F55D_Cvr_Eng:8186-55-Cvr-Eng 12/8/10 8:23 AM Page 1 Introduction Our Thanks To You 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 Owner’s Manual 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.
F55D_Cvr_Eng:8186-55-Cvr-Eng 12/8/10 8:23 AM Page 3 Transceiver Controls, Indicators And Connections Introduction Introduction Backlit LCD Screen Radio Status and Data Display Down Button Instant Channel 16/9 Button Up Button Active Channel Number Microphone And Product Features Microphone With Auxiliary Controls Up/Down Buttons Can be used instead of those on the transceiver.
F55D_General_Eng:8186-F55_General-Eng 12/8/10 8:24 AM Page 1 Introduction Table Of Contents Introduction Our Thanks To You . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A1 Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A1 Transceiver Controls, Indicators And Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A2 Microphone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F55D_General_Eng:8186-F55_General-Eng 12/8/10 8:24 AM Page 2 Introduction Important Safety Information Important Safety Information Introduction • Before installing and using your CobraMarine VHF radio, please read these general precautions and warnings. Warning And Caution 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 it.
F55D_General_Eng:8186-F55_General-Eng 12/8/10 8:24 AM Page 4 Introduction Recommendations For Marine Communication VHF Marine Radio Protocols CAUTIONS FCC LICENSING INFORMATION AVOID using or storing the radio at temperatures below -4°F (-20°C) or above 140°F (60°C). CobraMarine VHF radios comply with the FCC (Federal Communication Commission) requirements that regulate the Maritime Radio Service.
F55D_General_Eng:8186-F55_General-Eng 12/8/10 8:24 AM Page 6 VHF Marine Radio Protocols VHF Marine Radio Procedures VHF Marine Radio Protocols Voice Calling User Responsibility And Operating Locations Limits On Calling All users are responsible for observing domestic and foreign government regulations and are subject to severe penalties for violations.
F55D_General_Eng:8186-F55_General-Eng 12/8/10 8:24 AM Page 8 VHF Marine Radio Protocols Digital Selective Calling (DSC) VHF Marine Radio Protocols Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) For Example The vessel Corsair calling the vessel Vagabond: • The MMSI Number Is Available In The U.S.A. From Any Of Two (2) Sources: ■ Sea Tow International: 1-631-765-3660 – www.seatow.com Corsair: “Vagabond, this is Corsair (station license number call sign).
F55D_General_Eng:8186-F55_General-Eng 12/8/10 8:24 AM Page 10 VHF Marine Radio Protocols Radiotelephone Calls Radiotelephone Calls VHF Marine Radio Protocols • 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.
F55D_General_Eng:8186-F55_General-Eng 12/8/10 8:24 AM Page 12 VHF Marine Radio Protocols Emergency Messages And Distress Procedure Marine Distress Procedure Speak slowly — clearly — calmly. 1. Make sure your radio is On. VHF Marine Radio Protocols Emergency Messages and Distress Procedure Keep the radio nearby. Even after your message has been received, the Coast Guard can find you more quickly if you can transmit a signal for a rescue boat to hone in on. For Example 2. Select VHF Channel 16.
F55D_General_Eng:8186-F55_General-Eng 12/8/10 8:24 AM Page 14 Installation And Start-Up Included In This Package Included In This Package Installation And Start-Up • You should find all of the following items in the package with your CobraMarine VHF radio: Transceiver* Transceiver Surface Mount Kit Microphone Microphone Mounting Kit Operating Instruction Manual Warning Sticker Optional Accessories • You can find quality Cobra products and accessories at your local Cobra dealer, or in the U.S.
F55D_Install_Eng:8186-F55_Install-Eng 12/8/10 8:24 AM Page 26 Installation And Start-Up Mounting And Powering The Radio Mounting And Powering The Radio Installation And Start-Up • Microphone Bracket Before using your CobraMarine VHF radio, it must be installed on your vessel. 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 are best kept as short as possible.
F55D_Install_Eng:8186-F55_Install-Eng 12/8/10 8:24 AM Page 28 Installation And Start-Up Warning Sticker Mounting And Powering The Radio Warning Sticker FCC regulations require that the Warning Sticker supplied with this radio be applied to a spot where it is easily seen by the radio operator. Be sure the location is clean and dry before applying the sticker.
F55D_Install_Eng:8186-F55_Install-Eng 12/8/10 8:24 AM Page 30 Installation And Start-Up Antenna Requirements And Attachment Antenna Requirements and Attachment Installation And Start-Up • 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.
F55D_Install_Eng:8186-F55_Install-Eng 12/8/10 8:24 AM Page 32 Installation And Start-Up External Devices And Connections External Devices And Connections Installation And Start-Up • 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.
F55D_Install_Eng:8186-F55_Install-Eng 12/8/10 8:25 AM Page 34 Operating Your Radio Getting Started Getting Started Operating Your Radio • Refer to the foldout on the front cover 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. Press means a momentary press, then release; press and hold means to hold the button.
F55D_Install_Eng:8186-F55_Install-Eng 12/8/10 8:25 AM Page 36 Operating Your Radio Getting Started Operating Your Radio Getting Started Volume Standby And Receive The On-Off Power/Volume knob on the transceiver controls the speaker volume. The volume adjustment applies only to what you hear from the speaker and does not affect the volume of your outgoing messages. That is controlled by the circuitry of your radio. Standby mode is the usual mode for the radio whenever it is turned On.
F55D_Operation_Eng:8186-F55_Operation-Eng 12/8/10 8:25 AM Page 38 Operating Your Radio Set-Up Routines Set-Up Routines • Settings Menu The Settings menu in the CobraMarine VHF radio allows you to turn On and Off many of its features, to adjust other features to suit your preferences, and to enter your user MMSI number. Call/Set Button Settings Menu Up/Down Buttons Exit 28 English Operating Your Radio To Enter The Settings Menu: Press and hold the Call/Set button.
F55D_Operation_Eng:8186-F55_Operation-Eng 12/8/10 8:25 AM Page 40 Operating Your Radio Set-Up Routines Operating Your Radio Set-Up Routines Confirmation Tone (Key Tone) U.S.A./International/Canada Channel Maps The Confirmation Tone sounds when your CobraMarine VHF radio is turned On and to confirm all button presses except for the Talk button. If you would prefer not to hear the Confirmation Tone, you can turn it Off and On as you choose.
F55D_Operation_Eng:8186-F55_Operation-Eng 12/8/10 8:25 AM Page 42 Operating Your Radio Voice Transmission Voice Transmission Operating Your Radio • Transmit mode gives you the ability to communicate with safety services, other vessels, and shore stations. When you use this capability, be sure to follow the procedures and to observe the courtesies that govern its use so everyone benefits. (The tables on pages 14 through 23 will help you select the proper channels.
F55D_Operation_Eng:8186-F55_Operation-Eng 12/8/10 8:25 AM Page 44 Operating Your Radio Weather Radio And Alert NOAA All Hazards/Weather Radio And Alert Operating Your Radio • NOAA broadcasts Weather information as described in the NOAA weather channels section on page 25 of this manual. You can listen to one (1) or two (2) of these receive-only channels at any time. NOTE Usually only one (1) or two (2) of the weather channels will be operating in any given location.
F55D_Operation_Eng:8186-F55_Operation-Eng 12/8/10 8:25 AM Page 46 Operating Your Radio Advanced Operation Dual-Watch Operating Your Radio Scanning Dual-Watch gives you one (1) button access to scan the two (2) locations of most importance to you. Channel 16 will always be included as a scanned location. The remaining location will be the VHF channel in effect when you enter Dual-Watch mode. Dual-Watch Button To Enter Dual-Watch Mode: 1.
F55D_Operation_Eng:8186-F55_Operation-Eng 12/8/10 8:25 AM Page 48 Operating Your Radio Digital Select Calling (DSC) Setup Digital Select Calling (DSC) Setup Operating Your Radio • Digital Selective Calling (DSC) uses digital signals to increase messaging range. This provides the most reliable message delivery per watt of output power. Digital signals are less susceptible to distortion from noise and atmospheric conditions than analog signals.
F55D_Operation_Eng:8186-F55_Operation-Eng 12/8/10 8:25 AM Page 50 Operating Your Radio Digital Select Calling (DSC) Setup Operating Your Radio Digital Select Calling (DSC) Setup If You Transfer Your Radio To A Different Vessel Group MMSI Number Contact the MMSI issuing agency from which you obtained your number and change the information associated with your number to correspond to vessel in which it will be mounted.
F55D_Operation_Eng:8186-F55_Operation-Eng 12/8/10 8:25 AM Page 52 Operating Your Radio Digital Select Calling (DSC) Setup Position Request Reply Type Operating Your Radio New Individual The ability to send your position to another station is an added feature of DSC radios that have GPS attached. It is handy for rendezvous and rescue situations.
F55D_Operation_Eng:8186-F55_Operation-Eng 12/8/10 8:25 AM Page 54 Operating Your Radio Digital Select Calling (DSC) Operation DSC Operation Digital Select Calling (DSC) Operation Operating Your Radio • Sending DSC calls is done from menus similar to the Settings menu. Whereas entering the Settings menu required a press and hold of the Call/Set button, the sending menus appear with a press of the Distress button. All received DSC calls will sound one (1) or another of the alarms to alert you to them.
F55D_Operation_Eng:8186-F55_Operation-Eng 12/8/10 8:25 AM Page 56 Operating Your Radio Digital Select Calling (DSC) Operation Operating Your Radio Digital Select Calling (DSC) Operation Receiving Distress Calls Sending An All Ships Calls When a vessel is within range of a DSC Distress call, the radio receives the call, sounds the Distress alarm, and switches to Channel 16. All DSC calls that are received will sound one (1) alert alarm. See pages 36-37 for descriptions of the different alarms.
F55D_Operation_Eng:8186-F55_Operation-Eng 12/8/10 8:25 AM Page 58 Operating Your Radio Digital Select Calling (DSC) Operation Operating Your Radio Digital Select Calling (DSC) Operation Receiving An All Ships Call Sending An Individual Call All Ships calls sent by stations within range of your radio will sound the distress alarm on your radio and switch your radio to Channel 16.
F55D_Operation_Eng:8186-F55_Operation-Eng 12/8/10 8:25 AM Page 60 Operating Your Radio Caller Identified Digital Select Calling (DSC) Operation Receiving An Individual Call Receiving A Group Call When another station makes an Individual call to your radio, the individual alarm will sound, the caller will be identified on the LCD, and your radio will ask to be switched to the channel selected by the caller. Press Call/Set to switch to requested channel and an acknowledgement will be sent to caller.
F55D_Operation_Eng:8186-F55_Operation-Eng 12/8/10 8:25 AM Page 62 Operating Your Radio Digital Select Calling (DSC) Operation Sending A Position Request continued Choose one (1) of the following: If You Receive A Position: Receiving a Position The requested position with the station name and MMSI will show on your screen. Press the Call/Set button to return to Standby mode after you have noted the station’s position.
F55D_Operation_Eng:8186-F55_Operation-Eng 12/8/10 8:25 AM Page 64 Operating Your Radio Standby Mode Digital Select Calling (DSC) Operation Sending A Position Send Position Send uses your connected GPS in similar fashion to the position request function, except that you initiate the activity to let another station know where you are. Position Send Individual Directory Transmit Position Send/Exit To Send A Position Send Message: 1. In Standby mode, select a channel on which you want to communicate. 2.
F55D_Operation_Eng:8186-F55_Operation-Eng 12/8/10 8:25 AM Page 66 Operating Your Radio Maintenance And Troubleshooting Operating Your Radio Maintenance • Very little maintenance is required to keep your CobraMarine VHF radio in good operating condition. ■ Keep the radio clean by wiping with a soft cloth and mild detergent. Rinse with fresh water. Do not use solvents or harsh or abrasive cleaners, which could damage the case or scratch the LCD screen.
F55D_Operation_Eng:8186-F55_Operation-Eng 12/8/10 8:26 AM Page 68 Appendix VHF Marine Channel Assignments VHF Marine Channel Assignments Appendix • 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 the following pages).
F55D_Operation_Eng:8186-F55_Operation-Eng 12/8/10 8:26 AM Page 70 Appendix VHF Marine Channel Assignments Channel Assignments (English) Appendix VHF Marine Channel Assignments Asignaciones de canales (Español) Public Correspondence (Marine Operator) Correspondencia pública (operador marítimo) 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.
F55D_Operation_Eng:8186-F55_Operation-Eng 12/8/10 8:26 AM Page 72 VHF Marine Channel Assignments Appendix Channel Number Número de canal 01 01A 02 03 03A 04 Channel Map Frequency Power Limits Mapa de canales Frecuencia Límites de potencia USA Int’l Canada Transmit Receive EE.UU. nternac Canadá Recepción • • • • • • • • • 04A • 05 • Transm. Appendix VHF Marine Channel Assignments Channel Use (English) Uso de canales (Español) 156.050 160.
F55D_Operation_Eng:8186-F55_Operation-Eng 12/8/10 8:26 AM Page 74 VHF Marine Channel Assignments Appendix Channel Number Número de canal 14 15 Channel Map Frequency Power Limits Mapa de canales Frecuencia Límites de potencia USA Int’l Canada Transmit Receive EE.UU. nternac Canadá Recepción • • 15 Appendix • • Transm. VHF Marine Channel Assignments Channel Use (English) Uso de canales (Español) 156.700 156.
F55D_Operation_Eng:8186-F55_Operation-Eng 12/8/10 8:26 AM Page 76 VHF Marine Channel Assignments Appendix Channel Number Número de canal Frequency Power Limits Mapa de canales Frecuencia Límites de potencia USA Int’l Canada Transmit Receive EE.UU. nternac Canadá Recepción 24 25 25B • • 26 27 28 28B • • • 60 61 61A Channel Map • • • • • • • • 62 63A 64A 66 English Public Correspondence (Marine Operator) 161.
F55D_Operation_Eng:8186-F55_Operation-Eng 12/8/10 8:26 AM Page 78 VHF Marine Channel Assignments Appendix Appendix Channel Number Número de canal Frequency Power Limits Mapa de canales Frecuencia Límites de potencia Int’l Canada Transmit Receive EE.UU. nternac Canadá Recepción • 79A • • 161.525 156.925 161.575 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator) Non-Commercial (Recreational) Port Operations, Ship Movement • 156.975 156.975 157.025 161.
F55D_Operation_Eng:8186-F55_Operation-Eng 12/8/10 8:26 AM Page 80 Appendix VHF Marine Channel Assignments VHF Marine Channel Assignments (English) NOTE Many of the plain-numbered channels, such as 01, 02 and 03, transmit and receive on different frequencies. This is termed duplex operation. The rest of the plain-numbered channels and all of the A channels, such as 01A, 03A and 04A, transmit and receive on a single frequency, which is termed simplex operation.
F55D_Operation_Eng:8186-F55_Operation-Eng 12/8/10 8:26 AM Page 82 Appendix World City Time Zones World City Time Zones Warranty • 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 43 for setup information. Warranty and Trademark Limited 3-Year Warranty • For Products Purchased In The U.S.A.
Please call Cobra first! DO NOT RETURN THIS PRODUCT TO THE STORE! See customer assistance on page A1. If your product should require factory service, please call Cobra first before sending your radio. This will ensure the fastest turn-around time on your repair. You may be asked to send your radio to the Cobra factory. It will be necessary to furnish the following to have the product serviced and returned: 1.