Cobra MR HH125 User Manual

Introduction

Our Thanks to You and Customer Assistance

VHF MARINE RADIO

Owner’s Manual

Our Thanks to You

Thank you for purchasing a CobraMarine® VHF radio. Properly used, this Cobra

product will give you

many years of reliable service.

How Your CobraMarine VHF Radio Works

This radio is a battery-powered portable transceiver for use afloat. It gives you two-way vessel-to-vessel and vessel-to-shore station communications, primarily for safety and secondarily for navigation and operational purposes. With it, you can call for help, get information from other boaters, talk to lock or bridge tenders, and make radiotelephone calls to anywhere in the world through a marine operator.

Besides two-way communications, the radio can provide quick access to receive all the NOAA (National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration) weather channels and alert you to weather emergencies with a tone on a weather channel you can select for your area.

Customer Assistance

Should you encounter any problems with this product, or not understand its many features, please refer to this owner’s manual. If you require further assistance after reading this manual, Cobra Electronics offers the following customer assistance services:

For Assistance in the U.S.A.

Automated Help Desk English only. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 773-889-3087 (phone).

Customer Assistance Operators English and Spanish. 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Central Time Mon. through Fri. (except holidays) 773-889-3087 (phone).

Questions English and Spanish. Faxes can be received at 773-622-2269 (fax).

Technical Assistance English only. www.cobra.com (on-line: Frequently Asked Questions). English and Spanish. productinfo

@cobra.com (e-mail).

•

MR HH125

Printed in China Part No. 480-426-P Version E

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

English

For Assistance Outside the U.S.A.

Contact Your Local Dealer

English

6500 West Cortland Street

Chicago, Illinois 60707 USA

www.cobra.com

Introduction

Radio Controls and Indicators

Introduction

Backlit LCD Screen and Product Features

Push to

Talk Button

(Talk)

Backlight/

Key Lock

Button

Dual Watch/ Scan Button

Squelch

Defeat

Button

Memory/ Escape Button

Enter/Setup Button

Speaker

Antenna

Backlit

LCD

Screen

External Speaker/

Microphone Jack

ON/OFF/ Volume Control

Wrist Strap

Connector

Engagement

Compartment

Belt Clip

Battery

Battery Door Latch

Channel Down Button

Channel Up Button

Power Level/ Weather Button

Instant Channel 16/9 Button

Microphone

Charge Jack

Backlit LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) Screen

Receive & Transmit Icons

Signal Strength Icon

Low/High Power Icons

Roger Beep Icon

Scan Icon

UIC Active Channel Map Icons

Active Channel Numbers

Simplex Operation Icon

Product Features

Power Settings

Select 1 or 3 watts of output power for near or distant calling.

USA/International/Canada Channels

Operate on any of the three (3) different channel maps set up for these areas.

All NOAA Weather Channels

Instant access to all National Weather Channels, 24 hours a day.

Emergency Weather Alert

Receive NOAA alerts when threatening weather is nearby.

Waterproof

Meets JIS4 waterproof standards.

Key Lock

Prevents accidental setting changes when key lock is set.

Channel Scan/Memory Scan

Scan through all or memorized channels to find conversations in progress.

Instant Channel 16/9

Provides instant access to priority Channel 16 and calling Channel 9.

Dual-Watch

Use to monitor two (2) channels at once – Channel 16 and one programmable channel.

Roger Beep Tone (Selectable)

Confirmation tone indicates the completion of the user’s transmission and signals to others it is clear to talk. On or Off selectable.

Rechargeable NiMH (Nickel-Metal Hydride) Batteries

Five (5) rechargeable NiMH batteries supplied with the unit provide extended operating time compared to alkaline batteries and have no memory effect. Five (5) AAA alkaline batteries may also be used for emergency backup power.

12V Power Cord Included

Charge the NiMH batteries in a car or boat.

Speaker/Mic Jack

Allows connecting optional Cobra Lapel Speaker/Mic.

Memory Channels

Allows programming of up to ten (10) VHF memory channels.

Signal Strength Meter

Shows the strength of incoming or outgoing signals.

Illuminated Buttons

Allows high visibility of all function buttons.

