Uniden MC1020 User Manual

MC 1020

VHF Marine Radio

Operating Guide

UTZZ01868ZZ

Maritime Radio Services Operation

Warning!

This transmitter will operate on channels/ frequencies that have restricted use in the United States. The channel assignments include frequencies assigned for exclusive use of the U.S. Coast Guard, use in Canada, and use in international waters. Operation in these frequencies without proper authorization is strictly forbidden. For frequencies/channels that are currently for use in the U.S. without an individual license, please contact the FCC Call Center at 1-888-CALL-FCC.

For individuals requiring a license, such as commercial users, you should obtain a license application from your nearest FCC field office.

Contents

Uniden MC 1020...............................................1

Installation ...................................................2

Choosing a Location ........................................2

Engine Noise Suppression....................................3

Antenna Considerations......................................3

Installing The MC 1020 ......................................3

Controls and Indicators..........................................4

Front Panel ...............................................4

Rear Panel Connectors ......................................5

Multi-Function Keys .........................................7

Operation ....................................................9

Triple Watch...............................................9

Manual Tuning .............................................9

Instant Channel 16/Channel 9 Communications ...................9

Weather Scan ............................................10

US/International/Canadian Channels...........................10

MEM (Entering channel numbers into Memory Scan) ..............10

Memory Scan.............................................11

Public Address ............................................11

Weather Alert .............................................11

Transmitting ..............................................12

Dimming the LCD Display Backlight and the TX Indicator...........12

Optional Accessories ..........................................13

VHF FM Marine RadioTelephone Channel and Functions

(USA Channels) ..............................................14

VHF FM Marine RadioTelephone Channel and Functions

(International Channels) ........................................15

VHF FM Marine RadioTelephone Channel and Functions

(Canadian Channels) ..........................................16

Specifications ................................................17

Uniden MC 1020

The Uniden MC 1020 VHF marine radio transceiver has been designed to give you a rugged, reliable instrument that will provide you with years of trouble-free service.

With proper care and maintenance, your Uniden MC 1020 will outlast your present vessel and serve you well on-board several more. The full features and flexibility designed into this quality transceiver will prevent it from becoming obsolete regardless of changes in craft or geographic locations.

The technical excellence of the Uniden MC 1020 is demonstrated by the multiplicity of uses for which it has been found acceptable by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission. The Uniden MC 1020 is acceptable for compulsory use on “party boats,” for use on vessels subject to the Great Lakes Radio Agreement or bridge-to-bridge requirements, for general pleasure and commercial vessels, and certain land stations in marine service.

The Uniden MC 1020 is of all solid state design with conservatively rated rugged components and materials compatible with the marine environment. The transceiver utilizes a number of gaskets, sealing rings, waterproof membranes, and other sealants to effect a splashproof housing for protection of the electronics. The unit may be mounted in any number of convenient locations on your vessel by utilizing the universal mounting bracket.

You are encouraged to thoroughly read the rest of this Operating Guide to acquaint yourself with the characteristics and operation of your transceiver so that you can contribute to the longevity of your investment.

Keep your receipt as proof-of-purchase in case warranty service is required.

Features, Specifications, and availability of Optional Accessories are all subject to change without notice.

Installation

Caution: The MC 1020 will operate only with nominal 12 volt

negative ground battery systems.

It is important to carefully determine the most suitable location for your MC 1020 on your vessel. Electrical, mechanical, and environmental considerations must all be taken into account. You must select the optimum relationship among these considerations.

Keep in mind the flexibility designed into the MC 1020 so that you can most conveniently use your radio. Features which should be considered are:

1. The universal mounting bracket may be installed on either the top or

bottom of a shelf, on a bulkhead, or for overhead mounting.

2. The REMOTE speaker jack can be used with an auxiliary speaker.

3. All connections are “plug-in” type for easy removal of the radio.

4. Front fire internal speaker allows convenient in-dash mounting using the

optional bracket.

Choosing a Location

Some important factors to consider in selecting the location for your MC 1020:

1. Select a location that is free from spray and splash.

2. Keep the battery leads as short as possible. Direct connection to the

battery is most desirable. If direct connection cannot be made with the supplied power lead, any extension should be made with #10 AWG wire. Long extensions should use larger gauge wire.

3. Keep the antenna lead as short as possible. Long antenna leads can cause

substantial loss of performance for both receiving and transmitting.

4. Locate your antenna as high as possible and clear from metal objects. The

reliable range of coverage is a direct function of antenna height.

5. Select a location that does not allow the radio to be subjected to direct

sunlight (including that coming through windows).

6. Select a location that allows free air flow around the heat sink on the rear

of the radio.

7. Select a location well away from the ship’s compass. Auxiliary speakers

also should be located away from the compass.

