NASA MARINE SX 35 DSC Owner's Manual
OWNER’S HANDBOOK
SX 35 DSC
SX 35 DSC
1
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
(As required by Article 6.3 of Directive 1999/5/EC-RTTE Directive)
Declares under his sole responsibility that the produced Marine VHF radio
transceiver manufactured by
NASA MARINE LTD.
Boulton Road
Stevenage, Herts, SG1 4QG
England
Telephone +44(0)1438 354033
Telefax +44(0)1438 741498
Intended for Worldwide use as a Class D DSC VHF Radiotelephone for use
aboard non-SOLAS vessels and identified by type number
NASA DSC RADIO
to which this declaration refers, has been tested to the essential radio test
suites required by the notified body and is in conformity with the standards
EN 301 025-2
EN 301 025-3
EN60945
and complies with the essential requirements of Directive 1999/5/EC.
Conformity procedure under Annex IV of 1999/5/EC (Technical Construc-
tion file) has been undertaken by
EMCCert Dr. Rasek of Boelwiese 5, 91320 Ebermannstadt, Germany.
The Technical Construction File is held by Mr. Alan Mully at
NASA MARINE LTD.
Boulton Road
Stevenage, Herts, SG1 4QG
England
Telephone +44(0)1438 354033
Telefax +44(0)1438 741498
Alan Mully-Director-NASA MARINE Ltd.
0678
2
SX 35 DSC
NOTICE
This device is only and aid to navigation. Its performance can be
affected by many factors including equipment failure or defects,
environmental conditions, and improper handling or use. It is the
users’s responsibility to exercise common prudence and navigational judgement, and this device should not be relied upon as a
substitute for such prudence and judgement. Your NASA SX35
DSC VHF radio generates and radiates radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic energy (EME). This equipment must be installed and
operated in accordance with the instructions contained in this handbook. Failure to do so can result in personal injury and/or product
malfunction.
Antenna Mounting and EME Exposure
For optimal radio performance and minimal human exposure to
radio frequency electromagnetic energy, make sure the antenna is:
• Connected to the radio before transmitting
• Properly mounted
• Located where it will be away from people
• Located at least three feet (91 cm) from the Base Station transceiver and handsets.
SX 35 DSC
3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY............................................................1
GENERAL INFORMATION ............................................................................5
Introduction ...................................................................................................5
LICENSE INFORMATION .............................................................................. 6
United Kingdom ...........................................................................................6
Digital Selective Calling (DSC) Capability ............................................. 7
Required License Information ...................................................................7
Equipment Required ....................................................................................7
Equipment Supplied ....................................................................................7
Optional Equipment.....................................................................................7
BASIC RADIO COMMUNICATION PROCEDURES ............................... 8
Using Channel 16 ..........................................................................................8
Calling Another Vessel ................................................................................9
Telephone Calls.............................................................................................9
Prohibited Communication ......................................................................10
INSTALLATION ..............................................................................................11
Transceiver ...................................................................................................11
Antenna......................................................................................................... 11
Power Connection ....................................................................................... 11
NMEA Cable ................................................................................................ 12
External Speaker Connection ...................................................................12
Rear Panel Connectors ...............................................................................12
Antenna Connector .....................................................................................12
OPERATION .....................................................................................................13
General ..........................................................................................................13
Display and Controls .................................................................................13
Basic Operation ........................................................................................... 14
Power On/Off .............................................................................................. 14
Volume and Squelch ..................................................................................14
Channel Selection .......................................................................................15
Channel Banks.............................................................................................15
Keypad, Transceiver ................................................................................... 15
Keypad, Microphone ..................................................................................16
OPERATING PROCEDURES ........................................................................17
Primary Calling Channel........................................................................... 17
Transmitting ................................................................................................ 17
Working Channel Recall ...........................................................................18
Transmitter Power Setting ........................................................................ 18
Channel Scanning ....................................................................................... 18
Priority Scan .................................................................................................19
All Scan .........................................................................................................19
4
SX 35 DSC
Memory Scan ............................................................................................... 20
Menu Functions...........................................................................................21
Main Menu Topics......................................................................................22
Directory ................................................................................................. 22
Lamp ........................................................................................................25
Contrast ................................................................................................... 26
Data Set ...................................................................................................26
MMSID Set............................................................................................. 29
Time Set .................................................................................................. 30
NMEA Set ...............................................................................................31
DSC OPERATION ...........................................................................................32
MMSID .........................................................................................................32
Sending a Distress Call.............................................................................. 33
Receiving Distress Calls ............................................................................35
Distress sent by another vessel...........................................................35
Distress ACK sent to another vessel..................................................36
Distress Relay from another vessel ................................................... 36
Normal DSC Calls ...................................................................................... 37
Individual DSC Call .............................................................................37
Directory Call .........................................................................................37
Manual Call ............................................................................................39
All Ships Call .........................................................................................40
Group Call .............................................................................................. 42
Receiving DSC Calls .................................................................................. 43
Individual Call Received .....................................................................43
Last Call Received .................................................................................45
All Ships Call Received .......................................................................46
Group Call Received.............................................................................46
REFERENCE ......................................................................................................47
Maintenance................................................................................................. 47
Special Functions ........................................................................................47
Simulator Mode ..................................................................................... 47
Clear Memory Channels ......................................................................47
New Microphone................................................................................... 47
Printer Operation ........................................................................................47
Troubleshooting ..........................................................................................48
Specifications............................................................................................... 49
Channel Assignments ................................................................................53
SX 35 DSC
5
GENERAL INFORMATION
Congratulations on your purchase of the SX 35 DSC. It is an advanced marine VHF communication transceiver offering Digital Selective Calling, an
easy to use four line LCD display, and a separate Channel 70 receiver.
