Silva s15 Operation Manual

VHF DSC S15 CLASSE D DSC, NAVTEX, GPS

Operation Manual S15

Chapter Description Page

1 Introduction
2 Front Panel Description

2.1 Front 4

2.2 Back Of Unit 5

2.3 LCD Display 6

3 Fist Microphone/Controller

3.1 Soft Keypad (0 – 9) 7

4 General Operation 9

4.1 Dual Watch 9

4.2 Full Scan 10

4.3 Memory Scan 10

4.4 High / Low RF Output Power Selection 10

4.5 Squelch Control 11

4.6 Volume Control 11

4.7 Channel 16 12

4.8 Channel Select 12

4.9 Memory Channel Select 12

5 Receiving A DSC Call

5.1 Routine Calls 13

5.2 Urgency And Safety Calls 13

5.3 Group Calls 14

5.4 Distress Alert 14

6 Sending A DSC Call 16

6.1 Distress Calls 16

6.2 Routine Calls 17

6.3 Urgency And Safety Calls 18

6.4 Group Calls 19

7 Log View

7.1 Review Routine Log 20

7.2 Review Distress Log 21

7.3 View NAVTEX Messages 22

3

4

7

13

20

Page

1

Operation Manual S15

8 Settings

24

8.1 Backlight & Keypad Lighting Adjustment 24

8.2 Contrast Adjustment 24

8.3 Speaker Selection 25

8.4 Tone Selection 25

9 DSC Setting

26

9.1 MMSI Setting 26

9.2 Set Group ID 27

9.3 Set Date And Time 28

9.4 Set Manual Position 28

9.5 Set Called Channels 29

9.6 Set Directory Of Called MMSI And Vessel Names 31

10 NAVTEX Setting

33

10.1 Station Selection 33

10.2 Message Selection 34

10.3 Clear All NAVTEX Logs 34

11 GPS Navigation Setting

11.1

Set Waypoint Number (Go To Waypoint)

36

36

11.2 Set Waypoint 37

11.3 Review Waypoint 38

11.4 Navigation View 38

11.5 Insert Waypoint 40

11.6 Delete Waypoint 41

12 Technical Specifications 42

12.1 Receiver 42

12.2 Channel 70 Monitor General Specification 43

12.3 Transmitter 43

12.4 NAVTEX 43

12.5 GPS 43

13 VHF Marine Channel Chart
14 Installation

44
45

14.1 Unit Installation 45

14.2 Antenna Installation Recommendations 46

15 Parts Provided
16 Warranty

48
48

17 Certificate Of Conformity 49

Page

2

Operation Manual S15

1. Introduction

The S15 is a Class-D Digital Selective Calling (DSC) VHF marine transceiver
with built in GPS capability (position, waypoints, course and speed over the
ground) if connected with GPS input from either a GPS navigator or smart
antenna. The S15 also has full NAVTEX message display capability when
interfaced with a suitable NAVTEX antenna/receiver unit. The transceiver is a
25-watt, frequency modulated waterproof transmitter/receiver for applications
in the 156.025 - 162.550MHz band.

The S15 supports the latest GMDSS requirement for non-SOLAS vessels
from the international maritime organization (IMO).

The S15 will enable you to make digitally selected calls, which are quicker
and simpler to make then conventional voice calls using channel 16. Should
a distress urgency or safety situation occur, with the S15 you can quickly
raise an alert, indicating your identity, your position and automatically
establish distress communication on the emergency voice channel.

The S15 will display received NAVTEX messages and the ID of received
messages from the NAVTEX receiver. NAVTEX is a worldwide coastal telex
broadcast system. The broadcast stations transmit navigational warning,
meteorological warnings, Search And Rescue (SAR) information and other
data for ships sailing within their service range.

If the S15 is connected with a GPS, it will also display your vessels position
and Universal Time Coordinated (UTC) and it can also give you the COG
(Course Over Ground), SOG (Speed Over Ground), BTW (Bearing To
Waypoint) and DTW (Distance To Waypoint) of your vessel.

Silva operates a policy of continual development and reserves the right to
alter and improve the specification of their products without notice.

Page

3

Operation Manual S15

2. Front Panel Description

2.1 Front

1. POWER SWITCH (ON)

Press the (ON) button once on the front panel of the S15.
To switch off, press (ON) again the S15 switch off.

2. CHANNEL MEMORY KEY (M+)

The function of this key is to add or delete the currently selected channel
from the scan memory.

3. CLEAR KEY (CLR)

Stops current task and returns to the main screen.

4. SQUELCH MODE SELECTION KEY (SQ)

5. VOLUME CONTROL MODE SELECTION KEY (VOL)

6. FUNCTION SELECT KEY (F)

Press this key once to enter the function selection mode; the LCD will
display the function menu. The selectable functions are DUAL WATCH,
FULL SCAN, MEMORY SCAN, H/L (high/low) POWER and DIM. Press
the

7. DOWN KEY (▼)

key again to confirm and change to selected function screen.

(F)

Selects the desired channel, squelch control level or volume control
level. Each press selects the next lower channel number or level. Press
and hold to scroll down through all of the channels.

8. CHANNEL 16 KEY (16)

Used to immediately return to channel 16 from any channel or function.

Page

4

Operation Manual S15

9. UP KEY (▲)

Selects the desired channel, squelch control level or volume control
level. Each press selects the next higher channel, number or level. Press
and hold to scroll up through all of the channels.

10. LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY (LCD)

Dot Matrix display, giving up to 8 lines of information.

11. SPEAKER

12. DISTRESS CALL BUTTON

The distress button as located under a protective, spring loaded cover
that must be lifted before the button can be pressed.

13. FIST MICROPHONE/CONTROLLER CORD.

2.2 Back

1. POWER CORD CONNECTOR

2. GPS, NAVTEX & EXTERNAL SPEAKER CONNECTOR

3.

ANTENNA CONNECTOR

4.

