F80 General.qxp:QXP-1058731464.qxp 12/29/06 9:06 AM Page 2 Important Safety Information Introduction Important Safety Information • Before installing and using your CobraMarine VHF radio, please read these general precautions and warnings. Warning and Notice Statements To make the most of this radio, it must be installed and used properly. Please read the installation and operating instructions carefully before installing and using the radio.
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50% duty cycle. The radio is transmitting when the Talk button is pressed and the transmit information shows on the LCD screen. ALWAYS use only Cobra authorized accessories. DO NOT operate the radio in an explosive atmosphere, near blasting sites, or in any area where signs are posted prohibiting radio transmissions.
F80 General.qxp:QXP-1058731464.qxp 12/29/06 9:06 AM Page 4 Recommendations for Marine Communication Introduction NOTICE AVOID using or storing the radio at temperatures below -4°F (-20°C) or above 140°F (60°C). NEVER connect the transceiver to DC power greater than 16 volts or to any DC source with reversed polarity.
Radio Operator training and certification is available from the Canadian Power Squadron. Visit their website (http://www.cps-ecp.ca/english/newradiocard.html), contact the nearest field office or write: Industry of Canada, Radio Regulatory Branch, Attn: DOSP, 300 Slater Street, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0C8. Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra ®...
Cobra may cause a violation of the technical regulations of part 80 of the FCC Rules, or violation of type acceptance requirements of part 2 of the rules.
THIS IS [your vessel’s name or call sign].” Once contact is made on the calling channel, you must switch to a proper working channel. See the channel listing on page 14 through 15. Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra ®...
F80 General.qxp:QXP-1058731464.qxp 12/29/06 9:06 AM Page 8 Digital Selective Calling (DSC) VHF Marine Radio Protocols For Example The vessel Corsair calling the vessel Vagabond: Corsair: “Vagabond, this is Corsair (station license number call sign).” Vagabond: “Corsair, this is Vagabond. Over.” Corsair: “Vagabond go to working Channel 68.
VHF marine channel to distress and safety watch system. The range of the signal may vary, but under normal conditions should be approximately 20 nautical miles. Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra ®...
F80 General.qxp:QXP-1058731464.qxp 12/29/06 9:06 AM Page 10 Radiotelephone Calls VHF Marine Radio Protocols Radiotelephone Calls • Boaters may make and receive radiotelephone calls to and from any number on the telephone network by using the services of public coast stations. Calls can be made —...
The safety signal SECURITE is used for messages about the safety of navigation or important weather warnings. (This signal is properly pronounced see-cure-ee-tay.) When using an international emergency signal, the appropriate signal is to be spoken three (3) times prior to the message. Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra ®...
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F80 General.qxp:QXP-1058731464.qxp 12/29/06 9:07 AM Page 12 Emergency Messages and Distress Procedure VHF Marine Radio Protocols If You Hear a Distress Call You must give any message beginning with one (1) of these signals priority over any other messages. ALL stations MUST remain silent on Channel 16 for the duration of the emergency unless the message relates directly to the emergency.
This radio must be used only within communication range of a shore based VHF station with a distress and safety watch system. The range of the signal may vary, however, under normal conditions should be approximately 20 nautical miles. Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra ®...
F80 General.qxp:QXP-1058731464.qxp 12/29/06 9:07 AM Page 14 VHF Marine Channel Assignments VHF Marine Radio Protocols VHF Marine Channel Assignments • Three (3) sets of VHF channels have been established for marine use in the U.S.A., Canada and the rest of the world (International). Most of the channels are the same for all three (3) maps, but there are definite differences (see table on pages 16-23).
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* These channels are restricted to the listed uses in certain parts of the country or for certain types of users only. Consult FCC rules or a knowledgeable radio operator before using them. Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra ®...
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F80 General.qxp:QXP-1058731464.qxp 12/29/06 9:07 AM Page 16 VHF Marine Channel Assignments VHF Marine Radio Protocols Channel Channel Map Frequency Power Number Int’l Canada Transmit Receive Limits 156.050 160.650 • • • 156.050 156.050 • • 156.100 160.700 • • 156.150 160.750 •...
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Port Operations, VTS in selected areas Environmental (Receive Only). Used by class C EPIRB’s. Canada (EPIRB Buoys Only); International (On-Board Communication) International Distress, Safety and Calling State Controlled (U.S.A. Only) Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra ®...