NOTICE
Unauthorized changes or modifications to this equipment may void compliance with Regulatory Agency Type Acceptance. Any changes or modification must be approved in writing by the manufacturer.
NOTICE
This radio transceiver has been tested and complies with EN-301 025-1 v1.1.2
(August 2000). This specification provides reasonable protection against
harmful interference in a normal installation. This radio generates, uses
and radiates radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to other marine electronic equipment. However, there is no guarantee that interference
will not occur in a particular installation. If this radio does cause harmful
interference to marine electronic equipment, which can be determined by
turning this radio Off and On, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the antenna.
• Increase separation between this radio and other marine electronic
equipment.
• Connect this radio to a power source different from that of other marine electronic equipment.
• Consult your dealer or an experienced technician for help.
Introduction
Your SX 35 DSC VHF Transceiver is designed for operation in the marine
VHF FM frequency band. The operating frequency range is 156.025 to 163.275
MHz which includes all currently allocated International channels and
United Kingdom M and M2 marina channels.
The transceiver has Digital Selective Calling (DSC) capabilities conforming
to EN-301 025-1 v1.1.2 operation. Distress, All Ships, Individual and Group
DSC call formats are supported. There are thirty two memories for storing
incoming DSC calls and thirty two for your personal DSC call directory.
Other features include all channel scanning, priority channel scanning,
memory channel scanning, one button instant access to channel 16 and an
alphanumeric keypad on the microphone.
6
SX 35 DSC
LICENSE INFORMATION
Your SX 35 DSC complies with European Standard EN-301 025-1 v1.1.2.
Users must know and comply with all applicable rules and regulations for
the country or countries having jurisdiction over waters where your transceiver is operated. Depending upon national regulations, a station license
may be required for a VHF transceiver and an operator license or permit
may be required for an individual to operate a VHF transceiver.
Prior to using your SX 35 DSC inquire with your national radio communication authorities.
United Kingdom
The Radiocommunications Agency, an Executive Agency of the Department
of Trade and Industry, is responsible for the management of the nonmilitary radio spectrum in the UK.
License information and application forms are available on their web site:
www.radio.gov.uk under Publications - Maritime.
Direct inquiries to:
Radiocommunications Agency (RA)
Wyndham House
189 Marsh Wall
London E14 9SX
Tel: 020 7211 0211
The minimum Certificate of Competence that is required for use of a ship
portable radio is the Short Range Certificate. This certificate covers use of
both standard VHF and VHF/DSC equipment under the Global Maritime
Distress and Safety System in sea area A1.
The training and examinations for these certificates are carried out by:
Royal Yachting Association
RYA House
Romsey Road,
Eastleigh
Hampshire SO5 4YA
Tel: 023 8062 7400
SX 35 DSC
7
Digital Selective Calling (DSC) Capability
You must obtain a nine-digit maritime mobile service identity (MMSI) and
program it into the unit before you transmit. To obtain an MMSI, you will
be asked to provide certain information about your ship. It is important
that you obtain an MMSI because National Coast Guards and other search
and rescue (SAR) agencies use this information to help speed search and
rescue operations.
