Garmin VHF 720 Owner's Manual & Reference
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Garmin VHF 720 Owner's Manual & Reference

Garmin VHF 720 Owner's Manual & Reference

Garmin vhf 720: owners manual
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  • Page 1 Owner’s Manual & Reference Guide...
  • Page 2 Information in this manual is subject to change without notice. GARMIN reserves the right to change or improve its products and to make changes in the content without obligation to notify any person or organization of such changes.

  • Page 3: Belt Clip

    Thank you for choosing the GARMIN VHF 720. 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 720 Features“...

  • Page 4: Introduction

    (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. The VHF 720 does not contain any user-serviceable parts. Repairs should only be made by and authorized service center. Unauthorized repairs or modifications could void your warranty and your authority to operate this device.
  • Page 5 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 720 aboard your private vessel in many circumstances. To find out...

  • Page 6: Cautions

    Precautions Read all instructions carefully and completely before using the VHF 720 Marine Radio. This device is intended only as an aid to boating safety and navigation. The performance of the VHF 720 can be affected by many factors including environ- mental conditions and improper handling or use.

  • Page 7: Table Of Contents

    SECTION ONE Packing List...i FCC Compliance Statement...ii Cautions...iii-iv SECTION TWO Unit Description...2-3 Keys and Function Displays...4-9 Maritime Radio Services Operation...10-4 Installing the Antenna...15 Installing the Battery Tray...15-16 Selecting a Channel...16-17 Setting the Squelch Threshold...17 Adjusting the Volume...18 Scanning Channels...18-19 Tri-Watch...19-20 Monitoring Weather Channels...20-21 Receiving and Transmitting...21-24 Backlighting the LCD Display ...24...

  • Page 8: Unit Description

    Unit Description Squelch Key Press To Talk (PTT) Hi/Low Power-Lock Tri-Watch - Channel 16- Channel 9 - Key Power/Backlighting Weather/Regular Channel - Weather Alert Key Battery Tray Flexible Antenna LCD Display Screen 16/9 SCAN WX/CH U/I/C +/- Volume Control UP/DOWN Arrow Channel Selection Scan Key Memory Key...
  • Page 9 A 1” high by 1-3/8” wide LCD display provides indica- tion of all features and functions of the VHF 720. The scan feature allows the operator to select up to 10 channels for continuous monitoring in any combination of U.S.A., Canadian, and International bands.

  • Page 10: Keys And Function Displays

    Eleven keys provide access to all of the unit’ s features and functions. When any key (except Keys & the PTT key) is pressed, the unit will acknowl- Function edge by emitting a single beep confirmation tone. Some keys have dual functions. Displays Power/Backlighting Key - This key turns on the unit when pressed and released, and turns...
  • Page 11 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 Memory Key in memory (as indicated by the MEM icon on the display) will remove the channel from memory.
  • Page 12 Keys & Function Displays Squelch Key - This key breaks the squelch (unmutes the audio) when pressed and held. It is Squelch Key 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...
  • Page 13 The VHF 720 LCD Display Screen gives Keys & indication of channels being monitored, battery Function power level, volume level, and the status of all unit features. Displays Channel Number Indicator - This large numeral display indicates the selected operating channel or the squelch threshold setting when the squelch key is pressed.
  • Page 14 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.
  • Page 15 Receive (RX) Indicator - This indicator provides notice that a signal is being received by the unit. Transmit (TX) Indicator - This indicator appears when you are using the VHF 720 to transmit and will come on when you hold down the Keys &...

