Link-8 VHF User Guide ENGLISH lowrance.
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Section 1 - General information ........................................................................7 1-1 Features .................................................................................................................................................7 1-2 Customizing your Lowrance VHF radio.......................................................................................8 1-3 How to display and navigate menus ................................................................................
-2 Channel names (CH NAME) ......................................................................................................... 29 4-3 Ring volume (RING VOLUME) ...................................................................................................... 30 4-4 Key beep volume (KEY BEEP) ...................................................................................................... 30 4-5 Select units (UNITS)..............................................................................
Section 7 - Sending and receiving DSC Calls ...................................................45 7-1 What is DSC? ..................................................................................................................................... 45 7-2 Sending DSC Calls............................................................................................................................ 45 7-3 Send an individual call (INDIVIDUAL).......................................................................
Section 9 - AIS functionality.............................................................................61 9-1 About AIS............................................................................................................................................ 61 9-2 AIS - Static and dynamic information....................................................................................... 61 9-3 Using the AIS receiver.........................................................................................
Section 1 - General information 1-1 Features Congratulations on your purchase of this Lowrance Link-8 marine band VHF radio.
1-2 Customizing your Lowrance VHF radio You can customize the radio to suit your individual preferences. Some preferences can be set directly through the keys as explained in this section. Other preferences are set up through the built-in menus and these are explained in the other sections. 1-3 How to display and navigate menus 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Press MENU (or CALL) key. Some line items may show an ▲ or ▼ indicator. This means there is more information available to show.
• • • your current course (128°) and speed (5.0Kt) your latitude (55°33.122N) and longitude (012°42.408E) and UTC time displayed in 24 hour format (14:43 - 2:43pm) the name of the destination waypoint (FISH), its bearing (275°), your distance in nautical miles, mile, or kilometres (depending on your choice of units) - in this case, 800nm, and the cross track error (XTE - 0.00) are shown. All the symbols that may appear on the LCD are explained here: Symbol Meaning TX Transmitting.
Duplex operation. Otherwise, blank for Simplex operation. D Priority channel is selected. PRI ACK Your DSC call has been received. Low Battery warning (activates at 10.5 V). FISH 275 Waypoint name and bearing. 800nm Distance to waypoint. 0.00 XTE (Cross track error). NO GPS GPS data is not available. X AUTO SWITCH is disabled.
Section 2 - Basic operation and key functions All possible keys and their functions are listed here. Note that some of the keys may not be available, depending on your Lowrance VHF radio model. 6 Key handset mic Link-8 base station radio Key: Function: VOL / Volume and Power Turn clockwise to power on. Continue to turn until a comfortable volume is reached. VOL / will also adjust the settings of an external speaker, if connected.
PTT Press To Talk (Located on the handset mic). Press PTT to transmit at any time on an allowable channel. This automatically exits you from menu mode and stops scanning. You must release PTT to receive a signal. If PTT sticks, a built-in timer will automatically shut down a transmission after five minutes and sound a short error beep. PUSH TO SELECT Enter (ENT) When you are in MENU mode, push the center of the Channel Select knob to enter your choice or setting.
Radio and DSC setup MENU mode Hold down for about 1 second to show the radio MENU so that you can customize your radio. See section 4. WX/NAV Weather channel For US models: In USA and Canadian waters, press to hear the most recently selected weather station. The WX symbol Wx is displayed on the LCD. Rotate the dial or + / on the handset mic to change to a different weather channel. Press WX again to return to the most recent channel.
SCAN Scan (ALL SCAN & 3CH SCAN) There are two SCAN modes you can use to find the broadcast channel: • ALL SCAN mode scans ALL channels in sequence, and checks the priority channel every 2 seconds. • 3CH SCAN mode scans the favorite channels and CH16. When a signal is received, scanning stops at that channel and BUSY appears on the LCD. If the signal ceases for more than 5 seconds, the scan restarts. Press SCAN or PTT to stop at the current channel.
IC (FOG HORN mode) Hold down for about 1 second to enter HAILER mode. Select FOG HORN. The FOG HORN will sound certain international standard fog horn tones through the hailer speaker depending on the mode selected. See section 10 for HAILER functionality. IC (PA HAILER mode) Hold down for about 1 second to enter HAILER mode. Select PA (Public Address). The PA allows you to make an announcement at high volume to people or vessels using the Link-8 hand mic. See section 10 for HAILER functionality.
MOB (Temporary waypoint) To mark your current position as a temporary waypoint, hold down MOB and release the key before the 3 second countdown ends. You will see the following sequence of LCDs: HOLD 3 SEC FOR MOB RELEASE TO SAVE HOLD 2 SEC FOR MOB RELEASE TO SAVE HOLD 1 SEC FOR MOB RELEASE TO SAVE The new temporary waypoint is shown in your waypoints list. Hold down MENU, press ENT, then press ENT again to display the waypoints list (TEMP1, WP001, WP002).
Section 3 - Radio MENU SELECT options Hold down CALL MENU for about 1 second to access any of the following radio MENU SELECT options. Menu options shown inside the gray boxes are explained in this section.
