Orolia F1DSC Operator

McMurdo F1 DSC

Marine VHF Radio with DSC

Operation Manual

Controls

PTT switch

Left action key

Indicators Scroll keys

Right action key

Power switch

Distress cover

Disclaimer

Information contained in this manual is supplied in good faith, but is liable to change
without notice. McMurdo Limited disclaims any liability for consequences arising
from omissions or inaccuracies in the manuals and documentation provided with
this product.

IMPORTANT: Before you use this transceiver, read and understand all
the instructions in this manual.

 2002 McMurdo Ltd.

Rapid Distress Call

1. Turn the radio ON (press POWER)

2. Open the cover over the DISTRESS button and press the
button. If the button is pressed for 5 seconds an ‘undesignated’

distress call will be made. If the button is released before 5
seconds, you can select the type of emergency.

If the position information is too old to be valid, you will be
prompted to update it. (See Page 6 for full details.)

3. If there is insufficient time to enter position
information keep pressing the Distress

Button. Do not release the button until
you see this screen.

Distress Call

Undesignated
Wait for Acknowledge
Reset

16

4. Wait approximately 15 seconds for an acknowledgement.

5. When the acknowledgement is received, the radio switches automatically to

Channel 16.

Pick up the microphone, press the PTT (TALK) button
and call for help:

‘MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY

This is Ship name, Ship name, Ship name

MAYDAY

This is Ship name, Callsign.
Position:……………………………….
Nature of distress:…….……………..
Help needed:………………………….
(any other information)

OVER’

IMPORTANT: Do NOT make a distress call unless there is grave and
imminent danger. It is an offence to make any unjustified distress call.

Introduction

Thank you for choosing McMurdo for your VHF communication requirements.

McMurdo has supplied the maritime market for many years with communication
products of high quality and excellent design, and considers it of utmost importance
that all products are safe and easy to operate.

The product

The McMurdo F1 DSC VHF radiotelephone is designed to meet the high quality
standard required for a product that plays an important role in the safety of the ship
and its crew. The F1 DSC VHF radiotelephone is easy to operate and gives the
user high quality effective radio communication to other ships as well as to shore
based stations. Installation and maintenance is made very simple and can be
carried out by untrained personnel.

A CD-ROM simulating the operation of the F1 DSC radiotelephone can be obtained
from McMurdo on application. This, when installed on a PC-compatible computer,
simulates the operation of the F1 radio together with a simulation of a second
station for exchange of DSC messages.

VHF DSC Radios

VHF radios communicate on fixed frequency bands called channels. There are 57
public channels, numbered 1 to 28 and 60 to 88. (The system is different in US
waters; setting the radio to US changes to that system.)

Some channels are reserved for particular functions:

Channel 16 is reserved for verbal distress calls and for ‘All Stations’ calls.
This channel must NOT be used for other purposes.

Channel 70 is a channel reserved for digital data (DSC).

DSC (Digital Selective Calling) is a digital function which permits a caller to alert a
particular DSC radio (or group of radios) that a standard radio communication is
requested on a specific channel. In this respect, it is similar to a standard telephone
call in that a specific number can be called; however, once the call is accepted,
communication uses normal radio procedures.

DSC also permits automatic distress call alerting; where the appropriate information
is available from external equipment, the alert includes the vessel’s MMSI number,
its position and the exact time of the distress alert. (The distress call is still made
using conventional radio procedures; the DSC function only alerts other radio users
to the intended call.)

Verbal Communication

Verbal communication is of two types: simplex and duplex.

• Simplex communication uses a single frequency, so only one transmitter can
be operating at any time. This means that each party in the conversation must
say ‘over’ when stopping transmitting so that the other party knows it is their
turn to transmit. All ship-to-ship communication is in simplex mode. The F1
DSC radiotelephone supports simplex communication.

• Duplex communication uses two frequencies, so both parties can talk at the
same time. The F1 DSC radiotelephone does not support full duplex operation.

• There is also a hybrid mode: semi-duplex. In this mode, one of the
communicating parties operates in duplex mode and the other in simplex. A
good example is ship to coast station communications. The F1 DSC
radiotelephone supports semi-duplex communication.

DSC Digital Communication

DSC (Digital Selective Calling) is a system for establishing communication to a
specified address, to a ‘group’ (a pre-defined set of addresses), or to ‘all parties’ for
a digital distress call.

