Midland Radio RG2 Users manual
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INDEX
1 ABOVE ALL... SAFETY! .......................................................................................................... 3
1.1 Symbols used ................................................................................................................ 3
1.2 Warnings ........................................................................................................................ 3
1.2.a General ................................................................................................................ 3
1.2.b Radiofrequency/installation ................................................................................. 3
1.2.c Automatic Transmitter Identification System (ATIS) ........................................... 3
1.2.d Environmental ...................................................................................................... 4
1.3 ETSI Information ............................................................................................................ 4
1.4 Registration of your Marine Transceiver ...................................................................... 4
1.5 Assistance ..................................................................................................................... 4
1.6 Manual Notes ................................................................................................................4
2 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................... 5
2.1 Generalities .................................................................................................................... 5
3 DESCRIPTION OF CONTROLS AND CONNECTORS ......................................................... 6
3.1 Front panel .................................................................................................................... 6
3.2 Back panel (connections) .............................................................................................. 7
3.3 Microphone ................................................................................................................... 8
4 INSTALLATION .......................................................................................................................9
4.1 Contents of package ..................................................................................................... 9
4.2 Location for the transceiver ......................................................................................... 10
4.3 Mounting of transceiver ............................................................................................... 10
4.4 Adjustment of angle .................................................................................................... 11
4.5 Installation of the antenna/electromagnetic exposure ................................................11
4.6 Mounting of Microphone ............................................................................................. 12
4.7 Connections ................................................................................................................12
4.7.a Power Supply .................................................................................................... 13
4.7.b GPS device ........................................................................................................ 13
4.7.c Antenna ............................................................................................................. 13
5 BASIC OPERATION .............................................................................................................. 13
5.1 Turning NEPTUNE on/off ............................................................................................. 13
5.2 Volume regulation ........................................................................................................ 13
5.3 Squelch Regulation .....................................................................................................13
5.4 Selecting an operating channel ................................................................................... 14
5.4.a With alphanumerical keypad ............................................................................. 14
5.4.b Using the microphone buttons (UP or DOWN) .................................................. 14
5.5 Transmission and reception ......................................................................................... 14
5.6 Selecting high and low transmission power ................................................................ 14
5.7 Instant recall of channel 16 ......................................................................................... 15
5.8 Display lighting ............................................................................................................ 15
6 SCANNING FUNCTIONS ..................................................................................................... 16
6.1 Channel scanning ........................................................................................................ 16
6.2 Dual Watch and Triple Watch ...................................................................................... 16
6.3 Activation of Dual Watch/Triple ................................................................................... 17
6.4 Memory channels (MEM mode) ................................................................................... 18
6.4.a Memory scanning (SCAN MEMORY) ...............................................................18
6.4.b Reception/Transmission during SCAN MEMORY ............................................. 18
6.4.c To delete/To jump a pre-selected channel in memory ...................................... 18
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7 USE WITH GPS ..................................................................................................................... 19
7.1 Function ....................................................................................................................... 19
7.2 GPS information on the display ................................................................................... 19
8 DIGITAL SELECTIVE CALLING (DSC) .................................................................................19
8.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................19
8.2 Mobile Marine Identification Service (MMSI) ............................................................... 19
8.3 Navigating the DSC menu ........................................................................................... 20
8.4 Individual call (ROUTINE TO) ....................................................................................... 20
8.4.a Sending an individual call .................................................................................. 20
8.5 Group calling (Group Call) ........................................................................................... 21
8.5.a Sending a group call ......................................................................................... 21
8.6 General call to all ships (ALL SHIP SAFETY – ALL SHIP URGENCY) ........................ 21
8.6.a Sending a call to all ships .................................................................................. 21
8.7. DSC DISTRESS call ..................................................................................................... 22
8.7.a Sending a DISTRESS call ................................................................................... 22
9 RECEIVING A DSC CALL ..................................................................................................... 23
9.1.a Receiving a distress call .................................................................................... 23
9.1.b General call to all ships ...................................................................................... 23
9.1.c Individual call ..................................................................................................... 23
10 CUSTOMIZATION .................................................................................................................24
10.1 Menu settings .............................................................................................................. 24
10.2 Navigation in the menu of settings .............................................................................. 24
10.3 List of settings ............................................................................................................. 24
10.4 “ Log” (list of registered calls) ...................................................................................... 24
10.5 “Dir” (Entries in the directory) ...................................................................................... 25
10.5.a Addition of addresses ...................................................................................... 25
10.5.b To modify/cancel addresses ............................................................................. 25
10.6 “Posn”(Setting of position coordinates and adjustment of UTC time) ........................ 25
10.7 ”LCD” (display contrast) .............................................................................................. 26
10.8 “Beep” (Enable/disable keypad beep) ......................................................................... 26
10.9 “ZONE”(Adjustment of UTC time deviation) ................................................................ 26
10.10 MMSI (Setting of personel MMSI code and MMSI group code) ................................. 26
10.11 “ATIS” (Setting of ATIS code and activation – deactivation
of automatical transmission) ....................................................................................... 27
11 PROGRAMMING AND SELECTION OF PRIVATE CHANNELS ......................................... 28
12 MAINTENANCE .................................................................................................................... 28
12.1 Maintenance and warnings ......................................................................................... 28
13 TROUBLESHOOTING .......................................................................................................... 29
14 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS: .......................................................................................... 30
14.1 Transmitter ................................................................................................................... 30
14.2 Receiver ....................................................................................................................... 30
15 FREQUENCY TABLE ............................................................................................................ 31
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1 ABOVE ALL... SAFETY!
