Humminbird VHF255S User Manual

Humminbird® VHF255S / VHF255SW

Operations Manual

531469-1_A

THANK YOU!

Thank you for choosing Humminbird®, America's #1 name in fishfinders. Humminbird® has built its reputation by designing and manufacturing top-quality, thoroughly reliable marine equipment. Your Humminbird® is designed for trouble-free use in even the harshest marine environment. In the unlikely event that your Humminbird® does require repairs, we offer an exclusive Service Policy - free of charge during the first three years after purchase, and available at a reasonable rate after the three-year warranty period expires. For complete details, see the separate warranty sections in the back of this manual. We encourage you to read this operations manual carefully in order to get full benefit from all the features and applications of your Humminbird® product. Contact our Customer Resource Center at either 1-800-633-1468 or visit our website at www.humminbird.com.

OPERATOR WARNINGS

This radio will transmit/receive on channels that are restricted in the U.S. To operate on these channels you must have explicit permission from the proper governmental authority. Refer to the list of U.S. channels in this manual and look under the “Type of Traffic” column to find out whether a particular chosen channel has restricted use. For users that require a license, such as commercial users, please contact your nearest FCC field office to obtain a license. If you have questions as to whether or not your application requires a license you can contact the FCC at http://wireless.fcc.gov/marine/.

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

WARNING! Alterations and/or modifications to this product are NOT permitted as they may result in violations of FCC rules and regulations.

WARNING! Disassembly and repair of this electronic unit should only be performed by authorized service personnel. Any modification of the serial number or attempt to repair the original equipment or accessories by unauthorized individuals will void the warranty. Handling and/or opening this unit may result in exposure to lead, in the form of solder.

WARNING! This product contains lead, a chemical known to the state of California to cause cancer, birth defects and other reproductive harm.

NOTE: You should record your VHF255S serial number here for future reference. The serial number is located on the left side panel of the radio base station.

Serial Number: ________________________.

NOTE: You should record your Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number here for future reference. You must obtain the MMSI from an official source of recreational MMSI numbers, either http://www.boatus.com/mmsi or http://www.seatow.com/boatingsafety/mmsiinfo.htm.

MMSI Number: ________________________

Humminbird® is a registered trademark of Humminbird®.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

VHF255S Introduction 6

How VHF Radio Works 6

Features Overview 7

Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) 9

VHF255S Controls - Radio Base Station Front 11

VHF255S Controls - Radio Base Station Rear 13

VHF255S Controls - Microphone Handset 14

What's On the Display 15

Installation Overview 17

Parts Supplied 17

Connections Overview 20

1. Decide Where to Install the Radio Base Station. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

2. Install the Radio Base Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

3. Attach the Antenna Cable to the Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

4. Install the Microphone Mounting Bracket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

5. Attach a GPS Receiver (Optional-Purchase) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Using Your VHF255S 28

Before You Use Your Radio: FCC Radio Frequency (RF) Compliance Requirements . . . . 29

Before You Use Your Radio: FCC Licensing Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Before You Use Your Radio: FCC Privacy and Priority Channel Requirements . . . . . . . . . 30

1. Turning the Power On/Off. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

2. Adjusting Squelch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

3. Selecting a Channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

4. Selecting High/Low Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

5. Transmitting and Receiving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

6. Selecting the U.S./International/Canadian Bands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

7. Selecting a Weather Channel and Turning On Weather Alert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

8. Accessing the 16/9 Priority Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

9. Adding/Deleting Channels to/from Memory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

10. Accessing Channels Saved to Memory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

11. Using the Transmit Time-Out Timer (TOT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

12. Scanning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

13. Using the Watch Monitor Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

14. Digital Selective Calling (DSC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

15. Making a Distress Call . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

16. Making Individual Routine Calls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

17. Receiving Calls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

18. Resetting the Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

19. Position Indication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Setup Menu 50

Contact List. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Local/Distant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Backlight Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Contrast Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

