Simrad RD68 User Manual
  1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. Simrad Manuals
  4. Radio
  5. RD68
  6. User manual

Simrad RD68 User Manual

Fixed dsc vhf radio
Hide thumbs Also See for RD68:
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

See also: Service Manual , Instruction Manual
Manual
Simrad RD68
Fixed DSC VHF Radio

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading

Related Manuals for Simrad RD68

Summary of Contents for Simrad RD68

  • Page 1 Manual Simrad RD68 Fixed DSC VHF Radio...
  • Page 2 No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form, electronic or otherwise without prior permission from Simrad Navico Ltd. No liability can be accepted for any inaccuracies or omissions in the publication, although every care has been taken to make it as com- plete and accurate as possible.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Instruction Manual CONTENTS 1. GENERAL Introduction ........4 Licensing .

  • Page 4: General

    Channel 16. Should a distress situ- ation occur, with the RD68 you can quickly raise an alert, indi- cating your identity, your position and automatically establish distress communication on the emergency voice channel.

  • Page 5: Licensing

    Instruction Manual 1.2 Licensing NOTE Prior to use check the national licensing requirements for the operator. In the UK license applications and queries should be made to the following authority - Ship Radio Licensing Radio Licensing Centre The Post Office PO Box 1495 Bristol BS99 3QS...

  • Page 6: Entering Mmsi Numbers

    RD68, otherwise the DSC functions cannot be accessed. NOTE If the boat or the RD68 are subsequently sold, the radio must be returned to an authorised Simrad agent for the MMSI num- ber to be erased and the new owner’s MMSI number entered.
  • Page 7 To change the MMSI number after it has been programmed the unit must be returned to an autho- rised Simrad Dealer to erase the existing number. * The Group ID MMSI number can also be entered here - unlike the vessel MMSI number, this can be changed later .

  • Page 8: General

    RD68 2 OPERATION 2.1 General The RD68 VHF is very simple to operate, with the controls falling into five groups - 1. The rotary Volume/On/Off & Squelch controls. 2. The alphanumeric keypad used to select the channel, MMSI number etc.

  • Page 9: Backlighting

    (by pressing E), Scan the radio will revert to the original channel NOTE To select channels, the RD68 will need to be in Radio Mode. If in DSC mode, press the Rad softkey before entering the channel number. E03912...

  • Page 10: Auxiliary & Private Channels

    RD68 2.4.2 Auxiliary & Private channels NOTE Only available if channels are programmed into radio. 1 2 : 4 1 Lite Select private channel 1 2 : 4 1 P P v v t t Lite Select weather channel 1 2 : 4 2...

  • Page 11: Transmit Power

    Instruction Manual 2.5 Transmit power Toggles transmit power between 25w (Hi) and 1w (Lo) for short range transmissions, for example when in a marina. This pre- serves battery power. 1 2 : 4 2 H H i i Lite Scan 1 2 : 4 2 L L o o Lite...
  • Page 12 RD68 1 2 : 4 3 C C a a l l l l Menu Press Type to scroll through the different Manual MMSI entry types of call 1 2 : 4 3 key to R R o o u u t t i i n n e e t t o o...
  • Page 13 Instruction Manual 1 2 : 4 4 C C a a l l l l Menu 1 2 : 4 4 Type Routine to Excalibur D D i i r r Press Dir to scroll Ch06 through directory Send entries 1 2 : 4 4 Routine to Type...

  • Page 14: Sending A Distress Alert Call

    RD68 2.7 Making a distress alert call WARNING This call should only be made if the vessel is in a genuine distress situation. It is an offense to send a Distress Alert call if the vessel or crew are not in danger. Refer to section 5.1 for more details.
  • Page 15 NMEA interface then the display will allow this data to be entered manually - refer to section 3.2 for more details. After the Distress Alert has been sent, the RD68 will tune to channel 16 and will automatically repeat the Alert approxi-...

  • Page 16: Receiving A Dsc Call

    RD68 2.8 Receiving a DSC call When a call is received, the RD68 will ring and the display will show the call information. Press Ack (for Individual calls requesting acknowledgement only) or OK to cancel ring and switch to the working channel.

  • Page 17: Dual Watch

    C C h h 1 1 6 6 D D / / W W D D / / W W The RD68 will monitor the working channel and the priority channel sequentially NOTE Normal VHF functions will not be available when in dual watch mode.

