Northstar EXPLORER 721, EXPLORER 725 Operation and Installation Manual

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Explorer 721US / 721EU

Explorer 725US / 725EU

VHF Marine Radio

Operation and Installation Manual

www.northstarnav.com

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Please read carefully before installation and use.

This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to potential personal injury hazards, Obey all safety messages that follow this symbol to avoid possible injury or death.

WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury

CAUTION indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.

CAUTION used without the safety alert symbol indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in property damage.

DISCLAIMER: It is the owner’s sole responsibility to install and use the instrument and transducers in a manner that will not cause accidents, personal injury or property damage. The user of this product is solely responsible for observing safe boating practices.

NAVICO HOLDING AS. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES, BRANCHES AND AFFILIATES DISCLAIM ALL LIABILITY FOR ANY USE OF THIS PRODUCT IN A WAY THAT MAY CAUSE ACCIDENTS, DAMAGE OR THAT MAY VIOLATE THE LAW.

Governing Language: This statement, any instruction manuals, user guides and other information relating to the product (Documentation) may be translated to, or

FCC Statement

has been translated from, another language (Translation). In the event of any conflict between any Translation of the Documentation, the English language version of the Documentation will be the official version of the Documentation.

This manual represents the Explorer 721 and Explorer 725 as at the time of printing. Navico Holding AS. and its subsidiaries, branches and affiliates reserve the right to make changes to specifications without notice.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a normal installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment 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 receiving antenna.

Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

Consult the dealer or an experienced technician for help.

A shielded cable must be used when connecting a peripheral to the serial ports.

CAUTION: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

Contents
Section 1 - General Information ................................................................................................................	6
1-1 Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. 6. . . . . .
1-2 Customize your Northstar VHF Radio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	7. . . . . .
1-3 How to Display and Navigate Menus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. 7. . . . . .
1-4 How to Enter or Change Alphanumeric Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	.7. . . . .
1-5 LCD Symbols and Meanings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	.8. . . . .
1-6 How the Microphone and 701 Optional Handset Work Together. . . . . . . . . . . .	10. . . . . .
1-7 Basic Operation and Key Functions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	10. . . . . .
Section 2 - The Radio Menu (MENU) ...............................................................................................	13
2-1 The Radio Menu Options (MENU) .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	13. . . . . . .
2-2 Show Weather, SNR or Happy Fish on Handset (INFO DATA). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	14. . . . . .
2-3 Maintain Your Buddy List (BUDDY LIST). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	15. . . . . . .
2-4 Local or Distance Sensitivity (LOCAL/DIST) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	16. . . . . .
2-5 Backlighting (BACKLIGHT) and Contrast (CONTRAST). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	16. . . . . .
2-6 GPS Data and Time (GPS/DATA). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	17. . . . . .
2-7 GPS Simulator (GPS SIM). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	20. . . . . . .
2-8 Reset to Factory Defaults (RESET). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	20. . . . . . .
2-9 Subscribe or Un-Subscribe the 705 handset (HS SETTING).. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..	21
Section 3 - Radio Setup Menu (RADIO SETUP)............................................................................................	22
3-1 The Radio Setup Menu Options (RADIO SETUP). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	22. . . . . .
3-2 Select the Channel Bank (UIC) (US only). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. .22. . . . . . . . .
3-3 Change Channel Names (CH NAME). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	23. . . . . . .
3-4 Ring and Beep Volume (RING VOLUME and KEY BEEP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	23. . . . . . .
3-5 Internal Speaker Connections (INT SPEAKER) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	23. . . . . . .
3-6 Set the Priority Channel (WATCH MODE). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	24. . . . . .
3-7 Weather Alert (WX ALERT) (US only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	24. . . . . .
3-8 NMEA or NAVBUS protocol (COM PORT) (721 / 725 only). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. 24. . . . . . . . . .
3-9 Barometric Displays (BARO SENSOR). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	25. . . . . . .
3-10 Temperature Display (TEMPERATURE). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	27. . . . . . .
3-11 HAPPY FISH Alarm ON or OFF. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	27. . . . . . .
Section 4 - DSC SETUP Menu.....................................................................................................................	28
4-1 What is DSC? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	28. . . . . .
4-2 DSC SETUP Menu Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	28. . . . . .
4-3 Check Your User MMSI (USER MMSI). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	28. . . . . . .
4-4 Maintain Your Groups (GROUP SETUP). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	28. . . . . .

