETUP, then DSC FUNC.

2. Press ENT to select ON and to operate the DSC functionality. This will automatically disable ATIS func-

tionality. 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.

ATIS

DSC SETUP

INDIV REPLY

ATIS MMSID

> ATIS FUNC

ATIS FUNC

> ON

OFF

DSC SETUP

GROUP SETUP

INDIV REPLY

> DSC FUNC

DSC FUNC

> ON

OFF

25Northtstar 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.

1. Select DSC SETUP, then LL REPLY.

2. Select your response and press ENT to conﬁ rm

and return to the menu.

DSC SETUP

INDIV REPLY

DSC FUNC

> LL REPLY

LL REPLY

> AUTO

MANUAL

OFF

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

Section 5 - Sending and Receiving DSC Calls

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 func-

tionality, 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. 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.

2. + 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.

See Section 5-2-1, 5-2-2, and 5-2-3.

Show the details of the most recent incoming call.

See Section 5-2-4.

Make a call to one of your three groups.

See Section 5-2-5.

Make an All Ships call.

See Section 5-2-6.

Show the details of the 20 most recent incoming calls.

See Section 5-2-7.

Show the details of the 10 most recent distress calls.

See Section 5-2-8.

Request the LL position of a buddy.

See Section 5-2-9.

INDIVIDUAL

LAST CALL

GROUP

ALL SHIPS

CALL LOG

DIST LOG

LL REQUEST

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.

DSC CALL

>INDIVIDUAL

LAST CALL

GROUP

27Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual

5-2-1 Make a Routine Call (Individual)

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.

2. 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.

3. 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.)

4. The radio summarizes the call details and asks for conﬁ rmation 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.

5. 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. 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?).

2. 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)

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.

DSC CALL

> INDIVIDUAL

LAST CALL

GROUP

INDIVIDUAL

> MANUAL NEW

BOBBY D

REBECCA T

012345678

INDIVIDUAL

ROUTINE

> SET CHANNEL

MANUAL MMSID

0––––––––

012345678

INDIVIDUAL

ROUTINE

> SEND?

12345678

INDIVIDUAL

ROUTINE

CALLING...

INDIV ACK

012345678

PRESS PTT

ESC –> EXIT

012345678

INDIVIDUAL

ROUTINE

WAITING ACK

VHF710

SEND AGAIN?

>YES

CANCEL

RCV: INDIV

012345678

ENTER –> ACK

ESC –> EXIT

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

5-2-4 Recall the Most Recent Incoming Call (LAST)

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.

2. 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.)

3. The radio summarizes the call details and asks for conﬁ rmation 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)

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

groups.

2. 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)

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.

2. The priority is set automatically to URGENCY. However, you can select one of the following call priori-

ties:

URGENCY For use when a serious situation or problem arises that could lead to a distress situation

SAFETY To send safety information to all other vessels in range;

ROUTINE Routine call (VHF 710US only).

DISTRESS Used in some countries in Europe

3. CH16 is selected automatically as the working channel and the radio asks for conﬁ rmation of the ALL

SHIPS call. Press ENT to select YES and send the call. Continue as explained in Section 5-2-1.

DSC CALL

INDIVIDUAL

> LAST CALL

GROUP

VHF710 USA

INDIVIDUAL

ROUTINE

10:22AM LOC

VHF710 USA

INDIVIDUAL

ROUTINE

> SEND?

VHF710 USA

INDIVIDUAL

ROUTINE

> SET CHANNEL

DSC CALL

INDIVIDUAL

LAST CALL

> GROUP

SELECT GROUP

> RD GROUP

GROUP #2

GROUP#3

VHF710 USA

INDIVIDUAL

ROUTINE

> SEND?

RD GROUP

055554444

ROUTINE

> SET CHANNEL

DSC CALL

LAST CALL

GROUP

> ALL SHIPS

ALL SHIPS

> URGENCY

SAFETY

ROUTINE

ALL SHIPS

URGENCY

> YES

29Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual

5-2-7 Call using the Call Log (CALL LOG)

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 ﬁ rst entry (01) in the call

log. In the example, the contact details for the 11th most recent call are displayed.

2. Press ENT to conﬁ rm the call back, then set the working channel and press ENT to send the call. Continue

as explained in Section 5-2-1.

3. 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)

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 qualiﬁ ed. Always

try to make voice contact on CH16 ﬁ rst, as follows:

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

2. The most recently received Distress Call Is the ﬁ rst 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 ﬁ rst screen shows the

location and name or MMSID of the vessel in Distress, the second screen shows the nature of the emer-

gency (if speciﬁ ed) and the MMSID of the vessel that relayed the Distress Call.

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

DSC CALL

GROUP

ALL SHIPS

> CALL LOG

11 VHF710

INDIVIDUAL

ROUTINE

10:45PM LOC

VHF710

INDIVIDUAL

ROUTINE

> SET CHANNEL

VHF710

> CALL BACK

DELETE

SAVE

VHF710

INDIVIDUAL

ROUTINE

> SEND?

DSC CALL

ALL SHIPS

CALL LOG

> DIST LOG

02 10:03 UTC

VHF710 (xxx)

82º50. N

27º45. W

VHF710

> CALL BACK

DELETE

DISTRESS

RELAY

PIRACY

987654321

VHF710

INDIVIDUAL

ROUTINE

> SET CHANNEL

VHF710

INDIVIDUAL

ROUTINE

> SEND?

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

5-2-9 Request the LL Position of a Buddy (LL REQUEST)

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

2. 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.)

3. 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 See Section 6.

ALL SHIPS Urgency or Safety priority (see Section 5-3-1)

Note: In some countries, ALL SHIP DISTRESS calls are received.

INDIVIDUAL Urgency, Safety, or Routine priority (see Section 5-3-2)

Note: In some countries, INDIVIDUAL DISTRESS RELAY calls are received.

GROUP Routine priority only (see Section 5-3-3)

GEOGRAPHIC Routine priority only (see Section 5-3-4)

POLLED POSITION Routine priority only (see Section 5-3-5)

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

5-3-1 Receiving an All Ships Call (ALL SHIPS)

1. When you receive notiﬁ cation 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).

DSC CALL

CALL LOG

DIST LOG

> LL REQUEST

LL REQUEST

> SAM

VHF710

BUDDY #3

SAM

LL REQUEST

CALLING...

SAM

LL REQUEST

> SEND?

channel name

SAM

LL REQUEST

AWAITING ACK

RCV: ALL SHIP

priority

VHF710

ESC –> EXIT

31Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual

5-3-2 Receiving an Individual Call (INDIV)

1. When you receive notiﬁ cation 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)

1. When you receive notiﬁ cation 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 identiﬁ ed 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)

A geographic call is received by vessels within a speciﬁ c geographic

boundary area.

1. When you receive notiﬁ cation 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)

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 ﬁ shing position.

If enhanced LL position information is available from your buddy, this is

shown on the screen until the screen display changes.

RCV: INDIV

VHF710

ENTER –> ACK

ESC –> EXIT

INDIV ACK

VHF710

PRESS PTT

ESC –> EXIT

RCV: GROUP

GP: RD GROUP

VHF710

ROUTINE

RCV: GEOGRAPH

VHF710

10:34 UTC

ESC –> EXIT

RCV: POSITION

SAM

82º50.003'N

27º45.543'W

32Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual

Section 6 - Distress Calls

6-1 Sending a Distress Call

1. 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.

2. 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

3. 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 ﬂ ash and beep loudly.

The distress call repeats ﬁ ve 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.

DISTRESS CALL

> PIRACY

OVER BOARD

UNDEFINED

DISTRESS CALL

> PIRACY

HOLD DISTRESS

2 SECONDS..

DISTRESS CALL

SENT! WAIT..

PRESS ESC

TO CANCEL...

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.

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

6-2 Receiving a Distress Call (DISTRESS!)

1. 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.

2. 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 ﬁ rst screen shows the user

MMSID and nature of the emergency (if speciﬁ ed), the second screen shows the time and the location

(if speciﬁ ed). If the location and time are not speciﬁ ed, 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

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).

