Midland Radio NAUTICO 3 User Manual

NAUTICO 3

®

OWNER'S MANUAL

TM

VHF MARINE RADIO

www.midlandradio.com

Model NT3 Series

Page 2 www.midlandradio.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS 2

Introduction 3
Important Notice, FCC Licensing 4
LCD Display 5
Controls 5
Battery Installation 6
Installing the Belt Clip 6
Charging the Optional Battery Pack 7
Operating Your Radio 7 - 12
External Speaker/Microphone Jack 12
Troubleshooting Guide 13
Use and Care 13
Specifications and Frequency Charts 14 -16
Warranty Information 17
MIDLAND Family Products 18
Accessories 18
Accessories Order Form 19

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Page 3 www.midlandradio.com

Welcome to the world of Midland electronics

Congratulations on your purchase of a high quality MIDLAND product.
Your 2-way radio represents the state-of-the-art in high-tech engineer­ing. Designed for VHF Marine Service operation, this compact pack­age is big on performance. It is a quality piece of electronic equipment,
skillfully constructed with the finest components. The circuitry is all
solid-state and mounted on a rugged printed circuit board. Your 2-way
radio is designed to give you reliable and trouble-free performance for
years to come.

Features

- Marine Channels: 57 USA / 61 Canada / 57 International (grouped by area)

- eVOX

- Selectable CALLAlert

- NOAA Weather Radio

- NOAA Weather Alert

- SCAN Function

- MONITOR Function

- Roger Beep Tone

- Keypad Lock

- Power High / Power Low Settings

- Speaker / Microphone Jacks

- Battery Indicator

Model NT3 Series

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) this device does not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this radio must accept any interference that may cause undesired operation.

To maintain compliance with FCC's RF exposure guidelines, for body-worn
operation, this radio has been tested and meets the FCC RF exposure guidelines
when used with Midland Radio Corp. accessories supplied or designated for this
product. Use of other accessories may not ensure compliance with FCC RF expo­sure guidelines.

The NAUTICO3 operates on VHF Marine Radio Service frequencies, in compli­ance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requirements.
Recreational boaters are not currently required to have a Ship Radio License. The
USCG recommends that the boat's registration number and state be used for the
radio call sign.

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Page 4 www.midlandradio.com

FCC LICENSE

A ship station license is not required for any vessel traveling in U.S. waters
which is less than 20 meters in length. However, any vessel required to
carry an HF SSB radiotelephone or marine satellite terminal is required to
have a ship station license. FCC license forms can be downloaded at
www.fcc.gov/forms. You may also obtain a form from the FCC by calling
[phone].

Exposure To Radio Frequency Energy

Your Midland radio is designed to comply with the following national and
international standards and guidelines regarding exposure of human being
to radio frequency electromagnetic energy:

- United States Federal Communications Commission, Code of Federal
Regulations: 47 CFR part 2 sub-part J

- American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/Institute of Electrical &
Electronic Engineers (IEEE) C95. 1-1992

- Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineer (IEEE) C95. 1-1999 Edition

- National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) of
the United States, Report 86, 1986

- International Commission on Non-lonizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP)
1998

To control your exposure and ensure compliance with the general
population or uncontrolled environment exposure limits, transmit no more
than 50% of the time. The radio generates measurable RF energy
exposure only when transmitting.

Model NT3 Series

IMPORTANT: Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly
approved by MIDLAND RADIO CORP. could void your right to operate
this unit. Your radio is set up to transmit a regulated signal on an
assigned frequency. It is against the law to alter or adjust the settings
inside the COMMUNICATOR to exceed those limitations. Any
adjustment to your radio must be made by qualified technicians.

