Standard Horizon HX-100S User Manual
HX100/HX150
Floating VHF Marine Transceiver
Owner’s Manual
HX100 HX150
Page 1HX100/HX150
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Quick Reference Guide .................................................................................................................................... 3
1. GENERAL INFORMATION ........................................................................................................................ 4
1.1 INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................ 4
1.2 SAFETY INFORMATION .............................................................................................................. 5
2. ACCESSORIES .......................................................................................................................................... 6
2.1 PACKING LIST .............................................................................................................................. 6
2.2 OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES ......................................................................................................... 6
3. ABOUT THIS RADIO ................................................................................................................................ 8
3.1 ABOUT THE VHF MARINE BAND ............................................................................................ 8
3.2 ABOUT WATER RESISTANCE ................................................................................................... 8
3.3 DISTRESS AND HAILING (CHANNEL 16) ................................................................................ 8
3.4 CALLING ANOTHER VESSEL (CHANNEL 16 OR 9) ............................................................... 9
3.5 OPERATING ON CHANNEL 13 ................................................................................................ 10
3.6 OPERATING ON CHANNEL 67 ................................................................................................ 10
3.7 SIMPLEX / DUPLEX CHANNEL USE ........................................................................................ 10
3.8 AUTOMATED RADIO CHECK SERVICE ..................................................................................11
4. GETTING STARTED................................................................................................................................ 12
4.1 RADIO CARE ............................................................................................................................... 12
4.2 BATTERIES AND CHARGERS .................................................................................................. 12
4.2.1 BATTERY SAFETY ......................................................................................................... 13
4.2.2 BATTERY INSTALLATION / REMOVAL .......................................................................... 14
4.2.3 BATTERY CHARGING .................................................................................................... 15
4.3 BELT CLIP INSTALLATION / REMOVAL ................................................................................... 16
5. CONTROLS AND INDICATORS ............................................................................................................ 17
5.1 CONTROLS AND INDICATORS ................................................................................................ 17
5.2 LCD INDICATORS ...................................................................................................................... 20
6. BASIC OPERATION ................................................................................................................................ 22
6.1 PROHIBITED COMMUNICATIONS ............................................................................................ 22
6.2 INITIAL SETUP ........................................................................................................................... 22
6.3 RECEPTION ................................................................................................................................ 22
6.4 TRANSMISSION .......................................................................................................................... 23
6.4.1 TRANSMIT TIME-OUT TIMER (TOT) .............................................................................. 23
6.5 USA, CANADIAN, AND INTERNATIONAL CHANNELS .......................................................... 24
6.6 KEYPAD LOCKING ..................................................................................................................... 24
6.7 NOAA WEATHER CHANNELS .................................................................................................. 24
6.7.1 NOAA WEATHER ALERT ................................................................................................ 25
6.7.2 NOAA WEATHER ALERT TESTING ................................................................................ 25
6.8 PRESET CHANNELS (0 ~ 9): INSTANT ACCESS ................................................................... 26
6.8.1 PROGRAMMING ............................................................................................................. 26
6.8.2 OPERATION ..................................................................................................................... 26
6.8.3 DELETING A PRESET CHANNEL ................................................................................ 26
6.9 SCANNING .................................................................................................................................. 27
6.9.1 PROGRAMMING SCAN MEMORY ............................................................................... 27
6.9.2 SELECTING SCAN TYPE .............................................................................................. 27
6.9.3 OPERATION ..................................................................................................................... 28
6.9.3.1 Priority Scan ....................................................................................................... 28
6.9.3.2 Memory Scan ..................................................................................................... 29
6.10 DUAL WATCH ............................................................................................................................. 29
6.11 TRI-WATCH ................................................................................................................................. 30
7. MENU (“SET”) MODE .............................................................................................................................. 31
8. MAINTENANCE ........................................................................................................................................ 33
8.1 GENERAL .................................................................................................................................... 33
8.2 REPLACEMENT PARTS............................................................................................................. 33
8.3 FACTORY SERVICE ................................................................................................................... 34
8.4 TROUBLESHOOTING CHART ................................................................................................... 34
9. VHF MARINE CHANNEL ASSIGNMENT ............................................................................................. 35
10. WARRANTY.............................................................................................................................................. 41
11. SPECIFICATIONS .................................................................................................................................... 44
11.1 GENERAL .................................................................................................................................... 44
11.2 TRANSMITTER............................................................................................................................ 44
11.3 RECEIVER ................................................................................................................................... 45
12. FCC AND CANADA RADIO LICENSE INFORMATION ..................................................................... 46
13. FCC NOTICE ........................................................................................................................................... 47
HX100/HX150Page 2
Quick RefeRence Guide
The HX100/HX150 is equipped with the E2O (Easy-To-Operate) menu system.
You can perform the basic operation in numerical order of the illustration below.
Press and hold the key to turn on or off the radio.
Press the key (“VOL” is displayed to the left of the channel number),
then press the
Press the key twice (“SQL” is displayed to the left of the channel
number), then press the
squelch the radio.
Press the / key to selects the operating channel.
Press the key to toggle the transmit power between High (5 W:
HX150, 2.5 W: HX100) and Low (1 W). “L” will be displayed on the LCD
when Low (1W) power is selected.
Press the key to recall channel 16.
Press and hold the
Press the
Place your mouth about 1 inch (2.5 cm) away from MIC hole and speak
in a normal voice level while pressing the PTT switch.
/ key to adjust the speaker audio volume.
key to squelch or press the key to un-
key for two seconds to recall channel 9.
key again to revert to the last selected channel.
MIC Hole
Page 3HX100/HX150
1. GENERAL INFORMATION
1.1 INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of the HX100/HX150! Whether this is
your rst portable marine VHF transceiver, or if you have other STANDARD
HORIZON equipment, the STANDARD HORIZON organization is committed to ensuring your enjoyment of this high performance transceiver, which
should provide you with many years of satisfying communications even in the
harshest of environments. STANDARD HORIZON technical support personnel stands behind every product sold, and we invite you to contact us should
you require technical advice or assistance by calling (800)767-2450 Monday
through Friday 8AM to 5PM Pacic time.
The HX100/HX150 is a Submersible Floating 5-Watt (for HX150) or 2.5-Watt
(for HX100) portable two way marine transceiver programmed with all allocated USA, International, or Canadian channels. The transceiver is equipped
with the emergency channel 16 which can be immediately selected from any
channel by pressing the
(National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Weather channels which
can be accessed immediately by pressing and holding the
The HX100/HX150 includes the following features: Memory Scanning, Priority Scanning, Dual and Tri-watch, NOAA Weather Alert, easy-to-read large
LCD display, Battery Life displayed on LCD, and a transmit Time-Out Timer
(TOT).
key. The HX100/HX150 also features 10 NOAA
key.
The HX100/HX150 transmitter provides a full 5 Watt (HX150) or 2.5-Watt
(HX100) of transmit power and also is selectable to 1 Watt to assist the user
in ensuring maximum battery life.
We appreciate your purchase of the HX100/HX150, and encourage you to
read this manual thoroughly, so as to learn and fully understand the capabilities of the HX100/HX150.
HX100/HX150Page 4
1.2 SAFETY INFORMATION
Your wireless handheld portable VHF transceiver contains a low power
transmitter. When the Push-to-Talk (PTT) button is pushed, the transceiver
sends out radio frequency (RF) signals. In August 1996, the Federal Communications Commission adopted RF exposure guidelines with safety levels
for hand-held wireless devices.
This device is authorized to operate at a duty factor not to exceed 50% (this
corresponds to 50% transmission time and 50% reception time).
WARNING: To maintain compliance with the FCC’s RF exposure guidelines,
this transmitter and its antenna must maintain a separation distance of at
least 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) from your face. Speak in a normal voice, with
the antenna pointed up and away from the face at the required separation
distance.
Use only the supplied antenna. Unauthorized antennas, modications, or attachments could damage the transmitter, and may violate FCC regulations.
