Standard horizon GX1100S User Manual

ECLIPSE DSC+ GX1100S

25 Watt VHF/FM

Class D DSC Marine Transceiver

Owner's Manual

zAffordable Ultra Compact Fixed Mount VHF radio

zSubmersible IPX7 Front Panel

zDSC (Digital Selective Calling) Class D with Position Report and Request

zProgrammable Scan, Priority Scan, and Dual Watch

zFull dot matrix display capable of indicating GPS informationÚ

zSubmersible microphone with dedicated 16/9, H/L keys and channel selection

zAll USA / International and Canadian Marine Channels

zNOAA Weather Channels with Weather Alert

ÚWhen Attached to GPS Receiver

GX1100S	Page 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1	GENERAL INFORMATION ...................................................................................		4
2	PACKING LIST .....................................................................................................		4
3	OPTIONS ..............................................................................................................		4
4	SAFETY / WARNING INFORMATION ..................................................................		5
5	FCC RADIO LICENSE INFORMATION ................................................................		6
6	FCC NOTICE ........................................................................................................		7
7	GETTING STARTED .............................................................................................		8
	7.1	ABOUT VHF RADIO .................................................................................	8
	7.2	SELECTING AN ANTENNA ......................................................................	9
	7.3	COAXIAL CABLE .......................................................................................	9
8	INSTALLATION ...................................................................................................		10
	8.1	LOCATION ................................................................................................	10
	8.2	MOUNTING THE RADIO ........................................................................	10
		8.2.1 Supplied Universal Mounting Bracket .............................................	10
	8.3	8.2.2 Optional MMB-84 Flush Mount Bracket ......................................	11
		ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS ................................................................	12
	8.4	ACCESSORY CABLE ..............................................................................	13
	8.5	CHECKING GPS CONNECTIONS .........................................................	13
	8.6	CHANGING THE GPS TIME ..................................................................	14
	8.7	CHANGING THE TIME LOCATION .......................................................	15
9	CONTROLS AND INDICATORS .........................................................................		16
10	BASIC OPERATION ...........................................................................................		20
	10.1	RECEPTION .............................................................................................	20
	10.2	TRANSMISSION .......................................................................................	20
	10.3	TRANSMIT TIME-OUT TIMER (TOT) .....................................................	20
	10.4	SIMPLEX / DUPLEX CHANNEL USE .....................................................	21
	10.5	INTERNATIONAL, USA, AND CANADA MODE ...................................	21
	10.6	NOAA WEATHER CHANNELS .................................................................	21
		10.6.1 NOAA Weather Alert ......................................................................	21
		10.6.2 NOAA Weather Alert Test ..............................................................	22
	10.7 EMERGENCY (CHANNEL 16 USE) .........................................................		22
	10.8	CALLING ANOTHER VESSEL (CHANNEL 16 OR 9) .............................	23
	10.9	MAKING TELEPHONE CALLS ...............................................................	24
	10.10 OPERATING ON CHANNELS 13 AND 67 ...........................................		24
	10.11 SCANNING ...............................................................................................		24
		10.11.1 Selecting the Scan Type ..............................................................	24
		10.11.2 Memory Scanning (M-SCAN) ......................................................	25
		10.11.3 Priority Scanning (P-SCAN) ........................................................	25