Required License Information
The following information pertaining to your transceiver is necessary if completing a station license application
Output Power............................................... 1 Watt (low) and 25 Watts (high)
Emission ................................................................................ 16K0F3E, 16K0G3E
Frequency Range ......................................................... 156.025 to 157.425 MHz
UK M .........................................................................................157.850 MHz
UK M2 .......................................................................................161.425 MHz
Meets Essential Requirements of RTTE DIRECTIVE (Declaration of Conformity)
Equipment Required
The minimum equipment required for two way voice and DSC VHF radio
communication with vessels and shore stations includes:
• VHF radio communication transmitter and receiver designed and approved for marine VHF communication use.
• VHF antenna and connecting cable. Use a good quality unity gain antenna for best range performance.
• Power source suitable for the VHF transmitter and receiver.
• For Digital Selective Calling (DSC) VHF communication radios, connection to a GPS receiver that provides latitude and longitude coordinates and UTC time for distress messages.
Equipment Supplied
• SX 35 DSC Marine VHF Transceiver.
• Microphone with alphanumeric keypad.
• Mounting Bracket with knobs.
• Power Cable with in-line fuse (6.3 Amp).
• NMEA Data Cable.
Optional Equipment
• Flush Mounting Kit.
8
SX 35 DSC
BASIC RADIO COMMUNICATION PROCEDURES
Distress or emergency calls may be made either manually or automatically.
Sending distress calls automatically uses the Digital Selective Calling (DSC)
functions of your transceiver and requires an operating and properly connected navigation receiver. The following procedures are for sending voice
distress messages manually. Sending an automatic distress call is described
in the DSC section of this manual.
Using Channel 16
Channel 16 is the Calling and Distress channel. An emergency may be defined as a situation that threatens human life or property. In such situations, make sure your transceiver is turned On and set the channel selector
to Channel 16. Then use the following procedure to make a distress call.
The total transmission should not exceed 1 minute.
1. Press the microphone Push To Talk button. Speak slowly and clearly
into the microphone: “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday, this is your
vessel’s name, your vessel’s name, your vessel’s name”.
2. Then repeat once: “Mayday, your vessel’s name”.
3. Continue by reporting your position in latitude and longitude or by
reporting your bearing (true or magnetic, specify which) and distance from a prominent or well known landmark, geographic feature or aid to navigation.
4. Explain the nature of your emergency (fire, sinking, collision,
grounding, health condition, injury, etc.).
5. Report the kind of assistance you require (fire, medical aid, pumps,
etc.).
6. State the number of people aboard and the condition of any injured.
7. Estimate the seaworthiness and condition of your vessel.
8. Describe your vessel: length, type, color and any distinguishing feature.
9. End the message by saying “Over”. Release the Push To Talk button and listen for a reply.
10. If there is no reply, repeat the above message procedure. If there is
still no response, try another channel.
SX 35 DSC
9
Calling Another Vessel
Channel 16 may be used to establish initial contact with another vessel.
However, its most important use is for voice emergency messages. Channel 16 must be monitored at all times except when engaged in actual communication on another channel. Channel 16 is monitored by international
search and rescue (SAR) authorities, National Coast Guards and by other
vessels. Use of Channel 16 for calling or hailing must be limited to initial
contact only. Calling should not exceed 30 seconds and may be repeated 3
times at 2 minute intervals.
Prior to making contact with another vessel, determine which channel will
be used for continued communication after the initial contact. Channels 68
and 72 (see Channel Assignment tables) are two channels available for noncommercial (recreational) communication. Monitor the desired channel for
traffic and, when clear, switch to Channel 16 to make initial contact.
Listen for traffic on the Calling Channel (16). If clear, press the Push To Talk
(PTT) button on the microphone. Speak the name of the vessel you are
calling followed by “this is” and the name of your vessel and your call sign.
Release the PTT and listen for a reply. When the other vessel returns your
call, acknowledge the call with “go to”, the number of the new channel and
“over”. Switch to the new channel and listen for traffic. If necessary, wait
for traffic to clear, and then call the other vessel. As communication proceeds, end each transmission with “over”. When communication with the
other vessel is completed, end the last transmission with your call sign and
the word “out”. It is not necessary to end each transmission with your call
sign, just give your call sign at the beginning and end of each contact.
Remember to switch to Channel 16 when not actively communicating on
another channel.
Telephone Calls
You may use your SX 35 DSC transceiver to make telephone calls to persons on shore. To do so requires the services of marine operators who operate on designated Public Correspondence channels. There are several channels designated for this type of traffic and to determine the channel being
used in your area, ask someone with local knowledge, contact a Harbor
Master or other marine authority.
10
SX 35 DSC
Call the marine operator and identify yourself with your vessel’s name.
Normally you contact a marine operator on their working channel rather
than making initial contact on Channel 16. The marine operator will ask for
your intentions and establish a payment method for the call (collect, credit
card, etc.). When arrangements are complete, your radio communication
will be patched into the telephone line. In conversing with a person on the
phone it is important to use normal radio communication procedures. You
should say “over” and release the PTT button at the end of each transmission. Both parties cannot speak simultaneously as on normal telephone calls.
Usually there is a fee for marine operator services which is charged in addition to any other charges associated with the call.
Prohibited Communication
The following communications are prohibited by regulations and violators
are subject to penalties.
• False distress or emergency messages (including false DSC distress).
• Messages to “any vessel” except in emergencies and radio tests.
• Messages to or from a vessel on land.
• Transmission while on land.
• Obscene, indecent, or profane language.
SX 35 DSC
11
INSTALLATION
Transceiver
Your SX 35 DSC Transceiver is designed to withstand the rigors of the ma-
rine environment. However, selecting a mounting location affording some
protection from the elements will prolong the life of connectors, controls
and the liquid crystal display (LCD).
Select a location within easy reach and view of the operator and away from
your vessel’s compass. Locate the microphone to avoid entanglement with
steering or engine controls, both when in use and when stowed. Also, consider routing of antenna, power and NMEA interface cables. Mount the
transceiver securely to a solid surface.
Antenna
Proper installation of a quality VHF antenna is very important to reliable
radio communication. A good quality unity gain antenna is recommended
for maximum range performance. In general, antennas should be located
as high as practical and separated as much as possible from other antennas
and structures. The minimum distance to other objects is 1 meter. Route
the antenna cable away from other electronic equipment and do not bundle
the antenna or power cable with other wiring, especially transducer cables
for depth sounders and fish finders. For cables longer than 10 meters, RG8/U coaxial cable must be used. Mount the antenna and install the
connector(s) in accordance with manufacturers instructions. Connect the
antenna cable to the RF output connector on the rear panel of the transceiver.
Power Connection
CAUTION
Reverse polarity connections can damage your transceiver
The power cable for you transceiver must be connected to the ships main
power buss. Use the 6.3 Amp in-line fuse provided. Connect the Red wire
to the positive (+) terminal and the Black wire to the negative (—) terminal.
Connect the barrel terminals on the power cable to the matching color wires
and terminals extending from the rear panel of the transceiver.
12
SX 35 DSC
NMEA Cable
In order for the position reporting features of your SX 35 DSC transceiver to
function, an operating GPS navigation receiver must be connected to your
transceiver. The supplied data cable plugs into the 8 pin connector on the
transceiver’s rear panel and the other end connects to the NMEA data output from your GPS navigation receiver. Your GPS must output the $GPRMC
NMEA data sentence. Refer to your navigation receiver manual for information about its NMEA output settings and connections.
External Speaker Connection
Provision for connecting and external speaker is provided on the rear panel.
Use an 8 Ohm speaker rated for at least 3 Watts and suitable for the environment at the chosen location.
Rear Panel Connectors
17
4
8
1 NMEA Rx (+)
2 NMEA Rx (–)
3 NMEA Tx (+)
4 Ground/Tx (–)
5 Clock
6 Reset
7 PDI
8 PDO
Pins 3 & 4 reserved for DSC/PC printer interface
Pins 5~8 reserved for Flash programmer
Brown
Red
Orange
Shield
Green
Blue
Gray
Purple
3.5 mm Phone plug
Tip Audio Out (+)
Body Audio Out (–)
Data Connector
(Rear Panel)
External Speaker Connector
(Rear Panel)
Antenna Connector
The transceiver is fitted with a type SO 239 female connector which mates
with a PL 259 male connector supplied with VHF marine antennas.
SX 35 DSC
13
OPERATION
General
Your SX 35 DSC is an advanced marine VHF communication transceiver
offering the safety and convenience of Digital Selective Calling in addition
to all the useful features found in the best conventional VHF radios.
Display and Controls
The transceiver is operated using the front panel controls, the keypad, the
Push To Talk (PTT) button and a keypad on the microphone. The 4-line
LCD displays the current operating status, menus for selecting functions,
and settings for optional features. The microphone has a keypad for changing channels and selecting functions.