Northstar Explorer VHF Series: 721/725 Operation and Installation Manual

4-5 Response to Individual Calls (INDIV REPLY) (US only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	30. . . . . . .
4-6 ATIS MMSI & ATIS Functionality (EU only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	.30. . . . . .
4-7 DSC Functionality (DSC FUNC). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	31. . . . . . .
4-8 Response Type to LL Polling Calls (LL REPLY). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	31. . . . . .
4-9 Mute the Notification Ringtone.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	31. . . . . .
Section 5 - Send and Receive DSC Calls......................................................................................................	32
5-1 The DSC CALL Menu Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	32. . . . . .
5-2 Call an Individual (INDIVIDUAL). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	33. . . . . .
5-3 Call the Most Recent Caller (LAST CALL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	34. . . . . .
5-4 Call a Group (GROUP). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	34. . . . . . .
5-5 Call All Ships (ALL SHIPS).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	34. . . . . . .
5-6 Call using the Call Log (CALL LOG). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	35. . . . . .
5-7 Call using the Distress Log (DIST LOG) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	35. . . . . .
5-8 Request the LL Position of a Buddy (LL REQUEST). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	36. . . . . .
5-9 Track Your Buddy (TRACK BUDDY). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	36. . . . . .
5-10 Receive an All Ships Call (RCV: ALL SHIP). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	38. . . . . .
5-11 Receive an Individual Call (RCV: INDIV). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	38. . . . . .
5-12 Receive a Group Call (RCV: GROUP). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	39. . . . . . .
5-13 Receive a Geographic Call (RCV: GEOGRAPH). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	39. . . . . .
5-14 Receive a Polled Position Call (RCV:POSITION) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	39. . . . . .
Section 6 - Distress Calls...........................................................................................................................	40
6-1 Send a Distress Call . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	40. . . . . .
6-2 Receive a Distress Acknowledgement (DISTRESS ACK). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	40. . . . . .
6-3 Receive a Distress Call (RCV: DISTRESS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	41. . . . . . .
6-4 Receive a Distress Relay (RCV: DISTRESS RELAY). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	41. . . . . .
6-5 Relay a Distress Call from the Distress Log (RELAY) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	41. . . . . .
Appendix A - Technical Specifications.......................................................................................................	42
Northstar Explorer 721/725US and 721/725EU. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	42. . . . . . .
Appendix B - Troubleshooting..................................................................................................................	44
Appendix C - VHF Marine Channel Charts.................................................................................................	45
Appendix D - EU Inland Waterway Channels ............................................................................................	52
Appendix E - MMSI and License Information.............................................................................................	56
E-1 Obtain Your User MMSI number. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	56. . . . . .
E-2 Enter Your User MMSI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	56. . . . . .
E-3 License Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	56. . . . . .

4	Northstar Explorer VHF Series: 721/725 Operation and Installation Manual

Section 7 - Install the Explorer 721/725 ...................................................................................................	57
7-1 Installation Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	57. . . . . .
7-2 Location Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	57. . . . . .
7-3 Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	.58. . . . . .
7-4 Gimbal Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	59. . . . . .
7-5 Change the Viewing Angle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	59. . . . . . .
7-6 Recessed Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	59. . . . . . .
7-7 Install the Microphone Bulkhead Mount. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	60. . . . . .
7-8 Connect the Radio Cables. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	61. . . . . .
7-9 Set Up the Radio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	62. . . . . .
7-11 The Completed Installation (with Optional 701 Handset). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	63. . . . . .

ABOUT THIS MANUAL:

1..Some features described in this manual are not available on every model..

2..This manual is based on the VHF721 US/EU models - the VHF725 US/EU models are functional identical to the VHF721US/EU except for where noted throughout this manual..

3..DSC functions will not operate on this radio until a valid user MMSI has been entered and stored.. See Appendix- D for details..

4..The radio channels installed into the radio may vary from country to country, depending upon

the model and government or national communications authority regulations..

5.NAVICO recommends that you check the radio operating licensing requirements of your country

before using the radio.. The operator is solely responsible for observing proper radio installation and usage practices..

6..A DSC warning label is supplied with the 721/725 US model.. To comply with FCC regulations, this label must be affixed in a location that is clearly visible from the operating controls of this radio.. Make sure that the chosen location is clean and dry before applying this label..

Optional Handset

This manual describes the operation and installation procedures for the Northstar Explorer 721/725US and 721/725EU base unit and microphone.. An optional Northstar 701/705US or 701/705EU handset can be purchased and installed to provide second station operation and intercom facilities..

Industry Canada

Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device..

RF Emissions Notice:

This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment.. This device’s antenna must be installed in accordance with provided instructions; and it must be operated with minimum 96 cm spacing between the antennas and all person’s body (excluding extremities of hands, wrist and feet) during operation.. Further, this transmitter must not be co-located or operated in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter..

