Page 2
GARMIN products. Website address: www.garmin.com GARMIN is a registered trademark and VHF 725e is a trademark of GARMIN Corporation. Such trademarks may not be used without the express permission of GARMIN.
Page 3
Thank you for choosing the GARMIN VHF 725e. 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...
INTRODUCTION Compliance Statements CE COMPLIANCE STATEMENT This device complies with the essential requirements of CE for meeting standards EN301-178 and EN 300-828. This transmitter will operate on frequencies (channels) that have restricted use. Use of International, U.S., and Canadian Bands presents frequencies that have restricted use. Operation on these frequencies without proper authorization is strictly prohibited.
RADIO LICENSES The VHF 725e user accepts all responsibility for obtaining the proper licensing before using the transmitter. In many instances, you must have a current radio station license before using this transceiver. It my be unlawful to operate a ship station which is not licensed.
Precautions Read all instructions carefully and completely before using the VHF 725e Marine Radio. This device is intended only as an aid to boating safety and navigation. The performance of the VHF 725e can be affected by many factors including environ- mental conditions and improper handling or use.
SECTION ONE Packing List...i Regulatory Agency Compliance Statement...ii Cautions...iii-iv SECTION TWO Unit Description...2-3 Keys and Function Displays...4-9 Maritime Radio Services Operation...10-14 Installing the Antenna...15 Installing Batteries...15-16 Selecting a Channel...16-17 Setting the Squelch Threshold...17 Adjusting the Volume...18 Scanning Channels...18-19 Tri-Watch...19-20 Programming a Call Channel...20 Receiving and Transmitting...21-23 Backlighting the LCD Display and Keypad...24 Using the Key Lock Feature...24...
Page 9
The VHF 725e is a 5 watt marine VHF communications transceiver in a convenient handheld package. A keypad located on the front of the unit provides one- hand control of communication features. The knobless design allows push-button Squelch and Volume adjust- ment.
Eleven keys provide access to all of the unit’ s features and functions. When any key Keys & (except the PTT key) is pressed, the unit will Function acknowledge by emitting a single beep confir- mation tone. Some keys have dual functions Displays and those keys on the front of the unit are illuminated when the display backlighting...
Page 11
Memory Key - Pressing this key after selecting a channel places that channel into the scanning memory. Pressing this key when a channel is stored in memory (as indicated by the MEM icon on the display) will remove the channel from memory. A maximum of ten channels can be stored in memory.
Page 12
Keys & Function Displays Squelch Key - This key breaks the squelch (unmutes the audio) when pressed and held. It Squelch Key is also sed 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 to 9.
Page 13
The VHF 725e 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 Lock Indicator - This indicator is displayed when the Lock feature is active. Lock Indicator Battery Level Indicator - This battery shaped icon displays information about battery capacity in 25% increments. This indicator is always active. Battery Level Indicator Squelch Indicator - This display appears whenever the SQ, squelch key is presses for...
Page 15
Receive Indicator Transmit (TX) Indicator - This indicator appears when you are using the VHF 725e to transmit and will come on when you hold down the PTT key. Transmit Indicator...
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 725e. International VHF Radio communication is governed by the International Telecommunications Union. (ITU). Rules and Regulations for use of International Band channels vary throughout the countries under ITU jurisdiction.
Page 17
Maritime radio users are required to monitor channel 16, it is also advisable to monitor the Call channel and a selected regular channel as well. To facilitate these requirements, the VHF 725e is equipped with a Tri-Watch feature that allows you to engage in regular channel communications and monitor both the emergency channel and the Call channel.
Page 18
Maritime Radio Services Operation Here is a grouping of the channels and a brief description of their use. Channels 5,12, 14, 20, 65, 66, 73, 74,77: Port Operations - Can be used by any vessel for communications between ships and ship- to-coast stations for messages relating to operational handling, movement and safety of vessels in or near ports, locks or waterways.
Page 19
Maritime Radio Services Operation Channel 13: 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.