GPS/Time Submenu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Manually Enter GPS Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Settings Submenu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Position Display On/Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Time Display On/Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Time Offset (Local Time). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Time Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Course/Speed Display Options (COG/SOG) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Radio Setup Submenu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Channel Name Display and Editing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Ring Volume Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Beep Volume Adjustment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Turning the Internal Speaker On/Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

DSC Setup Submenu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Enter Your User MMSI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Create and Manage Group MMSIs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Individual Reply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

DSC Enable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Position Reply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Reset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Maintenance 71

Troubleshooting 71

VHF255S Doesn't Power Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

No Sound from the Speaker. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Transmitting is Impossible, or High Power Can’t Be Selected . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Low Receiver Sensitivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

3-Year Limited Warranty 73

Humminbird® Service Policy 74

Specifications 76

Marine Channels 77

Menu Tree 84

Contact Humminbird® 89

VHF255S INTRODUCTION

The Humminbird® VHF255S represents state-of-the-art high tech VHF radio engineering, and is skillfully designed and constructed with the finest components. It is constructed to commercial- grade standards to give you clear, reliable communication.

HOW VHF RADIO WORKS

The most popular method of communicating with other boats is via very high frequency (VHF) radio. In technical terms, this is similar to the way that commercial radio stations transmit. VHF equipment is relatively simple, and can therefore be compact and low cost.

To ensure that maritime users do not cause interference for other radio users, a part of the radio spectrum has been allocated specifically to this group of users. These reserved frequencies have been numbered, for example, Channel 16 (usually abbreviated Ch16) actually refers to a frequency of 156.800 mHz.

Because radio does not recognize geographic or political boundaries, and to make sure that boats traveling on international voyages can always communicate, the VHF marine band is the same worldwide. There are 55 international marine channels, a similar number of private channels (allocated on a local basis to commercial organizations) and some other unique national channels.

The United States and Canada employ a slightly different application of marine channels, using the same frequency but allocating more simplex (one-way) rather than duplex (two-way) channels.

National channels include WX (weather) channels in the U.S., fishing channels in Norway and the marina channels M and M2 in the U.K. To make sure that your radio is fitted with the correct local channels, be sure to purchase type-approved equipment for the country of intended use.

FEATURES OVERVIEW

The Humminbird® VHF255S is a VHF Digital Selective Calling (DSC) Base Station marine band radio with the following features:

• Access to all available U.S., International, and Canadian channels (currently allocated).

• Allows unlimited memory channels for quick recall and memory scan.

• Provides as many as 20 user-programmable names with MMSI, 10 distress calls and 20 individual calls for DSC communications. See the Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) section for more information about this important feature.

• Rotary volume control with power on/off, rotary channel selector and rotary adjustable squelch knob provide convenient radio operation.

• Exceptional waterproofing performance complies with Japanese Industry Standard Level 7.

• High/Low Transmit Power Selection allows you to select either High Power Transmit (25 Watts) for long-range communications or Low Power Transmit (1 Watt) for shorter-range communications to save battery power.

• Separate Channel 16/9 Priority key provides quick emergency calling on channels 16 or 9. Emergency Channel 16 is the universal marine channel most frequently-used for distress or safety communications. In addition, you can use the 16/9 channel key to access Channel 9, an alternate frequency for distress or safety in some areas in the event Channel 16 is congested. Check with local authorities to see which channel is used in your area.

• Adjustable brightness of backlight on the large LCD for good visibility in various conditions.

• Built-in speaker provides clean, crisp audio performance.

• External interface makes it easy to connect to an optional-purchase GPS Receiver and/or an optional-purchase external speaker, and supports the NMEA 0183 National Marine Electronics Association standard for data communication.

• Firm and reliable gimbal mounting bracket for the radio base station.

• Large LCD (2“x 1.5”) is easy to read, with backlit display to allow operation in low light conditions.

• Phase Lock Loop (PLL) controlled circuitry provides accurate and stable channel selection.

• Memory Channels feature allows you to save channels so that they are easy to retrieve for future use.

• SQUELCH Knob allows you to eliminate static and background noises during communications.

• BAND/SAVE Key allows you to select between the U.S. Channel Band, the International Channel Band or the Canadian Channel Band.

• SCAN Key allows you to scan all channels, to scan channels saved in memory or to conduct a priority scan. Normal Scan feature allows you to scan all available channels for active channels, while Memory Scan feature allows you to rapidly scan pre-programmed channels to locate active channels. Priority Scan feature allows you to include Channel 16 in the scan to make sure that you don’t miss distress or emergency calls.

• Dual Watch feature allows you to scan alternately between your currentlyselected channel and Channel 16 to make sure you don’t miss distress or emergency calls.

• Tri Watch feature allows you to scan alternately between your currently selected channel, Channel 16, and Channel 9 to make sure you don’t miss distress or emergency calls.

MARITIME MOBILE SERVICE IDENTITY (MMSI)

The Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number is the nine-digit number used on marine radios like your VHF255S that are capable of using Digital Selective Calling (DSC). This number is used like a telephone number to call other vessels individually and automatically.

NOTE: You must get an MMSI assigned to you before you can perform this procedure, and you will ONLY be allowed to perform this operation once. You must enter your user MMSI before you can use the DSC functions. If there is no User MMSI stored and an attempt is made to use the DSC function of the radio, the LCD will display the following message:

If you are a non-commercial user in U.S. waters (e.g. a recreational boater), you must obtain an MMSI from either BOAT US or SEATOW. The official sources of recreational MMSI numbers are: http://www.boatus.com/mmsi/ and http://www.seatow.com/boatingsafety/mmsiinfo.htm. They are both sanctioned by the FCC and the U.S. Coast Guard and are therefore the official points of registration for recreational MMSI numbers in the U.S.

NOTE: The following website is the official Coast Guard website that administers MMSIs. For full details of the rules and regulations of MMSI numbers, please visit:

http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/gmdss/mmsi.htm.

To obtain an MMSI assignment:

1. Contact BOAT US or SEATOW to obtain a unique MMSI number for your VHF255S radio. Go to: http://www.boatus.com/mmsi/ or http://www.seatow.com/boatingsafety/mmsiinfo.htm and follow the instructions.

2. When you have obtained your unique MMSI number, write it down IMMEDIATELY in the space provided on the inside front cover of this manual.

NOTE: You should also write down the serial number (found on the left panel of the radio base station) on the inside front cover of this manual, for future reference.

DSC IS NOT OPERATIONAL PLEASE ENTER MMSI

To enter your assigned MMSI into your radio:

1. Press and hold the DSC/MENU key; the Text area on the LCD will display the

Setup Menu list.

2. Rotate the CH/ENTER knob to select DSC SETUP from the Setup Menu list, and

push the CH/ENTER knob to display the DSC Setup Submenu.

3. Rotate the CH/ENTER knob to select USER MMSI from the DSC Setup Submenu

and push the CH/ENTER knob to display the USER MMSI entry screen.

NOTE: If an existing User MMSI has already been stored, it will be displayed, stop here. You CANNOT edit the User MMSI once it has been entered and confirmed.

4. If the User MMSI is blank, a dashed line will be displayed. Turn the CH/ENTER

knob back and forth to enter the User MMSI along the dashed line. Press the CH/ENTER knob to confirm each correct entry and to be advanced automatically to the next digit.

NOTE: If you make an error, turn CH/ENTER knob one click counter-clockwise until < appears, then press the CH/ENTER knob to back up and correct the error.

5. When you have selected the desired numbers, press the CH/ENTER knob to

store your User MMSI.

6. You will be asked to re-enter your User MMSI again to confirm it; once you have

re-entered your User MMSI, press and hold the CH/ENTER knob to permanently store your User MMSI and return to the DSC Setup Submenu.

NOTE: To exit the DSC Setup Submenu or one of the further submenus under it, press the 16/9 or CANCEL/WX keys until you have left the submenus. You will also exit the DSC Setup Submenu automatically by turning the unit off. All changes are saved in EEPROM (except for manually-entered GPS data).

