Simrad RD68 Instruction Manual
Instruction Manual
III
Simrad RD68
Fixed DSC VHF Radio
MANUAL
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Instruction Manual
1 GENERAL
1.1 Introduction ........................................................................... 7
1.2 Licensing ............................................................................... 8
1.3 Entering MMSI numbers ....................................................... 9
1.4 Group ID MMSI .................................................................... 10
2 OPERATION
2.1 General .................................................................................. 11
2.2 Rotary controls ...................................................................... 11
2.3 Backlighting .......................................................................... 12
2.4 Changing channels ................................................................ 12
2.4.1 Standard International channels .................................. 12
2.4.2 Auxiliary & Private channels ...................................... 13
2.5 Transmit power ...................................................................... 14
2.6 Making a DSC call ................................................................ 14
2.7 Making a Distress Alert call ................................................ 17
2.8 Receiving a DSC call ............................................................ 19
2.9 Dual Watch ............................................................................ 20
2.10 Tri-Watch ............................................................................. 21
2.11 Scan mode ............................................................................ 22
2.11.1 Inhibiting channels from scan ................................... 22
2.12 Memory Scan ...................................................................... 23
2.12.1 Add/remove channels from Memory Scan ............... 24
2.13 Priority & User channel select ............................................ 25
2.13.1 Programming the User channel ................................ 25
2.14 Viewing the call log ............................................................. 26
3 MISCELLANEOUS FUNCTIONS
3.1 Adjusting the LCD contrast ................................................... 27
3.2 Entering position and time manually .................................... 28
3.3 Entering local time ................................................................ 30
3.4 Viewing the directory ............................................................ 31
3.4.1 Adding an entry to the directory ................................. 32
3.4.2 Editing/deleting an entry ............................................. 33
3.5 Disabling the key beep .......................................................... 35
3.6 Second country mode ............................................................ 36
3.7 Speaker mute (handset models only) .................................... 36
4 INSTALLATION
4.1 VHF installation .................................................................... 37
4.2 Antenna installation .............................................................. 40
4.3 Electrical interference suppression ........................................ 42
V
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5 APPENDIX
5.1 Operating procedures ............................................................. 43
5.1.1 Sending a Distress Alert .............................................. 43
5.1.2 Acknowledging and relaying a Distress Alert ............ 43
5.1.3 Cancelling a Distress Alert ......................................... 44
5.1.4 Alerting all vessels within range ................................. 44
5.1.5 Calling a coast radio station ........................................ 44
5.1.6 Making an intership call ............................................. 44
5.2 NMEA sentences received ..................................................... 44
5.3 Transmission range ................................................................ 45
5.4 Channel frequencies .............................................................. 46
5.5 Troubleshooting ..................................................................... 47
5.6 Accessories ............................................................................ 48
5.7 Technical specifications ......................................................... 48
5.8 Dimensions ............................................................................ 49
5.9 Declaration of Conformity .................................................... 50
5.10 Service & Warranty ............................................................. 51
RD68 VHF
VI
E03912 Issue 2.0
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Instruction Manual
7
E03912 Issue 2.0
1 GENERAL
1.1 Introduction
The RD68 is a combined VHF radio and Class D Digital Select-
ive Calling (DSC) unit. It supports the latest GMDSS require-
ments for non-SOLAS vessels from the International Maritime
Organization (IMO). This will enable you to make digitally
selected calls, which are quicker and simpler to make than tra-
ditional voice calls using channel 16. Should a distress situation
occur, with the RD68 you can quickly raise an alert, indicating
your identity, your position, and automatically establish distress
communication on the emergency voice channel.
The RD68 is robustly constructed using a pressure die-cast alu-
minum case for effective heat dissipation, ensuring maximum
transmission performance even after many hours’ constant use.
Thank you for choosing Simrad!
If you are pleased with your VHF, we hope you will be interest-
ed in our range of marine electronic equipment, which is manu-
factured to the same high standards as the RD68. Please contact
your nearest Simrad Agent for a catalog showing our increasing
range of high tech navigational instruments, GPS, Autopilots,
Radar, Fishfinders and VHF radio sets.
Simrad operates a policy of continual development and reserves
the right to alter and improve the specification of their products
without notice.
Fig 1.1 - RD68 combined VHF & DSC
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RD68 VHF
8
E03912 Issue 2.0
1.2 Licensing
Note Prior to use please check the national licensing requirements
for operators.
In the UK license applications and queries should be made to
the following authority:
Ship Radio Licencing
Radio Licencing Centre
The Post Office
PO Box 1495
Bristol BS99 3QS
Website: www.radiolicencecentre.co.uk/rlc
A set may only be operated by or under the supervision of the
holder of a Marine Radio Operator’s Certificate of Competence
and Authority to Operate. This is awarded on completion of the
Marine Short Range Certificate course administered by the Royal
Yachting Association:
Royal Yachting Association
RYA House
Ensign Way
Hamble
Southampton SO31 4YA
Website: www.rya.org.uk
Tel. 0845 345 0400
Holders of the Restricted Certificate of Competence in Radio-
telephony (which covers MF/HF SSB, etc.) do not need a sepa-
rate VHF certificate.
In all other countries, please contact your regional authority for
information.
Note North American Users – To meet FCC (Federal Communica-
tions Commission) rules on Radio Frequency Exposure, it is
recommended that the VHF antenna is mounted at least 3 m
(10 ft) away from any area accessible to any personnel on board.
If this distance is achieved by vertical separation, the antenna
must be at least 5 m (16.5 ft) above deck. This guideline applies
only to antennas not exceeding 9dBi gain.
WARNING Failure to observe these recommendations may
expose those within the MPE (maximum permit-
ted exposure) radius of 3 m (10 ft) to RF absorp-
tion levels that exceed the FCC safe limits.
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E03912 Issue 2.0
1.3 Entering MMSI numbers
At the time of issue of your vessel’s radio license, an MMSI
(Maritime Mobile Service Identifier) must be requested. This is
a nine-digit number which must be permanently entered into the
RD68 when the radio is first set up, otherwise the DSC func-
tions cannot be accessed.
Note If the boat or the RD68 are subsequently sold, the radio must be
returned to an authorized Simrad agent for the MMSI number
to be erased and the new owner’s MMSI number entered.
➞
For licensing details, please refer to section 1.2.
To enter the vessel’s MMSI number:
12:43
Rad
MMeennuu
52o16N
001
o
23E
Rx
12:43
DSC
LCD
Posn
MMoorree
52o16N
001
o
23E
Rx
12:43
DDSSCC
T/W
M/S
Scan
INT
Hi
Lite
Rx
/continued
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10
E03912 Issue 2.0
Note If an error is made, press to move back and edit the number.
You will be asked to confirm the number. Re-enter the MMSI
and press E.
CAUTION It is important that the MMSI entered is checked care-
fully, as it can only be entered once. To change the
MMSI number after it has been programmed, the unit
must be returned to an authorized Simrad Dealer to
erase the existing number.
1.4 Group ID MMSI
For boats that are part of a flotilla, racing fleet, or other group, a
Group ID MMSI number can also be entered while in the
MMSI entry screen by pressing softkey 4. Follow the procedure
described above to enter the Group MMSI. Unlike the vessel
MMSI number, this can be changed later by the user.
DSC
MMMMSSII
Dir
More
12:44
Ships MMSI
*********
Group MMSI
000000000
DSC
12:44
Ships MMSI
002325___
DSC
52o16N
001
o
23E
Rx
Enter the MMSI number
using the keypad.
Press E to enter
Press this key to enter
the Group ID
Press this key to enter
the MMSI number
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Instruction Manual
11
E03912 Issue 2.0
2 OPERATION
2.1 General
The RD68 VHF is very simple to operate, with the controls
falling into five groups:
1. The rotary Volume (On/Off) & Squelch controls.
2. The alphanumeric keypad used to select the channel, MMSI
number, etc.
3. The dedicated controls, for commonly used functions such
as output power, Dual Watch, and channel 16 select, etc.
4. The four softkeys to the right of the display are multi-
function keys whose function changes depending on which
menu is displayed. The label showing the current function for
each softkey appears on the right side of the display (see left).
5. There is also a Distress button under a sliding cover. This
must only be used in an emergency (see section 5.1).
The radio functions are split into two main modes:
• Radio mode allows access to the standard VHF radio func-
tions, such as Tri-Watch, scanning, etc.
• DSC mode covers the digital selective calling functions.
These modes are toggled by pressing softkey 1 (labeled DSC or
RAD).
At any stage of the DSC mode menu structure, pressing the DSC
softkey will return to the DSC mode main menu. At any stage
of the DSC mode menu structure, pressing the C key will can-
cel any unconfirmed action, or step back one level in the menu
structure.
Note Some menu options will only be displayed if the relevant infor-
mation is available.
If the radio is receiving NMEA GPS data, the current Lat/Long
will be displayed when in DSC mode, and the time will be dis-
played in both Radio and DSC modes in 24-hour UTC (GMT)
format (the local time can also be entered).
2.2 Rotary controls
Switch the radio on by turning the VOLUME knob clockwise.
To increase the volume, turn the knob further clockwise. Turn
the knob fully counterclockwise to switch off.
The SQUELCH knob is used to adjust the receiver muting
threshold (squelch) level. To cut out weaker signals, increase
the squelch until the background interference noise disappears.
To receive weaker signals, decrease the squelch.
SOFTKEY LABEL SC1
SOFTKEY LABEL SC2
SOFTKEY LABEL SC3
SOFTKEY LABEL SC4
1
2
3
4
Softkeys & labels
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RD68 VHF
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E03912 Issue 2.0
2.3 Backlighting ( )
INT
Hi
LLiittee
Rx
12:40
DSC
T/W
M/S
Scan
INT
Hi
Lite
Rx
12:40
Pvt
Wx
Aux
Aux
INT
Hi
Lite
Rx
12:41
DSC
T/W
M/S
Scan
If channel selection is
not confirmed within 2
seconds (by pressing E),
the radio will revert to
the original channel
Enter the channel
number using the
numeric keypad
There are five levels of brightness – press and hold the key
to step through and release when the required level is shown.
2.4 Changing channels
2.4.1 Standard International channels
Note To select channels, the RD68 will need to be in Radio mode. If
in DSC mode, press the RAD softkey before entering the chan-
nel number.
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E03912 Issue 2.0
2.4.2 Auxiliary & Private channels
This function is used to select channels which are not part of
the standard International channel set, for example, channels M
and M2 in the UK, or the US Wx Weather channels.
Note Standard availability of channels includes M & M2 in the UK, or
one or more of L1–L3 or F1–F3 in Scandinavia (cf. section 5.3).
INT
Hi
Lite
Rx
12:41
Pvt
Wx
Aux
Aux
INT
Hi
Lite
Rx
12:41
PPvvtt
Wx
Aux
Aux
12:42
STEP 2 (Auxiliary)
Press Aux
▲ or Aux▼ to
scroll through the available
Auxiliary channels &
press E to select
INT
Hi
Lite
Rx
Pvt
WWxx
Aux
Aux
12:42
INT
Hi
Lite
Rx
Pvt
Wx
AAuuxx
AAuuxx
STEP 2 (Weather)
Press Wx to select
Weather Ch2
STEP 1
To select an Auxiliary channel
press any numeric key –
To select a Weather or
Private channel, press the
relevant number key (e.g. 2 for
Private Ch2 or Weather Ch2 –
STEP 2 (Private)
Press Pvt to select
Private Ch2
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RD68 VHF
14
E03912 Issue 2.0
2.5 Transmit power
This function allows toggling of the transmit power between
25W (Hi) and 1W (Lo) for short range transmissions, for exam-
ple, when in a marina. This preserves battery power.
12:42
DSC
T/W
M/S
Scan
12:42
DSC
T/W
M/S
Scan
INT
LLoo
Lite
Rx
INT
HHii
Lite
Rx
Note Regulations restrict some channels, such as 15 and 17, to low
power only, in which case this key will have no effect.
2.6 Making a DSC call
Press the DSC softkey to enter DSC mode:
12:43
DDSSCC
T/W
M/S
Scan
INT
Hi
Lite
Rx
/continued
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E03912 Issue 2.0
/continued
12:43
Rad
CCaallll
Menu
52o16N
001
o
23E
Rx
12:43
RRoouuttiinnee ttoo
Excalibur
Rx
12:43
TTyyppee
Ch16
Send
AAllll SShhiippss
SSaaffeettyy
Rx
12:43
TTyyppee
Ch16
Send
AAllll SShhiippss
UUrrggeennccyy
Rx
12:44
GGrroouupp ccaallll
000099999999999999
Rx
Type
Ch26
Send
TTyyppee
Dir
Ch26
Send
Select call type and
press Send to transmit
12:43
RRoouuttiinnee ttoo
________
Rx
12:43
RRoouuttiinnee ttoo
002325567
On Ch26
Press E to send
Use keypad to type in
MMSI number and press
E, then Send
MANUAL ENTRY
To manually enter an MMSI
number (Routine call):
SELECTING CALL TYPE
Press Type to scroll through
the different types of calls
(see also p. 16):
Only displayed if a Group
MMSI number has been
entered (see section 1.3)
Usekey to
correct any
mistakes
12:43
Waiting for
acknowledge
Rx
Stop
Press Stop to
cancel call
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RD68 VHF
16
E03912 Issue 2.0
12:44
Rad
CCaallll
Menu
52o16N
001
o
23E
Rx
12:45
Reply on channel
1177
Rx
CChhaann
12:44
Routine to
Excalibur
Rx
Type
DDiirr
Ch26
Send
12:44
Routine to
Hbrmaster
Rx
Type
Dir
Ch26
SSeenndd
12:45
Routine to
Excalibur
Rx
Type
Dir
CChh2266
Send
Press Dir to scroll
through directory
entries
Press Send
to transmit
call
Press softkey 3 (ChXX) to
specify voice channel.
Voice channel can only be
specified on Routine, Safety
and Group calls (simplex only).
Urgency and Distress calls
are set to Ch16.
When making a Routine call to
a coast station (MMSI begins
with “00”), the option
to select a voice channel
is not available.
VOICE CHANNEL SELECTION
To specify which channel is to be
used in voice communication
MMSI DIRECTORY
Use the directory (see sec-
tion 3.4) to select a com-
monly used MMSI:
12:43
RRoouuttiinnee ttoo
Hbrmaster
On Ch26
Press E to send
12:43
Waiting for
acknowledge
Rx
Stop
Press Stop to
cancel call
Press Chan to scroll through a
selection of pre-programmed
channels, or type in the channel
number and press E.
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E03912 Issue 2.0
2.7 Making a Distress Alert call
WARNING This call should only be made if the vessel is in a
genuine distress situation. It is an offense to send
a Distress Alert call if the vessel or crew are not in
grave and imminent danger (see section 5.1).
The DISTRESS button is located under a protective cover that
must be slid back before the button can be pressed. Press the
DISTRESS button to access the Distress Alert screen:
12:46
Distress Alert
52
o
16N 001o23E
12:46 UTC
Undefined
M.O.B
Fire
Flooding
Collision
Grounding
Listing
Sinking
Adrift
/continued
Pressto scroll
through distress categories
Piracy
12:46
Distress Alert
52
o
16N 001o23E
12:46 UTC
Abandoning
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