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Page 5 www.midlandradio.com

Model NT3 Series

CONTROLS

LCD DISPLA

Y

1. VOX ICON - Indicates when eVOX
mode is active.

2. TRANSMIT (TX) ICON - Indicates
radio is transmitting a signal.

3. LOW BATTERY ICON - Indicates
battery level is low.

4. CHANNEL NUMBER - Changes from
1~88a on VHF Marine band (1~10 on
WX band).

5. USA/CAN/INT CHANNEL ICONS

6. KEY LOCK ICON - Indicates KEY

LOCK mode is on.

7. WX BAND ICON - Indicates when the
radio is in Weather Band mode

8. TRANSMIT POWER LEVEL (Hi / LO)
ICON - Indicates TX Power setting.

9. RECEIVE (RX) ICON - Indicates radio

is receiving a transmission.

10. POWER/VOLUME KNOB - Turn clock
wise to turn the power on and increase
the volume level. Turn counter-clockwise
to decrease the volume level and turn the
power off.

11. PTT Button - Press and hold to transmit
voice communication. Press twice quickly
to send a call alert.

12. CH 16 Button - Press to switch immedi­ately to emergency channel 16. Press
and hold to switch to Channel 9.

13. MENU Button - Press to access MENU
mode. Press and hold to go to WX Band
Receiver mode.

14. MIC - Built-in microphone.

15. ANTENNA.

16. EXTERNAL SPEAKER/MIC JACK.

17. MONITOR/SCAN Button - Press to

enter SCAN mode. Press and hold to
enter MONITOR mode.

18. UP/DOWN Button - Make adjustments
in MENU mode.

19. SPEAKER - Built-in speaker.

1

2

3

4

5
6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

19

18

17

16

15

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TX

INT

VOX

USA

CAN

RX LO

INT

CAN

USA

VOX

TX

RX LO

Page 6 www.midlandradio.com

BA

TTERY INSTALLATION

Your NAUTICO3 radio operates with either 4 AA alkaline batteries or
an optional NiMH battery pack. The belt clip should be removed (see
below) to ease installation or removal of the batteries.

To install the batteries:

1. With the back of the radio facing you, remove the belt clip (see
diagram below) for easy access, then remove the Battery Cover
by pulling down the Battery Cover Latch and lifting up the Battery
Cover from the radio.

2. Insert 4 AA batteries observing the polarity as shown. Installing
the batteries incorrectly will prevent the radio from operating or
may damage the radio.

3. Return the Battery Cover by sliding it up on the radio and push up
the Battery Cover Latch until it locks into place. Replace the belt
clip, making sure it locks into place.

Model NT3 Series

INSTALLING THE BELT CLIP

To install the BELT CLIP, slide the clip down into
the slot on the back of the radio until the BELT
CLIP LATCH clicks. To remove the BELT CLIP,
press the LOCK TAB up, then gently pull the belt
clip up toward the top of the radio.

®

One Battery inserted
in this slot

BATTERY
COMPARTMENT

BATTERY COVER

BATTERY COVER
LATCH

BELT CLIP
LOCK TAB

BELT CLIP
LATCH

Page 7 www.midlandradio.com

CHARGING THE OPTIONAL BATTERY PACK

Your NAUTICO3 is equipped for using an optional rechargeable NiMH
battery pack which can be recharged using an AC or DC charger
(included). Initial charge time is 24 hours with a charge time of 8-12
hours thereafter. For maximum battery life, we recommend charging
the NAUTICO3 when the low battery indicator comes on. Remove the
radio from the charger when the charge time expires.

To Charge Using Optional AC or DC Charger:

1. Place the rechargeable Ni-MH battery pack into the radio.

2. Connect the AC adapter into an AC wall outlet .

3. Insert the AC adapter plug (or DC Cigarette Lighter adapter if
charging in vehicle) into the charging jack on the side of the radio.

1. Only use our NiMH battery pack.

2. Do not attempt to charge alkaline batteries or any batteries
or battery packs other than the one indicated in the manual.
This may cause leakage and damage to the radio.

3. For long term storage of the radio, turn the radio OFF and
remove the batteries from the radio.

PO

WER ON/OFF AND VOLUME

Rotate the POWER/VOLUME knob clockwise to turn the radio on and
increase the volume level. Rotate the control counter-clockwise to
reduce the volume level and to turn the radio off. During Power On,
the radio will beep 3 times with different tones, the LCD will display a
"self-test" message for 1 second and the LCD display will indicate the
last selected channel.

Model NT3 Series

!

OPERA

TING YOUR RADIO

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TRANSMITTING AND RECEIVING

1. To transmit a call, hold the radio 2 to 3 inches from your mouth.

2. Press and hold the PTT button and speak in a normal voice into
the microphone. The TX icon will appear continuously on the LCD
display while transmitting.

3. To receive a call, release the PTT button. The RX icon will appear
on the display when your radio is receiving.

ABOUT RANGE

Your NAUTICO3 radio is designed to give you maximum range under
optimum conditions.

Optimum Conditions are:

l Over water
l Open rural areas without obstructions
l Flat areas where you can see the other person

To ensure you get maximum range:

l Be sure to use fresh or fully charged batteries - low batteries will

cause low power conditions

l Be sure to set your radio to use Hi power.

Page 8 www.midlandradio.com

Model NT3 Series



USING CHANNEL 16

DISTRESS CALL PROCEDURE

1. “MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY.”

2. “THIS IS .........................” (name of vessel)

3. Your call sign or other indication of the
vessel.

4. “LOCATED AT ................” (your position)

5. The nature of the distress and assistance
required.

6. Any other information which might facilitate
the rescue.

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

If your vessel requires assistance, contact other vessels and
the Coast Guard by sending a distress call on Channel 16.

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Page 9 www.midlandradio.com

NA

UTICO3 QUICK REFERENCE CHART

MONITOR

Pressing and holding the MONITOR button for 1 second will let you
hear noise so you can adjust the volume level of the radio when not
receiving a signal. This should be used to check activity on your
current channel before transmitting. Press and release the MONITOR
button for 1 second to get out of MONITOR mode.

SCAN

Your NAUTICO3 can scan all channels for activity. To enter, quickly
press the SCAN button. Repeat the same procedure to exit. Your radio
will rapidly scan each of the channels and stop on any active channel
for 5 seconds before resuming scan. When you press the PTT button
to transmit on an active channel, the scanning function will stop and
remain on the active channel. To resume scanning, quickly press the

button.

INS

TANT CHANNEL 16/9

Channel 16 (Distress Channel) is used for calling other stations or
for distress alerting. You must monitor Channel 16 while standing by.
Channel 16 is only to be used in emergency situations. You can also
switch to Channel 9, the leisure-use call channel, without changing
your normal channel by pressing and holding the CH16 Button for 1
second. Pressing the CH16 button again returns the radio to the
normal channel setting.

CALL

ALERT

Your NAUTICO3 can transmit a call alert for a fixed length of time. To
send a call alert, press the PTT button twice within ½ second. The TX
icon will appear while transmitting a call alert and a tone can be heard
on the speaker for confirmation.

Model NT3 Series

/

MENU

Channel

Power

eVOX

Keylock

Roger Beep

Call Tone

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CHANNEL SELECTION

Press &
hold Menu
button

/

*

WX Channel

1~10

Hi/Lo

oF/1/2

WX Alert

On/Off

On/Off

*

depends on CHANNEL SELECTION

On/Off

1~3

INT/USA/CAN

Page 10 www.midlandradio.com

KEYPAD LOCK

To avoid accidentally changing the radio setting, press the MENU
button 4 times then press an up/down button to choose ON. The KEY
LOCK icon will appear on the display. PTT and CH16 will still be
active. To unlock the keypad, press the MENU button once, then press
the button to choose OF.

DISPLA

Y ILLUMINATION

During Power on, the display illumination will activate for approx. 7
seconds. The display illumination can also be activated when the
MENU button is pressed.

CHANNEL SELECTION

Press the MENU button once, and then the buttons to select one
of the channels. To confirm the selection, press the PTT button or
press MENU again to move to the next feature setting.

TRANSMIT (TX) POWER LEVEL SELECTION

The NAUTICO3 has 2 transmit power level settings. To select the
power level on channels press the MENU button two times, a "Pr"
icon will appear blinking on the display. Then press the button to
select TRANSMIT POWER LEVEL icon (Hi / LO). The TX icon will be
blank when Hi setting is selected. To confirm, press the PTT button or
press MENU again to move to the next feature setting.

eV

OX (Hands-free Transmission)

Your NAUTICO3 has 2 eVOX level settings: (oF/1/2). To set eVOX,
press the MENU button three times. The display shows "eVOX" blink­ing while on the right of the CHANNEL NUMBER display , an "oF" icon
appears. Select "1" or "2" by pressing the buttons and push the

PTT key, or press MENU again to move to the next feature setting.
eVOX will be more sensitive on the "2" setting than on the "1" setting.

To turn eVOX off, press the MENU button three times. The display
shows "VOX" blinking. Select "oF" by pressing the buttons and
push the PTT key, or press MENU to move to the next feature setting.

/

Model NT3 Series

/

/

/

/

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Page 11 www.midlandradio.com

R

OGER BEEP (end of transmission) TONE

When the PTT button is released, the radio will beep to confirm to
other users that your transmission has finished. To turn the ROGER
BEEP tone on, press the MENU button until the display shows an "rb"
icon while on the right of the "rb" display , an "oF" icon appears. Select

"on" by pressing the buttons and push the PTT key, or press
MENU to move to the next feature setting.

To turn the ROGER BEEP tone off, press the MENU button until the
display shows an "rb" icon while on the right of the "rb" display, an
"on" icon appears. Select "oF" by pressing the buttons and push
the PTT key, or press MENU to move to the next feature setting.

USA/CAN/INT CHANNEL SELECTION

The NAUTICO3 channel selection can be changed to follow rules of
USA, Canada, or international rules. Press the MENU button until the
current channel icon (USA, CAN, INT) flashes. Select a different
channel list by pressing the buttons until the desired icon appears.
Press the PTT key or press MENU to confirm

CALL

ALERT SELECTION

Your NAUTICO3 has 3 user-selectable CALL ALERTS. To select,
press the MENU button six times, so a "CA" icon appears and to the
right of the "CA" icon the current CALL ALERT setting is displayed.
Then press the buttons to make the CALLALERT selections, the
radio will emit a corresponding tone for each selection. To confirm,
press the PTT button or press MENU to move to the next feature set­ting.

WEA

THER (WX) BAND RECEIVER

Your NAUTICO3 has a WEATHER (WX) BAND RECEIVER function,
to enable user to receive weather alert/reports from designated NOAA
stations. To turn the WEATHER (WX) RECEIVER on, press and hold
the MENU button for 3 seconds. The current WX CHANNEL and WX
BAND icon will appear on the display . Press the MENU button and the

buttons to select one of the 10 WX BAND channels. To confirm,
press the PTT button or press MENU to move to the next feature
setting.

To turn the WEATHER (WX) RECEIVER off, press and hold the
MENU button for 3 seconds. The current radio setting will be displayed
and the WX BAND icon will go off.

Model NT3 Series

/

/

/

/

/

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Page 12 www.midlandradio.com

WEATHER (WX) ALERT

Your NAUTICO3 has a WEATHER (WX) ALERT function, to enable
user to automatically receive weather alert from designated NOAA
stations. To turn the WEATHER (WX) ALERT on, press the MENU
button twice while in WX Band. The display shows "AL", while on the
right an "oF" icon appears blinking. Select "on" by pressing the
buttons. To confirm, press the PTT button or press MENU. The radio
will return to WX BAND and the WX BAND icon will continue blinking.
If the radio receives a WX ALERT signal from a designated NOAA
station while on MARINE Band, the radio will beep for 10 seconds
while an "AL" and "In" icon appear on the display, after which will
automatically go to WX BAND. If any button is pressed during
beeping while on MARINE Band, the radio will automatically go to WX
BAND.

To turn the WEATHER (WX) ALERT off, press the MENU button twice
while in WX Band. The display shows "AL", while on the right an
"on" icon appears blinking. Select "oF" by pressing the buttons.
To confirm, press the PTT button or press MENU."

EXTERNAL SPEAKER/MICR

OPHONE JACK

Your NAUTICO3 Series can be used with an optional external
speaker /microphone or headset, freeing your hands for other tasks.
To use an optional speaker / microphone or

headset:

l Insert the plug(s) into the SPK/MIC jacks
l Place the earbud into your ear, and adjust the

mic into your desired position.

Model NT3 Series

/

/

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Page 13 www.midlandradio.com

PROBLEM SOLUTION

No Power - Check battery installation and/or replace batteries
Cannot Receive

Messages

- Confirm the radios have the same channel.

- Make sure that you are within range of the other
transceivers.

- Buildings and other structures may interfere with
your communication.

(See ABOUT RANGE on Page 8)

Radio is not responding
to button presses

- Make sure key lock is not on. See "Keypad Lock"
(Page 10).

- Radio might need to be reset. Turn radio off then
on.

Display is dim - Recharge or replace batteries.
Charger not functioning - Ensure the outlet where the charger is plugged

into is functioning properly.

- Check that the battery pack is installed in the
radio properly.

USE

AND CARE

1. Use a soft damp cloth to clean the radio

2. Do not use alcohol or cleaning solutions to clean the radio.

3. Do not immerse the radio in water.

4. Dry the radio with dry lint-free cloth should it get wet.

5. Turn off the radio and remove the batteries during long-term
storage.

If you have a problem which you believe requires service, please
call first and speak with a service technician. Many problems can
be remedied over the phone without returning the unit for
service.

Model NT3 Series

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

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Page 14 www.midlandradio.com

SPECIFICA

TIONS

Channels 57 US, 61 CAN, 57 INT

10 NOAA Weather (WX) Band Channels

Operating Frequency VHF 156.025 ~ 162.550 MHz
Power Source 4 AAAAlkaline or 6.0V Rechargeable Ni-MH battery pack

MARINE RADIO FREQUENCY CHART (MHz)

Model NT3 Series

CHANNEL NUMBER FREQUENCY (MHz)

INT CAN US TX RX MODE NOTE

01 01 156.050 160.650 D

01A 156.050 156.050 S
02 02 156.100 160.700 D
03 03 156.150 160.750 D
04 156.200 160.800 D

04A 156.200 156.200 S

05 156.250 160.850 D

05A 05A 156.250 156.250 S
06 06 06 156.300 156.300 S
07 156.350 160.950 D

07A 07A 156.350 156.350 S
08 08 08 156.400 156.400 S
09 09 09 156.450 156.450 S
10 10 10 156.500 156.500 S
11 11 11 156.550 156.550 S
12 12 12 156.600 156.600 S
13 13 13 156.650 156.650 S
14 14 14 156.700 156.700 S
15 15 156.750 156.750 S

*

15 156.750 R
16 16 16 156.800 156.800 S
17 17 17 156.850 156.850 S

*

18 156.900 161.500 D

18A 18A 156.900 156.900 S

19 156.950 161.550 D

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Page 15 www.midlandradio.com

Model NT3 Series

CHANNEL NUMBER FREQUENCY (MHz)

INT CAN US TX RX MODE NOTE

19A 19A 156.950 156.950 S
20 20* 20 157.000 161.600 D
21 157.050 161.650 D

21A 21A 157.050 157.050 S

21B 161.650 R
22 157.100 161.700 D

22A 22A 157.100 157.100 S
23 23 157.150 161.750 D

23A 157.150 157.150 S
24 24 24 157.200 161.800 D
25 25 25 157.250 161.850 D
26 26 26 157.300 161.900 D
27 27 27 157.350 161.950 D
28 28 28 157.400 162.000 D
60 60 156.025 160.625 D
61 156.075 160.675 D

61A 156.075 156.075 S

62 156.125 160.725 D

62A 156.125 156.125 S

63 156.175 160.775 D

63A 156.175 156.175 S
64 64 156.225 160.825 D

64A 156.225 156.225 S

65 156.275 160.875 D

65A 65A 156.275 156.275 S

66 156.325 160.925 D

66A* 66A 156.325 156.325 S
67 67 67 156.375 156.375 S
68 68 68 156.425 156.425 S
69 69 69 156.475 156.475 S
70 70 70 156.525 R **
71 71 71 156.575 156.575 S
72 72 72 156.625 156.625 S

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Page 16 www.midlandradio.com

Model NT3 Series

CHANNEL NUMBER FREQUENCY (MHz)

INT CAN US TX RX MODE NOTE

73 73 73 156.675 156.675 S
74 74 74 156.725 156.725 S
75 156.775 156.775 S *
76 156.825 156.825 S *
77 77* 77* 156.875 156.875 S
78 156.925 161.525 D

78A 78A 156.925 156.925 S

79 156.975 161.575 D

79A 79A 156.975 156.975 S

80 157.025 161.625 D

80A 80A 157.025 157.025 S

81 157.075 161.675 D

81A 81A 157.075 157.075 S

82 157.125 161.725 D

82A 82A 157.125 157.125 S

83 83 157.175 161.775 D

83A 83A 157.175 157.175 S
84 84 84 157.225 161.825 D
85 85 85 157.275 161.875 D
86 86 86 157.325 161.925 D

87 157.375 161.975 D

87 157.375 157.375 S

88 157.425 162.025 D

88 88A 157.425 157.425 S

NOAA WEATHER (WX) RADIO FREQUENCY CHART

(MHz)

* Channel 8,9 and 10 are designated Canadian Marine Frequencies

S = Simplex ; D = Duplex ; * = obligatory low transmission power of 1 Watt

** = classified to DSC communications

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CH. No CH. Freq. CH. No CH. Freq.

1
2
3
4
5

162.550

162.400

162.475

162.425

162.450

6
7
8
9

10

162.500

162.525

161.650

161.775

163.275

Page 17 www.midlandradio.com

LIMITED WARRANTY

Midland Radio Corporation will repair or replace, at its option without
charge, any Midland VHF MARINE transceiver which fails due to a
defect in material or workmanship within Three Years following the ini­tial consumer purchase. This warranty does not apply to water dam­age, battery leak or abuse.

Accessories have a 90 day warranty from date of purchase, including
any antennas, chargers, or earphones. This warranty does not include
the cost of labor for removal or re-installation of the product in a
vehicle or other mounting. Performance of any obligation under this
warranty may be obtained by returning the warranted product, prepaid
freight, along with proof of purchase to:

Midland Radio Corporation
Warranty Service Department
5900 Parretta Drive
Kansas City, MO 64120

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have
other rights, which vary from state to state.

Note : The above warranty applies only to merchandise purchased in
the United States of America or any of the territories or possessions
thereof, or from a U.S. Military exchange.

Midland Radio Corporation
5900 Parretta Drive
Kansas City, MO 64120
Tel: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
URL: www

.midlandradio.com

Model NT3 Series

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Page 18 www.midlandradio.com

Model NT3 Series

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Model NT3 Series

Page 19 www.midlandradio.com

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MMIIDDLLAANNDD RRAADDIIOO CCOORRPPOORRAATTIIOONN

5900 Parretta Drive

Kansas City, MO 64120

Call 816.241.8500

visit us at http://www.midlandradio.com

Note: Features & Specifications are subject to change without notice.
MIDLAND is not responsible for unintentional errors or omissions on its
packaging.