The UNIDEN MC480 VHP marine radio transceiver has been designed to give you a
rugged reliable instrument that will provide you with years of trouble-free service.
You are encouraged to thoroughly read this manual to acquaint yourself with the
characteristic and operation of your transceiver so that you can contribute to the
longevity of your investment.
With proper care and maintenance, your UNIDEN MC480 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 unit may be mounted in
any number of convenient locations by utilizing the universal mounting bracket.
The technical excellence of the UNIDEN MC480 is demonstrated by the multiplici
ty of uses for which it has been found acceptable by the Department of Com
munications.
The UNIDEN MC480 is of all solid state design with conservatively rated rugged
components and materials compatible with the marine environment. The trans
ceiver utilize as a number of gaskets, sealing rings, waterproof membranes, and
other sealants to effect a splashproof housing for protection of the electronics.
- 1 -
SPECIFICATIONS
GENERAL
Channels :
Frequency Control
Method :
Antenna Impedance :50 ohms, nominal
Speaker :2,85 Inch, 8 ohms
Microphone ;
Channel Display :LED numerical readout
DOC Approval :
Frequency Stability :±0.0005%
Operating Tempera
ture Range :
Shock and Vibration :
Si 26 :
Weight :4.5 LBS
Controls :On-Off/Volume, squelch & dimmer controls
Selector Switches :
Connectors ;
Frequency Range :
Lights and
Indicators :
Standard Accessories:
Supply Voltage :
Transmit 55
Receive 55
PUL synthesizer
Rugged 600 ohms dynamic element with coiled cord and
plug-in connector
Type approved under Australia Department of Communica
tions
-20‘’Cto +50“C
Meets or exceeds El A standards, RSI 52A and RS204A
7-1/4''W(185m/m) x9-7/8"L{250m/m) x 2-1/4"H(58m/m)
1W/25W power selector. Instant channel 16 and main
channel selector switches
Antenna, microphone, remote speaker, DC power
156 to 158 MHz transmit
156 to 163 MHz receive
Red/Green Transmit-Receive LED, Green 7 segment LED
Channel Readout, Low Power & Channel 16 LED
Plug-in microphone, mounting bracket and hardware, DC
power cord, mike hanger, spare fuse, owner's manual.
13.8V DC negative ground
TRANSMITTER
Power Output ;25 or 1 watt (switch selectable)
Power Requirement :25 watts output: 4.5A @ 13.8V DC.
1 watt output : 1 .OA @ 13,8V DC.
Modulation :
FM, ±5 kHz deviation (FCC designator 16F3)
- 2 -
Hum and Noise
Attenuation
Audio Distortion
Spurious
Suppression
Output Transistor
Protection
Output Power
Stabilization
Less than 5% with 3 kHz deviation with 1000 Hz modulat
ing frequency
-70 dB
Built-in
Built-in automatic level control (ALC)
-117 dBm for 12 dB SINAD
-114 dBm for 20 dB quieting
0.20 uV (EIA method)
2yV (EIA method)
75 dB
75 dB
70 dB @ 0,3 pV desired
50 dB @ 30 iJV desired
35dB@300AiV desired
70 dB (EIA method)
±7.5 kHz@6 dBdown
±15 kHz P 60 dB down
3,5 watts minimum at 10% distortion at 1 kHz modulation
and ±3.5 kHz deviation (4 ohm speaker)
0.6A P 13.8V DC, squelched
1,2A @ 13.8V DC at rated audio output
lst-21.4 MHz
2nd--455 kHz
-50 dB (EIA method)
- 3 -
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: The MC480 will operate only with nominal 12 volt negative
ground battery systems.
It is important to carefully determine the most suitable location for your MC480
on your vessel. Electrical, mechanical, and environmental considerations must all be
taken into account. You must select the optimum relationship among these con
siderations.
Keep in mind the flexibility designed into the MC480 so that you can most con
veniently use your radio. Features which should be considered are;
1. Universal mounting bracket may be installed on either top or bottom for shelf,
bulkhead, or overhead mounting.
2. The microphone connector face forward allowing convenient in-dash or “builtin" installations.
3. The front panel can be fully reversed to provide for optimum viewing and
operating for any mounting position. (See page 5)
4. The REMOTE speaker jack may be used with an auxiliary speaker.
All connections are "plug-in" type for easy removal of the radio.
- 4 -
REVERSING THE FRONT PANEL
(8) CAREFULLY REPLACE COVER CABINET BUT ON BOTTOM OF RADIO INSERT UNDER FRONT
PANEL FIRST AND THEN LOWER AT REAR OF RADIO.