Page 20
NOTE: Programming of Private Channels and Marina Channels can be done only by your VHF Radio Dealer who is authorized and has the knowledge to program the VHF 725e. Your dealer is also prepared to assist you in making application for license for your use of private channels.
To install the antenna: Installing the Batteries The VHF 725e uses a rechargeable NiCad Battery Pack to provide approximately 10 hours of operating time under normal use. Alkaline “AA” batteries installed in the optional GARMIN Battery tray may also be used.
Select Channel Select Selecting a Channel To begin using the VHF 725e you will want to select a channel to monitor while you personalize 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.
Setting the Squelch Threshold Setting the Squelch is important for recep- tion 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,...
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.
Tri-Watch Tri-Watch Tri-Watch is a method of monitoring the emergency channel 16 and the Call channel while monitoring the channel you are using for communications. To use Tri-Watch: Tri-Watch Display Press and Hold for More Than 1 Second...
Programming Call Channels Select Channel Press and Hold for 1 Sec. to Activate Call Channel Display Programming Call Channels The Call channel is simply a channel that has been selected from the list of channels for each band (USA/Canadian/International) and reserved for easy access for use as a calling or hailing channel.
Receiving and Transmitting Whenever the VHF 725e is powered-up (On) it is in the receiving mode. If the unit is monitoring a channel that is broadcasting, you will hear that transmission. It is possible to monitor any channel on any band, but transmis- sion on some channels is not allowed.
Page 28
Receiving Transmitting Activate SCAN Feature Press to Toggle From the Call Channel To Regular Channels Activate Tri-Watch Feature To transmit on the VHF 725e:...
Page 29
Receiving Transmitting Transmit Display Press and P T T Hold While Transmitting...
Using the Key Lock Feature If you desire to maintain a selected function on your VHF 725e, such as TRI- WATCH, or SCAN, you can lock the keys using the Lock feature to prevent inadvertent Key Lock Display canceling or changing of unit settings.
Page 31
Charges the battery pack using a 12 volt DC power source. Provides an alternate source of power. Installing the Belt Clip and Wrist Strap The VHF 725e 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.
Channel List Channel Number Frequency (MHz) USA CAN INT 156.050 160.650 156.050 156.050 02 156.100 160.700 156.150 160.750 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 07A 07A...
Page 35
Note: Private channels can be programmed by your radio dealer after you have made application and received a designated frequency from the appropriate licensing agency. Programmable frequencies available are from 154.500 MHz to 163.500 MHz in 25 kHz increments. Channel Number Frequency (MHz) USA CAN INT 65 156.275 160.875 65A 65A...
& Troubleshooting Storage: Store the VHF 725e in a cool, dry location when not used for prolonged periods. When stored for more than six months, remove alkaline batteries to prevent leakage from expended cells. While the GARMIN VHF 725e is designed to withstand immersion in water (with or without the battery pack in place) it should be treated like all quality electronic equipment.
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 725e Charging Unit provided with the NiCad Battery Pack. Partially discharging a nickel- cadmium battery and then recharging it causes a phenomenon referred to as “memory reset”.
Maintenance & Troubleshooting 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. Troubleshooting Guide PROBABLE CAUSE Batteries are exhausted.
The VHF 725e 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 725e 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.
Glossary Glossary of Radio Terminology and Abbreviations Canadian Channels: Channel designations as defined and regulated by Industry Canada, (RIC), Marine Communications & Traffic Services. Duplex: Transmit and receive on different frequencies. FM: Frequency Modulation International Channels: Channel designations as defined for use in international waters by the International Telecommunications Union, (ITU).
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 44
Street, Olathe, KS 66062 U.S.A. GARMIN (Europe) LTD., Unit 5, The Quadrangle, Abbey Park Industrial Estate, Romsey, SO51, 9AQ U.K. GARMIN (Asia) Corp., 3rd Floor, No. 1, Lane 45, Pao Hsing Road, Hsin Tien, Taipei, Taiwan R.O.C. www.garmin.com Part Number 190-00163-00 Rev. A...
Need help?
Do you have a question about the VHF 725e and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers