Uniden America UT655 VHF Fixed Mounted Marine Transceiver User Manual Part 3

Uniden America Corporation VHF Fixed Mounted Marine Transceiver Part 3

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User Manual Part 3

VHF490 FIXED-MOUNT MARINE RADIO

MODEL 18114496

Owner’s Manual

MAKING A DISTRESS CALL

Lift the red cover. Press and hold the DISTRESS button for three seconds. Your radio transmits your boat’s location every few minutes

until you receive a response.

NOTE: If the radio displays Enter User MMSI, cancel the automatic distress call and make a normal voice distress call.

Making a Voice Distress Call

Speak Slowly — Clearly — Calmly.

For future reference, write your boat’s name & call sign here:

1. Make sure your radio is on.

2. On the microphone, press the 16/9-TRI button to switch to Channel 16 (156.8 MHz). (If the corner of the display does not show

16, press the 16/9-TRI button again until it does.)

3. Press the PUSH TO TALK button on the microphone and say: MAYDAY –

MAYDAY – MAYDAY.”

4. Say “THIS IS {name or call sign of your boat}.”

5. Say “MAYDAY {name or call sign of your boat}.”

6. Tell where you are: (what navigational aids or landmarks are near, or read the latitude and longitude from your GPS).

7. State the nature of your distress, e.g. are you sinking, medical emergency, man overboard, on fire, adrift, etc.

8. Give number of persons aboard and conditions of any injured persons.

9. Estimate present seaworthiness of your ship (e.g. how immediate is the danger due to flooding or fire or proximity to shore).

10. Briefly describe your ship (length, type, color, hull).

11. Say: “I WILL BE LISTENING ON CHANNEL 16.”

12. End message by saying “THIS IS {name or call sign of your boat}, OVER.”

13. Release the PUSH TO TALK button and listen.

If you do not get an answer after 30 seconds, repeat your call, beginning at step 3, above.

Lift the red cover

and press the

DISTRESS button.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Making a Voice Distress Call Inside Front Cover

Introduction 1

Features 1

Explanation of Terms 1

Getting Started 1

What’s Included 1

Parts of the Radio 2

Parts of the Microphone 3

Turning on the Radio 3

Setting the UIC Channel Mode (USA/CAN/INT) 3

How It Works 4

Normal Mode Operation 4

Scan Mode 6

Weather Mode 7

Using Your Radio 8

Using Your Radio 9

Making a Voice MAYDAY Call 9

Setting the Volume 9

Setting the Squelch Level 9

Changing the Channel 9

Making a Transmission 9

Boosting the Transmission Power 10

Choosing Triple Watch or Dual Watch 10

Using FIPS Codes for Weather Alerts 10

Changing Display and Sound Options 11

Setting the GPS Position Manually 11

Using Digital Selective Calling (DSC) Features 12

What is DSC? 12

Advanced DSC Features 12

What is an MMSI Number? 13

Entering MMSI Numbers 13

Using the Directory 14

Making DSC Calls 15

Making an Automatic Distress Call 17

Receiving a DSC Call 17

Test Calls 18

Position Request and Reply 20

Putting the Radio into Standby 21

Disabling Automatic Channel Switching 22

Renaming Channels 22

Installing the Hardware 23

Mounting the Radio 23

Connecting the Radio 24

Connecting the Accessory Cable 24

Connecting to a GPS Receiver 25

Connecting to a Chartplotter 26

Connecting to an External Speaker 26

Maintenance and Troubleshooting 26

Engine Noise Suppression 27

Specications 28

Radio Specifications 28

Reference Tables 29

Channel Descriptions and What They Mean 29

Marine Radio Channel Chart 30

Weather Channels and Frequencies (US, CAN, and INT) 32

Emergency Alert System (SAME) Information 32

No Response Event Code 34

NMEA Operation 34

NMEA Input 34

NMEA Output 35

Regulations and Safety Warnings 36

Three Year Limited Warranty 37

Notes 40

INTRODUCTION

Features

•

Waterproof Radio

Complies with IPX4 waterproof standards, which means the radio is resistant to damage from rain or splash-

ing water.

• Large, dot matrix display

• Advanced DSC Class D functions, including Test Calling

• Channel select buttons on the microphone

•

Memory scan mode

Lets you save channels to memory and monitor them in quick succession.

•

Transmitter Power Level Select

Lets you boost the transmitter power from 1 watt to 25 watts for added transmission distance.

•

Battery level display and tone

Sounds an alert tone if the battery voltage goes too high or too low.

•

Triple Watch Operation

Checks the Coast Guard Distress/Hailing channels 16 and 9 in the background.

• All marine VHF channels for the U.S., Canada, and international waters

•

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather channel watch

Sounds a warning tone when a hazard alert is

issued for your area.

Explanation of Terms

Term What it Means

DSC Digital Selective Calling. A VHF radio standard for communicating among boats and sending automated distress calls.

FIPS Federal Information Processing Standard. A set of location codes roughly equivalent to your county codes.

WX Weather Radio

GPS Global Positioning System

NMEA National Marine Electronics Association. The organization that governs standards for electronic equipment used on

boats. NMEA 0183 is the standard for serial data communication used by GPS.

MMSI Maritime Mobile Service Identity number. A unique, nine-digit number that identifies you and your boat when making

DSC calls. It is also used by the Coast Guard if you send an automated distress call.

Station Any DSC radio, whether it’s operated on a boat, at a marina, or by a shore station.

GETTING STARTED

What’s Included

VHF490 Marine Radio

VHF490 RADIO 1-800-BOATING

Mounting Bracket and Knobs

Microphone Mounting Hanger and

Mounting Hardware

DC Power Cable Accessory Cable

Parts of the Radio

SQUELCH knob

(turn clockwise

to decrease

channel noise)

16/9-TRI

(triple/dual-watch)

button

CLR-SCAN

(channel

scan) button

WX-MEM

button

CALL-MENU

button DISTRESS

button with

cover

LCD

display

ENT- 1W/25W

button

VOLUME-PWR (power)

knob (turn clockwise to

increase volume)

CHANNEL UP /

CHANNEL DOWN

buttons

Button Press to... Press and hold to...

ENT-1W/25W Choose an option on a menu or to display the GPS data. Change the transmit power (see page 10).

Channel Up Move up one channel at a time. Move quickly up the channels.

Channel Down Move down one channet at a time. Move quickly down the channels.

16/9-TRI

1st press: Go to Channel 16.

2nd press: Go to Channel 9.

3rd press: Go back to the original channel.

Go into Triple Watch or Dual Watch mode (see page 10).

CLR-SCAN Go to previous menu or cursor position in menu mode. Start scanning the channels saved in memory.

WX-MEM Listen to the current weather conditions in your area. Save a channel into memory or remove a channel from

memory.

CALL-MENU Display the call menu. Display the normal menu.

DISTRESS Select the nature of your distress for a distress call. Transmit a distress call.

13.8V DC

ANTENNA

Black wire

(-)

Red wire

(+)

Power

Cable

Antenna

connector Heat sink Accessory

cable

Connector/Cable Connects to... For details, see ...

Antenna connector

External VHF antenna with a male PL259 (SO238) connector and 50 Ω

impedance. Minimum 4 ft, 3dB rated antenna for sailboats, 8 ft, 6 dB rated for

power boats.

Connecting the radio (see page 23).

VHF490 RADIO 1-800-BOATING

Connector/Cable Connects to... For details, see ...

Power cable pigtail Nominal 13.8 VDC power supply with negative ground (10.5 VDC to 16.0

VDC) (Red wire +, black wire -). Connecting the radio (see page 23).

Accessory cable

pigtail GPS receiver, GPS chartplotter, External Speaker. Connecting the Accessory Cable (see

page 24)

Parts of the Microphone

Push-to-Talk

Button

16/9 TRI

(Triple/Dual-

Watch) button

(up) Button

(move up a

channel)

(down) Button

(move down a

channel)

Button Press to... Press and hold to...

( + ) Move up one channel at a time. Move quickly up the channels.

( - ) Move down one channel at a time. Move quickly down the channels.

16/9-TRI

1st press: Go to Channel 16.

2nd press: Go to Channel 9.

3rd press: Go back to the original channel.

Go into Triple Watch or Dual Watch mode (see page

10).

Push-to-Talk Cancel scanning and stay on a channel. Talk on a channel.

Turning on the Radio

Turn the VOLUME-PWR knob clockwise to turn on the radio. As it powers on, the radio displays the user MMSI number; if there

is no MMSI set, the radio displays MMSI not entered.

When it powers on, the radio selects the last channel used.

Setting the UIC Channel Mode (USA/CAN/INT)

The radio comes preset to use the UIC channels assigned for the United States. If you are operating in an area that uses Canadian

or international UIC channels, you will need to change the channel mode.

UIC Channels

USA Mode

Canada

Mode

Intl Mode

Back[CLR]

Select[ENT]

Setup

Press and hold -

CALL

USA/CAN/INT

ENT

1W/25W

ENT

1W/25W

1. Press and hold CALL-MENU to display the normal menu, and choose the Setup sub-menu.

2. Select USA/CAN/INT. The screen displays the UIC channel setup.

3. Choose the channel mode you want to use: US (USA Mode), Canadian (Canada Mode), or international (Intl Mode).

4. Press ENT-1W/25W. The radio activates the new channel mode and exits the menu.

VHF490 RADIO 1-800-BOATING

HOW IT WORKS

Your radio has three basic modes of operation:

Mode What It Does Use It When To Turn it on./off...

Normal Monitors a single marine radio channel

and lets you talk on that channel.

You want to talk to another station on a

specific channel. (default mode)

Scan Monitors all the channels you save into

memory.

You have a small group of channels you

use most often and want to check them

for traffic.

Press and hold the CLR-SCAN button.

Weather Monitors the selected NOAA weather

channel.

You want to hear the current and

forecasted weather in your area. Press the WX-MEM button.

In addition to the three basic operation modes, your radio also provides three different “watch” modes which you can activate during

any of the three basic modes. In these watch modes, the radio briefly checks for activity on a specific channel then returns to its

previous mode.

Watch Mode What It Does Use It When To Turn it on./off...

Weather Alert

Checks for alerts on the last

weather channel you used every

seven seconds.

You want to be made aware of severe

weather conditions in your area. Select WX-ALERT Mode in Setup

submenu, and then choose ON or OFF.

Triple Checks for activity on channels

16 and 9 every two seconds.

You want to monitor a channel yet

maintain a watch on channels 16 and 9. Press and hold 16/9-TRI for two seconds.

Dual Checks for activity on channel

16 every two seconds.

You want to monitor a channel yet

maintain a watch on channel 16.

Change Triple Watch to Dual Watch in the

setup menu, then press and hold 16/9-

TRI for two seconds.

NOTE: You are required to monitor channel 16 whenever your boat is underway. You should have either Triple Watch or Dual

Watch on at all times.