1.1 Symbols used
For ease and convenience of viewing, NEPTUNE uses symbols to highlight urgent situations,
practical advice, and general information.
Warnings such as this, shown using an open hand symbol, indicate a crucial description
regarding technical repairs, dangerous conditions, safety warnings, advice and/or important information. Ignoring these symbols may result in serious problems and/or damage
and/or personal injury.
Notes such as this one indicate practical advice that we suggest be followed for optimal
performance with NEPTUNE.
1.2 Warnings
1.2.a General
This device has been tested for compliance with Class D digital marine device limits.
These limits were created to allow for reasonable protection against damaging interference.
This device is to be used solely as an aid to navigation. Its settings may be influenced by
diverse factors, such as defects or malfunction of the device, environmental conditions
or improper use.
It is the user’s responsibility to observe reasonable prudence and judgement in naviga-
tion, and as such this device should not be considered a substitute for this reasonable
prudence and judgement.
Do not open the radio for any reason! NEPTUNE’s precision mechanics and electronics
require expertise and specialized equipment; for the same reason, the radio should under
no circumstances be realigned as it has already been calibrated for maximum performance. Unauthorized opening of the transceiver will nullify the warranty.
1.2.b Radiofrequency/installation
Midland recommends following the requirements for prevention of radiofrequency expo-
sure. Unauthorized changes or modifications to this device may invalidate conformity
to the ETSI Regulations. All changes or modifications must be approved in writing by
MIDLAND Corp.
This VHF DSC transceiver generates and irradiates electromagnetic energy (EME) at ra-
diofrequency (RF), and as such must be installed and placed in operating conditions that
are in conformity with the instructions contained in this manual and with current regulations. Not following these instructions can cause personal injury and/or malfunction of
the device.
Do not use NEPTUNE before connecting a suitable antenna that is in perfect working
condition – although NEPTUNE is protected, this may seriously damage the stages of
transmission power.
Do not use transmit before ensuring proper connection of the antenna. During transmis-
sion, remain at a minimum distance of 1mt from the antenna.
1.2.c Automatic Transmitter Identification System (ATIS)
Your marine transceiver may activate, if necessary, the ATIS function. The ATIS function
may be activated when using the transceiver within the internal navigable waters of Europe which require the automatic transmission of identification. For further details, please
contact your local authorities.
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1.2.d Environmental
Pay attention to ambient conditions – although NEPTUNE is designed to operate under
the most severe conditions, it is important to avoid exposure to environments that are
excessively humid or dusty, or to temperatures outside the –15 to +55°C range. Also
avoid exposure to direct sunlight.
Avoid jarring and excessive vibration – NEPTUNE is built to resist mechanical shock and
vibration as long as these are within the norm for any electrical device.
Do not use this device in potentially explosive environments. A single spark may cause
an explosion.
1.3 ETSI Information
ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute) has established specific requirements
(EN 301 025-1/2/3) for marine transceivers with DSC function class ”D”. For use on non-SOLAS
vessels.