Page 2		GX1100S

TABLE OF CONTENTS

11 DIGITAL SELECTIVE CALLING.........................................................................				28
11.1	GENERAL .................................................................................................			28
11.2	MARITIME MOBILE SERVICE IDENTITY (MMSI) ....................................			28
	11.2.1 What is an MMSI? .........................................................................			28
11.3	11.2.2 Programming the MMSI ...............................................................			29
	DISTRESS ALERT ...................................................................................			30
	11.3.1 Transmitting a Distress Alert ......................................................			30
11.4	11.3.2	Receiving a Distress Alert ..........................................................		32
	ALL SHIPS CALL ....................................................................................			33
	11.4.1 Transmitting an All Ships Call ...................................................			33
11.5	11.4.2	Receiving an All Ships Call .......................................................		34
	INDIVIDUAL CALL ...................................................................................			35
	11.5.1	Setting up the Individual / Position Call Directory ....................		35
	11.5.2 Setting up Individual Reply ........................................................			36
	11.5.3	Setting up Individual Call Ringer ..............................................		37
	11.5.4 Transmitting an Individual Call ...................................................			38
11.6	11.5.5 Receiving an Individual Call ......................................................			40
	CALL WAITING DIRECTORY .................................................................			41
	11.6.1	Enabling / Disabling	the Call Waiting Feature ..........................	41
	11.6.2	Reviewing Received	Calls Logged	41
		into the Call Waiting Directory ..........................
11.7	11.6.3 Deleting DSC Log Calls .............................................................			42
	GROUP CALL ..........................................................................................			43
	11.7.1 Setting up a Group Call ............................................................			43
	11.7.2 Transmitting a Group Call ..........................................................			44
	11.7.3 Receiving a Group Call ..............................................................			46
11.8	11.7.4 Setting up Group Call Ringer ....................................................			47
	POSITION REQUEST ..............................................................................			48
	11.8.1 Setting up Position Reply ..........................................................			48
	11.8.2 Transmitting a Position Request to Another Vessel ................			49
11.9	11.8.3 Receiving a Position Request ....................................................			51
	POSITION REPORT ................................................................................			52
	11.9.1 Setting up Position Report Ringer ............................................			52
	11.9.2 Transmitting a DSC Position Report Call ................................			53
	11.9.3 Receiving a DSC Position Report Call ....................................			54
11.10 DSC TRANSMISSION TEST ..................................................................				55
11.11	MANUAL INPUTTING OF THE GPS LOCATION (LAT/LON) ..............			56

12 RADIO SETUP MODE ........................................................................................		57
12.1	LAMP ADJUSTING ..................................................................................	57
12.2	LCD CONTRAST .....................................................................................	57
12.3	TIME OFFSET ..........................................................................................	58
12.4	TIME DISPLAY ..........................................................................................	59
12.5	PRIORITY CHANNEL SET .....................................................................	59
12.6	SCAN TYPE .............................................................................................	59
12.7	KEY BEEP (ON/OFF) ..............................................................................	60
12.8	WX ALERT ................................................................................................	61

13	MAINTENANCE ..................................................................................................		62
	13.1	REPLACEMENT PARTS ..........................................................................	62
	13.2	FACTORY SERVICE ................................................................................	63
	13.3	TROUBLESHOOTING CHART ................................................................	63
14	CHANNEL ASSIGNMENTS ................................................................................		64
15	WARRANTY ........................................................................................................		70
16	SPECIFICATIONS...............................................................................................		73

GX1100S		Page 3

1 GENERAL INFORMATION

The Vertex Standard GX1100S ECLIPSE DSC+ is a VHF/FM transceiver designed for use in the frequency range of 156.025 to 163.275 MHz. The GX1100S can be operated from 11 to 16 VDC and has a switchable RF output power of 1 watt or 25 watts.

The GX1100S is capable of DSC (Digital Selective Calling) Class D (independent Channel 70 receiver) operation which allows continuous receiving of Digital Selective Calling functions on channel 70 even if the radio is receiving a call.

The GX1100S operates on all currently-allocated marine channels which are switchable for use with either USA, International, or Canadian regulations. It has an emergency channel 16 which can be immediately selected from any channel by pressing the red [16/9] key. NOAA Weather channels can also be accessed immediately by pressing the [CLR(WX)] key.

Other features of the transceiver include: scanning, priority scanning, submersible mic, high and low voltage warning, and GPS repeatability.

2 PACKING LIST

When the package containing the transceiver is first opened, please check it for the following contents:

yGX1100S Transceiver

yMounting Bracket and hardware

yPower Cord

yOwner’s Manual

yWarranty Card

3 OPTIONS

MMB-84	......................................................................... Flush-Mount Bracket
MLS-310 ..............................................................	Amplified External Speaker
MLS-300 ......................................................................	External Loudspeaker

Page 4		GX1100S

4 SAFETY / WARNING INFORMATION

This radio is restricted to occupational use, work related operations only where the radio operator must have the knowledge to control the exposure conditions of its passengers and bystanders by maintaining the minimum separation distance of 0.6 m (2 feet).