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F80 General.qxp:QXP-1058731464.qxp 12/29/06 9:07 AM Page 18 VHF Marine Channel Assignments VHF Marine Radio Protocols Channel Channel Map Frequency Power Number Int’l Canada Transmit Receive Limits • 156.900 161.500 • • 156.900 156.900 • 156.950 161.550 • • 156.950 156.950 •...
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U.S. (Government Only); Canada (Coast Guard Only); West Coast (Coast Guard Only); East Coast (Commercial Fishing) Public Correspondence (Marine Operator), Port Operations, Ship Movement West Coast (Coast Guard Only); East Coast (Commercial Fishing) Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra ®...
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F80 General.qxp:QXP-1058731464.qxp 12/29/06 9:07 AM Page 20 VHF Marine Channel Assignments VHF Marine Radio Protocols Channel Channel Map Frequency Power Number Int’l Canada Transmit Receive Limits • 156.175 160.775 • 156.175 156.175 • • 156.225 160.825 • • 156.225 156.225 •...
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U.S. (Port Operations); Canada (Commercial Fishing Only); International (Intership, Port Operations, Ship Movement) Port Operations (Intership Only) Port Operations (Intership Only) Port Operations (Intership only). Restricted to communications with pilots for movement and docking of ships. Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra ®...
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F80 General.qxp:QXP-1058731464.qxp 12/29/06 9:07 AM Page 22 VHF Marine Channel Assignments VHF Marine Radio Protocols Channel Channel Map Frequency Power Number Int’l Canada Transmit Receive Limits • 156.925 161.525 • • 156.925 156.925 • 156.975 161.575 • • 156.975 156.975 •...
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All channels are pre-programmed at the factory according to international regulations and those of the FCC (U.S.A.) and Industry Canada (Canada). They cannot be altered by the user nor can modes of operation be changed between simplex and duplex. Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra ®...
F80 General.qxp:QXP-1058731464.qxp 12/29/06 9:07 AM Page 24 NOAA Weather Channels and Alert VHF Marine Radio Protocols NOAA Weather Channels and Alert • Monitoring the weather will probably be a frequent use of your radio. NOAA provides continuous, around-the-clock broadcasts of the latest weather information. Taped weather messages run every four (4) to six (6) minutes and are revised every two (2) or three (3) hours, or as needed.
E067.50 to E082.50 Maldives E082.50 to E097.50 Dhuburi E097.50 to E112.50 Bangkok E112.50 to E127.50 Hong Kong E127.50 to E142.50 Tokyo E142.50 to E157.50 Sydney E157.50 to E172.50 Solomon Islands E172.50 to W172.50 Auckland Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra ®...
The range of the signal may vary out under normal conditions should be approximately 20 nautical miles. NOTE Cobra Accessory Harness CM 140-001 is an optional wire harness that is used to interface the MR F80 radio with the Cobra MC 600C Series chartplotters. 26 English...
3. Attach the transceiver to the mounting Tilt Lock Knobs bracket with the Tilt Lock knobs. 4. Tilt the transceiver to a convenient angle and tighten the Tilt Lock knobs. Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra ®...
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F80 Installation.qxp:QXP-1058720374.qxp 12/29/06 10:02 AM Page 28 Mounting and Powering the Radio Installation and Start-Up Microphone Bracket Mounting Kit Microphone Bracket Mounting Kit To Install The Microphone Bracket Mounting Kit: Install the microphone bracket mounting kit on a vertical surface near the transceiver using the supplied stainless steel screws.
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This radio will draw up to 8 amps when transmitting at full power. NOTE Cobra Accessory Harness CM 140-001 is an optional wire harness that is used to interface the MR F80 radio with the Cobra MC 600C Series chartplotters. NOTICES A reverse polarity connection will damage the radio.
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F80 Installation.qxp:QXP-1058720374.qxp 12/29/06 10:03 AM Page 30 Mounting and Powering the Radio Installation and Start-Up NOTE All wiring is best kept as short as possible. If the power leads must be extended, use a high-quality, marine-grade cable sized for up to 10 amps of current.
Since it represents the link between your radio and the outside world, Cobra suggests you purchase the best quality antenna, coaxial cable and connectors you can. This is best accomplished with the advice and guidance of a knowledgeable dealer who can assess the variables involved with your particular boat and preferences.
