Introduction Our Thanks to You and Customer Assistance Our Thanks to You Thank you for purchasing a CobraMarine® VHF/GMRS Dual Band radio. Properly used, this Cobra® product will give you many years of reliable service. • Owner’s Manual How Your CobraMarine VHF/GMRS Radio Works This dual band radio is a battery-powered portable transceiver for use afloat or on land.
Introduction Radio Controls and Indicators Introduction Backlit LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) Screen Dual Band Antenna Belt Clip Engagement ON/OFF/Volume Control Backlit LCD Screen Push to Talk Button Channel Down Button External Speaker/ Microphone Cover Power Level/Weather Button Band (VHF/GMRS) Button Speaker Weather Alert Icon Call Tone VibrAlert® Icon Active Channel Numbers Memory Channel CTCSS and DCS Subcodes Tri-Watch Icon Voice Activated Transmit Icon Button Lock Icon Simplex Oper
Introduction Product Features Product Features (continued) Channel Scan/Memory Scan Use to scan through all channels or all selected memory locations to find conversations in progress. Hands-Free Operation Voice Activation (VOX) “Hands-Free” automatic transmission when you speak. Instant Channel 16/9 Provides instant access to priority Channel 16 and calling Channel 9. Emergency Weather Alert with/SAME Receive NOAA alerts when threatening weather is nearby.
Introduction Table of Contents Introduction Our Thanks to You . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A1 Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A1 Radio Controls and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A2 Backlit LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A3 Product Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Introduction Important Safety Information Important Safety Information Introduction • Before installing and using your CobraMarine VHF/GMRS Dual Band 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. Special attention must be paid to the WARNING and NOTICE statements in this manual.
Introduction Important Safety Information NOTICE Your radio is waterproof only when the antenna and batteries are properly installed. AVOID using or storing the radio at temperatures below -4˚F (-20˚C) or above 140˚F (60˚C). KEEP your radio at least 3 ft (0,9 m) away from your vessel’s magnetic navigation compass. DO NOT attempt to service any internal parts yourself. Have any necessary service performed by a qualified technician. This radio is supplied with a lithium-ion (LiON) rechargeable battery pack.
Introduction VHF Marine Radio Protocols VHF Marine FCC Licensing Information VHF Marine FCC Licensing Information CobraMarine VHF radios comply with the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) requirements that regulate the Maritime Radio Service. The radio operates on all currently allocated marine channels and is switchable for use according to U.S.A., International or Canadian regulations.
Introduction VHF Marine Radio Protocols VHF Marine Radio Procedures VHF Marine Radio Procedures VHF Marine Radio Protocols • Maintain Your Watch Whenever your boat is underway, the radio must be turned On and be tuned to Channel 16, except when being used for messages. VHF Marine Radio Procedures Prohibited Communications You MUST NOT transmit: ■ False distress or emergency messages. ■ Messages containing obscene, indecent or profane language.
VHF Marine Radio Protocols VHF Marine Voice Calling VHF Marine Voice Calling Introduction VHF Marine Radio Protocols NOTE Channel 9 may be used by recreational vessels for general-purpose calling. This frequency should be used whenever possible to help relieve congestion on Channel 16. The Coast Guard generally does not make urgent marine information broadcasts or weather warnings on Channel 9.
Introduction VHF Marine Radio Protocols VHF Marine Radiotelephone Calls VHF Marine Radiotelephone Calls Introduction 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 18 through 27 for the public correspondence (marine operator) channels.
Introduction VHF Marine Radio Protocols VHF Marine Emergency Messages and Distress Procedure Introduction VHF Marine Radio Protocols VHF Marine Emergency Messages and Distress Procedure Marine Emergency Signals If You Hear a Distress Call The three (3) spoken international emergency signals are: You must give any message beginning with one (1) of these signals priority over any other messages.
Introduction VHF Marine Radio Protocols VHF Marine Emergency Messages and Distress Procedure Marine Distress Procedure Introduction VHF Marine Radio Protocols VHF Marine Emergency Messages and Distress Procedure For Example Speak slowly — clearly — calmly. 1. Make sure your radio is On. “This is Corsair — Corsair — Corsair” [or “IL 1234 AB” three (3) times] 2. Select Channel 16. “Mayday Corsair (or IL 1234 AB)” 3. Press Talk button and say: “MAYDAY — MAYDAY — MAYDAY.
VHF Marine Radio Protocols VHF Marine Channel Assignments VHF Marine Channel Assignments VHF Marine Radio Protocols • 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). Your radio has all three (3) maps built into it and will operate correctly in whichever area you choose.
Introduction VHF Marine Radio Protocols Channel Number Channel Map Frequency USA Int’l Canada Transmit Receive 01 01A • • • 03 • • 04A • 05 06 • • • 04 05A • • 02 03A VHF Marine Channel Assignments • • 07 • • • • Introduction VHF Marine Radio Protocols Power Limits Channel VHF Marine Channel Assignments Use 156.050 160.650 01 156.050 156.050 01A Public Correspondence (Marine Operator) 156.100 160.700 02 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator) 156.150 160.
Introduction VHF Marine Radio Protocols Channel Number Channel Map Frequency USA Int’l Canada Transmit Receive • 18 18A • 20 20A • • • • 21 21A • 22A • • 23 23A 24 25 26 27 28 • • • • • • 60 61 61A 62 62A 22 English • • • • • • • • Channel Use 18 156.900 156.900 18A 156.950 161.550 19 156.950 156.950 157.000 161.600 157.000 157.000 157.050 161.650 21 157.050 157.050 21A 157.100 161.700 22 • 157.100 157.100 • 157.150 161.750 23 157.150 157.150 23A 157.
Introduction VHF Marine Radio Protocols Channel Number Channel Map Frequency USA Int’l Canada Transmit Receive • 63 63A • • 65A • Channel 160.775 63 156.175 63A 156.225 160.825 64 156.225 156.225 64A 156.275 160.875 65 156.275 156.275 65A 156.325 160.925 • 156.325 156.325 1 watt CAN 1 watt USA • • • • 66 Power Limits 156.175 • 65 Introduction VHF Marine Radio Protocols 156.175 • 64 64A VHF Marine Channel Assignments 66A • 67 • • • 156.375 156.
Introduction VHF Marine Radio Protocols Channel Number 78 78A 79 79A 80 80A 81 81A 82 82A 83 83A 84 84A 85 85A 86 86A 87 87 87A 88 88 88A VHF Marine Channel Assignments Channel Map Frequency USA Int’l Canada Transmit Receive • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 156.925 156.925 156.975 156.975 157.025 157.025 157.075 157.075 157.125 157.125 157.175 157.175 157.225 157.225 157.275 157.275 157.325 157.325 157.375 157.375 157.375 161.525 156.
GMRS Radio Protocols GMRS Communication and GMRS FCC Licensing GMRS Communication GMRS Radio Protocols • This GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) feature is a land-mobile service available for short-distance, two-way communications in the USA. You must have a valid FCC license to communicate on these channels.
NOAA/SAME Weather Alerts NOAA Weather Channels and Alert NOAA Weather Channels and Alert NOAA/SAME Weather Alerts • 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. The Coast Guard also announces weather and other safety warnings on Channel 16.
NOAA/SAME Weather Alerts Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME) Alerts Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME) Alerts Installation Included in this Package Included in this Package • The MR HH425LI radio is capable of receiving Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME) Alerts. During an NWR weather SAME alert, a code for your specific location will alert you to deteriorating weather conditions in a preprogrammed specific area or a specific event such as a Severe Thunderstorm Watch or Tropical Storm Warning.
VHF Marine Radio Protocols Installation Antenna, Wrist Strap and Belt Clip Antenna, Wrist Strap and Belt Clip Install Antenna Introduction Installation • Antenna Installation Batteries and Charger Lithium-Ion Battery Back The flexible antenna for the radio is shipped separately in the package and must be attached before you use the radio. 1. Align the base of the antenna with the socket in the top of the radio. 2. Screw it all the way into the socket. Be sure that the seal seats properly.
Introduction Installation Power Sources Remove Charger Spacer Initial Battery Charge Batteries and Charger Initial Charge The Cobra-provided lithium-ion (LiON) battery pack may be charged at home, in a car or in a boat using the appropriate 12V or 120V power cord with the charger. 1. Insert one (1) of the power cords into the back of the drop-in charger. 2. Insert the other end of the power cord into the appropriate 12V or 120V power source. 3.
Introduction Installation Fully Charged Batteries and Charger Maintaining the Battery Charge As you use your radio, the battery power icon will show the battery power remaining. When the icon begins to flash, it is time to recharge or change the batteries. Partially Charged Fully Discharged Operating Your Radio Getting Started MR HH425LI Radio NOTICE Use only the drop-in charger provided by Cobra.
Introduction Operating Your Radio Squelch Control Speaker/Mic Port Getting Started Squelch Control Squelch is controlled by turning the lower rotary concentric knob located directly below the On/Off/Volume control. With the power On, turn the knob counterclockwise until you hear a hissing sound, then turn the knob clockwise until the hissing stops. This will establish a “Baseline” squelch. By turning the knob further in a clockwise direction, you will filter weak and mediumstrength signals.
Introduction Operating Your Radio Channel Up/Down Button Currently On Channel 88 Getting Started Channel Up/Down Button Your radio will Receive (Rx) and Transmit (Tx) VHF and GMRS signals on the channel indicated on the LCD display. You can change the channel at any time using the Channel Up/Down button. To Change Channels: Press the Channel Up/Down button. If you are on Channel 88, pressing the Channel Up button will advance to Channel 01.
Introduction Operating Your Radio Setup Mode Programming Setup Mode Programming Introduction Operating Your Radio • The following series of procedures is designed to allow you to set the programmable features of your radio. Correctly following these steps results in a minimal amount of radio setup programming time.
Introduction Operating Your Radio VOX Mode VOX Level Setup Mode Programming Voice Activated Transmit (VOX) Mode In VOX mode, your radio can be used “hands-free,” automatically transmitting when you speak. You can also set the VOX sensitivity level to fit the volume of your voice and avoid transmissions triggered by background noise. To turn VOX Mode On or Off: 1. Display will show VOX icon and ON or OFF flashing. 2. Press Channel Up/Down button to select ON or OFF. 3.
Introduction Operating Your Radio Call Tone Mode Setup Mode Programming Call Tone Mode In Call Tone mode, your radio can alert you to incoming signals by sounding an audible call tone, a silent vibration or both. This setting will also allow you to transmit a unique Call Tone alert to identify your radio when you transmit messages. You can select from one of 10 different Call Tone signals. To Set Call Tone: 1.
Introduction Operating Your Radio GMRS Mode Setup Mode Programming GMRS Mode Programming Introduction Operating Your Radio DCS Code Entry The GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) feature is a landmobile service available for short-distance, two-way communications in the USA. You must have a valid FCC license to communicate on these channels (see page 28). Start from GMRS Standby mode to begin GMRS Setup programming.
Operating Your Radio CTCSS Code Scan DCS Code Scan 52 English Setup Mode Programming CTCSS and DCS Code Scan Mode This mode will allow you to scan for all incoming audio CTCSS and DCS coded signals. To Set CTCSS Code Scan: 1. Display will show current CTCSS working channel. CTCSS and SCAN icons and small digit CTCSS Code number will be flashing. DCS is not active during CTCSS operation. 2. Press Channel Up/Down button to start CTCSS Code number scan. 3.
Operating Your Radio Setup Mode Programming Weather (WX) Alert Mode Programming WX Alert On/Off WX Auto Search (SCAN) Programming these features will allow your radio to listen to all NOAA Hazard Alert radio channels. In this process, you will be programming the channel settings for the “Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME)” and “Emergency Alert Messages” sent by NOAA. See channels and frequencies listed on page 31. Start from WX Alert Standby mode to begin WX Alert Setup programming.
