Cobra Electronics MR F45-D User Manual

Introduction

Our Thanks To You

MR F45-D

Class-D Fixed Mount VHF Radio

Printed in China Part No. 480-684-P Version A

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

Owner’s Manual

English

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 VHF transceiver for fixed mounting on your boat. It gives you 2-way vessel-to-vessel and vessel-to-shore station communications, primarily for safety and secondarily for navigation and

get information from other boaters, talk to lock or bridge tenders and make

help, radiotelephone calls to anywhere in the world through a marine operator.

Besides 2-way communications, in the U.S.A., the radio can provide quick access to receive seven NOAA (National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration) and two Canadian weather channels for aler emergencies

Customer Assistance

with a tone on a weather channel you can select for your area.

operational purposes. With it, you can call for

ting you to weather

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 Spanis

h. productinfo

@cobra.com (e-mail).

For Assistance Outside The U.S.A.

Contact Your Local Dealer

English

6500 West Cortland Street

Chicago, Illinois 60707 USA

www.cobra.com

Introduction

Speaker

Radio Status and

Instant

Channel

16/9 Button

Weather/UIC

Position Coordinates –

Latitude and Longitude

Antenna

Socket

English

Transceiver Controls, Indicators And Connections

Data Display

Button

High/Low Power

Button

Down

Button

Backlit LCD Screen

Up Button

Active

Channel

Number

Dual-Watch

Button

Call/Set Button

Scan

Button

Simplex Operation Icon

Squelch Knob

DSC Distress Button (Behind Red Spring Loaded Cover)

On-Off Power/ Volume Knob

Microphone Cord Connection Socket

Power Connection

External Speaker Jack

Global Positioning System (GPS) Jack

Microphone And

Introduction

Microphone With Auxiliary Controls

Up/Down Buttons

Can be used instead of those on the transceiver.

Instant Channel 16/9 Button

Can be used instead of the one on the transceiver.

Product Features

Dual Power

Selectable to one (1) or 25 watts output power for near or distant calling.

USA/International/Canada Channels

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

All NOAA Weather Channels

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

Emergency Weather Alert

Can alert you with an audible tone and visual alarm if threateni

Instant

Channel 16/9

Instant access to the priority Channel 16 and calling Channel 9.

Digital Selective Calling (DSC Class-D)

Allows the ability to maintain a listening watch on VHF Channel 16 while simultaneously monitoring Channel 70 for DSC calls. Allows sending a distress message at the touch of a button as well as specific station-to-station calls. Radio utilizes two (2) built-in e

English

Product Features

Talk

Button

Down

Button

ng weather is nearby.

ncoders (receivers).

Microphone

Up Button

Instant Channel 16/9 Button

Scan

ets you scan through all channels in the

L active channel map to find conversations in progress.

Dual-Watch

Lets you monitor two (2) channels at once — Channel 16 and one (1) user selectable channel.

Controls On The Microphone

Handy control buttons on the microphone let you operate one (1) handed at a distance from the radio.

Illuminated Buttons

Helps you quickly find the buttons you ne

ed in low light conditions.

Mounting

Kits Included

Radio can be mounted on or under almost any flat surface using one (1) of the included brackets.

Waterproof

Submersible to one (1) meter of water for 30 minutes — meets JIS7 Standards.

•

Introduction

TableOfContents

Introduction

Our Thanks To You . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A1

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

Transceiver Controls, Indicators And Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A2

Microphone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A3

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

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

Recommendations For Marine Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

VHF Marine Radio Protocols

FCC Licensing Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

VHF Marine Radio Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Voice Calling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Digital Selective Calling (DSC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Radiotelephone Calls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

gency Messages And Distress Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Emer

Distress Procedure — DSC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Marine

Installation and Start-Up

Included In This Package . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Optional Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Mounting And Powering The Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Antenna Requirements And Attachment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

External Devices And Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Operating Your Radio

Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Set-Up Routines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Voice Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Weather Radio And Alert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Advanced Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Digital Select Calling Digital

Select Calling (DSC) Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

(DSC) Set-Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Maintenance & Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Appendix

VHF Marine Channel Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Weather Channel Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

World City Time Zones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Warranty

Limited 3-Year Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Customer Service

Product Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Flush Mount Template . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

NothingComes Close to a Cobra

Introduction

ImportantSafetyInformation

Introduction

ImportantSafetyInformation

Important Safety Information

Before installing and using your CobraMarine VHF radio, please read these general precautions and warnings.

