Cobra Electronics MR HH300 EU User Manual

Our Thanks to You and Customer Assistance

Introduction

English

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

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.

This equipment is intended for use in:

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.

Customer Assistance

2004 Cobra Electronics Europe Limited

Dungar House

Northumberland Avenue

Dun Laoghaire

County Dub

lin, Ireland

www.cobra.com

❑

❑ CY ❑

❑ DE ❑

❑

❑ SI ❑

❑ TR

VHF MARINE RADIO

MR HH300 EU

Owner’s Manual

Nothing comes close to a Cobra

English

Printed in China Part No. 480-118-P

For more information or to

order any of our products,

please visit our website:

www.cobra.com

CB Radios microTALK

Radios Radar/Laser Detectors Safety Alert

Traffic Warning Systems Accessories GPS (Global Positioning System) HighGear

Accessories

CobraMarine

™

VHF Radios

Power Inverters

The Cobra Electronics Corporation

™

line of quality products includes:

Nothing comes close to a Cobra

English

300-BR-F 6/23/04 1:53 PM Page 1

Introduction

Table of Contents

Nothing comes close to a Cobra

Introduction

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

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

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

Backlit LCD Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A3

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

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

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

VHF Marine Radio Protocols

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

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

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

Radiotelephone Calls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Emergency Messages and Distress Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

VHF Marine Channel Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Installation

Included in this Package . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Antenna, Wrist Strap and Belt Clip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Battery Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Operating Your Radio

Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Standby/Receive and Transmit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Advanced Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Declaration of Conformity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

CE Marking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Backlit LCD Screen and Product Features

Introduction

Dual Power

Selectable to 1 or 5 watts output power for near or distant calling.

International/Canada/U.S.A. Channels

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

Waterproof

Submersible to 1 metre of water for 30 minutes — meets JIS7 Standards.

Channel Scan

Lets you scan through channels to find conversations in progress.

Button Lock

Prevents accidental changes to your settings when you set this feature.

Instant Channel 16

Instant access to priority Channel 16.

Dual-Watch

Lets you monitor two channels at once — Channel 16 and one user programmable channel.

Product Features

•

Battery

Power Icon

Simplex

Operation

Icon

Channel

Numbers

Dual-Watch Icon

Scan

Icon

Button Lock Icon

U-I-C Active Channel Map Icons

Transmit/Received Signal Strength Icons

High/Low Power Icons

Transmit Icon

Backlit LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) Screen

•

Radio Controls and Indicators

Introduction

English English

Dual-Watch/ Scan Button

Instant Channel 16 Button

Backlit LCD Screen

Wrist Strap Connector

UIC Button

High/Low Power Button

Speaker/ Microphone

Channel Up/Down Buttons

Talk Button

Antenna

Belt Clip Engagement Knob

Battery Compartment

Squelch Knob

On-Off Power/ Volume Knob

Backlight/ Key Lock Button

Charging Contacts

300-BR-F 6/23/04 1:54 PM Page A2

Introduction

Important Safety Information

Introduction

Important Safety Information

English

Nothing comes close to a Cobra

WARNINGS 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 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.

CAUTIONS

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

AVOID using or storing the radio at temperatures below -20˚C or above 60˚C.

KEEP your radio at least 1m 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.

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

Important Safety Information

•

Before assembling 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 assembled and used properly. Please read the assembly and operating instructions carefully before assembling and using it. Special attention must be paid to the

WARNING and CAUTION

statements in this manual.

WARNING

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.

General Precautions

The following WARNINGS and CAUTIONS 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 cm 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

™

authorized replacement attachment. In addition to the RF energy

exposure hazard, doing so may damage the radio.

300-BR-F 6/23/04 1:54 PM Page 2

Licensing Information

Recommendations for Marine Communication

Introduction

English

Nothing comes close to a Cobra

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 isn’t 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 don’t know where you are, the coastguard will have difficulty finding you if you’re 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.

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.

CobraMarine

™

VHF radios comply with the U.S. FCC (Federal Communications

Commission) requirements that regulate the Maritime Radio Service.

Station License

The UK requires a ships 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. Federal Communications Commission for licensing and operating information.

Radio Call Sign

A radio call sign is included as part of the ships 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.

VHF Marine Radio Protocols

300-BR-F 6/23/04 1:54 PM Page 4

Voice Calling

Nothing comes close to a Cobra

VHF Marine Radio Procedures

English

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 kilometres. 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 2 minutes before calling again. After three 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.

VHF Marine Radio ProtocolsVHF 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 Talk button and call the ship you wish to contact. (Hold the radio at least 5 cm 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 12 – 21.

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’re calling, hold the radio at least 5 cm from your mouth and slightly off to one side. Speak in a normal tone of voice.

For Example

300-BR-F 6/23/04 1:54 PM Page 6

Emergency Messages and Distress Procedure

Nothing comes close to a Cobra

Radiotelephone Calls

English

VHF Marine Radio Protocols 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 VHF radio and telephones on land, sea and in the air. See pages 12 – 21 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. Those services can provide you with detailed information and procedures to follow.

CAUTION

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.

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, do 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. 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 give you a tow.

Marine Emergency Signals

The three spoken international emergency signals are:

The distress signal

MAYDAY is used to indicate that a station is threatened

by grave and imminent danger and requests immediate assistance.

The urgency signal

PAN PAN is used when the safety of the vessel or person

is in jeopardy. (This signal is properly pronounced pahn-pahn.)

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 times prior to the message.

If You Hear a Distress Call

You must give any message beginning with one 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.

YDAY

AN PAN

SECURITE

300-BR-F 6/23/04 1:54 PM Page 8

+ 14 hidden pages