VHF 725 submersible marine radio owner’s manual and reference guide
© 1999 GARMIN Corporation GARMIN International, Inc. 1200 E 151st Street, Olathe, Kansas 66062 USA Tel. 913-397-8200 or 800-800-1020 Fax. 913-397-8282 GARMIN (Europe) Ltd. Unit 5, The Quadrangle, Abbey Park Industrial Estate, Romsey, SO51 9AQ UK Tel. 011-44-1794-519944 Fax. 011-44-1794-519222 GARMIN (Asia) Corp. 3F, No. 1, Lane 45 Pao Hsing Road, Hsin Tien, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C. Tel. 011-886-02-2917-4107 Fax. 011-886-02-2917-1758 All rights reserved.
INTRODUCTION About This Manual Thank you for choosing the GARMIN VHF 725. To get the most from your new VHF marine radio, take time to read through this owner’s manual in order to understand all of the operating features. This manual is organized into three sections for your convenience: The Introduction to the VHF 725 Features section gives you an overview of the unit’s functional features. The Getting Started section gets you started on un using the VHF 725 for basic radio uses.
INTRODUCTION FCC Compliance Statement FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT This device meets requirements for Parts 2, 15, and 80 of the FCC Regulations. It has been tested for compliance with all necessary FCC standards. 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, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
INTRODUCTION Warnings and Precautions IMPORTANT! The Telecommunications Act of 1996, effective February 8, 1996, provides the FCC discretion to eliminate radio station license requirements for aircraft and ships. At the present time, you do not need an individual license to operate the VHF 725 aboard your private vessel in many circumstances. To find out the specific details on whether you are exempt from licensing, please refer to the FCC Fact Sheet PR 5000 or contact the FCC at: 1-800-322-1117.
INTRODUCTION Warnings and Precautions IMPORTANT! Read all instructions carefully and completely before using the VHF 725 Marine Radio. This device is intended only as an aid to boating safety and navigation. The performance of the VHF 725 can be affected by many factors including environmental conditions and improper handling or use. It is the user’s responsibility to exercise good safety and navigational judgement and the GARMIN VHF 725 should not be relied upon in lieu of such prudence and judgement.
GETTING STARTED Table of Contents SECTION ONE Introduction Packing List....................................................................i FCC Compliance Statement...................................................ii Cautions.....................................................................iii-iv SECTION TWO Getting Started Unit Description...............................................................2-3 Keys and Function Displays............................................
GETTING STARTED Unit Description Flexible Antenna Squelch Key LCD Display Screen Press To Talk (PTT) Key Hi/Low Power and Key Lock Key Scan Key Memory Key Channel Band Selection Key Tri-Watch Channel 16- Channel 9 Key Power/Backlighting Key Weather/Regular Channel Weather Alert Key Battery Pack +/- Volume Control Keys UP/DOWN Arrow Channel Selection Keys Microphone Speaker 2
GETTING STARTED Unit Description The VHF 725 is a 5 watt marine VHF communications transceiver in a convenient handheld package. A keypad located on the front of the unit provides onehand control of communication features. The knobless design allows push-button Squelch and Volume adjustment. A single button press provides a manual Squelch Override function. Tri-Watch monitoring mode allows simultaneous monitoring of emergency channel (16), calling channel (9) and a channel selected by the user.
GETTING STARTED Keys & Function Displays Power/Backlighting Key Channel Up & Channel Down Keys Weather Channel/ Regular Channel Key Eleven keys provide access to all of the unit’s features and functions. When any key (except the PTT key) is pressed, the unit will acknowledge by emitting a single beep confirmation tone. Some keys have dual functions and those keys on the front of the unit are illuminated when the display backlighting feature is active.
GETTING STARTED Keys & Function Displays Memory Key - Pressing this key after selecting a channel places that channel into the scanning memory. Pressing this key when a channel is stored in memory (as indicated by the MEM icon on the display) will remove the channel from memory. A maximum of ten channels can be stored in memory. Scan Key - Pressing this key starts the scanning of channels entered into memory.
GETTING STARTED Keys & Function Displays Squelch Key H/L Power Key 6 Squelch Key - This key breaks the squelch (unmutes the audio) when pressed and held. It is also used to set the squelch threshold (the level at which only strong signals can be received). The squelch threshold is set by pressing and holding the squelch key while using the UP/ DOWN keys to adjust the squelch level from 0 to 9. At level 0 (L0), all signals can be heard, while at level 9 (L9), only the strongest signals can be heard.
GETTING STARTED The VHF 725 LCD Display Screen gives indication of channels being monitored, battery power level, volume level, and the status of all unit features. Keys & Function Displays Channel Number Indicator - This large numeral display indicates the selected operating channel or the squelch threshold setting when the squelch key is pressed. This indicator is always active. Channel Number Indicator Channel Band Indicator - This display provides indication of the regular channel band selected, U.S.
GETTING STARTED Keys & Function Displays Weather Alert Indicator - This display gives indication that the weather alert function has been activated. The display will flash whenever a weather alert tone is received. Weather Alert Indicator Lock Indicator - This indicator is displayed when the Lock feature is active. Lock Indicator Battery Level Indicator - This battery shaped icon displays information about battery capacity in 25% increments. This indicator is always active.
GETTING STARTED Keys & Function Displays Volume Level Indicator - This band of gradually rising bars provides an indication of the volume setting. This indicator is always active. Volume Indicator Hi/Low Power Indicators - These displays indicate the transmitter power level. NOTE: Some channels only permit transmission on Low while others allow only receive operation. Hi/Low Power Indicator Scan Indicator - This display provides indication that the Scan feature is active.
GETTING STARTED Maritime Radio Services Operation Important Information for First Time Users About Operating a Marine Radio If you are a first time user of a marine radio, you should be aware of methods for operating your GARMIN VHF 725. Although, as explained on page iii, a Federal Communication Commission (FCC) license is no longer required for individual operator use, you must comply with all applicable FCC rules and regulations.
GETTING STARTED Maritime Radio Services Operation The four groups you will have occasion to use are the U.S.A. Regular Band of 52 channels, the Canadian Band of 56 channels, the International Band of 55 channels, and the Weather Band of 10 channels. Some of these are receive (listen) only, such as the weather channels. The emergency channel 16 is restricted to hailing of other vessels, distress calls and safety purposes only.
GETTING STARTED Maritime Radio Services Operation Here is a grouping of the channels and a brief description of their use. Channels 5, 12, 14, 20, 65, 66, 73, 74, 77: Port Operations - Can be used by any vessel for communications between ships and ship-tocoast stations for messages relating to operational handling, movement and safety of vessels in or near ports, locks or waterways. Channel 77 is limited to communications to and from commercial pilots in regard to movement and docking of vessels.
GETTING STARTED Maritime Radio Services Operation Channel 13: Navigation - used by any vessel for safety communications regarding the maneuvering of vessels or directing of a vessels movements. Ship-to-ship and secondarily ship-to-coast communications. Commonly called the Bridge-to-Bridge channel. For routine operations, radio power must be reduced to one watt.
GETTING STARTED Maritime Radio Services Operation Channels 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 84, 85, 86, 87: Marine Operator Can be used by any vessel to place a telephone call to any place in the world or to a vessel outside their transmitting range. Used between vessels and public coast stations. You must contact a marine operator on the channel assigned to your navigating area.
GETTING STARTED Installing the Antenna The antenna is an essential part of your VHF 725 and the unit should never be operated without the antenna installed, as this may result in damage to the unit. The antenna receives signals best when held upright and is less effective when positioned horizontally. Antenna & Battery Installation To install the antenna: 1.
GETTING STARTED Selecting A Channel VHF 725 Unit Battery Pack D-Ring with Slot FIGURE 3 4. If you have an additional NiCad Battery Pack to use as a spare, you may insert it directly into the charging stand for recharging. 5. To remove a depleted Battery Pack and install a spare, lift up the D-Ring on the Battery Pack screw and use it or a coin inserted in the screw slot to turn the screw to remove the depleted Battery Pack from the unit. 6.
NOTE: You will notice an A indicator adjacent to some channel numbers in the USA and Canadian bands. These are simplex channels (transmitting and receiving on the same frequency) while the International counterpart is a duplex channel (transmitting on one frequency while receiving on another.) GETTING STARTED Setting the Squelch Threshold Setting the Squelch Threshold Setting the Squelch is important for reception of signals you want to hear.
GETTING STARTED Adjusting Adjusting the Volume The Volume key may be adjusted using the +/- keys. The volume level is indicated by the Volume, Scanning band of gradually rising bars on the LCD display. To adjust the volume: 1. Press the + key to increase the volume or the - key to decrease the volume.
NOTE: If the PTT key is pressed during scanning (when the display is changing) it will cancel SCAN and stop at the channel last scanned. If a channel is static (being received) you must transmit within 5 seconds after the received broadcast ends before SCAN moves to the next channel. After transmitting, scanning resumes when you release the key. Pressing any other keys will cancel the scan with the exception of the Power, Volume +, Volume -, Squelch and Hi/Low keys. GETTING STARTED Tri-Watch 4.
GETTING STARTED Monitoring Weather Channels NOTE: If you enter channel 16 into memory for the Scan Mode, it will not have the priority it receives in the Tri-Watch Mode. Monitoring Weather Channels There are ten weather channels which provide continual broadcasts of area weather information as provided by the National Weather Service. Typically, only the first seven channels are actively used. To monitor weather channels: 1.
To activate Weather Alert: 1. Press and hold the WX/CH-ALERT key for more than one second to activate this mode. 2. Return to regular use of the radio. You will hear a Weather Service beep tone and observe the flashing WX Alert display when a weather alert signal had been detected followed by the severe weather alert broadcast. (Figure 9) 3. To cancel the Weather Alert feature, press and hold the WX/CH-ALERT key or turn the unit off.
GETTING STARTED Receiving and Transmitting 3. Press the WX/CH key to choose from weather channels or regular channels. (Figure 10) 4. Press the U/I/C key to select a channel band. (Figure 10) 5. Press the UP/DOWN arrow keys to select a channel. (Figure 10) Receiving Mode Display Toggle From Weather ALERT To Regular Channels Select Channel Band Select Channel Enter Channel Into Memory Activate SCAN Feature TRI Activate Emergecy Monitor or Tri-Watch Feature FIGURE 10 22 6.
GETTING STARTED 3. Wait until the channel you have selected is free of communications. THIS IS AN FCC REQUIREMENT! NOTE: For communications over short distances, press the H/L key until LOW is displayed on the LCD. This reduces transmission power to one watt, prolonging battery life. Receiving and Transmitting TX 4. Press and hold the PTT (Press To Talk) key and begin your transmission. The TX symbol will appear on the LCD display. (Figure 11) 5.
GETTING STARTED Backlighting & Key lock Features The FCC prohibits the following communications: o False distress or emergency messages oMessages to Any Boat except in emergencies and radio tests oMessages to or from a vessel on land and transmission while on land oObscene, indecent, or profane language (potential fine of $10,000) 7. Remember to return to monitoring of Channel 16 by pressing the 16/9 key once when not using another channel.
APPENDIX A Accessories & Installation Standard Accessories & Replacement Components (Included with the VHF 725) Antenna......................................... Part Number: 700-00010-00 NiCad Battery Pack Kit (Includes Battery Pack and Charger & Charging Stand.) ...................................................... Part Number: 010-10188-00 Alkaline Battery Tray (Requires Six “AA” Alkaline Cells)................................. ........................................................
APPENDIX A Optional Accessories Optional Accessories Nickel Metal Hydride Rechargeable Battery Pack.(50% more capacity than the NiCad Pack)..........................................Part Number: 010-10245-00 Spare NiCad Battery Pack.......................Part Number: 010-10189-00 VHF 725 Soft Carry Holster................... Part Number: 010-10219-00 Contact your GARMIN Dealer to obtain these optional accessories.
APPENDIX B Specifications Physical: Size: 5.5”H x 2.0”W x 1.3”D (14.0 x 5.0 x3.3cm) Weight: Approximately 12.1 oz (.35Kg) Temperature Range: -4 to +158 degrees F (-20 to + 70 degrees C) Transceiver: Frequency Bands: All U.S., Canadian, and International marine channels plus 10 weather channels Channel Spacing: 25 kHz Selectivity: Adjacent channel selectivity, 70 dB Intermodulation rejection, 68 dB Spurious Image Response, 70 dB Sensitivity (FM): (WX): > 12 dB SINAD at 0.
APPENDIX C VHF Channel List Channel Number Frequency (MHz) USA CAN INT TX RX 01 01 156.050 160.650 01A 156.050 156.050 02 02 156.100 160.700 03 03 156.150 160.750 03A 156.150 156.150 04 156.200 160.800 04A 156.200 156.200 05 156.250 160.850 05A 05A 156.250 156.250 06 06 06 156.300 156.300 07 156.350 160.950 07A 07A 156.350 156.350 08 08 08 156.400 156.400 09 09 09 156.450 156.450 10 10 10 156.500 156.500 11 11 11 156.550 156.550 12 12 12 156.600 156.600 13 156.600 156.600 13 13 156.650 156.
APPENDIX C VHF Channel List Channel Number USA CAN INT 63 63A 64 64 64A 64A 65 65A 65A 66 66A 66A 67 67 67 68 68 68 69 69 69 70 70 70 71 71 71 72 72 72 73 73 73 74 74 74 77 77 77 78 78A 78A 79 79A 79A 80 80A 80A 81 81A 81A 82 82A 82A 83 83 83A 83A 84 84 84 85 85 85 86 86 86 87 87 87 88 88 88 88A Frequency (MHz) Type of Traffic TX RX 156.175 160.775 156.175 156.175 156.225 160.825 156.225 156.225 156.275 160.875 Port Ops. 156.275 156.325 Port Ops. 156.325 160.925 Port Ops. 156.325 156.325 Port Ops. 156.
APPENDIX D Maintenance & Troubleshooting Storage: Store the VHF 725 in a cool, dry location when not used for prolonged periods. When stored for more than six months, remove alkaline batteries to prevent leakage from expended cells. While the GARMIN VHF 725 is designed to withstand immersion in water (with or without the battery pack in place) it should be treated like all quality electronic equipment.
APPENDIX D Maintenance & Troubleshooting When Using The NiCad or NiMH Battery Pack*: Fully charge the battery pack before its first use. The battery pack requires 12 hours for a full charge and should not be charged in excess of this time period.. Charge only with the VHF 725 Charging Unit provided with the NiCad Battery Pack. Partially discharging a nickel-cadmium battery and then recharging it causes a phenomenon referred to as “memory reset”.
APPENDIX D Maintenance & Troubleshooting Troubleshooting Guide SYMPTOM PROBABLE CAUSE REMEDY Unit does not come ON Batteries are exhausted. Recharge batteries No sound from speaker Squelch threshold level too high. Set to a lower threshold point. No channel broadcast is being received Move to another channel. Volume is set too low. Increase volume. Some channels are for receive only. Change channel. Batteries are exhausted. Replace batteries. Some channels are for low power only.
APPENDIX E Messages Messages The VHF 725 responds to operating conditions in two ways, LCD Display screen messages and audio tones. These messages provide notification of errors in operation or the status of VHF 725 features. Audio Messages Confirmation Tones - These tones, consisting of a single “Beep”, are audible whenever you press a key on the unit and confirm that unit is responding to your action.
APPENDIX F Glossary Glossary of Radio Terminology and Abbreviations Canadian Channels: Channel designations as defined by the International Telecommunications Service, (ITS). Duplex: Transmit and receive on different frequencies. FM: Frequency Modulation International Channels: Channel designations as defined for use in international waters by the ITS. PTT: Press-To-Talk switch RF: Radio Frequency RX: Receive Simplex: Transmit and receive on the same frequency. Squelch: To suppress background noise.
APPENDIX G Index A Accessories............................25 Antenna Installation..............15 B Backlighting..........................24 Battery Installation................15 Battery Pack....................15, 26 Belt Clip................................25 C Calling Channel....................13 Cautions............................iv, v Channel Definition..........12-14 Channel List....................28-29 Cleaning...............................30 D Dual Watch..........................
APPENDIX H Warranty LIMITED WARRANTY GARMIN Corporation warrants this product to be free from defects in materials and manufacture for three years from the date of purchase. GARMIN will, at its sole option, repair or replace any components that fail in normal use. Such repairs or replacement will be made at no charge to the customer for parts or labor. The customer is, however, responsible for any transportation costs.
© 1999 GARMIN Corporation GARMIN International, Inc. 1200 E 151st Street, Olathe, KS 66062 USA GARMIN (Europe) LTD., Unit 5, The Quadrangle, Abbey Park Industrial Estate, Romsey, SO51, 9AQ UK GARMIN (Asia) Corp., 3F, No. 1, Lane 45, Pao Hsing Road, Hsin Tien, Taipei, Taiwan R.O.C. Website address: www.garmin.com Part Number 190-00179-00 Rev.
