West Marine 12019113 VHF255 Handheld VHF Radio Owner's Manual

VHF255

Floating Dual Band

Two-Way Marine Radio

Radio maritime bidirectionnelle

à deux bandes

Owner’s Manual

Guide d’utilisation

Model / Modèle 12019113

Making a 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 radio, 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 of your boat (three times) and call sign/boat

registration number (once)}.”

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. State the type of assistance you need (medical, towing, pumps, etc.).

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

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

11. Briefly describe your ship, giving the ship name (e.g. “Blue Duck is a

32 foot cabin cruiser, white hull, blue deck house”).

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

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

OVER.”

14. 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.

Faire un appel de détresse

Faire un appel de détresse vocal

Parlez lentement – clairement – calmement.

Pour toute référence ultérieure, transcrivez ci-dessous le nom et l’indicatif d’appel de votre bateau :

1. Vérifiez si votre radio est en marche.

2. Appuyez sur la touche 16/9-Tri de la radio afin de commuter au canal

16 (156,8 MHz). (Si le canal 16 n’apparaît pas à l’affichage, appuyez de nouveau sur la touche 16/9-Tri jusqu’à ce qu’il soit affiché.)

3. Appuyez sur le bouton de microphone push to talk et dites :“MAYDAY

- MAYDAY – MAYDAY”.

4. Donnez l’identité de votre navire en disant : “ICI {nom de votre bateau

(trois fois) ou indicatif d’appel et le numéro d’identification de votre

bateau (une fois)}”.

5. Dites “MAYDAY {nom ou indicatif d’appel de votre bateau} une fois”.

6. Donnez votre position : (quels sont les points de repère ou aides à la navigation près de vous ou lisez les coordonnées de longitude et de latitude apparaissant sur votre dispositif GPS).

7. Révélez la nature de votre détresse (par exemple, nous sommes en train de couler, urgence médicale, un homme à la mer, un incendie, nous sommes à la dérive, etc.

8. Révélez la nature de l’assistance désirée (médicale, remorquage, essence, etc.)

9. Donnez le nombre de personnes à bord et les conditions des blessés, s’il y en a.

10. Donnez la condition de navigabilité actuelle de votre navire, tel que le degré de l’urgence par rapport à l’inondation, à l’incendie ou à votre proximité de la côte.

11. Donnez une brève description de votre navire en donnant le nom du bateau (par exemple, “Blue Duck est un yacht de croisière de 32 pieds, avec une coque blanche et un rouffle bleu.”).

12. Dites : “JE VAIS ÉCOUTER SUR LE CANAL 16”.

13. Terminez le message en disant “ICI {nom ou indicatif d’appel de votre

bateau}, À VOUS”.

14. Relâchez le bouton push to talk du microphone et écoutez.

Si vous n’obtenez pas de réponse après 30 secondes, répétez l’appel encommençant à l’étape 3 ci-dessus.

Table of Contents

Making a Distress

Call ..............(inside front cover)

Faire un appel de détresse vocal iii

Introduction ..............................E-1

Features ................................... E-1

Getting Started .........................E-3

What’s Included ........................ E-3

Parts of the VHF255 ................. E-4

Front view ..................................E-4

Back view ..................................E-4

Charger .....................................E-6

Using the Menus ....................... E-6

Using Your Radio (General

Operation) ............................ E-6

Changing the Volume ...............E-6

Setting the Squelch Level .........E-7

Changing the Channel ..............E-7

Contrast .....................................E-8

Lamp adjust ...............................E-8

Turning the Key Beep

On and Off ............................E-9

Using the external speaker/mic jack ..................E-9

How It Works ..........................E-10

Normal mode operation ...........E-11

Normal mode with

Weather Alert Watch ...........E-12

Normal mode with Triple

Watch or Dual Watch ..........E-12

Normal mode with

Quad Watch ........................E-13

Scan mode operation ............. E-13

Using the radio in scan mode .........................E-14

Scan mode with Weather

Alert Watch ..........................E-14

Scan mode with Triple


Both Weather Alert and Triple/

Dual Watch in scan mode ...E-15

Weather mode ........................ E-15

Using the radio in weather mode .....................E-16

Weather mode with

Weather Alert Watch ...........E-16

Weather mode with Triple


Using the Marine VHF

Band .....................................E-17

Making a Transmission ........... E-19

Boosting the transmission power ..................................E-19

Setting the UIC Channel

Mode .................................. E-20

Using the Strobe SOS Light ... E-20

Using the FRS/GMRS Band ..E-21

GMRS License ....................... E-21

FRS/GMRS Band Features ... E-21

Reading the FRS/GMRS band screen ........................ E-22

FRS/GMRS band menu options ......................E-22

Setting CTCSS/DCS privacy codes ......................E-22

Setting Up the Hardware .......E-25

Installing the Battery ............... E-25

Using the Alkaline Battery

Case ................................... E-25

Mounting the Charger ............. E-27

Charging the Battery ............... E-27

Important notes on charging the battery ............ E-28

Attaching the Belt Clip ............ E-28

Maintenance and

Troubleshooting ..................E-30

Common Questions ................ E-30

Specifications ........................E-32

Regulations and Safety

Warnings..............................E-43

Three Year Limited

Warranty Statement ............E-46

Introduction

Features

Your radio provides the following key features:

Submersible design

Complies with floating JIS8/IPX8 water-resistant standards, which means the radio can be submerged in

1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes without damage.

The radio will only meet this rating if fully assembled and all rubber seals and sealing plugs are well maintained and correctly fitted. This means that the speaker microphone is attached or the sealing plug is fitted, and the battery pack (or case) and antenna are attached and securely fastened.

After your radio is submerged in water, you might notice that the sound is distorted. This is because there is still water remaining in and around the speaker and microphone. Just shake the radio to clear excess water, and the sound will return to normal.

If your radio is exposed to salt water, clean it thoroughly with fresh water.

The charging equipment is not waterproof.

Memory scan mode

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

West Marine VHF255 Radio Owner’s Manual E-1

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 icons and low battery alert

Dual, Triple and Quad Watch operation

These different watch modes let you monitor up to two

Coast Guard Distress/Hailing channels and one weather channel along with one regular marine channel.

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

FRS/GMRS radio modes

Lets you use your radio to keep in touch with other members of your party on shore or on another craft close by.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Weather Channel watch

Sounds a warning tone when a hazard alert is issued.

E-2 West Marine VHF255 Radio Owner’s Manual

Getting Started

What’s Included

Charging Cradle

12012589

Screws for

Charging Cradle

AC-DC Charging

Adapter

12012571

Lithium Ion Battery

12012555

VHF255 Radio with Antenna

DC Charging

Adapter

12012563

Alkaline Battery Tray

(batteries not included)

12303038

Wrist Strap

12012548

Belt Clip

7830458

If any pieces are missing or damaged, contact West

Marine (see back cover for contact information).


Parts of the VHF255

Front view

Antenna

Speaker Microphone port and sealing cap

Squelch knob

(Turn clockwise to decrease channel noise.)

Volume-power knob

(Turn clockwise to increase volume.)

16/9 - TRI

(16/9-triple watch button )

MENU

button

ENTER-LOCK

button

Strobe

SOS light

Wrist strap anchor

Full dot matrix display

WX - ALERT

(weather alert) button

SCAN - MEM

(scan-memory) button

Channel down

button

BAND - 1/2.5/5W button

Microphone

Back view

E-4

Battery latch

Battery charging contacts

Battery Belt clip

West Marine VHF255 Radio Owner’s Manual

Knob

Volume-

Power

Turn clockwise to...

Turn counter-clockwise to...

Lower the squelch level to hear weaker signals.

Turn on the radio or increase the volume.

Decrease the volume or turn off the radio.

Button

Push to talk

Channel up

16/9 - TRI

(Red)

WX -

ALERT

NA

Press to...

Move up one channel at a time.

1st press: Go to channel

16.

2nd press: Go to channel 9.

3rd press: Go back to the starting channel.

MENU

Access the radio menus.

ENTER -

LOCK

– Select menu items.

– Return to normal marine

VHF screen while marine channel list is displayed.

Listen to the weather channels or return to the last channel of the previous radio band.

SCAN -

MEM

Enter or exit SCAN mode.

BAND -

1/2.5/5W

Switch the band between

VHF and FRS/GMRS.

Press and hold to...

Transmit on a channel

Move quickly up the channels.

Turn Triple Watch on and off.

NA

Lock the keys; press and hold again to unlock.

Turn Weather Alert Watch on and off.

Store the current working channel into memory.

Change the transmit power (see page E-11).


Button

Channel down

Charger

Press to...

Move down one channel at a time.

Press and hold to...

Move quickly down the channels.

Charging contacts

Charging latches

CHARGE LED

Power jack

Screw holes for mounting

Using the Menus

Here are some general hints on operating the VHF255 menu screens.

The current item is highlighted in reversed out text.

Use

Channel up

to move up a line in the menu.

Use

Channel down

to move down a line in the menu.

Press

ENTER - LOCK

to choose the selected item.

Select Exit to close the menu

Using Your Radio (General Operation)

Changing the Volume

To increase the speaker volume, turn the

Volume-Power

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


Setting the

Squelch Level

Strong signals

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

Weak signals

Noise

No

Squelch

Medium

Squelch

High

Squelch plays all signals, including any channel noise. Setting the squelch level higher filters out noise and lets only actual radio transmissions through.

While listening to a channel, adjust the

SQUELCH

knob until the noise is filtered 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.

#

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.


Contrast

The display has 10 levels of contrast for each LCD display format: light letters on a dark background or dark letters on a light background. Scrolling from 1 to zero switches the contrast. To adjust the contrast:

1) Press the

MENU

button and select Contrast/RVS.

2) Use

Channel up

and

Channel down

to change the contrast to your desired level.

3) 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.

1) Press the

MENU

button and choose Lamp Adjust.

2) Choose how you want the backlight to operate:

Always On makes the backlight stay on.

Always Off makes the backlight never come on

Timer makes the backlight stay on for a set amount of time after you press a key.