Key Tone Icon

Button Lock Icon Weather Icon

Weather Alert Icon

Battery Power Icon

Memory Channel Icon

Dual Watch Icon

Broadcast Receive Icon

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English

Introduction

Assistance

Warranty

Table of Contents

Introduction

Our Thanks to You .................................................................................... A1

Customer Assistance ................................................................................ A1

Radio Controls and Indicators .................................................................. A2

Backlit LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) Screen ............................................. A3

Product Features ....................................................................................... A3

Important Safety Information ........................................................................ 2

Recommendations for Marine Communication ............................................ 4

FCC Licensing Information ............................................................................ 4

Installation

Included in this Package ............................................................................... 6

Wrist Strap, Belt Clip and External Speaker/Mic ........................................... 7

Batteries and Charging .................................................................................. 8

Operating Your Radio

Getting Started ............................................................................................ 10

Setup Mode Programming .......................................................................... 14

Standby, Receive and Transmit .................................................................. 18

NOAA All Hazards/Weather Radio and Alert ................................................ 19

Advanced Operation .................................................................................... 21

Maintenance ................................................................................................ 27

Troubleshooting .......................................................................................... 27

VHF Marine Radio Protocols

VHF Marine Radio Procedures .................................................................... 28

Voice Calling ............................................................................................... 30

Radiotelephone Calls .................................................................................. 31

Emergency Messages and Distress Procedure ........................................... 32

Warranty and Trademark

Limited 1-Year Warranty ............................................................................. 35

Trademark Acknowledgement ..................................................................... 35

Customer Service

Product Service .......................................................................................... 36

Specifications .............................................................................................. 37

Appendix – English/Español

VHF Marine Channel Assignments .............................................................. 48

Weather Channel Assignments ................................................................... 53

Accessories ................................................................................................. 54

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

Introduction

Assistance

Warranty

Customer Assistance

Warranty

Assistance

Warranty

Customer Assistance

Introduction

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. Special attention must be paid to the WARNING and NOTICE statements in this manual.

WARNING Statements identify conditions that could result in personal injury or loss of life.

NOTICE Statements identify conditions that could cause damage to the radio or other equipment.

Safety Training Information

This CobraMarine® radio has been tested and found to comply with the FCC RF exposure limits for use by the “General Population” and Industry Canada RF exposure limits for use by the “General Public.” This CobraMarine VHF radio also complies with the following guidelines and standards regarding RF energy and electromagnetic energy levels as well as evaluation of those levels for human exposure:

FCC OET Bulletin 65 Edition 97-01 Supplement C, Evaluating Compliance with

FCC Guidelines for Human Exposure to Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Fields.

American National Standards Institute (C95.1-1992), IEEE Standard for Safety

Levels with Respect to Human Exposure to Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Fields, 3 kHz to 300 GHz.

American National Standards Institute (C95.3-1992), IEEE Recommended

Practice for the Measurement of Potentially Hazardous Electromagnetic Fields — RF and Microwave.

General Precautions

The following WARNINGS and NOTICE information on the following page will make you aware of RF exposure hazards and how to assure you operate the radio within the FCC RF exposure limits established for the radio.

English

•

WARNINGS Your radio generates electromagnetic RF (radio frequency) energy when it is transmitting. To ensure that you and those around you are not exposed to excessive amounts of that energy, DO NOT touch the antenna when transmitting. KEEP the radio at least two (2) inches (5cm) away from yourself and others when transmitting.

DO NOT operate with more than a duty cycle of 5% transmit, 5% receive and 90% standby. 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. NEVER place the transceiver or microphone/speaker where they might interfere

with operation of your vessel or cause injury. DO NOT allow children or anyone unfamiliar with proper procedures to operate

the radio without supervision. Failure to observe any of these warnings may cause you to exceed FCC RF

exposure limits or create other dangerous conditions.

NOTICE Your radio is waterproof only when the batteries are properly installed.

AVOID using or storing the radio at temperatures below -4˚F (-20˚C) or above 140˚F (60˚C).

KEEP your radio at least 3 ft (0.9 m) away from your vessel’s magnetic navigation compass.

DO NOT attempt to service any internal parts yourself. Have any necessary service performed by a qualified technician.

This radio is supplied with NiMH (Nickel-Metal Hydride) rechargeable batteries.

Use only the Cobra power cord to recharge NiMH batteries in the radio.

•

Do not short circuit the batteries.

When replacing the batteries, dispose of the old batteries properly. The NiMH

batteries may explode if disposed of in a fire.

Do not attempt to operate your radio while recharging the batteries.

