VHF 725e submersible marine radio owner’s manual and reference guide
© 1999 GARMIN Corporation GARMIN International, Inc. 1200 E 151st Street, Olathe, Kansas 66062 U.S.A. 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 U.K. Tel. 011-44-1794-519944 Fax. 011-44-1794-519222 GARMIN (Asia) Corp. 3rd Floor, 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 725e. 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 725e Features section gives you an overview of the unit’s functional features. The Getting Started section gets you started on using the VHF 725e for basic radio uses.
INTRODUCTION Compliance Statements CE COMPLIANCE STATEMENT This device complies with the essential requirements of CE for meeting standards EN301-178 and EN 300-828. WARNING! This transmitter will operate on frequencies (channels) that have restricted use. Use of International, U.S., and Canadian Bands presents frequencies that have restricted use. Operation on these frequencies without proper authorization is strictly prohibited.
INTRODUCTION Warnings and Precautions RADIO LICENSES The VHF 725e user accepts all responsibility for obtaining the proper licensing before using the transmitter. In many instances, you must have a current radio station license before using this transceiver. It my be unlawful to operate a ship station which is not licensed. Inquire through your dealer or the appropriate government agency for a Ship Radiophone license application.
INTRODUCTION Warnings and Precautions IMPORTANT! Read all instructions carefully and completely before using the VHF 725e Marine Radio. This device is intended only as an aid to boating safety and navigation. The performance of the VHF 725e 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 725e should not be relied upon in lieu of such prudence and judgement.
GETTING STARTED Table of Contents SECTION ONE Introduction Packing List....................................................................i Regulatory Agency 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 Scan Key Memory Key Hi/Low Power-Lock Key Channel Band Selection Key Tri-Watch Channel 16 Key Power/Backlighting Key +/- Volume Control Keys Call Programming/ Call Key UP/DOWN Arrow Channel Selection Keys Battery Pack Microphone Speaker 2
GETTING STARTED Unit Description The VHF 725e 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), Call channel and a working channel programmed by the user.
GETTING STARTED Keys & Function Displays Power/Backlighting Key Channel Up & Channel Down Keys C PGM Call Channel Programming/ Call 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. Memory Key Scan Key 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 sed 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, all signals can be heard, while at level 9, only the strongest signals can be heard.
GETTING STARTED The VHF 725e 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.
GETTING STARTED Keys & Function Displays 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. Battery Level Indicator Squelch Indicator - This display appears whenever the SQ, squelch key is presses for either squelch override or setting of the squelch threshold.
GETTING STARTED Keys & Function Displays 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. Scan Indicator Receive (RX) Indicator - This indicator provides notice that a signal is being received by the unit.
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 725e. International VHF Radio communication is governed by the International Telecommunications Union. (ITU). Rules and Regulations for use of International Band channels vary throughout the countries under ITU jurisdiction.
GETTING STARTED Maritime Radio Services Operation applications, such as ship to shore communications and navigation in waterways and ports. You may not have access to some which are not-for-public-use frequencies, and you are required to monitor and use others which are safety and navigational procedure frequencies. The four groups you will have occasion to use are the U.S.A.
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 shipto-coast 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 Private Channels: These are channels that require special registration to use and must be programmed into the International Channel Band by your radio dealer. Contact your radio dealer to determine availability of programming and private channels. A list of these channels is contained in the VHF Channel List on pages 30 through 32.
GETTING STARTED Installing the Antenna The antenna is an essential part of your VHF 725e 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 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 on the D-ring on the base of the Battery Pack and use it or a coin inserted in the screw slot to turn the screw and remove the battery pack from the unit. (Figure 3) Channel VHF 725e Unit Battery Pack D-Ring with Slot FIGURE 3 6.
GETTING STARTED 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.) 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 Volume, +/- keys. The volume level is indicated by the 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 Programming Call 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. Programming Call Channels The Call channel is simply a channel that has been selected from the list of channels for each band (USA/Canadian/International) and reserved for easy access for use as a calling or hailing channel. The Call channel has its own dedicated key. To program Call channels: C PGM Select Channel 1.
GETTING STARTED Receiving and Transmitting Whenever the VHF 725e is powered-up (On) it is in the receiving mode. If the unit is monitoring a channel that is broadcasting, you will hear that transmission. It is possible to monitor any channel on any band, but transmission on some channels is not allowed. Many are receive only channels, while others are simply not intended for your category of radio use. Receiving and Transmitting To receive on the VHF 725e: 1.
GETTING STARTED Receiving and Transmitting Activate SCAN Feature C PGM TRI Press to Toggle From the Call Channel To Regular Channels Activate Tri-Watch Feature FIGURE 11 6. Press the SCAN key to monitor the selected channels. (Figure 10) 7. Press the 16 key once if you want to monitor the emergency channel (16). (Figure 11) 8. Press the CALL key if you want to monitor the programmed Call channel. 9.
4. Press and hold the PTT (Press To Talk) key and begin your transmission. The TX symbol will appear on the LCD display. (Figure 12) 5. Speak directly into the microphone on the front of the unit (see page 2) and hold the unit vertically 1 to 2 inches from your mouth. NOTE: VHF Marine Radios communicate over distance by Line-of-Sight, which means that the signal may be blocked by objects such as land forms, large vessels, etc.
GETTING STARTED Backlighting & Key lock Features Backlighting the LCD Display and Keypad The backlighting feature is used to improve readability of the LCD display and keypad in dim light. 1. Press and release the PWR key after the unit has powered on. The display and keypad will be illuminated for 5 seconds after the last key press before cycling off. NOTE: Press this key anytime you require visual reference in dim light.
APPENDIX A Accessories & Installation Standard Accessories & Replacement Components (Included with the VHF 725e) Antenna......................................... Part Number: 700-00010-00 NiCad Battery Pack Kit (Includes Battery Pack and Charger & Charging Stand.) ...................................................... Part Number: 010-10188-01 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 725e 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 Channel Spacing: 25kHz Selectivity: Adjacent channel selectivity, 70dB Intermodulation rejection, 68dB Spurious Image Response, 70dB Sensitivity (FM): (WX): > 12dB SINAD at 0.3 microvolt > 12dB 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 13 156.650 156.650 13 13 156.650 156.
APPENDIX C Note: Private channels can be programmed by your radio dealer after you have made application and received a designated frequency from the appropriate licensing agency. Programmable frequencies available are from 154.500 MHz to 163.500 MHz in 25 kHz increments.
APPENDIX D Maintenance & Troubleshooting Storage: Store the VHF 725e 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 725e 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 If Using The Optional NiCad* 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 725e Charging Unit provided with the NiCad Battery Pack. Partially discharging a nickelcadmium battery and then recharging it causes a phenomenon referred to as “memory reset”.
APPENDIX D Maintenance & Troubleshooting Troubleshooting Guide SYMPTOM REMEDY Unit does not come ON Batteries are exhausted. Replace 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. Change channels.
APPENDIX E Messages Messages The VHF 725e 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 725e 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 and regulated by Industry Canada, (RIC), Marine Communications & Traffic Services. Duplex: Transmit and receive on different frequencies. FM: Frequency Modulation International Channels: Channel designations as defined for use in international waters by the International Telecommunications Union, (ITU).
APPENDIX G Index A Accessories............................25 Antenna Installation..............15 B Backlighting..........................24 Battery Pack Installation............15 Belt Clip................................25 C Call Channel Programming.......20 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 U.S.A. GARMIN (Europe) LTD., Unit 5, The Quadrangle, Abbey Park Industrial Estate, Romsey, SO51, 9AQ U.K. GARMIN (Asia) Corp., 3rd Floor, No. 1, Lane 45, Pao Hsing Road, Hsin Tien, Taipei, Taiwan R.O.C. www.garmin.com Part Number 190-00163-00 Rev.
