HX500S VHF/FM Marine Handheld Transceiver Owner's Manual HX500S
TABLE OF CONTENTS RF EXPOSURE SAFETY STATEMENT ...................................................................................... 2 FCC AND CANADA RADIO LICENSE INFORMATION .............................................................. 3 FCC NOTICE ............................................................................................................................... 4 1. GENERAL INFORMATION .................................................................................................. 5 1.
Congratulations on your purchase of the HX500S! Whether this is your first portable marine VHF transceiver, or if you have other STANDARD HORIZON equipment, the STANDARD HORIZON organization is committed to ensuring your enjoyment of this high performance transceiver, which should provide you with many years of satisfying communications even in the harshest of environments.
RF EXPOSURE SAFETY STATEMENT SAFETY INFORMATION Your wireless handheld portable transceiver contains a low power transmitter. When the Push-to-Talk (PTT) button is pushed, the transceiver sends out radio frequency (RF) signals. In August 1996, the Federal Communications Commission adopted RF exposure guidelines with safety levels for hand-held wireless devices. This device is authorized to operate at a duty factor not to exceed 50% (this corresponds to 50% transmission time and 50% reception time).
FCC AND CANADA RADIO LICENSE INFORMATION Standard Horizon radios comply with the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) and Industry-Canada requirements that regulate the Maritime Radio Service. MARITIME STATION LICENSE An FCC ship station license is no longer required for any vessel traveling in U.S. waters which uses a VHF marine radio, RADAR or EPIRB, and which is not required to carry radio equipment.
FCC NOTICE Unauthorized changes or modifications to this equipment may void compliance with FCC Rules. Any change or modification must be approved in writing by STANDARD HORIZON, a Marine Division of VERTEX STANDARD. NOTICE This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
1. GENERAL INFORMATION 1.1 INTRODUCTION The HX500S is a SUBMERSIBLE 5-Watt portable two-way marine transceiver with a high capacity Lithium-Ion battery. The transceiver has all allocated USA, International, or Canadian channels. It has emergency channel 16 which can be immediately selected from any channel by pressing the [16/9] key. NOAA Weather channels can also be accessed immediately by pressing the [WX] key.
2. ACCESSORIES 2.1 PACKING LIST When the package containing the transceiver is first opened, please check it for the following contents: • HX500S Transceiver • CAT460 Antenna • FNB-V98LI 7.4 V, 1700 mAh Li-Ion Battery Pack • CD-35 Charger Cradle for HX500S • NC-90B 120 VAC Overnight Charger for CD-35 • E-DC-19A DC Cable with 12 V Cigarette Lighter Plug for CD-35 • Owner’s Manual 2.
3. ABOUT THIS RADIO 3.1 ABOUT THE VHF MARINE BAND WARNING: The radio frequencies used in the VHF marine band lie between 156 and 158 MHz with NOAA Weather stations available between 161 and 163 MHz. The marine VHF band provides communications over distances that are essentially “line of sight” Actual transmission range depends much more on antenna type, gain and height than on the power output of the transmitter. A portable 5 W radio transmission expected distance can be 2 to 5 miles.
4. GETTING STARTED Lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries pack high energy density in a tiny package. Other than higher power and lower weight, li-ion batteries are user friendly as well. Unlike its predecessor, the nickel-cadmium, lithium-ion batteries do not suffer from the “memory effect.” That is, the battery does not have to be fully discharged before being recharged. Though the batteries do not suffer from the memory effect, it is just the opposite that users should be wary of.
DO NOT INCINERATE: Do not dispose of any battery in a fire or incinerator. The heat of fire may cause battery cells to explode and/or release dangerous gases. Battery Maintenance For safe and proper battery use, please observe the following: • Battery packs should be charged only in non-hazardous environments; • Use only STANDARD HORIZON-approved batteries; • Use only a STANDARD HORIZON, (a Marine Division of VERTEX STANDARD) approved charger.
4.1.2 BATTERY CHARGING If the radio has never been used, or its charge is depleted, it may be charged by connecting the CD-35 Charger Cradle with the NC-90 battery charger, as shown in the illustration. When the battery pack is inserted correctly, the LED indicator on the CD-35 Charger Cradle will glow red. When charging is completed, the LED indicator will change to green. Note: The radio may be kept in the charging cradle when the radio is turned off.
4.1.4 USING THE CD-35 CHARGER CRADLE 1. Turn the transceiver off. 2. Insert the DC plug from the NC-90 into the DC jack on the CD-35 side panel, then plug the NC-90 into the AC line outlet. 3. Insert the HX500S (with the battery pack) into the CD-35; the antenna should be at the left side when viewing the charger from the front. 4. If the HX500S is inserted correctly, the Red indicator on the CD-35 will glow. A fully-discharged pack will be charged completely in approximately 8 hours.
5. CONTROLS AND SWITCHES NOTE This section defines each control of the transceiver. For detailed operating instructions, refer to section 6 “BASIC OPERATION.” Refer to illustrations for the location of the following controls, switches, and connections. VOLUME CONTROL Turn this control clockwise to increase the volume. MIC/SP JACK The jack accepts the optional CMP460 Speaker/Microphone, MH-57A4B Mini Speaker/Microphone, VC-24 VOX Headset or VC-27 Earpiece/Microphone.
ANTENNA CONNECTOR The supplied CAT460 flexible antenna is attached here. PUSH-TO-TALK (PTT) SWITCH When pushed activates the transmitter. SQUELCH (SQL) SWITCH Sets the point at which random noise on the channel will not activate the audio circuits but a received signal does. This point is called the Squelch threshold. Further adjustment of the squelch control will degrade the reception of wanted transmissions.
[H/L] KEY On the Marine Band, changes the transmitter output power between High (5 Watts), Medium (2.5 Watts), and Low (1 Watt). Does not operate on “Low power only” and transmission-inhibit channels. When operating on Canadian channel 13, or USA channels 13 or 67, pressing this key momentarily toggles the power level from Low power to medium or High power. Secondary use: Hold down this key to lock the keypad (except the PTT, SQL, and [H/L] keys) so that they are not accidentally changed.
6. BASIC OPERATION 6.1 INITIAL SETUP 1. Install the battery pack on the transceiver (see section “4.1.3 BATTERY INSTALLATION/REMOVAL”). 2. Install the antenna onto the transceiver. NOTE: Water resistance of the transceiver is assured only when the battery pack and antenna are attached to the transceiver and MIC/SP rubber cap is installed in the MIC/SP jack. 6.2 RECEPTION 1. Press and hold in the POWER switch for two seconds to turn the transceiver on. 2.
Hold down the [H/L] key for about one second to unlock the keys. The “ ” symbol will disappear from the display. 6.3 TRANSMISSION 1. Perform steps 1 through 5 of the RECEPTION discussion above. 2. Before transmitting, monitor the channel and make sure it is clear. THIS IS AN FCC REQUIREMENT! 3. For communications over short distances on the Marine band, press the [H/L] key until “ ” is displayed on the LCD. This indicates Low power (approximately 1 watt). Note Transmitting on 1 watt prolongs battery life.
6.4 NOAA WEATHER CHANNELS 1. To receive a NOAA weather broadcast, press the [WX] key. The transceiver changes to the weather channel mode. This mode consists of a special preset memory bank containing the NOAA weather channels. 2. The transceiver will be set to the last used NOAA weather channel. Press the [S] or [T] key to change to other weather channels. 3. To exit from the weather channel mode press the [WX] key.
6.5 PRESET CHANNELS (0 ~ 9): INSTANT ACCESS Ten user-assigned channels can be programmed for instant access. Programming 1. Hold down the [PRESET] key, and press the [S] or [T] key (repeatedly, if necessary) until the desired channel number is displayed. 2. With the desired number displayed, release the [PRESET] key. 3. Repeat steps 2 and 3 to program the desired channels into Preset Channels “0” ~ “9.” 4.
7. ADVANCED OPERATION ON THE MARINE BAND 7.1 USA, CANADIAN, AND INTERNATIONAL CHANNELS 1. To change from US to Canadian or International Marine Channels, hold down the [16/9] key and press the [WX] key. The band will change from USA, to International, and to Canadian with each press. 2. “USA” appears on the LCD for the USA band, “INTL” appears for the International band, and “CAN” appears for the Canadian band. 3.
7.3 PROGRAMMABLE PRIORITY SCAN The priority scanning feature allows the radio to scan while also keeping watch on a particularly important “priority channel.” The following channels can be set as the priority channel: 16, 09, and MARINE Preset Channel. 1. To set the priority channel, hold down the [16/9] key and press the [MEM] key. The channel will change from 16 to 09 to Preset Channels 0 through 9 with each press of the [MEM] key.