Changes or modifications to your radio MAY VOID its compliance with FCC (Federal Communications Commission) rules and make it illegal to use.

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

Assistance

Warranty

Customer Assistance

Introduction

Marine Communication, Procedures & FCC Licensing

Introduction

FCC Licensing

Recommendations for Marine Communication

The frequencies your radio uses are set aside to enhance safety afloat and for vessel navigation and operational messages over a range suitable for nearshore voyages. If the 3 watt maximum output of your radio is not sufficient for the distances you travel from the coast, consider a higher powered handheld or installing a Cobra Marine fixed mount radio with up to 25 watts of output power. (Visit www.cobra.com or your local dealer for model availability.)

If traveling far offshore, you should consider adding even more powerful radio equipment such as HF single side band or satellite radio for your vessel.

The U.S. Coast Guard does not endorse cellular telephones as substitutes for marine radios. They generally cannot communicate with rescue vessels and, if you make a distress call on a cellular telephone, only the party you call will be able to hear you. Additionally, cellular telephones may have limited coverage over water and can be hard to locate. If you do not know where you are, the Coast Guard will have difficulty finding you if you are using a cellular telephone.

However, cellular telephones can have a place on board where cellular coverage is available — to allow social conversations and keep the marine frequencies uncluttered and available for their intended uses.

VHF Marine Radio Procedures

If you are not familiar with or need to brush up on the protocols that must be followed when using a VHF Marine Radio, please study the section beginning at page 28 before putting your radio into service.

FCC Licensing Information

CobraMarine VHF radios comply with the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) requirements that regulate the Maritime Radio Service.

The radio operates on all currently allocated marine channels and is switchable for use according to U.S.A., International or Canadian regulations. It features instant access to emergency Channel 16 and calling Channel 9 as well as NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) All Hazards Radio with Alert that can be accessed by pressing one (1) button.

Station License

An FCC ship station license is no longer required for any vessel traveling in U.S.A. waters which uses a VHF marine radio, RADAR, or EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon), and which is not required to carry radio equipment. However, any vessel required to carry a marine radio on an international voyage, carrying an HF single side band radiotelephone, or carrying a marine satellite terminal must obtain a station license.

English

FCC license forms and applications for ship and land stations can be downloaded

•

through the Internet at www.fcc.gov. Forms can also be obtained by calling the FCC at 888-225-5322.

International Station License

If your vessel will be entering the sovereign waters of a country other than the U.S.A. or Canada, you should contact that country’s communications regulatory authority for licensing information.

Radio Call Sign

Currently, the FCC does not require recreational boaters to have a license. The United States Coast Guard recommends that the boat’s registration number and state of registry (e.g., IL 1234 AB) be used as a call sign and be clearly visible on the vessel.

Canadian Ship Station License

You need a Radio Operator’s Certificate if your vessel is operated in Canadian waters. 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.

•

User Responsibility and Operating Locations

All users are responsible for observing domestic and foreign government regulations and are subject to severe penalties for violations. The VHF frequencies on your radio are reserved for marine use and require a special license to operate from land, including when your boat is on its trailer.

NOTE This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two (2) conditions:

1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and

2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

FCC Warning: Replacement or substitution of transistors, regular diodes or other parts of a unique nature, with parts other than those recommended by 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.

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

VHF Marine Radio Protocols

Assistance

Warranty

Assistance

Warranty

Installation

Included in this Package

VHF Marine Radio Protocols

Installation

Wrist Strap, Belt Clip and External Speaker/Mic

Included in this Package

You should find all of the following items in the package with your CobraMarine VHF radio.

Radio

Operating Instruction Manual

Wrist Strap

Spring-Loaded Belt Clip

12V Power Cord

For connection to 12-volt power sources.

5 Rechargeable NiMH Batteries

•

Wrist Strap and Belt Clip

Wrist Strap

•

The radio comes with the wrist strap already attached. It can be easily removed if you choose not to use it.

Belt Clip Secured to Belt

Belt Clip

Use the spring-loaded belt clip to carry the radio on your person.

1. Press open the belt clip, slide it over the belt and release the clip.

2. Insert the round guide on the back of the radio into the guide channel on the belt clip. The radio must be upside-

Removing the Radio

Secure Radio

down, as shown, to remove it from the belt clip.