RCV: DISTRESS

123456789

FLOODING

ESC –> EXIT

RCV: DISTRESS

10:34 UTC

82º50.003'N

27º45.543'W

RCV: DISTRESS

RELAY

123456789

ESC –> EXIT

34Northtstar 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 speciﬁ c)

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

35 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')

Speciﬁ cations are subject to change without notice.

36 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 ﬁ lter.

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 diﬀ erent 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.

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

NOTE For assistance in understanding the Table, see notes

below. (WRC-2000)

Transmitting

frequencies

MHz

Port operations

and ship movement

Channel

designator Notes

Ship

stations

Coast

stations

Inter-

ship Single

frequency

Two

frequency

Public

corres-

pondence

60 156,025 160,625 x x

01 156,050 160,650 x x

m), o)

156,075 160,675 x x x

m), o)

156,100 160,700 x x x

m), o)

156,125 160,725 x x x

m), o)

156,150 160,750 x x x

m), o)

156,175 160,775 x x x

m), o)

156,200 160,800 x x x

m), o)

156,225 160,825 x x x

m), o)

156,250 160,850 x x x

m), o)

156,275 160,875 x x x

156,300 x

66 156,325 160,925 x x

07 156,350 160,950 x x

156,375 156,375 x x

08 156,400 x

68 156,425 156,425 x

156,450 156,450 x x

69 156,475 156,475 x x

156,500 156,500 x x

156,525 156,525 Digital selective calling for distress, safety and calling

11 156,550 156,550 x

71 156,575 156,575 x

12 156,600 156,600 x

156,625 x

156,650 156,650 x x

h), i)

156,675 156,675 x x

14 156,700 156,700 x

74 156,725 156,725 x

156,750 156,750 x x

156,775 x

Appendix C - VHF Marine Channel Charts

C.1 International (EU-DSC ON)

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

Transmitting

frequencies

MHz

Port operations

and ship movement

Channel

designator Notes

Ship

stations

Coast

stations

Inter-

ship Single

frequency

Two

frequency

Public

corres-

pondence

16 156,800 156,800 DISTRESS, SAFETY AND CALLING

156,825 x

156,850 156,850 x x

77 156,875 x

156,900 161,500 x x x

78 156,925 161,525 x x

19 156,950 161,550 x x

79 156,975 161,575 x x

20 157,000 161,600 x x

80 157,025 161,625 x x

21 157,050 161,650 x x

81 157,075 161,675 x x

157,100 161,700 x x x

m), o)

157,125 161,725 x x x

m), o)

157,150 161,750 x x x

m), o)

157,175 161,775 x x x

m), o)

157,200 161,800 x x x

m), o)

157,225 161,825 x x x

m), o)

157,250 161,850 x x x

m), o)

157,275 161,875 x x x

m), o)

157,300 161,900 x x x

m), o)

157,325 161,925 x x x

27 157,350 161,950 x x

87 157,375 x

28 157,400 162,000 x x

88 157,425 x

AIS 1

161,975 161,975

AIS 2

162,025 162,025

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 pre-

dominantly maritime support operations under the conditions speciﬁ ed 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 aﬀ ected administrations.

b. 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 aﬀ ected administrations.

c. 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 aﬀ ected administrations.

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

d. The frequencies in this Table may also be used for radiocommunications on inland waterways in accord-

ance with the conditions speciﬁ ed in No. 5.226. – 56 – 62238 IEC:2003(E)

e. Administrations having an urgent need to reduce local congestion may apply 12,5 kHz channel interleav-

ing 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 aﬀ ect the 25 kHz channels of the present Annex maritime mobile distress and safety fre-

quencies, 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 aﬀ ected.

Speciﬁ c 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.

g. Channels 15 and 17 may also be used for on-board communications provided the eﬀ ective 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.

h. 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 speciﬁ ed in Nos. 51.69, 51.73, 51.74, 51.75,

51.76, 51.77 and 51.78.

i. The preferred ﬁ rst 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).

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

k. 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.

l. These channels (AIS 1 and AIS 2) will be used for an automatic ship identiﬁ cation and surveillance system

capable of providing worldwide operation on high seas, unless other frequencies are designated on a

regional basis for this purpose.

m. These channels may be operated as single frequency channels, subject to special arrangement between

interested or aﬀ ected administrations. (WRC-2000)

n. 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.

o. 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 aﬀ ected 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)

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

C.2 USA Channel Chart

CH SEND

(MHz)

RECEIVE

(MHz)

TRAFFIC TYPE SHIP

SHIP

SHORE

NAME TAG

01A 156.050 156.050

Port Operations, Selected VTS Areas

Yes Yes PORT OPS/VTS

03A 4

156.150 156.150 US Government, Coast Guard Yes Yes UNAUTHORIZED

05A 156.250 156.250

Port Operations, Selected VTS Areas

Yes Yes PORT OPS/VTS

06 156.300 156.300 Inter-ship Safety Yes No SAFETY

07A 156.350 156.350 Commercial Yes Yes COMMERCIAL

08 156.400 156.400 Commercial (inter-ship only) Yes No COMMERCIAL

09 156.450 156.450 Recreational Calling Channel Yes Yes CALLING

10 156.500 156.500 Commercial Yes Yes COMMERCIAL

11 156.550 156.550 Commercial, VTS in Selected Areas Yes Yes VTS

12 156.600 156.600

Port Operations, Selected VTS Areas

Yes Yes PORT OPS/VTS

13 3156.650 156.650 Intership Navigation Safety (bridge-

to-bridge), 1W with Power-up

Yes No BRIDGE COM

14 156.700 156.700

Port Operations, Selected VTS Areas

Yes Yes PORT OPS/VTS

15 2RX Only 156.750 Environmental, RX Only ------ ------ ENVIROMENTAL

16 156.800 156.800 International Distress, Safety, and

Calling

Yes Yes DISTRESS

17 1156.850 156.850 State Controlled – 1W Only Yes Yes SAR

18A 156.900 156.900 Commercial Yes Yes COMMERCIAL

19A 156.950 156.950 Commercial Yes Yes COMMERCIAL

20 157.000 161.600 Port Operations, Canadian Coast

Guard, Duplex

No Yes PORT OPS

20A 157.000 157.000 Port Operations Yes Yes PORT OPS

21A 4

157.050 157.050 U.S. Government, Canadian Coast

Guard

Yes Yes UNAUTHORIZED

22A 157.100 157.100 Coast Guard Liaison Yes Yes COAST GUARD

23A 4

157.150 157.150 U.S. Government, Coast Guard Yes Yes UNAUTHORIZED

24 157.200 161.800 Public Correspondence, Marine

Operator

No Yes TELEPHONE

25 157.250 161.850 Public Correspondence, Marine

Operator

No Yes TELEPHONE

26 157.300 161.900 Public Correspondence, Marine

Operator

No Yes TELEPHONE

27 157.350 161.950 Public Correspondence, Marine

Operator

No Yes TELEPHONE

28 157.400 162.000 Public Correspondence, Marine

Operator

No Yes TELEPHONE

41Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual

CH SEND

(MHz)

RECEIVE

(MHz)