Operating Your Radio SAME Code Setup Mode Programming To Set SAME FIPS Code Location 1. Display will show COdE, not flashing. SAME icon is flashing along with the two (2) digits to the right of COdE. 2. Press Channel Up/Down button to select channel number. NOTE Ten channel locations are available (00-09). 3. Press and release the Call/Enter/Setup button to enter geographic weather locations as identified by FIPS (Federal Information Processing System) area in the United States.
Introduction Operating Your Radio GMRS Standby Mode Standby/Receive and Transmit GMRS Standby Mode The GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) Standby feature is a land-mobile service available for short-distance, twoway communications in the USA. You must have a valid FCC license to communicate on these channels (see page 28). While in GMRS Standby mode, the user will be able to Transmit (Tx) by pressing the Push to Talk (Talk) button. Signals in Receive (Rx) mode will be received on the selected channel(s).
Introduction Operating Your Radio WX/H-M-L Button Standby/Receive and Transmit Weather (WX) Standby Mode To enter the WX Standby mode, press and hold the WX/H-M-L button. All common operating functions of the radio will work the same in WX Standby mode as they do in the normal Marine and GMRS Standby modes. WX Alert Standby Mode WX Alert Standby Mode NOAA broadcasts weather information as described in the NOAA weather channels section on page 31 of this manual.
Introduction Operating Your Radio SAME Alert Level Code Standby/Receive and Transmit SAME Alert Level Codes There are four (4) alert level codes that provide important active weather information. These alert codes are checked against the FIPS codes location list. When proper “Alert” conditions are met, the radio will switch to the WX Alert mode on the WX Alert channel and sound an alarm.
Introduction Operating Your Radio Advanced Operation Tri-Watch Mode Operating Your Radio TRI-WATCH Button Tri-Watch mode gives you one (1) button access to scan a total of three (3) channels of most importance to you. Channel 16 is preprogrammed for you and will always be one (1) of the scanned locations. Two (2) other channels of your choice can be stored in the radio. These channels can be edited and/or recalled for future engagements of the TriWatch mode.
Operating Your Radio MEM/ESC Button Memory Location Number MEM Icon Channel Up/Down Button Channel Number 66 English Advanced Operation Memory Locations Your radio has unlimited memory locations for storing your most frequently used channels. These memory locations can be selected individually or can be scanned. (See page 69 under Memory Location Scan.) You are also able to change bands for memory locations and scanning, allowing an unlimited amount of choice selection.
Operating Your Radio Scanning Advanced Operation Channel Scan Mode During Channel Scan mode, the radio will rapidly switch from channel to channel through all the channels. Whenever any activity is detected, the radio will stop the scan for 10 seconds to allow you to listen briefly on that channel. The radio will then continue to scan unless you switch out of the Channel Scan mode.
Operating Your Radio Rewind-Say-Again™ Rewind Button Advanced Operation Rewind-Say-Again™ Feature Use the Cobra exclusive Rewind-Say-Again™ feature to replay or record the last 20 seconds of an incoming audio transmission. Example 1: When engine noise, music or conversation creates too much noise to hear an inbound message clearly, press the REW button to hear the message a second time.
Introduction Operating Your Radio Maintenance and Troubleshooting Maintenance Introduction Operating Your Radio • Very little maintenance is required to keep your CobraMarine VHF/GMRS radio in good operating condition: ■ Keep the radio and charger clean by wiping with a soft cloth and mild detergent. Do not use solvents or harsh or abrasive cleaners, which could damage the case or scratch the LCD screen.
Introduction Warranty and Trademark Warranty and Trademark Acknowledgement Limited 3-Year Warranty Introduction Customer Service • For Products Purchased In The U.S.A. Cobra Electronics Corporation warrants that its CobraMarine VHF/GMRS radio, and the component parts thereof, will be free of defects in workmanship and materials for a period of three (3) years from the date of first consumer purchase.
Introduction Customer Service Accessories Accessories • Additional accessories for your Cobra radio can be purchased separately. Each accessory will enhance the use of the radio and also offer convenience to the end user. Lapel Speaker Microphone Lapel Speaker Microphone A speaker microphone, that attaches to your lapel, by ordering P/N CM 330-001. This unique accessory allows you to wear the radio while still being able to communicate with other vessels.