Uniden MHS550 Owner's Manual

Marine 2-way vhf radio
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A World Without Wires
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UNIDEN
MARINE
2-WAY
VHF RADIO
MHS550
MHS550
OWNER'S MANUAL

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Summary of Contents for Uniden MHS550

  • Page 1 A World Without Wires ® UNIDEN MARINE 2-WAY VHF RADIO MHS550 MHS550 OWNER’S MANUAL...
  • Page 2: Making A Distress Call

    Release the response. If you do not get an answer after 30 seconds, repeat your call, beginning at step 3, above. Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual button to switch to Channel 16 button again until it does.) 16/9-TRI button and say,...
  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Making a Distress Call ... inside front cover Introduction ...4 Features...4 Manual conventions ...5 Getting Started ...5 What’s included ...5 Parts of the MHS550 ...6 Front view ...6 Back view ...8 Parts of the charger ...9 Using the menus ...9 How It Works ...10 Normal mode operation ...11...
  • Page 4 Using the FM Band ...34 Reading the FM band screen ...35 FM band menu options ...35 Using the Aircraft Band ...36 Reading the aircraft band screen ...36 Aircraft band menu options ...37 Maintenance and Troubleshooting ...37 Common questions ...38 Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual...
  • Page 5 CEA2009-SAME event codes...48 Regulations and Safety Warnings ...50 Maritime radio services operation ...50 Basic radio guidelines ...50 FCC/Industry Canada information ...51 FCC RF exposure information ...51 Lithium ion battery warning ...52 Three Year Limited Warranty Statement...52 Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual...
  • Page 6: Introduction

    Introduction Features The MHS550 provides the following key features: • Submersible design Complies with JIS8 water-resistant standards, which means the radio can be submerged in 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes without damage. • Family Radio Service (FRS) band with privacy codes...
  • Page 7: Manual Conventions

    DC Adapter DC Adapter (DC550) (DC550) Wrist Strap Wrist Strap If any pieces are missing or damaged, contact Uniden (see back cover for contact information). Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual indicates an actual button or Lithium Ion Lithium Ion Charger...
  • Page 8: Parts Of The Mhs550

    MENU MENU button button ENTER ENTER Microphone Microphone Speaker Speaker Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual VOLUME VOLUME POWER POWER knob knob (Turn clockwise (Turn clockwise to increase to increase volume.) volume.) knob knob SQUELCH...
  • Page 9 VOLUME- increase the volume. POWER Raise the squelch level SQUELCH to reduce channel noise. Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual Press and hold to... Transmit on a channel. Note: You cannot trans- mit while the radio is in the charger. Turn on Triple Watch or Dual Watch mode (see page 27).
  • Page 10: Back View

    Back view Press to... BUTTON PUSH-TO - TALK Turn on the LCD and BACKLIGHT/ keypad backlight. KEY LOCK Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual Belt clip Belt clip PUSH TO TALK PUSH TO TALK button button BACKLIGHT BACKLIGHT KEY LOCK KEY LOCK...
  • Page 11: Parts Of The Charger

    (DC 12V-13.8V) power supply with a negative ground. Using the menus Here are some general hints on operating the MHS550 menu screens. The specific screens and menu options are different for each radio band. For details, see the operation instructions for each radio band starting on page 23.
  • Page 12: How It Works

    How It Works The MHS550 radio has three main operation modes, normal mode, scan mode, and weather mode. Mode What it does Monitors a single chan- Normal nel. In marine and FRS mode bands, it allows you to talk on that channel, too.
  • Page 13: Normal Mode Operation

    Monitoring Channel 25 Monitoring Channel 25 Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual button to move up one channel button to move down one PUSH TO TALK button for about 2 seconds.
  • Page 14: Normal Mode With Triple Watch Or Dual Watch

    Every 2 seconds, the radio Every 2 seconds, the radio checks channels 9 & 16. checks channels 9 & 16. Triple Watch Triple Watch Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual 09 16 09 16 Triple Watch on: Triple Watch on: 09 16...
  • Page 15: Scan Mode Operation

    When the radio stays on a channel, press to leave that channel and resume scanning. • To end the scan, press the the radio remains on the last scanned channel. Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual SCAN-MEM SCAN-MEM SCAN-MEM SCAN-MEM Resume scan...
  • Page 16: Scan Mode With Weather Alert Watch

    9 & 16, then scans the then scans the next channel. next channel. Triple Watch on Triple Watch on Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual Every 7 seconds, the Every 7 seconds, the radio checks the radio checks the last-used weather last-used weather...
  • Page 17: Both Weather Alert And Triple/Dual Watch In Scan Mode

    To turn off the radio’s alert tone, press any button. • To cancel weather mode and return to the previous marine channel, press the Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual Every 7 seconds, the Every 7 seconds, the radio checks the...
  • Page 18: Weather Mode With Weather Alert Watch

    09 16 Every 2 seconds, the radio checks Every 2 seconds, the radio checks channel 9, then channel 16 channel 9, then channel 16 Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual 09 16 09 16 with Triple Watch on with Triple Watch on...
  • Page 19: Setting Up The Hardware

    Setting Up the Hardware Installing the battery Your MHS550 comes with a rechargeable Lithium Ion battery. For shipping safety, the battery is not installed at the factory; the empty alkaline battery case is installed as a placeholder. Note: Charge the battery fully before using the radio.
  • Page 20: Using The Alkaline Battery Case

    Li-Ion battery, so you can still use your radio while your Li-Ion battery is recharging. For best performance, Uniden recommends using extra-strength alkaline batteries, such as Duracell Ultra Note: When using alkaline batteries, transmit power is limited to a maximum of 2.5 watts.
  • Page 21: Attaching The Belt Clip

    To remove the belt clip: Rotate the clip so that the finger indentation is towards the bottom of the radio. Slide the clip up until it comes free of the anchor post. Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual...
  • Page 22: Mounting The Charger

    Place the holes on the charger over the screw heads. Slide the charger down to lock it into place. Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual Insert the screws Insert the screws (be sure to use a (be sure to use a proper anchor).
  • Page 23: Using The Radio (General Operation)

    CHANNEL UP to scroll through the channels one channel at a time. Press and hold the CHANNEL UP quickly scroll through the channels. Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual knob clockwise to increase the Strong signals Strong signals Weak signals Weak signals...
  • Page 24: Contrast

    To turn off the key beep, press the choose Key Beep. Select Off and press new setting. (Turning the key beep off will also turn off the confirmation tone when you change menu settings.) Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual button Contrast Contrast...
  • Page 25: Using The External Speaker/Mic Jack

    Two available units are • HHSPM Speaker Mic • VOX100 Headset Mic For details, consult your Uniden dealer or contact Uniden directly (see back cover for contact information). Using the Marine VHF Band The following features and options are avilable only when the radio is in the marine VHF band.
  • Page 26: Marine Band Status Messages

    Refer to the table below for the available options and settings available in the marine band. Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual Displays When No other status message is needed (see the tables staring on page 42 for a list of channel...
  • Page 27: Making A Transmission

    5 minutes in a single transmission. If you talk for over 5 minutes continuously, the display shows RELEASE PTT KEY. Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual Available Settings (default setting is in italics) USA Mode Canadian Mode Int’l Mode...
  • Page 28: Boosting The Transmission Power

    If you switch to one of these channels, the radio changes back to 1 Watt automatically. See the tables starting on page 42 for a list of power-restricted channels. Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual 5 Watts 5 Watts BAND- 2.5 Watts...
  • Page 29: Choosing Triple Watch Or Dual Watch

    (see the channel lists starting on page 42 for the default channel names). To rename a channel, follow the steps below: Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual Dual/Tri Watch Dual/Tri Watch...
  • Page 30: Using Fips Codes For Weather Alerts