Normal Mode Operation

Normal mode monitors whatever channel you select, and you can transmit on that channel also. While using normal mode, the display

lets you see the following information (not all indicators will display at the same time):

Marine Operator

25 Watts USA

Memory Alert

GPS Data OK

Transmit power

(1 W or 25 W)

Current channel

is stored in

memory

Status messages

(see the status

message table)

Current

channel

number

Current channel

name (if the name

is too long, the

name line scrolls)

Channel mode

(USA, CANadian,

or INTernational)

Weather Alert

Watch on

Status

Icons

Message Meaning

GPS Data OK The radio is receiving valid GPS data.

Check GPS The radio is not receiving valid GPS data: check the GPS status screen andthe GPS connection.

Input Position The radio has been unable to receive valid GPS data for at least four hours; it can no longer track your position. You

need to manually input your position (see Setting the GPS position manually on page 11).

Battery Low The battery voltage output is too low (below 10.5 VDC).

VHF490 RADIO 1-800-BOATING

Message Meaning

Battery High The battery voltage output is too high (above 16.0 VDC).

Using the radio in normal mode

• To transmit, press and hold

PUSH TO TALK

on the microphone. Release the button when you are finished talking.

• For the best sound quality, hold the microphone about two inches from your mouth while you’re talking.

• Press

CHANNEL UP

on the radio or the microphone to move up one channel at a time. Press and hold either button to scroll

quickly up the channels.

• Press

CHANNEL DOWN

on the radio or the microphone to move down one channel at a time. Press and hold either button to

scroll quickly down the channels.

• To change the transmit power, press and hold the

ENT-1W/25W

for two seconds. The transmit power switches between 1 watt

and 25 watts each time you press and hold

ENT-1W/25W

Normal mode with Weather Alert Watch

If you activate Weather Alert Watch while operating in normal mode, the radio checks the most recently-used weather

channel every seven seconds. If it detects a weather alert for your area, it will change the channel to the last-used

weather channel. The radio will not check the weather channel while you are actively transmitting; it waits until your

transmission is finished and then checks the weather channel.

To turn Weather Alert Watch on or off, press and hold

CALL-MENU

while the radio is idle. Select

Setup

and then

WX-Alert Mode

. Use

CHANNEL UP

and

CHANNEL DOWN

to choose

WX Alert Mode

setting

Off

Every 7 seconds,

the radio checks the

most recently-used

weather channel.

with WX Alert on

Monitoring Channel 25

Normal mode with Triple and Dual Watch

If you activate Triple Watch while operating in normal mode, the radio checks channels 16 and 9 every two seconds; with Dual Watch

turned on, the radio only checks channel 16. The radio will not check channels 16 or 9 while you are actively transmitting; it waits

until your transmission is finished and then checks the channels.

Press and hold 16/9-TRI (on the radio or the microphone) for two seconds to turn Triple/Dual Watch on or off. (To change between

Triple or Dual Watch, see page 10.)

09 16 09 16 09 16

Triple Watch: Every 2 seconds,

the radio checks channels 9 & 16.

Monitoring Channel 25

Normal mode with both Weather Alert and Triple/Dual Watch

You can activate Weather Alert Watch and Triple/ Dual Watch at the same time. The radio performs both checks at their scheduled

time.

VHF490 RADIO 1-800-BOATING

WX Alert : Every 7 seconds,

the radio checks the most

recently-used weather channel.

09 16 09 16 09 16

Triple Watch: Every 2 seconds,

the radio checks channels 9 & 16.

Monitoring Channel 25

Scan Mode

You can save channels into memory and then use scan mode to monitor those channels. When the radio detects a signal on a

channel, it pauses on that channel as long as the signal is received; when the transmission stops, the radio will continue scanning.

1008 1312 17

15 20

The radio scans about

5 channels in 1 second.

When it detects a signal, the radio stays on the

channel until you press the CHANNEL UP button or the

signal stops.

Resume scan

In scan mode, you can get the following information from the display (some indicators will not always be displayed).

1 Watt USA

Memory

Scanning Channels

01A,05A,06,07A,08

07 A

Transmit power

last used

Channel mode

(USA, CANadian,

or INTernational)

Current channel

being scanned

Scan list (if the

text is too long,

the line scrolls)

All scanned

channels must

be in memory

Normal scan

mode or Triple/

Dual-watch on

Status

icons

Using the radio in scan mode

• You cannot transmit while in scan mode.

• You must have two or more channels in memory to start a scan.

• To save a channel into memory, select the channel, then press and hold

WX-MEM

for two seconds. Memory will show on the

display.

• To remove a channel from memory, set the radio to that channel, then press and hold

WX-MEM

for two seconds. Memory will

no longer show on the display.

• To activate scan mode, press and hold

CLR-SCAN

. Press and hold

CLR-SCAN

again to return to the previous mode.

• When the radio automatically stops on a channel, press

CHANNEL UP

to leave that channel and resume scanning.

• To end the scan, press the microphone’s

PUSH TO TALK

CALL-MEM

, or

WX-MEM

buttons. The radio remains on the last

scanned channel.

Scan mode with Weather Alert Watch

If you activate Weather Alert Watch while operating in scan mode, the radio checks the most recently-used weather channel every

seven seconds, then continues scanning the next channel in memory.

To turn Weather Alert Watch on or off, press and hold CALL-MENU while the radio is idle. Select Setup and then WX-Alert Mode.

Use CHANNEL UP and CHANNEL DOWN to choose WX Alert Mode setting On or Off.

VHF490 RADIO 1-800-BOATING

Scan mode with Triple and Dual Watch

If you activate Triple Watch while operating in scan mode, the radio checks channels 16 and 9 every two seconds, then goes on to

scan the next channel; with Dual Watch turned on, the radio only checks channel 16.

Press and hold 16/9-TRI (on the radio or the microphone) for two seconds to turn Triple/Dual Watch on or off. (To change between

Triple or Dual Watch, see page 10.)

Press and hold the CLR-SCAN key to turn off Scan mode and set the radio to Triple/Dual Watch mode.

09 16

Triple Watch : Every 2

seconds, the radio checks

channels 9 & 16 then goes on

to the next channel.

Memory Channel Scan

08 252417151413121110 20

Scan mode with both Weather Alert and Triple/Dual Watch

You can activate Weather Alert Watch and Triple/Dual Watch at the same time. The radio performs both checks at their scheduled

time.

09 16

Triple Watch:

Every 2 seconds,

the radio checks

channels 9 & 16

then goes on to

the next channel.

WX Alert : Every 7

seconds, the radio

checks the last-used

weather channel,

then scans the next

channel.

Memory Channel Scan

08 252417151413121110 20

Weather Mode

In cooperation with the FCC, NOAA also uses the weather channels to alert you of other hazards besides weather (child abduction

alerts, nuclear, biological, etc.). In weather mode, the radio monitors one of the ten NOAA weather channels. If any type of alert is

received for your area, the radio sounds an alert tone and displays the type of alert. In weather mode, the display shows the follow-

ing:

Hurricane Warning

Weather Band

Alert

Weather

mode is on

Current

channel

number

Type of alert

(If the text is too

long, it scrolls.)

Flashing: An alert

has been issued

Steady: Weather

Alert Watch is on

Using the radio in weather mode

• You cannot transmit while in weather mode.

• To enter weather mode, press

WX-MEM

• Weather mode can filter out alerts that do not affect your location if the location code (FIPS code) of the alert is entered in your

radio (

see page 10.)

If you have no FIPS codes programmed into your radio, the radio will notify you of all alerts in any area.

• To turn off the radio’s alert tone, press any button.

• To cancel weather mode and return to the previous marine channel, press the

WX-MEM

button again.

VHF490 RADIO 1-800-BOATING

Weather mode with Weather Alert Watch

Because weather mode already monitors the weather channels, you don’t need Weather Alert Watch to check the weather channel every

seven seconds. If you activate Weather Alert Watch while operating in weather mode, it operates as a type of “sleep mode”: the radio

stays on the weather channel and mutes the speaker. If an alert is detected for your area, the radio sounds an alert tone and turns the

speaker back on. This mode is very useful when you are anchoring for the night but want to stay informed of any hazards in your area.

To turn Weather Alert Watch on or off, press and hold CALL-MENU while the radio is idle. Select Setup and then WX-Alert Mode.

Use CHANNEL UP and CHANNEL DOWN to choose WX Alert Mode setting On or Off.

Weather mode with Triple and Dual Watch

If you activate Triple Watch while operating in weather mode, the radio checks channels 16 and 9 every two seconds; with Dual Watch

turned on, the radio only checks channel 16.

Press and hold 16/9-TRI (on the radio or the microphone) for two seconds to turn Triple/Dual Watch on or off. (To change between

Triple or Dual Watch, see page 10.)

09 16 09 16 09 16

Triple Watch: Every 2 seconds, the

radio checks channel 9, then channel 16.

Monitoring Weather Channel WX08

USING YOUR RADIO

To display the radio call menu, press CALL-MENU. To display the radio normal menu, press and hold CALL-MENU. The menu

has the following options:

USA/CAN/INT

Dual/TriWatch

GPS Setup

FIPS Codes

Auto CH SW

POS Reply

Test Reply

Channel Name

Group MMSI

User MMSI

WX Alert Mode

[Exit]

Contrast

Lamp Adjust

Key Beep

[Exit]

(Close Menu)

Setup

System

[Exit]

Press and hold -

CALL

ENT

1W/25W

ENT

1W/25W

ENT

1W/25W

VHF490 RADIO 1-800-BOATING

Using Your Radio

• An arrow on the left side indicates the current selection.

• Press

CHANNEL UP

on the radio or the microphone to move up a line in the menu; if you are at the top line in the menu, the

cursor jumps to the bottom of the menu.

• Press

ENT-1W/25W

to choose the selected item.

• Press

CHANNEL DOWN

on the radio or the microphone to move down a line in the menu; if you are at the bottom line of the menu,

the cursor jumps to the top of the menu.

• Press

CLR-SCAN

to go back to the previous menu screen.

• From any menu screen, choose

Exit

or press and hold

CALL-MENU

to close the menu screen.

Making a Voice MAYDAY Call

(see inside front cover)

Setting the Volume

Turn the volume knob clockwise to increase the speaker volume; turn it counter-clockwise to decrease the volume.

Setting the Squelch Level

The squelch feature reduces the level of static on the speaker by filtering out the background channel noise. At the lowest squelch

level, the speaker plays all radio signals, including any noise on the channel. Setting the squelch level higher filters out channel

noise and lets only actual radio transmissions through.

Weak signals

Squelch

Medium

Squelch

High

Squelch

Strong signals

Noise

While listening to a channel, adjust the SQUELCH knob until the noise is filtered out and you can only hear the transmission. If

you switch to a channel with a lot of noise or with a weak transmission, you may need to adjust the squelch level again.

NOTE: Setting the squelch level too high may prevent you from hearing weaker transmissions. If you are having difficulty

hearing a transmission, try setting the squelch level lower.

Changing the Channel

Press CHANNEL UP and CHANNEL DOWN briefly to scroll through the channels one channel at a time. Press and hold

CHANNEL UP or CHANNEL DOWN to quickly scroll through the channels.

Making a Transmission

To make a transmission, press and hold the microphone PUSH TO TALK button. Release the PUSH TO TALK button when you’re

finished talking to let the other party respond.