VENTILATION HOLE

Should mist be discovered on the inside of the LCD Display, remove
this screw and ventilate the unit until the mist is cleared. Upon
completion, the screw should be fully tightened to prevent water
seepage. Insert the screw and tighten once again. Note: To ensure
your S15 maintains its waterproof feature, please make sure the
waterproof plastic washer is properly inserted before the screw;

Page

5

Operation Manual S15

2.3 LCD Display

GROUP 1

7

65

43

2

1

VL Volume control is activated, the Bar indicates the volume level.
Sq Squelch control is activated, the Bar indicates the squelch level.
Mu Appears when the squelch opens.
RX The radio is in receptive state (RX) and when receiving a signal.
TX The radio is transmitting (TX).

GROUP 2

Hi Indicates TX maximum output power is 25W.
Lo Indicates TX maximum output power is 1W.

GROUP 3

S Indicates the displayed channel is a simplex channel.
D Indicates the displayed channel is a duplex channel.

GROUP 4

I Indicates the international channels are selected.

K Indicates the international channels with added channel M1 and

M2 are selected.

GROUP 5

DW Indicates dual watch scanning operation.
FS Scans every channel of current channel list.
MS Scans the selected memory channels.

GROUP 6

M Indicates the displayed channel is a selected memory scanning

channel.

GROUP 7

Date/hours: minutes

Page

6

Operation Manual S15

3. Fist Microphone/Controller

The fist mike/controller has the microphone, Push to Talk (PTT) switch
and Soft-keypad as illustrated below:

3.1 SOFT-KEYPAD (0 - 9)

The telephone style keypad ITU 0 – 9 / A - Z is used for entering numeric
data. When required, the keys will automatically switch to character mode
allowing letters, numbers and punctuation characters to be entered.
Repeatedly pressing a key will cycle through the characters available on
that key.

1

press

— A D G J M P T W 0

2

, B E H K N Q U X (

press

3

° C F I L O R V Y )

press

4

press

/ ? ! : ” ’ S & Z %

5

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0

press

Page

7

Operation Manual S15

ENTER KEY (ENT)

Confirms the action.

CLEAR KEY (CLR)

Stop tasks and returns to main screen or returns to the last screen.

◄ / ► Key
▲/ ▼ KEY

Use to select working channel (Up or Down). Can also be used to select
stored working channels. Allows viewing of next or previous message
and selection next or previous item.

PTT BUTTON

Keys the transmitter allowing you to transmit a message.

(CALL) KEY.

Activates ‘CALL’ menu.

Moves the cursor position when setting.

Page

8

Operation Manual S15

4. General Operation

The S15 is switched on by pressing the (ON) key once. If a GPS receiver
and a NAVTEX receiver have been connected to the S15, the main
screen will be as bellow:

Press the (F) key on the front panel once to enter function selection
mode. The FUNCTION SELECTION screen will be displayed as follows:

Press the ▲ or ▼ key to move the ► symbol on the screen to the
required function (DUAL WATCH, or FULL SCAN, or MEMORY SCAN,
or H/L POWER and DIM), then press

key confirm. Dual watch, Full

(F)

Scan, Memory Scan, H/L Power or DIM can be selected, the relevant
screen will be displayed. Press (F) key again to restore normal operation,
and press (CLR) key to change to main screen.

4.1 DUAL WATCH (DW)

Dual watch enables the radio to scan between the selected channel and
priority channel (normally CH16). When in dual watch mode, the DW
indicator will appear on the bottom line of the LCD.

Page

9

Operation Manual S15

Note that the radio will not transmit, nor will alternative channels be able
to be selected while in dual watch mode. To restore normal operation
press

key again or press channel

(F)

(16)

key.

4.2 FULL SCAN (FS)

This function scans through each channel sequentially until a signal is
detected above the squelch level set. Once the signal ends or drops
below the squelch level, the radio will continue scanning. Since the scan
function stops on channels where a signal is detected, the radio will be
locked. If you want the scan continue, press ▲ key once. When in Full
Scan mode, FS will appear on the bottom line of LCD.

Note that the radio will not transmit, nor will alternative channels be able
to be selected while in Full Scan mode. To restore normal operation
press (F) key or press channel (CH16) key to go to back to VHF screen.

4.3. MEMORY SCAN (MS)

The Memory Scan operates in the same way as the Full Scan, except
that it will only scan channels that have been entered into the Scan
Memory. If no channels have been entered into the memory then this
function will not available. See 4.9, Page 12.

When in memory scan mode, “MS” will appear on the bottom line of the
LCD.

4.4 HIGH/LOW RF OUTPUT POWER SELECTION

Press ▲ or ▼ key to move the ► symbol on the FUNCTION
SELECTION screen to required function “H/L POWER”, then press the

(ENT)

appear on the bottom line of the LCD.

key for selection of low or high power, then the “Hi” or “Lo” will

Page

10

Operation Manual S15

4.5 SQUELCH CONTROL

In the main screen, press the (SQ) key on the front panel, the screen will
be changed to the VHF screen. Squelch is used to adjust the receiver
muting threshold (squelch) level. When pressed, the squelch level bar
and “Sq” symbol will appear at the right side of the screen as follows.:

To cut out weaker signals, press ▲ key to increase the squelch until the
background interference noise disappears. To receive weaker signals
press ▼ key to decrease the squelch.

4.6 VOLUME CONTROL (VOL)

Press the
displayed. The level Bar and character “Vl” will appear on the right side of
the screen as bellow:

(VOL)

key on the front panel, the volume control screen will be

Press ▲ key to increase the volume. Press ▼ key to reduce the volume.

Page

11

Operation Manual S15

4.7 CHANNEL 16 (16)

Pressing (16) key will automatically select channel 16 on high power. Any
active function (Dual watch scanning, DSC setting, log view, NAVTEX
GPS setting etc) will be cancelled.

4.8 CHANNEL SELECT (▲ / ▼)

Press ▲ key to go up through the channels. Press ▼ key to go down
through the channels.
Channel Selection Shortcut:
Select the desired channel directly from the main screen by pressing the
channel number on the fist microphone/controller, and then press “ENT”
to confirm.