    For more information about how the NWS uses FIPS codes, see the NWS website: www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/nwsfipschg.htm. • To see an index of FIPS codes by state, see the Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual CHANNEL DOWN CHANNEL UP buttons to CHANNEL ENTER...
  • Page 31 Delete or Edit, then use the CHANNEL UP change each of the six digits. When you are satisfied with the list of FIPS codes, select Exit to close the menu screen. Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual FIPS CODES FIPS CODES 023456 023456 Exit...
  • Page 32: Using The Family Radio Service (Frs) Band

    (see the status (see the status message table) message table) FRS band status messages Message Transmitting Release PTT TriWatch DualWatch Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual button Current band Current band Scan Scan Channel Channel scanning on scanning on Displays When...
  • Page 33: Frs Band Menu Options

    142 privacy codes for any channel. Only radios that have the matching privacy code will be able to decipher your transmission (see page 46 for a detailed explanation of CTCSS and DSC privacy codes). Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual button repreatedly BAND-1/2.5/5W button.
  • Page 34 Enter the remaining two digits of the code in the same way. Note: If you try to enter a code number less than 001 or greater than 142, an error tone sounds. Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual Channel 09 Channel 09 button...
  • Page 35: Using The Am Band

    Keypad Keypad Locked Locked locked locked Memory Memory Current station is Current station is stored in memory stored in memory Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual CHANNEL 10-119 CHANNEL 10-119 ENTER Edit Edit Exit Exit Scan Scan Channel Channel scanning on...
  • Page 36: Am Band Menu Reference

    FM band. To activate the FM band, press the button BAND-1/2.5/5W repreatedly until the display shows FM. Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual button repreatedly until BAND-1/2.5/5W button. Available Settings (default setting is in italics)
  • Page 37: Reading The Fm Band Screen

    Change the operation of the Adjust display backlight Contrast Adjust the display contrast Mute the noise between stations or from extremely weak Muting signals Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual Mute on Mute on Scan Scan Muting on Muting on Channel...
  • Page 38: Using The Aircraft Band

    Locked locked locked Memory Memory Current frequency Current frequency is stored in memory is stored in memory Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual Available Settings (default setting is in italics) 100 kHz Steps 200 kHz Steps button Scan Scan Channel Channel...
  • Page 39: Aircraft Band Menu Options

    Exit Close the menu Maintenance and Troubleshooting Due to its rugged design, the MHS550 requires very little maintenance. However, it is a precision electronic instrument, so you should follow a few precautions: • If the antenna has been damaged, do not transmit except in an emergency situation.
  • Page 40: Common Questions

    Where can I find my radio’s serial number? Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual Things to Try Check the battery power level. Make sure you are not in weather or scan mode.
  • Page 41: Specifications

    Input: 100VAC ~ 240VAC, 50/60Hz Output: 12VDC, 1A AC Adapter FCC, IC Regulation Battery Life 10 Hours, Min. (Li-Ion) Compliant to JIS8/IPX8 Immersion Protection Waterproof Standards. Submersible in one and a half meters of Grade water for 30 minutes without damage. Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual...
  • Page 42: Receiver Specifications

    Hum and Noise Ratio THD @ Standard Output Power (MRN) Audio Output Power @10% THD (MRN) Oscillator Dropout Voltage (MRN) Current Drain @ No Signal (MRN) Current Drain @ Maximum Output (MRN) Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual Unit μV μV FM Broadcast μV μV...
  • Page 43: Transmitter Specifications

    Modulation Distortion 750 μS De-emphas 0.3 to 3 kHz BPF Hum and Noise 750 μS De-emphas 0.3 to 3 kHz PF (FRS) Current Drain @ High Power 5W Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual (MRN 5W) (MRN 2.5W) (MRN 1W) (FRS/MRN 0.5W) (MRN 5W) (MRN 2.5W/1W)
  • Page 44: Channels And Frequencies

    67 156.3750 156.3750 Simplex, 1W Bridge To Bridge 68 156.4250 156.4250 69 156.4750 156.4750 70 156.5250 Inhibit Receive Only Digital Selective Calling DSC RECEIVE ONLY Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual US Marine Channels Status Full name Vessel traffic system/ Simplex...
  • Page 45: Canadian Channel Frequencies And Names