Engine Noise Suppression

Interference from the impulse noise generated by the electrical systems of engines is sometimes a problem with radios. The MC 1020 has been designed to be essentially impervious to ignition impulse noise and alternator noise. However, in some installations it may be necessary to take measures to further reduce the effect of noise interference. All DC battery wires, antenna lead, and accessory cables should be routed away from the engine and engine compartment, and from power cabling carrying particularly high currents.

In severe cases of impulse noise interference, it may be necessary to install a noise suppression kit. Contact your Uniden Dealer for more information.

Antenna Considerations

A variety of antennas is available from a number of quality suppliers. It is recommended you draw upon the advice of your Uniden Dealer in determining a suitable antenna for your vessel and range requirements.

In general, communication range is increased by using a high-gain antenna placed as high as possible above the water line. Antennas should be located away from metal objects. Antennas should not have excessively long coaxial feed cables.

Installing The MC 1020

After you have carefully considered the various factors affecting your choice of location, position the radio (with the bracket, microphone, power cord, antenna and any auxiliary cables installed) into the selected location to assure there is no interference with the surrounding items. Mark the location of the mounting bracket. Remove the bracket from the radio and use it as a template to mark the holes to be drilled for the mounting hardware. Drill the holes and mount the bracket with hardware compatible with the material of the mounting surface.

Connect the red wire of the supplied power cord to the positive (+) battery supply. Connect the black wire of the power cord to ground. The power cord is equipped with a fuse to protect the radio. Use only a Six (6) Ampere fast blow fuse for replacement. Connect the power cord to the keyed connector on the power “pigtail” (See page 9).

Connect the antenna and all other auxiliary cables and accessories. Install the radio in the mounting bracket and connect all cables and

accessories to the appropriate jacks and connectors.

Front Panel

Controls and Indicators

76 453 2

1. VOLUME (On/Off/Volume) - Turns the MC 1020 On or Off and varies the

audio output.

2. SQUELCH - Eliminates background noise when no signal is being

received.

Note: Items 3 through 7 are Multi-Function keys. Refer to the

“Multi-Function Keys” section for detailed descriptions.

3. STEP(also located on microphone)

4. H/L (Hi/Low)

5. MEM

6. 16/9 (Channel 16/Channel 9; also located on microphone)

WX (Weather)

8. CHAN - This control is used to manually select the desired

Communication Channel (01 - 28 and 60 - 88), or Weather Channel (0 - 9).

9. LCD Panel - Indicators for TX, SCAN, TRI,UIC,HI,LO,MEM, WX, WX

ALERT, and Channel Number.

Rear Panel Connectors

11 1012

10. DC Power and PA Speaker Output - The “Pigtail” cord and connector are

power in and PA Speaker out.

11. Remote Speaker Connector - An external 4 ohm, 4 Watt speaker may be

connected to this jack. The connecting wire must have a miniature plug.

12. Antenna Connector - Connect the antenna here using a type PL259

connector.

P A Speaker Out

(Using supplied pins)

+13.8V

Ground

Supplied Power Cord - Connect supplied power cord to the keyed connector.

20 211522

18 17 16

13. LCD Numerical Channel Display - Indicates Channel Number in use.

Weather Channels are displayed as single digits. (Example: 0, 1, 2, 3, etc.) Communication Channels are displayed as two digits (Example: 01, 02, 03, etc.).

Note: LCD Status Indicators appear when status is selected by

pressing the corresponding button.

14. WX - Indicates Weather Channel Mode has been activated. When

pressed, remains active for eight (8) seconds.

15.

(Weather Alert) - Indicates Weather Alert mode.

16. U (US) - Indicates US Channel Mode.

I (International) - Indicates International Channel Mode. C (Canada) - Indicates Canada Channel Mode.

17. TRI (Triple Watch) - Indicates Triple Watch Mode is in effect.

18. SCAN - Indicates Normal Scan Mode.

19. TX (Transmit) - LED lights when transmitting.

20. HI (High) - Indicates transmitted output is 25 Watts.

21. LO (Low) - Indicates transmitted output is 1 Watt.

22. MEM (Memory) - Indicates Memory Scan Mode status for each channel

selected.

Multi-Function Keys

76 453 2

3. STEP - This key is used to step through the channels entered in the

Memory Scan Mode. When pressed and held, this key also starts and stops the SCAN Mode.

• Press STEP to step to a desired channel.

• Press and hold STEP to begin the Channel Scan Mode and initiate

Triple Watch automatically.

4. H/L - This key is used to switch between HI (25 Watts) where allowed, or

LO (1 Watt) output power. When pressed and held, this key activates the PA mode and, when used in conjunction with the MEM key, this key adjusts the brightness of the LCD Panel and the TX LED indicator.

• Press H/L to switch between HI and LO output power.

• Press and hold H/L to access the Public Address Mode.

• Press and hold MEM, and then press H/L to adjust the brightness

of the LCD Panel backlight and the brightness of the TX LED indicator.

The LCD Panel backlight and TX LED indicator are at their brightest level when the MC 1020 is shipped from the factory.

5. MEM - This key enters channels in the Memory Scan Mode. When used

in conjunction with H/L, the LCD Panel lighting can be adjusted. When used in conjunction with the 16/9 key, the Channel Mode of Operation can be selected.

• Press MEM to enter a selected channel in Memory Scan Mode.

• Press and hold MEM, then press H/L to adjust the LCD Panel light

intensity from a bright to a dim setting. Repeat this action to return to the bright intesity setting.

• Press and hold MEM, and then press 16/9 to change the Channel Mode of Operation between US, International, or Canada.

6. 16/9 - This key is used to instantly access Channel 16 and Channel 9 communications. This key is also used to access Triple Watch, and when used in conjunction with MEM, this key lets you change between Channel Modes of Operation.

• Press 16/9 to access instant Channel 16/Channel 9 communications.

• Press and hold 16/9 to turn Triple Watch On/Off.

• Press MEM, then press 16/9 to switch between US, International or

Canada Channel Modes.

7. WX (Weather) - This key is used to switch between monitoring weather channels and communication channels. This key is also used to activate the Weather Alert Mode.

• Press WX to switch between weather and communication channels.

• Press and hold WX to turn the Weather Alert Mode On/Off.

Operation

1. Turn the unit on by rotating the VOL control clockwise.

2. Adjust the SQUELCH control counterclockwise until you hear background

noise, and then turn it clockwise until the noise just disappears.

Triple Watch

Triple Watch monitors Channel 16 and Channel 9 for activity every two seconds while scanning or monitoring.

To activate Triple Watch, press and hold 16/9 until two short beeps occur. The indicator appears on the LCD panel, indicating Triple Watch mode is in effect. If a signal is received on either Channel 16 or Channel 9, the radio remains on that channel until the signal ends

Press and hold 16/9 until the tone sounds to cancel Triple Watch Mode.

Manual Tuning

To manually select a channel, press the CHAN selector buttons (up/down) to select the desired channel. Weather Channels are located on Channels0-9. Communication Channels are located on Channels 01 - 28 and 60 - 88.

Instant Channel 16/Channel 9 Communications

To access instant Channel 16 or Channel 9 communications, press 16/9. This overrides the channel selected with the CHAN selector buttons or any scanning activity. The Channel Display indicates the unit is on Channel 16. Press 16/9 again to access Channel 9 communications. Press and release 16/9 a third time to release the switch (Off). The transceiver will return to the channel selected prior to accessing instant Channel 16/Channel 9 communications. The Channel Display will indicate the selected channel.

To cancel Channel 16/Channel 9 communications:

• Press 16/9 until previous channel setting appears. —or—

• Press WX.

Weather Scan

To scan only Weather Channels0-9,press WX, and then press and hold STEP. The indicator will appear on the LCD Panel, indicating Weather Mode.

To exit from Weather Scanning:

• Press and hold STEP to end scan.

• Press 16/9 to change to Channel 16/Channel 9 communications

—or—

• Press WX to change to standard channel communications.

US/International/Canadian Channels

To select operation (communication and scanning) on US Channels, press MEM, then press 16/9 while holding MEM. U (USA), I (International), or C (Canadian) will appear on the LCD Panel.

Select the appropriate mode for operation.

MEM (Entering channel numbers into Memory Scan)

You can enter channels into Memory Scan for instant scanning at any time.When a channel is selected for Memory Scan, the indicator will appear on the LCD display.

To enter a channel number into Memory Scan, select the channel number you want stored by pressing the CHAN Selector button up or down, and then press MEM.

Note: In order for all functions of the MC 1020 to work properly, at

least two channel numbers must be entered into Memory Scan before operating the radio.

Memory Scan

To scan channels stored in Memory Scan, press and hold STEP. In the Memory Scan Mode, the MC 1020 scans only those channel numbers previously entered into Memory Scan. If no channel has been entered into Memory Scan, the error tone sounds and the LCD Panel does not change.

Note: While in SCAN, pressing the 16/9 button three times or pressing

and holding STEP will return the radio to the channel it was on prior to accessing Memory Scan.

Public Address

To access the Public Address Mode, press and hold H/L. The icon will appear in the display. Press the Press-To-Talk switch on the microphone, hold the microphone approximately two inches from your mouth, and speak clearly in a normal voice. To cancel , press and hold H/L.

Weather Alert

The Weather Alert Mode can be activated to alert you of dangerous weather. When Weather Alert is turned on, and a warning signal is received, a siren will sound at full volume, regardless of the VOL setting. When the signal stops, you will hear the active weather channel broadcast at normal volume.

The icon indicates the Weather Alert Mode is activated. To activate the Weather Alert Mode:

1. Press WX to select Weather mode press and hold WX.

2. Press and hold STEP to begin Weather Channel Scan.

—or—

1. Manually select the active Weather Channel after selecting WX.

2. Press and hold WX to activate the Weather Alert Mode. To cancel the

Weather Alert Mode, press and hold WX again.

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Uniden MC1020 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual