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 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 2-way communications, in the U.S.A., the radio can provide quick
access to receive eight NOAA (National Oceanographic and Atmospheric
Administration) and two Canadian weather channels for alerting you to weather
emergencies with a tone on a weather channel you can tune in for your area.
Customer Assistance
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.
English only, automated.
24 hours a day, 7 days a week 773-889-3087
English and Spanish 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time Mon. through Fri. (except
holidays) 773-889-3087 (phone).
English and Spanish. Faxes can be sent to 773-622-2269
English only. www.cobra.com/support
English and Spanish. productinfo
@cobra.com
For Assistance Outside The U.S.A.
MR F57B
Printed in China Part No. 480-1015-P Version G
Class-D Fixed Mount VHF Radio
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®
English
Contact your local authorized Cobra Electronics Dealer
DSC Distress Button
(Behind Red Spring
Loaded Cover)
Transceiver Controls,
Indicators And Connections
Active
Soft Keys-
Allows user to
select current
options displayed
on the screen.
High/Low
Power Button
Channel
Number
Backlit LCD
Screen
Menu
Button
Up & Down
Buttons
Instant Channel
16/9 Button
Rewind-SayAgain® Button
GPS-In
Connection
GPS-Out
& Alarm In
Connection
PA/Speaker
Connection
On-Off
Power/
Volume
Knob
Squelch
Knob
Introduction
Product Features
Product Features
Rewind-Say-Again
Replay missed VHF calls. Automatically
records the last 20 seconds of incoming
radio transmissions. Great when in noisy
conditions.
Dual Power
Selectable to (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 threatening weather is
nearby.
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 encoders
(receivers).
®
•
Memory Scan
Lets you scan through all selected
memory channels to find conversations in
progress.
Dual Watch
Lets you monitor two (2) channels
at once — Channel 16, and one (1) user
selectable channel.
Noise Canceling Microphone
Blocks background noise to let your
voice be heard at the receiving station.
Illuminated Buttons
Helps you quickly find the buttons
you need in low light conditions.
Mounting Kits Included
Radio can be mounted on, under, or in
almost any flat surface using any of
the included brackets.
Waterproof
Submersible to (1.5) meters of water for
30 minutes - meets IPX8/JIS8 Standards.
Alarm In
Allows connection to the alarm output of
your chart plotter to alert you when an
arrival, off-course, etc. alarm has been
activated. If no chartplotter is connected,
isolate (Alarm in) blue wire to avoid false
alarms.
Antenna Socket
English
A2
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Power
Connection
A3
English
Table Of Contents
Introduction
Our Thanks To You ...................................................... A1
Product Service ......................................................... 84
Flush Mount Template.................................................... 85
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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 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 it. 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 is designed for and classified as “Recreational Use Only.”
It must only be used in the course of employment by individuals aware of both the
hazards and the ways to minimize those hazards. This radio is NOT intended for
use in an uncontrolled environment by the “General Population.”
n
FCC OET Bulletin 65 Edition, Evaluating Compliance with FCC Guidelines for
Human Exposure to Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Fields.
n
American National Standards Institute (C95.1-1992), IEEE Standard for Safety
Levels with
Fields, 3 kHz to 300 GHz.
n
American National Standards Institute (C95.3-1992), IEEE Recommended Practice
for the Measurement of Potentially Hazardous Electromagnetic Fields — RF and
Microwave.
n
Cobra Electronics Corporation™recommendations for radio frequency exposure
are based upon the federal regulatory requirements in the U.S.A. Your country
may have different requirements. Ask your dealer or another knowledgeable
person. Compliance with recommendations for Radio Frequency Exposure is the
responsibility of both the antenna installer and the radio operator.
Exposure to RF Electromagnetic Energy
This product has been evaluated for compliance with the FCC/IC RF exposure limits
given in CFR 47 part 1.307(b), RSS-102 at a distance of greaterthan 3.3m.
Ce produit a été évalué pour être conforme aux limites d’exposition RF de la FCC/IC
données dans le CFR 47 Partie 1.307 (b)/RSS-102 à une distance supérieure à3.3 m.
English
2
Respect to Human Exposure to Radio Frequency Electromagnetic
Ŗ
Do not operate this radio without the antenna attached or with a damaged antenna.
Always operate the radio with the antenna at least3.3 maway fromhuman body.
The use of this radio may be covered by licensing requirements in the country of use.
Please check with your local regulatory body before use.
Toujours faire fonctionner la radio avec l’antenne à au moins 3.3 mle corps humain.
L’utilisation de cette radio peut être couverte par des exigences de licence dans le pays d’utilisation.
Veuillez vérifier auprès de votre organisme de réglementation local avant utilisation.
The following WARNINGS and NOTICES 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 ensure that you and those around you are not exposed
to excessive amounts of that energy, DO NOT touch the antenna when
transmitting. SEE page 20 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.
DO 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.
NEVER connect the transceiver to AC power. It can be a fire hazard, may cause
an electric shock, and may damage the transceiver.
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, Industry Canada or EU RF exposure 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.
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Introduction
Recommendations For
Marine CommunicationFCC Information
VHF Marine Radio Protocols
NOTICES
AVOID using or storing the radio at temperatures below -4°F (-20°C) or above
140°F (55°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 transceiver.
POSITION your radio, external speakers, and cables at least three (3) feet (0.9 m)
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. Doing so may crack the
case or damage a waterproof seal. Once these items have been dropped,
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.
WARNING
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 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 don’t know where you are, the
Coast Guard will have difficulty finding you if you’re 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.
English
4
Sea Tow Automated Radio Check (ARC) System
Please try the Sea Tow Automated Radio Check service. Areas where the safety check
service is available include the East Coast, Gulf of Mexico, Southern California, and select
inland locations including the Great Lakes. The first and only boating safety program of its
kind, the Sea Tow Automated Radio Check service is fully automated and allows 24 hour a
day automated responses to radio check calls.
Conducting a radio check through the Sea Tow Automated Radio Check service couldn’t
be simpler. All boaters need to do is tune their VHF radio to Channel 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 or
84 (channel varies by location), then key the mic and ask for a radio check. The system
responds to each radio check with an automated reply including the location, and also
replays the boater’s original radio transmission, allowing them to assess the strength of the
signal and confirm the VHF radio is in good working order.
To find the Sea Tow Automated Radio Check service channel in an area, radio owners
should visit www.seatow.com/arc. The web page allows you to search for the local channel
and has an instructional video on how to use the service step by step.
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.
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) key.
•
•
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 band
radiotelephone, or carrying a marine satellite terminal must obtain a station license.
FCC license forms and applications for ship and land stations can be downloaded from 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.
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VHF Marine Radio
VHF Marine Radio ProtocolsVHF Marine Radio Protocols
Procedures
Voice Calling
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 Warnings: 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.
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 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-ship 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 for
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:
Q
False distress or emergency messages.
Q
Messages containing obscene, indecent, or profane words or meaning.
Q
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.
Q
•
When you are on land.
Voice Calling
To Call Another Vessel Or A Shore Installation Such As A Lock Or Bridge Tender:
Q
Make sure your radio is On.
Q
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.
Q
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].”
Q
Once contact is made on the calling channel, you must switch to a proper working
channel. See the channel listing on page 66 through 78.
•
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7
VHF Marine Radio ProtocolsVHF Marine Radio Protocols
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).”
Digital Selective Calling (DSC)
Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI)
A MMSI Number Is Available In The U.S.A. From Two (2) Sources:
Q
U.S. Power Squadron www.usps.org
Q
BoatUS: 1-800-563-1536 – www.boatus.com/mmsi
NOTE
The above references are for recreational vessels only. Commercial vessels
should contact the FCC.
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 to a telephone number.
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 your call sign with each
transmission, only at the beginning and end of the message.
NOTE
For best sound quality at the shore station or other vessel receiving your call, 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.
For your CobraMarine
maritime mobile service identity (MMSI) number. See page 41 for instructions
on how to enter it.
In Canada, Contact:
Q
Industry Canada Spectrum Management Office (only available on the Internet):
www.ic.gc.ca and search for “MMSI”.
To Obtain An MMSI Number Outside The U.S.A.:
Users can obtain an MMSI from their country’s telecommunications authority
or ship registry. This may involve amending or obtaining a ship station license.
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).
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)
•
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 within communication range
of a 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.
to the Coast Guard and other vessels within range of the transmission.
DSC also allows mariners to initiate and receive distress, urgent, safety,
routine, position request, position send, and group calls between vessels
equipped with DSC capable radios.
Maritime Mobile
Service Identity (MMSI)
™
radio to operate in the DSC mode, you must enter your
•
English
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VHF Marine Radio ProtocolsVHF Marine Radio Protocols
Radiotelephone Calls
Emergency Messages
And Distress Procedure
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. Depending on the availability of other capable vessels or
commercial assistance operators in your vicinity, Coast Guard or Coast Guard Auxiliary
craft may be dispatched.