Color lets you select green or orange background.

3) 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, 10 seconds (default), 30

Seconds

, 1 Minute, or 5 Minutes.

4) 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. You can turn this tone on and off by using the

Key Beep menu.

1. From the Main menu, select Key Beep; press

ENTER -

LOCK

to display the Key Beep screen.

2. Select ON or OFF and press

ENTER - LOCK

. The radio returns to the Marine Main menu.

3. Press

MENU

to return to the main screen.

Using the external speaker/mic jack

You can connect an optional external speaker-mic (SM81

- part number 12012597) 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 prevents water from entering the jack.

For details, consult your West Marine dealer or contact West

Marin directly (see back cover for contact information).


How It Works

Your radio has three main operation modes: normal, scan, and weather.

Mode

Normal

Scan

What it does

Use it when you want to...

Monitors a single marine channel and lets you talk on that channel.

Monitors all the channels you save into memory.

Monitor a channel or talk to another radio.

Check a small group of regularly-used channels for traffic.

Hear the current or forecasted weather.

To turn it on/off

(default mode)

Press SCAN

- MEM

.

Press WX-

ALERT

.

In addition to the three operation modes, your radio provides four different watch modes which you can activate during any operation mode. In the watch modes, the radio briefly checks for activity on a specific channel, then returns to its previous operation.

Watch mode

Weather Alert

Watch

Dual Watch

What it does

Checks the last-used weather channel for hazard alerts every 7 seconds.

Checks channel 16 for activity every 2 seconds.


Press and hold WX-

ALERT

for 2 seconds.

Press and hold SCAN -

MEM

for 2 seconds.

Press and hold BAND -

16/9-TRI

for 2 seconds.


Watch mode

Quad Watch

What it does

Checks channels 16 and 9 for activity every 2 seconds, and checks the last-used weather channel every 7 seconds.


Turn on Triple Watch, then turn on Weather

Alert Watch.

#

Private boats must monitor channel 16 whenever they are underway. Water-going vessels should have either Triple

Watch or Dual Watch on at all times.

Normal mode operation

To transmit, remove the radio from the charger, then press and hold

Push to talk

. 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

to move up one channel at a time.

Press and hold the button to scroll quickly up the channels.

Press

Channel down

to move down one channel at a time. Press and hold the button to scroll quickly down the channels.

To change the transmit power, press

BAND - 1/2.5/5W

.

The transmit power switches to the next transmit power each time you press this button.


Normal mode with Weather Alert Watch

If you activate

Weather Alert

Watch while operating in

Monitoring Channel 25

normal mode, the radio checks the most recently used weather channel every seven seconds. If it detects a weather or other hazard alert, it will switch to that weather channel. (If you are actively transmitting, the

Every 7 seconds, the radio checks the last-used weather channel.

wx

WX Alert

Watch on

radio waits until you finish your transmission before checking the weather channel.)

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 finished and then checks the channels.


09 16 09 16

Every 2 seconds, the radio checks channels 9 & 16.

Triple Watch on

09 16


Normal mode with Quad Watch

You can activate Weather Alert Watch and Triple Watch at the same time to monitor four channels at once (Quad

Watch). The radio performs the Triple Watch and Weather

Alert Watch checks at their scheduled time.


09 16 09 16

Every 2 seconds, the radio checks channels 9 & 16.

Triple Watch on

09 16

Every 7 seconds, the radio checks the last-used weather channel.

wx

WX Alert

Watch on

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.

When it detects a signal, the radio stays on the channel until you press the

Channel up button or the signal stops.

08 10 11 12 13 14

Resume scan

15

17

The radio scans about

5 channels in 0.5 seconds.


Using the radio in scan mode

To activate scan mode, press

SCAN - MEM

.

You must have at least two channels in memory to start a scan.

You cannot transmit while in scan mode.

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

SCAN-MEM

. MEMORY displays whenever you tune to that channel.

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

SCAN-MEM

again.

MEMORY no longer displays.

When the radio stays on a channel, press

SCAN - MEM

to leave that channel and resume scanning.

To stop scanning, press the

SCAN - MEM

button again; the radio remains on the last scanned channel.

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:

08 10 11

Memory Channel Scan

12 13 14 15 17 20 24

Every 7 seconds, the radio checks the last-used weather channel, then scans the next channel.

WX Alert

Watch on

wx

25


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:


08 10 11

Every 2 seconds, the radio checks channels

12

9 & 16, then scans the next channel.

Triple

Watch on

13

09 16

14 15 17 20 24 25

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:


08 10 11

Every 2 seconds, the radio checks channels

12

9 & 16, then scans the next channel.

Triple

Watch on

13

09 16

14 15 17 20 24

Every 7 seconds, the radio checks the last-used weather channel, then scans the next channel.

WX Alert

Watch on

wx

25

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, the radio sounds an alert tone and the display blinks.

Using the radio in weather mode

You cannot transmit while in weather mode.

To enter weather mode, press the

WX - ALERT

button.

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.

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, 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 keep informed of hazards.

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.