MENU
ENT
HI/LO
SCAN
END
MEM
16
CALL
EXIT
OFF
SELECT
VOL SQ
DISTRESS
LIFT HERE
SX 35
DSC
Channel/data SelectorLCD DisplayInternal Speaker
Volume Control
Squelch ControlKeypadEmergency Button
Under Cover
Microphone
Cable Entry
SX 35 DSC
USA INT CAN
Frequency Bank
Annunciators
Channel
Number
4 lines, 11 characters each
for alphanumeric information
Liquid Crystal Display
0
1
ABC
2
DEF
3
GHI
4
JKL
5
MNO
6
PQRS
7
TUV
8
WXYZ
9
ENT
EXIT
mic
14
SX 35 DSC
Basic Operation
Power On/Off
Power to the transceiver is controlled with the VOLume knob. When the
VOL knob is in the full CCW position the unit is turned Off.
To turn the transceiver On:
• Rotate the VOL knob CW until it clicks over the detent. The LCD backlight illuminates and the Power-On screen appears.
INT
SX 35 DSC
CODE 000.00
Power-On Screen
After approximately two seconds, the Normal Communication screen appears in the display.
To turn the transceiver Off:
• Rotate the VOL knob CCW until it clicks over the detent to the OFF
position.
Volume and Squelch
The VOLume and SQuelch controls have concentric knobs. The outer ring
knob controls squelch and the inner knob controls volume. They are independent controls but work together to control audio output from the speaker.
The volume control sets the loudness of sound from the speaker and the
squelch control is used to mute background noise when no received signals
are present.
INT
16 PRI. HI
MEM CHANNEL
N 28°04.814
W 83°42.169
Normal Com Screen
with GPS Connected
INT
16 PRI. HI
MEM CHANNEL
––°––.–––
––°––.–––
Normal Com Screen
w/o GPS Connected
SX 35 DSC
15
To properly set the VOL and SQ controls:
• Rotate the SQ control fully CCW.
• Rotate the VOL control CW until background noise is plainly heard.
• Slowly rotate the SQ control CW until the noise is muted (squelched).
Then adjust the control slightly more CW (approximately 1/8 turn). Use
care not to set the SQ control more CW than necessary or weak signals
may not be heard.
Some channels exhibit more background noise than others, so it may be
necessary to readjust the squelch setting when changing channels or when
scanning.
Channel Selection
When the transceiver is turned On, the Primary Calling Channel (channel
16) is selected.
There are three ways to change channels:
• Rotate the SELECT knob, press and hold the
ENT
or
EXIT
keys, or di-
rectly enter the channel number using the numeric keys on the microphone. The
ENT
and
EXIT
keys will always change channels except when
being used to enter or edit a directory page.
Channel Banks
Your SX 35 DSC is designed for use with the International VHF marine
channel frequencies plus authorized local channel frequencies. Only authorized dealers can program other approved country channels, where specifically allowed by government regulations, by using the 8 pin com connector.
Keypad, Transceiver
A tone is emitted each time a key is pressed. A three beep error tone is
emitted when a key is not allowed. Some functions require a key to be
pressed and held. After the hold period times out, a second tone is emitted
as the function is entered. The basic purpose for each key follows. Detailed
usage of keys is described in operating procedures for the transceivers various functions.
16
SX 35 DSC
MENU
Opens menus to select optional settings to personalize your
transceiver’s operation.
HI/LO
Use to toggle transmitter power between 25 watts and 1 watt output. Certain channels are restricted to 1 watt maximum power and
will cause the error beep if the HI/LO key is pressed.
END
Cancels DSC calls and Emergency/Distress calls.
16
Selects the Primary Calling Channel 16 or the last channel used. Also,
cancels DSC and Emergency/Distress calls.
ENT
Used to complete editing or selection of options from menus. Use
to delete channels in All Scan function.
SCAN
Can be used alone or with the MEM key to select Priority Scan,
Memory Scan or All Scan.
MEM
Stores channels in the scan memory bank, and when used with the
SCAN key, starts Memory Scan.
CALL
Initiates DSC operation screens.
Keypad, Microphone
The microphone keypad is used to change channels by directly entering the
actual channel number with the
0
through
WXYZ
9
keys. The
ENT
or
EXIT
keys step or scroll to a new channel. The microphone keys are used to enter
alphanumeric characters and symbols shown in the following chart.
syeKenohporciM
01
CBA
2
FED
3
IHG
4
LKJ
5
ONM
6
SRQP
7
VUT
8
ZYXW
9
ecneuqeSretcarahCciremunahplA
01ADGJMPTW
ecapS-BEHKNQUX
(,CFILORVY
).?!:#'S&Z
%/23456789
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