WarningAndCaution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 it. Special attention must be paid to the WARNING and CAUTION statemen

ARNING

ts in this manual.

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

CAUTION

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

SafetyTrainingInformation

This CobraMarine radio is designed for and classified as “Occupational Use Only.” It must only be used in the course of employment by individuals aware of both the hazar

ds and the ways to minimize those hazards. This radio is NOT intended for

in an uncontrolled environment by the “General Population.”

use This radio has been tested and complies with the FCC RF exposure limits for

“Occupational Use Only.” This CobraMarine VHF radio also complies with the following guidelines and standards regarding RF energy and electromagnetic energy levels as well as evaluation of

■

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.

those levels for human exposure:

•

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

WARNINGS

Your radio generates electromagnetic RF (radio frequency) energy when it is transmitting. To insure that you and those around you are not exposed to excessive amou

nts of that energy, DO

NOT touch the antenna when

transmitting and KEEP yourself and all others on your vessel the required distance away from the antenna while transmitting. SEE page 30 in the antenna requirements section for further information.

DO NOT operate the radio without a proper antenna or equivalent dummy load attached. Doing so may expose you to excessive RF energy and will damage the radio.

O NOT transmit

more than 50% of the time the radio is in use —

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. NEVER connect the transce

an electric shock, and may damage the transceiver.

cause

iver to AC power. It can be a fire hazard, may

NEVER mount the transceiver or microphone 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 exposur

e limits or create other dangerous conditions.

NOTE

Throughout this manual, the term “Transceiver” will be used to identify the main unit containing the LCD screen and controls. The term “Radio” will be used to identify the entire equipment including transceiver, microphone, antenna and any attached external speakers.

English

NothingComes Close to a Cobra

Introduction

RecommendationsFor MarineCommunication

VHFMarineRadioProtocols

FCCLicensingInformation

CAUTIONS 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. Doing so will damage the transceiver. DO NOT cut the power cables attached to the transceiver. Improper

reconnection with reversed polarity will damage the tran POSITION your r

adio, external speakers, and cables at least three (3) feet (0.9 m)

sceiver.

away from your vessel’s magnetic navigation compass. CHECK your compass before and after installation to be sure that it has not introduced any deviation.

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

DO NOT drop the transceiver or microphone.

or damage a waterproof seal. Once these items have been dropped,

case

Doing so may crack the

the original waterproofing cannot be guaranteed. DO NOT use chemicals or solvents such as mineral spirits and alcohol

to clean your radio. They may damage the case surfaces.

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

use.

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 25 watt maximum output of your radio isn’t sufficient for the distances you travel from the coast, consider installing more powerful radio equipment such as HF single side band or satellit

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 don’t know where

Guard will have difficulty finding you if you’re using a cellular telephone.

Coast 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.

English

e radio for your vessel.

you are, the

FCC LICENSING INFORMATION

•

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

This CobraMarine radio incorporates a VHF FM transceiver designed for use in the frequency range of 156.025 to 163.275 MHz. It requires 13.8 volts DC and has a switchable RF output power of one (1) or 25 watts.

The transceiver is capable of Class

-D (Digital Selective Calling) operation in

accordance with CFR Part 47, Section 80,225.

radio operates on all currently allocated marine channels and is switchable for

The 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 accessed

by pressing one (1) key.

that can be

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 a HF single side b

must obtain a station license.

terminal

and radiotelephone, or carrying a marine satellite

FCC license forms and applications for ship and land stations can be downloaded through the Internet at www.fcc.gov/forms. 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.

NothingComes Close to a Cobra

VHFMarineRadioProtocols

VHFMarineRadio Procedures

VHFMarineRadioProtocols

VoiceCalling

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 subject

to the following two (2) conditions: (1) This device may not cause

the FCC Rules. Operation is

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

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

ay cause a violation of the technical regulations of part 80 of the

Rules, or violation of type acceptance requirements of part 2 of the rules.

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 miles. Try a second call after waiting two (2) minutes. If there is no answer, switch to a higher power. This will conserve your battery and minimize interference to

other users by avoiding

repeated calls.

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 or on Channel 9. (Channel 9 is preferred for recreational vessel use.) You may also call on ship-to-ship channels when you know that the vessel is listening on a ship-to-sh

ip channel.

InitialCallingonChannel16or9

The use of Channel 16 is permitted for making initial contact (hailing) with another vessel. The limits on calling must be followed. Be reminded, Channel 16’s most important function is for Emergency Messages. If, for some reason, Channel 16 is congested, the use of Channel 9, especially in U.S. waters, may be used as the initial contact (hailing) channel f

English

or non-emergency communication.

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, in English, your station by your FCC call sign, ship name, the state registration number, 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.

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.

NOTE

Channel 9 may be used by recreational vessels for general-purpose calling. This frequency should be used whenever possible to relieve congestion on Channel 16.

■

When the channel is quiet, press the Talk button and call the ship you wish to call. (Hold the microphone a few inches 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 listing on page 14 through 15.

NothingComes Close to a Cobra

•

VHFMarineRadioProtocols

DigitalSelectiveCalling(DSC)

VHFMarineRadioProtocols

MaritimeMobile ServiceIdentity(MMSI)

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. Over.”

Both parties switch over to the agreed upon working channel....

Corsair: “Vagabond I need to talk to you about... Over.” Vagabond: “Corsair in answer to your question about... Over.” Corsair: “Vagabond, thanks for the information about... (call sign and out).”

After each transmission, say “OVER” and release the microphone Push to Talk (PTT) button. This confirms that the transmission has ended. When all communication with the other vessel is totally completed, end the message by stating your call sign and the word “OUT.” Remember, it is not necessary to state you

r call sign with each

transmission, only at the beginning and end of the message.

OTE

or best sound quality at the shore station or other vessel receiving your call,

F hold the microphone/speaker at least 2 in. (51 mm) from your mouth and slightly off to one (1) side. Speak in a normal tone of voice.

Digital Selective Calling (DSC)

Digital selective calling is a semi-automated system for establishing a radio call. It has been designed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) as an international standard for VHF, MF, and HF calls and is part of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS).

DSC will eventually replace aural (listening) watches on distress frequencies and will be broadcasts. listening watch on Channel 16.

The DSC system allows mariners to instantly send a distress call with GPS position coordinates (requires a GPS receiver to be connected to the radio) to the Coast Guard and other vessels within range of the transmission. DSC also routine, equipped with DSC capable radios.

used to announce routine and urgent maritime safety information

Until DSC is fully implemented, it is still necessary to maintain a

allows mariners to initiate and receive distress, urgent, safety,

position request, position send, and group calls between vessels

Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI)

•

The MMSI Number Is Available In The U.S.A. From Any Of Two (2) Sources:

■

Sea Tow International: 1-631-765-3660 – www.seatow.com

■

BoatU.S.: 1-800-563-1536 – www.boatus.com/mmsi

An MMSI is a nine (9) digit number used on a marine radio capable of using digital selective calling (DSC). It is used to selectively call other vessels or shore stations and is similar t

your CobraMarine radio to operate in the DSC mode, you must enter your

For

o a telephone number.

maritime mobile service identity (MMSI) number. See page 41 for instructions on how to enter it.

In Canada, Contact:

■

Industry Canada Spectrum Management Office (only available on the Internet): http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/insmt-gst.nsf/vwGeneratedInterE/sf01742e.html

To Obtain An MMSI Number Out

can obtain an MMSI from their country’s telecommunications authority

Users

side The U.S.A.:

or ship registry. This may involve amending or obtaining a ship station license.

WARNING

This equipment is designed to generate a digital maritime distress and safety signal to facilitate search and rescue. To be effective as a safety device, this equipment must be used only within communication range of a sh

•

ore-based 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.

English

NothingComes Close to a Cobra

VHFMarineRadioProtocols

RadiotelephoneCalls

VHFMarineRadioProtocols

EmergencyMessages AndDistressProcedure

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 58 through 69 for the public correspondence (marine operator) channels.

If you plan to use these services, consider registering wi

th the operator of the public coast station that you plan to work through. Those services can provide you with detailed information and procedures to follow.

NOTICE

ou 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 ha

s a radio and tunes to the channel you are using.