3-1 Manage your waypoints list (WAYPOINT) • • • • You can store a maximum of 200 waypoints with their LL positions. When your waypoint list is full, you cannot make a new entry until you have deleted an existing entry Each waypoint name can have a maximum of 6 alphanumeric characters Waypoints are stored in order of entry, with the most recent entry shown first The waypoints are displayed in columns of 6 with a box.
2. 3. Note: A valid GPS signal must be received to see parts of this selection. Your waypoint list is displayed. Press ENT. NEW WP starts to flash. Scroll down to the incorrect entry. The selected waypoint flashes. Press ENT again. 4. To delete the waypoint, select DELETE then YES. The waypoint is deleted immediately and the waypoint list is refreshed and displayed again. 5. To edit the waypoint, select WP EDIT. The cursor is at the first character of the name.
3. Press ENT to set the nearest waypoint as the active waypoint OR move the cursor to another waypoint and then press ENT. The chosen waypoint is shown on the bottom line of the LCD. 3-1-5 Go to temporary waypoint MENU SELECT ►WAYPOINT BACKLIGHT BUDDY LIST LOCAL/DIST▼ 1. 2. 3. 4. WAYPOINT WP LIST NEAREST WP ►TEMP TEMP ►TEMP1 TEMP2 TEMP1 ►GO TEMP EDIT DELETE Select WAYPOINT then TEMP. Your temporary waypoint list is displayed. There are 3 choices for quick access.
3. 4. 5. 6. The waypoint details are displayed. The cursor is at the first character of the name. Edit the temporary waypoint name or to edit only the latitude or longitude, press ENT repeatedly until the cursor moves to the required line. When you are finished, press ENT (repeatedly if necessary) until a new LCD appears. Press ENT to store the changes. The waypoint list is displayed again. If more changes are required, repeat steps 2 through 6. Otherwise, press EXIT.
3-3 Maintain your buddy list (BUDDY LIST) Use the buddy list to store the names and associated MMSIs of 20 favorite people. Names are stored in the order of entry, with the most recent entry shown first. The following sections show how to add, edit and delete entries on your BUDDY LIST. Section 7-3 explains how to call a buddy. 3-3-1 Add an entry You can enter a maximum of 20 buddy names. When your BUDDY LIST is full, you cannot make a new entry until you have deleted an existing entry.
3-3-2 Edit or delete an entry MENU SELECT WAYPOINT BACKLIGHT ►BUDDY LIST LOCAL/DIST▼ BUDDY LIST ►MANUAL NEW SEA ROSE MERMAID IV BUDDY LIST MANUAL NEW ►SEA ROSE MERMAID IV EDIT NAME SEA ROSE EDIT MMSI 123456789 EDIT NAME SEA ROSE 2 EDIT MMSI 122256798 SEA ROSE 2 122256798 ►STORE CANCEL SEA ROSE ►EDIT DELETE 1. 2. Select BUDDY LIST. The cursor is at MANUAL NEW. Scroll down to the incorrect entry and press ENT. 3. To delete the buddy, select DELETE then YES.
3-4-2 Set local sensitivity MENU SELECT BACKLIGHT ▲ BUDDY LIST ►LOCAL/DIST CONTRAST ▼ 1. 2. SENSITIVITY DISTANT ►LOCAL Select LOCAL/DIST then scroll to LOCAL. Press ENT to activate the LOCAL setting. This disables distance sensitivity and the menu is displayed again. LOCAL is displayed on the LCD as a reminder that sensitivity is reduced. 3-5 Set the contrast level (CONTRAST) There are 8 levels of contrast. MENU SELECT BUDDY LIST▲ LOCAL/DIST ►CONTRAST GPS/DATA ▼ 1. 2.
3-6-1 Manually enter position and UTC time (MANUAL) Note: this function is available only if an operational GPS receiver is not connected. MENU SELECT LOCAL/DIST CONTRAST ►GPS/DATA RADIO SETU 1. 2. 3. GPS/DATA ►MANUAL SETTING MANUAL LL . N . W MAN --:--UTC 14:38 UTC M17 32.233 S 160 45.651 E Select GPS/DATA then MANUAL. Enter the latitude, then the longitude, then the UTC. Press ENT when all the information is correct. The vessel’s latitude and longitude are shown on the screen, with the UTC time.
LM Y X W V S T U Q R V U R W A O P Z O W W U S Q M F E* D G F C A H F* K H M I G I Zone boundaries are approximate h m Map outline © Mountain High Maps Compiled by HM Nautical Almanac Office Z A B C C* D 180° 150°W 120°W 90°W P 60°W L H L I* K 0 –1 –2 –3 – 3 30 –4 30°W h m D* – 4 30 E E* E† F F* –5 – 5 30 – 5 45 –6 – 6 30 0° G H I I* K K* * K Standard Time = Universal Time – value from table Universal Time = Standard Time + value from table O Correc
MENU SELECT LOCAL/DIST▲ CONTRAST ►GPS/DATA RADIO SETU▼ 1. 2. 3. GPS/DATA MANUAL ►SETTING SETTING TIME OFFSET TIME FORMAT ►TIME DISPLY LL DISPLY ▼ TIME DISPLY ►ON OFF Select GPS/DATA then SETTING. Select TIME DISPLY. Select ON (on) or OFF (off ) as desired. In this example, OFF has been selected and the LCD no longer shows the time.