Northstar Explorer VHF Series: 721/725 Operation and Installation Manual

Section 1 - General Information

1-1 Features

Congratulations on your purchase of a Northstar VHF Explorer 721/725US or 721/725EU marine band radio. Both of these models provide the following useful features:

•Adjustable contrast settings for the LCD

•Adjustable keypad backlighting for easy night-time use

•Waterproof and submersible to comply with JIS-7

•Choice of High or Low (25 W or 1 W) transmission power

• Access to all currently-available marine VHF channel banks (USA, Canada, International) including weather channels where available

•Special CH16 or CH16/9 key for quick access to the priority (International Distress) channel

•Special 3CH key for quick selection of your three favorite channels

•DISTRESS call button to automatically transmit the MMSI and position until an acknowledgement is received

•Easy access to a buddy list of up to 20 favorite people

•MMSI storage for three favorite groups

•GROUP CALL and ALL SHIPS CALL Facility

•Automatic position and time update when connected to a GPS receiver

•DSC (Digital Select Calling) capability that meets SC101 standards (721/725US only)

•DSC (Digital Select Calling) capability that meets EC Class D standards (721/725EU only)

•ATIS facility for inland waterways (721/725EU only)

In addition, the 721/725 US/EU models also provide:

•Prominent channel display and rotary channel selector knob with PRESS TO ENTER function

•	GPS latitude and longitude (LL) and time display (when connected to a GPS)
•	Powerful 4 W external audio output
•	PSCAN (similar to dual watch) facility
•	Info key to display barometric data and temperature, or Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR)
•	Happy Fish symbol that indicates the fishing conditions
•	LL position polling information and Track Your Buddy facility
•	Local/Distance mode to eliminate noise in high traffic areas
•	Weather alert facility. 721/725US only
•	Alphanumericmicrophoneforeasy,directchannelentryandinformationediting. 721/725EU only
•	INTERCOM facility if the optional wired 701 handset is installed (for VHF721 model).
•	INTERCOM facility if an optional wireless 705 handset is installed (for VHF725 model).
	CONFERENCE facility if two 705 handsets installed (total 2 x 705 handsets can be installed).

6	Northstar Explorer VHF Series: 721/725 Operation and Installation Manual

1-2 Customize your Northstar VHF Radio

You can customize the radio to suit your individual preferences. Some preferences can be set directly through the keys as explained in this Section.

Other preferences are set up through the built-in menus and these are explained in the other Sections.

1-3 How to Display and Navigate Menus

1.Hold down CALL/MENU to show the RADIO menu or

2.Press CALL/MENU to show the DSC CALL menu.

3.Only four menu items can be displayed at any one time on the LCD. Rotate the rotary knob to scroll up and down the menu until the cursor is positioned at the desired option. Press ENT (push the rotary knob in) to display that option.

4.Make any entries or changes as explained in the following section.3.

5.Press ENT to confirm changes. Otherwise, press EXIT to keep the original entry.4.

6.Press EXIT to backup one screen (this key is equivalent to an ESC function on a PC)5.

1-4 How to Enter or Change Alphanumeric Data

If your radio doesn’t have an optional alphanumeric microphone, use the + CH - key on the microphone to enter alphanumeric data as follows:

•	Press CH - to count through numbers, or hold down to scroll rapidly to the desired number.
•	Press CH + to step through the alphabet, or hold down to scroll rapidly to the desired character.
•	If you make an error, press CH - until < is displayed, then press ENT or push the rotary knob to
	backup and correct the entry.

If your radio has an alphanumeric microphone, use the keypad to enter the channel numbers and names. Each key has the functionality shown below.

• Use CLR to backup and ENT to confirm, or just wait for the cursor to advance automatically to the next position when entering data (similar to mobile phone operation),

On the base station, use the rotary knob to enter alphanumeric data and push to ENTER the data.

KEY	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9

Normal and	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9
Menu Mode

Edit Mode	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9
Press 1

Press 2	Space	-	A	D	G	J	M	P	T	W

Press 3	(	.	B	E	H	K	N	Q	U	X

Press 4	)	“	C	F	I	L	O	R	V	Y

Press 5	%	/	?	!	:	#	“	S	&	Z

Northstar Explorer VHF Series: 721/725 Operation and Installation Manual

1-5 LCD Symbols and Meanings

The simulation shows the locations of all the following information symbols on the LCD displays.

Base unit display

Optional handset display

These symbols may not appear at all or may be shown in a different location on the optional handset.

Symbol		Meaning
TX		Transmitting.
HI LO		Transmission power. High (HI) 25 W or Low (LO) 1 W.
WX		Weather channel.
WX ALT		Weather Alert. Alarm beeps will sound. 721/725 US only..
BUSY		Receiver busy with an incoming signal.
PRI		Priority channel is selected.
D		Duplex operation. Otherwise, blank for Simplex operation.
LOCAL		Local calling is selected. Otherwise, blank for distance calling.
DSC		DSC capability is available.
		Indicates an incoming DSC call, or blinks to notify you of any unread

		Call Log messages

		Low Battery warning (activates at 10.5 V)


88		Channel selected.
USA INT CAN		Selected channel bank for VHF radio operations and regulations.
X		Channel is temporarily deleted from the ALL SCAN operation.
B A		Channel suffix, if applicable.
CH1 CH2 CH3		Shows which of the 3 favorite channels, if any, are selected.
		Otherwise blank.
ATIS		Enabled for use in European inland waterways. Otherwise blank. 721/725 EU only..
DSC		DSC capability is available.
ACK		A message acknowledging your DSC call is being displayed.

