Uniden Mhs550 Owners Manual

MHS550 MHS-550-manual

2015-05-27

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A World Without Wires®
OWNER’S MANUAL
UNIDEN
MARINE
2-WAY
VHF RADIO
MHS550
MHS550
Making a Distress Call
Speak slowly -- clearly -- calmly.
Make sure your radio is on.
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.)
Press the PUSH TO TALK button and say,
“MAYDAY --MAYDAY-- MAYDAY.”
Say, “THIS IS {name or call sign of your boat}.”
Say, “MAYDAY{name or call sign of your boat}.”
Tell where you are (what navigational aids or land-
marks are near, or give your position from a GPS).
State the nature of your distress (e.g. sinking, medical
emergency, man overboard, re, adrift, etc.).
Give the number of persons aboard and describe the
condition of any injured persons.
Estimate present seaworthiness of your ship (e.g.
how immediate is the danger due to ooding or re or
proximity to shore).
Briey describe your ship (length, type, color, hull).
Say, “I WILL BE LISTENING ON CHANNEL 16.”
End message by saying,
“THIS IS {name or call sign of your boat} OVER.”
Release the PUSH TO TALK button and listen for a
response.
If you do not get an answer after 30 seconds,
repeat your call, beginning at step 3, above.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
For future reference, write your boat’s name & call sign here:
Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual
Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual 1
Table of Contents
Making a Distress Call ..................................... inside front cover
Introduction ....................................................................................4
Features.......................................................................................4
Manual conventions .....................................................................5
Getting Started ...............................................................................5
What’s included ...........................................................................5
Parts of the MHS550 ...................................................................6
Front view ...............................................................................6
Back view ...............................................................................8
Parts of the charger ................................................................9
Using the menus ..........................................................................9
How It Works ................................................................................10
Normal mode operation ............................................................. 11
Normal mode with Weather Alert Watch ...............................11
Normal mode with Triple Watch or Dual Watch ....................12
Both Weather Alert and Triple/Dual Watch in normal mode .12
Scan mode operation.................................................................13
Using the radio in scan mode ..............................................13
Scan mode with Weather Alert Watch ..................................14
Scan mode with Triple Watch or Dual Watch .......................14
Both Weather Alert and Triple/Dual Watch in scan mode .....15
Weather mode ...........................................................................15
Using the radio in weather mode ..........................................15
Weather mode with Weather Alert Watch .............................16
Weather mode with Triple Watch or Dual Watch ..................16
Setting Up the Hardware .............................................................17
Installing the battery...................................................................17
Using the alkaline battery case .............................................18
Attaching the belt clip.................................................................19
Mounting the charger ................................................................20
Mounting on a at surface ....................................................20
Mounting on a wall ................................................................20
Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual
2
Using the Radio (General Operation) ........................................21
Setting the volume .....................................................................21
Setting the squelch level ............................................................21
Changing the channel ................................................................21
Contrast .....................................................................................22
Lamp adjust ...............................................................................22
Turning the key beep on and off ................................................22
Using the external speaker/mic jack .........................................23
Using the Marine VHF Band .......................................................23
Reading the marine band screen ..............................................23
Marine band status messages ...................................................24
Marine VHF band menu options ................................................24
Making a transmission ...............................................................25
Boosting the transmission power ..........................................26
Choosing Triple Watch or Dual Watch .......................................27
Setting the UIC channel mode (USA/CAN/INT).........................27
Changing channel names ..........................................................27
Using FIPS codes for weather alerts .........................................28
Using the Family Radio Service (FRS) Band ............................30
Reading the FRS band screen ..................................................30
FRS band status messages.......................................................30
FRS band menu options ............................................................31
Setting CTCSS privacy codes ...................................................31
Using the AM Band ......................................................................33
Reading the AM band screen ....................................................33
AM band menu reference ..........................................................34
Using the FM Band ......................................................................34
Reading the FM band screen ....................................................35
FM band menu options ..............................................................35
Using the Aircraft Band ..............................................................36
Reading the aircraft band screen ..............................................36
Aircraft band menu options ........................................................37
Maintenance and Troubleshooting ............................................37
Common questions ....................................................................38
Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual 3
Specications ..............................................................................39
General Specications ...............................................................39
Receiver Specications .............................................................40
Transmitter Specications .........................................................41
Channels and Frequencies ........................................................42
US channel frequencies and names .....................................42
Canadian channel frequencies and names ..........................43
International channel frequencies and names ......................45
Weather channel frequencies ...............................................46
FRS channel frequencies .....................................................46
FRS privacy codes (CTCSS and DSC codes) ...........................46
CEA2009-SAME event codes....................................................48
Regulations and Safety Warnings .............................................50
Maritime radio services operation ..............................................50
Basic radio guidelines ................................................................50
FCC/Industry Canada information .............................................51
FCC RF exposure information ...................................................51
Lithium ion battery warning ........................................................52
Three Year Limited Warranty Statement....................................52
Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual
4
Introduction
Features
The MHS550 provides the following key features:
Submersible design
Complies with JIS8 water-resistant standards, which
means the radio can be submerged in 1.5 meters of
water for 30 minutes without damage.
Family Radio Service (FRS) band with privacy codes
Provides 2-way communication using the 14 FRS
channels, and Continuous Tone Coded Squelch
System/Digital Squelch Control (CTCSS/DSC) privacy
codes reduce interference from nearby FRS units.
Standard AM and FM broadcast bands
Aircraft broadcast reception (108-137MHz)
Lets you monitor aircraft-to-ground transmissions.
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 2.5
or 5 Watts for added transmission distance.
Battery level display and low battery alert.
Triple or dual 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.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual 5
Manual conventions
This manual uses several different type styles to help you
distinguish between different parts of the radio:
BOLD SMALL CAPITALS indicates an actual button or
knob on the radio.
Italics indicate text on the display, such as menu
options, prompts, and conrmation messages.
Getting Started
What’s included
If any pieces are missing or damaged, contact Uniden (see
back cover for contact information).
•
•
MHS550
Radio
Charger
(RSC550)
DC Adapter
(DC550)
AC Adapter
(AD-0007)
Lithium Ion
Battery
(BP550) Alkaline
Battery Case
(BT550)
(batteries not
included)
Belt Clip
(CLIP550)
Wrist Strap
Mounting Hardware
MHS550
Radio
Charger
(RSC550)
DC Adapter
(DC550)
AC Adapter
(AD-0007)
Lithium Ion
Battery
(BP550) Alkaline
Battery Case
(BT550)
(batteries not
included)
Belt Clip
(CLIP550)
Wrist Strap
Mounting Hardware
Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual
6
Parts of the MHS550
Front view
Antenna
LCD
display
BAND-1/2.5/5W
button
CHANNEL UP &
DOWN buttons
VOLUME-POWER
knob
(Turn clockwise
to increase
volume.)
Microphone
16/9-TRI
(triple/dual
watch)
button
WX-ALERT
(weather-
alert) button
SCAN-MEM
(scan-
memory)
button
MENU button
SQUELCH knob
(Turn clockwise
to decrease
channel noise.)
ENTER button
PUSH TO
TALK
button
Speaker
Jack for
external
microphone
or speaker
Wrist strap
anchor
Antenna
LCD
display
BAND-1/2.5/5W
button
CHANNEL UP &
DOWN buttons
VOLUME-POWER
knob
(Turn clockwise
to increase
volume.)
Microphone
16/9-TRI
(triple/dual
watch)
button
WX-ALERT
(weather-
alert) button
SCAN-MEM
(scan-
memory)
button
MENU button
SQUELCH knob
(Turn clockwise
to decrease
channel noise.)
ENTER button
PUSH TO
TALK
button
Speaker
Jack for
external
microphone
or speaker
Wrist strap
anchor
Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual 7
BUTTON Press to... Press and hold to...
PUSH-TO -
TALK
Transmit on a channel.
Note: You cannot trans-
mit while the radio is in
the charger.
16/9-TRI
1st press: Go to Channel 16.
2nd press: Go to Channel 9.
3rd press: Go back to the
original channel.
Turn on Triple Watch or
Dual Watch mode (see
page 27).
MENU Display the radio menu.
ENTER Choose an option on a menu.
CHANNEL UP
Move up one channel at a time
or move up one option at a
time in a menu screen.
Move quickly up the
channels.
CHANNEL
DOWN
Move down one channel at a
time or move down one option
at a time in a menu screen.
Move quickly down the
channels.
WX-ALERT Listen to the current weather
conditions in your area.
Monitor weather chan-
nels for alerts (any area).
SCAN-MEM Start scanning the channels
saved in memory.
Save a channel into
memory or remove a
channel from memory.
BAND-1/2.5/5W
Cycle through the radio bands:
marine/VHF, FRS, AM, FM,
and aircraft band
Change the transmit
power (see page 26)
KNOB Turn clockwise to...: Turn counter-clockwise to...:
VOLUME-
POWER
Turn on the radio or
increase the volume.
Decrease the volume or turn off
the radio.
SQUELCH Raise the squelch level
to reduce channel noise.
Lower the squelch level to hear
weaker signals.
Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual
8
Back view
BUTTON Press to... Press and hold to...
PUSH-TO -
TALK
Transmit on a channel. Note:
You cannot transmit while
the radio is in the charger.
BACKLIGHT/
KEY LOCK
Turn on the LCD and
keypad backlight. Lock and unlock the keypad.