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 Coast Guard monitors Channel 16, responds to all distress calls, and coordinates all search and rescue efforts. De

capable vessels or commercial assistance operators in your vicinity,

other Coast Guard or Coast Guard Auxiliary craft may be dispatched.

In any event, do communicate with the Coast Guard 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

th a sudden danger threatening life or property and requiring immediate help.

wi Use

channel 16 to communicate your emergency message. Make sure you transmit on high power. If you are merely out of gas, do not send an emergency message. Drop your anchor and call a friend or marine to bring the fuel you need or to give you a tow.

pending on the availability of

•

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 prope

SECURITE

The safety signal SECURITE i

rly pronounced pahn.)

s used for messages about the safety of navigation or

important weather warnings. (This signal is properly pronounced see-cure-it-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 d

message.

the

irect assistance, you may be in a position to relay

English

NothingComes Close to a Cobra

VHFMarineRadioProtocols

EmergencyMessages AndDistressProcedure

VHFMarineRadioProtocols

EmergencyMessages andDistressProcedure

MarineDistressProcedure

Speak slowly — clearly — calmly.

1. Make sure your radio is On.

2. Select VHF 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].” Repeat three (3) times.

5. Say:

“MAYDAY (or “PAN” or “SECURITE”) [your vessel name o

Tell where you are:

(what navigational aids or landmarks are near).

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:

“TH

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

14. Release T

alk button and listen. Someone should answer.

If not, repeat the call, beginning at item 3 above.

English

r call sign].

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

ForExample

“Mayday — Mayday — Mayday” “This is Corsair — Corsair — Corsair” [or “Illinois 1234 AB“ three (3) times] “Mayday Corsair (or Illinois 1234 AB)” “Navy Pier bears

220 degrees magnetic — distance 5 miles” “Struck submerged object and flooding — need pump and tow” “Four adults, three children aboard — no one injured” “Estimate we will remain afloat one-half (

⁄2) hour” “Corsair (or Illinois 1234 AB) is 26 foot sloop with blue hull and tan deck house” “I will be listening on Channel 16” “This is Corsair (or Illinois 1234 AB)” “Over”

It is a good idea to write out a sc and

others on your vessel can see it when an emergency message needs to be sent.

ript of the message form and post it where you

Marine Distress Procedure – DSC

Digital Selective Calling (DSC) is a semi-automated system that will allow you to press the Distress button from any routine to make a distress call. When the distress button is pressed, all other channels go to Standby mode and allow the digitally encoded “pre-programmed” message to take precedence. Important information such as your MMSI number, position and name will b distress alarm will sound for two (2) minutes or until the alarm is cleared.

DSC system allows you to choose a “pre-programmed” distress call such as:

The “Man Overboard, Sinking, Collision.” There are many pre-programmed choices to choose from. If a GPS is connected to your radio, your coordinates will also be sent to the Coast Guard as well as to other vessels that a transmission.

DSC calling also allows the user to initiate and receive distress, urgent, safety, routine, position request, position send and group calls between vessels equipped with DSC capable radios.

WARNING

This radio will generate a digital maritime distress and safety signal to help facilitate search and rescue. 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.

e transmitted on Channel 16. The

re within range of the

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InstallationAndStart-Up

IncludedInThisPackage

InstallationAndStart-Up

AccessoriesOrderInfo

Included In This Package

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

Transceiver*

MicrophoneMountingKit

GPSInterfaceCable

TransceiverSurfaceMountKit Microphone

OperatingInstructionManual

Transceiver Controls, Indicators And Connections

Introduction

Backlit LCD Screen

Down

Radio Status and

Button

Data Display

Owner’s Manual

Instant

Channel

16/9 Button

Weather/UIC

Dual-Watch

Button

Speaker

High/Low Power

Call/Set

Button

Position Coordinates –

MRF45-D

Class-D Fixed Mount VHF Radio

Printed in China Part No. 480-684-P Version A

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Latitude and Longitude

Antenna Socket

English

Simplex

Button

Operation Icon

Active Channel Number

Button

Scan Button

DSC Distress Button (Behind Red Spring Loaded Cover)

WarningSticker

Squelch Knob

On-Off Power/ Volume Knob

Microphone Cord Connection Socket

Power Connection

External Speaker Jack

Global Positioning System (GPS) Jack

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Optional Accessories

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YoucanfindqualityCobraproductsandaccessoriesatyourlocalCobra dealer,orintheU.S.A.,youcanorderdirectlyfromCobra.