The key feature of the DSC system is the use of the vessel’s MMSI (Maritime
Mobile Station Identity) number to identify each vessel. (This number is treated as
the vessel’s DSC telephone number.) Consequently, before a DSC call can be
made, the originating vessel’s MMSI must be programmed into its radio and the
receiving vessel’s MMSI must be known to the caller.

All DSC communication is on Channel 70. The radio maintains a continuous watch
on this channel for incoming messages, which are immediately reported. This
monitoring also allows the system to transmit only when the channel is free.

The radio responds to three types of DSC message:

All ships calls. These calls are received by all vessels within range of the
transmitter.
Individual calls. These calls are addressed specifically to the radio MMSI
number.
Group calls. When the radio has been set up as a member of a group, it
responds to calls addressed to the group number.

Key to Symbols:

Indicates that an Action key must be pressed.

Example: Press the Menu Action Key.

Indicates that the Scroll keys must be pressed to change data
highlighted (displayed in inverse contrast characters) in a screen
or menu, or to change channel in standby mode.

Shaded text

WARNING

CAUTION

IMPORTANT

NOTE

Indicates that the appropriate Action key must be pressed
after data entry / selection is complete.

Instruction to take particular care when performing an action
that may have serious consequences, such as personal
injury, electric shock or fire hazard.

Advice or information to prevent equipment damage .

Highly relevant information. Possible safety implications
(example: position information could be omitted from a DSC
Distress transmission if instruction disregarded).

Inconvenience may occur if advice disregarded.

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001°34'E UTC

Menu

16 Pos

 In the following text ‘radio’ and ‘transceiver’

all refer to the ‘F1 DSC Radiotelephone’.

Installing and Using the Transceiver Safely

Installation (see also the F1 DSC radiotelephone Installation Manual)

WARNING: Do not connect the transceiver to a mains (line) AC electrical supply, as an

electric shock or fire hazard could result.

CAUTION: Do not connect the transceiver to a DC supply exceeding 16V or reverse the

supply polarity. Damage to the transceiver can result.

CAUTION: Do not bypass the power cable inline fuse (such as cutting the cable shorter).

CAUTION: The transceiver is designed for operation in the temperature range –15°C to

+55°C. Do not install (or use) the transceiver in areas which exceed this range.

CAUTION: The transceiver is water resistant to international standards. However, if either

the transceiver or microphone casing is damaged (e.g. due to heavy impact) then the sealing
cannot be guaranteed.

WARNING: Do not install the transceiver in a position where;

a) the controls of your vessel may be obstructed.
b) it may obstruct your normal movement around your vessel.
c) it may cause bodily injury.
d) it cannot be easily accessed in an emergency.

Use

WARNING: Certain parts of the chassis can become hot during extended periods of

operation, notably the rear panel (connectors and radiator fins). Avoid touching these areas
when the radio is operating.

WARNING: Do not touch the rear connections, notably the antenna connector, when the

transceiver is operating and do not touch the antenna whip (mast) or connecting cable when
operating the transceiver, for RF exposure and electrical safety reasons. Refer to Radio
Frequency Exposure Warning.

WARNING: Opening the transceiver cover will invalidate the warranty. Do not open the

cover when the transceiver is operating, or connected to a power supply.

Maintenance

CAUTION: Avoid using chemical solvents to clean the transceiver as some solvents can

damage the case material.

NOTE: The transceiver contains no user serviceable parts. Return to your Service Agent for
repair.

Radio Frequency Exposure Warning

To meet the current requirements for Radio Frequency Exposure it is necessary to
install the antenna mast correctly and operate the equipment according to the
instructions.

WARNING: The antenna mast must be mounted at a minimum distance

(vertical separation) of 3 metres from the head of any person to meet
international safety directives on Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) /
Specific Absorption Rate (SAR).

The assumptions used in this assessment are: full transmit power and a good
antenna are used (assumed to be a 9dBi gain omnidirectional type).

Where no suitable structure exists to achieve a 3 metre vertical separation then the
antenna base must be mounted at least 1 metre above the head of any person
within range and all persons must stay outside the 3 metre safety radius.