Failure to observe these restrictions will result in exceeding the FCC RF exposure limits.

Antenna Installation:

The antenna must be located at least 0.6 m (2 feet) away from passengers in order to comply with the FCC RF exposure requirements.

ON-LINE WARRANTY REGISTRATION (in USA or Canada only)

Please visit www.standardhorizon.com to register the GX1100S Marine VHF. It should be noted that visiting the Web site from time to time may be beneficial to you, as new products are released they will appear on the Marine Division of Vertex Standard Web site.

PRODUCT SUPPORT INQUIRIES

If you have any questions or comments regarding the use of the GX1100S, you can visit the Marine Division of Vertex Standard Web site to send an E-Mail or contact the Product Support team at 800-767-2450 M-F 7:00- 5:00PST.

GX1100S		Page 5

5 FCC RADIO LICENSE INFORMATION

Vertex Standard radios comply with the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) requirements that regulate the Maritime Radio Service.

STATION LICENSE

An FCC ship station license is no longer required for any vessel traveling in U.S. waters (except Hawaii) which is under 20 meters in length. However, any vessel required to carry a marine radio on an international voyage, carrying a HF single side band radiotelephone or marine satellite terminal is required to have a ship station license. FCC license forms, including applications for ship (605) and land station licenses can be downloaded via the Internet at http://www.fcc.gov/Forms/Form605/605.html. To obtain a form from the FCC, call [phone].

RADIO CALL SIGN

Currently the FCC does not require recreational boaters to have a Ship Radio Station License. The USCG recommends the boats registration number and the state to be used.

CANADIAN SHIP STATION LICENSING

You may need a license when traveling in Canada. If you do need a license contact their nearest field office or regional office or write:

Industry Canada

Radio Regulatory Branch

Attn: DOSP

300 Slater Street

Ottawa, Ontario

Canada, KIA 0C8

FCC / INDUSTRY CANADA INFORMATION

The following data pertaining to the transceiver is necessary to fill out the license application.

Type Acceptance .........................................................................	FCC Part 80
Output Power ...............................................	1 Watt (low) and 25 Watts (high)
Emission .........................................................................	16K0G3E, 16K0G2B
Frequency Range .....................................................	156.025 to 163.275 MHz
FCC Type Number ....................................................................	K6630373X3D
Industry Canada Type Approval .............................................	511B-30373X3S

Page 6		GX1100S

6 FCC NOTICE

NOTICE

Unauthorized changes or modifications to this equipment may void compliance with FCC Rules. Any change or modification must be approved in writing by Marine Division of Vertex Standard.

NOTICE

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

-Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

-Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

-Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

-Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

GX1100S		Page 7

7 GETTING STARTED

7.1 ABOUT VHF RADIO

The radio frequencies used in the VHF marine band lie between 156 and 158 MHz with some shore stations available between 161 and 163 MHz. The marine VHF band provides communications over distances that are essentially “line of sight” (VHF signals do not travel well through objects such as buildings, hills or trees). Actual transmission range depends much more on antenna type, gain and height than on the power output of the transmitter. On a fixed mount 25W radio transmission expected distances can be greater than 15 miles.

7.2 SELECTING AN ANTENNA

Marine antennas are made to radiate signals equally in all horizontal directions, but not straight up. The objective of a marine antenna is to enhance the signal toward the horizon. The degree to which this is accomplished is called the antenna’s gain. It is measured in decibels (dB) and is one of the major factors in choosing an antenna. In terms of effective radiated power (ERP), antennas are rated on the basis of how much gain they have over a theoretical antenna with zero gain. A 3 foot, 3dB gain antenna represents twice as much gain over the imaginary antenna.