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F80 Installation.qxp:QXP-1058720374.qxp 12/29/06 10:03 AM Page 32 Antenna Requirements and Attachment Installation and Start-Up WARNING Do not transmit when anyone is within the MPE radius of the antenna unless that person or persons are shielded from the antenna by a grounded metallic barrier.
1. Connect the speaker positive (+) wire to the orange wire coming out of the standard speaker/PA wire harness. 2. Connect the speaker negative (-) wire to the black/white wire coming out of the standard speaker/PA wire harness. Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra ®...
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Global Positioning System (GPS) Device (Not Included) Cobra Electronics strongly recommends that you obtain and connect a GPS device to your CobraMarine VHF radio. By having a GPS connected, your position will be continuously indicated on the LCD and, most importantly,...
4. Connect the red and black bullet connectors on the back of the radio to the mating connectors on the CM 140-001 cable. 5. Plug in the 8 pin connectors to the MR F80 and MC 600C. MR F80 to Chartplotter Connection Nothing comes close to a Cobra ®...
F80 Installation.qxp:QXP-1058720374.qxp 12/29/06 10:03 AM Page 36 Getting Started Operating Your Radio Getting Started • Refer to the foldout at the front of this manual to identify the various controls and indicators on your radio. Throughout this manual you will be instructed to press, or to press and hold buttons on the transceiver or on the microphone/speaker.
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Volume is controlled by turning the On/Off Volume rotary concentric knob. The radio speaker is located on the left side of the display. To increase the volume, turn the Rotary knob clockwise. To decrease the volume, turn the Rotary knob counterclockwise. Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra ®...
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F80 Installation.qxp:QXP-1058720374.qxp 12/29/06 10:03 AM Page 38 Getting Started Operating Your Radio Squelch Squelch Knob Squelch control is controlled by turning the inner (back) rotary concentric knob located directly behind the On/Off – Volume knob. With the power On, turn the knob counterclockwise till you hear a hissing sound, then turn the knob clockwise till the hissing stops.
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After the button is released, the radio returns to the Standby mode. When a Channel Preset button is pressed and held for more than two (2) seconds, the working channel will be assigned to the button. Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra ®...
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F80 Installation.qxp:QXP-1058720374.qxp 12/29/06 10:03 AM Page 40 Getting Started Introduction Standby and Receive Standby mode is the usual mode for the radio whenever it is turned On. Standby Mode From Standby Mode, You Can: Change your radio’s settings using setup routines. Receive messages on the current channel as well as DSC messages.
Standby mode. NOTE Exit The ESC button on the radio (and the Function F1/F2 button on the microphone) can also be used universally to return to the Standby mode. Enter Button Nothing comes close to a Cobra ®...
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8187-F80-Operation-8_MMB:F75-Operation-8 12/29/06 9:02 AM Page 42 Setup Mode Programming Operating Your Radio LCD Display Lamp Adjust Lamp Adjustment The LCD display has a backlight lamp to make it visible in the dark. The lamp can be adjusted for brightness or turned off.
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3. Move the selection arrow to the setting for your local time zone. 4. Press the Enter button to select the local time zone setting. 5. When the changes are complete, exit the TIMEOFST menu and return to the Setup menu. Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra ®...
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8187-F80-Operation-8_MMB:F75-Operation-8 12/29/06 9:03 AM Page 44 Setup Mode Programming Operating Your Radio NOTE When the time offset is at zero (0), the LCD shows the time as UTC. When a time zone hour offset is entered, the LCD shows the local time. All DSC messages are based on UTC.
Special Features • Rewind-Say-Again™ Feature The MR F80 radio has a Cobra exclusive playback feature, Rewind-Say-Again™. This feature allows you to replay the last 20 seconds of an incoming audio transmission. It also allows you to record call details including position coordinates, call signs, registration numbers and store details that will help authorities locate a distressed vessel.
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8187-F80-Operation-8_MMB:F75-Operation-8 12/29/06 9:03 AM Page 46 Special Features Operating Your Radio Make Your Own Recording PTT Menu The recording feature may also be used to store other important information like fuel consumption, water conditions, fishing notes (such as thermal cline depths, type of bait, etc.) and other “On Water”...
16 if you use the Channel 16/9 button to select this channel. Select 16 manually or save it as Microphone 16/9 Button a preset if you would like to routinely use channel 16 on low power mode. Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra ®...
