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West Marine VHF500 Owner's Manual

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UT01920ZZ_1
4/7/04
2:19 PM
Page 1

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Summary of Contents for West Marine VHF500

  • Page 1 UT01920ZZ_1 4/7/04 2:19 PM Page 1...

  • Page 2: Maritime Radio Services Operation

    For individuals requiring a license, such as commercial users, you should obtain a license application from your nearest FCC field office. West Marine works to reduce lead content in our PVC coated cords in our products and accessories. WARNING: The cords on this product and/or accessories contain lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    UT01920ZZ_1 4/7/04 2:19 PM Page 3 Contents West Marine VHF500 ................5 Included with your VHF500 ..............6 Controls and Indicators................7 Installation.....................11 Choosing a Location ................11 Engine Noise Suppression ..............13 Antenna Considerations ..............13 Antenna Selection and Installation ..........13 Installing the VHF500 ..............14 Operation ....................15...
  • Page 4 UT01920ZZ_1 4/7/04 2:19 PM Page 4 Setup ....................36 Alarm Clock ................36 Local Time Adjust...............39 Daylight Savings On/Off.............40 Directory..................41 FIPS ...................45 Auto Channel Switch..............48 Position Reply ................49 Channel Name ................51 WHAM..................53 Group MMSI................56 User MMSI .................57 System.....................59 Contrast..................59 Lamp Adjust ................60 Key Beep ...................61 NMEA Technical Setup .................62 Optional Accessories ................62...

  • Page 5: West Marine Vhf500

    2:19 PM Page 5 West Marine VHF500 The West Marine VHF500 is of all solid-state design with conservatively rated, rugged components and materials compatible with the marine environment. The transceiver utilizes a number of gaskets, sealing rings, waterproof membranes, and other sealants to effect a waterproof housing for protection of the electronics.

  • Page 6: Included With Your Vhf500

    UT01920ZZ_1 4/7/04 2:19 PM Page 6 Included with your VHF500 VHF500 VHF500 Radio Microphone Hanger Owner s Manual and Screws Mounting Bracket DC Cord and Knobs Mounting Hardware Accessory Cable Spare Fuse 250V 6A...

  • Page 7: Controls And Indicators

    UT01920ZZ_1 4/7/04 2:19 PM Page 7 Controls and Indicators Front panel/Microphone 11 12 13 PTT Switch - Press to transmit and release to receive. 2.12. 16/9/TRI - Press this key briefly to instantly change to Channel 16, Channel 9 or current channel. Press this key for more than two seconds to activate the triple Watch Feature.
  • Page 8 UT01920ZZ_1 4/7/04 2:19 PM Page 8 Rear Panel Connectors DC Jack ACC Connector Remote Connector Antenna Connector ACC Connector To VHF500 Note: DC13.8V and GND are for GPS ANT.
  • Page 9 UT01920ZZ_1 4/7/04 2:19 PM Page 9 TX (Transmit) - Indicates transmitting. HI (High) - Indicates transmit output is 25 Watts. C - Indicates Canadian Channel Mode. DSC - Indicates the radio is in the Digital Selective calling mode. TRI (Triple Watch) - Indicates Triple Watch Mode is in effect. MEM (Memory) - Indicates that the channel is entered into the Scan memory.
  • Page 10 UT01920ZZ_1 4/7/04 2:19 PM Page 10 NOTES: "POS SEND", "LOCAL TIME ADJUST", "DAYLITE SAVINGS", and "ALARM CLOCK" are not displayed in Menu when external GPS receiver is not connected. When the radio is in one of the following modes: WX Alert mode, Channel 16/9 mode, Scan Mode, or Triple Watch mode, and the user presses the Menu key, all the of these modes are cancelled.

  • Page 11: Installation

    Caution: The VHF500 will only operate with a nominal 12 volt negative ground battery system. Keep in mind the flexibility designed into the VHF500 so that you can most conveniently use it. Features which should be considered are: The universal mounting bracket may be installed on either the top or bottom of a shelf, on a bulkhead, or for overhead mounting.
  • Page 12 UT01920ZZ_1 4/7/04 2:19 PM Page 12 Select a location well away from the ship’s compass. Auxiliary speakers also should be located away from the compass.

  • Page 13: Engine Noise Suppression

    Engine Noise Suppression Interference from the noise generated by the electrical systems of engines is sometimes a problem with radios. The VHF500 has been designed to be essentially impervious to ignition noise and alternator noise. However, in some installations it may be necessary to take measures to further reduce the effect of noise interference.

  • Page 14: Installing The Vhf500

    UT01920ZZ_1 4/7/04 2:19 PM Page 14 Installing the VHF500 After you have carefully considered the various factors affecting your choice of location, position the radio (with the bracket, microphone, power cord, antenna and any auxiliary cables installed) into the selected location to assure there is no interference with the surrounding items.

  • Page 15: Operation

    Radio Status Display for 3 seconds. Last Channel Memory The VHF500 memorizes the last channel selected before you turn Off the radio. For example, if you turn Off the radio on CH 12, it will be on that channel when turned back On.

  • Page 16: Squelch

    UT01920ZZ_1 4/7/04 2:19 PM Page 16 SQUELCH Turn SQUELCH fully clockwise. This raises the “Squelch Gate” so high that only very strong signals can get through. Strong Signals Medium Signals Weak Signals Noise Turn SQUELCH fully counterclockwise until you hear a hiss. This lowers the “Squelch Gate”...

  • Page 17: Hailing And Distress Channel 16/Channel 9 Communications

    UT01920ZZ_1 4/7/04 2:19 PM Page 17 HAILING AND DISTRESS CHANNEL 16/CHANNEL 9 COMMUNICATIONS To select Channel 16 or Channel 9, press the 16/9/TRI key. The first press of the 16/9/TRI key will select the Hailing and Distress channel 16 instantly while tuned to another channel. A second of 16/9/TRI key will select channel 9.

  • Page 18: Triple Watch

    WX 0-9. Note: In the US, the Coast Guard may refer to Channels 21, 22, 23 etc. as 21 alpha, 22 alpha, etc. The VHF500 shows these channels in the USA mode as channel 21, 22, 23, etc.

  • Page 19: Weather Channels

    UT01920ZZ_1 4/7/04 2:19 PM Page 19 WEATHER CHANNELS To select Weather Channels 0-9, press WX/ALERT briefly. The radio will go to the last selected Weather Channel. Press CH L or M briefly to select a different Weather Channel. Most areas of the US are covered by Weather Channels 1,2, and 3.

  • Page 20: Memory Channel Scan

    To turn on Memory Channel Scan, press and hold the STEP/SCAN key for 2 seconds. The VHF500 will now scan the channels that were previously placed into memory, starting with the lowest channel number to the highest channel number.

  • Page 21: Weather Alert

    These codes identify an emergency and the specific geographic area (such as a county) affected by the emergency. The VHF500 was developed with the SAME (Specific Area Message Encoding) technology. This allows your radio to receive, interpret, and display the information about the codes so you can determine if the emergency might affect your area.
  • Page 22 UT01920ZZ_1 4/7/04 2:19 PM Page 22 The Weather Alert mode can be activated to alert you of dangerous weather. When Weather Alert is turned On, and a warning signal is received, an emergency siren will sound at full volume, regardless of the volume setting.

  • Page 23: Setting The Transmit (Tx) Power

    2:19 PM Page 23 SETTING THE TRANSMIT (TX) POWER The VHF500 transmits on fifty-four marine frequencies and receives on eighty marine frequencies. Channel 70 of the USA, International, and Canadian frequencies, channel 15 of the USA frequencies, and Weather Channels 0 - 9 – are for receiving only. The radio transmits on channel 70 when sending DSC information.