(91 TURN RADIO OVER AND RECONNECT SPEAKER WIRE LEADS,
(101 REPOSITION SPEAKER CABINET ON TOP OF RADIO AND REPLACE FOUR SCREWS TO SECURE
THE HOUSING.
(Ill RETIGHTEN FOUR APPEARANCE COVER SCREWS.
- 5 -
Some of the more important external factors to consider in selecting the location of
vour MC4S0 are:
1. Select a location that is free from sprav and splash.
2. Keep the battery leads as short as possible. Connection directly 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 wire.
3. Keep the antenna lead as short as possible. Long antenna leads can cause sub
stantial 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.
After you have carefully considered the various factors affecting your choice of
location, position the radio {with the bracket, microphone, power plug, antenna
plug, and any auxiliary plugs installed) into the selected location to assure there is
no interference with surrounding items. Make 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. Install the power
cable (red is -f, black is -), antenna and all other auxiliary cables and accessories.
Install the radio into the mounting bracket and connect all cables and accessories to
the appropriate jacks and connectors.
ANTEMNA
A variety of antennas are available from a number of quality suppliers. It is
recommended you draw upon the advice of your UNI DEN Dealer in determining a
suitable antenna for your vessel and range requirements.
The general rules for antennas are: The more gain the greater the range and, the
higher above the water line the greater the range. Antennas should be located so as
not to be in proximity to metal objects. Antennas should not have excessively long
coaxial feed cables.
- 6 -
ENGINE NOISE SUPPRESSION
Interference from the impulse noise generated by the electrical systems of engines is
sometimes a problem with radios. The MC480 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 that is available from your UNiDEN Dealer.
FRONT PANEL CONTROLS AND INDICATORS
(D (D @ ® ®
1. MICROPHONE CONNECTOR . . . Plug your Microphone in here.
2. ON/OFF VOLUME KNOB ... is used to turn on the radio and set the volume
to a comfortable level.
3. SQUELCH KNOB ... is used to quiet background noise when no signal is
being received. Turn the knob just past the pointât which background noise is
objectionable.
4. CHANNEL SELECTOR ... is used to select the desired channel. The channel
is displayed by the LED readout.
- 7 -
5. 1W/25W SELECTOR ... controls transmitter output power. The IW(watt)
position should always be used for in-port or short range communications.
6. CH16 SELECTOR , . . provides instant CH16 by overriding Rotary Channel
selector. LED indicator will light indicating unit is on Channel 16.
7. LED NUMERICAL CHANNEL INDICATOR . . . indicates channel in use.
8. TRANSMIT/RECEIVE LED INDICATOR ... indicates whether transmit or
receive mode is in use. (Red for transmit. Green for receive.)
9. LOW POWER LED INDICATOR ... shows when unit is switched to Low
power (1 watt).
10. CHANNEL 16 LED INDICATOR . . . lights to show CH1G switch has been
activated.
11. DIM CONTROL . . . used to adjust the brightness of the LED's & LED display.
REAR PANEL CONNECTORS
12. REMOTE SPEAKER CONNECTOR ... If it is desired to use another speaker
in addition to the one in the radio, a four or eight ohm speaker equipped with
a miniature phone plug may be connected to this jack.
13. DC POWER CONNECTOR . . , Battery connections are to be made with the
cable supplied to mate with this connector. Remember, red is -f-, black is The
power cord is equipped with a fuse to protect the radio. Use only a Six (6)
AMPERE fast blow fuse for replacement,
14. ANT CONNECTOR . . .This connector is for connection of the antenna. A
type PL259 connector is required to make proper connection.
NavigationalYes
Port Ops
EnvironmentalYesYes
Safety Celling
State ControlYes
Com'!
Port opsYes
Coast Guard
Coast GuardYes
Public Corresp,
Public Corresp,
Public Corresp.
Pubiic Corresp.
Public Corresp,
Port Ops
Non ComiYes
Non ComiYes
Non ComiYes
Non Com'l
Port Ops
Port Ops
Non Comi
ComiYes
Coast GuardYes
us Gov Only
Coast GuardYes
Public Corresp.
Public Corresp,
Pubiic Corresp,
SHIP
TO SHIP
YesYes
YesYes
YesNo
YesNo
YesYes
YesYes
YesYes
YesYes
YesYes
YesYes
YesYes
No.YesSusy Tel.
NoYesSusy Tel,
NoYes
NoYes
No
YesYes
Yes
YesNo
YesNoFish
YesNo
YesYes
Yes
YesNo
YesYes
YesYes
YesYes
NoYes
NoYesBusy TeL
NoYes
NoYesSusy Tel,
YesNo
SHIP
TO SHORE
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes.Busy Tel,
Yes
YesFish
YesFish
YesFish
Yes
Yes
YesCoast Guard
YesCoast Guard
CAUTION: OPERATION ON CHANNELS NOT DESIGNATED FOR USE BY
YOUR CLASSIFICATION OR CRAFT OR ON INTERNATIONAL CHAN
NELS WHEN WITHIN AUSTRALIAN TERRITORIAL WATERS IS A
VIOLATION OF DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION RULES AND
REGULATIONS AND MAY RESULT IN SEVERE PENALTIES.
PERMANENT
SCAN LIST
Fish
Envi ronmenia!
Busy Tel.
Busy Tel.
Fish
Busy Tel,
Busy Tel.
Busy Tel,
- 9 -
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Your MC480 is a precision piece of electronic equipment and you should treat it
accordingly. Due to the rugged design, very little maintenance is required, however,
a few precautions should be observed.
If your radio has been accidentally subjected to spray or splash you should
immediately wipe it down with a soft cloth dampened with fresh water.
If the antenna has been damaged, you should not transmit except in case of
emergency. A defective antenna may cause damage to your radio.
You are responsible for the continued DOC technical compliance of your radio.
You are urged to arrange for periodic performance checks with your UN I DEN
Marine Dealer.
SERVICE
Should you find it desirable or necessary to have service performed on your MC480
you are urged to contact the UNIDEN Dealer from whom you made your purchase.
He, or any other UNIDEN Dealer, is able to provide you with complete service
performed by well qualified personnel.
If you require service that is within the terms of your warranty you should present
the validated WARRANTY CARD to your dealer to authenticate your claim. Your
WARRANTY CARD is your passport to easy service! This card is to be completed
by your dealer at the time of purchase: Other suitable documents which clearly
establish ownership and date of purchase may be used in lieu of the WARRANTY
CARD.
If you find it inconvenient to have service performed by your local UNIDEN
Marine Dealer, you may also obtain service from the Factory Service Station. If you
require factory service, please pack your radio in a suitable container which will
provide adequate protection, enclose a note describing the problem, and a copy of
your validated WARRANTY CARD or other proof-of-purchase document and
return (transportation prepaid) to:
Santronic Agencies Pty. Ltd.
13 Garema Circuit, Kingsgrove
Phone 75S 1522
P.O. Box 12, Kingsgrove, NSW 2208
If the service you require is not within the terms of the warranty, you should
specifically include written authorization of proceed with service and to agree to
appropriate charges.
Kingsgrove MSW 2308 ("SANTRONIC'K
ELEMENTS OF WARRANTY. SANTRONiC warrants. For the duration af this
warranty, its UNFDEN Marine Product to be free from defects in materials and
craftsman$hip with only the limitation or exclusions set out below,
WARRANTY DURATION, This Warranty shall terminate and be of no further effect
One (If years after the date of originai purchase of the Product or at the time the
Product is iaf damaged or not maintained a$ reasonable and necessary,► (b) modified,
(d improperly installed, (d) is repaired by someone other Warrantor for a defect or
malfunction covered by this Warranty, or le) used in e manner or purpose for which
the Product was not intended.
PARTS COVERED. This Warranty covers all components of the Products.
STATEMENT OF REMEDY. In the event that the Product does not conform to this
Warranty at any time while this Warranty is effective, Warrantor will repair the delect
and return it to you prepaid, without charge for parts, service, or any other costs
incurred by Warrantor or its representatives in connection with the performance of
this Warranty, fn addition, if the Product contains a defect or malfunction which is
not repaired after a reasonable number of attempts by Warrantor to repair the
Product, the Product or defective component will at our discretion, will be replace
without charge, when the defective product is delivered to the warrantor at 13
Garema Circuit Kingsgrove NSW 2209 free and dear of all liens and encumbrances.
Please note that while the Product will be remedied under this Warranty without
charge. THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER OR PROVIDE FOR THE REIM
BURSEMENT OR PAYMENT OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES.
Some states do not allow this exclusion or limitation of incidental or conseciuential
damages, so the above limitation or exduston may not apply to you.
PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING PERFORMANCE OF WARRANTY. In the everit
that the Product does ngt conform to this Warranty, the Product should be shipped
prepaid to Warrantor at 13 Garema Circuits Kingsgrove NSW 2208, THE ORIGINAL
OR COPY OF THE SALES RECEIPT OR OTHER VALID EVIDENCE OF THE
DATE OF THE ORIGINAL PURCHASE MUST ACCOMPANY THIS PRODUCT.
LEGAL REMEDIES. This Warranty gives you specific legal fights, and ygu may also
have other rights which vary from state to state.