3. Once the knob is inserted all the way into the belt clip channel, the radio swings free but remains secure.

English

External Speaker/Microphone Jack

Speaker/Microphone Jack

Your radio can be fitted with an optional External Speaker/ Microphone (not included), freeing your hands for other tasks. Contact your local CobraMarine

or Cobra

directly for optional accessories.

To attach the external speaker/microphone:

1. Open the speaker/microphone tab on top

of the radio.

2. Insert the plug into the speaker/microphone jack.

dealer

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

•

VHF Marine Radio Protocols

Assistance

Warranty

Assistance

Warranty

Assistance

Warranty

Customer Assistance

Assistance

Warranty

Customer Assistance

Batteries and Charging Batteries and Charging

VHF Marine Radio Protocols

Batteries and Charging

Install Batteries

The radio is is shipped with five (5) NiMH rechargeable batteries.

WARNING The 12V power cord supplied with this radio is only to be used with its rechargeable batteries. Do not attempt to charge any other type of batteries in the radio as fire, explosion or battery damage will occur. Rechargeable battery life will be prolonged if extreme ambient temperatures are avoided.

When your rechargeable batteries begin to discharge too quickly, it is time to install new batteries. Your radio will also operate with five (5) high-quality AAA alkaline batteries.

Installing the Batteries

Install the AAA batteries in the slots in the battery

compartment with the batteries oriented according to the polarity (+ & -) marks in the slots.

Initial Charge

The Cobra-provided NiMH batteries may be charged in a car or boat using the appropriate 12V power cord.

Power Source

1. Insert the power cord into the side of the radio.

2. Insert the other end of the power cord into a 12V power

source.

3. Observe that the red light on the power cord glows to indicate that power is present.

4. Allow the batteries to charge for 12 to 14 hours before use.

•

Locking Tab

To Remove Batteries from Radio

1. Pivot the locking tab on the battery cover and remove it.

2. Pull the individual batteries out of the radio housing.

NOTICE

NiMH batteries are toxic. Please dispose of properly. Some marine suppliers accept old batteries for recycling and some municipal waste disposal agencies have special provisions for battery disposal.

Fully Charged

Maintaining the Battery Charge

As you use your radio, the battery power icon will show the

battery power remaining. When the icon begins to flash, it is time to recharge or change the batteries.

NOTICE

Partially Charged

Use only the 12V power cord provided by Cobra. Do not use the power cord with alkaline batteries; only the NiMH batteries are rechargeable. Spent alkaline batteries must be discarded and replaced.

It is a good idea to keep a set of fresh, high-quality AAA alkaline batteries with your radio. Should the rechargeable

Fully Discharged

batteries become discharged and no electrical power source be available, you can insert fresh alkaline batteries and continue to use your radio.

English

WARNING Only the rechargeable NiMH batteries can be recharged. You MUST use the charging device provided with this radio. Do not substitute any other type of charging adapter. Battery damage, fire or explosion may result. It is equally important to prevent the NiMH batteries from freezing to obtain best performance from them.

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VHF Marine Radio Protocols

Operating Your Radio VHF Marine Radio Protocols

Getting Started Getting Started

Operating Your Radio

Getting Started

MR HH125 Radio

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” various buttons (except “Push to Talk”) on the radio. “Press” means a momentary press of approximately one (1) second. “Press and Hold” means to hold the button down for approximately three (3) seconds.

Whenever you press any button except the Talk button on your radio, a brief tone (beep) will sound to confirm the button press. With all button presses, the appropriate icon will appear on the LCD and the backlight will turn On. The backlight will stay On for 10 seconds after the button is released.

At times, you will hear two (2) other sounds. Two (2) beeps will sound to confirm your setting changes and three (3) beeps will sound to notify you of an error.

Common Radio Functions

The following procedures define common operating functions of the radio when in either Marine Standby or Weather (WX) Standby modes.

Power/Volume Control

On/Off/Volume Control (Clockwise)

On/Off/Volume Control (Counterclockwise)

English

Power On/Off Control

The On/Off/Volume control is located at the upper right side of the radio. Turning the On/Off/Volume control past the detent position will turn the radio On or Off.

Power Saver

Your radio has a unique circuit designed to extend battery life. If there are no transmissions, signals, or button presses for ten (10) seconds, the radio will automatically switch to Power Save mode. Signal reception or any button press will take the radio out of Power Save mode.

Volume Control Volume is controlled by turning the On/Off/Volume control.

n To increase the volume, turn the On/Off/Volume control

clockwise.

n To decrease the volume, turn the On/Off/Volume control

counterclockwise.