Item# Description

CM 210 -00 1 Flush Mou nt Kit

OrderingFromU.S.A.

Call 773-889-3087 for pricing or visit www.cobra.com.

For Credit Card Orders

Call 773-889-3087 [Press one from the main menu] 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday.

Make Check or Money Order Payable To

Cobra Electronics, Attn: Accessories Dept., 6500 West Cortland Street, Chicago, IL 60707 U.S.A.

To Order Online

Please visit our website: ww

w.cobra.com

English

NothingComes Close to a Cobra

Installation And Start-Up

Mounting And Powering The Radio

Installation And Start-Up

Mounting And Powering The Radio

Before using your CobraMarine VHF radio, it must be installed on your vessel.

Installing Your Radio

Choose a location for your radio where it will be conveniently accessible with the following factors in mind:

■

The leads to the battery and the antenna are best kept as short as possible.

■

The antenna must be mounted at least 3 feet (0.9m) from the transceiver.

■

The radio and all speakers need to be far enough from any magnetic compass to avoid deviation due to the speaker magnet.

■

There needs to be free air flow around the heat-sink fins on the back of the transceiver.

Surface Mount

A Surface Mounting kit is included with your CobraMarine VHF radio to allow its installation on almost any flat surface.

Surface Mounting Kit

Tilt Lock Knobs

To Mount The Transceiver On Almost Any Flat Surface:

1. Use the mount

a template to drill holes

ing bracket

for the mounting screws.

2. Attach the mounting bracket

to the chosen surface with the mounting bracket screws and washers.

3. Attach the transceiver to

the mounting bracket with the tilt lock knobs.

4. Tilt the transceiver to

a convenient angle and tighten the tilt lock knobs.

•

Microphone Bracket

To Install The Microphone Bracket:

Install the microphone bracket on a vertical surface near the transceiver using the supplied stainless steel screws.

Flush Mount Kit (Not Included)

A Flush Mounting kit is available as an optional accessory for your CobraMarine VHF radio to allow its installation in almost any flat surface. See page 15 for ordering

Use Supplied Template

See page 75 for template.

Insert Transceiver

Attach Mounting Brackets

Adjust Screws

information.

To Mount The Transceiver

1. Use

the supplied template to mark and cut an opening

Flush In Almost Any Flat Surface:

in the flat surface. See page 75 for template.

NOTICE

Before cutting, be sure the area behind the flat surface is clear of any instruments or wires that might be damaged in the process.

2. Insert the transceiver into the opening.

3. Attach the mounting brackets to

the sides of the transceiver with the adjusting scre the

back of the flat surface.

w flanges facing

4. Tighten the adjusting screws against

the back of the flat surface until the flange on the front of the transceiver is tight against the flat surface. Do not over-tighten.

English

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

Installation And Start-Up

Mounting And Powering The Radio

Installation And Start-Up

Mounting And Powering The Radio

Warning Sticker

FCC regulations require that the Warning Sticker supplied with this radio be applied to a spot where it is easily seen by the radio operator. Be sure the location is clean and dry before applying the sticker.

Power Connection Cables

Electrical Power Connection

Your CobraMarine VHF radio is powered from the vessel’s 13.8-volt negative ground direct current electrical system (12-volt nominal). A fused power

– +

connect

ion lead is provided at the back

the transceiver.

Red Cable

Positive (+)

Black Cable

Negative (-)

To Connect To A Power Source:

1. Attach the black (-) wire to a negative (-) ground.

2. Attach the fused red power (+) wire

to the positive (+) side of the power system.

NOTE

This radio will draw up to 8 amps when transmitting at full power.

NOTICES

A reverse polarity connection will damage the radio. When replacing the fuse in your transceiver, use only the size and type

originally

provided.

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. To minimize voltage drop, choose a wire gauge as follows:

Length Wire Gauge

Up to 1.5m(4.9ft) 1.6 mils(#14) Up to 3.0m(9.8 ft) 2.0 mils(#12) Up to 5.0m(16.4 ft) 2.6 mils(#10) Up to 6.0m(19.7 ft) 3.3 mils(#8)

English

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

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