7.4 DUAL WATCH The Dual Watch feature allows the radio to watch for a transmission on the priority channel and another selected Marine channel until a signal is received. The priority channel is determined in section “7.3 PROGRAMMABLE PRIORITY SCAN”. 1. To start the Dual Watch feature, select a channel to be dual watched with the priority channel and press and hold the [SCAN] key. The radio checks the priority channel for voice traffic every one second.
7.7 CHANNEL 9 Channel 9 is used as a hailing channel for initial, non-emergency contacts with other vessels. Hold down the [16/9] key for 1 second to select channel 9. You should change to a working channel, after contact is established (so as to keep the hailing channel clear for other users). 7.8 OPERATING ON USA OR CANADIAN 13, OR USA CHANNEL 67 USA and Canadian Channel 13, USA 67 are used at docks, bridges and for maneuvering in port.
8. OPERATING PRACTICES 8.1 EMERGENCY (CHANNEL 16 USE) Channel 16 is known as the Hail and Distress Channel. An emergency may be defined as a threat to life or property. In such instances, be sure the transceiver is on and set to CHANNEL 16. Then use the following procedure: 1. Press the microphone push-to-talk switch and say “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday. This is , , ” (your vessel’s name). 2. Then repeat once: “Mayday, ” (your vessel’s name). 3.
this manual, and select an appropriate channel for communications after initial contact. For example, Channels 68 and 69 of the U.S. VHF Charts are some of the channels available to non-commercial (recreational) boaters. Monitor your desired channel in advance to make sure you will not be interrupting other traffic, and then go back to either channel 16 or 9 for your initial contact.
8.4 NOAA WEATHER ALERT TESTING In the event of a major storm or other appreciable weather condition requiring vessels at sea (or other bodies of water) to be notified, the NOAA (National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration) broadcasts a 1050 Hz tone that some VHF radios, including your HX500S, can detect for “Weather Alarm” purposes (refer to section “6.4.1 NOAA WEATHER ALERT” for a discussion of how to use this feature).
9. MENU (“SET”) MODE The Menu Mode allows a number of the HX500S operating parameters to be customized. 1. Turn the transceiver off. 2. Hold down the SQL switch, then turn on the transceiver while still holding down the SQL switch. SEt 3. “SEt SEt” will appear on the display, indicating that the Setup Mode has been activated. 4. Press the the SQL switch to select the Menu item to be adjusted. 5. Press the [S] or [T] key to select the status or value of the Menu item. 6.
to 12 characters). 9. After completing your adjustment, press the SQL switch to save the new setting. 10. Press the PTT key to exit to normal operation. dUL (DW DISPLAY) Function: Selects the Dual Watch scanning display mode. Available Values: Normal / Special Default: Special When “Special” is selected the channel shown on the display is the last channel the HX500S received a call on. This is a handy feature if you cannot look at the radio the moment a transmission was received.
dr (DIMMER) Function: Setting of the Display brightness level. Available Values: 00 / 01 / 02 / 03 Default: 02 PC (AUDIO PITCH CONTROL) Function: This control changes the speaker audio to have a high or lower sounding pitch to assist listening in quiet or noisy environments. Available Values: ON / OFF Default: OFF SOS (STROBE) Function: Selects the S.O.S. STROBE illumination from Continuously on to SOS strobe. Available Values: Continue / SOS Default: SOS 10. INSTALLATION OF OPTIONS 10.
11. MAINTENANCE 11.1 GENERAL The inherent quality of the solid-state components in STANDARD HORIZON radios will provide many years of continuous use. Take the following precautions to prevent damage to the radio. • Keep the microphone connected or the jack covered at all times to prevent corrosion of electrical contacts; • Never key the transmitter unless an antenna or suitable dummy load is connected to the antenna receptacle.
11.3 TROUBLESHOOTING CHART TROUBLESHOOTING CHART SYMPTOM PROBABLE CAUSE REMEDY No channels memorized. Use the [MEM] key to enter desired channels into the transceiver’s memory. Squelch is not adjusted. Adjust the squelch to threshold or to the point where noise just disappears. Further adjustment of the squelch control may eliminate incoming signals. The USA/INTL/CAN modes do not function. Proper operation not followed. HOLD down the [16/9 ] key and press the [WX] key.