3-6-7 GPS alert (GPS ALERT) If the GPS Alert is ON and the GPS navigation receiver is disconnected, the alarm sounds. Note: The default setting is ON for the Link-8 EU and OFF for the Link-8 US. MENU SELECT LOCAL/DIST▲ CONTRAST ►GPS/DATA RADIO SETU▼ GPS/DATA MANUAL ►SETTING 1. 2. Select GPS/DATA then SETTING. Select GPS ALERT. 3. Select ON (on) or OFF (off ) as desired.
Section 4 - Radio setup menu (RADIO SETUP) Hold down CALL/MENU key for about 1 second to access the following RADIO SETUP options. The following menu options are explained in this section.
RADIO SETUP UIC ►CH NAME RING VOLUME KEY BEEP ▼ 63 CH NAME PHONE-PORTOP PHONE-PORTOP ►EDIT DELETE EDIT CH NAME PHONE-PORTOP SAVE CH NAME CALL PORTOP ►YES NO 1. Select RADIO SETUP then CH NAME. Use the Channel Select knob or + or - to step through the channel name tags until you see the one you want to change then press ENT. 2. To delete the channel name, select DELETE and press ENT. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. To edit the channel name, select EDIT to edit the existing name tag.
1. 2. Select RADIO SETUP then KEY BEEP. Select the desired setting then press ENT. 4-5 Select units (UNITS) You can select your preferred measurement units for distance and cross track error (for waypoint navigation). RADIO SETUP RING VOLUM▲ KEY BEEP ►UNITS INT SPEAKE▼ 1. 2. UNITS ►METRIC NAUTICAL STATUTE Select RADIO SETUP then UNITS. Select your preferred measurement units then press ENT. Note: Nautical Miles is the only unit used in AIS mode.
4-8 Weather alerts (WX ALERT) US model only. Use WX ALERT to set your preferences for weather alert information. The NOAA provides several weather forecast channels on USA and Canadian channel banks. If severe weather such as storms or hurricanes are forecast, the NOAA broadcasts a weather alert on 1050 Hz. The NOAA All Hazards Weather Radio Service (NWR) works in conjunction with the Emergency Alert System (EAS) to issue weather alerts for specific geographic areas or specific weather conditions.
RADIO SETUP INT SPEAKE▲ WATCH MODE ►WX ALERT COM PORT ▼ 1. 2. 3. TONE ALERT ►SAME ALERT SAME CODE SAME ALERT ON ►OFF Select RADIO SETUP then WX ALERT. Select SAME ALERT. Select ON to receive any local NWR or EAS alerts - the SAME ALERT symbol SAME will be displayed on the LCD or, to ignore these weather alerts, select OFF.
RADIO SETUP INT SPEAKE▲ WATCH MODE ►WX ALERT COM PORT ▼ WX ALERT TONE ALERT SAME ALERT ►SAME CODE SAME CODE 012011 ►STORE CANCEL SAME CODE ►NEW CODE 0122003 SAME CODE ►NEW CODE INPUT SAME CODE 1. 2. Select RADIO SETUP then WX ALERT. Select SAME CODE. If you have already entered any SAME codes, they are listed on the LCD. 3. Select NEW CODE. Enter the new SAME code along the dashed line, one number at a time. Press ENT to confirm each correct entry and to move to the next digit.
4-9 NMEA protocol (COM PORT) The COM PORT must be configured correctly before use. The radio can be added to a group of instruments using NMEA protocol. RADIO SETUP WATCH MODE▲ WX ALERT ►COM PORT GPS SOURCE▼ 1. 2. NMEA CHECK SUM ►ON OFF Select RADIO SETUP then COM PORT. Select the desired setting then press ENT. CHECK SUM ON (on) is the usual setting. The COM PORT uses 4800 baud rate and can receive the following GPS data sentences: RMC, GGA, GLL, GNS.
Section 5 - DSC setup menu (DSC SETUP) WARNING A valid USER MMSI must be entered into the radio before these DSC functions can be used. See Section 5-1 for instructions on entering your USER MMSI. Hold down CALL/MENU key for about 1 second to access the following DSC SETUP options. The following menu options are explained in this section.
USER MMSI 876543210 ►STORE CANCEL DSC SETUP ►USER MMSI GROUP SETUP ATIS MMSI ATIS SELEC▼ VIEW MMSI 876543210 1. Select DSC SETUP, then USER MMSI. 2. If you have already entered your MMSI, it is shown on the LCD. If this is the first time that you are entering your MMSI, a dashed line appears. Enter your MMSI along the dashed line, one number at a time. Press ENT to confirm each correct entry and to move to the next digit. 3. 4. 5.