Page 5HX100/HX150
2. ACCESSORIES
2.1 PACKING LIST
When the package containing the transceiver is rst opened, please check it
for the following contents:
HX100 (QTY 2) or HX150 Transceiver
FNB-125 Ni-MH Battery Pack (QTY 2 for HX100)
FNB-124LI Li-ion Battery Pack (for HX150)
PA-48B AC Wall Charger (100-240 VAC, Type-A plug)
CD-56 Twin Charging Cradle (for HX100)
CD-57 Charging Cradle (for HX150)
CLIP-24 Belt Clip (QTY 2 for HX100, QTY 1 for HX150)
Owner’s Manual
2.2 OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
FNB-125 Ni-MH Battery Pack (for HX100)
FNB-124LI Li-ion Battery Pack (for HX150)
E-DC-19A DC cable with 12 V Cigarette Lighter Plug
CD-56 CD-57 PA-48B
E-DC-19A FNB-124LI FNB-125
Note: Before operating the HX100/HX150 for the first time, it is recom-
mended that the battery be charged. Please see section “4.2.3 BATTERY
CHARGING” for details.
CLIP-24
HX100/HX150Page 6
MEMO
Page 7HX100/HX150
3. ABOUT THIS RADIO
3.1 ABOUT THE VHF MARINE BAND
The radio frequencies used in the VHF marine band lie between 156 and
158 MHz with NOAA Weather 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.
When transmitting using a xed mount 25 W radio the expected transmission
distance can be greater than 15 miles, for a portable handheld 5 W radio the
expected transmission distance can be greater than 5 miles in “line of sight.”
The user of a Marine VHF radio is subject to severe nes if the radio is used
on land. The reasoning for this is you may be near an inland waterway, or
propagation anomalies may cause your transmission to be heard in a waterway. If this occurs, depending upon the marine VHF channel on which you
are transmitting, you could interfere with a search and rescue replace case
with operation, or contribute to a collision between passing ships. For VHF
Marine channel assignments refer to section “9. VHF MARINE CHANNEL
CHART ASSIGNMENT”.
WARNING
This radio is capable of transmitting on Marine VHF.
The FCC allows the use of VHF Marine band on water areas only. However the FCC does not allow the use of the VHF Marine band when
on land. If persons use the VHF Marine Band on land and interfere
with others communicating, the FCC will be notied and search for the
interference. Responsible parties found to be transmitting on the VHF
Marine Band on land could be ned up to $10,000 for the rst offense.
3.2 ABOUT WATER RESISTANCE
The HX100/HX150 is only submersible※ when the Battery Cover is latched.
IPX7 Specication for submersibility: 3 ft. (1 m) for 30 minutes.
※
3.3 DISTRESS AND HAILING (CHANNEL 16
Channel 16 is known as the Hail and Distress Channel. An emergency may
be dened 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 PTT (Push-To-Talk) switch and say “Mayday, Mayday, May-
day. This is _____, _____, _____” (your vessel’s name).
)
HX100/HX150Page 8
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 harbor entry.
4. Explain the nature of your distress (sinking, collision, aground, re, heart
attack, life-threatening injury, etc.).
5. State the kind of assistance your 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.
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 PTT switch and listen.
10. If there is no answer, repeat the above procedure. If there is still no response, try another channel.
3.4 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 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 trafc, congestion on channel 16 resulting
from its use as a hailing channel can be reduced signicantly in U.S. waters
by using Channel 9 as the initial contact (hailing) channel for non-emergency
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 of the U.S. VHF Charts 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 trafc, 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.
)
Page 9HX100/HX150
After a transmission, say “over”, and release the PTT (Push-To-Talk) 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.
3.5 OPERATING ON CHANNEL 13
Channel 13 is used at docks, bridges and for maneuvering in port. Messages
on this channel must concern navigation only, such as meeting and passing
in restricted waters. In emergencies and when approaching blind river bends,
High power is allowed. Pressing the
from Low Power (1 Watt) to High (5 Watts: HX150, 2.5 Watts: HX100). When
you change from this channel then return to it, low power will be automatically selected.
key will change the power output
3.6 OPERATING ON CHANNEL 67
When channel 67 is used for navigational bridge-to-bridge trafc between
ships, High power may be used temporarily (in the USA band) by pressing
the
to low power.
key. When you select this channel again, the transceiver will revert
3.7 SIMPLEX/DUPLEX CHANNEL USE
Refer to the section “9. VHF MARINE CHANNEL CHART ASSIGNMENT”
for instructions on use of simplex and duplex channels.
NOTE
All channels are factory-programmed in accordance with FCC (USA),
Industry Canada and International regulations. The mode of operation cannot be altered from simplex to duplex or vice-versa. Simplex
(ship to ship) or duplex (marine operator) mode is automatically activated, depending on the channel and whether the USA, International
or Canadian operating band is selected.
