Simrad RS90S User Manual
RS90S Blackbox VHF
User Manual
ENGLISH
simrad-yachting.com
Preface
Disclaimer
As Navico is continuously improving this product, we retain the
right to make changes to the product at any time which may not be
reflected in this version of the manual. Please contact your nearest
distributor if you require any further assistance.
It is the owner’s sole responsibility to install and use the equipment
in a manner that will not cause accidents, personal injury or
property damage. The user of this product is solely responsible for
observing safe boating practices.
NAVICO HOLDING AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES, BRANCHES AND
AFFILIATES DISCLAIM ALL LIABILITY FOR ANY USE OF THIS PRODUCT
IN A WAY THAT MAY CAUSE ACCIDENTS, DAMAGE OR THAT MAY
VIOLATE THE LAW.
Governing Language: This statement, any instruction manuals,
user guides and other information relating to the product
(Documentation) may be translated to, or has been translated from,
another language (Translation). In the event of any conflict between
any Translation of the Documentation, the English language
version of the Documentation will be the official version of the
Documentation.
This manual represents the product as at the time of printing.
Navico Holding AS and its subsidiaries, branches and affiliates
reserve the right to make changes to specifications without notice.
Copyright
Copyright © 2018 Navico Holding AS.
Warranty
The warranty card is supplied as a separate document.
In case of any queries, refer to the brand website of your unit or
system: www.simrad-yachting.com
RS90S User Manual
| 3
RF emissions statements
European Union
This RS90S complies with CE under RED Directive 2014/53/EU. The
relevant Declaration of conformity is available in the product’s
section at the following website: www.simrad-yachting.com.
United States
Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
Warning
The user is cautioned that any changes or modifications not
expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could
void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
RF Emissions notice
This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set
forth for an uncontrolled environment. This device’s antenna
must be installed in accordance with provided instructions; and it
must be operated with minimum “place number here” m spacing
between the antennas and all person’s body (excluding extremities
of hands, wrist and feet) during operation. Further, this transmitter
must not be co-located or operated in conjunction with any other
antenna or transmitter.
4 |
¼ Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply
with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part
15 of the FCC Rules. This equipment generates, uses and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference
to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that
the interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this
equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by
one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from
that of the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced technician for help.
RS90S User Manual
Canada
This device complies with Industry Canada’s licence-exempt RSSs.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference; and
2. This device must accept any interference, including interference that
may cause undesired operation of the device.
Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d’Industrie Canada
applicables aux appareils radio exempts de licence. L’exploitation est
autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes:
1. l’appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage, et
2. l’utilisateur de l’appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique
subi, même si le brouillage est susceptible d’en compromettre le
fonctionnemen.
Industry Canada Statement
Under Industry Canada regulations, this radio transmitter may
only operate using an antenna of a type and maximum (or lesser)
gain approved for the transmitter by Industry Canada. To reduce
potential radio interference to other users, the antenna type and its
gain should be so chosen that the equivalent isotropically radiated
power (e.i.r.p.) is not more than that necessary for successful
communication.
Conformément à la réglementation d’Industrie Canada, le présent
émetteur radio peut fonctionner avec une antenne d’un type et
d’un gain maximal (ou inférieur) approuvé pour l’émetteur par
Industrie Canada. Dans le but de réduire les risques de brouillage
radioélectrique à l’intention des autres utilisateurs, il faut choisir
le type d’antenne et son gain de sorte que la puissance isotrope
rayonnée quivalente (p.i.r.e.) ne dépassepas l’intensité nécessaire à
l’établissement d’une communication satisfaisante.
This radio transmitter (RS90S) has been approved by Industry
Canada to operate with the antenna types listed below with the
maximum permissible gain and required antenna impedance for
each antenna type indicated. Antenna types not included in this
list, having a gain greater than the maximum gain indicated for that
type, are strictly prohibited for use with this device.