(BACKLIGHT/
KEY LOCK)
button
PUSH TO TALK
button
Battery latch
Belt clip
Battery
charging
contacts
(BACKLIGHT/
KEY LOCK)
button
PUSH TO TALK
button
Battery latch
Belt clip
Battery
charging
contacts
Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual 9
Parts of the charger
CHARGE LED
Lights while the battery is charging and turns off when
the battery is fully charged. (If a fully charged battery
is placed in the cradle, the LED does not light.)
Power input jack
(DC 12V-13.8V)
Use ONLY the AC or DC adapter that came with your
radio! The DC adapter must connect to a 12-13.8V
power supply with a negative ground.
Using the menus
Here are some general hints on operating the MHS550
menu screens. The specic screens and menu options are
different for each radio band. For details, see the operation
instructions for each radio band starting on page 23.
The current item is highlighted in reversed out text.
Use the CHANNEL UP button to move up a line in the
menu.
Use the CHANNEL DOWN button to move down a line in
the menu.
Press the ENTER button to choose the selected item.
Select Exit to close the menu.
•
•
•
•
•
DC 12V-13.8V
input jack
charge
LED
charging
latch
Screw holes
for wall
mounting
Screw
holes for
flat surface
mounting
DC 12V-13.8V
input jack
charge
LED
charging
latch
Screw holes
for wall
mounting
Screw
holes for
flat surface
mounting
Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual
10
How It Works
The MHS550 radio has three main operation modes, normal
mode, scan mode, and weather mode.
Mode What it does Use it when you
want to...:
To turn it
on/off
Normal
mode
Monitors a single chan-
nel. In marine and FRS
bands, it allows you to
talk on that channel, too.
Monitor a channel or
talk to another radio.
(default
mode for
each radio
band)
Scan
mode
Monitors all the channels
you save into memory
Check a small group
of regularly-used
channels for trafc
Press SCAN-
MEM.
Weather
mode
Monitor the selected
NOAA weather channel.
You want to hear the
current or forecasted
weather in your area
Press WX-
ALERT.
In addition to the three operation modes, the MHS550
provides three different watch modes which you can activate
during any operation mode. In the watch modes, the radio
briey checks for activity on a specic channel, then returns
to its previous operation.
Watch mode What it does To turn it on/off
Weather Alert
Watch
Checks the last-used
weather channel for hazard
alerts every 7 seconds
Press and hold WX-ALERT
for 2 seconds
Triple Watch Checks channels 16 and 9
for activity every 2 seconds
Press and hold 16/9-TRI for
two seconds
Dual Watch Checks channel 16 for
activity every 2 seconds
Change Triple Watch to
Dual Watch in the menu,
then press and hold 16/9-
TRI for 2 seconds
Note: Private boats must monitor channel 16 when-
ever they are underway. Water-going vessels should
have either Triple Watch or Dual Watch on at all times.
Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual 11
Normal mode operation
Press the CHANNEL UP button to move up one channel
at a time. Press and hold the button to scroll quickly up
the channels.
Press the CHANNEL DOWN button to move down one
channel at a time. Press and hold the button to scroll
quickly down the channels.
You can listen to all of the available radio bands. You
can transmit on FRS channels and most marine VHF
channels.
To transmit, press and hold the PUSH TO TALK button
to transmit. Release the button when you nish talking.
For the best sound quality, hold the microphone about
two inches from your mouth while you’re talking.
To change the transmit power, press and hold the
BAND-1/2.5/5W button for about 2 seconds. The radio
switches to the next transmit power each time you
press and hold the BAND-1/2.5/5W button.
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 switch to the last-used weather channel. (If
you are actively transmitting, the radio waits until you nish
your transmission before checking the weather channel.
•
•
•
•
•
•
Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual
12
Normal mode with Triple Watch or 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 nished and
then checks the channels.
Both Weather Alert and Triple/Dual Watch in normal mode
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 09 16 09 16
Triple Watch on:
Every 2 seconds, the radio checks channels 9 & 16.
Monitoring Channel 25
09 16 09 16 09 16
Triple Watch on:
Every 2 seconds, the radio checks channels 9 & 16.
Monitoring Channel 25
wx
Every 7 seconds, the
radio checks the last-
used weather channel.
WX Alert Watch
09 16 09 16 09 16
Every 2 seconds, the radio
checks channels 9 & 16.
Triple Watch
Monitoring Channel 25
wx
Every 7 seconds, the
radio checks the last-
used weather channel.
WX Alert Watch
09 16 09 16 09 16
Every 2 seconds, the radio
checks channels 9 & 16.
Triple Watch
Monitoring Channel 25
Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual 13
Scan mode operation
You can save channels into memory and then use scan
mode to monitor those channels from lowest to highest. If the
radio detects a signal on a channel, it stays on that channel
as long as the signal is received; when the signal stops, the
radio continues scanning.
Using the radio in scan mode
To activate scan mode, press SCAN-MEM.
You cannot transmit while in scan mode.
You must have at least two channels in memory to start
a scan.
To save a channel into memory, select the channel,
then press and hold the SCAN-MEM button for two
seconds. Memory shows on the display whenever you
tune to that channel.
To remove a channel from memory, set the radio to that
channel, then press and hold the SCAN-MEM button for
two seconds. Memory no longer shows on the display.
When the radio stays on a channel, press CHANNEL UP
to leave that channel and resume scanning.
To end the scan, press the SCAN-MEM button again;
the radio remains on the last scanned channel.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
11
1008 1312
The radio scans about
5 channels in 0.5 seconds.
When it detects a signal, the radio
stays on the channel until you press the
CHANNEL UP button or the signal stops.
14 17
15 20
Resume scan
11
1008 1312
The radio scans about
5 channels in 0.5 seconds.
When it detects a signal, the radio
stays on the channel until you press the
CHANNEL UP button or the signal stops.
14 17
15 20
Resume scan
Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual
14
Scan mode with Weather Alert Watch
If you activate Weather Alert Watch while in scan mode, the
radio checks the most recently-used weather channel every
seven seconds, then continues scanning the next channel in
memory:
Scan mode with Triple Watch or 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:
Every 7 seconds, the
radio checks the
last-used weather
channel, then scans
the next channel. wx
WX Alert Watch on
Memory Channel Scan
08 252417151413121110 20
Every 7 seconds, the
radio checks the
last-used weather
channel, then scans
the next channel. wx
WX Alert Watch on
Memory Channel Scan
08 252417151413121110 20
09 16
Every 2 seconds,
the radio checks
channels 9 & 16,
then scans the
next channel.
Triple Watch on
Memory Channel Scan
08 252417151413121110 20
09 16
Every 2 seconds,
the radio checks
channels 9 & 16,
then scans the
next channel.
Triple Watch on
Memory Channel Scan
08 252417151413121110 20
Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual 15
Both Weather Alert and Triple/Dual Watch in scan mode
You can activate Weather Alert Watch and Triple/Dual Watch
at the same time. The radio performs both checks at their
scheduled time:
Weather mode
The NOAA weather channels now cooperate with the FCC 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.
Using the radio in weather mode
You cannot transmit while in weather mode.
To enter weather mode, press the WX-ALERT button.
Weather mode can lter out alerts that do not affect
your location if the location code (FIPS code) of the
alert is entered in your radio (see page 28). 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-ALERT button again.
•
•
•
•
•
09 16
Every 2 seconds,
the radio checks
channels 9 & 16,
then scans the
next channel.
Triple Watch on
Every 7 seconds, the
radio checks the
last-used weather
channel, then scans
the next channel. wx
WX Alert Watch on
Memory Channel Scan
08 252417151413121110 20
09 16
Every 2 seconds,
the radio checks
channels 9 & 16,
then scans the
next channel.
Triple Watch on
Every 7 seconds, the
radio checks the
last-used weather
channel, then scans
the next channel. wx
WX Alert Watch on
Memory Channel Scan
08 252417151413121110 20
Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual
16
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 the night but want to stay informed of any
hazards in your area.
Weather mode with Triple Watch or 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.
09 16 09 16 09 16
Every 2 seconds, the radio checks
channel 9, then channel 16
with Triple Watch on
Monitoring Weather Channel WX08
09 16 09 16 09 16
Every 2 seconds, the radio checks
channel 9, then channel 16
with Triple Watch on
Monitoring Weather Channel WX08
Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual 17
Setting Up the Hardware
Installing the battery
Your MHS550 comes with a rechargeable Lithium Ion
battery. For shipping safety, the battery is not installed at the
factory; the empty alkaline battery case is installed as a
placeholder.
Note: Charge the
battery fully before
using the radio.
Unlock the latch at
the base of the radio
and remove the
alkaline battery case.
Insert the hooks on
the battery into the
notches on the top of
the battery
compartment.
Note: Each time you remove the battery, check the
rubber seal around the battery compartment. Make
sure the rubber seal is seated in the groove and there
is no dirt or debris on it. If the seal looks worn or
damaged, contact customer service to order a
1.
2.
1
2
1
2
Rubber
seal
Rubber
seal
Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual
18
replacement (see back cover for contact information).
Lower the battery until it rests at in the compartment.
Bring the battery latch up and snap it into place.
Using the alkaline battery case
The radio also comes with a battery case that holds four AAA
type alkaline batteries (not supplied). You can use alkaline
batteries as a backup for the Li-Ion battery, so you can still
use your radio while your Li-Ion battery is recharging. For
best performance, Uniden recommends using extra-strength
alkaline batteries, such as Duracell Ultra® batteries.
Note: When using alkaline batteries, transmit power is
limited to a maximum of 2.5 watts.
Follow the steps below to use the alkaline battery case:
Hold the lower part of the
case in one hand with the
three battery contacts facing
down. Use your thumb to
hold the notch on the lower
part of the case.
With your other hand, grip
the upper part of the case
and lift the cover open.
Align the batteries’ positive
and negative terminals with
the drawing in the case, and
snap each battery into place.
Insert the two hooks on
the lower part of the case
into the notches on the
cover, and close the cover.
(The cover ts snugly but
you should not have to force
it closed.)
Note: Each time you open
3.
4.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Thumb
notch
Thumb
notch
Rubber
seal
Rubber
seal
Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual 19
the battery case, check the rubber seal. Make sure the
seal is seated in the groove and there is no dirt or
debris on it. If the rubber seal looks worn or damaged,
contact customer service to order a replacement (see
back cover for contact information).
Install the alkaline battery case in your radio just as
you do the Li-Ion battery (see page 17).
Warning: The case is designed to prevent the
accidental charging of alkaline batteries. Never use
alkaline batteries in the radio without the battery case.
Do not attempt to modify the battery case design.
Attaching the belt clip
To attach the belt clip:
Hold the belt
clip so that
the nger
indentation
points to the
top of the
radio.
Align the center of the clip with the anchor post.
Place the clip on the post and slide the clip upwards
until it clicks into place.
To remove the belt clip:
Rotate the
clip so that
the nger
indentation
is towards
the bottom
of the radio.
Slide the clip up until it comes free of the anchor post.
5.
1.
2.
3.
1.
2.
VOL
SQ
VOL
SQ
VOL
SQ
VOL
SQ
VOL
SQ
VOL
SQ
VOL
SQ
VOL
SQ
Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual
20
Mounting the charger
You can mount the charger on any at surface or on a wall.
Mounting on a at surface
Use the three holes at the base of
the charger as a template to mark the
drill holes.
Using a ⅛ inch (or 3 mm) drill bit, drill
three holes ½ inch (13 mm) deep.
Use the provided screws to attach
the charger to the surface.
Mounting on a wall
Before wall-mounting the charger, be sure the wall material is
strong enough to hold the weight of both the radio and
charger. Use anchors appropriate for the wall material.
Using the holes in the rear of the charger as a
template, mark the location of the drill holes.
Using a ⅛ inch (or 3 mm) drill bit, drill two holes ½ inch
(13 mm) deep. (If you are using anchors, follow the
drilling instructions on the packaging.)
Insert the screws into the holes, leaving ⅛ inch (3 mm)
of space between the wall and the screw head.
Place the holes on the charger over the screw heads.
Slide the charger down to lock it into place.
1.
2.
3.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Use the charger
as a template to
mark drill holes.
1
Use the charger
as a template to
mark drill holes.
1
Place the charger
over the screw
heads and push it
down into place.
3
Place the charger
over the screw
heads and push it
down into place.
3
Insert the screws
(be sure to use a
proper anchor).
2
Insert the screws
(be sure to use a
proper anchor).
2
Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual 21
Using the Radio (General Operation)
The following features and settings are available in all bands.
Setting the volume
Turn the VOLUME-POWER knob clockwise to increase the
speaker volume, or counter-clockwise to decrease volume.
Setting the squelch level
The squelch feature
reduces static on the
speaker by ltering out
any background channel
noise. At the lowest
squelch level, the
speaker plays all
signals, including any
channel noise. Setting
the squelch level higher
lters out noise and lets
only actual radio signals
through.
While listening to a channel, adjust the SQUELCH knob until
the noise is ltered and you can hear only the transmission.
If you switch to a channel with a lot of noise or a weak trans-
mission, you may need to readjust the squelch level again.
Note: Setting the squelch level too high may prevent
you from hearing weaker transmissions. If you are
having difculty hearing a transmission, try setting the
squelch level lower.
Changing the channel
Press the CHANNEL UP and CHANNEL DOWN buttons briey
to scroll through the channels one channel at a time. Press
and hold the CHANNEL UP or CHANNEL DOWN button to
quickly scroll through the channels.
Weak signals
No
Squelch
Medium
Squelch
High
Squelch
Strong signals
Noise
Weak signals
No
Squelch
Medium
Squelch
High
Squelch
Strong signals
Noise
Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual
22
Contrast
The display has 10 levels of contrast. To adjust the contrast:
Press the MENU button
and select Contrast.
Use the CHANNEL UP and
CHANNEL DOWN buttons
to change the contrast to
your desired level.
Press ENTER to set the
new contrast level and exit the menu.
Lamp adjust
The LCD and keypad light up whenever you press a key on
the radio; the backlight stays on for 5 seconds and then turns
off automatically. You can change the amount of time the
LCD and keypad backlight stays on.
Press the MENU button and choose Lamp Adjust.
Choose how you want the backlight to operate:
Always On makes the backlight stay on
Always Off makes the backlight never come on, or
Timer makes the backlight stay on for a set amount of
time after you press a key.
If you select Timer, the radio prompts you to choose
the amount of time you want the backlight to stay on.
Choose from 5 seconds [5sec (Default)], 30 Seconds,
1 Minute, or 5 Minutes.
Press ENTER to save the new setting.
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 the MENU button and
choose Key Beep. Select Off and press ENTER to save the
new setting. (Turning the key beep off will also turn off the
conrmation tone when you change menu settings.)
1.
2.
3.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Contrast
Adjust
Contrast
Adjust
Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual 23
Using the external speaker/mic jack
You can connect an optional external speaker-mic to this
watertight jack. Unscrew the cap, which is held by the rubber
cap-keeper to prevent loss. Insert the special gasketed plug
and screw down the shell, which assures prevention of water
entering the jack. Two available units are
HHSPM Speaker Mic
VOX100 Headset Mic
For details, consult your Uniden dealer or contact Uniden
directly (see back cover for contact information).
Using the Marine VHF Band
The following features and
options are avilable only when
the radio is in the marine VHF
band. To activate the marine
band, press the BAND-1/2.5/5W
button repreatedly until the
display shows VHF.
Reading the marine band screen
•
•
VHFVHF
Memory
Alert
Transmit
power
(1W, 2.5W
or 5W)
Current channel is
stored in memory
Status
messages
(see status
message
table)
Current
channel
number
Channel mode
(USA, CANada or
INTernational)
Weather Alert
Watch on
Current band
Battery level icon
Memory
Alert
Transmit
power
(1W, 2.5W
or 5W)
Current channel is
stored in memory
Status
messages
(see status
message
table)
Current
channel
number
Channel mode
(USA, CANada or
INTernational)
Weather Alert
Watch on
Current band
Battery level icon
Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual
24
Marine band status messages
Message Displays When
(Channel Name)
No other status message is needed (see the
tables staring on page 42 for a list of channel
names)
TRANSMITTING You press the PUSH TO TALK button.
RELEASE PTT KEY
You press the PUSH TO TALK button but you
cannot transmit at the moment (for example,
because you are on a receive-only channel).
CHANNEL SCAN You turn on scanning mode.
TRIWATCH You turn on triple watch mode.
TRIWATCH SCAN You turn on triple watch mode while scanning.
DUALWATCH You turn on dual watch mode.
DUALWATCH SCAN You turn on dual watch mode while scanning..
BATTERY LOW
The battery power level is too low for normal
operation (appears with the battery power level
icon ).
Marine VHF band menu options
Follow the steps below to open the marine VHF band menu:
If the top of the display does not show Marine Band,
press the BAND-1/2.5/5W button repreatedly until the
display shows VHF.
Wait for the display to show the marine band screen,
then press the MENU button.
Refer to the table below for the available options and
settings available in the marine band.
1.
2.
3.
Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual 25
Menu
Option Use It To... Available Settings (default
setting is in italics)
USA/
CAN/INT
Change the channel mode
from US to Canadian or
International channels
USA Mode
Canadian Mode
Int’l Mode
Lamp
Adjust
Change the operation of
the display backlight
Always On
Timer (see page 22 for details)
Always Off
Contrast Adjust the display contrast 10 contrast levels
(default = 7)
Dual/
TriWatch
Choose between triple
watch and dual watch
16/9 TriWatch
16 DualWatch
Key Beep Turn the key touch tones
on or off
On
Off
FIPS
Codes
Enter or edit the six-digit
codes for the geographic
areas that you want to hear
hazard alerts for
No FIPS codes entered.
See page 28 for instructions on
entering FIPS codes
Channel
Name
Change the name
displayed for a channel or
reset channel names back
to their default settings
See the tables starting on page
42 for default channel names
See page 27 for instructions on
changing channel names.
Exit Close the menu
Making a transmission
Remove the radio from the charger, then press and hold the
PUSH TO TALK button. Release the PUSH TO TALK button
when you’re nished talking to let the other party respond.
To prevent stuck microphone problems or situations
where the PUSH TO TALK button 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 PTT KEY.
•
Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual
26
For the best sound quality, hold the microphone about
two inches away from your mouth.
See the tables starting on page 42 for a list of receive-
only channels.
Boosting the transmission power
In most situations, 1 Watt of transmission power is all you
need. If you nd yourself far away from other stations and
have trouble getting a response, you may need to boost the
transmission power from 1 Watt to 2.5 Watts or 5 Watts:
Select the channel you want
to transmit on
Press and hold the BAND-
1/2.5/5W button for two
seconds to switch to the next
transmission power level (for
example, from 5 Watts to 2.5
Watts; from 2.5 Watts to 1
Watt, or from 1 Watt around
to 5 Watts).
The display shows the new
transmission power in the
upper left hand corner. The
transmit power remains at
the new setting until you
change it again.
Note: Don’t forget to
change the transmission setting back to 1 Watt when
you move close to other stations.
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 tables
starting on page 42 for a list of power-restricted channels.
•
•
1.
2.
3.