12. VHF MARINE CHANNEL ASSIGNMENTS Tables on the following pages list the VHF Marine Channel assignments for U.S.A. and International use. Below are listed some data about the charts. 1. VTS. Where indicated, these channels are part of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Vessel Traffic System. 2. Alpha channel numbers, that is, channel numbers followed by the letter A (such as Channel 07A) are simplex channels on the U.S.A.
the term “non-commercial” in the Channel Use column of the chart. Some of these are shared with other users and some are used only in certain geographic regions. 6. Marine vessels equipped with VHF radios are required to monitor Channel 16. VHF Marine Channel VHF MARINE CHANNEL CHART CH U C I S/D TX RX CHANNEL USE 01 X X D 156.050 160.650 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator) 01A X S 156.050 Port Operation and Commercial. VTS in selected areas 02 X X D 156.100 160.
CH 23 23A 24 25 26 27 28 60 61 U C X X X X X X X X X X X X X 61A X X 62 62A X 63 63A X 64 X 64A X X 65 65A X X 66 66A X X 67 X X 68 69 X X X X 70 71 X X X X 72 73 X X X X 74 X X 75 76 77 77 78 X X X X 78A X X HX500S VHF MARINE CHANNEL CHART I S/D TX RX CHANNEL USE X D 157.150 161.750 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator) S 157.150 U.S. Government Only X D 157.200 161.800 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator) X D 157.250 161.850 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator) X D 157.300 161.
VHF MARINE CHANNEL CHART I S/D TX RX CHANNEL USE X D 156.975 161.575 Port operation and Ship movement X X S 156.975 Commercial X D 157.025 161.625 Port operation, ship movement X X S 157.025 Commercial X D 157.075 161.675 Port operation, ship movement X X S 157.075 U.S. Government Only Environmental protection operations. 82 X D 157.125 161.725 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator), Port operation, ship movement 82A X X S 157.125 U.S. Government Only, Canadian Coast Guard Only 83 X X D 157.175 161.
Points of communicaCarrier frequency Points of communication (Intership and be- Channel tion (Intership and be(MHz) tween coast and ship designator tween coast and ship Coast unless otherwise indiCoast unless otherwise indiShip Ship transmit transmit cated) transmit transmit cated) Port Operations Noncommercial Carrier frequency (MHz) Channel designator 01A1 63A1 052 65A 66A 123 73 143 74 774 20A12 156.050 156.175 156.250 156.275 156.325 156.600 156.675 156.700 156.725 156.875 157.000 156.050 156.
4: Use of 156.875 MHz is limited to communications with pilots regarding the movement and docking of ships. Normal output power must not exceed 1 watt. 5: 156.375 MHz and 156.650 MHz are available primarily for intership navigational communications. These frequencies are available between coast and ship on a secondary basis when used on or in the vicinity of locks or drawbridges. Normal output power must not exceed 1 watt.
13. WARRANTY Marine Products Limited Warranty PLEASE NOTE The following “Limited Warranty” is for valid for products that have been purchased in the United States and Canada. For limited Warranty details outside the United States, contact the dealer in your country.
therein which, upon examination by STANDARD HORIZON, appear to be defective or not up to factory specifications. STANDARD HORIZON may, at its option, repair or replace parts or subassemblies with new or reconditioned parts and subassemblies. Parts thus repaired or replaced are warranted for the balance of the original applicable warranty. STANDARD HORIZON will not warrant installation, maintenance or service of the Products.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, or limitation on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply. This warranty gives specific legal rights, and there may be other rights which may vary from state to state. ONLY PRODUCTS SOLD ON OR AFTER JANUARY 1, 1991 ARE COVERED UNDER THE TERMS OF THIS LIMITED WARRANTY.
14. SPECIFICATIONS Performance specifications are nominal, unless otherwise indicated, and are subject to change without notice. 15.1 GENERAL Frequency Ranges (MHz): Frequency Stability: Emission Type: Antenna Impedance: Supply Voltage: Current Consumption: Battery life: Operating Temperature: Case Size (W x H x D): Weight (Approx.): 156 MHz - 163.275 MHz (Marine Band + WX Band) Channel Steps: 25 kHz ±10 ppm (–4 °F to +140 °F [–20 °C to +60 °C]) 16K0G3E 50 Ohms Nominal: 7.
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the condition that this device does not cause harmful interference. Part 15.21: Changes or modifications to this device not expressly approved by Vertex Standard could void the User’s authorization to operate this device.
Marine Division of VERTEX STANDARD US Headquarters 10900 Walker Street, Cypress, CA 90630, U.S.A. E M 0 1 8 N 1 1 0 Copyright 2007 VERTEX STANDARD CO., LTD. All rights reserved. No portion of this manual may be reproduced without the permission of VERTEX STANDARD CO., LTD.
