User's Manual

ManualsBrandsCobra Electronics ManualsElectronicsMARINE RADIO

English

Our Thanks to you and

Customer Assistance

Introduction

VHF MARINE RADIO

MR F80B

Printed in China Part No. 480-345P

Owner’s Manual

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

Thank you for purchasing a CobraMarine

VHF radio.

Properly used, this Cobra

product will give you

many years of reliable service.

How Your CobraMarine VHF Radio Works

This radio is a VHF transceiver for fixed mounting on your boat. It gives you 2-way

vessel-to-vessel and vessel-to-shore station communications, primarily for safety

and secondarily for navigation and operational purposes. With it, you can call for

help, get information from other boaters, talk to lock or bridge tenders and make

radiotelephone calls to anywhere in the world through a marine operator.

Besides 2-way communications, in the U.S.A., the radio can provide quick

access to receive all NOAA (National Oceanographic and Atmospheric

Administration), including two Canadian weather channels for alerting you to

weather emergencies with a tone on a weather channel you can select for your area.

Customer Assistance

Should you encounter any problems with this product, or not understand

its many features, please refer to this owner’s manual. If you require further

assistance after reading this manual, Cobra Electronics offers the following

customer assistance services:

For Assistance in the U.S.A.

Automated Help Desk English only.

24 hours a day, seven (7) days a week 773-889-3087 (phone).

Customer Assistance Operators English and Spanish.

8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Central Time Mon. through Fri. (except holidays)

773-889-3087 (phone).

Questions English and Spanish.

Faxes can be received at 773-622-2269 (fax).

Technical Assistance English only.

www.cobra.com (online: Frequently Asked Questions).

English and Spanish. productinfo

@cobra.com (e-mail).

For Assistance Outside the U.S.A.

Contact Your Local Dealer

Customer Assistance

6500 West Cortland Street

Chicago, Illinois 60707 USA

www.cobra.com

F80 Cover.qxp:QXP-1058736909.qxp 11/3/06 3:19 PM Page A1

Summary of content (41 pages)

PAGE 1
F80 Cover.qxp:QXP-1058736909.qxp 11/3/06 3:19 PM Page A1 Introduction Owner’s Manual Our Thanks to you and Customer Assistance Thank you for purchasing a CobraMarine® VHF radio. Properly used, this Cobra® product will give you many years of reliable service. How Your CobraMarine VHF Radio Works This radio is a VHF transceiver for fixed mounting on your boat.
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F80 Cover.qxp:QXP-1058736909.
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F80 Cover.qxp:QXP-1058736909.qxp Introduction 11/3/06 3:19 PM Page A3 Microphone/Speaker and Product Features (continued) Product Features Introduction • Waterproof Submersible to 3.28 ft (1 m) of water for 30 minutes — meets JIS7 Standards. NMEA Port for GPS, Chartplotter and DSC Interfacing The NMEA “IN” input in this radio will receive GPS position information from all GPS devices (e.g.
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F80 General.qxp:QXP-1058731464.qxp Introduction 11/3/06 4:13 PM Page 1 Table Of Contents Introduction Our Thanks to You . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A1 Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A1 Transceiver Controls, Indicators and Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A2 Product Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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F80 General.qxp:QXP-1058731464.qxp Introduction 11/3/06 4:13 PM Page 2 Important Safety Information Important Safety Information • Before installing and using your CobraMarine VHF radio, please read these general precautions and warnings. Warning and Notice Statements To make the most of this radio, it must be installed and used properly. Please read the installation and operating instructions carefully before installing and using the radio.
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F80 General.qxp:QXP-1058731464.qxp Introduction 11/3/06 4:13 PM Page 3 Important Safety Information The following WARNINGS and NOTICE information will make you aware of RF exposure hazards and how to assure you operate the radio within the FCC RF exposure limits established for the radio. WARNINGS Your radio generates electromagnetic RF (radio frequency) energy when it is transmitting.
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F80 General.qxp:QXP-1058731464.qxp Introduction 11/3/06 4:14 PM Page 4 Recommendations for Marine Communication NOTICE AVOID using or storing the radio at temperatures below -4°F (-20°C) or above 140°F (60°C). NEVER connect the transceiver to DC power greater than 16 volts or to any DC source with reversed polarity. Doing so will damage the transceiver. DO NOT cut the power cables attached to the transceiver. Improper reconnection with reversed polarity will damage the transceiver.
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F80 General.qxp:QXP-1058731464.qxp VHF Marine Radio Protocols 11/3/06 4:14 PM Page 5 FCC Licensing Information FCC Licensing Information • CobraMarine VHF radios comply with the FCC (Federal Communication Commission) requirements that regulate the Maritime Radio Service. This CobraMarine radio incorporates a VHF FM transceiver designed for use in the frequency range of 156.025 to 163.275 MHz. It requires 13.8 volts DC and has a switchable RF output power of one (1) or 25 watts.
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F80 General.qxp:QXP-1058731464.qxp VHF Marine Radio Protocols 11/3/06 4:14 PM Page 6 VHF Marine Radio Procedures User Responsibility and Operating Locations All users are responsible for observing domestic and foreign government regulations and are subject to severe penalties for violations. The VHF frequencies on your radio are reserved for marine use and require a special license to operate from land, including when your boat is on its trailer.
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F80 General.qxp:QXP-1058731464.qxp VHF Marine Radio Protocols 11/3/06 4:14 PM Page 7 Voice Calling Limits on Calling You must not call the same station for more than 30 seconds at a time. If you do not get a reply, wait at least two (2) minutes before calling again. After three (3) calling periods, wait at least 15 minutes before calling again.
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F80 General.qxp:QXP-1058731464.qxp VHF Marine Radio Protocols 11/3/06 4:14 PM Page 8 Digital Selective Calling (DSC) For Example The vessel Corsair calling the vessel Vagabond: Corsair: “Vagabond, this is Corsair (station license number call sign).” Vagabond: “Corsair, this is Vagabond. Over.” Corsair: “Vagabond go to working Channel 68. Over.” Both parties switch over to the agreed upon working channel.... Corsair: “Vagabond I need to talk to you about... Over.
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F80 General.qxp:QXP-1058731464.qxp VHF Marine Radio Protocols 11/3/06 4:14 PM Page 9 Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) • An MMSI is a nine (9) digit number used on a marine radio capable of using digital selective calling (DSC). It is used to selectively call other vessels or shore stations and is similar to a telephone number. For your CobraMarine radio to operate in the DSC mode, you must enter your Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number.
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F80 General.qxp:QXP-1058731464.qxp VHF Marine Radio Protocols 11/3/06 4:14 PM Page 10 Radiotelephone Calls Radiotelephone Calls • Boaters may make and receive radiotelephone calls to and from any number on the telephone network by using the services of public coast stations. Calls can be made — for a fee — between your radio and telephones on land, sea and in the air. See pages 14 through 23 for the public correspondence (marine operator) channels.
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F80 General.qxp:QXP-1058731464.qxp VHF Marine Radio Protocols 11/3/06 4:15 PM Page 11 Emergency Messages and Distress Procedure Emergency Messages and Distress Procedure • The ability to summon assistance in an emergency is the primary reason to have a VHF marine radio. The marine environment can be unforgiving, and what may initially be a minor problem can rapidly develop into a situation beyond your control.
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F80 General.qxp:QXP-1058731464.qxp VHF Marine Radio Protocols 11/3/06 4:15 PM Page 12 Emergency Messages and Distress Procedure If You Hear a Distress Call You must give any message beginning with one (1) of these signals priority over any other messages. ALL stations MUST remain silent on Channel 16 for the duration of the emergency unless the message relates directly to the emergency. If you hear a distress message from a vessel, stand by your radio. If it is not answered, YOU should answer.
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F80 General.qxp:QXP-1058731464.qxp VHF Marine Radio Protocols 11/3/06 4:15 PM Page 13 Emergency Messages and Distress Procedure For Example “Mayday — Mayday — Mayday” “This is Corsair — Corsair — Corsair” [or “IL 1234 AB”], repeated three (3) times.
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F80 General.qxp:QXP-1058731464.qxp VHF Marine Radio Protocols 11/3/06 4:15 PM Page 14 VHF Marine Channel Assignments VHF Marine Channel Assignments • Three (3) sets of VHF channels have been established for marine use in the U.S.A., Canada and the rest of the world (International). Most of the channels are the same for all three (3) maps, but there are definite differences (see table on pages 16-23).
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F80 General.qxp:QXP-1058731464.qxp VHF Marine Radio Protocols 11/3/06 4:15 PM Page 15 VHF Marine Channel Assignments Public Correspondence (Marine Operator) Channels 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 60, 61, 84, 84A, 85, 85A, 86, 86A, 87, 87A, 88* For calls to marine operators at public coast stations. You can make and receive telephone calls through these stations.
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F80 General.qxp:QXP-1058731464.qxp VHF Marine Radio Protocols Channel Number • • • • 04A • 05 06 • • • 04 05A • • 03 • • 07 • • • • 156.050 160.650 156.050 156.050 156.100 160.700 156.150 160.750 156.150 156.150 156.200 160.800 156.200 156.200 156.250 160.850 156.250 156.250 156.300 156.300 156.350 160.950 156.350 156.350 156.400 156.400 156.450 156.450 156.500 156.500 156.550 156.550 156.600 156.
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F80 General.qxp:QXP-1058731464.
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F80 General.qxp:QXP-1058731464.qxp VHF Marine Radio Protocols Channel Number • 20 20A 24 25 26 27 28 • • • • • • • • 60 61 61A 62 62A 18 English 156.900 156.900 156.950 161.550 156.950 156.950 157.000 161.600 157.000 157.000 157.050 161.650 157.050 157.050 157.100 161.700 • 157.100 157.100 • 157.150 161.750 157.150 157.150 157.200 161.800 157.250 161.850 157.300 161.900 157.350 161.950 157.400 162.000 156.025 160.625 156.075 160.675 156.075 156.075 156.
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F80 General.qxp:QXP-1058731464.qxp VHF Marine Radio Protocols Channel 18 18A 19 19A 20 20A 21 21A 22 22A 23 23A 11/3/06 4:15 PM Page 19 VHF Marine Channel Assignments Use Port Operations, Ship Movement Commercial Port Operations, Ship Movement Commercial Canada (Coast Guard Only); International (Port Operations, Ship Movement) Port Operations Port Operations, Ship Movement U.S. (Government Only); Canada (Coast Guard Only) Port Operations, Ship Movement U.S.
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F80 General.qxp:QXP-1058731464.qxp VHF Marine Radio Protocols Channel Number • • 160.775 156.175 156.175 156.225 160.825 156.225 156.225 156.275 160.875 156.275 156.275 156.325 160.925 • 156.325 156.325 1 watt CAN 1 watt USA • • 66A • • • • • 67 • • • 156.375 156.375 68 • • • 156.425 156.425 69 • • • 156.475 156.475 70 • • • 156.525 156.525 71 • • • 156.575 156.575 72 • • • 156.625 156.625 73 • • • 156.675 156.675 74 • • • 156.725 156.
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F80 General.qxp:QXP-1058731464.qxp VHF Marine Radio Protocols Channel 63 63A 64 64A 65 65A 66 66A 11/3/06 4:16 PM Page 21 VHF Marine Channel Assignments Use Public Correspondence (Marine Operator), Port Operations, Ship Movement Port Operations and Commercial, VTS in selected areas Public Correspondence (Marine Operator), Port Operations, Ship Movement U.S.
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F80 General.qxp:QXP-1058731464.qxp VHF Marine Radio Protocols Channel Number • 80A • • • • • 87A • • • • • • • • • 88 • 88A • 84 84A 85 85A 86 86A 87 • • 83 83A • • 82 82A • • 81 81A • • 80 Page 22 VHF Marine Channel Assignments • 79 79A 4:16 PM Channel Map Frequency USA Int’l Canada Transmit Receive 78 78A 11/3/06 • • • • • • • • • • • • • 156.925 161.525 156.925 156.925 156.975 161.575 156.975 156.975 157.025 161.625 157.025 157.025 157.075 161.675 157.
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F80 General.qxp:QXP-1058731464.qxp VHF Marine Radio Protocols Channel 78 11/3/06 Use Public Correspondence (Marine Operator) Non-Commercial (Recreational) 79 Port Operations, Ship Movement 80 80A 81 81A 82 82A 83 83A Commercial (Also Non-Commercial only in Great Lakes) Port Operations, Ship Movement Commercial (Also Non-Commercial only in Great Lakes) Port Operations, Ship Movement U.S.
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F80 General.qxp:QXP-1058731464.qxp VHF Marine Radio Protocols 11/3/06 4:16 PM Page 24 NOAA Weather Channels and Alert NOAA Weather Channels and Alert • Monitoring the weather will probably be a frequent use of your radio. NOAA provides continuous, around-the-clock broadcasts of the latest weather information. Taped weather messages run every four (4) to six (6) minutes and are revised every two (2) or three (3) hours, or as needed.
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F80 General.qxp:QXP-1058731464.qxp VHF Marine Radio Protocols 11/3/06 4:16 PM Page 25 World City Time Zones World City Time Zones • In order to set correct local time as compared to different World City Time Zones, enter the hour “offset” as listed below. The correct local time appears on the VHF for Cities all over the world. See page 42 for setup information. Longitudinal Zone Offset City E172.50 to W172.50 -12 IDLW (International Date Line West) W172.50 to W157.50 -11 Nome W157.