5-2-2 Edit or delete a group name or group MMSI (GROUP SETUP) You can edit a group name or group MMSI at any time. DSC SETUP USER MMSI ►GROUP SETUP ATIS MMSI ATIS SELEC▼ GROUP SETUP MANUAL NEW ►FISHING 1 SAILING FISHING 1 012345678 ►EDIT DELETE EDIT NAME FISHING 1 ENTER MMSI 012345678 FISHING 1 012345678 ►STORE CANCEL 1. 2. Select DSC SETUP then GROUP SETUP. The existing group names are displayed. Select the group you want to edit. Press ENT. 3. To delete the group, select DELETE then YES.
DSC SETUP USER MMSI GROUP SETUP ►ATIS MMSI ATIS SELEC▼ INPUT ATIS MMSI 9 ATIS MMSI 9987654321 ►STORE CANCEL ATIS MMSI INPUT AGAIN 9 ATIS MMSI 9987654321 ►STORE CANCEL 2. 3. 4. 5. If this is the first time that you are entering your ATIS MMSI, a dashed line appears. Enter your ATIS MMSI along the dashed line. The first number is always 9. Press ENT to confirm each correct entry and to move to the next digit. If you make an error, press – until < appears then press ENT to backup and correct the entry.
5-5 Response to individual calls (INDIV REPLY) You can respond to incoming individual calls with an automatic response or with a manual response. An automatic response sends an acknowledgement and then sets the request link channel, ready for a conversation. A manual response asks if you want to acknowledge the call, and then asks if you want to converse with the caller. 1. Select DSC SETUP, then INDIV REPLY. 2. Select AUTO for an automatic response, or MANUAL for a manual response. 3.
5-7 Response type to LL polling calls (LL REPLY) You can set up the radio to respond to an LL polling request in one of three ways: • MANUAL reply manually to any incoming LL polling requests from your buddies. • AUTO automatically replies to any incoming LL polling requests from any of your buddies. • OFF DSC SETUP INDIV REPL▲ DSC FUNC ►LL REPLY AUTO SWITC▼ ignores all incoming buddy LL polling requests. LL REPLY ►MANUAL AUTO OFF 1. Select DSC SETUP then LL REPLY. 2.
5-9 DSC Test Reply (TEST REPLY) You can respond to incoming DSC TEST calls with an automatic response or with a manual response. • MANUAL manual response is required, press ENT to confirm or press EXIT to cancel. • AUTO automatically replies after a 10 second delay with an ACK to any incoming DSC TEST call.
Section 6 - AIS setup menu (AIS SETUP) Hold down CALL/MENU key for about 1 second to access the following AIS SETUP options. The following menu options are explained in this section. AIS SETUP AIS FUNC AIS DISPLAY BAUD RATE GPS REDIR CPA ALARM CPA TCPA Section 6-1 Section 6-2 Section 6-3 Section 6-4 Section 6-5 Section 6-6 Section 6-7 See sections 1-3 and 1-4 if you want to know how to move around the menu and enter, save and change data.
6-4 GPS redirection (GPS REDIR) GPS redirection option set to output the GPS information to the chartplotter eliminating the need for an additional multiplexer. If “yes” is selected, the string $RMC will be redirected to the chartplotter once it is received. Note: The REDIR function will only redirect RMC and GLL messages from NMEA 0183 input port to the AIS output port. AIS SETUP ►GPS REDIR CPA ALARM CPA TCPA GPS REDIR ►NO YES 6-5 Closest point of approach alarm (CPA ALARM) Enables the CPA alarm.
Section 7 - Sending and receiving DSC Calls WARNING A valid USER MMSI must be entered into this radio before these DSC functions can be used. See section 5-1. 7-1 What is DSC? DSC (Digital Selective Calling) is a semi-automated method of establishing VHF, MF, and HF radio calls. It has been designated as an international standard by the IMO (International Maritime Organization) and is part of the GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System).
7-3 Send an individual call (INDIVIDUAL) Call to a Buddy DSC CALL ►INDIVIDUAL LAST CALL GROUP ALL SHIPS ▼ INDIVIDUAL ►ROUTINE SAFETY URGENCY INDIVIDUAL MANUAL NEW ►MERMAID IV SEAROSE CHOOSE CH MERMAID IV INDIVIDUAL ROUTINE ►SET INTER MERMAID IV INDIVIDUAL ROUTINE ►SEND? MERMAID IV INDIVIDUAL ROUTINE WAIT..
7-4 Acknowledgement of an individual incoming call (INDIV) When an incoming call is received, the alarm sounds for 2 minutes and INDIVIDUAL is displayed. INDIVIDUAL ROUTINE FROM 123456789 NO AUTO SW ▼ 00:01 1. 2. 3. 4. ROUTINE FROM 123456789 NO AUTO SW CH12 REQUEST ▲▼ 00:02 123456789 NO AUTO SW CH12 REQUEST 12:45 UTC ▲ 00:03 Press SILENC softkey (AIS/IC key) to silence the alert. Press +/- button or rotate the CH knob to scroll any further information about the call.