In an event, do not communicate with the Coast Guard as soon as you experience
difficulties or before your situation becomes an emergency. Use the emergency
(Distress) 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 gas, do not send an emergency distress
message. Drop your anchor and call a friend or local marina to bring the fuel you need
or to give you a tow.
•
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-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 direct assistance, you may be in a position to relay
the message.
English
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Emergency Messages
VHF Marine Radio ProtocolsVHF Marine Radio Protocols
And Distress Procedure
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].”
5. Say:
“MAYDAY (or “PAN” or “SECURITE”)
[your vessel name or call sign].
6. 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:
“THIS IS [your vessel name or call sign] OVER.”
14. Release Talk button and listen. Someone should answer.
If not, repeat the call, beginning at item 3 above.
English
12
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 five (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 (
1
⁄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 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.
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 be transmitted on Channel 16. The distress
alarm will sound for two (2) minutes or until the alarm is cleared.
The DSC system allows you to choose a “pre-programmed” distress call such as:
“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 are within range of the 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 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 within communication range of a 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.
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®
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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
GPS Interface Cable
Transceiver Flush Mount KitTransceiver Surface Mount Kit
Microphone Mounting Kit
Operating Instruction Manual
•
Optional Accessories
•
You can find quality Cobra products and accessories at your local Cobra
dealer, or online at www.cobra.com
Ordering By Phone From U.S.A.
Call 773-889-3087
For Credit Card Orders
Call 773-889-3087 [Press one from the main menu] 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Eastern 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.
CM300-005
English
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Installation And Start-Up
Mounting And
Powering The Radio
Installation And Start-Up
Mounting And
Powering The Radio
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:
Q
The leads to the battery are best kept as short as possible.
Q
The antenna must be mounted at least three (3) meters from the transceiver.
Q
The radio and all speakers need to be far enough from any magnetic
compass to avoid deviation due to the speaker magnet.
Q
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.
To Mount The Transceiver
Surface Mounting Kit
1. Use the mounting bracket
2. Attach the mounting bracket
3. Attach the transceiver to
4. Tilt the transceiver to
Tilt Lock Knobs
On A Flat Surface:
as a template to drill holes
for the mounting screws.
to the chosen surface.
the mounting bracket with
the locking knobs.
a convenient angle and
tighten the locking knobs.
•
Microphone Bracket
Microphone Bracket
To Install The Microphone Bracket:
1. Install the microphone bracket
on a vertical surface near the transceiver
using the supplied stainless steel screws.
Flush Mount
AFlush Mounting kit is included with your CobraMarine
VHF radio to allow its installation in almost any flat surface.
To Mount The Transceiver Flush On A Flat Surface:
Use Supplied Template
1. Use the supplied template to mark and cut out an opening
See page 85
for template.
CAUTION
Insert Transceiver
Adjust Screws
in the flat surface. See page 85 for template.
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 cut out area.
3. Attach the flush mounting brackets to the sides of the
transceiver with the adjusting screw flanges facing
the back of the flat surface.
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.
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Mounting And
Installation And Start-UpInstallation And Start-Up
Power Connection Cables
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.
Powering The Radio
Electrical Power Connection
Your CobraMarine VHF radio is powered
from +10.0Vto +16.0V vessel direct
current negative ground systems (12-volt
nominal). A fused (10A) power connection
lead is provided at the back of the
Red Cable
Positive (+)
Black Cable
Negative (-)
– +
To Connect To A Power Source:
1. Attach the black (-) wire to a negative
2. Attach the fused red power (+) wire
transceiver.
(-) ground.
to the positive (+) side of the power
system.
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:
LengthWire 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)
Mounting And
Powering The Radio
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Antenna Requirements
Installation And Start-UpInstallation And Start-Up
And Attachment
Antenna Requirements
And Attachment
Antenna Requirements And Attachment
Antenna Requirements
Your CobraMarine VHF radio requires an external marine antenna to send signals into
the air and to receive them. The radio is arranged to use any of the popular marine
VHF antennas, but it is up to you to choose which antenna to use.
Since it represents the link between your radio and the outside world, Cobra
you purchase only the best quality antenna, coaxial cable, and connectors.
This is best accomplished with the advice and guidance of a knowledgeable dealer
who can assess the variables involved with your particular boat and preferences.
WARNING
Compliance with FCC requirements for Radio Frequency Exposure is
the responsibility of both the antenna installer and the radio operator.
Safe Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) Radius
To avoid health hazards from excessive exposure to RF energy, FCC OET
Bulletin 65 establishes an MPE radius of 11’ (3.3 m) for the maximum power
of your radio with an antenna having a maximum power gain of 9 dBi.