1.4 Registration of your Marine Transceiver
For using GMDSS and DSC functions, the operator must have a GMDSS radio operator’s certificate (SRC or LRC) and apply for a ships MMSI number at the local radio authority. Without MMSI
number the radio can only be used as conventional VHF marine radio without DSC. For seagoing
ships, entering the European inland waterways you can apply for an additional licence and can
obtain an ATIS number for the ship’s radio station. For ships, operating only on inland waterways,
a ship’s licence can be obtained for ATIS mode only. Switching to ATIS mode is requested on all
european inland waterways. In ATIS mode, automatically some restrictions of transmit power apply
on certain channels, and some functions like Dual and Triple Watch are not available. Your distributor may programm your radio according to your needs.
1.5 Assistance
We urge you to write the serial number of your transceiver in the space provided below. This number is found on the back panel of the transceiver and will be useful in the event of repair/assistance
and/or loss and/or theft.
Serial number _______________________
1.6 Manual Notes
Writing of this manual has been completed with the intention of supplying information that are
comprehensive, precise and up-to-date. Nevertheless, the manufacturer does not assume responsibility for the actual correspondence with the product and for the consequences of possible
errors caused by factors over which it has no control. Equipment and options described may differ
according to varying countries.
E. and O.E.
All rights reserved.
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2 INTRODUCTION
2.1 Generalities
Congratulations for choosing Midland’s marine transceiver NEPTUNE. This product is a high
performance, mobile VHF DSC marine transceiver. The following are its principle features:
• Equipped with all international channels available (correctly assigned).
• High transmission power of 25W, which allows the user to maintain contact from large distances, and a low transmission power of 1 watt to reduce consumption during short-distance
communication.
• Switchable between DSC System (Class “D”) and ATIS function for European inland waterways
• Principal commands duplicated on the microphone for faster accessibility – channel selection and channel 16 recall.
• Backlit LCD display and adjustable contrast – constantly shows NEPTUNE’s parameters and
settings and occurs a optimal visualization.
• Possibility to program 20 private channels and 16 MMSI numbers by means of the optional
programming kit “PGR NEPTUNE”. We remind that the use of private channels is controlled by
the national competent authorities: for this reason, we suggest you contact the local radio communication authorithies. For the use in Germany a special licence is requested. Only authorized
persons are allowed to use private channels when shipping on European inland waterways.
• Extraordinary capability for water resistance, conforms with the standard IP54.
• Recall button for Channel 16 – for instant access to channel 16 (the universal marine channel
for emergency contact).
• NMEA connection – use the interface cable supplied for easy connection from transceiver to
optional GPS system, such as GPS 200 or other compatible GPS. Once connected, the display
will show the automatically updated coordinates (latitude and longitude) and time data.
• DSC Digital Selective Calling – for security on the water and the ability to make quick calls
automatically (the transceiver supports DSC (Digital Selective Calling) operations with a specifically designed DSC unit which conforms to the ITU-R standard, M493-10 Class D requirement).
• ATIS-Function – Automatic Transmiiter Identification System for European inland waterways
• MMSI directory, which simplifies the sending of DSC calls to frequently called contacts and
allows viewing of contact name on the display.
• Mounting on adjustable bracket for stable and comfortable positioning in any condition.
• Connection to an external speaker (optional) – for listening to communications further away
from the transceiver.
The manufacturers, in their effort to constantly improve product quality, reserve the right to
change the above characteristics without forewarning. For eventual updates, visit www.cte.it or
contact your authorized dealer.
NEPTUNE is switchable between DSC System (Classe “D”) and ATIS-Function for European
inland waterways and is approved for both systems.
In ATIS mode, all Scan and Dual / Triple Watch functions are disabled, and on all ship-
to-ship and ship-to harbor channels the transmit power will automatically be reduced to
values between 0.5 and 1 Watt.
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3 DESCRIPTION OF CONTROLS AND CONNECTORS
3.1 Front panel
(1) OFF/VOLUME knob
Turns NEPTUNE on/off and regulates audio volume reception. The radio is turned off when
you completely rotate the knob counter-clockwise until it clicks.
(2) SQUELCH knob
Regulates the squelch level (noise silencer in absence of signals).
(3) MICROPHONE socket
Insert the mike connector into this socket.
(4) Alphanumerical keypad
The keypad gives the possibility to select channels, to add your own MMSI identification code
and to activate/deactivate many other functions described in the following pages.
(5) FUNCTION keys
They enable to enter into the menu pages, to activate some functions such as Triple Watch,
SCAN or to activate the ATIS mode.
(6) H/L button
Push the H/L button to select high transmission power (25W) or low power (1W). The LCD
display will show HI (high power) or LO (low power).
The H/L function is accessible in normal VHF or MEM mode.
(7) button
Hold the button down to activate the display and keypad backlight (“LITE” appears on the
display). You can select 4 different backlight levels.
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(8) D/W button
This button activates the Dual Watch function, able to search alternatively the tuned channel
and channel 16.
(9) Button 16
Pressing the 16 button provides quick access to channel 16.
(10) DISTRESS button
The button below a soft cover sends a DISTRESS call for help. The signal also includes your
MMSI identification code and the nature of the distress. If a GPS is connected to the device,
data regarding position and time are also included in the call. For further details, see paragraph 8.7.
The Distress function, or any other DSC transmission function, is not operative until a MMSI
user code has been inserted.
(11) LCD Display
The large LCD (liquid crystal) display constantly shows the operating status of the device as
well as being a function guide thanks to its easily readable dot matrix area.
(12) Internal speaker
Guarantees clear listening of communications.
3.2 Back panel (connections)
Warning! Faulty connections or short-circuits may seriously damage NEPTUNE. Before
attempting any connections, consult the specialized sections of this manual.
(1) Antenna socket
This SO 239 socket is for connecting an appropriate antenna.
(2) Power cable
This red/black cable has to be connected to a power source of 12 Vdc (red is positive). Atten-
tion: for 24 V power sources a converter is needed!
(3) Socket for additional external loudspeaker
You can use this jack for the connection to a suitable external loudspeaker (optional), if nee-
ded.
(4) GPS connector
Allows for connection to the optional receiver module “GPS200” cod. C723 (or other compati-
ble receiver), for obtaining, viewing and transmitting (with DSC) information regarding position
and current time data.
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3.3 Microphone
(1) UP and DOWN buttons
These two buttons change the tuning channel. The first
scrolls upwards through the tuned marine channels, the
second scrolls downwards.
(2) Button 16
For ease of use, button 16 performs the same function
as the button 16 on the front panel of the transceiver.
(3) PTT (push to talk)
Pressing this button will begin transmission.
(4) Microphone
During transmission, speak a few centimeters from the
microphone.
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4 INSTALLATION
4.1 Contents of package
Before using your transceiver, ensure that your package is complete and contains:
(1) Mounting bracket
(2) DC power cord with integrated protecting fuse
(3) Knobs (2 pieces)
(4) Mounting piece for microphone
(5) Self-threading screws for mounting bracket (4 pieces)
(6) Screws for mounting bracket (4 pieces)
(7) Washers (4 pieces)
(8) Grained washers (4 pieces)
(9) Nuts (4 pieces)
(10) Self-threading screws for microphone mount (2 pieces)
(11) Screws for the microphone mount (2 pieces)
(12) Washers (2 pieces)
(13) Grained washers (2 pieces)
(14) Nuts (2 pieces)
(15) Certificate of warranty and instruction manual (not shown)
Depending on the model, some parts may already be attached/connected to the device. In any
case, if any parts are missing, immediately contact your supplier.
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4.2 Location for the transceiver
Before continuing, look for a place to install the transceiver which:
• Is far enough away from any device sensitive to magnetic/electromagnetic fields (e.g. compass)
in order to avoid interference during their use.
• Allows for accessibility to the front panel of NEPTUNE.
• Provides easy connection to a power supply, for the antenna and for other cables.
• Has sufficient space close by for installation of the microphone support.
• Allows for mounting of the antenna at least 1 meter from the transceiver.
The universal mounting bracket supplied allows for mounting of the transceiver high up (with
the bracket above the device) or on the bridge (with the bracket below the device) with an angle
range of 45°.
Warning! Installation and connections must be performed in part by qualified persons.
4.3 Mounting of transceiver
To mount the transceiver to your vessel (see following picture):
1. Choose an appropriate location, as explained in the paragraph above.
2. Position the mounting bracket on the surface upon which it will be fixed, use a pencil to draw
the position of the four holes where the screws will be inserted.
Ensure that the surface intended for the transceiver mounting can be drilled into without
provoking damage to other parts of the vessel and be careful to not drill right through it.
3. Remove the bracket, drill four holes smaller in diameter than the screws, and reposition the
mounting bracket, aligning it with the four holes.
4. Screw in the mounting screws and ensure the bracket is fixed firmly, using the screws, the
grained washers, the flat washers and the nuts supplied.
If you are not able to reach the back part of the bracket surface to fix the nuts onto the
screws, use threaded screws to fix the bracket.
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