7. You can view your stored User MMSI at any time by selecting user MMSI from

the DSC SETUP menu.

>USER MMSI

GROUP MMSI INDIV REPLY DSC ENABLE POS REPLY

INPUT MMSI NUMBER >- - - - - - - HOLD ENTER

USER MMSI INPUT AGAIN >- - - - - - - HOLD ENTER

USER MMSI ID 50000000 >SAVE CANCEL

VHF255S CONTROLS - RADIO BASE STATION FRONT

The following drawing shows the Humminbird® VHF255S controls on the front of the radio base station:

NOTE: On dual function keys, such as the BAND/SAVE key, a quick press and release will activate the first function on the key (to the left of the slash), in this case the BAND function. A press and a hold will activate the second function on the key (to the right of the slash), in this case the SAVE function.

OFF/VOL: 0-270°rotary control knob. Turn clockwise to power on. Continue to turn until you reach a comfortable audio level.

SQUELCH: Use this knob to eliminate static and background noises during communications.

CH/ENTER: Rotate this knob to change the current number and change values in menu mode or during programming. Press this knob to enter values.

BAND/SAVE: Use this dual function key to select a band (U.S., International or Canada) and to save channels to memory.

Built-in Speaker

WATCH

key

SCAN key

CH/ENTER

knob

CANCEL/WX key

DSC/MENU key

HI/LO/MEM keyLCD

16/9 keySQUELCH knob

OFF/VOL knob

DISTRESS key

BAND/SAVE key

CANCEL/WX: Use this dual function key to cancel your last selection or change your selection without saving. This allows you to step back one level on the menu mode. Use this key to cancel DSC Distress calls and auto-retransmission of Distress calls. Press and hold this key to enter WX (Weather) mode.

DSC/MENU: Use this dual function key to view the DSC Call List or enter the Setup Menu. The DSC Call List is used for making DSC Calls. The Setup Menu is used to change the radio settings.

HI/LO/MEM: Press and release the HI/LO/MEM key to toggle between 25 Watt power output and 1 Watt output. “HI” or “LO” icon appears on LCD display to indicate setting. Press and hold the key to select Memory mode.

SCAN: Use this key to start and stop normal and memory scans or to include priority channels into the current scan. If you have saved memory channels, then pressing the SCAN key will only scan the memory channels.

WATCH: Use this key to start or stop Dual Watch or Tri Watch modes.

16/9: Press and release the 16/9 key to select Channel 16 first; further presses of the

16/9 key toggles between Channel 16 and the previous channel. Pressing and holding the 16/9 key will take you to Channel 9. Further presses will take you back to toggling between Channel 16 and the previous channel. Press the 16/9 key at any time as a quick way to exit all menus and return to Normal mode, Channel 16.

DISTRESS: Use this key to send a distress signal in an emergency. See Using Your VHF255s, 14. Digital Selective Calling (DSC) for details of sending the call. This key

is protected by a spring cover to prevent accidental presses. The DSC/Distress features function only after you have entered an MMSI.

VHF255S CONTROLS - RADIO BASE STATION REAR

The following drawing shows the Humminbird® VHF255S connections on the rear of the radio:

Power Input: Allows you to connect the radio to the boat’s 12 VDC power system.

External Speaker: Allows you to connect the radio to an optional-purchase external

speaker.

External GPS: Allows you to connect the radio to an optional-purchase GPS receiver to acquire the position of your vessel and the GMT time.

Antenna Jack: Allows you to connect a suitable antenna to your marine VHF radio.

External GPS Antenna Jack

External Speaker

Power Input

VHF255S CONTROLS - MICROPHONE HANDSET

The following drawing shows the Humminbird® VHF255S controls located on the microphone handset:

Channel Up/Down: Use these keys to change channels, as well as to change values while editing settings.

16/9: Press and release the 16/9 key to select Channel 16 first; further presses of the 16/9 key toggles between Channel 16 and the previous channel. Pressing and holding the 16/9 key will take you to Channel 9. Further presses will take you back to toggling between Channel 16 and the previous channel. Press the 16/9 key at any time as a quick way to exit all menus and return to Normal mode, Channel 16.