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Transmit Power Output The radio transmits selectively at 1 or 25 watts of power. Cobra suggests maintaining the low power setting for short- range communications to avoid overpowering nearby stations with the signal. Use the high power setting for long-range communications or when no response is received from a signal sent at 1 watt.
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Talk button is pressed. 3. To turn off PA, press PA/ESC button on the front of the radio again or press the Function F1/F2 button on the microphone to ESC. Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra ®...
8187-F80-Operation-8_MMB:F75-Operation-8 12/29/06 9:03 AM Page 50 NOAA All Hazards/Weather Radio and Alert, w/SAME Operating Your Radio NOAA All Hazards/Weather Radio and Alert, w/SAME • NOAA broadcasts weather information as described in the NOAA Weather Channels section on page 25 of this manual. Listen to one of these receive-only channels at any time.
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To Set the SAME Weather Alert: 1. Enter the Setup menu and scroll to the WX/SAME (weather alert) menu. 2. Press the Enter button and observe the current weather alert setting – ON, OFF or EXIT. Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra ®...
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8187-F80-Operation-8_MMB:F75-Operation-8 12/29/06 9:03 AM Page 52 NOAA All Hazards/Weather Product Features Radio and Alert, w/SAME Introduction Operating Your Radio 3. Turn the Channel knob to select alert ON. 4. Depress the Enter button and select YES to set the same alert. NOTE The Weather channels may be turned Off, while the SAME area code alerts are On or any combination...
When on Channel 16 or Channel 9 in the Channel 16/9 mode, turn the Channel Knob, press the Channel Up/Down button on the microphone or press the Function (F1/F2) button to change to other channels. Channel 16/9 Toggle Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra ®...
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8187-F80-Operation-8_MMB:F75-Operation-8 12/29/06 9:03 AM Page 54 Product Features Advanced Operation Introduction Operating Your Radio Tri-Watch Tri-Watch Button Use Tri-Watch one-button access to scan the three (3) channels of most importance. Channel 16 is always included as scanned locations. The remaining locations can be set using the following procedure.
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Repeat the steps above in the “To Program Memory Memory Channel Channels” section, this time holding the Memory Scan/Memory Clear button down for three (3) seconds to clear the memory from the selected channel. Repeat as necessary to clear additional channels. Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra ®...
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8187-F80-Operation-8_MMB:F75-Operation-8 12/29/06 9:03 AM Page 56 Product Features Advanced Operation Introduction Operating Your Radio Scanning of Memory Channels Scanning During Memory Scan mode, the radio rapidly switches from one recorded channel to another. When any activity is detected, the radio stops the scan for 10 seconds for brief listening on that channel.
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Call/Setup and Enter button is used to enter the routine Digital Selective Calling (DSC) menu and enter the setup menu for both advanced and basic setup functions. NOTE The microphone and the transceiver radio meet the JIS7 waterproof standards. Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra ®...
If the MMSI number must be changed more than once, return the radio to Cobra Electronics for resetting. Once the radio is reset, another MMSI number may be entered and the radio can then be used in the DSC mode.
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MMSI Entry Error Message attempt to reset the MMSI number or the radio must be returned to Cobra Electronics for reset. See Product Service on page 79 for details on how to return your radio. Transferring a Radio to a Different Vessel Contact the agency that issued the MMSI number to change the vessel information associated with your MMSI number.
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8187-F80-Operation-8_MMB:F75-Operation-8 12/29/06 9:03 AM Page 60 Digital Select Calling (DSC) Product Features Setup Introduction Operating Your Radio DSC Scanning Turn DSC Scanning Off to stop the radio from scanning Channel 70. DSC message transmissions continue but no DSC alarms sound. No DSC messages are received unless a distress message is transmitted.
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3. Move the selection arrow to change the setting. 4. Press the Enter button to select the setting. Position Reply Setting 5. When the changes are complete, exit the POS RPLY menu and return to the Setup menu. Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra ®...
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8187-F80-Operation-8_MMB:F75-Operation-8 12/29/06 9:03 AM Page 62 Digital Select Calling (DSC) Product Features Setup Introduction Operating Your Radio Individual Directory INDV DIR Menu DSC can be used to call another vessel or station directly. This allows the user to make a call to a specific vessel that could be monitoring any channel.