WARNING: Do not transmit when persons are closer than 3 metres to the

antenna. If any person (e.g. the operator) must be closer, then a grounded RF
shield should be interposed between that person and the antenna.

Failure to adhere to these limits could expose persons within the 3 metre radius to
RF radiation in excess of the MPE / SAR limits.

Rules of Operation

Licensing

IMPORTANT: In most countries the operator of the transceiver must possess a

current radio telephone licence, and the equipment must be registered (Call
Sign and MMSI number). Please contact the relevant authority in your country
for more information.

IMPORTANT: Normal users of the transceiver should be trained, licensed
operators, but this rule is waived in an emergency and any person can transmit
a Distress Call.

General radio operating procedures

Monitor Channel 16 when not using a different channel. The transceiver is
designed to revert to this channel.

False alarms cost lives and money. Do not make unjustified Distress Calls.

Information you overhear, but not intended for you, must remain private and should
not be used or repeated.

Do not use profane or indecent language.

Contents

Controls and Indicators...................................................................................... 1

Power ................................................................................................................1

Volume ..............................................................................................................1

Squelch.............................................................................................................. 1

Distress.............................................................................................................. 2

16....................................................................................................................... 2

1/25.................................................................................................................... 2

dual watch .........................................................................................................2

light .................................................................................................................... 2

Scroll keys ......................................................................................................... 2

Action keys ........................................................................................................ 3

PTT key ............................................................................................................. 3

Indicators............................................................................................................. 3

US...................................................................................................................... 3

TX...................................................................................................................... 3

1W ..................................................................................................................... 3

Display............................................................................................................... 4

Basic Telephony Operations.............................................................................. 6

Power On/Off..................................................................................................... 6

Entering Time, Date and Position ...................................................................... 6

Receiving and Transmitting ...............................................................................8

Private Channels ...............................................................................................8

Receiving Telephony (Voice) Calls.................................................................... 9

Setting Channel Numbers.................................................................................. 9

Making Telephony (Voice) Calls ...................................................................... 10

Returning to Channel 16.................................................................................. 10

Speaker Mute Function.................................................................................... 11

Display and Keyboard Dimming.......................................................................12

Auto Dim.......................................................................................................... 12

Basic DSC Operations ...................................................................................... 13

Receiving an Individual DSC Call .................................................................... 13

Transmitting a DSC Call to a Ship Station ....................................................... 14

Transmitting an Individual DSC Call Using Called Station Name ....................15

Transmitting a Call to a Coast (Shore) Station ................................................ 16

Transmitting a Call to a Group......................................................................... 18

Full Telephony Operations............................................................................... 19

Changing the Priority Channel......................................................................... 19

Dual watch....................................................................................................... 20

Channel scanning............................................................................................ 21

Scan program .................................................................................................. 21

Incoming DSC Call During Scanning and Dual Watch..................................... 21

Scanning All Channels..................................................................................... 22

Inhibiting a Channel......................................................................................... 23

Creating and Editing a Scan Program .............................................................24

DISTRESS .......................................................................................................... 26

Rapid Distress Call............................................................................................26

Full DSC operations.......................................................................................... 27

Distress Call Including Nature of Distress........................................................ 27

Transmitting an All Ships Call .......................................................................... 31

Received message log......................................................................................33

Directory ............................................................................................................35

Adding a Directory Entry.................................................................................. 35

Erasing a Directory Entry................................................................................. 36

Search for a Directory Entry ............................................................................36

Individual or Group Calls Using the Directory................................................ 36

Setting Profiles..................................................................................................37

Setting the MMSI Number ...............................................................................37

Group MMSI Numbers..................................................................................... 38

Scan Dwell Time.............................................................................................. 38

Key Beep ......................................................................................................... 39

Channel Mode .................................................................................................39

Speaker Settings .............................................................................................40

Notify Beep Volume ......................................................................................... 40

Auto Dim.......................................................................................................... 41

Software Version .............................................................................................42

Position Indication............................................................................................ 42

Time/Date and Offset....................................................................................... 43

Radio Test ....................................................................................................... 44

APPENDICES.......................................................................................................1

Appendix A: Character Entry .............................................................................1

Appendix B: Menu Hierarchy ............................................................................. 2

Appendix C: Error messages / Troubleshooting.............................................. 4

Appendix D: Channel Specifications................................................................. 9

International....................................................................................................... 9

US Channels ................................................................................................... 10

BI Channels .................................................................................................... 11

OTHER INFORMATION .......................................................................................1

Line of Sight distances....................................................................................... 1

McMurdo Limited Product Warranty..................................................................2

Declaration of Conformity .................................................................................. 3

Controls and Indicators

PTT switch

Indicators

Left action key Right action key

Power switch

Scroll keys

Distress cover

Power

The Power button is an ON/OFF switch. Because it is separate
from the volume control, there is normally no need to reset the
volume level after switching ON the radio. To switch on the radio
press Power, briefly, until display becomes active.