Typically a 3 foot 3dB gain stainless steel whip is used on a sailboat mast. The longer 8 foot 6dB fibreglass whip is primarily used on power boats that require the additional gain.

Page 8		GX1100S

7.3 COAXIAL CABLE

VHF antennas are connected to the transceiver by means of a coaxial cable – a shielded transmission line. Coaxial cable is specified by it’s diameter and construction.

For runs less than 20 feet, RG-58/U, about 1/4 inch in diameter is a good choice. For runs over 20 feet but less than 50 feet, the larger RG-8X should be used for cable runs over 50 feet RG-213 should be used. For installation of the connector onto the coaxial cable refer to the figure below.

To get your coax cable through a fitting and into your boat’s interior, you may have to cut off the end plug and reattach it later. You can do this if you follow the directions that are supplied with the connector. Be sure to make good soldered connections.

GX1100S		Page 9

8 INSTALLATION

8.1 LOCATION

The radio can be mounted at any angle. Choose a mounting location that:

•keeps the radio and microphone at least 3.3 ft (1 m) away from your vessel’s magnetic navigation compass

•provides accessibility to the front panel controls

•allows connection to a power source and an antenna

•has nearby space for installation of a microphone hanger

•the antenna must be mounted at least 3.3 ft (1 m) from radio

Note: To insure the radio does not affect the compass, or that the radios performance is not affected by the antenna location, temporarily connect the radio in the desired location and:

a.Examine the compass to see if the radio causes any deviation

b.Connect the antenna and key the radio. Check to ensure the radio is operating correctly by requesting a radio check.

8.2MOUNTING THE RADIO

8.2.1 Supplied Universal Mounting Bracket

The supplied universal mounting bracket allows overhead or desktop mounting.

Use a 13/64” (5.2-mm) bit to drill the holes to a surface which is more 0.4 inch (10 mm) thick and can support more than 3.3 lbs (1.5 kg) and secure the bracket with the supplied screws, spring washers, flat washers, and nuts.

Desktop Mounting				Overhead Mounting
Page 10								GX1100S

8.2.2 Optional MMB-84 Flush Mount Bracket

1.To assist in flush mounting, a template has been included. Use this template to assess the mounting location.

2.Use the template to mark the location where the rectangular hole is to be cut. Confirm the space behind the dash or panel is deep enough to accommodate the transceiver (at least 6.7 inches or 17 cm deep).

There should be at least 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) between the transceiver’s heatsink and any wiring, cables or structures.

3.Cut out the rectangular hole and insert the transceiver.

4.Fasten the brackets to the sides of the transceiver with the lock washer nut combination; so that the mounting screw base faces the mounting surface.

5.Turn the adjusting screw to adjust the tension so that the transceiver is tight against the mounting surface.

Bracket

Adjusting Screw

Lock-washer nut combination

MMB-84 Flush Mount Installation

GX1100S		Page 11

8.3 ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS

CAUTION

Reverse polarity connections will damage the radio!

Connect the power cord and antenna to the radio. Antenna and Power Supply connections are as follows (see Figure 1):

1.Mount the antenna at least 1 m away from the radio. At the rear of the radio, connect the antenna cable.

2.Connect the red power wire to a 13.8 VDC ±20% power source. Connect the black power wire to a negative ground.

3.If an optional remote extension speaker is to be used, refer to next section for connections.

4.It is advisable to have a Certified Marine Technician check the power output and the standing wave ratio of the antenna after installation.

Optional Speaker

GPS Navigation Receiver

Antenna

Accessory Cable

Water proof

Deck Outlet

Fuse

Red Black

Power Source

Figure 1. General Installation

Fuse Replacement

To take out the Fuse from the Fuse Holder, hold the both ends of the Fuse Holder and pull the Fuse Holder apart, do not bend the Fuse Holder. When you replace the Fuse, please confirm that the Fuse is tightly fixed on the metal contact located inside the Fuse Holder. If the metal contact holding the fuse is loose, the Fuse holder may heat up.

Page 12		GX1100S

8.4 ACCESSORY CABLE

Wire Color/Description	Connection Examples
WHITE - External Speaker (+)	Connect to external 4 Ohm audio speaker
SHIELD - External Speaker (–)	Connect to external 4 Ohm audio speaker
BLUENMEA Input (+)	Connect to NMEA (+) output of GPS
GREEN - NMEA Input (–)	Connect to NMEA ground of GPS
PURPLE - NMEA Output (+)	Connect to NMEA (+) input of GPS

When connecting the external speaker or GPS navigation receiver, strip off about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of the specified wire’s insulation, then splice the ends together using proper waterproofing techniques.

	PA Speaker
Shield	GPS Receiver
White
Blue	NMEA OUT ( )
Green	NMEA OUT ( )
Purple	NMEA IN ( )

•The GPS must have the NMEA Output turned on and set to 4800 Baud in the setup menu. If there is a selection for parity select none.

•For further information on interfacing /setting up your GPS. Please contact the manufacturer of the GPS receiver.

•GX1100S can read NMEA-0183 version 2.0 or higher.

•The NMEA supported sentences are:

Input: GLL, GGA, RMC and GNS (RMC sentence is recommended) Output: DSC and DSE

(DSC sentences to Standard Horizon Plotter for Position Polling)

8.5 CHECKING GPS CONNECTIONS

After connections have been made between the GX1100S and the GPS, a small satellite icon will appear on the top right corner of the display, and displays your current location (Latitude/Longitude) on the display.

NOTE

If there is a problem with the NMEA input from a GPS, the GPS icon will blink continuously until the connection is corrected.

GX1100S		Page 13

8.6 CHANGING THE GPS TIME

From the Factory the GX1100S shows GPS satellite time or UTC time. A time offset is needed to show the local time in your area.

1. Press and hold down the [CALL(MENU)] key until “SETUP MENU” appears.

2. Press the [ENT] key, then select “TIME OFFSET”

with the [S(UP)] / [T(DOWN)] keys. 3. Press the [ENT] key. 4. Press the [S(UP)] / [T(DOWN)] keys to select

time offset from UTC. See illustration below to find your offset time from UTC. If “00:00” is assigned, the time is the same as UTC (Universal Time Coordinated or GMT Greenwich Mean Time). 5. Press the [ENT] key to store the time offset.

6. Press the [16/9] key to exit the menu mode and return to radio operation.

OFFSET TIME TABLE

Page 14		GX1100S

8.7 CHANGING THE TIME LOCATION

Sets the radio to show UTC time or Local time with the offset inputted in section 8.6 Changing the GPS Time.

1. Press and hold down the [CALL(MENU)] key until “SETUP MENU” appears.

2. Press the [ENT] key, then select “TIME DISPLAY”

with the [S(UP)] / [T(DOWN)] keys. 3. Press the [ENT] key. 4. Press the [S(UP)] / [T(DOWN)] to select “UTC” or “LOCAL”. 5. Press the [ENT] key to store the selected setting.

6. Press the [16/9] key to exit the menu mode and return to radio operation.

In the Local time mode, the display shows the time by the 12-hour system. Meanwhile, the display shows the time by 24-hour system in the UTC time mode.

(“UTC” mode)

(“LOCAL” mode)

GX1100S		Page 15

9 CONTROLS AND INDICATORS

NOTE

This section defines each control of the transceiver. See Figure 4 for location of controls. For detailed operating instructions refer to section “10 BASIC OPERATION.”

POWER SWITCH / VOLUME CONTROL (VOL/PWR)

Turns the transceiver on and off as well as adjusts the audio volume. Turn this knob clockwise to turn the radio on and to increase the speakers audio volume level.

Turn fully counter-clockwise to turn the radio off.

SQUELCH CONTROL (SQL)

Adjusting this control clockwise, sets the point at which random noise on the channel does not activate the audio circuits but a received signal will. This point is called the squelch threshold. Further adjustment of the squelch control will degrade reception of wanted transmissions.

[CLR(WX)] Key

Press the [CLR(WX)] key to cancel the menu selection.

