NorthStar VHF Marine Radio Explorer 721EU, Explorer 721US Operation And Installation Manual

www.northstarnav.com

Explorer 721US / 721EU

VHF Marine Radio

Operation and Installation Manual

2 Northstar Explorer VHF Series: 721US, 721EU Operation and Installation Manual

FCC Statement

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.

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.

BRUNSWICK NEW TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND ITS
SUBSIDIARIES 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

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
as at the time of printing. Brunswick New
Technologies Inc. and its subsidiaries and
affiliates reserve the right to make changes to
specifications without notice.

Copyright © 2006 Brunswick New Technologies
Inc. Northstar™ is a registered trademark of
Brunswick New Technologies Inc.

3Northstar Explorer VHF Series: 721US, 721EU Operation and Installation Manual

Contents

Section 1 - General Information ............................................................................................................... 6

1-1 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

1-2 Customize your Northstar VHF Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

1-3 How to Display and Navigate Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

1-4 How to Enter or Change Alphanumeric Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

1-5 LCD Symbols and Meanings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

1-6 How the Microphone and Optional Handset Work Together . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

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

Section 3 - The Radio Setup Menu (RADIO SETUP) ..................................................................................... 21

3-1 The Radio Setup Menu Options (RADIO SETUP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

3-2 Select the Channel Bank (UIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

3-3 Change Channel Names (CH NAME) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

3-4 Ring and Beep Volume (RING VOL) and (KEY BEEP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

3-5 Internal Speaker Connections (INT SPEAKER) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

3-6 Set the Priority Channel (WATCH MODE) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

3-7 Weather Alert (Wx ALERT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

3-8 NMEA or NAVBUS Protocol (COM PORT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

3-9 Barometric Displays (BARO SENSOR) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

3-10 Temperature Display (TEMPERATURE) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Section 4 - The DSC Setup Menu (DSC SETUP) ............................................................................................ 26

4-1 The DSC Setup Menu Options (DSC SETUP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

4-2 Check Your User MMSID (USER MMSID) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

4-3 Maintain Your Groups (GROUP SETUP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

4-4 Response to Individual Calls (INDIV REPLY) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

4-5 ATIS MMSID & ATIS Functionality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

4-6 DSC Functionality (DSC FUNC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

4 Northstar Explorer VHF Series: 721US, 721EU Operation and Installation Manual

4-7 Response Type to LL Polling Calls (LL REPLY) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

4-8 Mute the Notification Ring Tone (LL RING) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Section 5 - Send and Receive DSC Calls .....................................................................................................30

5-1 What is DSC? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

5-2 The DSC Call Menu Options (DSC CALL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

5-3 Call an Individual (INDIVIDUAL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

5-4 Call the Most Recent Incoming Call (LAST CALL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

5-5 Call a Group (GROUP CALL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

5-6 Call All Ships (ALL SHIPS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

5-7 Call using the Call Log (CALL LOG) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

5-8 Call using the Distress Log (DIST LOG) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

5-9 Request the LL Position of a Buddy (LL REQUEST) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

5-10 Receive an All Ships Call (RCV: ALL SHIPS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

5-11 Receive an Individual Call (RCV: INDIV) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

5-12 Receive a Group Call (RCV: GROUP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

5-13 Receive a Geographic Call (RCV: GEOGRAPH) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

5-14 Receive a Polled Position Call (RCV: POSITION) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Section 6 - Distress Calls .......................................................................................................................... 37

6-1 Send a Distress Call . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

6-2 Receive a Distress Acknowledgement (DISTRESS ACK) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

6-3 Receive a Distress Call (RCV: DISTRESS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

6-4 Relay a Distress Call (RCV: DISTRESS RELAY) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

6-5 Relay a Distress Call from the Distress Log (RELAY) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Appendix A - Technical Specifications ...................................................................................................... 39

Appendix B - Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................. 41

Appendix C - VHF Marine Channel Charts ................................................................................................. 42

Appendix D - MMSID and License Information ......................................................................................... 54

Section 7 - Install the Explorer 721 .......................................................................................................... 55

7-1 Installation Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

7-2 Location Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

7-3 Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

7-4 Gimbal Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

7-5 Change the Viewing Angle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

7-6 Recessed Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

5Northstar Explorer VHF Series: 721US, 721EU Operation and Installation Manual

IMPORTANT:

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

2. DSC functions will not operate on the radio until your user MMSID has been entered. See Section

7.9 for details.

3. The radio channels installed into the radio may vary from country to country, depending upon
the model, and government or national communications authority regulations.

4. Brunswick New Technologies Inc. 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.

5. A DSC warning label is supplied with the 721US. To comply with FCC regulations, this label must
be affi xed 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.

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.

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.

Optional Handset

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

7-7 Install the Microphone Bulkhead Mount . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58

7-8 Connect the Radio Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58

7-9 Set Up the Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

7-10 Enter Your User MMSID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

7-11 The Completed Installation (with Optional Handset) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60

6 Northstar Explorer VHF Series: 721US, 721EU Operation and Installation Manual

Section 1 - General Information

1-1 Features

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

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

• Local/Distance mode to eliminate noise in high traffic areas

• Adjustable contrast settings for the LCD

• Adjustable keypad backlighting for easy night-time use

• Waterproof and submersible to comply with JIS-7

• GPS latitude and longitude (LL) and time display (when connected to a GPS)

• Info key to display barometric data and temperature, or Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR)

• Happy Fish symbol that indicates the fishing conditions

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

• Top centered PTT button for comfortable left- or right-handed use

• Powerful 4 W external audio output

• 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 to select your three favorite channels

• PSCAN (similar to dual watch) facility

• DSC (Digital Select Calling) capability that meets USCG SC101 for USA, Class D Standards for
EU/Canada Commercial, and Recreational Class S for Canada

• Distress call key to automatically transmit the MMSID and position until an acknowledgement is
received

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

• MMSID storage for three favorite groups

• Group call and All Ships call facility

• LL position polling information and Track Your Buddy facility

• Weather alert facility. 721US only

• ATIS facility for inland waterways. 721EU only

• Alphanumeric microphone for easy, direct channel entry and information editing. 721EU only

• Useful INTERCOM facility if the optional 701US or 701EU handset is installed.

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

Press CALL/MENU to show the DSC call menu.

7Northstar Explorer VHF Series: 721US, 721EU Operation and Installation Manual

2. Only four menu items can be displayed at any one time on the LCD. Press CH + or CH - to scroll up
and down the menu until the cursor is positioned at the desired option. Press ENT or push the rotary
knob to display that option.

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

4. Press ENT or push the rotary knob to confirm changes. Otherwise, press ESC to keep the original entry.

5. Press ESC to backup one screen or exit. Any changes are active as soon as you exit the screen.

1-4 How to Enter or Change Alphanumeric Data

If your radio doesn’t have an optional alphanumeric microphone, use the + CH - key 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 cahnngel 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),

KEY 0 123456789

Normal and
Menu Mode

0 123456789

Edit Mode

Push 1

0 123456789

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

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

Push 4 ) “ C F I L O R V Y

Push 5 % / ? ! : # “ S & Z

1-5 LCD Symbols and Meanings

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

Optional handset displayBase unit display

8 Northstar Explorer VHF Series: 721US, 721EU Operation and Installation Manual

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. 721US 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 suffi x, 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. 721EU only.

DSC DSC capability is available.

ACK A message acknowledging your DSC call is being displayed.

Happy Fish symbol with one to four indicator bars to show the probability of good

fi shing at your current location, based upon barometric pressure and air tempera­ture. Four bars show that good fi shing is likely. High pressure trends are associated
with stable conditions and calm seas. Research indicates that best fi shing occurs
when barometric pressure is rising and between 1010 and 1022 mb. During these
opportune conditions, most fi sh are thought to feed anywhere within the water
column. However, low pressure trends bring stormy seas and aff ect air bladders,
and these conditions make fi sh move to deeper levels and become less active.

Local weather forecast based on the local temperature and stored barometric pres-

sure 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.

9Northstar Explorer VHF Series: 721US, 721EU Operation and Installation Manual

Baro Graph. A histogram of barometric pressure readings over the past 24 hours.

The high-resolution histogram centers 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 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.

There is an incoming DSC DISTRESS call so
the receiver is busy.

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 Optional Handset LCD:

1-6 How the Microphone and Optional Handset Work Together

If you have the optional handset installed, as well as the microphone:

• neither item works when 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.

10 Northstar Explorer VHF Series: 721US, 721EU Operation and Installation Manual

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
connected.

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 the random noise disappears. Make another 1/4 turn clockwise for
best reception in open sea conditions.

In areas of high noise (eg 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. 721US 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.

16 Priority Channel. 721EU 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.

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.

Explorer 721

11Northstar Explorer VHF Series: 721US, 721EU Operation and Installation Manual

To add a favorite channel for the fi rst 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 curr.ent 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. 721US 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 diff erent 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. Optional 701US or 701EU handset required. 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 fi nished, press ESC to exit Intercom mode or

put the handset back on hook.

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.

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 suffi x (if applicable) in small letters below the
channel number. (See Appendix C for a listing of channel frequencies.)

Push to activate the ENTER function.

You can also use the rotary knob for alphanumeric entry if you don’t have an alpha-

numeric micrphone. Turn to step through alphanumeric characters one at a time
then push to confi rm each selection. If you make an error, select the < character
then push to backup.

12 Northstar Explorer VHF Series: 721US, 721EU Operation and Installation Manual

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 Signal­to-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 suffi x (if ap­plicable) in small letters below the channel number. (See Appendix C 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 confi rm entries and edits.

PTT Press To Talk. Press PTT to transmit at any time on an allowable channel. This auto-

matically 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 fi ve

minutes and sound the error beeps. This timer is required by FCC regulations.

13Northstar Explorer VHF Series: 721US, 721EU Operation and Installation Manual

Maintain your buddy list.

See Section 2-3.

Set radio sensitivity.

See Section 2-4.

Set backlight level.

See Section 2-5.

Set contrast level.

See Section 2-5.

Set position & UTC manually.

See Section 2-6.

Set local time and time format.

See Section 2-6.

MANUAL
SETTING

USER MMSID

GROUP SETUP

INDIV REPLY

DSC FUNC

ATIS MMSID

ATIS FUNC

(EU only)

LL REPLY

DSC SETUP Menu.

See Section 4.

Turn the GPS Simulator on/off .

See Section 2.7.

Reset factory settings.

See Section 2.8.

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)

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

See Section 2-2.

UIC

(721US only)

CH NAME

RING VOLUME

KEY BEEP

INT SPEAKER

WATCH MODE

WX ALERT

(721US only)

COM PORT

BARO SENSOR

TEMPERATURE

HAPPY FISH

RADIO SETUP Menu.

See Section 3.

NFO DATA

(

BUDDY LIST

CAL/DIST

BACKLIGHT

C

O

NTRAST

GPS

/

DAT

A

SET

UP

RADIO SET

UP

GPS SIM

RE

S

ET (Base unit on

ly)

14 Northstar Explorer VHF Series: 721US, 721EU 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.

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°F is replaced by SNR bars if handset is OFF HOOK.

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

MENU SELECT
>INFO DATA
BUDDY LIST
LOCAL/DIST

DISTRESS
A BIT CLOUDY

78.4

°F

29.99in-Hg

INFO DATA
>ON

OFF

15Northstar Explorer VHF Series: 721US, 721EU Operation and Installation Manual

2-3 Maintain Your Buddy List (BUDDY LIST)

Use the Buddy List to store the names and associated MMSIDs of 20 favorite people.

Names are stored in the order of entry, with the most recent entry shown fi rst.

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

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 MMSID entry line.

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

4. The new buddy name and MMSID 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’t make a new entry until you have deleted an existing
entry

.

2-3-2 Edit an Entry

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 MMSID, press ENT or push the rotary knob repeatedly until
the cursor moves to the MMSID 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 thru 6. Otherwise, press ESC to exit.

MENU SELECT
>BUDDY LIST
LOCAL/DIST
BACKLIGHT

BUDDY LIST
> MANUAL NEW
ALEX
TOM

ENTER NAME
––––––––––––
ENTER MMSID
–––––––––

BOB
123456789
> STORE
CANCEL

ENTER NAME
BOB
ENTER MMSID
123456789

BUDDY LIST
> MANUAL NEW
ALEX
TOM

ALEX
> EDIT
DELETE

ALEX
111223344
> STORE
CANCEL

EDIT NAME
ALEX
EDIT MMSID
112233445

16 Northstar Explorer VHF Series: 721US, 721EU Operation and Installation Manual

2-3-3 Delete an Entry

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)

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

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

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.

The microphone keypad backlighting is either ON or OFF.

The DISTRESS key backlighting can’t be switched off .

Use CONTRAST to set the contrast level for the LCD.

BUDDY LIST
> MANUAL NEW
ALEX
TOM

BUDDY LIST
> MANUAL NEW
ALEX
TOM

DELETE BUDDY
TOM
> YES
NO

TOM
> EDIT
DELETE

MENU SELECT
INFO DATA
BUDDY LIST
> LOCAL/DIST

SENSITIVITY
> DISTANT
LOCAL

SENSITIVITY
DISTANT
> LOCAL

MENU SELECT
LOCAL/DIST
> BACKLIGHT
CONTRAST

17Northstar Explorer VHF Series: 721US, 721EU Operation and Installation Manual

2-5-1 Set the Backlighting Level

1. Select BACKLIGHT.

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

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

2-5-2 Set the Contrast Level

1. Select CONTRAST.

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

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

2-6 GPS Data and Time (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.

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 prefi x “M” in the normal GPS screen indicates a manual entry. The manual entries
are cancelled if a real GPS position is received.

BACKLIGHT

LO HI
PRESS ENT

MENU SELECT
BACKLIGHT
CONTRAST
> GPS/DATA

GPS/DATA
> MANUAL
SETTING

MANUAL LL
––’ ––’ ––––N
––’ ––’ ––––W
MAN ––:––UTC

CONTRAST

LO HI
PRESS ENT

18 Northstar Explorer VHF Series: 721US, 721EU Operation and Installation Manual

2-6-2 Local Time (TIME OFFSET)

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

1. Select GPS/DATA, then SETTING.

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

In this example, a diff erence of +1.5 hours has been entered and the local time is displayed with the

suffi x LOC.

Z

A

B

C D F

G

H

I

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

W

E

STANDARD TIME ZONES

Corrected to January 2005

Zone boundaries are approximate

Daylight Saving Time (Summer Time),

usually one hour in advance of Standard

Time, is kept in some places

Map outline © Mountain High Maps

Compiled by HM Nautical Almanac Office

Z
A
B
C
C*
D
D*
E

0
+1
+2
+3
+330
+4
+430
+5

E*
F
F*
G
H
I
I*

+530
+6
+630
+7
+8
+9
+930

K
K*
L
L*
M
M*
M†

+10
+10 30
+11
+11 30
+12
+13
+14

N
O
P
P*
Q
R
S

-1

-2

-3

-330

-4

-5

-6

T
U
U*
V
V*
W
X
Y

-7

-8

-830

-9

-930

-10

-11

-12

h

h

h

hh

m

m

m

m

m

No Standard Time legally adopted

‡

Standard Time = Universal Time + value from table

V

X

K

L

P

Q

Q

R

V

U

T

S

R

Q

P*

T

S

A

A

Z

B

C

Z

A

B

B

B

C

S

S

S

R

H

I*

K

K

M

M

‡

‡

H

H

H

I

K

E

F

G

E

D

*

*

*

*

C

C

D

F

G

H

D

E

F

H

I

G

C

D

D

E

K

L

M

Z

Z

P

N

0°

30°E

60°E

90°E

120°E

150°E

30°W

60°W

90°W

120°W

150°W

180°

180°

M

N

N

O

O

Z

Z

Z

C

D

D

E

F

E

*

E

*

F

*

K

L

*

*

L

L

M

M

Q

O

Q

A

S

U

W

V

*

A

Y

M

L

M Y

P

K

H

M

X

X

W

W

X

M*

W

M

*

M

*

M

M

L

F

M

Z

M

†

K

I

D

F

G

I

I

I

K

L

L

P

Z

International Date Line

International Date Line

R

C

B

B

A

P

R

I

H

P

C

GPS/DATA
MANUAL
>SETTING

GPS/DATA
> TIME OFFSET
TIME FORMAT
TIME DISPLY

TIME OFFSET
>+01:30

02:30PM LOC

19Northstar Explorer VHF Series: 721US, 721EU Operation and Installation Manual

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

Time can be shown in 12 or 24 hour format.

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 prefi x 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:

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 2-5-6).

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 suffi x 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:

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.

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 2-5-4).

GPS/DATA
TIME OFFSET
TIME FORMAT
> TIME DISPLY

TIME DISPLY
ON
> OFF

GPS/DATA
TIME FORMAT
TIME DISPLY
> LL DISPLAY

LL DISPLAY
ON
> OFF

GPS/DATA
TIME DISPLY
LL DISPLY
> COG/SOG

COG/SOG
> ON
OFF

GPS/DATA
MANUAL
> SETTING

SETTING
TIME OFFSET
> TIME FORMAT
TIME DISPLAY

TIME FORMAT
> 12 Hr
24 Hr
07:15AM LOC