  • Page 18: Tri Watch

    RD68 2.10 Tri watch Tri watch operates on the same principle as dual watch, howev- er this function scans between the working channel, priority channel and the user channel. For more information on the user channel and how it is specified, please refer to section 2.13.

  • Page 19: Scan Mode

    Instruction Manual 2.11 Scan mode The scan function cycles the RD68 sequentially through each enabled channel, pausing when a signal is detected. 1 2 : 5 4 Lite S S c c a a n n 1 2 : 5 4...

  • Page 20: Memory Scan

    RD68 To re-enable an inhibited channel into the scan cycle, repeat sequence 2 - 1 2 : 5 5 Select channel to be enabled S S c c a a n n then press and hold Scan E E n n a a...

  • Page 21: Add / Remove Memory Scan Channels

    Instruction Manual 2.12.1 Add / remove memory scan channels To add a channel to the memory scan cycle - 1 2 : 5 7 Lite Select the required Scan channel 1 2 : 5 7 M M / / S S M M / / S S S S e e l l Scan...

  • Page 22: Priority Channel & User Channel Select

    2.13 Priority & user channel select The priority channel (usually 16, depending on the configuration of the RD68) can be accessed immediately by pressing 16. This will cancel any function currently in operation. The user channel is a programmable priority channel, which is...

  • Page 23: Viewing Call Log

    Instruction Manual 2.14 Viewing the call log The last 16 incoming DSC calls are logged by the RD68 and can be viewed later (this function will not be displayed if no calls have been received) - 1 2 : 5 8...

  • Page 24: Miscellaneous Functions

    RD68 3 MISCELLANEOUS FUNCTIONS 3.1 Adjusting LCD contrast 1 3 : 0 0 Call M M e e n n u u 1 3 : 0 0 L L C C D D Posn More Press keys to 1 3 : 0 0...

  • Page 25: Entering Manual Position & Time

    Instruction Manual 3.2 Entering manual position & time The boat’s position and the time (which is transmitted as part of a Distress Alert call) would normally be from an interfaced GPS. If this is not available, the information can be manually entered - If no GPS information is No position being received, the clock is not...
  • Page 26 This option will not be available if position and time data is being received via the NMEA input. If this option is used, the POSITION RD68 will request that IS OVER the position and time be 4 HOURS P P o o s s n n...

  • Page 27: Entering Local Time

    Instruction Manual 3.3 Entering local time When a GPS is connected to the RD68 via the NMEA interface, the display will show the UTC (GMT) time in the top right cor- ner. This can be changed to the local time if required -...

  • Page 28: Viewing The Directory

    M M e e n n u u 3.4 Viewing the directory The directory allows up to 16 MMSI numbers to be stored in the RD68’s memory. These can then be recalled when making an individual routine call - 1 8 : 0 3...

  • Page 29: Adding Entry To Directory

    Instruction Manual 1 8 : 0 4 Directory N N e e x x t t Excalibur Edit 002321167 1 8 : 0 4 Directory Back Saucy Sue Next 002320588 Edit 3.4.1 Adding entry to directory 1 8 : 0 5 Directory View Used 04/16...

  • Page 30: Editing / Deleting Entry

    RD68 3.4.2 Editing / deleting entry To edit an existing entry - 1 8 : 0 6 The main directory Directory screen shows the V V i i e e w w Used 05/16 number of entries 1 8 : 0 6...
  • Page 31 Instruction Manual To delete an entry from the directory - 1 8 : 0 6 Directory V V i i e e w w Used 05/16 1 8 : 0 7 Directory Next Excalibur E E d d i i t t 002321167 1 8 : 0 7 Directory...

  • Page 32: Disabling Key Beep

    RD68 3.5 Disabling key beep All key presses on the RD68 are normally comfirmed by a “beep”, but this can be disabled - 1 8 : 0 7 Call M M e e n n u u 1 8 : 0 7...

  • Page 33: Second Channel Mode

    Instruction Manual 3.6 Second channel mode In countries where it is permitted, the RD68 can operate on a sec- ondary set of channels, such as the USA channels - Radio switched off Press and hold 1 8 : 0 7...