Secondary use

Press and hold the [CLR(WX)] key to recall the last-used NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Weather Channel from any channel location. Recalls the previously-selected working channel when press and hold the [CLR(WX)] key again.

[ENT] Key

Press the [ENT] Key to determine the menu selection.

[CALL(MENU)] Key

Press the [CALL(MENU)] key to access the “DSC MENU”. The “INDIVIDUAL CALL”, “GROUP CALL”, “ALL SHIPS CALL”, “POS REQUEST”, “POS REPORT”, “DSC LOG”, and “DSC TEST” functions can be accessed from the “DCS MENU”.

NOTE

Before the “DSC MENU” menu can be selected a MMSI must be entered. Refer to section “11.2 MARITIME MOBILE SERVICE IDENTITY (MMSI).”

Secondary use

Press and hold the [CALL(MENU)] key to access the “SETUP MENU”. The “RADIO SETUP” (refer to section “11 RADIO SETUP MODE”), “DSC SETUP”, “POS INPUT”, and “MMSI SETUP” functions can be accessed from the “SETUP MENU”.

Page 16		GX1100S

Figure 4. Controls and Connectors

GX1100S		Page 17

KEYPAD

[S(UP)] / [T(DOWN)] KEYS

The [S(UP)] and [T(DOWN)] keys are used to select a desired channel and to select items in the DSC OPERATION and SETUP menus.

[16/9] Key

Immediately recalls channel 16 from any channel location and automatically selects high power. Holding down this key recalls channel 9. Pressing the [16/9] key again reverts to the previous selected working channel.

Secondary use

Press and hold the [16/9] key then press the [CLR(WX)] key to switch between the USA, Canadian, and International Channel Groups.

[SCAN(MEM)] Key

Press this key to start and stop the scanning of programmed channels. Refer to section “8.10 SCANNING” for details.

Secondary use

To add a channel into the scan memory, select the channel and press and hold the [SCAN(MEM)] key until “MEM” is shown on the display. To delete a memorized channel from scan memory, select the channel and press and hold the [SCAN(MEM)] key until “MEM” is removed from the display.

[DISTRESS] Key

Used to send a DSC Distress Call. To send the distress call refer to section “9.3.1 (Transmitting A Distress Alert).”

DC INPUT CABLE

Connects the radio to a DC power supply capable of delivering 12V DC.

EXTERNAL SPEAKER CONNECTION CABLE

Connects the GX1100S to an external speaker.

GPS RECEIVER CONNECTION CABLE

Connects the GX1100S to a GPS receiver.

GND TERMINAL

Connects the GX1100S to a good ground, for safety and optimum performance.

Normally, the GND connection to the heat sink is not needed. However, when the DC power cable connection to the radio has a long run, the transmitter may become unstable and the receiving audio may be noisy. In such a case, connect a large diameter, short cable between this terminal on the heat sink and battery ground.

Page 18		GX1100S

Install only the supplied screw or similar size (M3x6, Stainless Steel) screw.

ANTENNA JACK

Connects an antenna to the transceiver. Use a marine VHF antenna with an impedance of 50 ohms.

MICROPHONE

Transmits the voice message with reduction of background noise, using Clear Voice Noise Reduction Technology.

NOTE

Be sure your mouth is about 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) from the mic hole for best performance.

PTT (Push-To-Talk) SWITCH

Keys the transmitter when the transceiver is in radio mode.

[S(UP)] / [T(DOWN)] KEYS

The [S(UP)] and [T(DOWN)] keys on the microphone function the same as the [S(UP)] and [T(DOWN)] keys on the front panel of the transceiver.

[16/9] Key

The [16/9] key on the microphone functions the same as the [16/9] key on the front panel of the transceiver.

Immediately recalls channel 16 from any channel location. Holding down this key recalls channel 9. Pressing the [16/9] key again reverts to the previous selected working channel.

[H/L] Key

Press this key to toggle the transmit output power between 25 W (High) and 1 W (Low) power. When the [H/L] key is pressed while the transceiver is on channel 13 or 67, the power will temporarily switch from LO to HI power until the PTT is released.