7-6 Send a group call (GROUP) You must already have stored a GROUP MMSI before making the call - see Section 5-2. Group calls are always sent with ROUTINE priority. DSC CALL INDIVIDUAL ►LAST CALL GROUP ALL SHIPS ▼ 1. GROUP ►DIVE 1 DIVE 2 CHOOSE CH ►INTER-SHIP MANUAL DIVE 1 GROUP CALL ►SEND? Select DSC CALL then GROUP. The radio displays the names of your pre-programed groups. Select the group that you want to call (the GROUP MMSI must be set before making the call). Choose a working channel to talk on.
7-8 Send using the call log (CALL LOG) The Call Log contains the contact details for the 20 most recent incoming calls, so that you can call any of them again quickly. When the call log is full, the oldest entry is overwritten. DSC CALL GROUP ▲ ALL SHIPS ►CALL LOG DISTR LOG ▼ 11 12345678 INDIVIDUAL ROUTINE 09:45 UTC 11 12345678 ►CALL BACK DELETE SAVE MMSI CHOOSE CH ►INTER-SHIP MANUAL 12345678 INDIVIDUAL ROUTINE ►SEND? 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Select DSC CALL then CALL LOG.
7-9 Send using the distress log (DIST LOG) DSC CALL ALL SHIPS ▲ CALL LOG ►DISTR LOG SENT CALL ▼ 02 SEASPRAY DISTRESS FLOODING 02 SEASPRAY ►CALL BACK DELETE INFO ENT-- OPTION CHOOSE CH ►INTER-SHIP MANUAL 02 SEASPRAY INDIVIDUAL ROUTINE ►SEND? The Distress Log contains the Distress Log data for the 20 most recent received Distress Calls, so that you can call any of them quickly. Always try to make voice contact on CH16 first, as follows: 1. Select DSC CALL then DIST LOG. 2.
7-10 View sent call log (SENT CALL) The Sent Call log contains the contact details for the 20 most recent sent calls, so that you review details of the call. DSC CALL CALL LOG ▲ DISTR LOG ►SENT CALL LL REQUEST ▼ 01 BOBBY D INDIVIDUAL ROUTINE 10:45 UTC BOBBY D ►DELETE 1. 2. Select DSC CALL then SENT CALL. Scroll down to the desired sent call details. The radio displays the details for the most recent sent call as the first entry (01) in the call log.
7-12 Track your Buddy (TRACK BUDDY) You can select a buddy or buddy’s to automatically track their positions. You must setup a tracklist first and set their track status to ON before buddy track can begin. You can also start and stop tracking your buddy and add or remove buddies from your buddy tracklist. 7-12-1 Start or stop tracking a Buddy (START TRACK) Use START TRACK to track the position of a buddy(s) on your TRACKLIST whose status is ON (see the following section).
7-12-3 Add or delete a Buddy on your track list (TRACKLIST) DSC CALL SENT CALL ▲ LL REQUEST ►TRACK BUDD DSC TEST ▼ 1. 2. 3. 4. TRACK BUDDY START TRACK SET BUDDY ►TRACKLIST INTERVAL TRACKLIST ►ADD NEW SEAROSE ADD NEW ►MERMAID IV SEASPRAY Select DSC CALL then TRACK BUDDY. Select TRACKLIST. Any buddies already on the tracklist will be listed. Note: To delete a buddy from the tracklist, select that buddy then press ENT. Select YES then press ENT again to delete. Select ADD NEW to show your buddy list.
DSC CALL LL REQUEST▲ TRACK BUDDY ►DSC TEST MMSI/GPS 6. DSC TEST MANUAL NEW SAM ►TOM TOM DSC TEST TOM DSC TEST ►SEND? WAIT.. 00:17 If there is no reply after 30 seconds, the radio asks you if you want to retry. 7-13-2 Receiving an incoming DSC TEST call reply (DSC TEST ACK) When you receive notification of a DSC TEST reply, press SILENC softkey (AIS/IC key) to silence the alert. If the radio recognizes the user MMSI as one of your buddies, the buddy’s name is displayed in place of the user MMSI. 1.
7-14 View user MMSI and GPS information The radio’s MMSI can be viewed as well as the current position. DSC CALL LL REQUEST▲ TRACK BUDDY DSC TEST ►MMSI/GPS ID:123456789 99°99.999’X 999°99.000’Y 7-15 Receiving DSC calls Several types of DSC calls can be received from vessels within range at various priority levels: • DISTRESS See Section 8.
4. Press PTT to initiate voice contact on current display channel. The call data is stored in your Call Log (see Section 7-8). 7-17 Receiving an individual call (INDIV) INDIVIDUAL ROUTINE FROM 123456789 AUTO SWITCH ▼ 00:01 INDIVIDUAL ROUTINE FROM 123456789 AUTO SW OFF ▼ 00:01 When you receive notification of an INDIV call, press SILENC softkey (AIS/IC key) to silence the alert. INDIV calls are almost always routine priority.
3. 4. press EXIT to return the current DSC receive process. If the display shows "AUTO SWITCH", the radio will automatically switch to the designated channel after 10s if no user intervention. For "AUTO SW OFF", a manual change is required - for "AUTO SWITCH" options , see section 5-8. You do not need to send an acknowledgement. If desired, press PTT to initiate voice contact on the designated channel. The call data is stored in your Call Log (see Section 7-8).
Section 8 - DISTRESS calls WARNING A valid USER MMSI must be entered into this radio before these DSC functions can be used. See section 5-1. 8-1 Sending a Distress Call DISTRES CALL ►UNDEFINED FIRE FLOODING COLLISION 1. DISTRES CALL ►UNDEFINED HOLD DISTRES 3 SECONDS.. DISTRES CALL UNDEFINED 11:23 UTC 22°12.023’N ▼TX IN 00:01 Open the red cover labelled DISTRESS. If time is available to specify the nature of the distress, go to step 2. Otherwise, go directly to step 3. 2. 3. 4.
5. 6. 7. 8. 9. You now have the following options: RESEND, PAUSE, CANCEL: To RESEND the call, press RESEND softkey (AIS/IC key) to enter "HOLD DISTRESS 3 SECONDS TO SEND" screen. Hold down DISTRESS key for 3s to resend the call or press EXIT softkey (AIS/IC key) to return to waiting for an acknowledgement call. To PAUSE the call, press PAUSE softkey (WX/NAV key) to pause the "Call repeat" mode, press EXIT softkey (AIS/IC key) to resume the same call.
8-3 Distress acknowledgement (DISTRESS ACK) or distress relay all ships (DISTRESS REL) 1. An alert sounds when a Distress ACK or Distress Relay all ship call is received. Press SILENC softkey (AIS/IC key) to silence the alert. The radio automatically selects CH16 after 10 seconds if no user intervention, or press ACCEPT softkey(AIS/IC key) to change to CH16 immediately. 2. 3. 4. • • 5. Press +/- button or rotate the CH knob to view details of the distress call.
Section 9 - AIS functionality WARNING A valid USER MMSI must be entered into this radio before these AIS functions can be used. See section 5-1. 9-1 About AIS The marine Automatic Identification System (AIS) is a location and vessel information reporting system. It allows vessels equipped with AIS to automatically and dynamically share and regularly update their position, speed, course and other information such as vessel identity with similarly equipped vessels.
• Dynamic information is broadcast depending on speed and course alteration based on the following tables: Ships dynamic conditions Normal reporting interval At anchor or moored 3 Minutes 0-14 knots 10 Seconds 0-14 knots and changing course 3 1/3 Seconds 14-23 knots 6 Seconds 14-23 knots and changing course 2 Seconds Ship faster than 23 knots 2 Seconds Ship faster than 23 knots and changing course 2 Seconds Platforms condition Normal reporting interval Class B Shipborne mobile equipment
9-4 AIS Information and display CAUTION Not all vessels transmit AIS information and therefore not all vessels will be displayed or listed in the following AIS screens. AIS vessel information can be displayed on the radios LCD screen: 1. Press the AIS/IC button to display the AIS plotter screen Note: You must have LAT/LON position information for targets to be displayed on the plotter PPI. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. AIS target details will be displayed on the left of the screen.
7. Press ENT to view full details of the highlighted target such as MMSI, Vessel name, distance, bearing, heading, ROT, COG, SOG, status and other vessel information. 9-4-1 T/CPA approach screen 1. When in AIS mode, press the AIS/IC key again to toggle between the standard AIS screen and the T/CPA Approach screen. In TCPA Approach mode, the approaching AIS target's details are listed on the left side along with it's geographical position on the plotter PPI.
Section 10 - General functionality 10-2 Using the Fog Horn An appropriate PA speaker must be connected to the Hailer wiring before the FOG HORN function can be used. The FOG HORN will sound certain international standard fog horn tones through the hailer speaker depending on the mode selected. 1. Press and hold the AIS/IC button for about 1 second to enter HAILER mode. Select FOG HORN and press ENT. 2.
HAILER PA ►FOG HORN FOG HORN ►HORN UNDERWAY STOP SAIL ▼ FOG HORN UNDERWAY STOP ►SAIL ANCHOR ▲ ▼ SAIL OUTPUT VOL LO HI Note: you cannot change the volume of the HORN or SIREN. 10-1 Using the PA (Public Address) Hailer An appropriate Hailer speaker must be connected to the Hailer wiring before the PA function can be used. The PA allows you to make an announcement at high volume to people or vessels using the Link-8 hand mic.
Appendix A - Technical specifications LOWRANCE Link-8 GENERAL Unit Standard Operation Temperature °C LIMIT -20ºC to +55ºC (-4ºF to 131ºF) Normal Working Voltage V Low battery detect Voltage V 10.5 V Rx Current Drain at : Max Audio Power A ≤1.5 : Stand-By A ≤0.25 : Hailer Power A ≤3.5 : Hi Power A ≤6 (@13.6 V DC) : Lo Power A ≤1.5 (@13.6 V DC) mm 180.5 x 96.3 x 171 Tx Current Drain at Dimensions Weight kg 12 V DC battery system (negative ground) 1.
RECEIVER: Unit LIMIT Intermediate Frequency : 1st MHz 21.4 KHz 450 dBuV ≤-6 dBuV ≤6 : 2nd Sensitivity : 12dB SINAD Squelch Sensitivity : at tight Spurious Response Rejection Ratio dB ≥70 Adjacent Channel Selectivity dB ≥70 Intermodulation Response dB ≥68 S/N at 3KHz Dev.
Link-8 NMEA 2000 PGNS 127250 Vessel Heading 127258 Magnetic Variation 129025 Position, Rapid Update 129026 COG & SOG, Rapid Update 129029 GNSS Position Data 129033 Time & Date 129038 Class A position report (Rx,Tx) 129039 Class B position report (Rx,Tx) 129040 Class B extended position report (Rx, Tx) 129041 AIS Aids to Navigation (AtoN) Report 129283 Cross Track Error 129284 Navigation Data 129285 Navigation Route/WP Information 129792 DGNSS Broadcast binary message (Tx) 129793 UTC and date report (Tx) 129
Appendix B - Troubleshooting 1. The transceiver will not power up. A fuse may have blown or there is no voltage getting to the transceiver. a) Check the power cable for cuts, breaks, or squashed sections. b) After checking the wiring, replace the 7 Amp fuse. c) Check the battery voltage. This must be greater than 10.5V. 2. The transceiver blows the fuse when the power is switched on. The power wires may have been reversed.
Appendix C - US & ROW VHF marine channel charts The following channel charts are provided for reference only and may not be correct for all regions. It is the operators responsibility to ensure correct channels and frequencies are used for local regulations. C-1 International channel chart CH TX (MHz) RX (MHz) MODE 01 156.050 160.650 D 02 156.100 160.700 D 03 156.150 160.750 04 156.
62 156.125 160.725 D Port Operations No Yes 63 156.175 160.775 D Port Operations No Yes PORT OPS 64 156.225 160.825 D Public Correspondence No Yes TELEPHONE 65 156.275 160.875 D Port Operations No Yes PORT OPS 66 156.325 160.925 D Port Operations No Yes PORT OPS 67 156.375 156.375 S Commercial, bridge-to-bridge Yes No BRIDGE COM 68 156.425 156.425 S Inter-ship Yes No SHIP-SHIP 69 156.475 156.475 S Port Operations Yes Yes PORT OPS 70 156.
C-2 USA channel chart CH TX (MHz) RX (MHz) MODE TRAFFIC TYPE SHIP TO SHIP TO SHIP SHORE NAME TAG 01A 156.050 156.050 S Port Operations, Selected VTS Areas Yes Yes PORT OPS/VTS 03A 156.150 156.150 S US Government, Coast Guard Yes Yes UNAUTHORIZED 05A 156.250 156.250 S Port Operations, Selected VTS Areas Yes Yes PORT OPS/VTS 06 156.300 156.300 S Inter-ship Safety Yes No SAFETY 07A 156.350 156.350 S Commercial Yes Yes COMMERCIAL 08 156.400 156.
68 156.425 156.425 S Boat Operations, Recreational Yes No SHIP - SHIP 69 156.475 156.475 S Boat Operations, Recreational Yes Yes PLEASURE 70 156.525 156.525 Digital Selective Calling - DSC ------ ------ DSC 71 156.575 156.575 S Boat Operations, Recreational Yes Yes PLEASURE 72 156.625 156.625 S Boat Operations, Recreational Yes No SHIP - SHIP 73 156.675 156.675 S Port Operations Yes Yes PORT OPS 74 156.725 156.
C-3 CANADA channel chart CH TX (MHz) RX (MHz) MODE TRAFFIC TYPE SHIP TO SHIP TO SHIP SHORE NAME TAG 01 156.050 160.650 D Public Correspondence No Yes TELEPHONE 02 156.100 160.700 D Public Correspondence No Yes TELEPHONE 03 156.150 160.750 D Public Correspondence No Yes TELEPHONE 04A 156.200 156.200 S Canadian Coast Guard, SAR Yes Yes CANADIAN CG 05A 156.250 156.250 S Port Operations, VTS in Selected Areas Yes Yes PORT OPS/VTS 06 156.300 156.
62A 156.125 156.125 S Canadian Coast Guard Yes Yes CANADIAN CG 64 156.225 160.825 D Public Correspondence, Duplex No Yes TELEPHONE Yes UNAUTHORIZED 64A 156.225 156.225 S U.S. Government, Canadian Commercial Yes Fishing 65A 156.275 156.275 S Port Operations Yes Yes PORT OPS 66A 156.325 156.325 S Port Operations Yes Yes PORT OPS 67 156.375 156.375 S Commercial, SAR Yes No COMMERCIAL 68 156.425 156.
“Receive only” channels. 6 . Channel 70 is designated for use exclusively for Digital Selective Calling (DSC), such as Distress, Safety, and Ship Calls. No voice communication is allowed on CH70. This channel is only available on DSC enabled radios. Note: The CANADA mode is not legal to use in U.S. waters. KEY: S = Simplex operating channel; D = Duplex operating channel. C-4 US & Canada WEATHER channels CH RX (MHz) TRAFFIC TYPE NAME REMARK WX01 162.
C-5 EAS (Emergency Alert Systems) alerts National Codes Nature of Activation Emergency Action Notification (National only) Event Codes Message EAN WARNING EAT ADVISORY National Information Center NIC ADVISORY National Periodic Test NPT TEST Required Monthly Test RMT TEST Required Weekly Test RWT TEST State and Local Codes Nature of Activation Event Codes Message Avalanche Warning AVW WARNING Avalanche Watch AVA WATCH Blizzard Warning BZW WARNING Child Abduction Emergency CAE
State and Local Codes Nature of Activation Event Codes Message Hurricane Warning HUW WARNING Hurricane Watch HUA WATCH Hurricane Statement HLS ADVISORY Law Enforcement Warning LEW WARNING Local Area Emergency LAE WARNING 911 Telephone Outage Emergency TOE WARNING Nuclear Power Plant Warning NUW WARNING Radiological Hazard Warning RHW WARNING Severe Thunderstorm Warning SVR WARNING Severe Thunderstorm Watch SVA WATCH Severe Weather Statement SVS ADVISORY Shelter in Place W
Appendix D - EU VHF marine channel charts The following channel charts are provided for reference only and may not be correct for all regions. It is the operators responsibility to ensure correct channels and frequencies are used for local regulations. For specific channel information for your country, please refer to local authorities. D-1 EU international channel chart CH TX (MHz) RX (MHz) MODE 01 156.050 160.650 D 02 156.100 160.700 D 03 156.150 160.750 04 156.
62 156.125 160.725 D Public Correspondence, Port Op No Yes PHONE-PORTOP 63 156.175 160.775 D Public Correspondence, Port Op No Yes PHONE-PORTOP 64 156.225 160.825 D Public Correspondence, Port Op No Yes PHONE-PORTOP 65 156.275 160.875 D Public Correspondence, Port Op No Yes PHONE-PORTOP 66 156.325 160.925 D Public Correspondence, Port Op No Yes PHONE-PORTOP 67 156.375 156.375 S Commercial, bridge-to-bridge Yes No SHIP-SHIP 68 156.425 156.
D-2 Inland waterways country specific table - ATIS ON For specific channel information for your country, please refer to local authorities. CH SPECIFIC FOOTNOTES TRANSMITTING FREQUENCY (MHZ) SHIP 82 SHIP-TO-SHIP SHIP-TO PORT NAUTICAL INFORMATION LAND 60 a) 156.025 160.625 x 01 a) 156.05 160.65 x 61 a) 156.075 160.675 x 02 a) 156.1 160.7 x 62 a) 156.125 160.725 x 03 a) 156.15 160.75 x 63 a) 156.175 160.775 x 04 a) 156.2 160.8 x 64 a) 156.225 160.
77 156.875 156.875 18 156.9 161.5 x 78 156.925 161.525 x 19 156.95 161.55 x 156.975 161.575 x 20 157 161.6 x 80 157.025 161.625 x 79 a) k) a) x 21 a) 157.05 161.65 x 81 a) 157.075 161.675 x 157.1 161.7 x 22 82 l) m) 157.125 161.725 x 23 m) 157.15 161.75 x 83 a) m) 157.175 161.775 x 24 m) 157.2 161.8 x 84 m) 157.225 161.825 x 25 m) 157.25 161.85 x 85 a) m) 157.275 161.875 x 26 m) 157.3 161.9 x 86 a) m) 157.325 161.
Explanation of specific footnotes in Country Specific table: a. In the countries mentioned under remark 2, it is strictly prohibited to use this channel. b. This channel is not allowed to be used between Rhine km 150 and km 350. c. In the Netherlands, this channel is used by for its on-scene communications during safety operations on the North Sea, IJsselmeer, Waddenzee, Ooster- and Westerschelde. d. This channel may also be used for piloting, mooring, tugging and for other nautical purposes. e.
D-3 Special channels Country Item Chart EU Standard, France, Greece, Spain, Portugal DSC ON EUR Default UK DSC ON EUR Default M, M2 DSC ON EUR Default 31, 37, 96 (1W) ATIS ON EUR Default 31, 96 (1W) Belgium Primary channel Norway, Finland DSC ON L1, L2, L3, F1, F2, F3 Sweden, Denmark DSC ON L1, L2, F1, F2, F3 Italy DSC ON Italy (with Coast) DSC ON Holland Germany Austria, Newsland A0, A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, C0, C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9 DSC ON ATIS ON 31 (1W), 37 EUR
Appendix E - MMSI and license information You must obtain a user MMSI (Marine Mobile Service Identity) and enter it into your Link-8 in order to use the DSC functions. Contact the appropriate authorities in your country. If you are unsure who to contact, consult your Lowrance dealer. The user MMSI is a unique nine digit number, similar to a personal telephone number. It is used on marine transceivers that are capable of using DSC (Digital Select Calling).
1177 *988-10254-001*