1 Watt
2.5 Watts
5 Watts
1 Watt
2.5 Watts
5 Watts
Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual 27
Choosing Triple Watch or Dual Watch
In Triple Watch mode, the radio 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, follow the steps below:
Open the menu and choose
Dual/Tri Watch.
Highlight 16 DualWatch and
press the ENTER button. The
radio activates the new setting
and returns to the menu.
To reactivate Triple Watch, repeat the step described
above, but choose 16/9 TriWatch.
Setting the UIC channel mode (USA/CAN/INT)
The radio comes preset to use the channels assigned for
the US. If your current area uses Canadian or international
channels, follow these steps to change the channel mode:
Open the menu and choose USA/CAN/INT.
Highlight the channel mode you want to use: US (USA
Mode), Canadian (Canadian Mode), or international
(Intl Mode).
Press the ENTER button. The radio activates the new
channel mode and exits the menu.
Changing channel names
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 starting on page 42 for the default channel
names). To rename a channel, follow the steps below:
1.
2.
3.
1.
2.
3.
Exit
16/9 TriWatch
16 DualWatch
Dual/Tri Watch
Exit
16/9 TriWatch
16 DualWatch
Dual/Tri Watch
Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual
28
Open the menu and choose Channel Name.The
screen displays the list of channels.
Use CHANNEL UP and CHANNEL DOWN buttons to
highlight the channel you want to change and press
the ENTER button.
Select Rename to enter a new name for this channel
or Default to restore the channel’s original name.
If you select Rename, the radio prompts you to enter
a new name for this channel. Each name can be up
to 16 characters. Use the CHANNEL UP and CHANNEL
DOWN buttons to change the rst character.
When the rst character is correct, press the ENTER
button. The cursor moves to the next character. Enter
the remaining 15 characters of the name. (If the name
is shorter than 16 characters, press the ENTER button
repeatedly to complete the name entry.
When you nish entering the name, the radio sounds a
conrmation tone and returns to the channel list.
When you are satised with the list of channel names,
select Exit to close the menu screen.
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 specic 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/nwspschg.htm.
To see an index of FIPS codes by state, see the
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
•
•
Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual 29
website of the National Institute of Standards and
Technology (NIST):
www.itl.nist.gov/pspubs/co-codes/states.htm.
Note: If you travel outside the areas you have entered
into your radio, you may not hear alerts that effect
your new location. Be sure to enter the FIPS codes of
all the areas you plan to travel to on this trip.
Follow the steps below to edit the list of FIPS codes. You can
store up to 20 different FIPS codes in your radio.
Open the menu and select
FIPS Codes.
The screen displays any
previously-entered FIPS
codes. To add a new FIPS
code, select Add.
Use the CHANNEL UP and
CHANNEL DOWN buttons to
change the rst of the six
digits; the CHANNEL UP
button increases the number
and the CHANNEL DOWN
button decreases the
number.
When the rst digit is correct, press the ENTER
button. The cursor moves to the next digit. Enter the
remaining ve digits of the FIPS code in the same way.
When the sixth digit is correct, press ENTER. The radio
returns to the list of FIPS codes.
To change an existing FIPS code, select the code
you want to change, then select Delete or Edit, then
use the CHANNEL UP and CHANNEL DOWN buttons to
change each of the six digits.
When you are satised with the list of FIPS codes,
select Exit to close the menu screen.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
023456
Add
FIPS CODES
Exit
023456
Add
FIPS CODES
Exit
0_____
Press the UP or DOWN
arrow keys to select
the character then
press the enter key
0_____
Press the UP or DOWN
arrow keys to select
the character then
press the enter key
Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual
30
Using the Family Radio Service (FRS) Band
The following features and
options are avilable only when
the radio is in the FRS band. To
activate the FRS band, press
the BAND-1/2.5/5W button
repreatedly until the display
shows FRS.
Reading the FRS band screen
FRS band status messages
Message Displays When
Transmitting You press the PUSH TO TALK button.
Release PTT
You press the PUSH TO TALK button but you
cannot transmit at the moment (for example,
because you are scanning).
TriWatch You turn on triple watch mode.
DualWatch You turn on dual watch mode.
FRSFRS
Locked
Memory
Dual Watch Scan
Current
channel is
stored in
memory
Keypad
locked
Current channel
number
Status messages
(see the status
message table)
Current band
Battery
level
icon
Channel
scanning on
Current
CTCSS
privacy
code
(001-142
or OFF)
Locked
Memory
Dual Watch Scan
Current
channel is
stored in
memory
Keypad
locked
Current channel
number
Status messages
(see the status
message table)
Current band
Battery
level
icon
Channel
scanning on
Current
CTCSS
privacy
code
(001-142
or OFF)
Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual 31
FRS band menu options
Follow the steps below to open the FRS band menu:
If the top of the display does not show FRS 2-Way
Radio, press the BAND-1/2.5/5W button repreatedly
until the display shows FRS.
Wait for the display to show the FRS band screen,
then press the MENU button.
Refer to the table below for the available options and
settings available in the FRS band.
Menu Option Use It To... Available Settings (default
setting is in italics)
CODE Set privacy codes for
each channel
No privacy codes set.
See Setting privacy codes
(below) for instructions.
Lamp Adjust Change the operation
of the display backlight
Always On
Timer (see page 22 for details)
Always Off
Contrast Adjust the display
contrast
10 contrast levels
(default = 7)
Dual/TriWatch Choose between triple
watch and dual watch
16/9 TriWatch
16 DualWatch
Key Beep Turn the key touch
tones on or off
On
Off
Exit Close the menu
Setting CTCSS privacy codes
Normally, any FRS radio that is within range and using the
same channel can hear FRS conversations. To prevent other
radios from hearing you or reduce interference with other
radios, you can enable one of the 142 privacy codes for any
channel. Only radios that have the matching privacy code
will be able to decipher your transmission (see page 46 for a
detailed explanation of CTCSS and DSC privacy codes).
1.
2.
3.
Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual
32
Note: Privacy codes are specic to each channel.
Make sure the person you want to communicate with
has the same code set on the same channel you do.
Open the FRS menu. Select CODE and press ENTER.
The current FRS channel
is highlighted. Use the
CHANNEL UP or
CHANNEL DOWN button
to select a different
channel. Any channel
that has a privacy code
enabled has an asterisk
in the display.
Choose On to enable a
privacy code on this
channel or choose Off to
disable a previously-set
code.
Enter a code number
between 001 and 142.
Use the CHANNEL UP
and CHANNEL DOWN
buttons to change the
rst digit; the CHANNEL
UP button increases the
number; the CHANNEL
DOWN button decreases
the number.
When the rst digit is correct, press the ENTER button
to move to the next digit. Enter the remaining two
digits of the code in the same way.
Note: If you try to enter a code number less than 001
or greater than 142, an error tone sounds.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Channel 11 *
Channel 09
FRS CTCSS
Channel 10
Channel 11 *
Channel 09
FRS CTCSS
Channel 10
Exit
On
CHANNEL 10-OFF
Off
Exit
On
CHANNEL 10-OFF
Off
press the enter key
the character then
arrow keys to select
Press the UP or DOWN
0
press the enter key
the character then
arrow keys to select
Press the UP or DOWN
0
Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual 33
When the third digit is
correct, press ENTER.
The screen displays the
channel along with the
chosen code number. If
you want to change the
code, select Edit.
Select Exit to save the settings and exit the menu.
Using the AM Band
The following features and
options are avilable only when
the radio is in the AM band. To
activate the AM band, press the
BAND-1/2.5/5W button
repreatedly until the display
shows AM.
Reading the AM band screen
6.
7.
Exit
Edit
CHANNEL 10-119
Off
Exit
Edit
CHANNEL 10-119
Off
AMAM
Locked
Memory Scan
Current station is
stored in memory
Keypad
locked
Current frequency
(AM station number)
Current band
Battery
level icon
Channel
scanning on
Frequency
step mode
(USA or
Europe)
Locked
Memory Scan
Current station is
stored in memory
Keypad
locked
Current frequency
(AM station number)
Current band
Battery
level icon
Channel
scanning on
Frequency
step mode
(USA or
Europe)
Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual
34
AM band menu reference
Follow the steps below to open the AM radio band menu:
If the top of the display does not show AM Radio
Band, press the BAND-1/2.5/5W button repreatedly until
the display shows AM.
Wait for the display to show the AM band screen, then
press the MENU button.
Refer to the table below for the available options and
settings available in the AM band.
Menu
Option Use It To...
Available Settings
(default setting is in
italics)
Lamp
Adjust
Change the operation of the
display backlight
Always On
Timer (see page 22)
Always Off
Contrast Adjust the display contrast 10 contrast levels
(default = 7)
Tuning
Steps
Set channel frequency steps
to the US standard (10 kHz) or
European standard (9 kHz)
9 kHz Steps
10 kHz Steps
Key
Beep
Turn the key touch and menu
conrmation tones on or off
On
Off
Exit Close the menu
Using the FM Band
The following features and
options are avilable only when
the radio is in the FM band. To
activate the FM band, press the
BAND-1/2.5/5W button
repreatedly until the display
shows FM.
1.
2.
3.
FMFM
Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual 35
Reading the FM band screen
FM band menu options
Follow the steps below to open the FM radio band menu:
If the top of the display does not show FM Radio
Band, press the BAND-1/2.5/5W button repreatedly until
the display shows FM.
Wait for the display to show the FM band screen, then
press the MENU button.
Refer to the table below for the available options and
settings available in the FM band.