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Speaker/Mic Jack

Radio Speaker and Microphone

The internal Radio Speaker and Microphone are located on the bottom front face of the radio below the lower control buttons.

An optional Speaker/Microphone jack is located at the top of the radio between the antenna and the On/Off/Volume control. Flip the protective cap open and insert the plug into the jack.

Talk Button

Talk Button Press and hold the Talk button to transmit messages. Release the Talk button to stop transmitting. If the Talk button is pressed while on a receive only channel, a three beep error signal will sound.

Squelch Control

Squelch Control This radio is equipped with an automatic squelch control. Squelch filters weak signals and radio frequency (RF) noise so you can hear the main signal clearly.

To receive weak signals, the automatic squelch can be turned Off (opened) by pressing the Squelch Defeat button. You will likely hear a lot of static and RF noise along with the weak signal.

Press the Squelch Defeat button for up to five (5) seconds to briefly open squelch. To hold squelch open for longer periods, press and hold the Squelch Defeat button for more than five (5) seconds. Squelch will remain open until you press the Squelch Defeat button again or you change channels.

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

VHF Marine Radio Protocols VHF Marine Radio Protocols

Assistance

Warranty

Customer Assistance

Assistance

Warranty

Customer Assistance

VHF Marine Radio Protocols

Operating Your Radio VHF Marine Radio Protocols

Getting Started Getting Started

Operating Your Radio

Backlight/Key Lock Button

Key Locked Buttons

Key Lock Icon

Channel Up/Down Buttons

Currently On Channel 88

English

Backlight/Key Lock Button

The LCD will be illuminated by the backlight as long as any button is pressed and will remain On for 10 seconds after the button is released.

To Display the Backlight Momentarily:

Press the Backlight/Key Lock button. The backlight will remain On for 10 seconds. If the backlight is already On, a press of the Backlight/Key Lock button will turn it Off.

Key Lock

To prevent accidental changes to your settings, you can lock all of the buttons on the front of the the radio along with the Squelch Defeat button.

To Lock or Unlock the Buttons:

Press and hold the Backlight/Key Lock button for two (2) seconds. The Key Lock icon will appear or disappear in the LCD. When Key Lock is On, pressing any of the buttons on the front of the radio will result in a three (3) beep error message.

Both the Backlight/Key Lock button and the Talk button are active — you can Receive (Rx) or Transmit (Tx) a message with Key Lock On, but you cannot change the channel.

Channel Up/Down Buttons

Your radio will Receive (Rx) and Transmit (Tx) VHF signals on the channel indicated on the LCD display. You can change the channel at any time using the Channel Up/Down buttons.

To Change Channels:

Press the Channel Up/Down buttons. If you are on Channel 88, pressing the Channel Up

button will advance to Channel 01. If you are on Channel 01, pressing the Channel Down button will advance to Channel 88.

You can press and hold the Channel Up/Down button for fast advance. The beep sound will occur only at the first press of the buttons and not during fast advance.

If the new channel selected is restricted to low power, the radio will automatically switch to Low Power mode and the Low Power icon will appear on the LCD.

If the radio is in the Key Lock mode, the channel will not change and the three (3) beep error signal will sound.

Scan Button

HI/LO Power Button

SCAN Button

Press and release the SCAN button to scan all channels. The SCAN icon will display on the LCD display. Scanning begins at lower channels, and scans to higher channels. Press Channel Up/Down button to change the scan direction.

When a signal is received in SCAN mode, the radio will pause 10 seconds before resuming SCAN operation. The scan will stop when the Talk button is pressed.

NOTE

Memory channels need to be saved to effectively enter the Memory Channel mode and scan all memory channels. See page 25.

High/Low (HI/LO) Power Button

Your radio can transmit selectively at 1 or 3 watts of power. Cobra suggests you maintain the low power setting for short-range communication. You will conserve battery life and avoid overpowering nearby stations by using a low power signal. Use the High Power setting for long-range communications or when you do not receive a response to a signal sent at 1 watt.

To Toggle Between HI/LO Power Modes:

Press the Power Level/Weather button. The LCD will show which mode is in effect. Some channels are restricted for a maximum use of 1 watt. Your radio will automatically set the power to Low Power mode when you select those channels.

NOTE

Some channels, frequency bands and countries of use might not be able to operate in High Power mode.

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