  • Page 16: Maritime Radio Services Operation

    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 720. 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.
  • Page 17 Maritime radio users are required to monitor channel 16, it is also advisable to monitor channel 9 and a weather channel as well. To facilitate these requirements, the VHF 720 is equipped with Tri-Watch and Weather Alert features that allow you to engage in regular...
  • Page 18 Maritime Radio Services Operation Here is a grouping of the channels and a brief description of their use. Port Operations - Can be used by any vessel for communications between ships and ship-to- coast stations for messages relating to operational handling, move- ment and safety of vessels in or near ports, locks or waterways.
  • Page 19 Navigation - used by any vessel for safety communica- tions regarding the maneuvering of vessels or directing of a vessels movements. Ship-to-ship and secondarily ship-to-coast communica- tions. Commonly called the Bridge-to-Bridge channel. For routine operations, radio power must be reduced to one watt. Environmental - Used by any vessel to receive only broadcast information concerning environmental conditions in which vessel operate, such as, weather, sea conditions, time signals, and...
  • Page 20 Specially designed warning receivers either sound an alarm indicating an emergency exits or tune into the weather frequency. The VHF 720 is equipped to sound the alarm tone and tune into the broadcast when the Weather Alert feature is activated.

  • Page 21: Installing The Antenna

    To install the antenna: Installing the Battery Pack The VHF 720 requires six AA alkaline cell batteries and will provide approximately 19 hours of operating time under normal use. Rechargeable alkaline, NiCad batteries or the optional GARMIN NiCad Battery Pack may also be used.

  • Page 22: Selecting A Channel

    Select Channel Select Selecting a Channel To begin using the VHF 720 you will want to select a channel to monitor while you personal- ize the unit settings, such as volume and squelch. When you power-up the unit, a channel will automatically be selected, but it may not be suitable for making unit settings.

  • Page 23: Setting The Squelch Threshold

    Setting the Squelch Threshold Setting the Squelch is important for reception of signals you want to hear. There are ten threshold levels, from 0, which allows all signals to be received, to 9, which allows only the strongest signal to be heard through the speaker. The diagram in Figure 5 demonstrates how setting the threshold level allows you to hear only the signals you desire, while weaker, unintelligible...

  • Page 24: Adjusting The Volume

    Adjusting Volume, Scanning Volume Level Indicator Volume Decrease Increase Scanning Display Band Select Channel Select Memory Select Scanning Select Adjusting the Volume The Volume key may be adjusted using the keys. The volume level is indicated by the band of gradually rising bars on the LCD display. To adjust the volume: Scanning Channels You may want to keep in contact with several...

  • Page 25: Tri-Watch

    T ri-Watch Tri-Watch Tri-Watch is a method of monitoring the emergency channel 16 and the alternate hailing channel 9 while monitoring the channel you are using for communications. To use Tri-Watch: Tri-Watch Display Press and Hold for More Than 1 Second...

  • Page 26: Monitoring Weather Channels

    When a weather alert signal is detected the “WX ALERT” wording on the display will flash, and after an alert tone, the VHF 720 will automatically access the weather channel. It will increase the volume to mid-range, if set lower, and allow you to hear severe weather information.

  • Page 27: Receiving And Transmitting

    To activate Weather Alert: Receiving and Transmitting Whenever the VHF 720 is powered-up (On) it is in the receiving mode. If the unit is monitor- ing 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.
  • Page 28 Receiving T ransmitting Receiving Mode Display Toggle From Weather To Regular Channels Select Channel Band Select Channel Enter Channel Into Memory Activate SCAN Feature Activate Emergency Monitor or Tri-Watch Feature To transmit on the VHF 720:...
  • Page 29 Receiving Transmitting Transmit Display Press and Hold While Transmitting...

  • Page 30: Backlighting The Lcd Display

    LCD display in dim light. Using the Key Lock Feature If you desire to maintain a selected function on your VHF 720, such as TRI-WATCH, SCAN, or Weather Alert, you can lock the keys using the Lock feature to prevent inadvertent canceling or changing of unit settings.

  • Page 31: Appendix A - Optional Accessories

    Refer to Page 15 for Antenna and Battery Installation. Installing the Belt Clip and Wrist Strap The VHF 720 is supplied with a belt clip and carrying strap so you can carry the unit wherever you go. Attach the clip to the back of the unit using the two mounting screws provided.