HI/LO: Use this dual function key to toggle between 25 Watt power output and 1 Watt output. “HI” or “LO” icon appears on LCD display to indicate setting.

PTT (Push-To-Talk): Push and hold the Push To Talk (PTT) key while speaking and release this key to listen to incoming transmissions.

DSC/MENU: Use this dual function key to view the DSC Call List or enter the Setup Menu. The DSC Call List is used for making DSC Calls. The Setup Menu is used to change the radio settings.

HI/LO

Channel Up/Down

PTT

16/9

DSC/MENU

11 12

WHAT'S ON THE DISPLAY

The Humminbird® VHF255S uses an LCD display, together with keys and various control knobs on the typical view you might see on the display at initial power-up.

Transmission power mode High (HI) 25 W or Low (LO) 1 W.

Indicates an incoming DSC call or, if blinking, to notify you of any unread Call Log messages.

Indicates that the radio is transmitting a radio signal.

Indicates that the radio is receiving a radio signal.

Indicates that the radio is in Memory mode.

Indicates that the current channel has been saved in memory.

Indicates current Watch mode, Dual or Tri Watch.

Indicates that Weather Channel mode is active. U.S. and Canada only.

Indicates that a weather alert is being received. U.S. and Canada only.

Indicates current channel selected.

Indicates which of the three available bands are selected: the U.S. band, the International band, or the Canadian band, respectively.

Indicates that the radio is in Local reception mode, which decreases receiver sensitivity in high traffic areas in order to decrease unwanted distant transmissions.

Indicates that the radio is in Priority Scan mode.

Indicates that the radio is in Normal Scan mode.

Indicates that DSC capability is available.

Battery Low indicates vessel battery voltage is low.

Channel suffix, if applicable.

Indicates enabled for use in European inland waterways.

Dot Matrix

Indicates special conditions or radio functions.

INSTALLATION OVERVIEW

Following are instructions for the installation of your radio. Before you start installation, we encourage you to read these instructions carefully in order to get the full benefit from your Humminbird® VHF255S radio.

o install y

our VHF255S radio, you will perform the following steps:

1. Decide where to install the radio base station.

2. Install the radio base station.

NOTE: You have the option of gimbal bracket mounting, which can either be mounted on the dash or overhead and allows rotation of the radio during operation, or recessed mounting into a dashboard or other appropriate surface.

3. Attach the antenna cable to the radio.

4. Install the microphone mounting bracket.

5. Attach the radio to an optional-purchase GPS Receiver (strongly recommended).

PARTS SUPPLIED

Before installing your VHF255S, please make sure that the following parts are included in your installation kit:

RADIO BASE STATION:

• 25 Watt VHF255S Fixed Mount radio base station (1).

Radio Base Station Gimbal Mounting Bracket Kit:

• Gimbal mounting bracket (1).

• Gimbal mounting knobs (2).

• Self-tapping screws (4).

• Flat screws (4).

• Plain washers (4).

• Spring washers (4).

• Nuts (4).

Radio Base Station Recessed Mounting Kit:

NOTE: Use the recessed mounting bracket instead of the gimbal mounting bracket for recessed mounting applications.

• Recessed mounting bracket (2).

• Caps (4).

• Nuts (4).

• M5x10 Screws (2).

• M5x32 Screws (4).

MICROPHONE HANDSET:

• Microphone handset (1).

Microphone Handset Mounting Bracket:

• Microphone mounting bracket (1).

• Self-tapping screws (2).

• Flat screws (2).

• Plain washers (2).

• Spring washers (2).

• Nuts (2).

CABLES:

• 4.25 ft (1.30 m) power supply cable with fuse holder (1).

• 2.0 ft (0.6 m) GPS NMEA connection cable (for optional-purchase GPS Receiver) (1).

• 2.65 ft (0.8 m) external speaker connection cable (for optional-purchase external speaker) (1).

NOTE: If you find that any items are missing from your installation kit, call our Customer Resource Center at 1-800-633-1468 or visit our website at www.humminbird.com.

In addition to the hardware supplied with your VHF255S, you will need a powered hand drill and various drill bits, Phillips and flat head screwdrivers, a ruler or measuring tape, pen or pencil, and marine-grade silicone sealant.

Gimbal Knobs

Power Supply Cable External Speaker Connection Cable

Microphone Mounting Bracket

Miscellaneous Mounting Hardware

Gimbal Mounting Bracket

CONNECTIONS OVERVIEW

In the following steps, you will be making at least one of the following connections:

• Power Supply: Your radio is powered by your boat’s 12 VDC power system. The solid red cable is positive and the black cable with the red stripe is negative.

• External Speaker (optional-purchase): If needed, you can connect your radio to an external speaker with the supplied connection cable. The white cable is positive and the thinner black cable is negative.

• GPS Receiver (optional-purchase): When your VHF255S marine radio is connected by the GPS cable to a GPS Receiver, it can obtain both its current location (longitude and latitude) and the time (GMT).

External Speaker

Black

Red

Waterproof Deck Outlet

Antenna

GPS Receiver

Fuse

1. DECIDE WHERE TO INSTALL THE RADIO BASE STATION

Before you install the radio base station, you should find a mounting location for it that:

• Does not allow the radio to interfere with, nor receive interference from, nearby equipment, such as other RF equipment and magnetic compasses;

• Provides accessibility to the front panel controls;

• Allows connection to a power supply and an antenna;

• Has free space nearby for installing the microphone mounting bracket;

• Is located so that the base of the antenna can be mounted at least 3.3 feet (1 meter) from where people will be when the radio is operating.

WARNING: Failure to comply with the above requirement may expose those closer than the recommended boundaries to absorb enough RF radiation to exceed the Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) limit defined by the FCC. It is the responsibility of the radio operator to make sure that both the radio operator and any other people in the vicinity of the radio comply with MPE limits while the radio is transmitting.

The supplied gimbal mounting bracket allows you to mount your radio base station on any near horizontal surface, from overhead to any console or countertop on your boat.

2. INSTALL THE RADIO BASE STATION

Mount the VHF255S radio base station on your vessel, using the mounting location determined in the previous procedure, and one of the two following procedures, gimbal mounting or recessed mounting.

To install the radio base station using the regular gimbal mounting bracket:

1. Place the mounting bracket on the mounting surface and use a pencil to mark the location of the four holes in the bracket where the fasteners will be attached.

CAUTION: Before drilling, make sure that there is nothing behind the mounting surface that might be damaged while drilling the mounting holes.

2. Set the bracket aside, then drill four mounting holes at the marked locations. If you plan to use the supplied mounting screws, make sure the drill bit you use is slightly smaller than the screw diameter of the mounting screw. If you plan to use the supplied mounting nuts and bolts, make sure the drill bit you use is slightly larger than the diameter of the supplied bolt. Next, align the mounting bracket with the drilled holes, making sure that it is oriented correctly.

3. Insert each of the four supplied mounting fasteners through a spring washer, then through a flat washer, and then into the mounting holes. Secure the bracket to the mounting surface by tightening the mounting screws with a screwdriver or nutdriver, being careful not to overtighten the fasteners. If you are using the supplied mounting bolts, then you will need to hold the nuts on the backside of the mounting surface with a wrench while tightening the bolts with a screwdriver or nut driver, being careful not to overtighten the fasteners.

4. Mount the radio base station onto the bracket, making sure to match the protrusions on the inside of the two arms of the bracket with the indentations on the two sides of the radio base station.

5. Insert the supplied mounting knobs through the bracket arms and into the holes on each side of the radio. The gimbaled bracket allows you to loosen the knobs at each pivot in order to adjust the viewing angle of the radio and then to hold the selected viewing angle by tightening the knobs again.

NOTE: You should only tighten the knobs by hand.