HX100/HX150Page 10
3.8 AUTOMATED RADIO CHECK SERVICE
In areas across the country, Sea Tow offers boaters a way to conduct radio
checks. To use Sea Tow’s free Automated Radio Check service, simply tune
your VHF radio to the appropriate channel for your location and conduct a
radio check as you typically would. Upon releasing your radio’s microphone,
the system will play an automated message and relay your transmission
back to you, thereby letting you know how your signal will sound to other
boaters.
The Automated Radio Check Service is currently available in the areas listed
below.
West Coast
Sea Tow Newport/LA - Ch. 27
Sea Tow San Diego - Ch. 27
Northeast
Sea Tow Portland-Midcoast (Maine) - Ch. 27
Sea Tow Boston - Ch. 27
Sea Tow South Shore (Mass.) - Ch. 28
Sea Tow Rhode Island - Ch. 24
Sea Tow Eastern Long Island - Ch. 27
Sea Tow Huntington (N.Y.) - Ch. 27
Sea Tow Manasquan (N.J.) - Ch. 28
Mid-Atlantic
Sea Tow Northern Chesapeake (Md.) - Ch. 28
Sea Tow Central Chesapeake (Md.) - Ch. 27
Sea Tow Hampton Roads (Va.) - Ch. 28
North Carolina
Sea Tow Wrightsville Beach - Ch. 28
Sea Tow Ocean Isle Beach - Ch. 28
Florida
Sea Tow Sebastian - Ch. 28
Sea Tow Fort Lauderdale - Ch. 27
Sea Tow Charlotte Harbor - Ch. 24
Sea Tow Tampa Bay - Ch. 27
Sea Tow Horseshoe Beach - Ch. 27
Sea Tow Carrabelle/St. Marks - Ch. 27
Sea Tow Pensacola/Orange Beach (Ala.) - Ch. 27
Page 11HX100/HX150
4. GETTING STARTED
4.1 RADIO CARE
CAUTION
Before following the instructions below, insure the battery pack is in
place and the cover is latched. Care must be taken if the radio was
dropped and a close inspection may be needed to insure the radio
case and gaskets are in adequate condition.
After using the HX100/HX150 in salt water environment is recommended to
clean the radio with fresh by rinsing the radio under a sink faucet or by dunking the radio in a bucket of fresh water. After washing, use a soft cloth and
thoroughly dry all parts of the radio. This is to keep the rubber switches and
speaker grill clean and in top operating condition.
4.2 BATTERIES AND CHARGERS
If the radio has never been used, or its charge is depleted, it may be charged
by connecting the PA-48B Wall Charger with the CD-57 (for HX150) or
CD-56 (for HX100) Charge Cable, see section “4.2.3 BATTERY CHARGING”. The PA-48B will charge a completely discharged FNB-125 battery
pack in approximately 10 hours or FNB-124LI battery pack in approximately
6 hours.
The FNB-124LI is a high performance Li-ion battery providing high capacity in a compact package. Recharging can be provided while the pack is installed inside the HX150.
The FNB-125 is a rechargeable Ni-MH battery pack. Recharging can be provided while the pack is installed inside the HX100.
FNB-124LI, FNB-125 Rechargeable Battery Pack
Battery Type FNB-124LI FNB-125
Temperature Range
Charge 5 41 35 95 10 50 40 104
Discharge –20 –4 60 140 0 32 60 140
Storage
To avoid risk of explosion and injury, FNB-124LI and FNB-125 battery
pack should only be removed, charged or recharged in non-hazardous
environments.
Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum
°C °F °C °F °C °F °C °F
–10 14 35 95 –20 –4 35 95
CAUTION
HX100/HX150Page 12
4.2.1 BATTERY SAFETY
Battery packs for your transceiver contain Li-ion (for HX150) or Ni-MH (for
HX100) batteries. These types of batteries store a charge powerful enough
to be dangerous if misused or abused, especially when removed from the
transceiver. Please observe the following precautions:
DO NOT SHORT BATTERY PACK TERMINALS: Shorting the terminals
that power the transceiver can cause sparks, severe overheating, burns, and
battery cell damage. If the short is of sufcient duration, it is possible to melt
battery components. Do not place a loose battery pack on or near metal surfaces or objects such as paper clips, keys, tools, etc. When the battery pack
is installed on the transceiver, the terminals that transfer current to the transceiver are not exposed.
