Cobra MR HH415LI VP EU User Manual

Owner’s Manual

VHF MARINE RADIO

MR HH415LI VP EU

Printed in China Part No. 480-347-P

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

English

Introduction

Our Thanks to You and Customer Assistance

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.

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, please contact your local dealer.

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For Warranty, Product Service and Accessory Information

Please contact your local dealer or distributor. See the enclosed leaflet that provides contact information for the CobraMarine international distributors.

English

6500 West Cortland Street

Chicago, Illinois 60707 USA

www.cobra.com

Introduction

PRESET

Radio Controls and Indicators

Speaker/

Microphone

External Cover

ON/OFF/Volume Control

Belt Clip

Engagement

Antenna

Backlit

LCD

Screen

Channel Up

Button

Push to

Tal k

Button

Channel

Down

Button

Backlight/

Key Lock

Button

Power Level

Button

Channel

Preset Button

Tri-Watch

Button

Speaker

Squelch Control

Wrist Strap Connector

Battery

Instant Channel 16 Button

SCAN Button

Call/Enter Button

Rewind-Say-Again Button

Memory/Escape Button

Microphone

Battery Clip

English

Introduction

Backlit LCD Screen and Product Features

Backlit LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) Screen

Transmit and Receive Icons

Frequency

Band Icon

Active Channel

Numbers

Tri-Watch Icon

Button Lock Icon

Scan Icon

Key Tone Icon

Product Features

Power Settings

Selectable power settings produce 1, 3 or 5 watts of output power for near or distant calling.

International/Canada/USA Channels

Allows operation on any of the three (3) different channel maps established for these areas.

Submersible to JIS7 Standards

Waterproof to 1 m [3.3 ft] of water for 30 minutes.

Button/Key Lock

Prevents accidental setting changes when button lock is set.

Channel Scan/Memory Scan

Use to scan through unlimited channels or memory locations to find

Roger Beep Icon

UIC Active Channel Map Icons

Tri-Watch

Use to monitor three (3) channels at once — Channel 16 and two (2) programmable channels.

Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Battery Pack

Provides extended operating time compared to alkaline batteries with no memory effect.

220V/12V Rapid Charger Included

Use to charge battery pack in the radio, at home, in a car or in a boat.

Locking Desktop Charger

Holds the radio or battery in place while charging. Vertical or horizontal mounting.

Call Tones (Selectable)

10 selectable call tones.

Low/Medium/High Power Icons

Call Tone Icon

Memory Channel Icon

Memory Channel

Automatic Transponder Identification System Icon

Simplex Operation Icon

Battery Power Icon

conversations in progress.

Instant Channel 16

Provides instant access to priority Channel 16.

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English

Introduction

Product Features

Product Features (continued)

Speaker/Mic Jack

Allows connecting optional Cobra Lapel Speaker/Mic and other Cobra accessories.

Unlimited Memory Channels

Allows programming of unlimited VHF memory channels.

Signal Strength Meter

Shows the strength of incoming or outgoing signals.

Illuminated Buttons

Allows high visibility of all function buttons.

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.

Patented VibrAlert

Provides a silent alert for incoming calls. Ideal for noisy or all-quiet environments.

Automatic Transponder Identification System (ATIS)

Capable of operating within the Automatic Transponder Identification System. ATIS includes data at the end of a transmission for station identification.

Rapid-Charge Locking Desktop Charger

Allows charging of batteries at home, car or boat. Vertical or horizontal mounting.

Cobra Exclusive Rewind-Say-Again™

A dedicated button allows user to replay up to the last 20 seconds of audio. Press the dedicated rewind button and Cobra VHF will replay the last 20 seconds of the audio from your VHF.

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English

Introduction

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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

VHF Marine Radio Protocols

Licensing Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

VHF Marine Radio Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Voice Calling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Radiotelephone Calls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Emergency Messages and Distress Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

VHF Marine Channel Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Installation

Included in this Package . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Antenna, Wrist Strap and Belt Clip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Batteries and Charger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Operating Your Radio

Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Setup Mode Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

ATIS ID Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

Standby/Receive and Transmit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Advanced Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Trademark

Trademark Acknowledgement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

Customer Service

Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Declaration of Conformity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58

CE Marking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

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.

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English

Introduction

Important Safety Information

General Precautions

The following WARNINGS and NOTICES will make you aware of RF exposure hazards and how to assure you operate the radio within the recommended RF exposure limits established for it.

WARNINGS

Your CobraMarine 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 (beyond recommended allowable limits for occupational use):

ALWAYS hold the radio, especially the antenna, at least 5,1 cm [2 in.] away from you when you are transmitting.

NEVER allow the antenna to touch any part of your body when transmitting.

KEEP the radio and antenna at least as far from bystanders as from yourself.

DO NOT operate the radio without the supplied antenna or a Cobra Electronics

Corporation exposure hazard, doing so may damage the radio.

DO NOT transmit more than 50% of the time the radio is in use — 50% duty cycle. The radio is transmitting when the Tal k button is pressed and the Transmit icon shows on the LCD screen.