• To prevent stuck microphone problems or situations where

PUSH TO TALK

is pushed accidentally, the radio limits your talk time

to 5 minutes in a single transmission. If you talk for over 5 minutes continuously, the display shows

RELEASE MIC BUTTON

• For the best sound quality, hold the microphone about two inches away from your mouth.

VHF490 RADIO 1-800-BOATING

• You cannot transmit while the radio is in weather mode or scan mode.

• See the channel lists beginning on page 30 for a list of receive-only channels.

Boosting the Transmission Power

In most situations, the 1 Watt transmission power is all you need. If you find yourself far away from other stations and have trouble

getting a response, you may need to boost the transmission power from 1 Watt to 25 Watts:

1. Select the channel you want to transmit on.

2. Push and hold ENT-1W/25W for two seconds. The display shows 25 Watts in the upper left hand corner.

3. The transmit power remains at 25 Watts until you change the setting back. Push and hold ENT-1W/25W for two seconds. The

display shows 1 Watt.

NOTE: Don’t forget to change the transmission setting back to 1 Watt when you move closer to other stations.

NOTE: By default, when you change to channel 16, the radio automatically boosts the power to 25 Watts. Be sure to change

the power back to 1 Watt if you are not making an emergency transmission.

Some channels (for example, channels 13 and 67) limit the power of transmission to 1 Watt so that there is less interference between

boaters attempting to use the channel at the same time. If you switch to one of these channels, the radio changes back to 1 Watt

automatically. See the channel lists beginning on

page 30

for a list of power-restricted channels.

Choosing Triple Watch or Dual Watch

In Triple Watch mode, the radio briefly checks channels 16 and 9 every two seconds. In Dual Watch mode, the radio checks channel

16 only. Generally, Triple Watch is used in areas where channel 9 is used as a hailing frequency while Dual Watch is used in areas

where channel 16 is used for distress and hailing. Your radio comes set to use Triple Watch; if you want to use Dual Watch instead,

you will have to select it in the setup:

CALL

ENT

1W/25W

ENT

1W/25W

Press and hold CALL MENU to display the normal menu.

2. Select Setup and then Dual/Tri Watch.

3. Choose Dual Watch and press ENT-1W/25W. The radio activates the new setting and returns to the Setup menu.

4. To reactive Triple Watch, repeat the procedure described above, but choose Triple Watch in step 3.

Using FIPS Codes for Weather Alerts

The US National Weather Service established 6-digit Federal Information Processing System (FIPS) codes to issue weather alerts

in specific areas. You can choose which areas you want to hear alerts for by entering these FIPS codes in your radio. This can

prevent you from being bothered by events that are far from where you are boating. The radio only sounds the alert tone if an

incoming FIPS code matches one of the areas you selected.

• For more information about how the NWS uses FIPS codes, see the NWS website: www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/nwsfipschg.htm.

• To see an index of FIPS codes by state, see the website of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST): www.itl.

nist. gov/fipspubs/co-codes/states.htm.

VHF490 RADIO 1-800-BOATING

• For information on the Canadian implementation of FIPS codes, called Canadian Location Codes, see the website of the

Meteorological Service of Canada (MSC): http://www.msc.ec.gc.ca/msb/weatheradio/transmitter/index_e.cfm

NOTE: If you travel outside the areas you have entered into your radio, you may not hear alerts that affect your new location.

Be sure to enter the FIPS codes of all the areas you plan to travel to during this trip.

Follow the steps below to edit the list of FIPS codes. You can store up to 30 different FIPS codes in your radio.

000000

Use the up and down arrows

to adjust each of the six

digits in turn.

FIPS Code

Back[CLR]

Forward[ENT]

FIPS Codes

Setup

Press and hold -

[New]

CALL

ENT

1W/25W

ENT

1W/25W

ENT

1W/25W

Display the normal menu and choose the Setup sub-menu.

2. Select FIPS Codes. The screen displays any previously-entered FIPS codes.

3. To add a new FIPS code, select New.

4. Use CHANNEL UP and CHANNEL DOWN to change the first of the six digits; CHANNEL UP increases the number and

CHANNEL DOWN decreases it.

5. When the first digit is correct, press ENT-1W/25W. The cursor moves to the next digit. Enter the remaining five digits of the

FIPS code in the same way. If you make a mistake while entering a digit, press CLR-SCAN to erase the wrong number and

moved the cursor to the left digit.

6. When the sixth digit is correct, press ENT-1W/25W. The radio displays the new FIPS code and asks you to confirm. To save

this code, select Yes; to cancel this code, select No. The radio returns to the list of FIPS codes.

7. To change an existing FIPS code, select the code you want to change.

8. To delete the FIPS code, select Delete. To edit the code, select Edit, then use CHANNEL UP and CHANNEL DOWN buttons

to change each of the six digits.

9. When you are satisfied with the list of FIPS codes, select Exit to close the menu screen.

Changing Display and Sound Options

Contrast

Your radio display has 10 levels of contrast. To adjust the contrast, press and hold CALL-MENU while the radio is idle. Select

System and then Contrast. Use CHANNEL UP and CHANNEL DOWN to change the contrast to your desired level.

To restore the default contrast setting, turn the radio off. Press CALL-MENU and hold it in while you turn the radio on.

Lamp adjust

Your radio has 10 brightness levels on the display. To adjust the brightness, press and hold CALL-MENU while the radio is idle.

Select System and then Lamp Adjust. Use CHANNEL UP and CHANNEL DOWN to change the brightness to your desired level.

Turning the key beep on and off

Key beep is the tone that sounds when you press a key or a button. To turn off the key beep, press and hold CALL-MENU while

the radio is idle. Select System and then Key Beep. Choose Off to turn off the key beep.

Setting the GPS Position Manually

If the radio is not receiving valid GPS data, the radio displays Input Position. Follow the steps below to manually input your

position.

NOTE: Be certain any manually-entered position is correct. If you enter the wrong position and then make a DSC distress call,

you will be telling the arrows to adjust each of the values in turn.

VHF490 RADIO 1-800-BOATING

CALL

ENT

1W/25W

ENT

1W/25W

ENT

1W/25W

1. Display the normal menu and choose the Setup sub-menu.

2. Select GPS Setup and then choose Position Set.

3. The GPS manual input screen displays; the fields to be entered blink. The cursor highlights the hour. Use CHANNEL UP and

CHANNEL DOWN to set the displayed hours to match coordinated universal time (UTC, also call Greenwich Mean Time and

Zulu Time). When the display matches UTC time, press ENT-1W/25W. If you make a mistake while entering a digit, press

CLR-SCAN to erase the wrong number and moved the cursor to the left digit.

4. The cursor moves to highlight the minutes. Use CHANNEL UP and CHANNEL DOWN to adjust the minutes and press ENT-

1W/25W.

5. The cursor moves to highlight the degrees latitude. As you update each value, the cursor moves to the next value in turn. At

each number, use CHANNEL UP and CHANNEL DOWN to adjust the number and press ENT-1W/25W.

6. When you have entered the last value, the radio returns to the GPS Setup menu.

USING DIGITAL SELECTIVE CALLING (DSC) FEATURES

What is DSC?

Digital Selective Calling (DSC) is a standard that allows you to call other stations using their unique identification code (the Maritime

Mobile Service Identity or MMSI number), just like you would call a phone number. To call another station, just enter that station’s

MMSI number and choose the voice channel you want to talk on. The radio uses channel 70 to transmit your MMSI number to the

other station along with the voice channel you requested. If the other station accepts your call, both radios automatically switch to

the requested voice channel so you can talk to the other station.

DSC provides a system for automated distress calls. At the touch of a button, the radio can transmit your MMSI number, the nature

of your distress, and your current position based on data from your GPS receiver. The radio repeats the distress call every few

minutes until it receives an acknowledgement.

The DSC standard dedicates a VHF channel—channel 70—to digital transmissions only. Since digital transmissions require less

bandwidth voice transmissions, channel 70 avoids the problems of busy voice channels.

Advanced DSC Features

Your radio supports the following DSC features:

Feature Menu Item Function

Individual Call Individual Contact another vessel from your directory.

Group Call Group Contact all vessels that share your group MMSI code.

All Ships Call All Ships Broadcast to all vessels within range (used for safety or advisory messages).

Position Request POS Request Request the current location of another vessel.

Position Send Position Send Transmit your current location to another vessel.

Test Call Test Make sure your radio is working and configured correctly.

Name and MMSI Directory Directory Store a list of 20 names and MMSI identification codes for DSC calls.

Standby Mode Standby Automaticcally respond to all DSC calls within an “Unavailable” status.

Received Call Log Receive Log Display the last 10 distress calls received by the radio and the last 20 general

calls.

VHF490 RADIO 1-800-BOATING

What is an MMSI Number?

In order to use DSC features, you must be assigned an MMSI number and program that number into your radio. There are two kinds of MMSI

numbers: individual numbers for use by single boats and group numbers for use by fleets, boating organizations, event coordinators, etc.

You can get more information on MMSI numbers at these resources:

• The dealer where you purchased the radio

• Recreational boaters can obtain an MMSI number from the Boat Owner’s Association of the U.S. (http://www.boatus.com/mmsi/

or call 800-563-1536) or Sea Tow Services International (http://seatow. com/boating_safety/mmsi.asp)

• Commercial boaters need a ship station license to get an MMSI number. For more information, visit the Federal Communications

Commission (FCC) website at http://wireless.fcc.gov/marine/ fctsht14.html.

Entering MMSI Numbers

Individual or User MMSI Number

NOTE: Be sure you have the correct User MMSI number before entering it in the radio. The radio only allows you to enter the

user MMSI once. If you need to re-enter the User MMSI number, contact customer service (1-800-BOATING).

Follow the steps below to enter your individual or user MMSI number into the radio:

CALL

ENT

1W/25W

ENT

1W/25W

ENT

1W/25W

Display the normal menu and choose the Setup sub-menu.

2. Select User MMSI. (If an MMSI number was already entered, the screen displays it with the message Cannot change over 1

time. Contact customer service (1-800-BOATING).

3. Use CHANNEL UP and CHANNEL DOWN to enter the first of the nine digits; CHANNEL UP increases the number and

CHANNEL DOWN decreases it.

4. When the first digit is correct, press ENT-1W/25W. The cursor moves to the next digit. Enter the remaining eight digits of the

MMSI number in the same way. If you make a mistake while entering a number, press CLR-SCAN to erase the wrong number

and the cursor is moved to the left digit.

5. When the ninth digit is correct, press ENT-1W/25W. The radio displays the new MMSI number and asks you to confirm.

NOTE: Be sure you entered the number correctly before confirming the entry. You can only save the user MMSI once.

6. To save this MMSI number, select Yes, then confirm the number. To cancel this MMSI number, select No. The radio returns to

the Setup menu.