The [H/L] key does not function on transmit inhibited and low power only channels.

NOTE

1W low power is indicated by LO on the display, when 25W high power is selected the display do not show an indication.

GX1100S		Page 19

10BASIC OPERATION

10.1RECEPTION

1.After the transceiver has been installed, ensure that the power supply and antenna are properly connected.

2.Turn the VOL/PWR knob clockwise to turn the transceiver on.

3.Turn the SQL knob fully counterclockwise. This state is known as “squelch off”.

4.Turn up the VOL knob until noise or audio from the speaker is at a comfortable level.

5.Turn the SQL knob clockwise until the random noise disappears. This state is known as the “squelch threshold.”

6.Press the [S(UP)] or [T(DOWN)] keys to select the desired channel. Refer to the channel chart on page 64 for available channels.

7.When a message is received, adjust the volume to the desired listening level. The “” indicator in the LCD is displayed indicating that the channel is being used.

10.2 TRANSMISSION

1.Perform steps 1 through 6 of RECEPTION.

2.Before transmitting, monitor the channel to ensure it is clear.

THIS IS AN FCC REQUIREMENT!

3Press the PTT (push-to-talk) switch. The “” indicator in the LCD is displayed.

4.Speak slowly and clearly into the microphone.

5.When the transmission is finished, release the PTT switch.

NOTE

This is a noise cancelling microphone. The oval slot on the bottom of microphone should be positioned within 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) from the mouth for optimum performance.

10.3 TRANSMIT TIME - OUT TIMER (TOT)

When the PTT switch on the microphone is held down, transmit time is limited to 5 minutes. This limits unintentional transmissions due to a stuck microphone. About 10 seconds before automatic transmitter shutdown, a warning beep will be heard from the speaker(s). The transceiver will automatically go to receive mode, even if the PTT switch is continually held down. Before transmitting again, the PTT switch must first be released and then pressed again.

NOTE

When a transmission was shut down by the TOT, the GX1100S can not transmit afterwards for 10 seconds.

Page 20		GX1100S

10.4 SIMPLEX/DUPLEX CHANNEL USE

Refer to the VHF MARINE CHANNEL CHART (page 64) for instructions on use of simplex and duplex channels.

NOTE

All channels are factory-programmed in accordance with International, Industry Canada (Canada), and FCC (USA) regulations. Mode of operation cannot be altered from simplex to duplex or vice-versa.

10.5 USA, INTERNATIONAL, AND CANADA MODE

1.To change the modes, hold the [16/9] key and press the [CLR(WX)] key. The mode changes from “USA” to “International” to “Canadian” with each press of the [CLR(WX)] key.

2.“USA” will be displayed on the LCD for USA mode, “INTL” will be displayed for International mode, and “CAN” will be displayed for Canadian mode.

3.Refer to the VHF MARINE CHANNEL CHART (page 61) for allocated channels in each mode.

USA MODE

INTERNATIONAL MODE

CANADIAN MODE

10.6 NOAA WEATHER CHANNELS

NOTE

NOAA Weather channels are available in the waters of USA and Canada only.

1. To receive a NOAA weather channel, press and hold the [CLR(WX)] key from any channel. The transceiver will go to the last selected weather channel.

2.Press the [S]/[T] keys to select a different NOAA weather channel.

3.To exit from the NOAA weather channels, press and hold the [CLR(WX)] key. The transceiver returns to the channel it was on prior to a weather channel.

10.6.1 NOAA Weather Alert

In the event of extreme weather disturbances, such as storms and hurricanes, the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) sends a weather alert accompanied by a 1050 Hz tone and subsequent weather report on one of the NOAA weather channels. When the Weather Alert feature is enabled (see section “12.8 WX ALERT”), the transceiver is capable of receiving this alert if

GX1100S		Page 21

the following is performed:

1.Program NOAA weather channels into the transceiver’s memory for scanning. Follow the same procedure as for regular channels under section “10.11 SCANNING.”