TRAFFIC TYPE SHIP

SHIP

SHORE

NAME TAG

61A 4

156.075 156.075 U.S. Government, Canadian Coast

Guard

Yes Yes UNAUTHORIZED

63A 156.175 156.175 Port Operations, VTS in Selected

Areas

Yes Yes PORT OPS/VTS

64A 4

156.225 156.225 U.S. Government, Canadian

Commercial Fishing

Yes Yes UNAUTHORIZED

65A 156.275 156.275 Port Operations Yes Yes PORT OPS

66A 156.325 156.325 Port Operations Yes Yes PORT OPS

67 3156.375 156.375 Commercial, bridge-to-bridge, 1W

with Power-up

Yes No BRIDGE COM

68 156.425 156.425 Boat Operations, Recreational Yes No SHIP - SHIP

69 156.475 156.475 Boat Operations, Recreational Yes Yes PLEASURE

70 6156.525 156.525 Digital Selective Calling - DSC ------ ------ DSC

71 156.575 156.575 Boat Operations, Recreational Yes Yes PLEASURE

72 156.625 156.625 Boat Operations, Recreational Yes No SHIP - SHIP

73 156.675 156.675 Port Operations Yes Yes PORT OPS

74 156.725 156.725 Port Operations Yes Yes PORT OPS

77 1156.875 156.875 Port Operations –1W Only Yes Yes PORT OPS

78A 156.925 156.925 Boat Operations, Recreational Yes No SHIP - SHIP

79A 156.975 156.975 Commercial Yes Yes COMMERCIAL

80A 157.025 157.025 Commercial Yes Yes COMMERCIAL

81A 4

157.075 157.075 U.S. Government, Environmental

Protection Agency Operations

Yes Yes UNAUTHORIZED

82A 4

157.125 157.125 U.S. Government, Canadian Coast

Guard

Yes Yes UNAUTHORIZED

83A 4

157.175 157.175 U.S. Government, Canadian Coast

Guard

Yes Yes UNAUTHORIZED

84 157.225 161.825 Public Correspondence, Marine

Operator

No Yes TELEPHONE

85 157.275 161.875 Public Correspondence, Marine

Operator

No Yes TELEPHONE

86 157.325 161.925 Public Correspondence, Marine

Operator

No Yes TELEPHONE

87 157.375 161.975 Public Correspondence, Marine

Operator

No Yes TELEPHONE

88 157.425 162.025 Public Correspondence, Marine

Operator

No Yes TELEPHONE

88A 157.425 157.425 Commercial, Intership Only Yes No COMMERCIAL

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

WEATHER MHz TRAFFIC TYPE NAME TAG

Wx01 RX Only 162.550 NOAA WEATHER CHANNEL ------ ------ 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 USA CHANNEL USAGE

1. LOW POWER (1 W) only.

2. Receive Only.

3. LOW POWER (1 W) initially. Override to HIGH POWER by holding down H/L key before transmitting. Used

normally in bridge-to-bridge communications.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

43Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual

C-3 CANADA Channel CHART

CH SEND

(MHz)

RECEIVE

(MHz)