This means that all persons must be at least 11’ (3.3 m) away from the
antenna when the radio is transmitting.
Installation Requirements
A) An omnidirectional antenna with a gain not greater than 9 dBi must
be mounted at least 16.4’ (5 m) above the highest deck where people
may be during radio transmissions, measured vertically from the lowest point
of the antenna. This provides the minimum separation distance
to comply with RF exposure requirements and is based on the MPE
radius of 10’ (3 m) plus the 6.6’ (2 m) height of an adult.
B) For vessels without structure to mount the antenna as described in A,
it must be mounted as follows AND all persons must be outside the
10’ (3 m) MPE radius during radio transmissions. The antenna must
be mounted so that its lowest point is at least 3.3’ (1 m) vertically above
the heads of all persons during radio transmissions.
®
suggests
•
Radio Operator Requirements
Do not transmit when anyone is within the MPE radius of the antenna unless
that person or persons are shielded from the antenna by a grounded metallic
barrier. This is especially important on vessels with antennas mounted as
described in B where no one may be within 11’ (3.3 m) horizontally from the base
of the antenna during transmissions.
FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE ABOVE LIMITS MAY EXPOSE THOSE WITHIN
THE MPE RADIUS TO RF ENERGY ABSORPTION IN EXCESS OF THE FCC
MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE EXPOSURE. IT IS THE RADIO OPERATOR’S
RESPONSIBILITY TO INSURE THAT MPE LIMITS ARE HEEDED AND THAT
NO ONE IS WITHIN THE MPE RADIUS DURING TRANSMISSIONS.
Coaxial Cable Socket
Antenna Lead Attachment
Once the antenna is installed, the Coaxial Cable Lead can
be attached to the socket at the back of the transceiver.
CAUTION
Attempting to transmit without an antenna attached will
damage your CobraMarine VHF radio.
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External Devices
Installation And Start-UpInstallation And Start-Up
And Connections
External Devices
And Connections
External Devices And Connections
Your CobraMarine VHF radio is set up to connect auxiliary devices for navigation,
convenience, and added versatility. As is the case with the antenna, choosing these
devices is best done with the advice and guidance of a knowledgeable dealer.
Standard connectors are provided on the front and back of the transceiver.
External Speaker (Not Included)
An External Speaker can provide greater volume to hear messages than the speaker
incorporated in the CobraMarine microphone/speaker.
To Install An External Speaker:
1. Connect the wires to the External Speaker as follows:
Orange wire - +Positive connection
Black wire - -Negative connection (Black wire is common shared -Negative for
the External Speaker and PA output)
2. Make sure to solder, crimp, or twist the wires together firmly and use shrink
tubing or electrical tape to waterproof the connection.
Public Address Speaker (Not Included)
At times, it may be handy to hail other boats or give instructions to line handlers
on the dock. Your CobraMarine VHF radio can be switched to operate in the Public
Address mode through an attached PA speaker.
To Install A Public Address (PA) Speaker:
1. Connect the wires to the PA Speaker as follows:
Red wire - +Positive connection
Black wire - -Negative connection (Black wire is common shared -Negative for the
External Speaker and PA output)
2. Make sure to solder, crimp, or twist the wires together firmly and use shrink
tubing or electrical tape to waterproof the connection.
Wiring Located at Back
of Radio
Wiring for External and
Public Address Speakers
•
Global Positioning System (GPS) Device (Not Included)
Your Cobra Marine radio does not include a built-in GPS receiver. After connecting an
external GPS receiver, your position will be continuously indicated on the LCD and,
most importantly, it will be included automatically with any DSC Distress message you
may need to send. That will take the “search” out of “search and rescue.
A GPS input connector has been provided to allow connection to a external
GPS receiver.
To Install A GPS Device:
1. Install the GPS device in a convenient location according to its manufacturer’s
directions.
2. Or plug-in the optional Cobra C.P.S. CM300-005 (Cobra Positioning System) into the
provided 2.5mm jack.
3. Or using the supplied 2-wire adapter wire as follows:
Yellow wire = NMEA 0183 + Data in
Green wire = NMEA 0183 - Data in
Wiring Located at Back
of Radio
Cobra Positioning
System Plug
GPS Interface Cable
NOTE
Satellite acquisition time is dependent on the GPS antenna mounting location. If
the acquisition takes too long, relocate the external GPS receiver (CM300-005).
NOTE
GPS data input is as follows:
• Input voltage (peak to peak): 10V
• Maximum data rate: 4800 baud
• Impedance: 4KΩ
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