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F80 Installation.qxp:QXP-1058720374.
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F80 Installation.qxp:QXP-1058720374.qxp Installation and Start-Up 11/3/06 4:18 PM Page 27 Mounting and Powering the Radio Mounting and Powering the Radio • Before using your CobraMarine VHF radio, it must be installed on your vessel. Installing Your Radio Choose a location for your radio where it will be conveniently accessible with the following factors in mind: The leads to the battery and the antenna should be as short as possible.
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F80 Installation.qxp:QXP-1058720374.qxp Installation and Start-Up Microphone Bracket Mounting Kit 11/3/06 4:18 PM Page 28 Mounting and Powering the Radio Microphone Bracket Mounting Kit To Install The Microphone Bracket Mounting Kit: Install the microphone bracket mounting kit on a vertical surface near the transceiver using the supplied stainless steel screws. Flush Mount A Flush Mount kit is included with your CobraMarine VHF radio to allow its installation in almost any flat surface.
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F80 Installation.qxp:QXP-1058720374.qxp Installation and Start-Up Warning Sticker WARNING This equipment is designed to generate a digital maritime distress and safety signal to facilitate search and rescue. To be effective as a safety device, this equipment must be used only within communication range of a shore-based VHF marine channel 70 distress and safety watch system. The range of the signal may vary out under normal conditions should be approximately 20 nautical miles.
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F80 Installation.qxp:QXP-1058720374.qxp Installation and Start-Up 11/3/06 4:18 PM Page 30 Antenna Requirements and Attachment Antenna Requirements and Attachment Antenna Requirements Your CobraMarine VHF radio requires an external marine antenna to send signals into the air and to receive them. The radio is arranged to use any of the popular marine VHF antennas, but it is up to you to choose which antenna to use.
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F80 Installation.qxp:QXP-1058720374.qxp Installation and Start-Up 11/3/06 4:18 PM Page 31 Antenna Requirements and Attachment WARNING Do not transmit when anyone is within the MPE radius of the antenna unless that person or persons are shielded from the antenna by a grounded metallic barrier. This is especially important on vessels with antennas mounted as described in B where no one may be within 9 ft (2,8 m) horizontally from the base of the antenna during transmissions.
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F80 Installation.qxp:QXP-1058720374.qxp Installation and Start-Up 11/3/06 4:18 PM Page 32 External Devices and Connections External Devices and Connections • Your CobraMarine VHF radio is set up to connect auxiliary devices for navigation, convenience and added versatility. As is the case with the antenna, choosing these devices is best done with the advice and guidance of a knowledgeable dealer. Standard connectors are provided on the front and back of the transceiver.
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F80 Installation.qxp:QXP-1058720374.qxp Installation and Start-Up 11/3/06 4:18 PM Page 33 External Devices and Connections Public Address Speaker (Not Included) Speaker/PA Cable At times, it may be handy to address other boats or give instructions to line handlers on the dock. Your CobraMarine VHF radio can be switched to operate in the Public Address mode through an attached PA speaker. To Install a Public Address Speaker: 1.
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F80 Installation.qxp:QXP-1058720374.qxp Installation And Start-Up 11/3/06 4:18 PM Page 34 External Devices and Connections NOTE Satellite acquisition time is dependent on the GPS device. CobraMarine Chartplotter MC 600C Series Your CobraMarine VHF radio is set up to connect directly to your chartplotter with a custom accessory cable that eases the installation. The chartplotter uses a state-of-the-art electronic chart system, designed as a custom navigation aid.
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F80 Installation.qxp:QXP-1058720374.qxp Operating Your Radio 11/3/06 4:19 PM Page 35 Getting Started Getting Started • Refer to the foldout at the front of this manual to identify the various controls and indicators on your radio. Throughout this manual you will be instructed to press, or to press and hold buttons on the transceiver or on the microphone/speaker. Press means a momentary press, then release; press and hold means to hold the button down.
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F80 Installation.qxp:QXP-1058720374.qxp Operating Your Radio 11/3/06 4:19 PM Page 36 Getting Started DSC Position Request Alarm Medium-loud, continuous, low-pitched series of closely spaced, four (4) beeps [three (3) short – one (1) long] groups — sounds when a POSITION REQUEST call is received. Press any button to turn it Off. DSC Individual Alarm Medium-loud, continuous, medium-pitched, three (3) beep groups — sounds when an Individual call is received. Press any button to turn it Off.
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F80 Installation.qxp:QXP-1058720374.qxp Operating Your Radio Squelch Knob Channel Select Knob SELECT MEM 11/3/06 4:19 PM Page 37 Getting Started Squelch Squelch control is controlled by turning the inner (back) rotary concentric knob located directly behind the On/Off – Volume knob. With the power On, turn the knob counterclockwise till you hear a hissing sound, then turn the knob clockwise till the hissing stops. This will establish a “Baseline” squelch.
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F80 Installation.qxp:QXP-1058720374.qxp Operating Your Radio Local Mode Button Channel Preset Buttons 11/3/06 4:19 PM Page 38 Getting Started Local Mode Button The radio features a Local Mode button that decreases radio sensitivity when operating inside populated areas. When the Local Mode button is On, the power of an inbound receive (Rx) signal is reduced without distorting the waveform.