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


Using the Marine VHF Band

The following features and options are available only when the radio is in the marine VHF band. Press BAND - 1/2.5/5W until the display shows VHF.

VHF

Reading the marine band screen

Transmit power

Channel memory

Status

Current band

Marine Band

5 Watts

USA MEMORY

Current channel number

88

Battery level icon

Marine Operator

Status messages

Marine band menu options

Follow the steps below to open the marine band menu:

1) If the top of the display does not show Marine Band, press the

BAND-1/2.5/5W

button until VHF displays.

2) Wait for the display to show the marine band screen, then press the

MENU

button.

3) Refer to the table below for the available options and settings available in the marine band.


Menu

Option

USA/

CAN/

INT

SOS

Light

Lamp

Adjust

Use It To...

Change the channel mode from US to Canadian or

International channels

Turn the strobe light on or off.

Change the operation and color of the display backlight

Available Settings

(default setting in italics)

USA Mode

CANadian Mode

INTernational Mode

Always on

Strobe SOS

Off

Always On

Timer (see page 22 for details)

Always Off

Color

Contrast/

RVS.

Dual/

TriWatch

FIPS

Codes

Channel

Name

Exit

Choose between triple watch and dual watch

Change the name displayed for a channel or reset channel names back to their default settings

16/9 TriWatch

16 DualWatch

On

Off

Enter or edit the six-digit codes for the geographic areas whose hazard alerts you want to listen to.

No FIPS codes entered.

See page 28 for instructions on entering FIPS codes.

See the tables starting on page 42 for default channel names.

See page 27 for instructions on changing channel names.

Close the menu


See the tables starting on page 42 for a list of receiveonly channels.

Making a Transmission

Select the channel you want to transmit on, then press and hold

Push to talk

. Release

Push to talk

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.

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

See the channel lists starting on page E-34 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 2.5 Watts or

5 Watts:

1) Select the channel you want to transmit on.

2) Press and hold

BAND 1/2.5/5W

to switch to the next transmission power level (for example, from 5 Watt to 2.5 Watts; from 2.5 Watts to 1 Watt, or from 1 Watt back around to 5 Watts).

3) The display shows the new transmission power in the lower left hand corner. The transmit power remains at the new setting until you change it again.

#

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 transmission power to 1 Watt. When you tune to a limited-power channel, the radio automatically switches to

1 Watt. See the channel lists starting on page E-34 for a list of power-restricted channels.

Setting the UIC Channel Mode

The radio is preset to US-assigned channels. Follow these steps to change the channel mode to Canadian or international channel assignments,

1. Open the menu and select USA/CAN/INT; press

ENTER - LOCK

.

2. Scroll up or down to select the UIC channel mode desired; press

ENTER - LOCK

.

3. The radio beeps twice and returns to the Marine Menu screen. Press

MENU

to return to the Main screen.

Using the Strobe SOS Light

You can use this radio in an emergency. If you turn on the strobe SOS high-intensity LED light on your radio, your radio will blink “S O S” in international Morse Code. This will make it easier for rescuers to find you faster. You can also select a continuous light instead of the SOS pattern.

#

Your radio operates normally when the SOS LED strobe is activated.

1. From the radio’s Main menu, select SOS Light and press

ENTER - LOCK

.

2. Scroll up or down to select Always On, Strobe, or Off.

Press

ENTER - LOCK

. The Marine Main menu displays.

3. Press

MENU

to return to the main screen.


Using the FRS/GMRS Band

GMRS License

The VHF255 can operate on the General Mobile

Radio Service (GMRS) frequencies. You must have a

GMRS license issued by the Federal Communications

Commission to legally use GMRS channels. For licensing information and application forms, visit the FCC online at: www.fcc.gov/wtb/uls or call the FCC Hotline at 1-800-

418-3676. If you have any questions, you can contact the

FCC directly at 1-888-255-5322. No license is required for operation on non-GMRS channels or operation on any channel in Canada.

FRS/GMRS Band Features

The following features and options are avilable only when the radio is in the FRS/GMRS band. To activate this band, press the

BAND-1/2.5/5W

button; the display shows FRS/

GMRS.

FRS/GMRS


Reading the FRS/GMRS band screen

Current band

Current channel number

Keypad locked

Current channel is stored in memory

FRS/GMRS 2-Way Radio

Locked

Memory

14

Dual Watch Scan

CTCSS

027

Current

CTCSS/DCS privacy code

(

001-142

or

OFF

)

Battery level icon

Status messages Channel scanning on

FRS/GMRS band menu options

There are two differences between the Marine VHF band and FRS/GMRS band menus:

USA/CAN/INT, FIPS Codes, and Channel Name menus appear on the Marine VHF band menu but not the

FRS/GMRS menu.

CTCSS appears on the FRS/GMRS band menu but not the Marine VHF band menu.

The other menu options are identical.

Setting CTCSS/DCS privacy codes

Normally, any FRS/GMRS radio that is within range and using the same channel can hear FRS/GMRS conversations. To prevent other radios from hearing you or to 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.


#

Privacy codes are specific to each channel. Make sure the person you want to communicate with has the same code set on the same channel you do.

1) Open the FRS/GMRS menu. Select CODE and press

ENTER-

LOCK

.

2) The current FRS/GMRS 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.

3) Choose On to enable a privacy code on this channel or choose Off to disable a previously-set code.

CHANNEL 10-OFF

On

Off

Exit

CTCSS/DCS

Channel 09

Channel 10

Channel 11 *

4) Enter a code number between

001 and 142. Use the

Channel up

and

Channel down

buttons to change the first digit; the

Channel up

button increases the number; the

Channel down

button decreases the number.

Press the UP or DOWN arrow keys to select the character then press the enter key

0


5) When the first digit is correct, press the

ENTER-LOCK

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.

When the third digit is correct, press

ENTER-LOCK

.

The screen displays the channel along with the chosen code number. If you want to change the code,

select Edit.

CHANNEL 10-119

Edit

Off

Exit

6) Select Exit to save the settings and exit the menu.


Setting Up the Hardware

Installing the Battery

Your radio 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.

1) Insert the tabs on the battery into the notches at the top of the battery compartment.

#

Each time you remove the battery, check the rubber seal around the battery compartment. Make sure the 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 replacement (SKU# 12012555; see back cover page for contact information).

2) Lower the battery until it rests flat in the compartment.

3) 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 included). 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, West Marine


recommends using extra-strength alkaline batteries such as Duracell Ultra® batteries.

#

When using alkaline batteries, transmit power is limited to a maximum of 2.5W.

Follow these steps to use the alkaline battery case:

1) 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.

2) With your other hand, grip the upper part of the case and lift the cover open.

3) Align the batteries’ positive and negative terminals with the drawing on the case and snap each battery into place.

4) Insert the two hooks on the lower part of the case into the notches on the cover; close the cover. (The cover fits snugly but you should not have to force it closed.)

#

Each time you open 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 (SKU# 12303038; see the back cover page for contact information).

5) Install the alkaline battery case in your radio just as you do the Li-Ion battery (see page E-15).


WARNING! The case is designed to prevent the accidental charging of alkaline batteries. Never use alkaline batteries in the radio without the case. Do not try to modify the battery case.

Mounting the Charger

You can mount the charger on any flat surface.

1) Use the two holes at the base of the charger as a template to mark the drill holes.

2) Using a 1/8-inch (or 3 mm) drill bit, drill two holes 1/2 inch (13mm) deep.

3) Use the provided screws to attach the charger to the surface.

Charging the Battery

Your radio includes a charger and a rechargeable battery pack. Place your radio in the charger with the display facing forward. Make sure that the

CHARGE LED on the charger turns orange.

#

Make sure to turn the radio OFF before placing it in the charging cradle

Cautions:

Use only the battery and charger supplied with this radio.

Using a different charger or battery can damage the radio and create a risk of fire or shock.


The charger is not waterproof. If the charger falls into the water, unplug it before attempting to remove it from the water. After you remove the charger from the water, please contact Customer Service (see the back cover page for contact information).

Wipe off dirt or shake water from your radio before placing in the charger if your radio gets dirty or wet.

Important notes on charging the battery

Charge the battery fully before using the radio. When the battery is completely charged, the CHARGE LED on the charger turns green.

Don’t use the charger when the ambient temperature is below 0° C (32° F) or above 45° C (113° F).

If the radio is powered down, the battery can charge in about seven hours. (If the radio is powered on, the battery takes longer to charge.)

Attaching the Belt Clip

To attach the belt clip:

1) Rotate the belt clip so that the finger indentation is towards the top of the radio.

2) Align the center of the clip with the anchor post.


3) Place the clip on the post and slide the clip upwards until it clicks into place.

To remove the belt clip:

1) Rotate the clip so that the finger indentation is towards the bottom of the radio.

2) Slide the clip up until it comes free of the anchor post.


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, 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.

Common Questions

Problem

The radio won’t turn on.

The power LED on the charger doesn’t turn on.

The radio won’t transmit.

Charge the radio.

Things to Try

– Don’t use the charger when the ambient temperature is below 0° C (32° F) or above

45° C (113° F).

– Make sure the charging contacts on the radio and charger are clean.

– Replace the battery.

Make sure you are not in weather or scan mode.

Make sure you are not trying to transmit on a receive-only channel or transmit at the wrong power level for this channel (see the channel lists starting on page E-34).

Check the battery power level; if it’s low, charge the battery before trying to transmit.

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


Problem

I can’t hear anything from the speaker.

The sound is muffled

I can transmit, but no one can hear me.

Things to Try

Adjust the squelch level; it is probably too high.

or the volume is low. Clear water from the speaker grill.

Noise comes out of the speaker all the time

Adjust the squelch level; it is probably too low.

Check your UIC channel settings: does the area you are in use different channel assignments?

I’m not getting hazard alerts.

Make sure Weather Alert Watch is turned on.

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

Where can I find my radio’s serial number?

The channel number on the display will flash if the radio is in a watch mode or in scan mode.

Try turning off scanning, Weather Alert Watch,

Triple Watch, or Dual Watch (see page E-10).

The serial number is on a plate inside the battery compartment.


Channels

Freq. Control

Freq. Tol.

Oper. Temp.

Antenna

Microphone

Display

Speaker

Power Source

Size (without antenna)

Weight

Frequency Range

Frequency Stability

Power Output

Spurious Emissions

Current Drain

Specifications

General

All US/International/Canada marine channels, FRS/GMRS channels

10 Weather channels

PLL

Transmit: 1.5 PPM (at 25°C)

Receive: 1.5 PPM (at 25°C)

-4°F (-20°C) to +122°F(+50°C)

Flexible Whip

Built-in Electret type

Liquid Crystal Display

8Ω 0.5 Watt

Rechargeable Lithium Ion Battery

7.4V 1040 mAh

5.95 (H) x 2.56 (W) x 1.77 (D) inch

151 (H) x 65 (W) x 45 (D) mm

11.29 oz (320g) (w/battery and antenna)

Transmitter

Marine

156~158 MHz

FRS/GMRS

462~467 MHz

±10 PPM ±2.5 PPM

5 W & 2.5W & 1W 0.4W

70 dBm

1500 mA (5W)

-30 dBm

700 mA

Receiver

Marine FRS/GMRS


Type

Double Conversion Super Heterodyne

Phase Locked Loop system for Local

Oscillator

156~164 MHz Frequency Range

Sensitivity (12dB SINAD) 0.18 μV

Audio Frequency Response +4.5 dB @ 500 Hz; -6 dB @ 2000Hz

Audio Output Power

Current Drain

462~467 MHz

0.25 μV

0.35 W @10% THD

Squelched: 70 mA; Max. Audio: 200 mA

Channels and Frequencies (MHz)

US channel frequencies and names

US Marine Channels

Ch RX Freq TX Freq Status Name

1A 156.050 156.050

Simplex Vessel traffic system/commercial

5A 156.250 156.250

Simplex Vessel traffic system/commercial

6 156.300 156.300

Simplex Inter-ship safety

7A 156.350 156.350

Simplex Commercial

8 156.400 156.400

Simplex Commercial

9 156.450 156.450

Simplex Non commercial

10 156.500 156.500

Simplex Commercial

11 156.550 156.550

Simplex Vessel traffic system

12 156.600 156.600


13 156.650 156.650 Simplex, 1W Bridge to bridge

14 156.700 156.700


15 156.750 Inhibit Receive only Environmental

16 156.800 156.800

Simplex Distress, safety, and calling

17 156.850 156.850 Simplex, 1W Govt maritime control

18A 156.900 156.900

Simplex Commercial



Ch RX Freq TX Freq Status

19A 156.950 156.950

Simplex Commercial

20 161.600 157.000

Duplex Port operation

Name

20A 157.000 157.000

Simplex Port operation

21A 157.050 157.050

Simplex Coast guard only

22A 157.100 157.100

Simplex Coast guard

23A 157.150 157.150

Simplex Coast guard only

24 161.800 157.200

Duplex Marine operator

25 161.850 157.250


26 161.900 157.300


27 161.950 157.350


28 162.000 157.400


63A 156.175 156.175


65A 156.275 156.275


66A 156.325 156.325


67 156.375 156.375 Simplex, 1W Bridge To Bridge

68 156.425 156.425

Simplex Non Commercial

69 156.475 156.475


70 156.525 Inhibit Receive only Digital Selective Calling

71 156.575 156.575


72 156.625 156.625

Simplex Non Commercial (Ship-Ship)

73 156.675 156.675

Simplex Port Operation

74 156.725 156.725

Simplex Port Operation

75 156.775 156.775 Simplex, 1W Port Operation


77 156.875 156.875 Simplex, 1W Port Operation (Ship-Ship)

78A 156.925 156.925


79A 156.975 156.975

Simplex Commercial

80A 157.025 157.025

Simplex Commercial

81A 157.075 157.075

Simplex Coast Guard

82A 157.125 157.125

Simplex Coast Guard

83A 157.175 157.175

Simplex Government




84 161.825 157.225

Duplex Marine Operator

85 161.875 157.275


86 161.925 157.325


87 157.375 157.375

Simplex Marine Operator

88 157.425 157.425

Simplex Commercial (Ship-Ship)