8	Northstar Explorer VHF Series: 721/725 Operation and Installation Manual

Happy Fish symbol with one to four indicator bars to show the probability of good fishing at your current location, based upon barometric pressure and air temperature. Four bars show that good fishing is likely. High pressure trends are associated with stable conditions and calm seas. Research indicates that best fishing occurs when barometric pressure is rising and between 1010 and 1022 mb. During these opportune conditions, most fish are thought to feed anywhere within the water column. However, low pressure trends bring stormy seas and affect air bladders, and these conditions make fish move to deeper levels and become less active. See section 2-2 for more information.

Local weather forecast based on the local temperature and stored barometric pressure data. The icons are indicative only and are more accurate close to land rather than in open sea.

Digital Readout of the current barometric pressure (in mb or in/Hg) or the current temperature (in ºC or ºF), depending upon your selection.

Baro Graph. Ahistogramofbarometricpressurereadingsoverthepast24hours.

The high-resolution histogram centres automatically if the range goes off scale. Readouts are taken even when the engine and radio have been powered down (with typically less than 3mA of current drain).

A typical operational display on the 721/725 base unit LCD:

•

A transmission on Channel 16 is being made at high power using the International channel bank.

Channel 16 is set as the Priority channel.

The latitude and longitude of the vessel and UTC time are shown.

3 bars by the Happy Fish indicates rising barometic trends and reasonable fishing conditions.

The weather indicates showery conditions.

A typical operational display on the 701/705 Optional Handset LCD:


Northstar Explorer VHF Series: 721/725 Operation and Installation Manual		9

1-6 How the Microphone and 701 Optional Handset Work Together

Consult the 721/701 Quick Start Guide for additional operational instructions.

If you have the optional 701 handset installed on your VHF721:

•	neither item will transmit while both are ON hook, but you can hear the audio from the handset
	speaker and adjust the handset volume.
•	to use one item when it’s OFF hook, the other item must be ON hook.
•	if both items are OFF hook, only the microphone works.
•	in Intercom mode ONLY, both items work OFF hook.

1-7 Basic Operation and Key Functions

All possible keys on the base unit, the microphone, and the optional handset are listed and their functions are explained.

NOTE: Some keys or functions may not be available on your particular model of base unit, microphone, or optional handset. This example shows the 721US base unit.

Key

Function

VOL PWR

Volume and Power.. Turn clockwise to power on. Continue to turn until a comfortable

volume is reached. VOL/PWR will also adjust the settings of an external speaker, if con-

nected.

SQL

Squelch or Threshold Level.. Sets the threshold level for the minimum receiver signal.

Turn fully counterclockwise until random noise is heard, then turn slowly clockwise until

therandomnoisedisappears.Makeanother1/4turnclockwiseforbestreceptioninopen

sea conditions.

In areas of high noise (e.g. close to large cities) reception may improve if sensitivity is

reduced. Either turn SQL slowly clockwise or use the LOCAL setting. See section 2-4.

DISTRESS

Send DSC Distress Call.. See Section 6.

16/9

Priority Channel.. 721/725US only. Press to cancel all other modes and to tune into the

priority channel. Press again to return to your original channel.

The default is Channel 16. To make Channel 09 the priority channel, hold down 16/9 until

a beep sounds and 09 is displayed.

16Priority Channel.. 721/725EU only.. Press to cancel all other modes and to tune into the priority channel, Channel 16, on high power. Press again to return to your original channel.

10	Northstar Explorer VHF Series: 721/725 Operation and Installation Manual

3 CH	Three Favorite Channels.. Press to toggle between your favorite channels. The CH1, CH2,
	or CH3 symbol appears on the LCD to show which favorite channel is selected.
	To scan only one of your favorite channels, press 3CH then immediately press and release
	SCAN. If you want to scan all three favorite channels, press 3CH then immediately press
	and hold SCAN.
	To add a favorite channel for the first time, select that channel then hold 3CH to store
	it in the CH1 location. Repeat the procedure to store two more favorite channels in the
	CH2 and CH3 locations respectively.
	If you try and add another favorite channel it will overwrite the existing CH3. CH1 and
	CH2 remain unless you delete them.
	To delete a favorite channel, select that channel then hold down 3CH until the CH1, CH2
	or CH3 symbol disappears off the LCD.
SCAN	Scan.. Scanning is not allowed in some European countries. Otherwise, press to scan
	between your current channel and the priority channel in DUAL or TRI WATCH mode. The
	weather channel is also scanned if the USA channel bank is selected and the weather
	alert mode is ON.
	Hold down SCAN to enter ALL SCAN mode where the priority channel is checked every
	1.5 seconds.
	When a signal is received, scanning stops at that channel and BUSY appears on the LCD.
	If the signal stops for more than 5 seconds, the scan restarts.
	Press ENT or push the rotary knob to temporarily skip over (lock out) an “always busy”
	channel when in ALL SCAN mode and resume the scan. An X is shown on the LCD to
	designate a skipped channel. It’s not possible to skip over the priority channel.
	Press SCAN to stop at the current channel.
CALL/MENU	Radio Menu, DSC Set up Menu, Radio Set up Menu and DSC CALL Menu.
	Hold down to show the radio menu (see Section 2) and to access the radio set up menu
	(see Section 3) and the DSC set up menu (see Section 4).
	Press to enter the DSC call menu and to make DSC calls (see Section 5).
WX	Weather Channel.. 721/725US only. In USA and Canadian waters, press to hear the most
	recently selected weather station. The WX symbol is displayed on the LCD.
	Press CH + or CH - to change to a different weather channel. Press WX again to return to
	the most recent channel.
	If the weather alert mode is ON and an alert tone of 1050 Hz is broadcast from the
	weather station, it’s picked up automatically and the alarm sounds. Press any key to hear
	the weather alert voice message.
IC or H/L IC	Intercom. Optional701or705handsetrequired. Hold down to enter Intercom mode on USA
	models. EU models need just a single press and release.. This disables the radio receiver except
	for incoming DSC calls and the intercom calls the other unit.
	Press PTT when invited. When you’re finished, press ESC to exit Intercom mode or put
	the handset back on hook (701 hadset only.)
ESC	Escape.. Use ESC when navigating menus, to clear incorrect entries, to exit from a menu
	without saving changes, and to back up to the previous screen.

Northstar Explorer VHF Series: 721/725 Operation and Installation Manual

Rotary knob	Channel Select.. Turn to select a channel. The current channel is shown on the LCD in BIG
	digits with an A or B designator suffix (if applicable) in small letters below the channel
	number. (See Appendix C for a listing of channel frequencies.)
	Push to activate the ENT (Enter) function.
	You can also use the rotary knob for alphanumeric entry if you don’t have an alphanu-
	meric microphone. Turn to step through alphanumeric characters one at a time then
	push to confirm each selection. If you make an error, select the < character then push
	to backup.
info	Information.. Press on the base MIKE to toggle through the INFO display to show the
	barometric historgram, the barometric readout and temperature, or the Signal-to-Noise
	Ratio (SNR).
H/L	Transmission Power.. High (HI) 25 W or Low (LO) 1 W. Press to toggle between high or
	low transmission power for the entire channel bank. The HI or LO selection is shown on
	the LCD.
	Some channels allow only low power transmissions. Error beeps will sound if the power
	transmission setting is incorrect.
	Some channels allow only low power transmissions initially, but can be changed to high
	power by holding down H/L and PTT at the same time. See Appendix C for a complete
	listing of channel charts.
+ CH -	Channel Select.. Press CH + or CH - to step through the available channels one at a time,
	or hold down to scroll rapidly through all the available channels. The current channel is
	shown on the LCD in BIG digits (with an A or B designator suffix if applicable in small letters
	below the channel number). (See Appendix C & D for a listing of channel frequencies.)
	Press CH + or CH - to scroll the cursor up and down menu options on the LCD when
	navigating menus.
	When editing an item containing only numbers, press CH - to step through the numbers
	or hold down to scroll rapidly.
	To enter a character, press Ch + to step through the alphabet or hold down to scroll
	rapidly.
ENT	Enter.. Press ENT when navigating menus, to confirm entries and edits.
PTT	Press To Talk.. Press PTT to transmit at any time on an allowable channel. This automati-
	cally exits you from menu mode and stops scanning.
	You must release PTT to receive a signal.
	If PTT sticks, a built-in timer will automatically shut down a transmission after five minutes
	and sound the error beeps. This timer is required by FCC regulations.

12	Northstar Explorer VHF Series: 721/725 Operation and Installation Manual

Section 2 - The Radio Menu (MENU)

Hold down CALL/MENU to show the radio MENU options.

Sections 1-3 and 1-4 explain how to navigate around the menu and enter, save and change data.

2-1 The Radio Menu Options (MENU)

INFO DATA

(Handset only)

BUDDY LIST

LOCAL/DIST

BACKLIGHT

CONTRAST

GPS/DATA

DSC SETUP

RADIO SETUP

HS SETTING

(725 US / EU only)

GPS SIM

RESET (Base unit only)

Show weather, SNR or Happy Fish information on the handset.

See Section 2-2..

Maintain your buddy list.		Set radio sensitivity.
See Section 2-3..		See Section 2-4..

Set backlight level.		Set contrast level.
See Section 2-5..		See Section 2-5..
		Set position & UTC manually.
	MANUAL	See Section 2-6..
	SETTING
	SETTING	Set local time and time format.
		See Section 2-6..
USER MMSI		See Section 2-6..