TRAFFIC TYPE SHIP

SHIP

SHIP TO

SHORE

NAME TAG

01 156.050 160.650 Public Correspondence, Duplex No Yes TELEPHONE

02 156.100 160.700 Public Correspondence, Duplex No Yes TELEPHONE

03 156.150 160.750 Public Correspondence, Duplex No Yes TELEPHONE

04A 156.200 156.200 Canadian Coast Guard, SAR Yes Yes CANADIAN CG

05A 156.250 156.250 Port Operations, VTS in Selected

Areas

Yes Yes PORT OPS/VTS

06 156.300 156.300 Inter-ship Safety Yes No SAFETY

07A 156.350 156.350 Commercial Yes Yes COMMERCIAL

08 156.400 156.400 Commercial (inter-ship only) Yes No COMMERCIAL

09 156.450 156.450 Recreational Calling Channel Yes Yes CALLING

10 156.500 156.500 Commercial Yes Yes COMMERCIAL

11 156.550 156.550 Commercial, VTS in Selected Areas Yes Yes VTS

12 156.600 156.600 Port Operations, VTS in Selected

Areas

Yes Yes PORT OPS/VTS

13 3156.650 156.650 Intership Navigation Safety

(bridge-

to-bridge) 1W with power-up

Yes No BRIDGE COM

14 156.700 156.700 Port Operations, VTS in Selected

Areas

Yes Yes PORT OPS/VTS

15 1156.750 156.750 Commercial – 1W Only Yes Yes COMMERCIAL

16 156.800 156.800 International Distress, Safety, and

Calling

Yes Yes DISTRESS

17 1156.850 156.850 State Controlled – 1W Only Yes Yes SAR

18A 156.900 156.900 Commercial Yes Yes COMMERCIAL

19A 156.950 156.950 Canadian Coast Guard Yes Yes CANADIAN CG

20 1157.000 161.600 Canadian Coast Guard, Duplex– 1W

Only

No Yes CANADIAN CG

21 157.050 161.650 Port Operations, Duplex No Yes PORT OPS

21A 157.050 157.050 U.S. Government, Canadian Coast

Guard

Yes Yes UNAUTHORIZED

21B RX Only 161.650 Port Operations, RX Only ------ ------ PORT OPS

22A 157.100 157.100 Canadian Coast Guard Liaison Yes Yes CANADIAN CG

23 157.150 161.750 Public Correspondence, Duplex No Yes TELEPHONE

24 157.200 161.800 Public Correspondence, Duplex No Yes TELEPHONE

25 157.250 161.850 Public Correspondence, Duplex No Yes TELEPHONE

25B RX Only 161.850 Public Correspondence, RX Only ------ ------ TELEPHONE

26 157.300 161.900 Public Correspondence, Duplex No Yes TELEPHONE

27 157.350 161.950 Public Correspondence, Duplex No Yes TELEPHONE

28 157.400 162.000 Public Correspondence, Duplex No Yes TELEPHONE

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

CH SEND

(MHz)

RECEIVE

(MHz)

TRAFFIC TYPE SHIP

SHIP

SHIP TO

SHORE

NAME TAG

28B RX Only 162.000 Public Correspondence, RX Only ------ ------ TELEPHONE

60 156.025 160.625 Public Correspondence, Duplex No Yes TELEPHONE

61A 4156.075 156.075 U.S. Government, Canadian Coast

Guard

Yes Yes UNAUTHORIZED

62A 156.125 156.125 Canadian Coast Guard Yes Yes CANADIAN CG

64 156.225 160.825 Public Correspondence, Duplex No Yes TELEPHONE

64A 4156.225 156.225 U.S. Government, Canadian

Commercial Fishing

Yes Yes UNAUTHORIZED

65A 156.275 156.275 Port Operations Yes Yes PORT OPS

66A 1156.325 156.325 Port Operations – 1W Only Yes Yes PORT OPS

67 156.375 156.375 Commercial, SAR Yes No COMMERCIAL

68 156.425 156.425 Boat Operations, Recreational Yes No SHIP - SHIP

69 156.475 156.475 Commercial Fishing Only Yes Yes COMMERCIAL

70 6156.525 156.525 Digital Selective Calling - DSC ------ ------ DSC

71 156.575 156.575 Boat Operations, Recreational Yes Yes PLEASURE

72 156.625 156.625 Intership Yes No SHIP - SHIP

73 156.675 156.675 Commercial Fishing Only Yes Yes COMMERCIAL

74 156.725 156.725 Commercial Fishing Only Yes Yes COMMERCIAL

77 1156.875 156.875 Port Operations –1W Only Yes Yes PORT OPS

78A 156.925 156.925 Boat Operations, Recreational Yes No SHIP - SHIP

79A 156.975 156.975 Commercial Yes Yes COMMERCIAL

80A 157.025 157.025 Commercial Yes Yes COMMERCIAL

81A 4157.075 157.075 U.S. Government Operations Yes Yes UNAUTHORIZED

82A 4157.125 157.125 U.S. Government, Canadian Coast

Guard

Yes Yes UNAUTHORIZED

83 157.175 161.775 Canadian Coast Guard Yes Yes CANADIAN CG

83A 4157.175 157.175 U.S. Government, Canadian Coast

Guard

Yes Yes UNAUTHORIZED

83B RX Only 161.775 Canadian Coast Guard, RX Only ------ ------ CANADIAN CG

84 157.225 161.825 Public Correspondence, Marine

Operator

No Yes TELEPHONE

85 157.275 161.875 Public Correspondence, Marine

Operator

No Yes TELEPHONE

86 157.325 161.925 Public Correspondence, Marine

Operator

No Yes TELEPHONE

87 157.375 161.975 Public Correspondence, Marine

Operator

No Yes TELEPHONE

88 157.425 162.025 Public Correspondence, Marine

Operator

No Yes TELEPHONE

45Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual

WEATHER

MHz TRAFFIC TYPE NAME TAG