To Send a DSC Distress Call: 1. From Standby mode, lift the spring-loaded red door on the transceiver and press the Distress button. The Distress menu displays with an arrow pointing to SEND. Distress Button Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra ®...
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8187-F80-Operation-8_MMB:F75-Operation-8 12/29/06 9:04 AM Page 64 Digital Select Calling (DSC) Product Features Operation Introduction Operating Your Radio There are three (3) choices: Distress Button Send a distress call automatically, with your position, if you are connected to a GPS. Or send the call, without your position, if not connected to a GPS.
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Name of the matching MMSI member. 6. Press ESC after viewing the display to return to normal Standby mode. NOTE The radio automatically switches to Channel 16 upon Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra ®...
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8187-F80-Operation-8_MMB:F75-Operation-8 12/29/06 9:04 AM Page 66 Digital Select Calling (DSC) Product Features Operation Introduction Operating Your Radio receiving a DSC Distress call and the alarm will sound for approximately two (2) minutes. Press any button to clear the Distress alarm instantly. Regarding Distress Relay Calls This radio cannot send Distress Relay calls.
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2. Read and write down the MMSI information of the vessel sending the call as well as the date and time of the call. 3. Listen to the incoming voice message on the channel the radio selects for the incoming All Ships call. Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra ®...
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8187-F80-Operation-8_MMB:F75-Operation-8 12/29/06 9:04 AM Page 68 Digital Select Calling (DSC) Product Features Operation Introduction Operating Your Radio Sending a Geographical Call This radio does not send Geographical calls. Only large ships and shore stations with specially equipped radios send Geographical calls. Receiving a Geographical Call Geographical calls are transmitted by specially equipped radios to all stations in a particular area to alert only those...
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At the Unavailable menu, select SEND or EXIT with the Enter button. Send/Exit If SEND is selected, the radio restarts the individual call. If EXIT is selected, the individual location on the Call menu displays. Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra ®...
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8187-F80-Operation-8_MMB:F75-Operation-8 12/29/06 9:04 AM Page 70 Digital Select Calling (DSC) Product Features Operation Introduction Operating Your Radio Receiving an Individual Call Caller Identified When another station makes an Individual call to the radio: The Individual alarm sounds. The caller is identified on the LCD. The radio switches to the channel selected by the caller.
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GPS device and cannot send its position. You will receive a no reply response, meaning the operator of that station has chosen not to reply to your request. Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra ®...
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Press the Enter button to return to Standby mode after you have noted the station’s position. NOTE If the MRF80 is connected properly to your Cobra chartplotter, you will see the requested position of the other vessel indicated on the display.
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1. Turn the Channel knob, or press the microphone Channel Up/Down buttons or press the Function (F1/F2) button to select EXIT. 2. Press the Enter button to exit and return to Standby mode without sending your position. Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra ®...
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8187-F80-Operation-8_MMB:F75-Operation-8 12/29/06 9:04 AM Page 74 Digital Select Calling (DSC) Product Features Operation Introduction Operating Your Radio Sending a Position Send Standby Mode Position Send uses your connected GPS in similar fashion to the Position Request function, except that you initiate the activity to let another station know where you are.
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3. Press the F2 button under the screen to delete the selected message. Repeat steps 4 through 5 to delete additional messages. 4. Press the Enter button to return to the Call Menu. Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra ®...
8187-F80-Operation-8_MMB:F75-Operation-8 12/29/06 9:04 AM Page 76 Maintenance and Troubleshooting Operating Your Radio Maintenance • Very little maintenance is required to keep your CobraMarine VHF radio in good operating condition. Keep the radio clean by wiping with a soft cloth and mild detergent. Rinse with fresh water.
Frequency Range: TX 156.025 to 157.425 MHz RF Output Power 1 and 25 Watts Spurious Emissions -60 dB High -55 dB Low Microphone Type Electret Frequency Stability +/-10 ppm FM Hum and Noise 40 dB Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra ®...
You must pay any initial shipping charges required to ship the product for warranty service, but the return charges will be at Cobra’s expense, if the product is repaired or replaced under warranty. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which may vary from state to state.
If your product should require factory service, please call Cobra first before sending your radio. This will ensure the fastest turn-around time on your repair. You may be asked to send your radio to the Cobra factory. It will be necessary to furnish the following to have the product serviced and returned: 1.
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