		DSC SETUP Menu.
GROUP SETUP		DSC SETUP Menu.
GROUP SETUP		See Section 4..
INDIV REPLY (US only)		See Section 4..
INDIV REPLY (US only)
DSC FUNC
ATIS MMSI (EU only)
ATIS FUNC (EU only)
LL REPLY
LL RING
UIC (US only)
UIC (US only)		RADIO SETUP Menu.
CH NAME		RADIO SETUP Menu.
CH NAME		See Section 3..
RING VOLUME		See Section 3..
RING VOLUME
KEY BEEP
KEY BEEP
INT SPEAKER
WATCH MODE (US only)
WATCH MODE (US only)		HS SETTING Menu.
WX ALERT (US only)		HS SETTING Menu.
WX ALERT (US only)		See Section 2-9..
COM PORT		See Section 2-9..
COM PORT
BARO SENSOR
BARO SENSOR
TEMPERATURE
HAPPY FISH		Turn the GPS Simulator on/off.
		Turn the GPS Simulator on/off.
		See Section 2-7..
		See Section 2-7..

		Reset factory settings.
		See Section 2-8..

Northstar Explorer VHF Series: 721/725 Operation and Installation Manual

2-2 Show Weather, SNR or Happy Fish on Handset (INFO DATA)

If you have the optional handset installed, you can use INFO DATA to show the local weather forecast (e.g. SUNNY) and a digital readout of the current barometric pressure (mb or in-Hg) and the channel name on the handset LCD.

MENU SELECT	INFO DATA	DISTRESS
>INFO DATA	>ON	A BIT CLOUDY
BUDDY LIST	OFF	78..4°F
LOCAL/DIST		29..99in-Hg

After INFO DATA is selected ON, the following screen appears on the handset with Line #3 able to display 3 items of interest - temperature, Signal To Noise ratio (SNR) or HAPPY FISH quality.

•a digital readout of the current air temperature (°F or °C)

•the current Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR)

•the Happy Fish symbol with indicator bars.

1.Hold down CALL/MENU to display the radio menu.

2.The cursor is at INFO DATA. Press ENT then select INFO ON to display the information on the handset LCD, instead of the time and GPS position.

3.78.4 deg F is displayed alternating with SNR bars.

4.Happy Fish symbol replaces TEMP/SNR if triggered after which it times out.

Information regarding Barometer, Weather and Happy Fish operation:

For these functions to operate correctly, the barometer sensor built into the microphone requires a permanent power connection. When the radio is turned off with the power knob on the radio, power continues to flow to the barometer sensor. This enables a 24 hour barometer trend to be collected and is used with the Happy Fish and Weather predictor.

Note: If the power supply to the radio is disconnected, the barometer trend will cease and will re-start when power is re-applied.

Happy Fish and Weather may not function, or may be inaccurate for several hours after initial power up.

14	Northstar Explorer VHF Series: 721/725 Operation and Installation Manual

2-3 Maintain Your Buddy List (BUDDY LIST)

MENU SELECT >BUDDY LIST LOCAL/DIST BACKLIGHT

Use the Buddy List to store the names and associated MMSI’s of 20 favorite people. Names are stored in the order of entry, with the most recent entry shown first.

The following sections show to use BUDDY LIST to add, edit, and delete entries in your buddy list.

Section 3 explains how to call a buddy.

2-3-1 Add an Entry

BUDDY LIST	ENTER NAME	ENTER NAME	BOB
> MANUAL NEW	––––––––––––	BOB	123456789
ALEX	ENTER MMSI	ENTER MMSI	> STORE
TOM	–––––––––	123456789	CANCEL

1.Select BUDDY LIST. The cursor is at MANUAL NEW. Press ENT.

2.Enter the buddy name, one character at a time (this may be alphanumeric) then press ENT or push the rotary knob repeatedly until the cursor moves to the MMSI entry line.

3.Enter the MMSI (this must be numeric) associated with that buddy name then press ENT.

4.The new buddy name and MMSI are displayed. Press ENT or push the rotary knob to store the new entry, which is displayed at the top of your buddy list.

NOTE: When the BUDDY LIST is full (20 entries), you can make a new entry and the buddy at the end of the list is automatically erased.

2-3-2 Edit an Entry

BUDDY LIST	ALEX	EDIT NAME	ALEX
> MANUAL NEW	> EDIT	ALEX	111223344
ALEX	DELETE	EDIT MMSI	> STORE
TOM		112233445	CANCEL

1.Select BUDDY LIST. Press ENT or push the rotary knob to display the list of entries.

2.Scroll down (if required) to the incorrect entry and press ENT.

3.Select EDIT. The cursor is at the first character of the name.

4.Edit the buddy name or, to edit only the MMSI, press ENT or push the rotary knob repeatedly until the cursor moves to the MMSI line.

5.When you are finished, press ENT or push the rotary knob (repeatedly if necessary) to display the next screen.

6.Press ENT or push the rotary knob to store the changes. The buddy list is displayed again. If more changes are required, repeat Steps 2 through 6. Otherwise, press ESC to exit.