2.Press the [SCAN(MEM)] key once to start memory scanning or priority scanning (determined from the “RADIO SETUP” selection, see page 56 for details).

3.The programmed NOAA weather channels will be scanned along with the regular-programmed channels. However, scanning will not stop on a normal weather broadcast unless a NOAA alert is received.

4.When an alert is received on a NOAA weather channel, scanning will stop and the transceiver will emit a loud beep to alert the user of a NOAA broadcast.

5.Press the [CLR(WX)] key to stop the alert tone and receive the weather report.

NOTE

If the [CLR(WX)] key is not pressed the alert tone will be emitted for 5 minutes and then the weather report will be received.

The Weather Alert feature is also engaged while the transceiver is receiving on one of the NOAA weather channels.

10.6.2 NOAA Weather Alert Testing

NOAA tests the alert system every Wednesday between 11AM and 1PM. To test the GX1100S’s NOAA Weather alert feature, on Wednesday between 11AM and 1PM, setup as in previous section and confirm the alert is heard.

10.7 EMERGENCY (CHANNEL 16 USE)

Channel 16 is known as the Hail and Distress Channel. An emergency is defined as a threat to life or property. In such instances, be sure the transceiver is on and set to CHANNEL 16. Then use the following procedure:

1.	Press the microphone push-to-talk switch and say “Mayday, Mayday, May-
	day. This is		,		,			” (your vessel’s name).
2.	Then repeat once: “Mayday,								” (your vessel’s name).

3.Now report your position in latitude/longitude, or by giving a true or magnetic bearing (state which) to a well-known landmark such as a navigation aid or geographic feature such as an island or harbour entry.

4.Explain the nature of your distress (sinking, collision, aground, fire, heart attack, life-threatening injury, etc.).

5.State the kind of assistance you desire (pumps, medical aid, etc.).

6.Report the number of persons aboard and condition of any injured.

7.Estimate the present seaworthiness and condition of your vessel.

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8.Give your vessel’s description: length, design (power or sail), color and other distinguishing marks. The total transmission should not exceed 1 minute.

9.End the message by saying “OVER.” Release the microphone button and listen.

10.If there is no answer, repeat the above procedure. If there is still no response, try another channel.

10.8 CALLING ANOTHER VESSEL (CHANNEL 16 OR 9)

Channel 16 may be used for initial contact (hailing) with another vessel.

However, its most important use is for emergency messages. This channel must be monitored at all times except when actually using another channel.

It is monitored by the European, U.S. and Canadian Coast Guards and by other vessels. Use of channel 16 for hailing must be limited to initial contact only. Calling should not exceed 30 seconds, but may be repeated 3 times at 2- minute intervals. In areas of heavy radio traffic, congestion on channel 16 resulting from its use as a hailing channel can be reduced significantly in U.S. waters by using channel 9 as the initial contact (hailing) channel for non-emer- gency communications. Here, also, calling time should not exceed 30 seconds but may be repeated 3 times at 2-minute intervals.

Prior to making contact with another vessel, refer to the channel charts in this manual, and select an appropriate channel for communications after initial contact. For example, Channels 68 and 69 are some of the channels available to non-commercial (recreational) boaters. Monitor your desired channel in advance to make sure you will not be interrupting other traffic, and then go back to either channel 16 or 9 for your initial contact.

When the hailing channel (16 or 9) is clear, state the name of the other vessel you wish to call and then “this is” followed by the name of your vessel and your Station License (Call Sign). When the other vessel returns your call, immediately request another channel by saying “go to,” the number of the other channel, and “over.” Then switch to the new channel. When the new channel is not busy, call the other vessel.

After a transmission, say “over,” and release the microphone’s push-to-talk (PTT) switch. When all communication with the other vessel is completed, end the last transmission by stating your Call Sign and the word “out.” Note that it is not necessary to state your Call Sign with each transmission, only at the beginning and end of the contact.

Remember to return to Channel 16 when not using another channel. Some radios automatically monitor Channel 16 even when set to other channels or when scanning.

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