4.9 MEMORY CHANNEL SETTING (M+)

Pressing the (M+) key will add the currently selected channel into the
scan memory. When operating in VHF receiver mode, if the key is
pressed the screen will show “M” on the bottom right of the LCD
indicating that the channel has been entered into the scan memory. By
pressing the (M+) key again, the “M” will be deleted indicating that the
channel is not a memory scan channel

Page

12

Operation Manual S15

5. Receiving A DSC Call

When a DSC call is received, the radio will switch to the call log screen to
display the details of the call and ring or sound the alarm depending on
the nature of the call. The procedures that follow describe how to handle
the types of calls that can be received.

5.1 ROUTINE CALLS

When a Routine call is received, the screen will show the details of the
call, where it is from and working channel as follows. Also an alarm will
sound.

Press the

(ENT)

key on the fist/mike keypad, an acknowledgement will
be sent to caller and the radio will be automatically switched to working
channel for normal voice communication. The “*” will disappear when the
call has been acknowledged.

When looking back at routine call logs, if there is a “*” symbol on the
screen, you can press (ENT) key to send an acknowledgement. After
acknowledgement, the “*” will disappear.

5.2 URGENCY AND SAFETY CALLS

The procedures for urgency and Safety calls are very similar. An urgency
call will sound the distress alarm and switch the radio to Channel 16. A
safety call will sound a normal ring and switch the radio to the specified
working channel as follows:

Page

13

Operation Manual S15

Press the (ENT) key to stop the alarm (or ringing), and then listen for the
voice message.

5.3 GROUP CALLS

When a Group call is received, the radio will sound an alarm and display
the details of the call, indicating whom it is from and the working channel

follows:

as

Press (ENT) key to stop the alarm, then listen for the voice message or
speak.

5.4 DISTRESS ALERT

If a Distress Alert or a Distress Relay is received from another vessel, an
alarm will sound and the Radio will switch to channel 16. The screen will
show the details of the Distress Alert or Distress Relay, the MMSI of the
vessel, the nature of the distress, it’s position and time, Mute the alarm
by pressing

(ENT)

key and maintain a listening watch on channel 16 for

the distress messages. Press

(CLR)

Page

key to clear the display.

14

Operation Manual S15

Page

15

Operation Manual S15

6. Sending A DSC Call

Making a DSC call is very simple. First choose the call type (Routine,
Safety, Urgency, Group or Distress Alert). If required, enter the
destination and working channel and then send the call by pushing (ENT)
key on the fist microphone/controller. The digital signal will be sent out in
under a second, containing the vessels ID and the call type.

In order for the radio to function, your MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service
Identifier) number will need to be entered. This number can be obtained
from your local radio communications authority. For the group call, the
group ID will need to be entered also.

6.1 DISTRESS ALERT – THIS CALL SHOULD ONLY BE MADE IF

THE VESSEL IS IN A DISTRESS SITUATION, AND LIFE IS IN
DANGER.

Making a Distress Alert call is very simple. Lift the protective cover and
press (DIST) key on the front panel. The Distress Alert screen will be
displayed as follows:

If time permits, press the ▲ or ▼ keys on front panel or ◄ or ► keys on
first/mic to select the nature of the distress. There are 10 categories
recognized as Distress Alert situations, which are: fire, flooding,

collision, grounding, listing, sinking, adrift, abandoning, piracy and
man overboard

. There is also a default

is used if no category is selected here.

Page

undesignated

16

category, which

Operation Manual S15

Press and hold the (DIST) key for about five seconds. A countdown to
the transmission will be displayed then an alarm will sound.

The Distress Alert transmission contains the following data:

1. The vessel’s MMSI;

2. The vessel’s position (either from the NMEA0183 input, or manually

entered);
The time (from NMEA or Manual input);

3.

4. The nature of the distress.

After the Distress Alert has been sent, the Radio will automatically tune to
channel 16 and the Radio will repeat the Alert approximately every four
minutes until either an acknowledgement is received, or (CLR) key is
pressed (it is not recommended that the Distress Alert is cancelled
manually by pressing

(CLR)

key unless you are requested to do so by

the rescue authorities).

While the Distress Alert remains active, an intermittent alarm will continue
to sound approximately once every 25 seconds.

When an acknowledgement is received from the Rescue Co-ordination
Centre, this will cancel the Distress Alert transmission from the Radio and
automatically switch the Radio to the required working channel. The
subsequent Rescue Co-ordination will be performed using the voice­working channel.

6.2 ROUTINE CALL

To make a routine call, press (CALL) key on the fist
microphone/controller to select Routine call. The screen is as follows:

Page

17

Operation Manual S15

Then enter a called vessel’s MMSI number with the keypad and select a
working channel by pressing the ▲ or ▼ key on the keypad from the
channel list.

Press (ENT) key and the Radio will send a routine call. Then the radio
will change to following screen and wait for a reply.

When a reply is received, it will sound a tone and automatically set to the
specified working channel. A voice call can then be made in the normal
way.

6.3 URGENCY CALL AND SAFETY CALL

Press (CALL) key on the fist microphone/controller keypad to select
safety call or urgency call as follows respectively.

Press the (ENT) key, the screen is as follows respectively.

Page

18

Operation Manual S15

Press the (ENT) key again to make the call, or press (CLR) for cancel.
When the call is sent, the radio will be set to the working channel. Allow a
few seconds for the stations receiving the call to switch to the working
channel. Then make a normal voice call on the selected working channel.

6.4 GROUP CALL

If a group ID has been set up for the called Radio. A call can be made to
other members of the group.
Press the (CALL) key on the keypad to select the group call screen as
follows:

Select a working channel from the channel list by pressing the ▲ or ▼
keys on the keypad.

Press

(ENT)

key to send the call, allow a few seconds for the other
members of the group to reach the radios (all VHF radios in the group
should automatically switch to selected working channel upon
acknowledgement), then make a normal voice call.

Page

19

Operation Manual S15

7. LOG VIEW

There are 3 different logs; routine log, distress message log and
NAVTEX message log. To view the logs, press (MENU) key on the mike
keypad, the MENU SELECTION screen will appear on the display as
follows:

Press ▲ or ▼ key to move the symbol ► on the MENU SELECTION
screen to front of LOG VIEW, then press

(ENT)

key to confirm, the LOG

VIEW screen will appear on the display as follows:

7.1 REVIEW ROUTINE LOG

The routine log can be used to look back through the last 20 calls that
have been received, the most recent call first.

Press ▲ or ▼ key to move the ► symbol on the LOG REVIEW screen to
front of ROUTINE LOG, then press
ROUTINE LOG screen will appear on the display. If no messages have
been received, the screen will be as follows and after a while will
automatically revert to the last screen.

Page

(ENT)

20

key to confirm, the VHF

Operation Manual S15

If messages have been received, the screen will be as follows:

The ◄ or ► keys are used to move back or forward through the log.

Press (CLR) key to exit from the VHF ROUTINE LOG screen and go
back to the LOG VIEW screen.

7.2 REVIEW DISTRESS LOG

The distress log can be used to look back through the previous 20
distress calls that have been received, the most recent call first.

Press ▲ or ▼ key to move the ► symbol on the LOG VIEW screen to
front of DISTRESS LOG, then press (ENT) key to access distress log.

Page

21

Operation Manual S15

If there have been no messages received, the screen will be indicated
DISTRESS LOG NO ITEM and after a while automatically revert to the
last screen.

If messages have been received, the screen will be as follows:

Use the ◄ or ► key to move back and forward through the distress log.

The distress message screen is as follows:

7.3 VIEW NAVTEX MESSAGE

Press ▲ or ▼ key to move the ► symbol on the LOG VIEW in front of
NAVTEX MESSAGE, then press
identification list screen as follows:

(ENT)

key to enter into the message

Page

22

Operation Manual S15

On the screen, the letter “N” indicates this message has not been read,
the letter “W” indicates the message is a Warning message (A, B or C
type message), and “S” indicates the message is a SAR message (D
type message). The list can store the previous 60 message identifications
that have been received, the most recent first.

Press ▲ or ▼ key to move the ► symbol on the screen in front of the
message identification you wish to select, then press

(ENT)

key to enter

into NAVTEX message screen as follows:

The character “1” indicates the page number of the message.

Press ▲ or ▼ key to show and read the front page or the next page of
the message.

Page

23

Operation Manual S15

8. Settings

Using the instructions listed below to set up user environment.

8.1 BACKLIGHT AND KEYPAD LIGHTING ADJUSTMENT

Press “▲”“▼”on the microphone to select BACKLIGHT option and press
(ENT) to obtain the following screen.

Then, press “▲”“▼”to adjust the brightness of backlight. There are 5
levels of brightness. Press (ENT) for confirmation and to exit.

8.2 CONTRAST ADJUSTMENT

Using “▲”“▼”on the microphone to select CONTRAST and press (ENT)
to obtain the following screen.

Then, press “▲”“▼”to adjust the contrast of the screen. There are five
levels of contrast. Press (ENT) for confirmation and to exit.

Page

24

Operation Manual S15

8.3 SPEAKER SELECTING

Using “▲”“▼”on the microphone to select SPEAKER and press (ENT) to
obtain the following screen.

Then, press “▲”“▼”to select internal, external or both speaker. Press

(ENT) for confirmation and exit.

8.4 TONE SELECTION

Using “▲”“▼”to select BEEP and press (ENT) to obtain the following
screen.

Then, press “▲”“▼”to select enable or disable the BEEP tone function
for the keypad, button press and the notifying sound of NAVTEX
message received. Press (ENT) for confirmation and to exit.

Page

25

Operation Manual S15

9. DSC Settings

9.1 MMSI SETTING

If the S15 has not been programmed with an MMSI, when powering ON
the unit, the VHF MMSI SET screen will appear on the display as below:

Power ON the unit, then press the numeric soft key on the microphone to
enter the MMSI numbers (9 numbers). This number can be obtained from
your local radio communications authority. If a mistake is made, use the
◄ or ►key to move back and edit the error. Then press (ENT) key, the
Radio will ask for verification as follows:

It is important that the MMSI entered is checked carefully as it can only
be entered once and if a wrong MMSI is entered it must be returned to an
authorised dealer to erase the MMSI from the memory.

If sure, press (ENT) key once again to confirm the entered MMSI, the
screen will show the MMSI of your vessel.

If you have not entered an MMSI, you can still use the unit but the default
MMSI is 000000000, and every time the S15 is turned on it will ask you to
enter the MMSI number.

Page

26

Operation Manual S15

To view your vessel MMSI, press

(MENU)

key on the mike keypad to
select the MENU SELECTION screen. Press ▲ or ▼ key on the mike
keypad to select the DSC SETTING screen as below:

Press ▲ or ▼ key again to move the symbol ► on the screen to front of
MMSI, and press (ENT) key to confirm. The MMSI VIEW screen is as
below:

Press (CLR) key on the mike keypad to go back to DSC SETTING
screen, or press (CLR) key on the front panel to go back to main screen.

To change the MMSI number after it has been programmed the unit must
be returned to an authorised dealer to erase the existing number.

9.2 SET GROUP ID

To enter a Group ID (if for example the vessel is part of a flotilla or fishing
fleet etc), press ▲ or ▼ key to move the ► symbol on the DSC
SETTING screen in front of GROUP ID, then press (ENT) key to confirm,
GROUP ID SET screen will be displayed as follows:

Page

27

Operation Manual S15

Use the numeric soft keys to enter the GROUP ID numbers (8 numbers,
the first number must be “0”). If a mistake is made, use the ◄ or ► key to
move the cursor on the screen back and reset the number. Then press
(ENT) key, the radio will ask for verification. If sure, press (ENT) key once
again to confirm the entered numbers. If no, press (CLR) key to go back
to last screen.

9.3 SET DATE AND TIME

Press ▲ or ▼ key to move the ► symbol on the DSC SETTING screen
in front of DATE/TIME, then press

(ENT)

key, the SET DATE/TIME

screen will appear.

Use the numeric keys to enter the numbers, then press (ENT) key to
accept the date and time.

Note that the time should be entered in 24 hour clock format.

9.4 SET MANUAL POSITION/UTC

Page

28

Operation Manual S15

If the position of the vessel cannot be obtained from a GPS via the NMEA
0183 input, this data can be entered manually.
Press ▲ or ▼ key to move the ► symbol on the DSC SETTING screen
in front of POSITION/UTC, then press

(ENT)

key to confirm, the

POSITION/UTC screen will appear as follows:

Use the numeric soft keys to enter required data, use numeric key (0) to
change to either N or S the either E or W. Then press (ENT) key to
accept the position and time entered.

After 23 hours, if the radio has not received any position update either
manually or from the NMEA input, then the position data will disappear
from the screen, and it will show “NO POSITION”.

9.5 SET CALLED CHANNEL

The Radio includes a list of 9 working channels, which can be scrolled
through when using the routine, group calling. The first four channels are
preset as 06, 08, 72 and 77. These cannot be amended. The remaining
five channels are programmable. Always consult your local authority
requirements when choosing suitable working channels. Be aware of
which channels are duplex and will not allow ship-to-ship communication.

Press ▲ or ▼ key to move the ► symbol on the DSC SETTING screen
in front of WORKS CHANNEL, then press (ENT) key to confirm, the
WORK CHANNEL screen will appear as follows:

Page

29

Operation Manual S15

Press ▲ or ▼ key to select add channel screen, then press
enter the WORK CHANNEL/ADD screen as follows:

(ENT)

key to

Press ▲ or ▼ key to change the selected channel, and press
to accept. Then press ◄ or ► key to enter next channel.

Press ▲ or ▼ key to move the ► symbol on the WORK CHANNEL
screen in front of DEL then press
CHANNEL screen appears as follows:

(ENT)

to accept. The WORK

(ENT)

key

Page

30

Operation Manual S15

Press ◄ or ► key to select channel (the 5th - the 9th channel) that is to
be deleted, then press (ENT) key to accept.

9.6 SET THE DIRECTORY OF CALLED MMSI AND VESSELS NAME.

The DIRECTORY screen is used to add, edit and entries from a list of up
to 20 stored MMSI numbers, which can be recalled in the routine call
screen. Press ▲ or ▼ key to move the ► symbol on the DSC SETTING
screen in front of DIRECTORY, then press

(ENT)

key, the DIRECTORY

screen appears as follows:

To access a new entry, press ▲ or ▼ to move symbol ► on the screen
in front of ADD, then press

(ENT)

key to enter DIRECTORY-ADD screen

as follows:

Use the numeric soft keys
or ► keys to move backwards and forwards along the line, When the
name and number have been entered, press

to enter a name and number, and use the ◄

key to confirm.

Page

(ENT)

31

Operation Manual S15

To edit an existing entry, press ▲ or ▼ key to move symbol ► on the
DIRECTORY screen in front of EDIT, then press (ENT) key to enter
DIRECTORY-EDIT screen as follows:

Use the ◄ or ► key to select the number of the entry. Then press (ENT)
key.

Use the ◄ or ► key to move along the name and MMSI fields, using the
soft numeric keypad to edit the data. Press (ENT) to store the information

To delete an entry, press ▲ or ▼ key to move symbol ►
DIRECORY in front of DEL, then press

screen as follows:

DEL

(ENT)

key to enter DIRECTORY-

on the

Use the ◄ or ► key to select the number you want to delete, then press

(ENT)

key to delete the entry.

Page

32

Operation Manual S15

10. NAVTEX Setting

To limit the number of message displayed in the NAVTEX log you can
select what station and also what type of message you wish to select.

10.1 STATION SELECTION

Press (MENU) key to enter the MENU SELECTION screen then press ▲
or ▼ key to move the ► symbol on the screen in front of NAVTEX
SETTING, and press
screen as follows:

(ENT)

key to enter the NAVTEX SELECTION

Press ▲ or ▼ key again to move the ► symbol on the screen in front of
STATION SELECTION, then press (ENT) key, the STATION
SELECTION screen will appear on the display as follows:

Press ▲ or ▼ to move the ► symbol on the screen in front of the station
that you want to select, then press ◄ or ► key to set the this station to
RECEIVE or IGNORE. Press (ENT) key to confirm and revert to the
previous screen, or press

(CLR)

on first/mic to cancel.

Page

33

Operation Manual S15

10.2 Message Selection

Press ▲ or ▼ key to move the ► symbol on the NAVTEX SELECTION
screen in front of MESSAGE SELECTION, then press

(ENT)

key to enter

the MESSAGE SELECTION screen as follows:

Press ▲ or ▼ key to move the ► symbol on the screen in front of the
message category that you wish to inhibit, then press ◄ or ► key to set
the this message category to RECEIVE or IGNORE. Press
confirm and revert to the previous screen, or press

(CLR)

on first/mic to

(ENT)

key to

cancel. When you change RECEIVE into IGNORE for message A, B, D,
or L, the following confirmatory screen will appear on the display as
follows:

10.3 CLEAR ALL NAVTEX

If want to clear all NAVTEX log messages, press ▲ or ▼ key to move the
► symbol on the screen in front of CLEAR ALL NAVTEX, then press

(ENT)

key, the CLEAR ALL NAVTEX screen will appear on the display as

follows :

Page

34

Operation Manual S15

If YES, press (ENT), ALL messages will be clear and go back to NATEX
SELECTION screen.

Page

35

Operation Manual S15

11. GPS Navigation Settings

To display the vessels position and navigation information, the S15 must
be connected to a GPS and waypoints must be entered.

Press ▲ or
front of GPS NAVIGITION. Press

key to move the symbol

▼

►

(ENT

on the MENU SELECTION in
) key for confirm, then GPS

NAVIGATION setting screen will appear as follows:

11.1 Set Waypoint Number

Press ▲ or ▼ key again to move the symbol ► on the screen in front of
SET WAYPOINT NUMBER, then press

(ENT)

key for confirm. The SET

WAYPOINT NUMBER screen will appear as below:

Press ◄ or ► key to move the cursor on the screen, then use the
numeric key to enter the waypoint number. Then press (ENT) key to
confirm and return back to SET WAYPOINT NUMBER screen. The
maximum number of waypoints are 50.

Page

36

Operation Manual S15

The “waypoint number” represents the number of waypoints. You can
find the “waypoint number” under the directory of “Waypoint Overview”.

For example, if the waypoint number shows “05”, it means that there are
5 waypoints stored. Please note that the maximum storage for waypoints
is 50. If the storage exceeds the maximum storage, the display will
indicate “Invalid Data” to express that the input is invalid. The screen
setting will go back to SET WAYPOINT NUMBER automatically after 1
second approximately for data to be input again.

11.2 Set Waypoint

Press ▲ or ▼ key to move the symbol ► on the GPS NAVIGATION
setting screen to the front of SET WAYPOINT, then press

(ENT)

to

confirm. The SET WAYPOINT screen will appear as below.

With this function, you can enter the positions that you want to approach
and the position of your destination. You can then display the distance,
bearing and speed from your current position to the destination.

Please note that you cannot input the waypoints more than 50 positions.
Otherwise, the input will be invalid.

Input Longitude and Latitude with the numeric keys on the microphone.
When you move the cursor to “N” and “E”, press “0” on the microphone to
convert Longitude and Latitude to “S” and “W”.

You can name each waypoint position. If you do not name the waypoint
positions, the default setting will be counting from “WPT01”. The
maximum number of name character is 10.

Page

37

Operation Manual S15

If need enter the next waypoint, press (ENT) key, or press (CLR) key to
return back to GPS NAVIGITION setting screen.

11.3 Review Waypoint

To review the waypoint position, press ▲ or ▼ key to move the symbol
► on the GPS NAVIGATION setting screen to front of WAYPOINT

OVER VIEW, then press (ENT) key to confirm, the REVIEW WAYPOINT

screen will appear as below:

The symbol ▲ or ▼ on the screen indicate that there are more waypoints
at the front or back of the page. Use ▲ or ▼ key to review them
continuously.
The waypoint with ► symbol is the current waypoint. When vessel
passes close to this waypoint, the next waypoint automatically becomes
the current waypoint.

If you want to change a waypoint to become the current waypoint, press

or ▼ key on the mike keypad to move the symbol ► on the screen to

▲

front of it, then press (ENT) key to confirm.

11.4 Navigation View

To enter to NAVIGATION view screen, press ▲ or ▼ key to move
symbol ► on the GPS NAVGATION SETTING screen to front of
NAVIGATION, then press (ENT) key.

Page

38

Operation Manual S15

The NAVIGATION VIEW screen can indicate:

1. Current position of the vessel (A : )

2. Current position of activated waypoint (B : )

3. Current activated waypoint number (WPT NUM : )

4. Total way point number (TOL NUM : )

5. Current waypoint name (WPT NAME : )

6. COG (Course Over Ground), SOG (Speed Over Ground)

BTW (Bearing To Waypoint), DTW (Distance To Waypoint)

The screen is as below:

When S15 is not connected to GPS antenna, the point A will indicate “NO
GPS” and the values of COG, SOG, BTW and DTW will show zero.

If the selected waypoint position is not existent or invalid, the point B will
indicate “waypoint fail” and the values of COG, SOG, DTW and BTW will
show zero.

The combination of information in “Navigation View” is very useful for the
user to know information both of their current position and their
destination.

Page

39

Operation Manual S15

When vessel gets to the current waypoint, the next numerical waypoint
automatically becomes the current waypoint. As long as waypoints are
entered in a strict numeric sequence this allows a simple route to be
created.

11.5 Insert Waypoint

Press ▲ or ▼ key to move symbol ► on the GPS NAVIGATION screen
to front of INSERT WAYPOINT, then press

(ENT)

key, the INSERT

WAYPOINT screen will appear on the display as below:

When you insert a new waypoint between waypoint 1 and waypoint 2 as

an example, the new waypoint will become waypoint 2. The numbers of

subsequent waypoints will be moved downward sequentially.

Enter the inserted waypoint number, then press (ENT) key, the SET
WAYPOINT screen will appear on the display as below :

If you want to insert the new waypoint after current waypoint, then the
INSERTED WAYPOINT number will be replaced as the current waypoint
number.

Page

40

Operation Manual S15

Enter position of the inserted waypoint and name, then press (ENT) to
confirm.

11.6 Delete Waypoint

Press ▲ or ▼ key to move symbol ► on the GPS NAVIGATION screen
to front of DEL WAYPOINT, then press (ENT) KEY to confirm, the DEL
WAYPOINT screen will appear on the display as below.

Enter the waypoint number you want to delete, then press (ENT) key to
confirm, Press “ENT” key to delete the Longitude and Latitude and Name
of the waypoint. After deleted, the screen will ask “Are You Sure”. If you
press “ENT” again, the data will be erased forever. This screen will
appear as below.

Page

41

Operation Manual S15

12. Technical Specifications

Power supply DC 12 V +30/-10%
Channel capability 57 international channels
UK: includes M1 (previously 37) and M2
Frequency Resolution 25KHz
Method of frequency generation synthesizer
Dimension 175(W) × 79(H) ×130(D) mm
Weight 1175 grams

12.1 RECEIVER

Multi Channel Receiver

1. The receiver incorporates a dual conversion super-heterodyne design.

2. Tuning frequency range 156.025-163.275MHz

3. IF frequency used: 21.4MHz; 455KHz

4. Maximum useable sensitivity ≤6dBµe.m.f. of 20dB/SINAD

5. Adjacent Channel selectivity ≥70dB

6. Spurious Response Rejection ≥70dB

7. Inter-modulation Rejection ≥68dB

8. Spurious Emission radiation 2nW

9. Current: 0.9 Amps (Max Audio)

0.3 Amps (STBY)

10. Audio Frequency Response +1, -3dB of +6dB/octave
De-emphasis 300-3000Hz

11. Hum and Noise ≤40dB

12. Audio output 3.5W at less than 10% distortion
with 8 Ohm external speaker
2W only internal speaker

Page

42

Operation Manual S15

12.2 CHANNEL 70 MONITOR GENERAL SPECIFICATION

1.Frequency CH70 (156.525MHz)

2.Sensitivity ≤0dBµEMF for 20dB SINAD

3.Bandwidth 16KHz

4. First IF frequency used 17.9MHz

5. Second IF frequency used 455KHz

6. Adjacent Channel Selectivity ≥70dB

7. Spurious response Rejection ≥70dB

8. Inter-modulation Rejection ≥65 dB

9. Mode of Reception 16K0G2B

10. Spurious Emission, Radiation ≤2nW, 9KHz to 2GHz

12.3 TRANSMITTER

1.Type of emission 16K0F3E(Voice)
13K5G2B(DSC)

2.Frequency range 156.025-161.425MHz

3.Output power 25W, 1W into 50 Ohms

4. Audio Harmonic Distortion ≤10%

5. Audio Frequency Response +/-3dB of +6dB/octave
Pre-emphasis 300 – 3000Hz

6. Hum and Noise ≤-40dB

7. Frequency Deviation 5KHz max peak

8. Spurious Emissions (Radiated) ≤0.25µW

9. Current ≤5 Amps (25W)

12.4 NAVTEX

1.Messages stored 60

2.Input data format NAVTEX data-serial ASCII at 9600 baud, 8-bits, no

parity, stop bit without handshake.

12.5 GPS

1.Input data format: NMEA0183 version 2.0 sentences

RMC, GGA and GLL

Page

43

Operation Manual S15

p

p

p

y (

p

p

p

g

p

y

g

p

p

p

p

p

p

p

p

p

p

p

p

p

p

p

p

p

p

g

p

p

p

p

p

p

p

p

p

p

p

p

13. International VHF Marine Channel Chart

Channel

1 156.050 160.650 D Public Correspondence, Port Operation YES YES
2 156.100 160.700 D Public Correspondence, Port Operation YES YES
3 156.150 160.750 D Public Corres
4 156.200 160.800 D Public Corres
5 156.250 160.850 D Public Corres
6 156.300 156.300 S Safet
7 156.350 160.950 D Port Corres
8 156.400 156.400 S Commercial, inter-shi

9 156.450 156.450 S Commercial/Non-Commercial YES YES
10 156.500 156.500 S Commercial YES YES
11 156.550 156.550 S Commercial, VTS YES YES
12 156.600 156.600 S Port O
13 156.650 156.650 S Brid
14 156.700 156.700 S Port O
15 156.750 156.750 S Recv Onl
16 156.800 156.800 S Callin
17 156.850 156.850 S State Controlled Shi
18 156.900 161.500 D Port O
19 156.950 161.550 D Port O
20 157.000 161.600 D Port O
21 157.050 161.650 D Public Corres
22 157.100 161.700 D Public Corres
23 157.150 161.750 D Public Corres
24 157.200 161.800 D Public Corres
25 157.250 161.850 D Public Corres
26 157.300 161.900 D Port O
27 157.350 161.950 D Public Corres
28 157.400 162.000 D Public Corres
60 156.025 160.625 D Public Corres
61 156.075 160.675 D Public Corres
62 156.125 160.725 D Public Corres
63 156.175 160.775 D Public Corres
64 156.225 160.825 D Public Corres
65 156.275 160.875 D
66 156.325 160.925 D Public Corres
67 156.375 156.375 S Non-Commercial, VTS YES NO
68 156.425 156.425 S Non-Commercial YES YES
69 156.475 156.475 S Non-Commercial YES YES
70 156.525 S
71 156.575 156.575 S
72 156.625 156.625 S Non-Commercial YES NO
73 156.675 156.675 S Port O
74 156.725 156.725 S Port O
77 156.875 156.875 S Intershi
78 156.925 161.525 D Port O
79 156.975 161.575 D Port O
80 157.025 161.625 D Port O
81 157.075 161.675 D Port O
82 157.125 161.725 D Port O
83 157.175 161.775 D Port O
84 157.225 161.825 D Public Corres
85 157.275 161.875 D Public Corres
86 157.325 161.925 D Public Corres
87 157.375 157.375 S
88 157.425 157.425 S

Transmitter

Frequency

Receiver

Frequency

Mode

S/D

Channel Assignment

ondence, Port Operation YES YES
ondence, Port Operation YES YES
ondence YES YES

Compulsory) YES NO

ondence, Port Operation YES YES

YES NO

eration, VTS NO YES

e to Bridge, (1W) navigational YES YES

eration, VTS YES YES

-Coast to Ship YES YES

& Safety, Compulsory YES YES

eration YES YES
eration NO YES
eration NO YES

eration, VTS

Public Correspondence, Port Operation,

DSC Distress, ur
Intership, Port Operation, on

eration, VTS YES YES
eration, VTS YES YES

, Port Operation YES NO
eration, Public Correspondence YES YES
eration, Public Correspondence YES YES
eration, Public Correspondence YES YES
eration, Public Correspondence YES YES
eration, Public Correspondence YES YES
eration, Public Correspondence YES YES

to Coast (1W) YES YES

ondence NO YES
ondence NO YES
ondence NO YES
ondence
ondence

ondence, Port Operation
ondence, Port Operation
ondence, Port Operation
ondence, Port Operation
ondence, Port Operation
ondence, Port Operation
ondence, Port Operation

ondence, Port Operation YES YES

ency, safety and

ondence YES YES
ondence NO YES
ondence NO YES

Function

Ship

Ship

YES YES

YES NO
YES YES

To

Ship

To

Shore

Page

44

Operation Manual S15

14. Installation

14.1 Unit Installation

The S15 should be sited so that engine noise and vibration or other
background noise does not make it difficult for the operator to hear.

It is recommended that it is not installed where it will be exposed to
continuous direct sunlight as this will eventually damage the LCD display.

As loudspeakers contain powerful magnets, the radio should not be
installed within 1m (3ft 3in) of any compasses, whether magnetic or
electronic.

The fins on the back of the case act as a heat sink to dissipate heat
generated by the set when in use, which maintains the high efficiency of
the radio. The free circulation of air is essential - if mounting the radio is
in an enclosed space ensure that the space is vented.

The S15 is supplied with a reversible mounting bracket. This can be used
to mount the radio on the chart table or on an overhead bulkhead (Fig A).
Before installing, ensure that there is at least 101mm (4.0 in) verticals
clearance and 70mm (2 3/4in) horizontal clearance behind the bracket to
allow the radio to fit (Fig B). The rake angle of the radio can be adjusted
by slackening the clamp.

Fig A

Fig B

Page

Fig C

45

Operation Manual S15

On the back of the case of S15 there is a antenna socket, a power cable
socket and a jack socket for an external speaker / the GPS input and
NAVTEX input (Fig D).

Fig D
The S15 requires a 12v DC supply to operate, this lead should be connected

to the vessel’s power supply (the red wire is positive, black is negative),
keeping the cable runs as short as possible. Although the radio draws very
little current when receiving, a heavier current is drawn when transmitting
which may result in a voltage drop if very long cable runs are used of
inadequate core diameter. If the supplied power lead is not long enough, an
extension of up to 3m(10 ft) can be made using at least 2.5mm (13AWG)
wire.

The chassis of the S15 is not connected to either supply rail. This allows a
direct connection to the ship’s earth connection for voltage and RF interface
protection. The red wire is positive and black is negative. If polarity is
accidentally reversed, the set will not operate.

The antenna is connected to the S15 using a standard PL259 type connector
as fitted to most marine antennae. If fitting to an existing antenna, check that
the contacts are not corroded before connecting, as this will affect the quality
of the signal, Ensure that the retaining collar of the antenna plug is securely
tightened to prevent accidental disconnection.

14.2 Antenna Installation Recommendations

The most important factor in the performance of the S15 will be the quality
and positioning of the antenna. Most recorded problems with VHF radios are
related to poor antenna siting, faulty cabling, poor quality cable joints and low
voltage supply. Even the best performing radio cannot compensate for these
factors. If replacing an existing
important that these factors are checked when installing the radio.

installation using the same antenna, it is

Page

46

Operation Manual S15

As the range of VHF signals are governed by line of sight, the antenna
should be placed as high as possible, while remaining clear of any
metallic objects that could influence the resonance of the antenna.

The most popular antennae for marine use are 1m (3ft 3in) long. On sail
boats these are usually mounted at the masthead, where the length of
the antenna keeps it clear from the navigation lights and wind vanes etc.
This type of antenna can also be mounted on the cabin roof or radar arch
on powerboats.

Longer whip antennae are recommended for larger boats. These radiate
the same total power as smaller antennae, but concentrate it into a
narrower beam, which is advantageous on a tall mast at extreme range
where concentrating the available power into a narrow horizontal beam
becomes more important. However, if the antenna is not vertical when
transmitting, the beam will be angled either too high or too low (Fig E).
Here the wider beam of the shorter antenna will be more universally
effective, although the signal will be weaker (Fig F):

Fig E

Fig F

Therefore vessels with a large heel angle (small sailboats) would be
better choosing a short masthead antenna. Your local agent should be
able to provide specific advice on antenna choice for the vessel it is to be
fitted to.

The antenna coaxial cable and any connectors used must be rated at 50
Ω . Under no circumstances should standard domestic TV cable and
connectors be used. Incorrectly rated cabling and connectors could result
in power not reaching the antenna, but also power could be reflected
back into the radio, damaging it in the process.

Page

47

Operation Manual S15

15. Supplied Parts

1. Mounting Bracket ……………1 7. Power Cord ……………… 1

2. Microphone Hanger ………… 1 8. Mounting Bracket Washer… 4

3. Bracket Knob Washers …… 2 9. Hanger Spring washer ……

4. Mounting Bracket Knobs ……

5. Mounting Bracket Screws …

2 10. GPS/NAVTEX/Speaker

…

4 Plug cord ………………… 1

2

6. Mic Hanger Screws ………...2 11. Thermoshrink Tube ……… 4

1

4

5

3

2

6

7

8

9

10

11

16. Warranty.

Silva warrants this product against manufacturing defects or malfunction in material and
workmanship for two (2) years from the date of original purchase. The remedies given under the
warranty will be available so long as the consumer can show in a reasonable manner that any
manufacturing defect or malfunction in materials or workmanship occurred within two year of the
date of original purchase. Proof of the date of purchase may be established by returning copy of
original sales invoice (or any other proof of purchase) to us. Any manufacturing defect or
malfunction in materials or workmanship which occurs within two years from the original
purchase date will be repaired without charge or replaced with a new product identical or
reasonably equivalent to this product, at Silva’s option, within a reasonable time after receipt of
the product. This Warranty does not however cover defects or damage caused by unauthorized
articles or services nor does it cover damage through accident or misuse, including failure to
provide reasonable and necessary maintenance in accordance with the instructions set forth in
your owner’s manual. Silva reserves the right to make changes or improvements in its products
from time to time without incurring the obligation to install such improvements on equipment
previously manufactured.

All transportation expenses for repairs are the responsibility of the consumer.

Page

48

Operation Manual S15

17. Declaration of Conformity

We Silva UK Ltd. of Fleming Road,

Kirkton Campus, Livingston,

EH54 7BN, SCOTLAND.

declare that the product identified below complies with the essential
requirements of Council Directive 99/05/EC according to the conformity
assessment procedure laid down in Annex IV of the Directive.

QINETIQ statement of opinion: QQ-RTTE 22/02-01

Product:

Silva S15

25 Watt Marine Band Class D Transceiver.

For non-compulsory fit use only.

The product is labelled with the CE conformity marking and the
identification number of the notified body consulted in the conformity
assessment procedure.

Applicable Standards: EN301-025

EN60945:1997 (clauses 9, 10 & 12).

ETS 300-225:1992

Livingston, 1

st

Mr A. Kent. Managing Director

December 20002.

Page

49

Operation Manual S15

0191

Page

50