Northstar Explorer VHF Series: 721/725 Operation and Installation Manual

2-3-3 Delete an Entry

BUDDY LIST	BUDDY LIST	TOM	DELETE BUDDY
> MANUAL NEW	> MANUAL NEW	> EDIT	TOM
ALEX	ALEX	DELETE	> YES
TOM	TOM		NO

1.Select BUDDY LIST. Press ENT or push the rotary knob to display the list of entries.

2.Scroll down (if required) to the entry you want to delete and press ENT.

3.Select DELETE then select YES.

4.The entry is deleted immediately and the buddy list is displayed again.

2-4 Local or Distance Sensitivity (LOCAL/DIST)

MENU SELECT INFO DATA BUDDY LIST > LOCAL/DIST

Use LOCAL/DIST to improve the sensitivity of the receiver either locally (LOCAL) or over distances (DIST).

LOCAL is NOT recommended for use in open sea conditions. It’s designed for use in areas of high radio noise; e.g. when you’re close to a city.

See also SQL (Squelch Control) in Section 1.6.

2-4-1 Set Distance Sensitivity

SENSITIVITY

>DISTANT LOCAL

1.Select LOCAL/DIST then select DIST.

2.Press ENT or push the rotary knob to activate the DIST setting. This disables local sensitivity and the menu is displayed again.

2-4-2 Set Local Sensitivity

SENSITIVITY DISTANT

> LOCAL

1.Select LOCAL/DIST then scroll to LOCAL.

2.Press ENT or push the rotary knob to activate the LOCAL setting. This disables distance sensitivity and the menu is displayed again.

LOCAL is displayed on the LCD in reverse video, as a reminder that local sensitivity is selected.

2-5 Backlighting (BACKLIGHT) and Contrast (CONTRAST)

	Use BACKLIGHT to set the backlight levels for the LCD at a comfortable level.
MENU SELECT	•	The microphone keypad backlighting is either ON or OFF.
LOCAL/DIST
	•	The DISTRESS key backlighting can’t be switched off.
> BACKLIGHT

CONTRAST	Use CONTRAST to set the contrast level for the LCD.

16	Northstar Explorer VHF Series: 721/725 Operation and Installation Manual

2-5-1 Set the Backlighting Level

BACKLIGHT

LO HI PRESS ENT

1.Select BACKLIGHT.

2.Use CH + or CH - to select a comfortable backlight level.

3.Press ENT or push the rotary knob to confirm the new level and return to the menu.

Note: 705 handset option is only on or off.

2-5-2 Set the Contrast Level

CONTRAST

LO HI PRESS ENT

1.	Select CONTRAST.
2.	Use CH + or CH - to select a comfortable contrast level.
3.	Press ENT or push the rotary knob to confirm the new level and return to the
	menu.

2-6 GPS Data and Time (GPS/DATA)

MENU SELECT BACKLIGHT CONTRAST

> GPS/DATA

If your vessel has an operational GPS navigation receiver, the radio automatically detects and updates the vessel position and the local time.

However, if the GPS navigation receiver is disconnected or absent, you can specify the vessel position and the local time manually, using the GPS/DATA option.

This information is important because it will be used if you transmit a DSC distress call.

2-6-1 Manually Enter Position and UTC Time (MANUAL)

NOTE: This function is available only when an operational GPS receiver is NOT connected.

GPS/DATA		MANUAL LL
> MANUAL		––’ ––’ ––––N
SETTING		––’ ––’ ––––W
		MAN ––:––UTC

1.Select GPS/DATA, then MANUAL.

2.Enter the latitude, then the longitude, then the UTC.

3.Press ENT or push the rotary knob when all the information is correct.

The vessel’s latitude and longitude are shown on the screen, with the UTC time. After entering your manual LL position, the prefix“M”in the normal GPS screen indicates a manual entry. The manual entries are cancelled if a real GPS position is received.

Northstar Explorer VHF Series: 721/725 Operation and Installation Manual

Northstar EXPLORER 721, EXPLORER 725 Operation and Installation Manual

2-6-2 Local Time (TIME OFFSET)

The local time can be set by entering the time offset between UTC and local time as follows.

GPS/DATA	SETTING	TIME OFFSET
MANUAL	> TIME OFFSET	>+01:30
>SETTING	TIME FORMAT
	TIME DISPLY	02:30PM LOC

1.Select GPS/DATA, then SETTING.

2.Select TIME OFFSET to enter the difference between UTC and local time. Half hour increments can be used with a maximum offset of ±13 hours.

In this example, a difference of +1.5 hours has been entered and the local time is displayed with the suffix LOC.