DO NOT INCINERATE: Do not dispose of any battery in a re or incinerator.
The heat of re may cause battery cells to explode and/or release dangerous
gases.
Battery Maintenance
For safe and proper battery use, please observe the following:
Battery packs should only be charged in non-hazardous environments.
Use only STANDARD HORIZON approved batteries.
Do not exceed the specied temperature limits.
Do not reverse the charge polarity. Use only the proper charger. If this is
tampered with or another charger is used, permanent damage may result.
Use only a STANDARD HORIZON approved charger. The use of any
other charger may cause permanent damage to the battery.
Follow charging instructions provided with the chargers.
Do not submerse the battery in water or charge the battery when the
charge contacts are wet.
Keep the battery contacts clean.
Do not attempt to open the battery casing.
Battery Storage
When a battery pack is not used for a long time, please remove it from the
transceiver. Also, while in storage, the charge will drain slightly over time and
the battery should be recharged each six months.
Store the batteries in a cool place to maximize storage life. Since batteries are
subject to self-discharge, avoid high storage temperatures that cause large
self-discharge rates. After extended storage, a full recharge is recommended.
Page 13HX100/HX150
Battery Recycling
DO NOT PLACE USED BATTERIES IN YOUR
REGULAR TRASH!
LI-ION AND NI -MH BATT ERIES MU ST BE
Ni-MHLi-ion
COLLECTED, RECYCLED OR DISPOSED OF
IN AN ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND MANNER.
The incineration, land lling or mixing of Li-ion batteries with the municipal
solid waste stream is PROHIBITED BY LAW in most areas.
Return batteries to an approved Li-ion battery recycler. This may be where
you purchased the battery.
Contact your local waste management ofcials for other information regarding the environmentally sound collection, recycling and disposal of Li-ion or
Ni-MH batteries.
4.2.2 BATTERY INSTALLATION / REMOVAL
Open the Battery Cover Latch on the Battery Cover, then remove the
Battery Cover from the radio while pulling the top side of the Battery
Cover.
Connect the 3-pin (FNB-124LI for HX150) or
2-pin (FNB-125 for HX150) connector from the
HX150
HX100
Battery pack to the battery jack on the transceiver.
Install the FNB-124LI (for HX150) or FNB-125
(for HX100) Battery Pack into the radio.
Install the Battery Cover by carefully aligning
the two tabs on the bottom of the cover with
the slots on the radio, then gently press the top
side of the Battery Cover. Conrm that a Rubber Gasket of the Battery Cover is installed correctly.
Close the Battery Cover Latch until it locks in
place with a “Click”.
CAUTION
To insure the HX100/HX150 will not have a
problem with water intrusion, make sure the
battery cover is properly installed and the battery latch is closed.
HX100/HX150Page 14
4.2.3 BATTERY CHARGING
1. Turn the transceiver off.
2. Insert the DC plug from the PA-48B into
the DC jack on the CD-56 (for HX100)
HX100
or CD-57 (for HX150) Charging Cradle,
then plug the PA-48B into the AC line
outlet.
3. Insert the HX100 or HX150 (with the bat-
PA-48B
tery pack) into the CD-56 (for HX100) or
CD-57 (for HX150); the antenna should
be at the left s ide whe n viewi ng the
charging cradle from the front.
CD-56
4. If the transceiver and battery pack are
inserted correctly:
HX100: The RED indicator on the CD-56
HX150
will glow.
HX150: The “ ” icon will appear in the
display.
5. A fully-discharged pack will be charged
completely in approximately 10 hours
PA-48B
(for HX100) or 6 hours (for HX150). The
HX150 is completely charged when the
“ ” disappears and “FL” for FULL ap-
CD-57
pears on the LCD display.
6. Remove the transceiver(s) from the CD-56 or CD-57, then unplug the
PA-48B from the AC line outlet.
CAUTION
Do not connect an improper battery charger to the DC jack on the
CD-56 and CD-57 Charging Cradle.
The PA-48B, CD-56 and CD-57 are not designed to be water-
proof. Do not attempt to charge in a water hazardous environment.
Please dry the transceiver and charge contacts using a soft cloth
before charging.
Page 15HX100/HX150
Loading...