ALWAYS use only Cobra Electronics Corporation authorized accessories (antennas, batteries, belt clips, etc.).

DO NOT operate the radio where RF energy generated during transmission may cause electromagnetic interference or incompatibility with other devices or systems. This includes aircraft, blasting sites and hospitals.

TURN OFF the radio in explosive atmospheres and where signs are posted prohibiting radio transmissions.

Failure to observe any of these warnings may cause you to exceed recommended RF exposure limits or create other dangerous conditions.

™

authorized replacement attachment. In addition to the RF energy

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

Introduction

Important Safety Information

NOTICE

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

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

KEEP your radio at least 0,9 m ( 3 ft) 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 an LiON (Lithium-Ion) rechargeable battery pack.



Use only the Cobra charger to recharge LiON battery in the radio.



Do not short circuit the battery pack.



When replacing the battery, dispose of the old battery properly. The LiON battery may explode if disposed of in a fire.

Changes or modifications to your radio MAY VOID its compliance with government rules and make it illegal to use.

English

Introduction

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 5 watt maximum output of your radio is not sufficient for the distances you travel from the coast, consider installing a CobraMarine fixed mount radio with up to 25 watts of output power. (Visit www.cobra.com or your local dealer for model availability.)

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

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

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

•

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

VHF Marine Radio Protocols

Licensing Information

The radio operates on all currently allocated marine channels and is switchable for use according to International, Canadian or U.S.A. regulations. It features instant access to emergency Channel 16 by pressing one key.

Station License

The UK requires a ship’s radio license and a marine radio operator’s certificate before transmitting equipment can be used aboard a vessel. Other European countries have specific requirements of their own.

For detailed information and applications, contact the Radio Licensing Centre run by Royal Mail in the UK. In other countries, contact the relevant national postal or telecommunications authority.

Canadian or U.S.A. Station License

If your vessel will be entering the sovereign waters of Canada or the U.S.A., you should contact Industry of Canada, Radio Regulatory Branch or the U.S. FCC (Federal Communications Commission) for licensing and operating information.

Radio Call Sign

A radio call sign is included as part of the ship’s radio license in the UK. Other countries may have different practices; contact your local regulatory authority for information.

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.

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English

VHF Marine Radio Protocols

VHF Marine Radio Procedures

Maintain Your Watch

Whenever your boat is underway, the radio must be turned On and be tuned to Channel 16 except when being used for messages.

Power

Try 1 watt first if the station being called is within a few kilometers. If there is no answer, switch to a higher power. This will conserve your battery and minimize interference to other users.

Calling Coast Stations

Call a coast station on its assigned channel. You may use Channel 16 when you do not know the assigned channel.

Calling Other Vessels

Call other vessels on Channel 16. You may also call on ship-to-ship channels when you know that the vessel is listening on a ship-to-ship channel.

Limits on Calling

You must not call the same station for more than 30 seconds at a time. If you do not get a reply, wait at least two (2) minutes before calling again. After three (3) calling periods, wait at least 15 minutes before calling again.

Change Channels

After contacting another station on a calling channel, change immediately to a channel which is available for the type of message you want to send.

Station Identification

Identify your station by your call sign, ship name or other official number at both the beginning and end of each message.

Prohibited Communications

You MUST NOT transmit:



False distress or emergency messages.



Messages containing obscene, indecent or profane words or meaning.



General calls, signals or messages (messages not addressed to a particular station) on Channel 16, except in an emergency or if you are testing your radio.



When you are on land.

•

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

VHF Marine Radio Protocols

Voice Calling

To call another vessel or a shore installation such as a lock or bridge tender:



Make sure your radio is On.



Select Channel 16 and listen to make sure it is not being used.



When the channel is quiet, press the Tal k button and call the ship you wish to contact. (Hold the radio at least 5,1 cm [2 in.] from your face and speak directly into it in a normal tone of voice — clearly and distinctly.) Say “[name of station being called] 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 listings on pages 14 – 23.

For Example

The vessel Corsair calling the vessel Vagabond:

Corsair: “Vagabond, this is Corsair.”

Vagabond: “Corsair, this is Vagabond. Reply 72 (or any proper working channel).”

Corsair: “72.” or “Roger.”



After communications are completed, each vessel must sign off with its call sign or vessel name and switch to Channel 16.

NOTE

For the best sound quality at the station you are calling, hold the radio at least 5,1 cm [2 in.] from your mouth and slightly off to one side. Speak in a normal tone of voice.

NOTE

“Over and Out” The most commonly misused procedure words are “over and out” within the same transmission. “Over” means you expect a reply. “Out” means you are finished and do not expect a reply.

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English

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 — for a fee — between your radio and telephones on land, sea and in the air. See pages 14 through 23 for the public correspondence (marine operator) channels.

If you plan to use these services, consider registering with the operator of the public coast station that you plan to work through. These services can provide you with detailed information and procedures to follow.

NOTICE

You may disclose privileged information during a radiotelephone call. Keep in mind that your transmission is NOT private, as it is on a regular telephone. Both sides of the conversation are being broadcast and can be heard by anyone who has a radio and tunes to the channel you are using.

•

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

VHF Marine Radio Protocols

Emergency Messages and Distress Procedure

The ability to summon assistance in an emergency is the primary reason to have a VHF marine radio. The marine environment can be unforgiving, and what may initially be a minor problem can rapidly develop into a situation beyond your control.

The coastguard monitors Channel 16, responds to all distress calls, and coordinates all search and rescue efforts. Depending on the availability of other capable vessels or commercial assistance operators in your vicinity, coastguard or coastguard auxiliary craft may be dispatched.

In any event, communicate with the coastguard as soon as you experience difficulties and before your situation becomes an emergency. Use the emergency message procedures only after your situation has become grave or you are faced with a sudden danger threatening life or property and requiring immediate help. Use Channel 16 to communicate your emergency message. Make sure you transmit on high power. If you are merely out of fuel, do not send an emergency message. Drop your anchor and call a friend or marina to bring the fuel you need or to give you a tow.

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English

Emergency Messages and

VHF Marine Radio Protocols

Marine Emergency Signals

The three (3) spoken international emergency signals are:

MAYDAY

The distress signal MAYDAY is used to indicate that a station is threatened by grave and imminent danger and requests immediate assistance.

PAN

The urgency signal PAN is used when the safety of the vessel or person is in jeopardy. (This signal is properly pronounced pahn.)

SECURITE

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.

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.

If you hear a distress message from a vessel, stand by your radio. If it is not answered, YOU should answer. If the distressed vessel is not nearby, wait a short time for others who may be closer to acknowledge. Even if you cannot render direct assistance, you may be in a position to relay the message.

Distress Procedure

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

Emergency Messages

VHF Marine Radio Protocols

Marine Distress Procedure

Speak slowly — clearly — calmly.

1. Make sure your radio is On.

2. Select Channel 16.

3. Press Talk button and say:

“MAYDAY — MAYDAY — MAYDAY.” (Or “PAN — PAN — PAN,” or “SECURITE — SECURITE — SECURITE.”)

4. Say:

“THIS IS [your vessel name or call sign],” repeated three (3) times.

5. Say:

“MAYDAY (or “PAN” or “SECURITE”) [your vessel name or call sign].

6. Tell where you are:

(what navigational aids or landmarks are nearby).

7. State the nature of your distress.

8. State the kind of assistance needed.

9. Give number of persons aboard and conditions of any injured.

10. Estimate present seaworthiness of your vessel.

11. Briefly describe your vessel (length, type, color, hull).

12. Say:

“I WILL BE LISTENING ON CHANNEL 16.”

13. End message by saying:

“THIS IS [your vessel name or call sign]. OVER.”

14. Release Ta lk button and listen. Someone should answer. If not, repeat the call, beginning at step 3 above.

and Distress Procedure

English

Emergency Messages

VHF Marine Radio Protocols

Keep the radio nearby. Even after your message has been received, the coastguard can find you more quickly if you can transmit a signal for a rescue boat to home in on.

For Example

“Mayday — Mayday — Mayday”

“This is Corsair — Corsair — Corsair”

“Mayday Corsair”

“Point Lynas bears 220 degrees magnetic — distance 5 kilometers”

“Struck submerged object and flooding — need pump and tow”

“Four adults, three children aboard — no one injured”

“Estimate we will remain afloat one-half hour”

“Corsair is an 8 metre sloop with blue hull and tan deck house”

“I will be listening on Channel 16”

“This is Corsair”

“Over”

It is a good idea to write out a script of the message form and post it where you and others on your vessel can see it when an emergency message needs to be sent.

and Distress Procedure

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

VHF Marine Radio Protocols

VHF Marine Channel Assignments

Three (3) sets of VHF Channel Maps have been established for marine use internationally, in Canada and in the U.S.A. Most of the channels are the same for all three (3) maps, but there are definite differences (see table on the following pages). Your radio has all three (3) maps built into it and will operate correctly in whichever area you choose. When shipped from the factory, your radio will be set to the International Channel Map. (See page 36 for instructions on how to change the Channel Map.)

The following is a brief outline of the channel assignments in the International Channel Map.

Distress, Safety and Calling

Channel 16

Getting the attention of another station (calling) or in emergencies (distress and safety).

Intership Safety

Channel 6

Ship-to-ship safety messages and for search and rescue messages to coastguard ships and aircraft.

On-Board Communication

Channel 15

Used for communication between parts of large ships.

Non-Commercial

Channels 68, 72

Working channels for small vessels. Messages must be about needs of the vessel, such as fishing reports, berthing and rendezvous. Use Channel 72 only for ship-to-ship messages.

Commercial

Channels 8, 9, 10, 11, 17, 67, 88, 88A

Working channels for working ships only. Messages must be about business or needs of the ship. Use Channels 8, 67, 88 and 88A only for ship-to-ship messages.

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English

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