Volume

The Volume knob is a standard rotary control. It controls the volume of both the
internal and external speakers.

Squelch

The Squelch knob sets the level at which signals become audible. It is used to
suppress the background noise, and should be set at the point where the noise is
just inaudible. Setting Squelch at too high a level may suppress weak signals.

Page 1

Distress

This control is a button which is concealed by a sprung cover, so
preventing accidental activation of the DSC automatic distress alert
operation.

16

This button immediately switches the radio to a listening watch
on Channel 16. This function takes priority over any activity
other than a distress call.

1/25

This button toggles the output power of the radio between 1W
and 25W on successive operations.

dual watch

This button allows the radio to monitor both the selected channel
and Channel 16 automatically.

To use the Dual Watch function, first set the radio to the desired
channel, then push the dual watch button. The display will alternately display the
selected channel number and channel 16, at a rate which is controlled by the scan
dwell time (refer to the 'Setting Profiles' section for information on this parameter).

Pressing the dual watch button again cancels the dual watch and returns the radio
to a listening watch on the selected channel.

light

This button controls the backlighting of the display and
keyboard.

When the button is first pushed, it sets the keyboard backlight
ON and the display backlight DIM. Successive pushes of the button cycle the
lighting though the sequence:

Display Keyboard
DIM ON
FULL ON
OFF OFF
DIM (reversed) ON

Scroll keys

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Menu

Page 2

11 Pos

The Scroll Keys are the two buttons on
the right of the display. Scrolling is used
to cycle through available choices, to
move the display list up and down and to
set the channel. Scroll also allows DSC

messages to be read in their entirety.

Action keys

The Action Keys are the two keys
indicated by pointers below the
display. Their function changes
according to the
operational mode of the
radio, and is shown by appropriate labels on the display.

In ‘normal’ mode (‘standby screen’), the Left Action key and Right Action key
have the functions Menu and Pos, respectively.
Menu displays the parameters for digital control of the radio; the scroll keys move
through the menu or sub-menu items.

Pos displays the positional data (if any) last acquired by the radio, either from
numeric entry or from the electronic NMEA interface, and allows these data to be
changed manually.

PTT key

(PTT switch). Press-to-Talk key.
Press and hold the PTT key to make a voice (telephony) call.
Release the PTT key when you stop talking.

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001°34'E UTC

Menu

11 Pos

Indicators

US

This indicator lights to show that the radio is operating with the US specification of
VHF channels. This setting is selected using the Profiles menu.

TX

This indicator lights when the radio is transmitting.

1W

This indicator lights when the radio is operating in its low power (1W) mode.

Page 3

Display

The ‘standby screen’ is shown here.
This is the display for normal radio operation.

Latitude
Longitude

are shown here as 'standard' position
values. If ‘enhanced’ position is selected
(see page 42 'Setting Profiles:
Position Indication')
then position is shown to the
nearest second ("). Example: 50°56'23" N.

F1 radio is currently tuned to Channel 11.

‘at: HH:MM’ displays the vessel local time
in 24 hour format.

50°56'N at:08:40

001°34'E
Menu 11 Pos

/

/ indicates that 1 or more DSC message(s)

has/have been received and not yet read.
Alternatively, with no unread messages,
this area of the screen may display the text
‘Off:+01:00’ (for example) if the local time is
offset from UTC (Co-ordinated Universal Time),
or simply UTC if local time and UTC are identical.

Menu and Pos are indications of Action key function.
In the standby screen, the left action key function indicator
is associated with the button to the lower left corner of the display,
and the right action key function indicator with the lower right button
(see example above) so if the user pushes the button labelled
Pos the display will change to the Position screen, and the Pos
key will have a different function, it will become the Exit

key.

Standby screen showing offset time
value Off:+hh:mm.
Where no offset exists the
text UTC is displayed.
In either case no unread messages

exist, or else the text is replaced by

NOTE: if the ‘Auto Dim’ feature (see 'Display and Keyboard Dimming : Auto
Dim') is enabled, the display will dim after 5 minutes of keypad inactivity. Any
single key press in the auto-dimmed state will brighten the display, (but not
perform other any action) so an additional key press is required to initiate the
desired action.

Page 4

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001°34'E Off:+01:00

Menu

/.

11 Pos

How to Access F1 Radio Features Using the Menu

The F1 radio is easy to operate. Many functions are available from simple front
panel controls, but most features are accessible from the easy to navigate ‘menu’
(series of linked software controls).

The main menu is accessible from standby
mode. The standby display (or ‘screen’) is
shown here.

The Menu action key (associated with the
Menu label on the standby screen) must be pressed to
allow access to menus. The menu comprises
nested levels of screens providing options to select
or setup various features of the radio.
As the menus are navigated the action key labels
change, dependent on the options available at each
level of menu.

At its most basic, navigation of menus
requires selection of menu mode or level
(normally left Action key), examination of
available options (via the Scroll keys),
followed by selection of the desired
option (left Action key again).
Once the desired option has been selected, or the
user decides not to effect a change, then the
right Action key (normally labelled Back or Exit)
is pressed to return to previous menu levels, and
ultimately to the standby screen.
This example shows the effect of pressing Menu,
followed by a single press of the Scroll Up key.

Subsequently, pressing the Left Action key
(now labelled Select) will allow the user to
access a menu sub-level called Profiles (radio
settings), and the first sub-menu option is

Scan dwell time.

50°56'N at:08:40

001°34'E UTC

Menu

Profiles 

Profiles

Scan dwell time 

Select Back

16 Pos

If you want to change Scan Dwell Time press
the Select
scroll keys to list other menu options, then press
Select to change the desired option settings.

If you do not want to change anything at this menu level, press the Back key
(Right Action key).

The menu hierarchy (or structure) is described in more detail in ‘Appendix B:
Menu Hierarchy’ section of this manual.

action key, otherwise use the

Page 5

Basic Telephony Operations

v

Power On/Off

The F1 radio is switched ON and OFF by the POWER button (see page 1).

When the radio is switched ON, it performs a series of self-tests including memory
and key and display illumination tests. When complete the display shows radio
identity and type information, then switches automatically to a listening watch on
Channel 16.

If any problem is encountered, a message is displayed. These messages and the
appropriate corrective actions are discussed in ‘Appendix C: Error Messages /
Troubleshooting’.

1

Note that the radio automatically looks for a GPS
radio NMEA

2

interface) to provide positional information and time and date. During

the check for a GPS source the display reads Search for position. If GPS is not
available after 2 minutes, the message Pos update not found is displayed for 2
seconds and the missing position, time and date information is represented on the
display by blanks (−−). The screen now appears as follows:

signal source (connected to the

Time / date and position information can
now be entered manually, using the

Update Action-key.

Note: until the user enters time / date and

position information, the radio will emit a
beep every minute as a warning that
important safety data will not automatically
be sent with DSC messages.

Entering Time, Date and Position

Press the Update key. This screen is
now displayed. A cursor (text entry point)
appears (flashing) above the first latitude
character entry point. To move the cursor
to the right press the lower scroll key.
To move left press the upper scroll key.
To enter digits press the numeric keys

0-9.

The cursor moves right one digit for each
digit entered, until the end of the line is
reached. The last character (N or S for
latitude, or E or W for longitude is set by
pressing any key from

0-9, * or #. Each

press changes to E/W or N/S.

1

GPS = Global Positioning System

2

NMEA = National Marine Electronics Association

Page 6

−−°−−'− at:−−:−−

−−°−−'− UTC

Menu

Lat: −−°−−'−
Long: −−°−−'−
Pos at:−−:−− UTC
Done Back

11 Update

4ghi 5jkl

7pqrs

*

0

2abc

8tu

3def

6mno

9wxyz

#

To move to another line press a scroll key. Time (hh:mm) must now be entered in
the Pos at:−−:−− blank area. If time is not entered (and the Done Action-key is
pressed) the message Invalid Time will appear for 2 seconds. Note that entering a
time via the Position Update screen will not update the radio clock time
static time, which should be updated every 4 hours as a minimum, where no GPS
data source is available. Clock time (and date) is set in ‘Profiles’

3

. It is a

4

(accessible via the Menu Action key).

3

The radio internal clock operates only when power is available to the radio, and must be manually set, or the clock sets

itself using a GPS data source.
4

Please refer to the 'Setting Profiles' section of this manual for details on setting clock time.

Page 7

Receiving and Transmitting

The radio will operate as a basic transceiver for verbal communication without
requiring any information programmed into it.

However, it cannot be used as a DSC communication system before it has a 'profile'
set into it (i.e. as a minimum, the MMSI number must be set).
Please refer to the 'Setting Profiles' section 'Setting the MMSI' for more information.

Listening for Voice Communications (Telephony Calls)

To prepare to listen to telephony calls:

1. Ensure the radio is in the standby state
(standby screen is shown here) using the
action keys if necessary.

2. Set the radio to an appropriate channel. This is normally channel 16 (the radio is
designed to monitor channel 16 by default). If a different listening channel is

required press the scroll keys:
number, or use the numeric keys to set the channel directly. See also ‘Private
Channels’.

3. Set volume control to a comfortable level. A suitable
starting level is with the volume control rotated fully anti­(counter) clockwise and then rotated a few degrees
clockwise.

4. (a) Rotate the squelch control fully clockwise to
‘squelch’ the channel, (b) then rotate slowly anti­clockwise until noise is heard on the free channel,
(c) then rotate slightly clockwise to squelch the channel
again.

or to increase or decrease the channel

50°56'N at:08:40

001°34'E UTC

Menu

16 Pos

a b c

5. Readjust the volume control if necessary. If sound cannot be heard, check that
the internal speaker is enabled (go to Profiles->Speaker settings).

Private Channels

To select a Private Channel (example P1, M2):

1. Press the
key (for P).

2. Press

3. You have now selected Private Channel P2.

Subject to certain restrictions, your Service Agent can set up your Private Channels.
[See also ‘Setting Channel Numbers’ on page 9.]

Page 8

2abc

key then the

7pqrs

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Menu

50°56'N at:08:40

001°34'E UTC

Menu

P Pos

P2 Pos

Receiving Telephony (Voice) Calls

When a call is received and the call sign of
your vessel (or station name) is heard in
loudspeaker (or handset where appropriate):

1. Pick-up the fist-microphone or handset and
press and hold the PTT key, to answer the call.

Press / hold
PTT key

2. Say:
‘<CALLING STATION NAME>

This is <YOUR STATION NAME>’.

NOTE: It is essential to propose a working channel for

subsequent communications
(not Channel16).

3. Say: ‘Over’
then release the PTT key and wait for an
acknowledgement from the caller, which should
include the new working channel (if suggested).

4. Set the radio to the working channel (please refer
to the Setting Channel Numbers section) before
resuming communication.

NOTE: Press the PTT key only when talking.
If a simplex channel is used (refer to Appendix D:
Channel Specifications) it is necessary to say ‘Over’
when you stop talking.

For normal communications, very near to coasts,
in ports and marinas, use the 1W power setting.
(Press the key until the 1W LED is lit.)

1/25

Setting Channel Numbers

The active channel is changed using the scroll
keys or by entering the channel number from the
keyboard, when in standby mode.

SeaMist.
This is SunCruiser.
(Goto) Channel 68.
Over.

Release PTT key

US

50°56'N at:08:40

001°34'E UTC

Menu

2 Pos

TX

1W

To change a channel using the keyboard press
a numeric key (example ‘2’). The existing channel
setting clears and ‘2’ appears channel indication
section of the display.

If no other numeric key is pressed within 2
seconds then the F1 radio is set to channel 2.
If another numeric key is pressed (example ‘3’)
then the displayed digit ‘2’ moves left by 1 digit
position and ‘3’ becomes the channel units digit.
The radio is now set to channel 23.
[See also ‘Private Channels’ on page 8.]

50°56'N at:08:41
001°34'E UTC

Menu

23 Pos

Page 9

Making Telephony (Voice) Calls

To initiate a radio telephone (telephony) call:

1. Ensure the radio is in standby mode and
select a channel
(channel 16

5

or another suitable channel).

50°56'N at:08:41

001°34'E UTC

Menu

16 Pos

2. Select transmit power:
1W for short range, or 25W.

3. Pick-up the fist-microphone or handset and
press and hold the PTT

6

key.

4. Say:
‘<CALLING STATION NAME>’ (3 times)
‘This is <YOUR STATION NAME>’ (3 times).
‘Over’.

5. Release the PTT key and listen.

6. When the call is answered, the called

party may suggest a working channel.

1/25

SeaMist,
SeaMist,
SeaMist.
This is
SunCruiser,
SunCruiser,
SunCruiser
Over.

If in agreement, switch to the channel
(example channel 68), using numeric keys or
scroll keys.

It is necessary to say ‘Over’ when you stop
talking, and say ‘Out’ when the entire
communication is terminated.
Do not say ‘Over and Out’, as this is

50°56'N at:08:41

001°34'E UTC

Menu

68 Pos

incorrect.

NOTE: If you make contact on Channel 16 always continue the telephony call
on another channel!

NOTE: Press the PTT key only when talking.
It is necessary to say ‘Over’ when you stop talking.

Returning to Channel 16
To return to channel 16 5 simply press the dedicated

16

key.
This will immediately return the radio to the standby mode from any other mode
(example: menu mode) and set channel 16.

5

Channel 16 is the internationally agreed channel for initial contact only.

6

‘TX’ indicator is lit when the PTT key is pressed. If PTT is pressed for more than 5 minutes, the F1 radio stops transmitting,

a warning beep is heard, and the ‘TX’ indicator is no longer lit. To transmit again simply release PTT, then press PTT again for
the duration of your transmission.
Page 10

Speaker Mute Function

NOTE: If an external speaker is fitted, at power on the external speaker is

muted, and the internal speaker unmuted.

The F1 radio internal and external speakers can be independently muted.

To change the mute status of the speakers:

1. In standby mode, press Menu.

2. Press the Scroll Up key to select
Profiles.

3. When Profiles menu option is displayed
press Select action key.

4. In the Profiles menu
Scan Dwell Time is shown as the first item.

Press the Scroll Down key
4 times to display the Speaker Settings
option.

5. The Profiles menu display now shows
Speaker Settings.

Press Select.

6. Scroll to the desired speaker mute option:

Int/Ext: on/off
Int/Ext: on/on
Int/Ext: off/off
Int/Ext: off/on

50°56'N at:08:41

001°34'E UTC

Menu

Send DSC Messages 

Select Exit

Profiles 

Select Exit

Scan dwell time 

Select Back

Speaker settings

Select Back

Int/Ext: on/off 

Select Back

68 Pos

Profiles

Profiles

Speaker settings

Then press Select.

7. In the example both speakers will be

unmuted. Press Select action key to execute
the change and return to standby mode.

NOTE: Alarm tones will not be muted.

Int/Ext: on/on 

Speaker Settings

Select Back

Page 11

Display and Keyboard Dimming

The LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) backlight illumination level can be changed using

light

the key.

Each press of the light key will cycle through different combinations of illumination
levels for display and keyboard as listed here:

Display Keyboard

DIM ON
FULL ON
OFF OFF
DIM (reversed) ON

Auto Dim

The F1 radio provides an Auto Dim feature.

The default state is Auto Dim ‘On’. In this state if the display backlight is set to ‘Full’,
after 5 minutes with no activity, the display backlight will be set to ‘Dim’.

To switch off the Auto Dim feature:

1. Press Menu, then use the Scroll keys to
highlight Profiles, then press Select. Now
use the Scroll keys to highlight Display

settings in the Profiles menu, then press
Select.

2. In the Display Settings menu, use the
Scroll keys to highlight Automatic Dim
On/Off, then press Select.

3. The Automatic Dim On/Off state is On.
Use the Scroll keys to change state to Off.

4. Finally press Select to execute the

change and exit.

Page 12

Display settings 

Profiles

Select Back

Display settings

AutomaticDim On/Off

Automatic Dim On/Off

On 

Select Back

Automatic Dim On/Off

Off 

Select Back