    12 156.6000 156.6000 13 156.6500 156.6500 Simplex, 1W Bridge To Bridge 14 156.7000 156.7000 15 156.7500 156.7500 16 156.8000 156.8000 17 156.8500 156.8500 Simplex, 1W State Control Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual US Marine Channels Status Full name Simplex Non Commercial...
  • Page 46: Canadian Marine Channels

    82A 157.1250 157.1250 83 161.7750 157.1750 83A 157.1750 157.1750 84 161.8250 157.2250 85 161.8750 157.2750 86 161.9250 157.3250 87 161.9750 157.3750 88 162.0250 157.4250 Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual Status Full Name Simplex Commercial Simplex Canadian Coast Guard COAST GUARD Simplex...
  • Page 47: International Channel Frequencies And Names

    69 156.4750 156.4750 70 156.5250 Inhibit Receive Only Digital Selective Calling DSC RECEIVE ONLY 71 156.5750 156.5750 72 156.6250 156.6250 73 156.6750 156.6750 74 156.7250 156.7250 Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual Status Full Name Duplex Marine operator Duplex Marine operator...
  • Page 48: Weather Channel Frequencies

    (CTCSS) codes (numbered 001 to 038) and 104 Digital Squelch Control (DSC) codes (numbered 039 to 142). As long as you are communicating with another Uniden or a West Marine radio, the specific type of code does not matter: just make the numbers designating the privacy codes match.
  • Page 49 173.8 173.8 179.9 179.9 186.2 186.2 192.8 192.8 203.5 203.5 210.7 210.7 218.1 218.1 225.7 225.7 233.6 233.6 Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual 241.8 241.8 Octal Octal 250.3 250.3 Code Code Code Code Octal Octal Code Code Octal Octal Code...
  • Page 50: Cea2009-Same Event Codes

    Flood Statement Flood Warning Fire Warning Flash Freeze Warning Freeze Warning Hurricane Statement Hazardous Material Warning Hurricane Watch Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual Display (16 Charactes) ADMIN MESSAGE AVALANCHE WATCH AVALANCHE WARN BIOLOGICAL WARN BOIL WATER WARN BLIZZARD WARNING CHILD EMERGENCY...
  • Page 51 Volcano Warning Wild Fire Warning Wild Fire Watch Winter Storm Watch Winter Storm Warning * * A Unrecognized Watch Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual Display (16 Charactes) HIGH WIND WATCH HIGH WIND WARN ICEBERG INDUSTRIAL FIRE LOCAL EMERGENCY LAW ENFORCE WARN...
  • Page 52: Regulations And Safety Warnings

    16 (156.800 MHz) whenever the radio is not being used to communicate. If you carry a radio, it must be on and set to channel 16 whenever your boat is underway. Uniden MHS550 Radio Owner’s Manual Display (16 Charactes) UNRECOGNIZED UNRECOGNIZED...
  • Page 53: Fcc/Industry Canada Information

    Unauthorized changes or modifications to this equipment may void compliance with the FCC Rules. Any change or modification must be approved in writing by Uniden. Changes or modifications not approved by Uniden could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. FCC RF exposure information...
  • Page 54: Lithium Ion Battery Warning

    WARRANTOR: Uniden America Corp. (“Uniden”) ELEMENTS OF WARRANTY: Uniden warrants, for three years, to the original retail owner, this Uniden Product to be free from de- fects in materials and crafts-manship with only the limitations or exclusions set out below.
  • Page 55 Uniden service center for a defect or malfunction covered by this warranty, (E) used in any conjunction with equipment or parts or as part of any system not manufactured by Uniden, or (F) installed or programmed by anyone other than as detailed by the Operating Guide for this product.
  • Page 56 A World Without Wires ® QUESTIONS? Visit our website at www.uniden.com or call 1-800-297-1023 during regular business hours (Central time). © 2007 Uniden America Corp., Fort Worth, Texas. Contains additional foreign articles. Printed in China. UTZZ01612ZC(0)

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