Menu
Option Use It To... Available Settings (default
setting is in italics)
Lamp
Adjust
Change the operation of the
display backlight
Always On
Timer (see page 22)
Always Off
Contrast Adjust the display contrast 10 contrast levels
(default = 7)
FM
Muting
Mute the noise between
stations or from extremely weak
signals
On
Off
1.
2.
3.
Locked
Memory Scan
Mute on
Current
station is
stored in
memory
Keypad
locked
Current band
Battery
level icon
Channel
scanning on
Frequency
step mode
(USA or
Europe)
Muting on
Current
frequency
(FM station
number)
Locked
Memory Scan
Mute on
Current
station is
stored in
memory
Keypad
locked
Current band
Battery
level icon
Channel
scanning on
Frequency
step mode
(USA or
Europe)
Muting on
Current
frequency
(FM station
number)
Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual
36
Menu
Option Use It To... Available Settings (default
setting is in italics)
Tuning
Steps
Set channel frequency steps to
the US standard (200 kHz) or
European standard (100 kHz)
100 kHz Steps
200 kHz Steps
Key
Beep
Turn the key touch tones on
or off
On
Off
Exit Close the menu
Using the Aircraft Band
The following features and
options are avilable only when
the radio is in the aircraft band.
To activate the aircraft band,
press the BAND-1/2.5/5W button
repreatedly until the display
shows AIR.
Reading the aircraft band screen
AIRAIR
Locked
Memory Scan
Current frequency
is stored in memory
Keypad
locked
Current
frequency
Current band
Battery
level
icon
Channel
scanning on
Locked
Memory Scan
Current frequency
is stored in memory
Keypad
locked
Current
frequency
Current band
Battery
level
icon
Channel
scanning on
Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual 37
Aircraft band menu options
Follow the steps below to open the aircraft band menu:
If the top of the display does not show Aircraft Radio
Band, press the BAND-1/2.5/5W button repreatedly until
the display shows AIR.
Wait for the display to show the aircraft band screen,
then press the MENU button.
Refer to the table below for the available options and
settings available in the aircraft band.
Menu
Option Use It To... Available Settings (default
setting is in italics)
Lamp Adjust Change the operation of
the display backlight
Always On
Timer (see page 22)
Always Off
Contrast Adjust the display contrast 10 contrast levels
(default = 7)
Key Beep Turn the key touch tones
on or off
On
Off
Exit Close the menu
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Due to its rugged design, the MHS550 requires very little
maintenance. However, it is a precision electronic instrument,
so you should follow a few precautions:
If the antenna has been damaged, do not transmit
except in an emergency situation. Transmitting with a
defective antenna may cause further radio damage.
You are responsible for continued FCC technical
compliance of your radio.
You should arrange for periodic performance checks
with your Uniden dealer.
1.
2.
3.
•
•
•
Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual
38
Common questions
Problem Things to Try
The radio won’t power
on. Check the battery power level.
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 or that you are transmitting
at the correct power level for this channel (see
the channel lists starting on page 42).
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
from the speaker. Adjust the squelch level; it is probably too high.
I can transmit, but no
one can hear me.
In VHF, check your UIC channel settings (see
page 27)
In FRS, make sure the privacy codes match the
radio you want to talk to (see page 31)
The display ashes,
and I don’t know why.
The numbers on the display will ash if the radio
is in a watch mode or in scan mode. Try turning
off scanning, Weather Alert Watch, or Triple/
Dual Watch (see page 10).
I can’t read the display. Adjust the contrast level (see page 22)
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 28).
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 28).
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, when this happens, the radio triggers the
alert tone and switches to the weather channel.
Where can I nd my
radio’s serial number?
The serial number is on a plate inside the
battery compartment.
Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual 39
Specications
General Specications
Channels All USA, Canadian and International
Frequency
Range Step
Marine-Weather: 156.05 ~ 163.275 MHz, 25 kHz Step
FRS: 462.5625 ~ 467.7125 MHz, 12.5 kHz Step
AM Broadcast: 500.00 ~ 1800 kHz, 10 or 9 kHz Step
FM Broadcast: 87.5 ~108.0 MHz, 100 or 200 kHz Step
Aircraft: 108.00 ~ 137.00 MHz, 25 kHz Step
Antenna Fixed Mount Type
Connectors External MIC/SPEAKER, 2.5 mm Diam. 3-contact
Stereo type
Controls and
Switches
Knobs: Volume with Power On/Off, Squelch
Keys: Channel Up, Channel Down, 16/9-TRI, Menu,
Enter, WX-Alert, Scan-Mem, Band-1/2.5/5W, Push to
Talk, Backlight/Keypad Lock
Display LCD 128 x 64 Full Dot Matrix
Backlight LCD, Front keypad - orange
Cabinet Size 4.21H x 2.55W x 1.38D inches (107 x 65 x 35mm)
Weight 8.8 oz (250 g)
Speaker Built-in 32mm diam. Dynamic type (8Ω, 0.7W)
Microphone Built-in Electret type
Supplied
Accessories
Li-Ion Battery Pack (7.4VDC, 1400mA/hr min) AC
Adapter, Drop-In Charger, CLA DC Cord, Alkaline
Battery Tray (4xAAA), Belt Clip, Hand Strap
Operating Temp. -20° C to 50° C. (Battery charge: 0° C to 45° C)
Storage Temp. -30° C to 60° C
AC Adapter Input: 100VAC ~ 240VAC, 50/60Hz Output: 12VDC, 1A
Regulation FCC, IC
Battery Life
(Li-Ion) 10 Hours, Min.
Waterproof
Grade
Compliant to JIS8/IPX8 Immersion Protection
Standards. Submersible in one and a half meters of
water for 30 minutes without damage.
Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual
40
Receiver Specications
Unit Nominal Limit
Sensitivity for 12dB
SINAD
MRN μV 0.3 0.4 max.
FRS μV 0.35 0.5 max.
FM Broadcast μV 1.0 3.0 max.
Air μV 1.0 30 max.
AM Broadcast μV 1.0 2.0 max.
Squelch Sensitivity Threshold μV 0.1 0.25 max.
Tight μV 0.7 2.0 max.
CTCSS/DSC Opening
SINAD FRS dB 8 12 max.
Audio Freq. Response
1kHz Ref.
MRN @ 500 Hz dB 6 3 to 7
MRN @ 2000 Hz dB -6 -9 to -5
FRS @ 500 Hz dB 6 3 to 7
FRS @ 2000 Hz dB -6 -9 to -5
Adjacent Channel
Selectivity
MRN ±25 kHz dB 72 60 min.
FRS ±12.5 kHz dB 40 30 min.
IM Rejection MRN dB 63 55 min.
Image and Supurious
Rejection MRN 75 50 min.
Conducted Spurious Emission at the
Antenna Terminal dBm -65 -57 max.
Hum and Noise Ratio
MRN dB 50 35 min.
FRS dB 37 32 min.
AM Broadcast dB 42 32 min.
FM Broadcast dB 53 32 min.
Air dB 42 32 min.
THD @ Standard Output Power (MRN) % 1.2 10 max.
Audio Output Power @10% THD (MRN) W 0.45 0.3 min
Oscillator Dropout Voltage (MRN) V 2.9 3.8 max.
Current Drain @ No Signal (MRN) mA 72 85 max.
Current Drain @ Maximum Output (MRN) mA 220 250 max.
Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual 41
Transmitter Specications
Unit Nominal
Frequency Tolerance @ 25˚C to 50˚C PPM ± 0.5
Frequency Stability -20˚C to 50˚C PPM
Carrier Power
(MRN 5W) W 5
(MRN 2.5W) W 2.5
(MRN 1W) W 1
(FRS/MRN 0.5W) W 0.5
Spurious Emission (MRN 5W) dBc 53
(MRN 2.5W/1W) dBc 58
Modulation Frequency
Response
500 MHz dB -6
2000 MHz dB +6
Microphone Sensitivity (MRN for ± 3 kHz Deviation) mV 6
(FRS for ±1.5 kHz Deviation) mV 6
Maximum Deviation @
100mV Input
(MRN) kHz ± 4.5
(FRS with Subaudio) kHz ± 2.3
Modulation Distortion 750 μS
De-emphas 0.3 to 3 kHz BPF % 0.6
Hum and Noise 750 μS (MRN) dB 38
De-emphas 0.3 to 3 kHz PF (FRS) dB 35
Current Drain @ High
Power 5W
(MRN) mA 1500
(FRS) mA 650
Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual
42
Channels and Frequencies
US channel frequencies and names
US Marine Channels
Ch RX Freq TX Freq Status Full name 16-Character Name
1A 156.0500 156.0500 Simplex Vessel trafc system/
commercial VTS/ COMMERCIAL
3A 156.1500 156.1500 Simplex Coast guard,govt only COAST GUARD ONLY
5A 156.2500 156.2500 Simplex Vessel trafc system/
commercial VTS/ COMMERCIAL
6 156.3000 156.3000 Simplex Inter-ship safety SAFETY
7A 156.3500 156.3500 Simplex Commercial COMMERCIAL
8 156.4000 156.4000 Simplex Commercial COMMERCIAL
9 156.4500 156.4500 Simplex Non commercial NON COMMERCIAL
10 156.5000 156.5000 Simplex Commercial COMMERCIAL
11 156.5500 156.5500 Simplex Vessel trafc system VESSEL TRAFFIC
12 156.6000 156.6000 Simplex Vessel trafc system VESSEL TRAFFIC
13 156.6500 156.6500 Simplex, 1W Bridge to bridge BRIDGE TO BRIDGE
14 156.7000 156.7000 Simplex Vessel trafc system VESSEL TRAFFIC
15 156.7500 Inhibit Receive Only Environmental ENVIRONMENTAL
16 156.8000 156.8000 Simplex Distress/safety/calling DISTRESS
17 156.8500 156.8500 Simplex, 1W Govt maritime control GOVERNMENT
18A 156.9000 156.9000 Simplex Commercial COMMERCIAL
19A 156.9500 156.9500 Simplex Commercial COMMERCIAL
20 161.6000 157.0000 Duplex Port operation PORT OPERATION
20A 157.0000 157.0000 Simplex Port operation PORT OPERATION
21A 157.0500 157.0500 Simplex Coast guard only COAST GUARD ONLY
22A 157.1000 157.1000 Simplex Coast guard COAST GUARD
23A 157.1500 157.1500 Simplex Coast guard only COAST GUARD ONLY
24 161.8000 157.2000 Duplex Marine operator MARINE OPERATOR
25 161.8500 157.2500 Duplex Marine operator MARINE OPERATOR
26 161.9000 157.3000 Duplex Marine operator MARINE OPERATOR
27 161.9500 157.3500 Duplex Marine operator MARINE OPERATOR
28 162.0000 157.4000 Duplex Marine operator MARINE OPERATOR
61A 156.0750 156.0750 Simplex Coast guard COAST GUARD
63A 156.1750 156.1750 Simplex Vessel trafc system VESSEL TRAFFIC
64A 156.2250 156.2250 Simplex Commercial COMMERCIAL
65A 156.2750 156.2750 Simplex Port operation PORT OPERATION
66A 156.3250 156.3250 Simplex Port operation PORT OPERATION
67 156.3750 156.3750 Simplex, 1W Bridge To Bridge BRIDGE TO BRIDGE
68 156.4250 156.4250 Simplex Non Commercial NON COMMERCIAL
69 156.4750 156.4750 Simplex Non Commercial NON COMMERCIAL
70 156.5250 Inhibit Receive Only Digital Selective Calling DSC RECEIVE ONLY
Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual 43
US Marine Channels
Ch RX Freq TX Freq Status Full name 16-Character Name
71 156.5750 156.5750 Simplex Non Commercial NON COMMERCIAL
72 156.6250 156.6250 Simplex Non Commercial (Ship-
Ship) NON COMMERCIAL
73 156.6750 156.6750 Simplex Port Operation PORT OPERATION
74 156.7250 156.7250 Simplex Port Operation PORT OPERATION
75 156.7750 156.7750 Simplex, 1W Port Operation PORT OPERATION
76 156.8250 156.8250 Simplex, 1W Port Operation PORT OPERATION
77 156.8750 156.8750 Simplex, 1W Port Operation (Ship-Ship) PORT OPERATION
78A 156.9250 156.9250 Simplex Non Commercial NON COMMERCIAL
79A 156.9750 156.9750 Simplex Commercial COMMERCIAL
80A 157.0250 157.0250 Simplex Commercial COMMERCIAL
81A 157.0750 157.0750 Simplex Coast Guard COAST GUARD
82A 157.1250 157.1250 Simplex Coast Guard COAST GUARD
83A 157.1750 157.1750 Simplex Government GOVERNMENT
84 161.8250 157.2250 Duplex Marine Operator MARINE OPERATOR
85 161.8750 157.2750 Duplex Marine Operator MARINE OPERATOR
86 161.9250 157.3250 Duplex Marine Operator MARINE OPERATOR
87 161.9750 157.3750 Duplex Marine Operator MARINE OPERATOR
88 162.0250 157.4250 Duplex Marine Operator MARINE OPERATOR
88A 157.4250 157.4250 Simplex Commercial (Ship-Ship) COMMERCIAL
Canadian channel frequencies and names
Canadian Marine Channels
Ch RX Freq TX Freq Status Full Name 16-Character Name
1 160.6500 156.0500 Duplex Marine Operator MARINE OPERATOR
2 160.7000 156.1000 Duplex Marine Operator MARINE OPERATOR
3 160.7500 156.1500 Duplex Marine Operator MARINE OPERATOR
4A 156.2000 156.2000 Simplex Canadian Coast Guard COAST GUARD
5A 156.2500 156.2500 Simplex Vessel Trafc System VESSEL TRAFFIC
6 156.3000 156.3000 Simplex Inter-Ship Safety SAFETY
7A 156.3500 156.3500 Simplex Commercial COMMERCIAL
8 156.4000 156.4000 Simplex Commercial COMMERCIAL
9 156.4500 156.4500 Simplex Boater Calling Channel CALLING
10 156.5000 156.5000 Simplex Commercial COMMERCIAL
11 156.5500 156.5500 Simplex Vessel Trafc System VESSEL TRAFFIC
12 156.6000 156.6000 Simplex Vessel Trafc System VESSEL TRAFFIC
13 156.6500 156.6500 Simplex, 1W Bridge To Bridge BRIDGE TO BRIDGE
14 156.7000 156.7000 Simplex Vessel Trafc System VESSEL TRAFFIC
15 156.7500 156.7500 Simplex Environmental ENVIRONMENTAL
16 156.8000 156.8000 Simplex Distress, safety, calling DISTRESS
17 156.8500 156.8500 Simplex, 1W State Control STATE CONTROL
Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual
44
Canadian Marine Channels
Ch RX Freq TX Freq Status Full Name 16-Character Name
18A 156.9000 156.9000 Simplex Commercial COMMERCIAL
19A 156.9500 156.9500 Simplex Canadian Coast Guard COAST GUARD
20 161.6000 157.0000 Duplex, 1W Port Operation PORT OPERATION
21A 157.0500 157.0500 Simplex Canadian Coast Guard COAST GUARD
22A 157.1000 157.1000 Simplex Canadian Coast Guard COAST GUARD
23 161.7500 157.1500 Duplex Canadian Coast Guard COAST GUARD
24 161.8000 157.2000 Duplex Marine Operator MARINE OPERATOR
25 161.8500 157.2500 Duplex Marine Operator MARINE OPERATOR
26 161.9000 157.3000 Duplex Marine Operator MARINE OPERATOR
27 161.9500 157.3500 Duplex Marine Operator MARINE OPERATOR
28 162.0000 157.4000 Duplex Marine Operator MARINE OPERATOR
60 160.6250 156.0250 Duplex Marine Operator MARINE OPERATOR
61A 156.0750 156.0750 Simplex Canadian Coast Guard COAST GUARD
62A 156.1250 156.1250 Simplex Canadian Coast Guard COAST GUARD
64 160.8250 156.2250 Duplex Marine Operator MARINE OPERATOR
64A 156.2250 156.2250 Simplex Marine Operator MARINE OPERATOR
65A 156.2750 156.2750 Simplex Search And Rescue SEARCH & RESCUE
66A 156.3250 156.3250 Simplex, 1W Port Operation PORT OPERATION
67 156.3750 156.3750 Simplex Bridge To Bridge BRIDGE TO BRIDGE
68 156.4250 156.4250 Simplex Non Commercial NON COMMERCIAL
69 156.4750 156.4750 Simplex Non Commercial NON COMMERCIAL
70 156.5250 Inhibit Receive Only Digital Selective Calling DSC RECEIVE ONLY
71 156.5750 156.5750 Simplex Non Commercial NON COMMERCIAL
72 156.6250 156.6250 Simplex Non Commercial NON COMMERCIAL
73 156.6750 156.6750 Simplex Port Operation PORT OPERATION
74 156.7250 156.7250 Simplex Port Operation PORT OPERATION
75 156.7750 156.7750 Simplex, 1W Port Operation PORT OPERATION
76 156.8250 156.8250 Simplex, 1W Port Operation PORT OPERATION
77 156.8750 156.8750 Simplex, 1W Port Operation PORT OPERATION
78A 156.9250 156.9250 Simplex Inter Ship INTER SHIP
79A 156.9750 156.9750 Simplex Inter Ship INTER SHIP
80A 157.0250 157.0250 Simplex Inter Ship INTER SHIP
81A 157.0750 157.0750 Simplex Canadian Coast Guard COAST GUARD
82A 157.1250 157.1250 Simplex Canadian Coast Guard COAST GUARD
83 161.7750 157.1750 Duplex Canadian Coast Guard COAST GUARD
83A 157.1750 157.1750 Simplex Canadian Coast Guard COAST GUARD
84 161.8250 157.2250 Duplex Marine Operator MARINE OPERATOR
85 161.8750 157.2750 Duplex Marine Operator MARINE OPERATOR
86 161.9250 157.3250 Duplex Marine Operator MARINE OPERATOR
87 161.9750 157.3750 Duplex Marine Operator MARINE OPERATOR
88 162.0250 157.4250 Duplex Marine Operator MARINE OPERATOR
Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual 45
International channel frequencies and names
International Marine Channels
Ch RX Freq TX Freq Status Full Name 16-Character Name
1 160.6500 156.0500 Duplex Marine operator MARINE OPERATOR
2 160.7000 156.1000 Duplex Marine operator MARINE OPERATOR
3 160.7500 156.1500 Duplex Marine operator MARINE OPERATOR
4 160.8000 156.2000 Duplex Marine operator MARINE OPERATOR
5 160.8500 156.2500 Duplex Marine operator MARINE OPERATOR
6 156.3000 156.3000 Simplex Inter-ship safety SAFETY
7 160.9500 156.3500 Duplex Marine operator MARINE OPERATOR
8 156.4000 156.4000 Simplex Commercial (ship-ship) COMMERCIAL
9 156.4500 156.4500 Simplex Boater calling channel CALLING
10 156.5000 156.5000 Simplex Commercial COMMERCIAL
11 156.5500 156.5500 Simplex Vessel trafc system VESSEL TRAFFIC
12 156.6000 156.6000 Simplex Vessel trafc system VESSEL TRAFFIC
13 156.6500 156.6500 Simplex Bridge to bridge BRIDGE TO BRIDGE
14 156.7000 156.7000 Simplex Vessel trafc system VESSEL TRAFFIC
15 156.7500 156.7500 Simplex, 1W Environmental ENVIRONMENTAL
16 156.8000 156.8000 Simplex Distress, safety, calling DISTRESS
17 156.8500 156.8500 Simplex, 1W Govt maritime control GOVERNMENT
18 161.5000 156.9000 Duplex Port operation PORT OPERATION
19 161.5500 156.9500 Duplex Commercial COMMERCIAL
20 161.6000 157.0000 Duplex Port operation PORT OPERATION
21 161.6500 157.0500 Duplex Port operation PORT OPERATION
22 161.7000 157.1000 Duplex Port operation PORT OPERATION
23 161.7500 157.1500 Duplex Marine operator MARINE OPERATOR
24 161.8000 157.2000 Duplex Marine operator MARINE OPERATOR
25 161.8500 157.2500 Duplex Marine operator MARINE OPERATOR
26 161.9000 157.3000 Duplex Marine operator MARINE OPERATOR
27 161.9500 157.3500 Duplex Marine operator MARINE OPERATOR
28 162.0000 157.4000 Duplex Marine operator MARINE OPERATOR
60 160.6250 156.0250 Duplex Marine operator MARINE OPERATOR
61 160.6750 156.0750 Duplex Marine operator MARINE OPERATOR
62 160.7250 156.1250 Duplex Marine operator MARINE OPERATOR
63 160.7750 156.1750 Duplex Marine operator MARINE OPERATOR
64 160.8250 156.2250 Duplex Marine operator MARINE OPERATOR
65 160.8750 156.2750 Duplex Marine operator MARINE OPERATOR
66 160.9250 156.3250 Duplex Marine operator MARINE OPERATOR
67 156.3750 156.3750 Simplex Bridge to bridge BRIDGE TO BRIDGE
68 156.4250 156.4250 Simplex Non commercial NON COMMERCIAL
69 156.4750 156.4750 Simplex Non commercial NON COMMERCIAL
70 156.5250 Inhibit Receive Only Digital Selective Calling DSC RECEIVE ONLY
71 156.5750 156.5750 Simplex Non commercial NON COMMERCIAL
72 156.6250 156.6250 Simplex Non commercial NON COMMERCIAL
73 156.6750 156.6750 Simplex Port operation PORT OPERATION
74 156.7250 156.7250 Simplex Port operation PORT OPERATION
Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual
46
International Marine Channels
Ch RX Freq TX Freq Status Full Name 16-Character Name
75 156.7750 156.7750 Simplex, 1W Port operation PORT OPERATION
76 156.8250 156.8250 Simplex, 1W Port operation PORT OPERATION
77 156.8750 156.8750 Simplex Port operation (ship-ship) PORT OPERATION
78 161.5250 156.9250 Duplex Port operation PORT OPERATION
79 161.5750 156.9750 Duplex Port operation PORT OPERATION
80 161.6250 157.0250 Duplex Port operation PORT OPERATION
81 161.6750 157.0750 Duplex Port operation PORT OPERATION
82 161.7250 157.1250 Duplex Port operation PORT OPERATION
83 161.7750 157.1750 Duplex Port operation PORT OPERATION
84 161.8250 157.2250 Duplex Marine operator MARINE OPERATOR
85 161.8750 157.2750 Duplex Marine operator MARINE OPERATOR
86 161.9250 157.3250 Duplex Marine operator MARINE OPERATOR
87 161.9750 157.3750 Duplex Marine operator MARINE OPERATOR
88 162.0250 157.4250 Duplex Marine operator MARINE OPERATOR
Weather channel
frequencies
Channel RX
WX01 162.5500
WX02 162.4000
WX03 162.4750
WX04 162.4250
WX05 162.4500
WX06 162.5000
WX07 162.5250
WX08 161.6500
WX09 161.7750
WX10 163.2750
FRS channel frequencies
Channel Frequency (MHz)
1 462.5625
2 462.5875
3 462.6125
4 462.6375
5 462.6625
6 462.6875
7 462.7125
8 467.5625
9 467.5875
10 467.6125
11 467.6375
12 467.6625
13 467.6875
14 467.7125
FRS privacy codes (CTCSS and DSC codes)
The 142 available privacy codes are a combination of two
different types: 38 Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System
(CTCSS) codes (numbered 001 to 038) and 104 Digital
Squelch Control (DSC) codes (numbered 039 to 142). As long
as you are communicating with another Uniden or a West
Marine radio, the specic type of code does not matter: just
make the numbers designating the privacy codes match.
Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual 47
If you are trying to communicate with another brand of FRS
radio, you may need to know the actual frequency (for CTCSS
codes) or the octal code (for DSC codes) to program the other
radio. Use the following tables to nd the frequency of the
CTCSS code or the octal code of the DSC code:
CTCSS
Code
Freq.
(Hz)
001 67.0
002 71.9
003 74.4
004 77.0
005 79.7
006 82.5
007 85.4
008 88.5
009 91.5
010 94.8
011 97.4
012 100.0
013 103.5
014 107.2
015 110.9
016 114.8
017 118.8
018 123.0
019 127.3
020 131.8
021 136.5
022 141.3
023 146.2
024 151.4
025 156.7
026 162.2
027 167.9
028 173.8
029 179.9
030 186.2
031 192.8
032 203.5
033 210.7
034 218.1
035 225.7
036 233.6
037 241.8
038 250.3
DSC
Code
Octal
Code
039 023
040 025
041 026
042 031
043 032
044 043
045 047
046 051
047 054
048 065
049 071
050 072
051 073
052 074
053 114
054 115
055 116
056 125
057 131
058 132
059 134
060 143
061 152
062 155
063 156
064 162
065 165
066 172
067 174
068 205
069 223
070 226
071 243
DSC
Code
Octal
Code
072 244
073 245
074 251
075 261
076 263
077 265
078 271
079 306
080 311
081 315
082 331
083 343
084 346
085 351
086 364
087 365
088 371
089 411
090 412
091 413
092 423
093 431
094 432
095 445
096 464
097 465
098 466
099 503
100 506
101 516
102 532
103 546
104 565
105 606
106 612
107 624
DSC
Code
Octal
Code
108 627
109 631
111 654
112 662
113 664
114 703
115 712
116 723
117 731
118 732
119 734
120 743
121 754
122 036
123 053
124 122
125 145
126 212
127 225
128 246
129 252
130 255
131 266
132 274
133 325
134 332
135 356
136 446
137 452
138 454
139 455
140 462
141 523
142 526
CTCSS
Code
Freq.