Canadian channel frequencies and names

Ch RX Freq TX

Canadian Marine Channels

Status Name

Freq

1 160.650 156.050


2 160.700 156.100


3 160.750 156.150


4A 156.200 156.200 Simplex Canadian Coast Guard

5A 156.250 156.250 Simplex Vessel Traffic System

6 156.300 156.300 Simplex Inter-Ship Safety

7A 156.350 156.350 Simplex Commercial

8 156.400 156.400 Simplex Commercial

9 156.450 156.450 Simplex Boater Calling Channel

10 156.500 156.500 Simplex Commercial

11 156.550 156.550 Simplex Vessel Traffic System


13 156.650 156.650 Simplex, 1W Bridge To Bridge


15 156.750 156.750 Simplex, 1W Environmental

16 156.800 156.800 Simplex Distress, safety, calling

17 156.850 156.850 Simplex, 1W State Control

18A 156.900 156.900 Simplex Commercial


20 161.600 157.000 Duplex, 1W Port Operation



Ch RX Freq TX

Freq

Status Name



23 161.750 157.150

Duplex Canadian Coast Guard

24 161.800 157.200


25 161.850 157.250


26 161.900 157.300


27 161.950 157.350


28 162.000 157.400


60 160.625 156.025




63A 156.175 156.175 Simplex Port Operation

64 160.825 156.225




66A 156.325 156.325 Simplex, 1W Port Operation

67 156.375 156.375 Simplex Bridge To Bridge

68 156.425 156.425 Simplex Non Commercial





73 156.675 156.675 Simplex Port Operation





78A 156.925 156.925 Simplex Inter Ship





Ch RX Freq TX

Freq

Status Name



83 161.775 157.175

Duplex Canadian Coast Guard


84 161.825 157.225


85 161.875 157.275


86 161.925 157.325




International channel frequencies and names

International Marine Channels


1 160.650 156.050


2 160.700 156.100


3 160.750 156.150


4 160.800 156.200


5 160.850 156.250


6 156.300 156.300

Simplex Inter-ship safety

7 160.950 156.350


8 156.400 156.400

Simplex Commercial (ship-ship)

9 156.450 156.450

Simplex Boater calling channel

10 156.500 156.500

Simplex Commercial

11 156.550 156.550


12 156.600 156.600


13 156.650 156.650

Simplex Bridge to bridge

14 156.700 156.700


15 156.750 156.750 Simplex, 1W Environmental

16 156.800 156.800

Simplex Distress, safety, calling




17 156.850 156.850 Simplex, 1W Govt maritime control

18 161.500 156.900


19 161.550 156.950

Duplex Commercial

20 161.600 157.000


21 161.650 157.050


22 161.700 157.100


23 161.750 157.150


24 161.800 157.200


25 161.850 157.250


26 161.900 157.300


27 161.950 157.350


28 162.000 157.400


60 160.625 156.025


61 160.675 156.075


62 160.725 156.125


63 160.775 156.175


64 160.825 156.225


65 160.875 156.275


66 160.925 156.325


67 156.375 156.375

Simplex Bridge to bridge

68 156.425 156.425


69 156.475 156.475



71 156.575 156.575


72 156.625 156.625


73 156.675 156.675


74 156.725 156.725


75 156.775 156.775 Simplex, 1W Port operation

76 156.825 156.825 Simplex, 1W Port operation

77 156.875 156.875

Simplex Port operation (ship-ship)

78 161.525 156.925




Ch RX Freq TX Freq Status

79 161.575 156.975


Name

80 161.625 157.025


81 161.675 157.075


82 161.725 157.125


83 161.775 157.175


84 161.825 157.225


85 161.875 157.275


86 161.925 157.325


87 157.375 157.375

Simplex Marine operator

88 157.425 157.425

Simplex Marine operator

Weather channel frequencies and names

Channel

WX01

WX02

WX03

WX04

WX05

RX

162.5500

162.4000

162.4750

162.4250

162.4500

Channel

WX06

WX07

WX08

WX09

WX10

RX

162.5000

162.5250

161.6500

161.7750

163.2750


FRS/GMRS Channels

12

13

14

15

10

11

8

9

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

CH No.

5

6

7

3

4

1

2

RX Freq. (MHz) TX Freq.(MHz)

462.5625

462.5875

462.6125

462.6375

462.6625

462.6875

462.7125

462.5625

462.5875

462.6125

462.6375

462.6625

462.6875

462.7125

467.5625

467.5875

467.6125

467.6375

467.6625

467.6875

467.7125

462.5500

462.5750

462.6000

462.6250

462.6500

462.6750

462.7000

462.7250

467.5625

467.5875

467.6125

467.6375

467.6625

467.6875

467.7125

462.5500

462.5750

462.6000

462.6250

462.6500

462.6750

462.7000

462.7250


CTCSS Code List

10

11

12

8

9

6

7

4

5

2

3

Code

No.

OFF

1

82.5

85.4

88.5

91.5

94.8

97.4

100.0

Freq.

(Hz)

Off

67.0

71.9

74.4

77.0

79.7

23

24

25

19

20

21

22

Code

No.

13

14

15

16

17

18

127.3

131.8

136.5

141.3

146.2

151.4

156.7

Freq.

(Hz)

103.5

107.2

110.9

114.8

118.8

123.0

36

37

38

32

33

34

35

Code

No.

26

27

28

29

30

31

203.5

210.7

218.1

225.7

233.6

241.8

250.3

Freq.

(Hz)

162.2

167.9

173.8

179.9

186.2

192.8

DCS Code List

Code

No.

39

40

41

42

43

44

45

46

47

48

49

DCS Code

(Octal)

023

02

026

031

032

043

047

051

054

065

071

56

57

58

59

60

Code

No.

50

51

52

53

54

55

DCS Code

(Octal)

072

073

074

114

115

116

125

131

132

134

143

67

68

69

70

71

Code

No.