  • Page 32: Optional Accessories

    Charging Unit (U.S. Version 120 VAC) Mounting Bracket/Charging Stand... Part Number: 010-10191-00 Carry Holster with Belt Loop... Part Number: 010-10219-00 Contact your GARMIN Dealer to obtain these optional accessories. VHF 720 Optional Accessories: NiCad Battery Pack Kit Includes rechargeable NiCad Battery Pack, Mounting Bracket/Charging Stand, and 120 VAC Charging Unit.

  • Page 33: Appendix B - Specifications

    Physical: Size: Weight: Temperature Range: Transceiver: Frequency Bands: Channel Spacing: Receiver: Selectivity: Sensitivity (FM): (WX): Squelch Sensitivity: (Threshold) Audio Power: Audio Distortion: Hum and Noise: Transmitter: Transmitter Output: Frequency Stability: Hum and Noise: Duty Cycle: Microphone: Compliance: Power: Operating Voltage: Source: Standard Optional Battery Life*:...

  • Page 34: Appendix C - Vhf Channel List

    Channel List Channel Number Frequency (MHz) USA CAN INT 01 156.050 160.650 156.050 156.050 02 156.100 160.700 03 156.150 160.750 Com’l, Port Ops, VTS 156.150 156.150 Com’l, Port Ops, VTS 04 156.200 160.800 156.200 156.200 05 156.250 160.850 05A 05A 156.250 156.250 06 156.300 156.300 07 156.350 160.950...
  • Page 35 Channel Number Frequency (MHz) USA CAN INT 63 156.175 160.775 156.175 156.175 64 156.225 160.825 64A 64A 156.225 156.225 65 156.275 160.875 65A 65A 156.275 156.325 66 156.325 160.925 156.325 156.325 156.325 156.325 67 156.375 156.375 68 156.425 156.425 69 156.475 156.475 70 NO TX 156.525 Digital Selective Calling 71 156.575 156.575 72 156.625 156.625...

  • Page 36: Appendix D - Maintenance And Troubleshooting

    (6) standard “AA” alkaline, rechargeable alkaline or rechargeable NiCad cells. It is advisable to maintain a supply of replacement batteries if the VHF 720 is to be placed in service for a prolonged period where replacement batteries cannot be easily obtained.
  • Page 37 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 720 Charging Unit provided with the Battery Pack. Partially discharging a nickel-cadmium battery and then recharging it causes a phenomenon referred to as “memory reset”.

  • Page 38: Troubleshooting Guide

    Maintenance & T roubleshooting SYMPTOM Unit does not come ON No sound from speaker Cannot transmit or transmission isn’t being received. The displayed channel cannot be changed. Error tone (2 beeps) is heard when a key is pressed and no unit function is performed.

  • Page 39: Appendix E - Messages

    The VHF 720 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 720 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.

  • Page 40: Appendix F - Glossary

    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...

  • Page 41: Appendix G - Index

    Accessories...25 Antenna Installation...15 Backlighting...24 Battery Installation...15 Battery Pack...15, 26 Belt Clip...25 Calling Channel...13 Cautions...iv, v Channel Definition...12-14 Channel List...28-29 Cleaning...30 Dual Watch...20 Emergency Channel...13 Error Tones...32 FCC...iii - iv Flexible Antenna...2 Keys and Displays...4 - 9 Key Lock...24 Maritime Radio User’ s Hndbk...iii Marine Radio License...iv Memory...5, 7, 18 Messages...33...

  • Page 42: Appendix H - Warranty And Service Information

    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.
  • Page 43 Street, Olathe, KS 66062 GARMIN (Europe) LTD., Unit 5, The Quadrangle, Abbey Park Indus- trial Estate, Romsey, SO51, 9AQ UK GARMIN (Asia) Corp., 3F, No. 1, Lane 45, Pao Hsing Road, Hsin Road, Hsin Tien, Taipei, Taiwan R.O.C. website address: www.garmin.com...

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