(Hz)
001 67.0
002 71.9
003 74.4
004 77.0
005 79.7
006 82.5
007 85.4
008 88.5
009 91.5
010 94.8
011 97.4
012 100.0
013 103.5
014 107.2
015 110.9
016 114.8
017 118.8
018 123.0
019 127.3
020 131.8
021 136.5
022 141.3
023 146.2
024 151.4
025 156.7
026 162.2
027 167.9
028 173.8
029 179.9
030 186.2
031 192.8
032 203.5
033 210.7
034 218.1
035 225.7
036 233.6
037 241.8
038 250.3
DSC
Code
Octal
Code
039 023
040 025
041 026
042 031
043 032
044 043
045 047
046 051
047 054
048 065
049 071
050 072
051 073
052 074
053 114
054 115
055 116
056 125
057 131
058 132
059 134
060 143
061 152
062 155
063 156
064 162
065 165
066 172
067 174
068 205
069 223
070 226
071 243
DSC
Code
Octal
Code
072 244
073 245
074 251
075 261
076 263
077 265
078 271
079 306
080 311
081 315
082 331
083 343
084 346
085 351
086 364
087 365
088 371
089 411
090 412
091 413
092 423
093 431
094 432
095 445
096 464
097 465
098 466
099 503
100 506
101 516
102 532
103 546
104 565
105 606
106 612
107 624
DSC
Code
Octal
Code
108 627
109 631
111 654
112 662
113 664
114 703
115 712
116 723
117 731
118 732
119 734
120 743
121 754
122 036
123 053
124 122
125 145
126 212
127 225
128 246
129 252
130 255
131 266
132 274
133 325
134 332
135 356
136 446
137 452
138 454
139 455
140 462
141 523
142 526
Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual
48
CEA2009-SAME event codes
Received Code Event Code (Scrolling Name) Display (16 Charactes)
ADR Administrative Message ADMIN MESSAGE
AVA Avalanche Watch AVALANCHE WATCH
AVW Avalanche Warning AVALANCHE WARN
BHW Biological Hazard Warning BIOLOGICAL WARN
BWW Boil Water Warning BOIL WATER WARN
BZW Blizzard Warning BLIZZARD WARNING
CAE Child Abduction Emergency CHILD EMERGENCY
CDW Civil Danger Warning CIVIL DANGER
CEM Civil Emergency Message CIVIL EMERGENCY
CFA Coastal Flood Watch COASTAL FLOOD
CFW Coastal Flood Warning COASTAL FLOOD
CHW Chemical Hazard Warning CHEMICAL HAZARD
DBA Dam Watch DAM BREAK WATCH
DBW Dam Break Warning DAM BREAK WARN
DEW Contagious Desease Warning CONTAGIOUS WARN
DMO Practice/demo SYSTEM DEMO
DSW Dust Storm Warning DUST STORM WARN
EAN Emergency Action Notication EMERGENCY NOTIFY
EAT Emergency Action Termination EMERGENCY END
EQW Earthquake Warning EARTHQUAKE WARN
EVI Immediate Evacuation IMMED EVACUTATION
EVA Evacuation Watch EVACUATION
FCW Food Contamination Warning FOOD CONTAMIN
FFA Flash Flood Watch FLASH FLOOD WARN
FFS Flash Flood Statement FLASH FLOOD WARN
FFW Flash Flood Warning FLASH FLOOD WARN
FLA Flood Watch FLOOD WATCH
FLS Flood Statement FLOOD STATEMENT
FLW Flood Warning FLOOD WARNING
FRW Fire Warning FIRE WARNING
FSW Flash Freeze Warning FLASH FREEZE
FZW Freeze Warning FREEZE WARNING
HLS Hurricane Statement HURRICANE
HMW Hazardous Material Warning HAZARDOUS WARN
HUW Hurricane Watch HURRICANE WATCH
Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual 49
Received Code Event Code (Scrolling Name) Display (16 Charactes)
HWA High Wind Watch HIGH WIND WATCH
HWW High Wind Warning HIGH WIND WARN
IBW Iceberg Warning ICEBERG
IFW Industrial Fire Warning INDUSTRIAL FIRE
LAE Local Area Emergency LOCAL EMERGENCY
LEW Law Enforcment Warning LAW ENFORCE WARN
LSW Land Slide Warning LAND SLIDE WARN
NAT National Audible Test NATIONAL AUDIBLE
NIC National Information Center NATIONAL INFORM
NMN Network Notication Message NETWORK MESSAGE
NPT National Periodic Test NATIONAL PERIODIC
NST National Silent Test NATIONAL SILENT
NUW Nuclear Power Plant Warning NUCLEAR WARNING
POS Power Outage Advisory POWER OUTAGE ADV
RHW Radiological Hazard RADIOLOGICAL
RMT Required Monthly Test REQ MONTHLY TEST
RWT Required Weekly Test REQ WEEKLY TEST
SMW Special Marine Warning SPECIAL MRN WARN
SPS Special Weather Statement SPECIAL WEATHER
SPW Shelter In-place Warning SHELTER IN-PLACE
SVA Severe Thunderstorm Watch THUNDERSTORM
SVR Severe Thunderstorm Warning THUNDERSTORM
SVS Severe Weather Statement SEVERE WEATHER
TOA Tornado Watch TORNADO WATCH
TOE 911 Telephone Outage Emergency 911 OUTAGE
TOR Tornado Warning TORNADO WARN
TRA Tropical Storm Watch TROPIC STORM
TRW Tropical Storm Warning TROPIC STORM
TSA Tsunami Watch TSUNAMI WATCH
TSW Tsunami Warning TSUNAMI WARNING
VOW Volcano Warning VOLCANO WARNING
WFW Wild Fire Warning WILD FIRE WARN
WFA Wild Fire Watch WILD FIRE WATCH
WSA Winter Storm Watch WINTER STORM
WSW Winter Storm Warning WINTER STORM
* * A Unrecognized Watch UNRECOGNIZED
Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual
50
Received Code Event Code (Scrolling Name) Display (16 Charactes)
* * E Unrecognized Emergency UNRECOGNIZED
* * S Unrecognized Statement UNRECOGNIZED
* * W Unrecognized Warning UNRECOGNIZED
TXB Transmitter Backup On No event code shown
TXF Transmitter Carrier On No event code shown
TXO Transmitter Carrier Off No event code shown
TXP Transmitter Primary On No event code shown
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 assign-
ments include frequencies assigned for exclusive use of the U.S.
Coast Guard, use in Canada, and use in international waters. Op-
eration on these frequencies without proper authorization is strictly
forbidden. See pages 42 through 46 for tables of the 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-CALL-FCC. For individuals requiring a license, such as
commercial users, you should obtain a license application from
your nearest FCC eld ofce (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
(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. If you carry a radio, it
must be on and set to channel 16 whenever your boat is
underway.
•
WARNING! Read this information before using the radio.WARNING! Read this information before using the radio.
Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual 51
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 nes.)
FCC/Industry Canada information
Certication: FCC Part 80 or RSS-182/188
Output Power: 5W
Emission: 16K0F3E, 16K0F2D
Transmitter Frequency Range: 156.025-157.425 MHz
This device complies with Part 80 of the FCC Rules, as well as
Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the condition
that this device does not cause harmful interference.
Unauthorized changes or modications to this equipment may
void compliance with the FCC Rules. Any change or modication
must be approved in writing by Uniden. Changes or modications
not approved by Uniden could void the user’s authority to operate
the equipment.
FCC RF exposure information
In August 1996 the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
of the United States with its action in Report and Order FCC 96-
326 adopted an updated safety standard for human exposure to
radio frequency electromagnetic energy emitted by FCC regulated
transmitters. Those guidelines are consistent with the safety stan-
dard previously set by both U.S. and international standards bod-
ies. The design of the radio complies with the FCC guidelines and
these international standards.
Never allow children to operate the radio without adult supervision
and the knowledge of the following guidelines.
WARNING! It is up to the user to properly operate this radio trans-
mitter to insure safe operation. Please adhere to the following:
Use only the supplied or an approved antenna. Unauthorized
antennas, modications, or attachments could impair call
quality, damage the radio, or violate FCC regulations.
Do not use the radio with a damaged antenna. If a damaged
antenna comes into contact with the skin, a minor burn may
result. Contact your local dealer for a replacement antenna.
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Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual
52
Body-worn Operation: This device was tested for typical
body-worn operations using the supplied belt-clip. To main-
tain compliance with FCC RF exposure requirements, body-
worn operations are restricted to the supplied belt-clip. For
hand-held operation, the radio should be held 1 inch from
the user’s face. The use of accessories that do not satisfy
these requirements may not comply with FCC RF exposure
requirements and should be avoided. For more information
about RF exposure, visit the FCC website at www.fcc.gov.
Lithium ion battery warning
This equipment contains a rechargeable Lithium Ion battery. The
rechargeable Lithium Ion battery contained in this equipment may
explode if disposed of in a re.
Do not short-circuit the battery.
Do not charge the rechargeable battery used in this equipment in
any charger other than the one specied in the owner’s manual.
Using another charger may damage the battery or cause the bat-
tery to explode.
Li-Ion batteries must be recycled or disposed of properly.
Avoid exposing the battery (whether attached to the radio or not)
to direct sunlight, heated cars, or temperatures below -4°F (-20°C)
or above +140°F (+60°C). Exposing the chemical contained with-
in the battery pack to temperatures above +140°F (+60°C) may
cause the battery to rupture, fail, or reduce performance.
In case of exposure to the cell contents, wash the affected area
thoroughly, and seek medical attention.
Three Year Limited Warranty Statement
WARRANTOR: Uniden America Corp. (“Uniden”)
ELEMENTS OF WARRANTY: Uniden warrants, for three years,
to the original retail owner, this Uniden Product to be free from de-
fects in materials and crafts-manship with only the limitations or
exclusions set out below.
WARRANTY DURATION: This warranty to the original user shall
terminate and be of no further effect 36 months after the date of
original retail sale. The warranty is invalid if the Product is (A)
damaged or not maintained as reasonable or necessary, (B) modi-
ed, altered, or used as part of any con-version kits, subassem-
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Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual 53
blies, or any congurations not sold by Uniden, (C) improperly
installed, (D) serviced or repaired by someone other than an au-
thorized Uniden service center for a defect or malfunction covered
by this warranty, (E) used in any conjunction with equipment or
parts or as part of any system not manufactured by Uniden, or (F)
installed or programmed by anyone other than as detailed by the
Operating Guide for this product.
STATEMENT OF REMEDY: In the event that the product does not
conform to this warranty at any time while this warranty is in effect,
warrantor will repair the defect and return it to you without charge
for parts, service, or any other cost (except shipping and handling)
incurred by warrantor or its representatives in connection with
the performance of this warranty. THE LIMITED WARRANTY SET
FORTH ABOVE IS THE SOLE AND ENTIRE WARRANTY PER-
TAINING TO THE PRODUCT AND IS IN LIEU OF AND EXCLUDES
ALL OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY NATURE WHATSOEVER,
WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR ARISING BY OPERATION
OF LAW, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WAR-
RANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICU-
LAR PURPOSE. THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER OR PRO-
VIDE FOR THE REIMBURSEMENT OR PAYMENT OF INCIDEN-
TAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. Some states do not allow
this exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages
so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.
LEGAL REMEDIES: This warranty gives you specic legal rights,
and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
This warranty is void outside the United States of America.
PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING PERFORMANCE OF WARRANTY:
If, after following the instructions in this Operating Guide you are
certain that the Product is defective, pack the Product carefully
(preferably in its original packaging). Include evidence of original
purchase and a note describing the defect that has caused you to
return it. The Product should be shipped freight prepaid, by trace-
able means, or delivered, to warrantor at:
Uniden America Corporation
Parts and Service Division
4700 Amon Carter Boulevard
Fort Worth, TX, 76155
(800) 554-3988
A World Without Wires®
© 2007 Uniden America Corp., Fort Worth, Texas. Contains additional foreign articles. Printed in China.
UTZZ01612ZC(0)
QUESTIONS?
Visit our website at
www.uniden.com
or call 1-800-297-1023
during regular business
hours (Central time).
MHS550_back_EN.pdf 6/29/2007 1:31:59 PM

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