LM Y X W V U T S R Q P O N Z A B C D E F G H I K L M Y

ine

‡

teL

L in

MalD

K L

lD a

a tion

tiona

tern

rna

In te

D E*

F F*

M†

E E*

I K

STANDARD TIME ZONES

Standard Time

= Universal Time − value from table

Corrected to February 2008

Universal Time

= Standard Time + value from table

Zone boundaries are approximate

h m

Daylight Saving Time (Summer Time),

D* −

4 30

− 8

−11

N + 1

Q* + 4 30

+ 9

usually one hour in advance of Standard

− 1

−

− 9

−11 30

+ 2

+ 5

+ 9 30

Time, is kept in some places

− 2

E* −

5 30

− 9 30

−12

+ 3

+ 6

+10

− 3

−

−10

M* −13

P* + 3 30

+ 7

+11

C* − 3 30

F* −

6 30

K* −10 30

M† −14

+ 4

+ 8

+12

‡

Compiled by HM Nautical Almanac Office

− 4

−

‡ No Standard Time legally adopted

180°

150°W

120°W

90°W

60°W

30°W

0°

30°E

60°E

90°E

120°E

150°E

180°

18	Northstar Explorer VHF Series: 721/725 Operation and Installation Manual

2-6-3 Time Format Options (TIME FORMAT)

Time can be shown in 12 or 24 hour format.

GPS/DATA	SETTING	TIME FORMAT
MANUAL	TIME OFFSET	> 12 Hr
> SETTING	> TIME FORMAT	24 Hr
	TIME DISPLAY	07:15AM LOC

1.Select GPS/DATA, then SETTING.

2.Select TIME FORMAT.

3.Select 12 Hr or 24 Hr as desired. In this example, 12 hour format has been selected so the LCD shows the AM or PM suffix.

2-6-4 Time Display Options (TIME DISPLAY)

If you’ve entered the time manually as described in the previous sections, the time is shown ALWAYS with the prefix M.

However, if the vessel’s position is being updated through a GPS navigation receiver, you can switch the time display ON or OFF as follows:

SETTING		TIME DISPLY
TIME OFFSET		ON
TIME FORMAT		> OFF
> TIME DISPLY

1.Select GPS/DATA, then SETTING.

2.Select TIME DISPLY.

3.Select ON or OFF as desired. In this example, OFF has been selected and so the LCD no longer shows the time.

If the time display is set ON, course and speed data are NOT displayed on the LCD (see section 2-6-6).

2-6-5 Position Display Options (LL display)

If you’ve entered the vessel position manually as described in the previous section, the vessel position is shown ALWAYS with the suffix M.

However, if the time is being updated through a GPS navigation receiver, you can switch the vessel position display ON or OFF as follows:

SETTING		LL DISPLAY
TIME FORMAT		ON
TIME DISPLY		> OFF
> LL DISPLAY

1.Select GPS/DATA, then SETTING.

2.Select LL DISPLAY.

3.Select ON or OFF as desired. In this example, OFF has been selected and the screen no longer shows the vessel position.

2-6-6 Course & Speed Display Options (COG/SOG)

Use this option to display course over ground (COG) and speed over ground (SOG) data on the screen.

SETTING		COG/SOG
TIME DISPLY		> ON
LL DISPLY		OFF
> COG/SOG

1.Select GPS/DATA, then SETTING.

2.Select COG/SOG.

3.Select ON or OFF as desired. In this example, ON has been selected, so the screen shows the bearing and speed.

If COG/SOG is set ON, the time is NOT displayed on the screen (see section 2-6-4).

Northstar Explorer VHF Series: 721/725 Operation and Installation Manual

2-6-7 GPS Alert Options (ALERT)

The GPS alert is usually set to ON so that if the GPS navigation receiver is disconnected, the alarm sounds.

		1.	Select GPS/DATA, then SETTING.
SETTING	GPS ALERT	1.	Select GPS/DATA, then SETTING.
SETTING	GPS ALERT	2.	Select GPS ALERT.
LL DISPLY	> ON	2.	Select GPS ALERT.
LL DISPLY	> ON
COG/SOG	OFF	3.	Select ON or OFF as desired.
> GPS ALERT

2-7 GPS Simulator (GPS SIM)

The GPS Simulator is set to OFF whenever the radio is turned ON or whenever real GPS data is available through the COM port. However, if you want to test the GPS Simulator, turn it ON as follows:

MENU SELECT DSC SETUP RADIO SETUP

> GPS SIM

1.Select GPS SIM, then select ON or OFF as desired.

Whenever the GPS Simulator is turned ON, simulated Speed Over Ground (SOG), Course Over Ground (COG), and LL position appear on the screen. This data is updated automatically during the simulation.

IMPORTANT: It’s not possible to send a DSC transmission when you’re in GPS Simulator mode.

2-8 Reset to Factory Defaults (RESET)

Use RESET to return every setting to the factory defaults EXCEPT all MMSI settings and the entries in your buddy list.

MENU SELECT		RESET RADIO?
RADIO SETUP		ARE YOU SURE
GPS SIM		YES
> RESET		> NO

1.Select RESET. The radio asks for confirmation.

2.Select YES to reset the radio and return to the menu.

20	Northstar Explorer VHF Series: 721/725 Operation and Installation Manual

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