RS90S User Manual
| 5
Le présent émetteur radio (RS90S) a été approuvé par Industrie
Canada pour fonctionner avec les types d’antenne énumérés cidessous et ayant un gain admissible maximal et l’impédance requise
pour chaque type d’antenne. Les types d’antenne non inclus dans
cette liste, ou dont le gain est supérieur au gain maximal indiqué,
sont strictement interdits pour l’exploitation de l’émetteur.
Notice specic to the Wireless handset (HS35)
This ISM device complies with Canadian ICES-001. Maintain a
minimum separation of 2.5 cm (1 inch) from the face.
Cet appareil ISM est conforme à la norme NMB-001 du Canada.
Maintenir une distance minimum de 2,5 cm (1 inch) de la surface.
Australia & New Zealand
Complies with the requirements of level 2 devices of the
Radiocommunications (Electromagnetic Compatibility) standard
2017 and Radiocommunications (VHF Radiotelephone Equipment –
Maritime Mobile Service) Standard 2014.
Countries of intended use in the EU
AT - Austria HU - Hungary PL - Poland
BE - Belgium IS - Iceland PT - Portugal
BG - Bulgaria IE - Ireland RO - Romania
CY - Cyprus IT - Italy SK - Slovak Republic
CZ - Czech Republic LV - Latvia SI - Slovenia
DK - Denmark LI - Liechtenstein ES - Spain
EE - Estonia LT - Lithuania SE - Sweden
FI - Finland LU - Luxembourg CH - Switzerland
FR - France MT - Malta TR - Turkey
DE - Germany NL - Netherlands UK - United Kingdom
GR - Greece NO - Norway
6 |
Trademarks
Simrad® and Navico® are registered trademarks of Navico.
NMEA® and NMEA 2000® are registered trademarks of the National
Marine Electronics Association.
RS90S User Manual
Navico recommends that you check the radio operating licensing
!
requirements of your country before using this VHF radio. The
operator is solely responsible for observing proper radio installation
and usage practices.
Notes on MMSI and DSC
The user MMSI (Marine Mobile Service Identity) is a unique nine
digit number. It is used on marine transceivers that are capable of
using DSC (Digital Selective Calling). Digital Selective Calling offers
significant safety and convenience advantages over older VHF radios
without this functionality.
¼ Note: Many countries do not have radio repeaters that support DSC
message relaying. However DSC can still be useful for direct ship-toship communication, where the other vessel is also equiped with a
DSC capable radio.
You must obtain a user MMSI and enter it into your radio in order to
use the DSC functions. Contact the appropriate authorities in your
country to obtain an MMSI number - charges may apply. If you are
unsure who to contact, consult your Simrad dealer.
¼ Note: DSC distress calls generated by this radio are limited to the
same range restrictions that apply to regular VHF transmissions. The
vessel sending a distress can only rely upon DSC if within range of a
GMDSS Coast Radio Station. Typical VHF range may be about 20NM,
though this varies greatly depending upon installation, antenna
type, meteorological conditions, etc.
About this manual
This manual is a reference guide for installing and operating a RS90S
VHF radio. Important text that requires special attention from the
reader is emphasized as follows:
¼ Note: Used to draw the reader’s attention to a comment or some
important information.
Warning: Used when it is necessary to warn personnel that
they should proceed carefully to prevent risk of injury and/or
damage to equipment/personnel.
RS90S User Manual
| 7
Contents
11 Introduction
12 Getting started
12 Handsets
15 Handset control buttons
16 Switching on and off
18 The standby screen
20 Modes
20 Changing channel
22 Adjusting squelch
22 Setting transmission power
23 PTT Key
23 Using the menus
23 Shortcut keys
24 Entering data
24 Warning messages
24 Alert tones
25 Operating procedures
25 Making a routine radio call
25 Calling a buddy
26 Making a channel 16/9 distress call
26 Making a DSC distress call
27 Receiving weather alerts (US model only)
27 Receiving SAME alerts (US model only)
28 Favourite channel (non-US models)
29 Three favourite channels 3CH
29 Scanning channels
32 Using the hailer
33 Using the fog horn
34 Using the intercom
34 Using the announce function
35 Using the voice recorder
35 Sharing NMEA 2000 data
8 |
36 Waypoint procedures
36 Adding a new waypoint
Contents | RS90S User Manual
37 Editing a waypoint
37 Deleting a waypoint
38 Navigating to a waypoint
40 DSC procedures
40 Introduction to DSC
42 DSC Distress calls
45 Sending routine DSC calls
56 Receiving DSC calls
62 ATIS
63 AIS procedures
64 List of nearby vessels
64 PPI display
65 T/CPA screen
66 AIS target information
67 Installation
67 Checklist
70 Positioning
71 Installing the transceiver
72 Installing a wired handset cradle
73 Installing a handset cable connector
74 Installing a wireless handset cradle
75 External speakers installation options
77 Transceiver external connectors
77 Transceiver internal connectors
83 Setting up the radio
83 NMEA 2000 Network
85 Setup
85 Wireless handset setup
86 Buddy list setup
88 Radio setup
95 DSC Setup
102 AIS Setup
105 GPS setup
108 General setup
Contents | RS90S User Manual
| 9
110 Appendices
110 Appendix 1 - Troubleshooting
111 Appendix 2 - Keys reference
113 Appendix 3 - Beep tones and call alerts
113 Appendix 4 - Warning Messages
113 Appendix 5 - AIS information
115 Appendix 6 - Technical specification
119 Appendix 7 - Channel charts
10 |
Contents | RS90S User Manual
1
Introduction
The Simrad RS90S VHF radio is a comprehensive solution for marine
VHF radio applications.
The radio comprises:
• RS90S VHF transceiver.
• One wired handset as standard, and optionally up to 3 more wired
handsets. (Maximum of 4 wired handsets in total.)
• Up to 2 optional wireless handsets.
• Up to 4 optional external speakers.
In addition to routine ship-to-ship or ship-to-shore VHF
communications, the RS90S has many advanced features, including:
• NMEA 2000 and NMEA 0183 network connectivity, which allows the
radio to share information with other onboard devices, such as a
GPS antenna, a chart plotter or a multi-function display.
• Digital Selective Calling (DSC) for automated distress calls, and for
calling individual vessels using their Maritime Mobile Service Identity
(MMSI). Also includes a track buddy function.
• Automatic Identification System (AIS) for monitoring nearby vessels
(receive only).
• Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS) function for controlled
VHF communications in European inland waterways (EU models).
• Automatic weather alert using TONE and SAME systems (US models).
• Monitoring multiple VHF channels simultaneously (country specific).
• Intercom calls between handsets.
• Voice recording.
• Fog horn and loud-hailer modes.
• Horn button connection.
• Up to three instant favourite channel selections.
Introduction | RS90S User Manual
| 11
2
Getting started
Caution: Under extreme operating conditions, the
Handsets
All the operating functions of the RS90S are carried out using the
handsets. Each handset contains a microphone, a small internal
loudspeaker and various buttons for controlling the radio.
Two types of handset are available:
• Up to four wired handsets can be connected. There must be at least
one wired handset connected to the station one terminal in the
installation.
• Up to two wireless handsets can be installed. The wireless handsets
communicate with the transceiver by 2.4 GHz radio communication.
The wireless handsets are powered by internal rechargeable
batteries, and are charged by inductive charging when on the
cradle.
When there are multiple handsets, they are synchronized so
that there is no conflict of operation and each display the same
information on their screens.
temperature of the rear heat-sink on this radio may
exceed normal surface temperatures.
Caution is advised to prevent possible skin burns.
12 |
Handset naming
Handset names appear on screen at times—for example, when
another handset has control of the radio.
Wired handsets HS1, HS2, HS3, HS4
The above handsets—1 standard and 3 optional—are connected to
the transceiver. The volume controls on these handsets control the
corresponding external speakers.
Getting started | RS90S User Manual
Handset parts
1
3
4
2
5
6
1 Red distress cover with button beneath
2 Screen
3 PTT button
4 Volume control
5 Function keys
6 Keypad (wired handsets only).
Subscribing a wireless handset
At installation time, wireless handsets must be registered in the
transceiver. For instructions, see “Subscribing a wireless handset” on
page 85.
Getting started | RS90S User Manual
| 13
Charging a wireless handset
When a wireless handset is not in use, it should be placed on its
cradle for charging.
14 |
Locate the bottom of the handset onto the cradle first, and then
press the top of the handset inwards until it clicks into the top lugs.
Handset operation priority
If you want to use HS1, but it displays “HS# IN USE,” it means that
another handset is operating.
To shift control to HS1:
1. Press [X].
2. The display shows “Take Control?”
• Press [OK] to take over control.
• Or, [X] to leave the other handset in control.
Getting started | RS90S User Manual
Handset control buttons
10
1
2
3
4
5
9
1 Short press for AIS menu.
Long press for Intercom / Hailer mode.
2 Press to select the priority channel.
3 Short press for Exit key.
Long press for power on/off.
4 Squelch keys. Also used for moving cursor left/right.
5 Three favourite channel key.
6 Short press for weather station (US models).
Long press for Navigation mode.
7 Change channel, or scroll menu options.
8 Short press for [OK] key.
Long press to toggle high/low power.
9 Short press for DSC menu.
Long press for menu.
10 Short press to start dual-watch or tri-watch mode.
Long press to start scanning channels.
8
7
6
For more information on keys, see “Appendix 2 - Keys reference” on
page 111.
Getting started | RS90S User Manual
| 15
Switching on and o
Switching on the system
The VHF radio is switched on from a wired handset.
To switch on the radio:
1. Press and hold [X] on a wired handset until the startup screen
showing version numbers appears.
2. When prompted, press [X] to exit the startup screen and display the
main operating screen.
This switches on the transceiver and the wired handset.
¼ Note: A wireless handset can only switch itself on and off. See
“Switching on a wireless handset” on page 17.
Switching o the system
The system is switched off by holding down the [X] key on a wired
handset until the display shows “Release key to power off.”
Just one handset
1. In standby mode, press [X] on the wired handset until the display
shows “Release key to power off.”
16 |
2. Release the [X] key.
More than one wired handset
HS1 (handset 1) has a power-off menu. All the other handsets
simply power themselves off.
Handset 1 power-off menu:
• SYSTEM
Turns off all handsets and the transceiver.
• HS1
Turns off the handset itself.
Displays “SYSTEM IS WORKING” with no backlight.
¼ Note: You can ignore the power-off menu and keep holding down
[X] until the display shows “Release key to power off.”
Getting started | RS90S User Manual
Switching on a wireless handset
• Press and hold [X] until the display illuminates.
The display shows “Searching,” then “Connecting,” and then the
current operating screen.
¼ Notes:
• This only switches on the individual wireless handset, not the
transceiver.
• If the transceiver is off, the wireless handset continues to display
“Searching”.
• At install time, wireless handsets must be subscribed. See
“Subscribing a wireless handset” on page 85.
Switching o a wireless handset
¼ Note: This procedure only switches off the wireless handset. It does
not switch off any other handsets or the transceiver.
1. Press and hold [X] until the following message appears:
“Release key to power off.”
2. Release the [X] key.
Handset status display
A small icon located on the lower right of the screen shows the
status of all connected handsets.
The above example shows that handset 1 and handset 3 are online
and this handset is handset 1.
Getting started | RS90S User Manual
| 17
The standby screen
16
The following illustration shows a typical operating screen in
standby mode. The radio is in standby mode when it is waiting to
send or receive calls.
DSC
Hi
DISTRESS
14:43
128
012
WPT: HARBR
The above screen shows:
• The radio is tuned to channel 16, which has been designated as the
priority channel (PRI).
• In this unit, Channel 16 has been named “DISTRESS.”
• Transmitting power is set to high (Hi).
• DSC is enabled.
• The time is 14:43 UTC.
• The current course is 128° true and speed over ground is 5.0 knots.
• The current latitude is 55°33.122’N and longitude 012°42.408’E.
• The channel bank selected is International (INT).
• The name of the destination waypoint is HARBR.
• The unit selected is Nautical Miles (nm).
• The destination waypoint is 8 nm away at a bearing of 275° true.
• The current Cross-Track-Error is 0.5 nm to port (requires a course
change to starboard).
55
275
UTC
5
Kt
t
33.122
42.408
8.00
t
n
m
N
E
PRI
INT
0.50>
18 |
Getting started | RS90S User Manual
During normal operation, the following icons may be displayed on
the screen depending on setup:
Symbol Meaning
or
Channel suffix
AIS is enabled
Flashing if a weather alert has been
received (US models only)
ATIS is enabled
Low battery warning. Activates at 10.5 V
Incoming DSC call. Flashing if there are
unread call log messages
Canadian channel bank is selected
, ,
Favourite channel 1, 2 or 3 is selected
The current channel is a duplex channel
DSC is enabled
Dual watch mode
High transmission power (25 W)
International channel bank selected
Low transmission power (1 W)
‘Local’ sensitivity selected.. Otherwise blank
for distance sensitivity
The priority channel is selected
The radio is receiving
The Shift key has been pressed
The SAME alert setting is ‘ON’
Channel scanning in operation
This channel is being skipped in the scan
Tri watch mode
The radio is transmitting
USA channel bank is selected
Auto Switch is set to OFF
•
Getting started | RS90S User Manual
Voice recording is ON
| 19
Modes
The RS90S has several different modes of operation. The main mode
is standby mode, during which the radio is ready to send or receive
VHF calls. Generally, pressing the [X] key will exit any special mode
and return to standby mode.
Scanning mode
In scanning mode, the radio scans selected channels for radio
activity.
Navigation mode
Navigation mode displays distance and bearing to a selected
waypoint.
Hailer mode
Hailer mode allows you to use the radio to hail other vessels or deck
crew through a connected loud-hailer speaker.
Hailer mode also features a listen-back mode, which uses the PA
speaker as a microphone to listen for a response.
Fog horn mode
Fog horn mode allows you to use the radio to sound a fog horn
tone through a connected loud-hailer speaker.
20 |
Intercom mode
Intercom mode allows you to use the handsets to communicate
from one handset to the others in your vessel.
Standby Mode
In standby mode, the RS90S displays the main operating screen on
the handset(s) and is ready to send or receive calls on the selected
channel.
Changing channel
Different jurisdictions in the world have allocated different sets
of VHF radio channels for different purposes. These sets are
known as channel banks. The available channel banks and their
corresponding channels are given in “Appendix 7 - Channel charts”
on page 119.
Getting started | RS90S User Manual
Normally the radio should be left tuned to the priority channel CH16
(CH16 or CH09 (US models)) in case an emergency call is broadcast
on that channel. The RS90S can also be set to monitor several
channels at the same time. In this case, the radio continuously
scans the selected channels and, if activity is heard on a channel, it
will switch to that channel while the activity continues. Then it will
revert to scanning. See “Scanning channels” on page 29.
You can use one of the following methods to change channel:
• Press [16/9] to switch immediately to the priority channel (see
“Priority channels” below).
• Press ▲ or ▼ until you reach the required channel number.
• Press and hold ▲ or ▼ to rapidly scroll through the channel
numbers. When the number you require is displayed, release the key.
• Input the number on the keypad (wired handset only), and when
the required channel number is flashing on screen, press [OK], or
wait for 2 seconds for the number to be accepted automatically.
When entering a single-digit channel number, prefix the channel
number with 0.
• Repeat press [3CH] to scroll through your three favourite channels.
See “Three favourite channels 3CH” on page 29.
• Press [WX] and then ▲ or ▼ to tune to a weather station (US model
only). See “Receiving weather alerts (US model only)” on page 27.
• Press [WX] to go directly to a set favourite channel (EU models only).
16 / 9
Priority channels
Channel 16 is the international emergency priority channel.
On Channel 16, operators must give priority to any emergency
calls occurring on that frequency. In the US, Channel 9 is also an
emergency priority channel.
To switch directly to Channel 16 (or Channel 9 if congured):
• Press the 16/9 button.
¼ Note: The default emergency channel is CH16. On US models,
you can change the default emergency channel to CH9 by
holding down 16/9 until the unit beeps and displays 09. Repeat
the procedure to change back to CH16 as the default emergency
channel.
Getting started | RS90S User Manual
| 21
Adjusting squelch
The squelch adjustment allows you to adjust the sensitivity of
the radio so that background noise is minimized. In areas of high
static noise, such as close to large cities, you can improve quality of
reception by adjusting the squelch.
• Use the ◄ and ►keys to adjust the level up or down respectively.
• Adjust the level until the background noise just disappears.
¼ Note: You can also adjust the sensitivity of the VHF receiver using
the Local/Distance setting. See “Radio sensitivity” on page 108.
Setting transmission power
The RS90S has two transmission power settings:
High 25 W (Hi)
Low 1 W (Lo)
To change the power setting:
Press and hold [H/L] until the Hi or Lo icon on the display changes.
¼ Notes:
• Channel 16 always remains in high transmission power.
• Some channels allow only low-power transmissions. If you try to
change to high power, the RS90S will sound an error beep.
• Some channels allow only low power transmissions initially, but can
be forced to high power by holding down [H/L] and PTT at the same
time.
• See “Appendix 7 - Channel charts” on page 119 for a list of channel
data.
22 |
Getting started | RS90S User Manual
PTT Key
16
16
The Push to Talk (PTT) key activates the microphone and transmits
your voice over the selected channel.
¼ Notes:
• Pressing PTT while a menu is displayed will exit the menu without
making any selection.
• DSC transmission has higher priority than PTT voice transmission.
• During PTT transmission, the radio cannot receive a DSC call.
• If PTT gets stuck or accidentally held in the talk position, a built-in
timer sounds an error beep and shuts down the transmission after 5
minutes.
Using the menus
Hi
DSC
C
DSC SETUP
USER MMSI
GROUP SETUP
INDIV REPLY
DSC FUNC
Hi
DSC
C
MENU SELECT
WAYPOINT
N2K D ATA
VOICE REC
BACKLIGHT
PRI
USA
PRI
USA
The [CALL/MENU] button provides access to two different menus as
follows:
• Short press to access the DSC menu.
• Long press (press and hold) to access the main menu.
To use the menus:
• Use ▼ or ▲ to scroll to the option you want.
• Press [OK] to select a menu option, or
• Press [X] to go back without selecting an option.
¼ Note: If the radio is left in menu mode, after a default time of
10 minutes, it beeps a warning and then automatically returns to
standby mode.
Shortcut keys
The RS90S wired handset keypad includes a SHIFT key that modifies
the function of some keys.
• Press [SHIFT] to display the shift icon (S), and then press the number
key to access the required function.
SHIFT + 2 Press [SHIFT], then press 2 to access the AIS SETUP menu.
SHIFT + 3 Press [SHIFT], then press 3 to access the external speaker ON/OFF.
SHIFT + 4 Press [SHIFT], then press 4 to access the Waypoint menu.
Getting started | RS90S User Manual
| 23
Entering data
Entering data with a wired handset
Enter data using the keypad. The first press of a key inputs the
number corresponding to the key; subsequent presses input letters
of the alphabet as indicated on the key. For example, 2, A, B, and C
are typed using the same key.
After a short pause, the cursor automatically jumps to the
next space; or, you can press [OK] to move to the next space
immediately.
¼ Note: Characters can only be entered in upper case.
To replace a character:
• Use the ◄ and ►keys to move the cursor to the character. You can
then type over the character.
To nish entering data:
Press [OK] repeatedly to reach the end of the line. The cursor will
then move to the next input required, or a save/cancel option will
be displayed for you to select as required.
¼ Note: You can press [X] at any time to go back one step.
Entering data with a wireless handset
24 |
Use the ▲and ▼keys to scroll through the available characters, and
then press [OK] to select the required character.
Warning messages
See “Appendix 4 - Warning Messages” on page 113.
Alert tones
See “Appendix 3 - Beep tones and call alerts” on page 113.
Getting started | RS90S User Manual
3
Operating procedures
Making a routine radio call
Making a routine ship to ship or ship to shore call.
1. Select a calling channel.
See “Changing channel” on page 20.
2. Listen to make sure that there is no traffic on the channel.
3. Hold down [PTT] and announce the station you want to contact
and your own vessel’s details. When you have finished speaking, say
“Over” and then release [PTT].
4. When you receive a reply on the calling channel, agree a working
channel.
5. Change to the working channel.
6. Continue the conversation:
• Hold down [PTT] while you are speaking.
• Release [PTT] while you are listening.
7. When finished, press [16/9] to return to the radio watch channel.
¼ Note: When you call a coast station, the coast station operator
normally states a suitable working channel.
Calling a buddy
You can call a buddy using their MMSI on the DSC system. For
further information, see “Introduction to DSC” on page 40.
Operating procedures | RS90S User Manual
| 25
Making a channel 16/9 distress call
1. If not already on the priority channel, press the [16/9] key.
16 / 9
2. Listen to make sure there is no traffic on the channel.
3. Hold down [PTT] and announce your distress call.
4. Say your call sign, details of your vessel, its position and the nature of
the distress.
5. Say “over” and then release [PTT] when you have finished speaking.
6. Allow a short time for a reply.
7. If you don’t hear a reply, repeat the distress call (steps 3 to 6 as
above).
8. When you receive a reply, continue the conversation:
• Hold down [PTT] while you are speaking.
• Release [PTT] while you are listening.
You may be asked to change to a working channel.
¼ Notes:
26 |
• In the USA, you can toggle between Channel 16 and Channel 9 as
the priority channel. Hold down [16/9] until a beep sounds and the
required priority channel is displayed.
• This feature needs to be setup in the radio settings (“Setting the
priority channel” on page 90).
Making a DSC distress call
Using the DSC system (where available) you can make a distress
call by pressing a single Distress button. For further information, see
“Introduction to DSC” on page 40.
Operating procedures | RS90S User Manual
Receiving weather alerts (US model only)
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
provides several weather forecast channels on USA and Canadian
channel banks. If severe weather is forecast, the NOAA broadcasts a
weather alert on 1050 Hz.
To access weather alerts:
1. Short press [WX] to enter WX mode.
2. Press ▲ or ▼ to change WX channel.
3. If WX TONE ALERT setting is ON (see “Setting up weather tone
alert” on page 91), the radio will monitor the WX channel you
select. If an alert tone is broadcast from the NOAA weather station,
the weather alert is picked up automatically and the RS90S alarm
sounds. Press any key to cancel the alarm and to hear the weather
alert message.
4. When finished, press [WX] again or [X] to exit WX mode.
¼ Note: In WX mode, the Wx icon appears on screen.
Receiving SAME alerts (US model only)
The NOAA All Hazards Weather Radio Service (NWR) works in
conjunction with the Emergency Alert System (EAS) to issue
weather alerts for specific geographic areas or weather warnings.
It uses a digital encoding system known as Specific Area Message
Encoding (SAME) to broadcast these alerts.
Each transmitter in the NWR network is identified with a unique
6-digit SAME code.
If SAME is enabled and the 6-digit country IDs you want to monitor
have been entered, the radio will sound the weather alarm when it
detects a weather alert on the selected weather channel.
For SAME alert setup, see “Setting up SAME alert” on page 92.
Operating procedures | RS90S User Manual
| 27
Receiving a SAME ALERT
If SAME ALERT is ON and an NWR or EAS alert for your geographic
area is broadcast, the RS90S detects the alert signal and sounds the
alarm.
Press any key to cancel the alarm.
• If the alert is being sent by NOAA NWR, the radio automatically
tunes to the designated frequency so that you can listen to the alert.
• If the alert is being sent by the EAS, the nature of the alert is shown
on screen as WARNING, WATCH, ADVISORY, or TEST.
Press any key to show the nature of the alert.
¼ Note: The list of alerts is shown in “Appendix 3 - Beep tones and call
alerts” on page 113.
Receiving SAME TEST messages
In addition to the WARNING, WATCH and ADVISORY alerts, the
EAS also send out TEST messages so that you can check that your
WX ALERT setup is working correctly. The TEST message is usually
transmitted between 1000 and 1200 (10.00AM and noon) every
Wednesday.
If your WX ALERT setup is working correctly, the alert sounds and
TEST is displayed on screen, followed by a broadcast message from
the National Weather Service.
28 |
¼ Note: If there is a threat of severe weather, the test will be
postponed until the next fine weather day.
Favourite channel (non-US models)
In standby mode, press [WX] to access your favourite channel, press
again or [X] to go back to the last working channel.
¼ Notes:
• To set up the favourite channel, see “Setting up a favourite channel”
on page 91.
• You can store just one channel as the favourite channel. It can, for
example, be a weather reporting station.
Operating procedures | RS90S User Manual
Lo
03
16
DSC
OVER WRITE
CH3?
YES
NO
Hi
DSC
3CH MODE
DELETE CH1?
YES
NO
Three favourite channels 3CH
Once set up, you can use the three favourite channels in two ways:
• Repeat press [3CH] to toggle between your three favourite channels,
or
• Scan the three channels and the priority channel.
To add a favourite channel:
• To add a favourite channel for the first time, select that channel then
hold 3CH to store it in the CH1 location.
• You can repeat the procedure to store two more favourite channels
A
USA
D
CH1
USA
in the CH2 and CH3 locations respectively.
• Once the three locations are full, if you try to add another favourite
channel, the radio will overwrite the CH3 location after prompting
you to confirm.
To delete a favourite channel:
• Select that channel and then hold down [3CH]. The radio will
remove that favourite channel after prompting you to confirm.
To toggle between your three favourite channels:
• Press [3CH] to enter 3CH mode.
• The radio displays “3CH MODE” and CH1, CH2, or CH3 to show
which of your favourite channels is currently selected.
• Repeat press [3CH] to switch between the three channels.
To exit 3CH mode:
• Press [X].
Scanning channels
The RS90S can automatically monitor more than one channel at the
same time. It scans a selected range of channels, and when a valid
signal is received, the radio stops scanning and remains on that
channel so that you can hear the communication. However, if the
signal from the channel ceases for more than 5 seconds, the scan
automatically restarts.
Four scan modes are provided:
• All scan
Scans all available channels in sequence, but also checks the priority
channel every 2 seconds.
Operating procedures | RS90S User Manual
| 29
• Dual watch scan
Scans the selected channel and channel 16.
• 3CH scan
Scans your three favourite channels and the priority channel.
• Tri watch scan (US models only)
Scans the current channel, channel 16 and channel 9.
ALL SCAN mode
Hold down [SCAN] for about 3 seconds to start ALL SCAN mode.
The radio displays the SCAN icon and “ALL SCAN.” You will see the
channel numbers changing.
• If you hear a communication of interest, press [SCAN] or [PTT] to
stop at the currently scanned channel.
• Press [X] to quit scan mode and return to the previously selected
channel.
¼ Notes:
• Scan is not allowed in some EU countries.
• If TONE ALERT or SAME is enabled (US models only), the weather
channel is also scanned.
Skipping busy channels
30 |
If one channel is always busy with traffic, you can set the radio to
skip that channel during scanning.
To skip a channel:
• While the channel is displayed during scan, press [OK] to skip over it.
To resume scanning a skipped channel:
• With scanning OFF, as you scroll up and down through channels, the
SKIP icon will be displayed when you are on a skipped channel. With
the SKIP channel selected, press [OK] to cancel the SKIP function.
¼ Notes:
• You cannot skip the priority channel.
• The SKIP icon will disappear when the radio is powered OFF/ON.
Operating procedures | RS90S User Manual
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