CAUTION: Keep the radio and microphone handset at least 3.3 feet (1 meter) away from any magnetic devices on your boat (such as a compass).

To install the base station using the recessed mounting kit:

1. Tape the Recessed Mounting installation template onto the chosen mounting location.

CAUTION: If your dash exceeds 3/5" (15 mm) in thickness, you will not be able to recess mount the radio. Use the previous procedure for gimbal mounting the radio instead.

CAUTION: Before drilling or cutting into the dash, make sure that there is nothing behind the mounting surface that might be damaged by performing these procedures.

2. Drill a saw blade entry hole, as indicated on the mounting template.

3. Cut out the area inside the dashed line.

4. Remove the installation template and slide the radio into the cavity.

Radio Base Station

Mounting Screws

Dash

Gimbal

Mounting

Knobs

Gimbal Mounting

Bracket

5. Working from the rear of the dash, align the ratcheted mounting circles on each

side of the radio with the central hole in each mounting bracket.

6. Use the two short M5x10 screws to screw the mounting brackets to the sides

of the radio.

7. Slide two M5x32 screws through the screw hole in the mounting bracket, then

attach the lock nut and the stopper. If your dash exceeds 1/2" (13 mm) in thickness, you have the option of discarding the stopper nut if necessary.

8. Tighten the M5x32 screws until the radio is held against the rear of the dash.

9. Tighten the lock nuts to secure the installation. Do not overtighten.

Nuts (4)

M5x10 Screws (2)

Recessed mounting brackets (2)

M5x32 Screws (4)

Caps (4)

3. ATTACH THE ANTENNA CABLE TO THE RADIO

A suitable antenna must be mounted in a safe location and connected to the radio base station before turning on the radio. A very important factor affecting the performance of any radio communication system is the selection of a suitable antenna. Consult your dealer about antennas and ask them to help you select a suitable antenna for your radio. Refer to the following guidelines for best results.

For optimal radio performance and to minimize human exposure to Radio Frequency (RF) and Electromagnetic Energy (EME), make sure the antenna is:

• Connected to the radio before powering up the radio.

• Properly mounted according to the antenna manufacturer’s recommendations.

• Located at least three feet (one meter) from people while it is transmitting.

• Located at least 3.3 feet (1 meter) from the radio base station transceiver and microphone handset.

• Using a standard PL259-type (UHF-type) connector.

4. INSTALL THE MICROPHONE MOUNTING BRACKET

Find a location near the base station for the microphone mounting bracket. The distance between the base station and the microphone mounting bracket should be shorter than the length of the microphone cable.

CAUTION: Keep the radio base station and microphone at least 3.3 feet (1 meter) away from any magnetic devices on your boat (such as a compass).

1. Place the microphone mounting bracket on the surface where you want to attach it, and use a pencil to mark the location of the two mounting holes on the mounting surface.

CAUTION: Before drilling, make sure that there is nothing behind the mounting surface that might be damaged while drilling the mounting holes. Also, if the back side of the mounting surface is inaccessible or difficult to reach then you should probably use the supplied selftapping screws instead of the supplied mounting nuts and bolts.

CAUTION: If you cannot reach behind the mounting surface to attach the nuts to the bolts, use the supplied self-tapping screws to fasten the bracket instead.

2. Set the bracket aside, then drill two mounting holes at the marked locations. If

you plan to use the supplied mounting screws, make sure the drill bit you use is slightly smaller than the screw diameter of the mounting screw. If you plan to use the supplied mounting nuts and bolts, make sure the drill bit you use is slightly larger than the diameter of the supplied bolt. Next, align the mounting bracket with the drilled holes, making sure that it is oriented correctly.

3a. Insert each of the two mounting screws and secure the bracket to the

mounting surface.

3b. Use the supplied bolts, spring washers, plain washers and nuts to secure the

bracket to the mounting surface.

4. Insert the two mounting screws and fasten them with a suitable screwdriver or

nut driver, making sure not to overtighten the screws.

5. Mount the microphone onto the bracket.

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