61

62

63

64

65

66

DCS Code

(Octal)

152

155

156

162

165

172

174

205

223

226

243


331

343

346

351

271

306

311

315

DCS Code

(Octal)

244

245

251

261

263

265

412

413

423

431

364

365

371

411

432

445

82

83

84

85

78

79

80

81

Code

No.

72

73

74

75

76

77

90

91

92

93

86

87

88

89

94

95

612

624

627

631

632

546

565

606

DCS Code

(Octal)

464

465

466

503

506

516

703

712

723

731

632

654

662

664

732

734

106

107

108

109

102

103

104

105

Code

No.

96

97

98

99

100

101

114

115

116

117

110

111

112

113

118

119

255

266

274

325

212

225

246

252

DCS Code

(Octal)

743

754

36

53

122

145

454

455

462

523

526

332

356

446

452

130

131

132

133

126

127

128

129

Code

No.

120

121

122

123

124

125

138

139

140

141

142

134

135

136

137


Regulations and Safety Warnings

WARNING! Read this information before using the radio.

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 pages E-34 through

E-31 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 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. Starting in 2004, if a radio is carried, it must be on and set to channel 16 whenever your boat 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.)

FCC/Industry Canada Information

Certification: FCC Part 80 or RSS-182

Output Power: 5W

Emission: 16K0F3E

Transmitter Frequency Range: 156.025-157.425 MHz

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. (2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Unauthorized changes or modifications to this equipment may void compliance with the FCC Rules. Any change or modification must be approved in writing by West Marine. Changes or modifications not approved by West Marine 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 standard previously set by both

U.S. and international standards bodies. 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 transmitter to insure safe operation. Please adhere to the following:

• Use only the supplied or an approved antenna. Unauthorized antennas, modifications, 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. Please contact your local dealer for a replacement antenna.

Hand-held Operation (Held-to-Face)

This device was evaluated for typical hand-held (held-to-face) operations with a 1 inch spacing from the front of the radio. For hand-held operation, the radio should be held 1 inch from the user’s face in order to comply with

FCC RF exposure requirements.

Body-Worn Operation

This device was tested for typical body-worn operations using the supplied belt-clip. To maintain compliance with FCC RF exposure requirements, body-worn operations are restricted to the supplied belt-clip. For handheld 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, please visit the FCC website at

www.fcc.gov.

Lithium ion battery warning

This equipment contains a rechargeable Lithium Ion battery. The rechargeable battery contained in this equipment may explode if disposed of in a fire.

Do not short-circuit the battery.

Do not charge the rechargeable battery used in this equipment in any charger other than the one specified in the owner’s manual. Using another charger may damage the battery or cause it 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 within 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.

As part of our commitment to protecting our environment and conserving natural resources,

West Marine voluntarily participates in an RBRC® industry program to collect and recycle used Li-Ion batteries within the United States. Please call 1-

800-8-BATTERY for information on Li-Ion battery recycling in your area.

(RBRC® is a registered trademark of the Rechargeable Battery

Recycling Corporation.)

Three Year Limited Warranty Statement

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 availability 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.

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 West Marine 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.

How State Law Relates to the Warranty.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.


West Marine 12019113 VHF255 Handheld VHF Radio Owner's Manual

Floating Dual Band

Two-Way Marine Radio

Radio maritime bidirectionnelle

à deux bandes

Owner’s Manual

Guide d’utilisation

Making a Distress Call

Speak slowly - clearly - calmly.

Faire un appel de détresse

Faire un appel de détresse vocal

Table of Contents

Introduction

Features

Submersible design

Memory scan mode

Transmitter power level select

Battery level icons and low battery alert

Dual, Triple and Quad Watch operation

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

FRS/GMRS radio modes

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Weather Channel watch

Getting Started

What’s Included

Parts of the VHF255

Front view

Back view

Charger

Charging contacts

Charging latches

CHARGE LED

Power jack

Screw holes for mounting

Using the Menus

Using Your Radio (General Operation)

Changing the Volume

Setting the

Squelch Level

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

Contrast

Lamp adjust

Turning the Key Beep On and Off

Using the external speaker/mic jack

How It Works

Private boats must monitor channel 16 whenever they are underway. Water-going vessels should have either Triple

Watch or Dual Watch on at all times.

Normal mode operation

Normal mode with Weather Alert Watch

Monitoring Channel 25

WX Alert

Watch on

Normal mode with Triple Watch or Dual Watch

Monitoring Channel 25

Triple Watch on

Normal mode with Quad Watch

Monitoring Channel 25

Triple Watch on

WX Alert

Watch on

Scan mode operation

When it detects a signal, the radio stays on the channel until you press the

Channel up button or the signal stops.

Resume scan

The radio scans about

5 channels in 0.5 seconds.

Using the radio in scan mode

Scan mode with Weather Alert Watch

Memory Channel Scan

WX Alert

Watch on

Scan mode with Triple Watch or Dual Watch

Memory Channel Scan

Triple

Watch on

Both Weather Alert and Triple/Dual Watch in scan mode

Memory Channel Scan

Triple

Watch on