  • Page 24: Menu Operation

    STANDBY - This allow your radio to acknowledge calls with "Unavailable" while you are away from your boat. CALL WAITING - Your VHF500 will automatically log into a directory incoming calls for you to review at a later time if you are not available...

  • Page 25: Digital Selective Calling (Dsc)

    Safety System (GMDSS). This service will let you instantly send a Distress call with GPS position (when optional GPS receiver is connected to the VHF500) to the US Coast Guard and other vessels within range of the transmission. DSC will also let you initiate or receive distress, urgency, safety, position information and routine calls to or from another vessel outfitted with a DSC transceiver.
  • Page 26 UT01920ZZ_1 4/7/04 2:19 PM Page 26 The Distress call is transmitted and it waits for about 210 - 270 seconds for an acknowledgement from the Coast Guard before the Distress call is resent. After the Distress call has been sent, the Distress alert will sound every other second.

  • Page 27: Individual Call

    UT01920ZZ_1 4/7/04 2:19 PM Page 27 1-A. INDIVIDUAL CALL This feature allows the user to contact another boat and to automatically switch the receiving DSC radio to desired channel. First you must select an open channel. DSC CALL Press SELECT briefly at INDIVIDUAL appears.

  • Page 28: Group Call

    UT01920ZZ_1 4/7/04 2:19 PM Page 28 Note: If there is not any data registered in the directory you cannot proceed to the 2nd step. See the SETUP section for directory, setup instructions. Select an open (unused) working channel first, then make the call.

  • Page 29: All Ships Call

    UT01920ZZ_1 4/7/04 2:19 PM Page 29 1-C. ALL SHIPS CALL This radio has the ability to send 3 types of all ships calls. The following are examples of what these types of calls would be used for: Urgency - This call is for a vessel not yet in Distress, but may have a serious problem.
  • Page 30 UT01920ZZ_1 4/7/04 2:19 PM Page 30 Press SELECT briefly to transmit the ALL SHIPS DSC signal. When sending either an URGENCY SAFETY message, all radios will automatically move to channel 70 until all of the data is received. URGENCY SAFETY After selecting ALL SHIPS call is transmitted, the radio will switch to Channel 16.

  • Page 31: Position Request

    When the called vessel sends the position information, time and position appears followed by the individual. You can see the time and the position. Note: The requested radio must have the ability to transmit the position information (such as having a VHF500 radio).

  • Page 32: Position Send

    UT01920ZZ_1 4/7/04 2:19 PM Page 32 1-E. POSITION SEND This radio has the ability to send the position of your vessel to another vessel using a VHF marine radio equipped with DSC. Note: Position send is only available when it is connected to the GPS.

  • Page 33: Standby

    2:19 PM Page 33 1-F. STANDBY The DSC STANDBY function allows the VHF500 to answer DSC calls with the UNATTENDED message and record the calls for response at another time. When you set the radio to DSC STANDBY mode, voice traffic may still be active on any chosen channel.

  • Page 34: Call Wait

    UT01920ZZ_1 4/7/04 2:19 PM Page 34 1-G. CALL WAIT The DSC Call Waiting directory records 10 received distress calls, and records 20 individual calls that are received and not answered within 5 minutes or while the radio is set to DSC Standby. Calls will be recorded while you are busy with other communications as long as the transmitter is not keyed at the time of the call.
  • Page 35 UT01920ZZ_1 4/7/04 2:19 PM Page 35 Press SELECT briefly. If a DISTRESS call is received in Call Wait, the following display appears. If an INDIVIDUAL call is received in Call Wait, the following display appears. At this point, you can call back any of the radios in the log.

  • Page 36: Setup

    UT01920ZZ_1 4/7/04 2:19 PM Page 36 2. SETUP Press H/L/MENU for more than two seconds to enter Menu Operation. Press CH M once to display SETUP and press SELECT briefly. SETUP EXIT has 9 options as follows. To exit, select 2-A.
  • Page 37 UT01920ZZ_1 4/7/04 2:19 PM Page 37 Select AM or PM using CH L or M, then press SELECT briefly. A confirmation screen appears. 2-A-2. ALARM ON This feature allows you to turn the alarm ON. SETUP Press SELECT briefly at SETUP (To enter , see page 36).
  • Page 38 UT01920ZZ_1 4/7/04 2:19 PM Page 38 2-A-3. ALARM OFF This feature allows you to turn the alarm OFF. SETUP Press SELECT briefly at SETUP (To enter , see page 36). ALARM CLOCK appears. Press SELECT briefly. using CH L or M, then press Select SELECT briefly.

  • Page 39: Local Time Adjust

    UT01920ZZ_1 4/7/04 2:19 PM Page 39 2-B. LOCAL TIME ADJUST This feature allows you to fine tune the Local Time for any location in North America. The feature enables you to adjust the Local time by ±1 hour. To set LOCAL TIME ADJUST SETUP Press SELECT briefly at SETUP...

  • Page 40: Daylight Savings On/Off

    UT01920ZZ_1 4/7/04 2:19 PM Page 40 2-C. DAYLIGHT SAVINGS On/Off This feature enables you to select the automatic Daylight Savings clock setting. To set DAYLIGHT SAVINGS On/Off SETUP Press SELECT briefly at SETUP enter , see page 36). Display DAYLITE SAVE using CHL and CHM.

  • Page 41: Directory

    UT01920ZZ_1 4/7/04 2:19 PM Page 41 2-D. DIRECTORY This function will allow you to send an individual call, etc. The Directory function memorizes the name and MMSI number of 20 other vessels. The following screen will allow you to setup an alphanumeric identity as well as the corresponding MMSI number.
  • Page 42 UT01920ZZ_1 4/7/04 2:19 PM Page 42 2-D-1. NEW This function will allow you to enter new information into the directory. Press SELECT briefly at . The registering screen appears. You can now enter the person’s name. Press CH L repeatedly to choose the alphabet.
  • Page 43 UT01920ZZ_1 4/7/04 2:19 PM Page 43 2-D-2. EDIT If you want to edit the DIRECTORY Press SELECT briefly at the individual you want to edit. EDIT appears, then press SELECT briefly. You can now edit the person’s name. Press CH L repeatedly, and press SELECT briefly to choose the alphabet.
  • Page 44 UT01920ZZ_1 4/7/04 2:19 PM Page 44 2-D-3. DELETE If you want to delete the directory Press SELECT briefly at the individual you want to delete. Press CH M once. DELETE appears, then press SELECT briefly. The radio displays the next individual. If no more code remains, EXIT appears.

  • Page 45: Fips

    UT01920ZZ_1 4/7/04 2:19 PM Page 45 2-E. FIPS The 6-digit Federal Information Processing System (FIPS) code established by the National Weather Service (NWS) identifies geographic areas in the United States. Programming FIPS codes are necessary to receive SAME alerts about weather occurring in a particular area.
  • Page 46 UT01920ZZ_1 4/7/04 2:19 PM Page 46 2-E-1. NEW If you want to register a new FIPS code Press SELECT briefly at . The registering screen appears. You can now enter the new FIPS code. Press CH L to increase the number, CH M to decrease.
  • Page 47 UT01920ZZ_1 4/7/04 2:19 PM Page 47 When you finished editing the last digit, the confirmation screen appears. 2-E-3. DELETE If you want to delete a directory entry Press SELECT briefly at the code that you want to delete. Press CH M once. DELETE appears, then press SELECT briefly.

  • Page 48: Auto Channel Switch

    UT01920ZZ_1 4/7/04 2:19 PM Page 48 2-F. AUTO CHANNEL SWITCH This feature is to allow you to disable the automatic channel change that happens when receiving a DSC call. This feature is useful when engaged in bridge – to – bridge or other safety related calls. When you have completed these calls, all of the incoming DSC calls received are available in the call log.

  • Page 49: Position Reply

    UT01920ZZ_1 4/7/04 2:19 PM Page 49 2-G. POSITION REPLY When the calling radio has requested the position information of your radio, you can decide to transmit an acknowledgment automatically or on a call by call basis. SETUP Press SELECT briefly at SETUP enter , see page 36).
  • Page 50 UT01920ZZ_1 4/7/04 2:19 PM Page 50 Example: When the radio receives a position request, the following screen appears. Example: When the radio receives a position request, the following screen appears. You can select whether reply the request or not. If you wants to reply press SELECT briefly.

  • Page 51: Channel Name

    CH TAG Display and M. Press SELECT briefly. The channels and its names appear. Press CH L and M repeatedly to select the channel that you would like to EDIT. Note: The VHF500 radio comes pre-programmed with default channel names.
  • Page 52 UT01920ZZ_1 4/7/04 2:19 PM Page 52 2-H-1. EDIT If you want to edit the channel name Press SELECT briefly at the individual channel you want to edit. You can edit the name. Press CH L or M to select the alphabet, numeric, or symbols.

  • Page 53: Wham

    This feature, from the setup menu, will allow you to connect the WHAM. Note: When you use the WHAM in addition to the VHF500 wired mic, please set the BASE ID for the WHAM the same as your VHF500. (Please refer to the Owner’s Manual for the WHAM).
  • Page 54 This number consist of 4 digits that you decide yourself. This feature allows you to set the Base ID. To use the WHAM, you must set the same Base ID for your VHF500 and WHAM, which enables your VHF500 and WHAM to communicate with one another.
  • Page 55 UT01920ZZ_1 4/7/04 2:19 PM Page 55 2-I-2. LINK CH This feature allows you to change the channel between your VHF500 and the WHAM if you encounter interference. Press CH M once at BASE ID LINK CH appears. Press SELECT briefly to enter the editing mode.

  • Page 56: Group Mmsi

    UT01920ZZ_1 4/7/04 2:19 PM Page 56 2-J. GROUP MMSI Group MMSI is the Group ID to contact a group of specific vessels using DSC and to automatically switch to a desired channel. This function allows you to transmit a DSC signal with group MMSI. SETUP Press SELECT briefly at SETUP...

  • Page 57: User Mmsi

    Information Administration. Non-Federal MMSI's are issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). You will need to obtain a nine digit MMSI number and program it into the VHF500. The information obtained from the application is useful to the U.S. Coast Guard to help in search and rescue operations.
  • Page 58 After the final digit is entered. Press SELECT for more than two seconds. The radio returns to USER MMSI screen. Note: You can only program your radio twice with an MMSI number. After that, send your radio to West Marine for factory service.

  • Page 59: System

    UT01920ZZ_1 4/7/04 2:19 PM Page 59 3. SYSTEM Press H/L/MENU for more than two seconds to enter Menu Operation. Press CH M twice to display SYSTEM and press SELECT briefly. SYSTEM has 3 options as follows. To exit, EXIT select 3-A.

  • Page 60: Lamp Adjust

    UT01920ZZ_1 4/7/04 2:19 PM Page 60 3-B. LAMP ADJUST SYSTEM Press SELECT briefly at SYSTEM (To enter , see page 59.) Press CH M once to select LAMP ADJUST Press SELECT briefly to enter the setting mode. (Default is set at 3). Press CH L and M briefly to select the backlight brightness level.

  • Page 61: Key Beep

    UT01920ZZ_1 4/7/04 2:19 PM Page 61 3-C. KEY BEEP SYSTEM Press SELECT briefly at SYSTEM (To enter , see page 59.) Press CH M twice to select KEY BEEP Press SELECT briefly to enter the setting mode. Press CH L and M briefly to select Press SELECT briefly.

  • Page 62: Nmea Technical Setup

    VHF500 DSC VHF radio, auto pilots, chart plotters, etc. To setup the GPS to be used with the VHF500 radio, the following items need to be considered for proper operation: Baud Rate –...

  • Page 63: Vhf Fm Marine Radio Telephone Channel And Functions (Usa Channels)

    UT01920ZZ_1 4/7/04 2:19 PM Page 63 VHF FM Marine Radio Telephone Channel and Functions (USA Channels) CHANNEL FREQUENCY (MHz) TYPE OF SHIP SHIP DESIG TRANSMIT RECEIVE TRAFFIC TO SHIP TO SHORE Name — 163.275 NOAA Weather RX Only RX Only —...

  • Page 64: Channel And Functions (International Channels)

    UT01920ZZ_1 4/7/04 2:19 PM Page 64 VHF FM Marine Radio Telephone Channel and Functions (International Channels) CHANNEL FREQUENCY (MHz) TYPE OF SHIP SHIP DESIG TRANSMIT RECEIVE TRAFFIC TO SHIP TO SHORE Name — 163.275 NOAA Weather RX Only RX Only —...

  • Page 65: Channel And Functions (Canadian Channels)

    UT01920ZZ_1 4/7/04 2:19 PM Page 65 VHF FM Marine Radio Telephone Channel and Functions (Canadian Channels) CHANNEL FREQUENCY (MHz) TYPE OF SHIP SHIP DESIG TRANSMIT RECEIVE TRAFFIC TO SHIP TO SHORE Name — 163.275 NOAA Weather RX Only RX Only —...

  • Page 66: Nwr-Same Event Code

    UT01920ZZ_1 4/7/04 2:19 PM Page 66 NWR-SAME EVENT CODE Event Code Standard EVENT LEVEL (Siren Type) Radio Status Warning Watch Statement Test Display Emergency Action Notification EMG NOTIFY Emergency Action Termination EMG END National Information Center NATION INFO Tornado Warning # TOW (or TOR) TORNADO Severe Thunderstorm Warning #...

  • Page 67: Specification

    UT01920ZZ_1 4/7/04 2:19 PM Page 67 Specification General Channels : Transmit 54 Receive 77 Marine/10 Weather Controls : On-Off/Volume, Squelch Status Indicators : TX (Transmit), TRI (Triple Watch), HI (High), LO (Low), U, C, I, MEM, WX, DSC, (Alarm), (Alert), (GPS), (WHAM), and Channel Display...

  • Page 68: Troubleshooting

    Electronics Repair Center in Hollister, CA. Be sure to include your return mailing information and detailed accounting of the problems experienced and/or the service requested. West Marine Electronics Repair Center 2395 Bert Court Hollister, CA 95023...
  • Page 69 UT01920ZZ_1 4/7/04 2:19 PM Page 69 SYMPTOM CAUSE REMEDY You can not change the You are on a channel Change to an unrestricted transmit power setting. which is limited to 1 TX/RX channel. watt transmit power (e.g. Ch. 13) or you are on a "receive only"...

  • Page 70: Care And Maintenance

    2:19 PM Page 70 Care and Maintenance Your VHF500 is a precision of electronic equipment and you should treat it accordingly. Due to the rugged design, very little maintenance is required. However, a few precautions should be observed: • If the antenna has been damaged, you should not transmit except in the case of an emergency.

  • Page 71: Three Year Limited Warranty

    WARRANTOR: WEST MARINE AMERICA CORPORATION (“West Marine”) ELEMENTS OF WARRANTY: West Marine warrants, for three years, to the original retail owner, this West Marine Product to be free from defects in materials and craftsmanship with only the limitations or exclusions set out below.
  • Page 72 UT01920ZZ_1 4/7/04 2:19 PM Page 72...

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