Group MMSI Number

You can change the group MMSI number as often as you want. Follow the steps below to enter a group MMSI number into the radio:

VHF490 RADIO 1-800-BOATING

CALL

ENT

1W/25W

ENT

1W/25W

1. Display the normal menu and choose the Setup sub-menu.

2. Select Group MMSI. If one was entered previously, the screen displays it.

3. Group MMSI numbers always start with a 0, so that digit is already entered for you. Use CHANNEL UP and CHANNEL DOWN

to change the second of the nine digits; CHANNEL UP increases the number and CHANNEL DOWN button decreases it.

4. When the second digit is correct, press the ENT-1W/25W. The cursor moves to the next digit. Enter the remaining seven

digits of the MMSI number in the same way. If you make a mistake while entering a number, press CLR-SCAN to erase the

wrong number and the cursor is moved to the left digit.

5. When the ninth digit is correct, press ENT-1W/25W. The radio displays the new MMSI number and asks you to confirm.

6. To save this MMSI number, select Yes and confirm the entry. To cancel this MMSI number, select No. The radio returns to the

Setup menu.

Using the Directory

The directory lets you store up to 20 MMSI numbers of other stations so you can call them quickly.

CALL

ENT

1W/25W

ENT

1W/25W

Follow the steps below to edit the MMSI numbers in your directory:

1. Press CALL-MENU to display the call menu.

2. Select Directory. The screen displays any previously-entered MMSI numbers and names.

3. To add a new MMSI number to the directory, select New.

4. The radio prompts you to enter the nine-digit MMSI number. Use CHANNEL UP and CHANNEL DOWN to change the first

digit; the CHANNEL UP button increases the number and the CHANNEL DOWN button decreases it.

5. When the first digit is correct, press ENT-1W/25W. The cursor moves to the next digit. Enter the remaining eight digits of the

MMSI number in the same way. If you make a mistake while entering a number, press CLR-SCAN to erase the wrong number

and the cursor is moved to the left digit.

6. When the ninth digit is correct, press ENT-1W/25W.

7. The radio prompts you to enter a name for this MMSI number; the name is what you will see in the directory list. Each name

can be up to 12 characters. Use CHANNEL UP and CHANNEL DOWN to change the first character. The channel buttons scroll

through the available characters according to the following table:

Channel Up Button Channel Down Button

Capital letters (A through Z) One blank space

Lower-case letters (a through z) Numbers (0 through 9)

Punctuation (/ ‘ + -) Punctuation (/ ‘ + -)

Numbers (0 through 9) Lower-case letters (a through z)

One blank space Capital letters (A through Z)

VHF490 RADIO 1-800-BOATING

8. When the first character is correct, press ENT-1W/25W button. The cursor moves to the next character. Enter the remaining

11 characters of the name. If the name is shorter than 12 characters, press and hold ENT-1W/25W to complete the name entry.

(If you press and hold ENT-1W/25W without entering a name, the radio uses the MMSI number in the directory list.) If you

make a mistake while entering a number, press CLR-SCAN to erase the wrong number and the cursor is moved to left digit.

9. When you finish entering the name, the radio displays the new MMSI number and name and asks you to confirm. To save this

directory entry, select Yes; to cancel this directory entry, select No. The radio returns to the directory list.

10. To change an existing directory entry, select the entry you want to change.

11. To delete the directory entry, select Delete. To edit the code, select Edit, then use CHANNEL UP and CHANNEL DOWN to

edit the MMSI number and the name.

12. When you are satisfied with the directory list, select Exit to close the menu screen.

Making DSC Calls

There are essentially four different types of DSC voice calls:

Call type What it does When to use it

Distress Alerts all stations that you need assistance and sends them your

current position. In an emergency only.

Individual Calls a single station using the User MMSL. Any time you want to talk to another station.

Group Calls all the stations that have the same Group MMSL as yours. Any time you want with the whole group you are

traveling with at the same time.

All Ships Calls all stations within range of your radio. Safety warnings (e.g., debris in the water) or any

urgent situation.

Suppose you are coordinating safety for a sailboat race. Before the race starts, you instruct all the racers to enter your group MMSI

number into their radios. During the race:

• Throughout the race, you use group calling to update the racers on the time, race status, and any course corrections.

• A power boat full of spectators comes a little too close to the race path. You use individual calling to contact the power boat and

advise them to stay clear of the race.

• You see a rowboat entering the area, but since it doesn’t have a radio, you can’t communicate with the rowboat. You use all ships

calling to alert all the other boats in the area of the possible danger.

VHF490 RADIO 1-800-BOATING

Calling a single station (Individual Call)

To call a single station with DSC, follow the steps below (see also page 13):

1. Press CALL-MENU to display the call menu.

2. Select Individual.

3. The radio displays the names listed in your directory; use CHANNEL UP and CHANNEL DOWN to choose the directory entry you want

to call and press ENT-1W/25W

. If you want to call a station that is not in your directory, select Manual. The radio prompts

you to enter the MMSI number you want to call. Enter the MMSI number the same way you enter directory entries (see page

14) Enter all nine digits and press ENT-1W/25W.

4. The radio prompts you to select a response channel. Use CHANNEL UP and CHANNEL DOWN to scroll through the available

channels. When you reach the channel you want to use for a response, press the ENT-1W/25W button.

5. The radio displays the MMSI number you are about to call and asks you to confirm. If you want to call the displayed MMSI

number, select Send. To cancel the call, select Cancel.

6. The radio automatically switches to channel 70 to transmit the call request.

• When the other station accepts the call, both radios switch to the selected response channel for voice transmission.

• If the other station cannot respond on the channel you selected, the radio displays

Not support CH

Calling a particular group of stations (Group Call)

Group calling calls all the stations that share your group MMSI. You must have a group MMSI programmed into the radio to make

a group call, and the stations (boats) you are calling must have this same group MMSI programmed into their radios. See also page

13.

1. Press CALL-MENU to display the call menu.

2. Select Group.

3. The radio prompts you to select a response channel. Use CHANNEL UP and CHANNEL DOWN to scroll through the available

channels. When you reach the channel you want to use for a response, press ENT-1W/25W.

4. The radio asks you to confirm the call. Select Send to continue with the call or select Cancel to cancel the call.

5. The radio switches to channel 70 to transmit the call request then automatically switches to the designated response channel.

VHF490 RADIO 1-800-BOATING

Calling all stations (All-Ships Call)

All ships calling contacts all DSC radios within range of your boat. You should only use all ships calling in the event of a Safety

warning (such as debris in the water) or to request assistance in an Urgency (any situation where your vessel has a serious problem

but is not yet in distress).

1. Open the call menu.

2. Select All Ships, and then choose whether this is an Urgency call or a Safety call.

3. The radio asks you to confirm the call. Select Send to continue with the call or select Cancel to cancel the call.

4. The radio automatically switches to channel 70 to transmit the call request then automatically switches to channel 16, the

designated response channel for all-ships calling.

Making an Automatic Distress Call

If you have programmed your MMSI number, your radio can transmit an automated distress call with your current location and nature

of the distress. The radio then monitors the channel 16 for a response and repeats the distress call every few minutes until it receives

an acknowledgement.

NOTE: To send an automatic distress call, press and hold DISTRESS for three seconds. If no MMSI number has been pro-

grammed, the radio prompts you to enter your MMSI number.

If you want to include the nature of your distress in the distress call, use the following distress procedure:

1. Press DISTRESS.

2. The radio displays the list of distress conditions; use CHANNEL UP and CHANNEL DOWN to choose the nature of your

distress, then press and hold DISTRESS for three seconds.

Undesignated Sinking Fire

Adrift Flooding Abandoning

Collision Piracy. Armed Grounding

Overboard Capsizing

3. If no MMSI number has been programmed, the radio prompts you to enter your MMSI number.

Canceling an automatic distress call

While the radio is waiting for a response, it gives you the option of canceling the call. To cancel the distress call, choose Cancel

and press ENT-1W/25W.

Receiving a DSC Call

If your radio receives an individual DSC call from another station, it sounds an incoming call tone and displays the name or MMSI

number of the station calling you. To respond to

the call, select Send: Able-Comply; the radio sends an acknowledgement

and automatically

switches to the designated response channel. To reject the call, select Send: Unable-Comply; the radio advises

the other station that you are unable to respond to the call.

If the DSC request contains a response channel that you are not allowed to use, the radio displays Not Support CH; your only

response option is Send: Unable-Comply.

If the radio receives a group or all ships call, it sounds an incoming call tone and automatically switches to the designated response

channel.

Receive log

Just like your telephone’s caller ID list, your radio keeps track of the calls you receive but do not answer. The receive log is useful

if you have been off your boat or away from your radio and want to see who has tried to contact you. The radio displays the last 10

distress calls and the last 20 non-distress calls that it received. If you have unread incoming DSC calls, the radio displays a Message

icon. When you display all Distress and Other receiving logs, the message icon disappears.

VHF490 RADIO 1-800-BOATING

CALL

ENT

1W/2.5 W

ENT

1W/2.5 W

1. Press CALL-MENU to display the call menu.

2. Select Receive Log.

3. Select Distress to see the last 10 distress call received by the radio. Select Other to see the last 20 normal calls received by

the radio, then choose from Individual, Group, or All Ships calls.

4. Calls are listed in the order they were received, with the newest call shown first. The display blinks if there are new calls you

have not reviewed.

5. Select the call you want to see the details of. Use CHANNEL UP and CHANNEL DOWN to see all of the information. The log displays

different information depending on type of call received. See the table below for the information stored for each type of call:

DSC Call Type Receive Log Information

Distress MMSI (or name), position, time, nature code.

Distress

Acknowledge MMSI (or name), distress MMSI, position, time, nature code.

Distress Relay MMSI (or name), distress MMSI, position, time, nature code.

Distress Relay

Acknowledge MMSI (or name), distress MMSI, position, time, nature code.

Geographical MMSI (or name), category code, communication channel number.

All Ships MMSI (or name), category code, communication channel number.

Group MMSI (or name), category code, communication channel number.

Individual MMSI (or name), category code, communication channel number.

Individual

Acknowledge MMSI (or name), Completed/Unattended, category code, communication channel number.

Test MMSI (or name), category code.

Test Acknowledge MMSI (or name), category code.

Pos Reply MMSI (or name), position, time, category code.

Pos Request MMSI (or name), category code.

Pos Send MMSI (or name), position, time, category code.

6. Press CLR-SCAN button to exit the detail screen and return to the log menu.

7. From the log menu, select Exit to close the receive log and return to the mode you were in.

Returning a call

You can return individual calls directly from the receive log. From the call detail screen, press CHANNEL DOWN until Call Back

appears at the bottom of the display. Press ENT-1W/25W to return that station’s call.

Test Calls

Making Test Calls (Test)

You can use the test call feature to make sure your radio is working and configured correctly. To avoid overloading coastal receiving

stations, you should limit test calls to these stations to once a week.

VHF490 RADIO 1-800-BOATING

NOTE: Many coastal stations have specific frequencies and MMSI numbers you should use for making test calls. Before

making a test call to a coastal station, be sure to check the Local Notice to Mariners (LNM), issued every week by the US

Coast Guard. The LNMs for each region are available online at http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/lnm/default.htm.

1. Press CALL-MENU to display the call menu.

2. Select Test.

3. The radio displays the names listed in your directory; use CHANNEL UP and CHANNEL DOWN to choose the directory entry

you want to send a test call to and press ENT-1W/25W button.

CALL

ENT

1W/25W

If you want to send a test call to a station that is not in your

directory, select Manual. The radio prompts you to enter the MMSI number you want to call. Enter the MMSI number the same

way you enter directory entries (see page 14). Enter all nine digits and press ENT-1W/25W button.

4. The radio displays the MMSI number you are about to call and asks you to confirm. If you want to call the displayed number, select

Send. To cancel the call, select Cancel.

Test

123456789

Send

Cancel

Back[CLR] Select[ENT]

The radio automatically switches to channel 70 to transmit the test call request, then switches back to the last-used channel.

6. When the other station acknowledges the test call, the radio displays an acknowledgement screen.

Test

Acknowledged

123456789

Completed

Back[CLR]

Receiving Test Calls

When another station sends you a test call, the radio displays the test request screen.

• To acknowledge the test call, select

• To reject the test call, select

Cancel

VHF490 RADIO 1-800-BOATING

Test

123456789

Cancel

Select[ENT]

Back[CLR]

Enabling automatic test call reply

If you want the radio to automatically reply to all test call, you can enable automatic test call reply.

1. Press and hold CALL-MENU to display the normal menu.

2. Select Setup and then Test Reply.Choose Auto and press ENT-1W/25W. The radio will automatically send an acknowledge-

ment when it receives a test call.

CALL

ENT

1W/25W

ENT

1W/25W

3. To disable automatic test call reply, repeat the steps above and select Manual.

Position Request and Reply

Requesting another station’s position (POS Request)

Anytime you need to know where another boat currently is—to find your boating partners, to respond to a request for assistance,

etc.—you can send a position request to their radio:

1. Press CALL-MENU to display the call menu.

2. Select DSC Call sub-menu, then select POS Request.

3. The radio displays the names listed in your directory; use CHANNEL UP and CHANNEL DOWN to choose the directory entry

you want to contact and press ENT-1W/25W. If you want to contact a station that is not in your directory, select Manual. The

radio prompts you to enter the MMSI number you want to call. Enter the MMSI number the same way you enter directory entries

(see page 14). Enter all nine digits and press ENT-1W/25W.

4. The radio displays the MMSI number you are about to contact and asks you to confirm. If you want to request the position of

the displayed MMSI number, select Send. To cancel the request, select Cancel.

5. When the other station responds, the radio displays the MMSI number, the longitude, and the latitude of the other station. If

your radio is connected to a chartplotter through the NMEA OUT connection (see page 24), the position information will also

be displayed on the plotter screen.

6. If the other station does not have valid GPS data, the radio displays No Position.

Receiving a position request (Position Reply)

When another station requests your current position, the radio displays the following screen:

VHF490 RADIO 1-800-BOATING

POS Request

KENT NEWMAN

Cancel

Select[ENT]

Back[CLR]

To send your current position to the other station, select Reply; the radio transmits your latitude and longitude to the other station.

If you select Reply but the radio does not have valid GPS data, it transmits the reply code with No Position.

To reject the position request, select Cancel.

Enabling automatic position reply

If you want the radio to automatically transmit your current position whenever it receives a position request, you can enable auto-

matic position reply. Most boaters activate automatic position reply for safety reasons or because they subscribe to a marine towing

service. Sometimes—for example, in some competitive situations--you may not want other stations to get your position without

your manual confirmation

1. Press and hold CALL-MENU to display the normal menu.

2. Select Setup and then POS Reply.

3. Choose Auto and press ENT-1W/25W. The radio will automatically transmit your position when it receives a position request.

4. To disable automatic position reply, repeat the steps above and select Manual.

Sending your own position (Position Send)

If your radio is connected to a GPS receiver, you can send your boat’s position to someone else. If you are requesting assistance or

using an all ships call to give a safety warning, you can send your current position so other stations know where you are:

1. Press CALL-MENU to display the call menu.

2. Select Position Send.

3. The radio displays the names listed in your directory; use CHANNEL UP and CHANNEL DOWN to choose the directory entry

you want to contact and press ENT-1W/25W. If you want to contact a station that is not in your directory, select Manual. The

radio prompts you to enter the MMSI number you want to call. Enter the MMSI number the same way you enter directory entries

(seepage 14). Enter all nine digits and press ENT-1W/25W.

4. The radio displays the MMSI number you are about to contact and asks you to confirm. If you want to transmit your position to

the displayed MMSI number, select Send. To cancel the transmission, select Cancel.

5. The radio transmits your MMSI number, your longitude, and your latitude to the other station.

Putting the Radio into Standby

If you are leaving your radio or do not wish to answer any DSC calls, you can put your radio in standby mode. If your radio receives

an individual call, it will automatically respond with a message that indicates your radio is currently unattended. Follow the steps

below to put your radio in standby:

CALL

ENT

1W/25W

1. Display the Call menu.

2. Select Standby to place your radio in standby mode. The radio displays the standby screen, above.

VHF490 RADIO 1-800-BOATING

3. To cancel standby and return to the mode your radio was in, press any button.

Disabling Automatic Channel Switching

If you are involved in a bridge-to-bridge call, you may not want the radio to automatically switch channels when it receives a DSC call.

In cases like this, you can disable automatic channel switching. If you receive an individual call, the radio will respond with an

unattended code, just as if the radio were in Standby.

1. Press and hold CALL-MENU to display the normal menu.

2. Select Setup and then Auto CH SW.

3. Choose Off and press ENT-1W/25W. The radio will not automatically switch channels until you reactivate this feature.

NOTE: Use this feature with caution. Deactivating automatic switching and then forgetting it can make it hard for you to receive

DSC calls.

If you have unread incoming DSC calls, the radio displays a message icon ( ). You will be able to review who has called. The

radio displays the last 10 distress calls and the last 20 non-distress calls it received (see the receive log on page 17).

Renaming Channels

If you discover that a marine radio channel has a different common name in your local area, you can change the name of that

channel to make it easier for you to use (see the channel lists beginning on page 30 for the default channel names). To rename a

channel, follow the steps below:

1. Display the normal menu and choose the Setup sub-menu.

2. Select Channel Name. The screen displays the list of channels.

3. Use CHANNEL UP and CHANNEL DOWN to choose the channel you want to change and press ENT-1W/25W.

4. Select Rename to enter a new name for this channel. The radio prompts you to enter a new name for this channel. Each name

can be up to 12 characters. Use CHANNEL UP and CHANNEL DOWN to change the first character.

5. When the first character is correct, press ENT-1W/25W. The cursor moves to the next character. Enter the remaining 11

characters of the name. If the name is shorter than 12 characters, press and hold ENT-1W/25W to complete the name entry.

If you make a mistake while entering a number, press CLR-SCAN to erase the wrong number and the cursor is moved to the

left digit.

6. When you finish entering the name, the radio displays the new channel name and asks you to confirm. To save this new chan-

nel name, select Yes; to cancel the change, select No. The radio returns to the channel list.

7. To restore a channel back to its original name, select the channel and choose Default.

8. When you are satisfied with the channel list, select Exit to close the menu screen.

VHF490 RADIO 1-800-BOATING

INSTALLING THE HARDWARE

Mounting the Radio

Your radio can sit at any angle in the mounting bracket so it can easily accommodate the best location. First, determine the best

place to mount the radio. For optimum performance, find a location that can:

• Properly support the weight of the radio, approximately 2.2 pounds or 1.1 kilograms. You may need to use some type of anchor

with the mounting screws to hold the radio, depending on the surface.

• Keep the battery leads as short as possible.

• Keep the antenna lead-in wire as short as possible.

• Allow free air flow around the heat sink on the rear of the radio.

• Avoid interference with the ship’s compass.

1. Install the radio into the mounting bracket.

2. Position the radio into the desired location. Mark the edges of the bracket on the mounting surface.

Actual product image may vary slightly.

Remove the mounting bracket drill template from the back of the manual, and use the template to mark the drill holes on the

mounting surface.

4. Drill the holes for the mounting bracket; be sure to follow any special requirements of the mounting surface.

5. Remove the bracket from the radio, and use the mounting hardware to secure the bracket to the mounting surface.

Hex bolt

Washer

Spring washer

Hex nut

Mounting

bracket

Mounting

surface

Install the radio back into the mounting bracket.

Connecting the Radio

To operate correctly, your radio requires two electrical connections:

•

providing it with power from the boat’s electrical system

•

connecting a VHF-FM marine antenna to the antenna connector

VHF490 RADIO 1-800-BOATING

Power Supply Requirements VHF Antenna Requirements

Nominal 13.8 VDC power supply with a negative ground (10.5 VDC to

16.0 VDC).

Power leads should be kept as short as possible. A direct connection to

the power supply is ideal.

Minimum of #14 AWG copper wire for extensions up to 20 feet, 12 AWG

wire for extensions from 20 to 35 feet, or 10 AWG wire for extensions

from 35 to 60 feet.

Male PL-259 connector

50 Ω impedance

Minimum 3 foot, 3 dB rated antenna for sailboats or 8 foot, 6 dB

rated antenna for powerboats

Minimum RG-58 lead-in wire for antenna leads up to 20 feet,

RG-8X for antenna leads from 20 to 35 feet, or RG-8U for antenna

leads from 35 to 60 feet.

1. Connect the BLACK wire of the power cable to the NEGATIVE (-) side of your power source.

2. Connect the RED wire of the power cable to the POSITIVE (+) side of your power source.

NOTE: To extend the life of the radio, use waterproof tape to seal electrical connections.

3. Install your antenna according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

4. If necessary, consult the FCC guidelines for antenna separation. See Antenna Selection and Installation on page 37 for more

details. (In summary, the FCC recommends that antennas up to 3 dB be installed a minimum of 3 feet from any occupied location;

antennas over 3 dB should be installed at least 6 feet away.)

5. Connect the PL-259 connector from the antenna lead-in wires to the SO238 connector labeled ANTENNA on the back of your radio.

6. Plug the power cable into the power cable pigtail on the back of your radio.

Connecting the Accessory Cable

Use the accessory cable to connect the radio to a GPS receiver, a GPS chartplotter, and an external speaker. The wiring diagram below

shows the connections for each accessory.

Yellow: NMEA_IN (+)

Red: External Speaker (+)

White: NMEA_OUT (+)

Orange: N/A

Black: GND/External Speaker (-)

Brown: NMEA_OUT (-)

Bare: Shield/GND

Green: NMEA_IN (-)

ACCESSORY

CABLE WIRES CONNECTS TO...

NMEA Data Output (-) or GND from GPS receiver

NMEA Data Output (+) from GPS receiver

NMEA Data Input (+) on Chartplotter

Speaker (-)/GND

Speaker (+)

NMEA Data Input (-) on Chartplotter

Connecting to a GPS Receiver

If you connect the radio to a GPS receiver, the radio can automatically transmit your current position during an automated distress

call or during a normal DSC call.

Your radio supports a standard NMEA0183 input from a GPS receiver. Follow the steps below to connect your radio to your GPS

receiver:

VHF490 RADIO 1-800-BOATING

1. Connect the GREEN wire of the included accessory cable to the GPS DATA OUTPUT (-) WIRE or the GROUND WIRE on your

GPS receiver.

2. Connect the YELLOW wire of the included accessory cable to the GPS DATA OUTPUT (+) WIRE on your GPS receiver.

3. Be certain all wire connections are secure and that all open wires are adequately covered.

NOTE: to extend the life of the radio, use waterproof tape to seal electrical connections.

4. Plug the accessory cable into the accessory cable pigtail on the back of your radio.

GPS Verication

If the GPS receiver is correctly connected and it transmits valid data, the display shows GPS Data OK. Press ENT-1W25W to

open the GPS status screen and see detailed GPS data:

06/20 11:00:00

208o 30. 0 KT

35o 40. 610 N

139

46. 564 E

GPS Data: External

Date

Time

Current

channel

Course

Latitude

Longitude

Speed

Status

If the GPS does not send coordinates within 30 minutes, an audible alert sounds once and the display shows Input GPS. This message

remains until the coordinates are updated.

After 4 hours, the audible alert sounds again if no coordinates are received and the GPS is connected. After 23.5 hours, the radio

deleted the current coordinates and displays Input GPS.

See page 11 to manually set the GPS coordinates.

Conguring the GPS

If the radio is receiving valid GPS data, it will automatically set the clock to your local time based on the GPS location. You can

adjust your local time forward or back one hour if necessary (for example, if you are close to the border of a time zone); you can

also adjust for Daylight Savings Time.

Follow the steps below to adjust the time:

CALL

ENT

1W/25W

ENT

1W/25W

ENT

1W/25W

Display the normal menu and choose the Setup sub-menu.

2. Select GPS Setup and then choose Time Adjust.

3. The display shows your current local time. To adjust the time forward one hour, use CHANNEL UP. To adjust the time back

one hour, use CHANNEL DOWN button. Press ENT-1W/25W button when you are finished.

4. The display prompts you to confirm the setting: choose Set to save the new time or Cancel to exit time setup without saving.

The radio returns to the GPS Setup menu.

5. If your local area observes Daylight Savings Time, choose Daylight Save and press the ENT-1W/25W button.

6. If Daylight Savings Time is currently in effect, select On. If Daylight Savings Time is not currently in effect, select Off.

7. Press ENT-1W/25W. The radio activates the new time setting and returns to the GPS Setup menu.

Connecting to a Chartplotter

Your radio provides a standard NMEA0183 GPS output that you can connect to a chartplotter. When it receives another boat’s

position data in a DSC call, the radio sends the position data to the chartplotter so you can see the location:

VHF490 RADIO 1-800-BOATING

1. Connect the BROWN wire of the accessory cable to the NEGATIVE (-) wire of your chartplotter’s NMEA data INPUT.

2. Connect the WHITE wire of the accessory cable to the POSITIVE (+) wire of your chartplotter’s NMEA data INPUT.

3. Be certain all wire connections are secure and that all open wires are adequately covered.

NOTE: To extend the life of the radio, use waterproof tape to seal electrical connections.

Connecting to an External Speaker

You can use an external speaker to monitor the radio from a different part of your boat or in a noisy environment. If you adjust the

VOLUME-PWR knob on the radio, it will also adjust the external speaker volume.

Your radio supports an external speaker with the following specifications:

• Minimum impedance of 4 Ohms

• Minimum power handling of 10 Watts

1. Connect the BLACK wire of the accessory cable to the GROUND WIRE of your external speaker.

2. Connect the RED wire of the accessory cable to the POSITIVE (+) WIRE of your external speaker.

3. Be certain all wire connections are secure and that all open wires are adequately covered.

NOTE: To extend the life of the radio, use waterproof tape to seal electrical connections.

MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING

Due to its rugged design, your radio requires very little maintenance. However, it is a precision electronic instrument, so you should

follow a few precautions:

• If the antenna has been damaged, you should not transmit except in the case of an emergency. A defective antenna may cause

damage to your radio.

• You are responsible for continued FCC technical compliance of your radio.

• You should arrange for periodic performance checks with your dealer.

Problem Things to Try

The radio won’t power on.

Check the power connections.

Check the fuse.

Check the master battery switch and branch circuit that connect to the radio.

The radio won’t transmit.

Make sure you are not in weather or scan mode.

Make sure you are not trying to transmit on a receive-only channel (see the channels

and frequency tables beginning on page 30).

Make sure you are transmitting at the correct power level for this channel (see the

channels and frequency tables beginning on page 30).

Make sure the duration of each transmission is less than 5 minutes.

Noise comes out of the speaker all the time Adjust the squelch level; it is probably too low.

I can’t hear anything (no volume) from the speaker. Adjust the squelch level; it is probably too high.

I can transmit, but no one can hear me. Check your UIC channel settings (see Setting the UIC channel mode (USA/CAN/INT)

on page 3).

The display flashes, and I don’t know why.

The display will flash if the radio is in a watch mode or in scan mode. Try turning off

scanning (page 6), Weather Alert Watch (page 8), or Triple/Dual Watch (see

page 10).

I can’t read the display.

Adjust the contrast and backlight brightness level (see page 11).

The display is too bright at night. Adjust the backlight brightness level.

Turn off the radio; hold CALL-MENU button and turn it back on (see page 11).

VHF490 RADIO 1-800-BOATING

Problem Things to Try

I can’t see any words on the display. Reset the radio back to the default brightness level: turn off the radio; hold the CALL-

MENU button and turn it back on.

I’m not getting any GPS data on my display.

Make sure your GPS receiver is correctly connected (see Connecting to a GPS

receiver, page 24).

Make sure your GPS receiver is working properly.

Make sure that your GPS receiver supports the NMEA parameters described in NMEA

Operation on page 34.

I’m not getting any hazard alerts.

Make sure Weather Alert Watch is turned on.

Check to make sure the FIPS codes in your radio include your current location (see

Using FIPS Codes for Weather Alerts on page 10).

I’m getting all the hazard alerts, not just the ones for

my area.

Check to make sure the FIPS codes in your radio were entered correctly (see Using

FIPS Codes for Weather Alerts on page 10).

Sometimes the Weather Alert Watch may catch a hazard alert in the middle of the

broadcast and miss which FIPS codes are affected. For your safety, the radio triggers

the alert tone and switches to the weather channel when this happens.

I can’t make Group DSC calls. Make sure the Group MMSI was entered correctly.

Where can I find my radio’s serial number? Look on the right side of the radio (the side with the microphone cord), behind the

mounting bracket.

The radio won’t let me enter my User MMSI. What do I

do? Contact customer service.

Engine Noise Suppression

Interference from the noise generated by the electrical systems of engines is sometimes a problem with radios. Your radio has been

designed to be essentially impervious to ignition noise and alternator noise. However, in some installations it may be necessary to

take measures to further reduce the effect of noise interference. Your radio’s DC battery wires, antenna lead, and accessory cables

should be routed away from the engine and engine compartment, and from power cabling carrying high currents. In severe cases of

noise interference, it may be necessary to install a noise suppression kit. Contact the dealer where you purchased the radio for more

information.

VHF490 RADIO 1-800-BOATING

SPECIFICATIONS

All specifications are subject to change without notice.

Radio Specifications

General

Controls Volume-Pwr, Squelch

Status Indicators Transmit power, Scan mode, Triple Watch mode, Battery High, Battery low, USA, CAN, INT, Alert,

Memory, GPS, Message, Weather band, GPS status and Channel Display

Display LCD (Full Dot Matrix)

Buttons ENT-1W/25W, Channel UP, Channel DOWN, CALL-MENU, WX-MEM, CLR-SCAN, 16/9-TRI, and

DISTRESS

Connectors and Cables Antenna, accessory, and DC power

Size H 2.62 inches x W 6.4 inches x L 5.12 inches (without Heat Sink)

H 66.6 mm x W 162.6 mm x L 130.1 mm (without Heat Sink)

Weight 1.0 kg (2.2 pounds)

Supply Voltage Nominal 13.8V DC, negative ground (10.5 VDC to 16.0 VDC)

Standard Accessories Mounting bracket and hardware, microphone hanger,

Antenna Impedance 50 Ω nominal

Microphone Rugged 2 kΩ condenser mic element with coiled cord

Speaker 1.77 inch, 8 Ω

Operating Temperature Range –20 °C to + 50 °C (–4 °F to +122 °F)

Shock and Vibration Meets or exceeds EIA standards, RS152B and RS204C

FCC Approvals Type accepted under part 80 of the Rules; meets Great Lakes Agreement and party boat requirements

Transmitter

Power Output 1 watt or 25 watt (user selectable)

Power Requirement 25 watts output: 6A@13.8V DC

Modulation ±5 kHz deviation

Hum and Noise Signal-to-Noise 45 dB@1 kHz with 3 kHz deviation with 1000 Hz modulating frequency (nominal)

Audio Distortion Less than 8% with 3 kHz deviation with 1000 Hz modulating frequency

Spurious Suppression –40 dBm @ Hi, –40dBm @ Lo

Output Power Stabilization Built-in automatic level control (ALC)

Frequency Range 156 to 163 MHz

Frequency Stability ±10 ppm @ –20°C to + 50°C

Receiver

Frequency Range 156 to 163 MHz

Sensitivity 0.25 μV for 12 dB SINAD (nominal)

Circuit Dual Conversion Super Heterodyne PLL (Crystal for DSC)

Squelch Sensitivity 0.2 μV Threshold

Spurious Response 75 dB (nominal)

Adjacent Channel Selectivity 75 dB @ ±25 kHz (nominal)

Audio Output Power 2.5 watts (10% Distortion, 8 Ω load)

Power Requirement 360 mA @ 13.8V DC at squelched, 920 mA @ 13.8V DC at maximum audio output

IF Frequencies 1st 41.925 MHz, 2nd 455 kHz (1st 21.7 MHz, 2nd 455 kHz for DSC)

VHF490 RADIO 1-800-BOATING

REFERENCE TABLES

NOTE: This radio does not support AIS channels.

Channel Descriptions and What They Mean

The table below lists the display name or channel description used in the following tables and what each description means.

Channel name/description Used for

DISTRESS SAFETY AND CALLING primarily emergency messages and distress calls

INTERSHIP SAFETY safety messages from one ship to another, or from a ship to Coast Guard aircraft

NON-COMMERCIAL (recreational or voluntary ships only) messages about the needs of the ship, including fishing reports, rendezvous,

scheduling repairs and berthing information

COMMERCIAL (working ships only) messages about the needs of the ship or the business the ship is engaged in

PUBLIC CORRESPONDENCE/MARINE OPERATOR

calls to the marine operator at a public coast station. Marine operators can

connect you to the telephone network so you can make and receive calls. (There

is usually a charge for this service.)

PORT OPERATIONS/VTS (vessel traffic system)

messages about the movement and safety of ships in or near ports, locks or

waterways. In certain major ports, some channels may be restricted to specific

types of port operations messages.

NAVIGATIONAL/BRIDGE TO BRIDGE

messages about ship navigation, for example, passing or meeting other ships,

maneuvering through locks, or navigating around drawbridges. Messages must

be short!

STATE CONTROL

messages about government regulation and control, boating activities, or

assistance to ships; also used to talk to ships and coast stations operated by

state or local governments

DIGITAL SELECTIVE CALLING DSC signals only (no voice communications allowed at any time)

VHF490 RADIO 1-800-BOATING

Marine Radio Channel Chart

No. USA INT CAN TX RX Channel Type/Name

01 x x 156.050 160.650 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)

01A* x 156.050 156.0500 Port Operation and Commercial [VTS (Vessel Traffic System)] in some areas.

02 x x 156.100 160.700 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)

03 x x 156.150 160.750 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)

04 x 156.200 160.800 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)

04A x 156.200 156.200 Canadian Coast Guard: West Coast

Commercial Fishing: East Coast

05 x 156.250 160.850 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator). Ship Movement, Port Operations

05A x x 156.250 156.250 Port Operations, Ship Movement, VTS in some areas

06 x x x 156.300 156.300 Inter-ship safety

07 x 156.350 160.950 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)

7A x x 156.350 156.350 Commercial

08 x x x 156.400 156.400 Commercial (Inter-Ship Only)

09 x x x 156.450 156.450 Boater Calling, Commercial and Non-Commercial

10 x x x 156.500 156.500 Commercial

11 x x x 156.550 156.550 Commercial, VTS in selected areas

12 x x x 156.600 156.600 Port Operations, VTS in selected areas

13 x x x 156.650 156.650 Intership Navigation Safety (Bridge-to-Bridge). Ships >20m length maintain a

listening watch on this channel in US waters.

14 x x x 156.700 156.700 Port Operation, VTS in some areas

15 x Inhibit 156.750 Environmental (Receive Only)

15 x x 156.750 156.750 Inter-ship, Port Operations, Commercial, Non-Commercial, Ship Movement

(1 Watt Only)

16 x x x 156.800 156.800 Distress, Safety, Calling

17 x x x 156.850 156.850 State and Local Govt Maritime Control (1 Watt Only)

18 x 156.900 161.500 Port Operations, Ship Movement

18A x x 156.900 156.900 Commercial

Canada: Towing West Coast

19 x 156.950 161.550 Commercial

19A x x 156.950 156.950 Commercial

20 x x x 157.000 161.600 Port Operations

Canada: 1 Watt Only

20A x 157.000 157.000 Port Operation

21 x 157.050 161.650 Port Operations

21A x x 157.050 157.050 Coast Guard Only

21B x INHIBIT 161.650 Canadian CG Continuous Marine Broadcast (CMB) Service

22 x 157.100 161.700 Port Operations, Ship Movement

22A x x 157.100 157.100 US and Canadian Coast Guard Liaison and Airtime Safety Information

Broadcasts Announced on Channel 16

23 x x 157.150 161.750 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)

23A x 157.150 157.150 US Coast Guard Only

23B x INHIBIT 161.750 Canadian CG Continuous Marine Broadcast (CMB Service

24 x x x 157.200 161.800 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)

25 x x x 157.250 161.850 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)

VHF490 RADIO 1-800-BOATING

No. USA INT CAN TX RX Channel Type/Name

25B x INHIBIT 161.850 Canadian CG Continuous Marine Broadcast (CMB) Service

26 x x x 157.300 161.900 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)

27 x x x 157.350 161.950 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)

28 x x x 157.400 162.000 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)

28B x INHIBIT 162.000 Canadian CG Continuous Marine Broadcast (CMB) Service

60 x x 156.025 160.625 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)

61 x 156.075 160.675 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)

61A x 156.075 156.075 Canadian Coast Guard: West Coast

Commercial Fishing: East Coast

62 x 156.125 160.725 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)

62A x 156.125 156.125 Canadian Coast Guard

63 x 156.175 160.775 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)

63A x x 156.175 156.175 VTS, Port Operations

64 x x 156.225 160.825 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)

64A x 156.225 156.225 Canada: Commercial Fishing Only

65 x 156.275 160.875 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)

65A x x 156.275 156.275 Port Operations

Canada: Towing West Coast

66 x 156.325 160.925 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)

66A x x 156.325 156.325 Port Operations

Canada: 1 Watt Only

67 x x x 156.375 156.375

US: Commercial, Bridge-to-Bridge, VTS in some areas

Canada: Search and Rescue, Commercial in some areas, Non-Commercial on

West Coast

68 x x x 156.425 156.425 Non -Cmmercial

69 x x x 156.475 156.475 Non-Commercial

Canada: Commercial East Coast. Non-Commercial West Coast

70 x x x 156.525 156.525 DSC (Digital Selective Calling) Only. No Voice Communications Allowed

71 x x x 156.575 156.575 US: Non-Commercial

Canada: Ship Movement West Coast, Non-Commercial East Coast

72 x x x 156.625 156.625 Non-Commercial (Ship-to-Ship)

73 x x x 156.675 156.675 Port Operations

74 x x x 156.725 156.725 Port Operations

75 x x x 156.775 156.775 Port Operations (1 Watt Only)

76 x x x 156.825 156.825 Port Operations (1 Watt Only)

77 x x x 156.875 156.875 Port Operations (Ship-to-Ship)

78 x 156.925 161.525 Port Operations

78A x x 156.925 156.925 Non-Commercial, Inter-Ship

79 x 156.975 161.575 Port Operations

79A x x 156.9750 156.975 Commercial, Inter-Ship

80 x 157.025 161.625 Port Operationsx

80A x x 157.025 157.025 Commercial, Inter-Ship

81 x 157.075 161.675 Port Operations

81A x x 157.075 157.075 Government, Canadian Coast Guard

82 x 157.125 161.725 Port Operations

82A x x 157.125 157.125 Government, Canadian Coast Guard

83 x 157.175 161.775 Port Operations

VHF490 RADIO 1-800-BOATING

No. USA INT CAN TX RX Channel Type/Name

83A x x 157.175 157.175 Coast Guard

83B x INHIBIT 161.775 Canadian CG Continuous Marine Broadcast (CMB) Service

84 x x x 157.225 161.825 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)

85 x x x 157.275 161.875 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)

86 x x x 157.325 161.925 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)

87A x x x 157.375 157.375 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)

88A x x 157.425 157.425 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)

1019 x x 156.950 156.950 Commercial

1020 x x 157.000 157.000 Port Operations

1078 x x 156.925 156.925 Non-Commercial, Inter-Ship

1079 x x 156.975 156.975 Commercial, Inter-Ship

2019 x 161.550 161.550 Commercial

2020 x 161.600 161.600 Port Operations

2078 x 161.525 161.525 Port Operations

2079 x 161.575 161.575 Port Operations

Weather Channels and Frequencies (US, CAN, and INT)

Ch No. RX Freq Name on display

WX01 162.5500 162.550 MHz

WX02 162.4000 162.400 MHz

WX03 162.4750 162.475 MHz

WX04 162.4250 162.425 MHz

WX05 162.4500 162.450 MHz

WX06 162.5000 162.500 MHz

WX07 162.5250 162.525 MHz

WX08 161.6500 161.650 MHz

WX09 161.7750 161.775 MHz

Emergency Alert System (SAME) Information

Types of events

•

A WARNING is an event that alone poses a significant threat to public safety and/or property, probability of occurrence and location is

high, and the onset time is relatively short.

• A WATCH meets the classification of a warning, but either the onset time, probability of occurrance, or location is uncertain.

• An EMERGENCY is an event that, by itself, would not kill or injure or do property damage, but indirectly may cause other things

to happen that result in a hazard. For example, a major power or telephone loss in a large city alone is not a direct hazard, but

disruption to other critical services could create a variety of conditions that could directly threaten public safety.

• A STATEMENT is a message containing follow up information to a warning, watch, or emergency.

Event SAME Code Type

Blizzard Warning BZW Warning

Coastal Flood Watch CFA Watch

Coastal Flood Warning CFW Warning

Dust Storm Warning DSW Warning

Flash Flood Watch FFA Watch

Flash Flood Warning FFW Warning

VHF490 RADIO 1-800-BOATING

Event SAME Code Type

Flash Flood Statement FFS Statement

Flood Watch FLA Watch

Flood Warning FLW Warning

Flood Statement FLS Statement

High Wind Watch HWA Watch

High Wind Warning HWW Warning

Hurricane Watch HUA Watch

Hurricane Warning HUW Warning

Hurricane Statement HLS Statement

Severe Thunderstorm Watch SVA Watch

Severe Thunderstorm Warning SVR Warning

Severe Weather Statement SVS Statement

Special Marine Warning SMW Warning

Special Weather Statement SPS Statement

Tornado Watch TOA Watch

Tornado Warning TOR Warning

Tropical Storm Watch TRA Watch

Tropical Storm Warning TRW Warning

Tsunami Watch TSA Watch

Tsunami Warning TSW Warning

Winter Storm Watch WSA Watch

Winter Storm Warning WSW Warning

National Information Center NIC Test

Avalanche Watch AVA Watch

Avalanche Warning AVW Warning

Child Abduction Emergency CAE Emergency

Civil Danger Warning CDW Warning

Civil Emergency Message CEM Emergency

Earthquake Warning EQW Warning

Evacuation Immediate EVI Warning

Fire Warning FRW Warning

Hazardous Materials Warning HMW Warning

Law Enforcement Warning LEW Warning

Local Area Emergency LAE Emergency

911 Telephone Outage Emergency TOE Emergency

Nuclear Power Plant Warning NUW Warning

Radiological Hazard Warning RHW Warning

Shelter in Place Warning SPW Warning

Volcano Warning VOW Warning

Test Message ADR Test

Practice/Demo Warning DMO Test

Required Monthly Test RMT Test

Required Weekly Test RWT Test

Biological Hazard Warning BHW Warning

Boil Water Warning BWW Warning

Chemical Hazard Warning CHW Warning

VHF490 RADIO 1-800-BOATING

Event SAME Code Type

Dam Watch DBA Watch

Dam Break Watch DBW Warning

Contagious Disease Warning DEW Warning

Emergency Action Notification EAN Warning

Emergency Action Termination EAT Statement

Evacuation Watch EVA Watch

Flood Contamination Warning FCA Warning

Flash Freeze Warning FSW Warning

Iceberg Warning IBW Warning

Industrial Fire Warning IFW Warning

Landslide Warning LSW Warning

National Audible Test NAT Test

Network Notification Message NMN Statement

National Periodic Test NPT Test

National Silent Test NST Test

Power Outage Advisory POS Statement

Wild Fire Watch WFA Watch

Wild Fire Warning WFW Warning

Unrecognized Watch **A Watch

Unrecognized Emergency **E Statement

Unrecognized Statement **S Statement

Unrecognized Warning **W Warning

No Response Event Code

TXB Transmitter Backup On

TXF Transmitter Carrier On

TXO Transmitter Carrier On

TXP Transmitter Primary On

NMEA Operation

This radio supports NMEA0183 version 3.01.

NMEA Input

If you have difficulty getting your radio to receive data from your GPS receiver, check the device’s configuration. It should be set to

the following parameters:

Baud rate 4800 bps

Data bits 8

Parity None

Stop bits 1

Data amplitude Over 3.0 V

Drive capability Over 10 mA

The radio supports RMC, GLL, GNS, GGA and ZDA sentences. When these sentences are received, the radio displays latitude/

longitude, date, time, course, and speed. If any sentence except an RMC or GLL sentence is received, the radio uses the information

based on the following priority order.

• Status:RMC > GLL > GNS > GGA

VHF490 RADIO 1-800-BOATING

• Latitude/Longitude:RMC > GLL > GNS > GGA

• UTC Time: RMC > GLL > GNS > GGA > ZDA

• Date: RMC > ZDA

• Speed / Course:RMC

NOTE 1: If the radio receives only a GLL sentence, the radio does not display the current speed, course, and date.

NOTE 2: If the radio receives both RMC and GLL sentences, the radio uses only the RMC sentence.

NOTE 3: Status data is used to check whether the GPS data is valid or invalid.

NMEA Output

When the radio receives a DSC call (Distress, Position Reply, or Position Send), it outputs a DSC/DSE sentence from the NMEA

output port.

NOTE: When the radio receives a distress call, it outputs a sentence in the

following format:

• $CDDSC,12,3081234000,,07,00,0354013946,0657,,,S,E*6D

• $CDDSE,1,1,A,3081234000,00,60875646*13

VHF490 RADIO 1-800-BOATING

REGULATIONS AND SAFETY WARNINGS

Maritime Radio Services Operation

WARNING! This transmitter will operate on channels/frequencies that have restricted use in the United States. The channel assignments

include frequencies assigned for exclusive use of the U.S. Coast Guard, use in Canada, and use in international waters. Operation on these

frequencies without proper authorization is strictly forbidden. See the channel tables beginning on page 30 for a list of available channels and

their uses. If you are still not certain which channels to use, see the FCC maritime radio page at the FCC website (http:// wireless.fcc.gov/marine/)

or contact the FCC Call Center at 1-888-CALLFCC. For individuals requiring a license, such as commercial users, you should obtain a license

application from your nearest FCC field office (for US users) or Industry Canada (for Canadian users).

Basic Radio Guidelines

You should familiarize yourself with the rules on marine radios and be aware of which rules apply to your boat. Complete guidelines for all ship and

marine radio types can be found at the US Coast Guard website under the topic Radio Info for Boaters (the direct link is http://www.navcen.uscg.

gov/marcomms/boater.htm). Here are a few guidelines that affect nearly all boaters.

• If you have a VHF radio on your boat, you must maintain a watch on channel 16 (156.800 MHz) whenever the radio is not being

used to communicate. Effective from 2004, if a radio is carried, it must be turned on and set to channel 16 whenever your vessel

is underway.

• If you hear a distress call, wait a few minutes to let a shore station or Coast Guard vessel respond. If no other station has

responded after 5 minutes, you must respond to the distress call.

• Do not make false mayday or distress calls as a prank or to test your radio. (This is essentially like making a false 9-1-1 call;

you may be subject to fines.)

Compliance

FCC Part 15

The equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These

limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment gen-

erates, 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 instal-

lation. 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 of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void your authority to operate the

equipment. Any change or modification must be approved in writing by West Marine.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not

cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause unde-

sired operation.

Tout changement ou modification non approuvé expressément par la partie responsable pourrait annuler le droit à l’utilisateur de

faire fonctionner cet équipement. Tout changement ou modification doit être approuvé par écrit par West Marine.

Avis de conformité à la FCC : Ce dispositif a été testé et s’avère conforme à l’article 15 des règlements de la Commission fédérale

des communications (FCC). Ce dispositif est soumis aux conditions suivantes: 1) Ce dispositif ne doit pas causer d’interférences

nuisibles et; 2) Il doit pouvoir supporter les parasites qu’il reçoit, incluant les parasites pouvant nuire à son fonctionnement.

In order to comply with FCC RF Exposure requirements, this device must be installed to provide at least 7.9 in (20 cm) separation

from the human body at all times.

VHF490 RADIO 1-800-BOATING

This device complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

(1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause

undesired operation of the device.

Cet appareil est conforme aux normes RSS exemptes de licences d’Industrie Canada. Son fonctionnement est soumis aux deux

conditions suivantes : (1) cet appareil ne doit pas causer d’interférences nuisibles et (2), il doit pouvoir accepter les interférences,

incluant celles pouvant nuire à son fonctionnement normal.

In order to comply with FCC/ISED RF Exposure requirements, this device must be installed to provide at least 7.9 in. (20 cm)

separation from the human body at all times.

Afin de se conformer aux exigences d’exposition RF FCC/ISED, ce dispositif doit être installé pour assurer une séparation d’au

moins 7.9 in. (20 cm) du corps humain à tout moment.

Lead Warning

The cords on this product and/or accessories contain lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other

reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.

West Marine works to reduce lead content in our PVC coated cords in our prod-

ucts and accessories.

Antenna Selection and Installation

Your VHF490 has been designed to accommodate all of the popular marine VHF antennas. However, the selection and the installation

of the antenna is the responsibility of the user or installer.

The FCC has determined that excessive radiation poses a health risk to people near radio transmitting antennas. Therefore, the

antenna used with this radio should be installed using the following guidelines to ensure a suitable distance between the antenna

and persons close by.

• Small whip antennas (3 dB) or smaller should be installed keeping at least a two foot separation distance between the radiating

element and people.

• Medium antennas (6 dB) should be installed keeping at least a three foot separation distance.

• Larger antennas (9 dB) should be installed keeping at least a four foot separation distance.

• No person should touch the antenna or come into the separation distance when the radio is transmitting.

THREE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

This Limited Warranty is Void outside the United States of America and Canada.

What Does This Limited Warranty Cover?

West Marine warrants to the original retail purchaser of the West Marine product, where the purchase is made in the United States or Canada, that

for thirty-six (36) months from date of original retail purchase said product will be free from defects in materials and craftsmanship with only the

limitations or exclusions set out below.

How Long Does This Limited Warranty Last?

This limited warranty is valid for thirty-six (36) months from the date of the original retail purchase from West Marine within the United States (the

“Limited Warranty Term”).

The warranty period is not extended if we repair or replace a warranted product or any parts. West Marine reserves the right to change the availabil-

ity of limited warranties, at its discretion, but any changes will not be retroactive and will only apply to subsequent purchases.

What Does This Limited Warranty Not Cover?

This limited warranty is invalid where and does not cover:

• Software.

• Commercial or industrial use or operation.

• Normal maintenance items or normal wear and tear.

• Problems resulting from fire or exposure to caustic liquids.

• The product was damaged, modified or altered.

VHF490 RADIO 1-800-BOATING

• The product was used as part of any conversion kits, subassemblies, or any configurations not appropriate or contemplated for this product or

its use.

• Damage or loss occurring during return shipment of the product to West Marine or its authorized service representative.

• The product was subject to improper service, repair, installation, storage, maintenance, alteration or application.

• Problems that result from accident, neglect, abuse, misuse or issues with electrical power,

• Problems caused by accessories, parts or components added to the product that are not appropriate for this product or its use.

THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS WHICH VARY FROM STATE TO STATE (OR

JURISDICTION TO JURISDICTION). WEST MARINE’S RESPONSIBILITY FOR MALFUNCTIONS AND DEFECTS IN HARDWARE IS LIMITED TO

REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT AS SET FORTH IN THIS WARRANTY STATEMENT. ALL EXPRESS AND IMPLIED WARRANTIES FOR THE PRODUCT,

INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES AND CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR

PURPOSE, ARE LIMITED IN TIME TO THE TERM OF THIS LIMITED WARRANTY (AS SPECIFIED ABOVE). NO WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS

OR IMPLIED, WILL APPLY AFTER THE LIMITED WARRANTY PERIOD HAS EXPIRED. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON HOW LONG

AN IMPLIED WARRANTY LASTS, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

WE DO NOT ACCEPT LIABILITY BEYOND THE REMEDIES PROVIDED FOR IN THIS LIMITED WARRANTY OR FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR

INCIDENTAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY LIABILITY FOR THIRD-PARTY CLAIMS AGAINST YOU FOR DAMAGES, FOR

PRODUCTS NOT BEING AVAILABLE FOR USE, OR FOR LOST DATA OR LOST SOFTWARE. OUR LIABILITY WILL BE NO MORE THAN THE AMOUNT

YOU PAID FOR THE PRODUCT THAT IS THE SUBJECT OF A CLAIM. THIS IS THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT FOR WHICH WE ARE RESPONSIBLE.

SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR

CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION

OR EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

What Must I Do To Keep the Warranty in Effect?

• You must keep your receipt or other appropriate documentation as proof of the date of sale and purchase.

• You must keep your serial number or order number for the product. This is found on the product itself or on your receipt.

• You must not do any of the things that will make the warranty invalid as provided for in this warranty statement.

•

You must use, install, maintain and operate the product in accordance with published specifications

and the user’s manual.

What Do I Do If I Need Warranty Service?

• Before the warranty expires, please call us at 1-800-BOATING (1-800-262-8464). Please also have your serial number or order number available.

• When you contact us, we will issue a Return Material Authorization Number for you to include with your return. We will also provide you the

address of where to ship the product.

• You must return the product to us in its original or equivalent packaging, prepay shipping charges, and insure the shipment or accept the risk if the

product is lost or damaged in shipment.

What Will West Marine Do?

During the Limited Warranty Term, if the product you return to us proves to be defective in materials or workmanship and not for the reasons which

would otherwise disqualify it (as explained here), then we will:

• At West Marine’s option, we will repair the product or, if we are unable to repair it, we will replace it with a comparable product that is new or

refurbished;

• Or, as an alternative, at West Marine’s option, we will refund you the original purchase price;

• If we repair or replace the product, we will return the repaired or replacement product to you; and

• Pay to ship the repaired or replacement product to you if you use an address in the United States (excluding Puerto Rico and U.S. possessions

and territories). Otherwise, we will ship the product to you freight collect.

• If we determine that the problem is not covered under this warranty, we will notify you of this when we return your product to you to the address

you provide us in the United States (excluding Puerto Rico and U.S. possessions and territories).

• We use new and refurbished parts made by various manufacturers in performing warranty repairs and in building replacement parts and systems.

Refurbished parts and systems are parts or systems that have been returned to West Marine, some of which were never used by a

customer. Replacement parts and systems are covered for the remaining time left in the Limited Warranty Term for the product you bought

(whatever time remains in the twelve months since purchase). West Marine owns all parts removed from repaired products.

Maintenance is the Owner’s Responsibility

Cleaning, polishing, lubricating, replacing filters, tuning, replacing worn parts, using your purchased product according to the user’s manual, and

regularly maintaining your purchased product is your responsibility.

What if I purchased a Plus Protection Plan?

Service will be provided to you under the terms of the Plus Protection Plan Contract. Please refer to that contract for details on how to obtain service.

VHF490 RADIO 1-800-BOATING