  • Page 34: Installation

    Although the RD68 radio is waterproof when flush mounted, it is recommended that it is not installed where it will be exposed to continuous direct sunlight, as this will eventually damage the LCD display.
  • Page 35 Instruction Manual The radio is fixed to the bracket using a simple clamp arrange- ment. The peg on the left side of the radio is slotted into the hole in the bracket. The clamp on the right side of the radio can then be slid into the slotted aperture on the bracket and tightened to hold the radio firmly in place (Fig 4.3).
  • Page 36 RD68 The RD68 has five electrical connections - the handset/fistmike socket is on the front panel below the LCD display (Fig 4.4A). The other four are situated on the back of the case - the antenna socket is on the left (Fig 4.4B). DC power is supplied to the set via a two core flying lead (Fig 4.4C).

  • Page 37: Antenna Installation Recommendations

    For NMEA interfacing to an external navigation source (eg a GPS, Loran or chart plotter), the RD68 is supplied with a 1m cable assembly which plugs into the lead at the back of the radio. The other end is connected to the navigator as follows -...
  • Page 38 RD68 The most popular antennae for marine use are 1m (3ft 3in) long. On sail boats these are usually mounted on the mast- head, where the length of the antenna keeps it clear from the navigation lights and windvanes etc. This type of antenna can also be mounted on the cockpit roof or garage of power boats.

  • Page 39: Electrical Interference Suppression

    NOTE If the RD68 detects a problem with the antenna or antenna connections, the display will show ANT when the PTT key is pressed. To avoid possible damage to the radio the antenna should be checked immediately for any damage or poor connec- tion.

  • Page 40: Appendix

    RD68 5 APPENDIX 5.1 Operating procedures The following operating procedure summary has been pro- posed by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency. It is not exhaustive and should not be regarded as a replacement for information provided by the proper two day VHF/DSC train- ing course required for all VHF license holders.
  • Page 41 Cancelling a distress alert If a DSC distress alert is sent accidentally, cancel it immediately on the RD68 by pressing the C button to prevent repeats, then make the following announcement on channel 16 - “This is (name of vessel, callsign, MMSI)”...

  • Page 42: Transmission Range

    Fig 5.1 - VHF transmission range Therefore, the typical ship to ship range of a fixed VHF radio such as the RD68 with a masthead antenna will be approxi- mately 20 Km (12 miles). This will increase as height above sea level increases, or if the other radio user’s antenna is at a...

  • Page 43: Frequency Of Channels

    Instruction Manual 5.3 Frequency of channels NOTE Ch 0 will only be made available in the UK to Coastguard users with written authorisation. Channel 70 is the designated Digital Selected Calling (DSC) channel and may not be used for voice transmissions. E03912...

  • Page 44: Fault Finding

    RD68 5.4 Fault finding Symptom Possible Cause Remedy Unit will not switch on * Faulty connection to power * Check power connection * Fuse has blown * Replace fuse and check power supply current Scan or Memory Scan is * Noise on the channel is...

  • Page 45: Optional Accessories

    Instruction Manual 5.5 Optional accessories The following accessories are available from your nearest Simrad agent. Please quote the correct part number when ordering - FMB1000BK Flush Mount Kit FTM5-SIM Spare fistmike THS4-SIM Spare telephone handset E03912...

  • Page 46: Technical Specification

    External Speaker Impedance ......8Ω * Contact local Simrad Technical Dealer for further details of channel programming etc.

  • Page 47: Dimensions

    Instruction Manual 5.7 Dimensions RD68 Unit - 158mm (6.2in) 185mm (7.4in) FTM5 Fistmike - 47mm (1.8in) 55mm (2.2in) THS4 Telephone handset - 213mm (8.4in) E03912...

  • Page 48: Service & Warranty

    RD68 5.8 Service & warranty Your radio should seldom need servicing, although it will ben- efit from an application of silicone or Teflon grease to the antenna and mic sockets each season. The equipment should be regularly checked by making routine calls to other stations.
  • Page 52 Manufacturer: Simrad Navico Star Lane, Margate Kent CT9 4NP United Kingdom Telephone: +44 (0) 1843 290290 Telefax: +44 (0) 1843 290471 E-Mail: sales@simrad-navico.co.uk W O R L D W I D E M A N U F A C T U R E R...

Table of Contents