Uniden MHS050 User Manual

MHS050

Handheld VHF Marine Transceiver

For more exciting new products please visit our website:

Australia: www.uniden.com.au

New Zealand: www.uniden.co.nz

Warning

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is
intended to alert the user to the presence of important

NOTE

Floating/Waterproof: JIS8

Uniden’s MHS050 radio is designed to meet the water proong
standard of JIS8 and will oat in water.

This Means: Protected against the effects of continuous immersion in water.
The MHS050 can withstand immersion in water up to 1.5m depth for 1hr.
Note this is not suitable for scuba diving.

NOTE

After your radio is submerged in water, you might notice that the sound
is distorted. This is because there is still water remaining in and around
the speaker and microphone. Just shake the radio to clear excess water,
and the sound should return to normal.

NOTE

Ni-MH Battery Pack Warning

• This equipment contains a Ni-MH Battery Pack.

• The Ni-MH Battery Pack contained in this equipment may
explode if disposed of in a re.

• Do not short-circuit the Battery Pack.

• Do not charge the Ni-MH Battery Pack used in this equipment with any
Adaptor other than the one designed to charge this Battery Pack. Using
another Adaptor may damage the Battery Pack or cause the Battery

Pack to explode.

• Ni-MH batteries must be disposed of properly.

operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the
literature accompanying the appliance.

The MHS050 will only meet this rating if fully assembled

and all rubber seals are well maintained and correctly tted.

This means that the carabiner clip is not connected and the
battery cover securely fastened.

If your radio is exposed to salt water, clean your radio
thoroughly with fresh water, and dry it before turning it on.

UNIDEN MHS050 Handheld VHF Marine Transceiver

2

Contents

Introduction

Features 4

Included in your Package 5

Optional Accessories 5

Controls and Indicators 6

Getting Started

Install the Battery Pack 8

Attaching the Beltclip 9

Using the Carabiner Clip 9

Charging the Battery Pack 9

Battery Level Display 10

Operation

Power On/Off 12

Volume 12

Selecting a Channel 13

Squelch 14

To Transmit and Receive 16

One-touch Channel 16/09 18

Triple Watch 18

Scanning 19

Programming Scan Channels 20

Drop-Out Delay 20

Power Save 21

Back Lighting 21

Monitor 21

Keypad Lock 22

Marine Channels - International 23

Warranty 26

UNIDEN MHS050 Handheld VHF Marine Transceiver

3

Introduction

The MHS050 is a oating, waterproof, portable two-way VHF transceiver. It
is compact, lightweight, rugged and ts easily in your hand. This handheld

VHF marine radio will give you consistent, outstanding performance in
virtually all conditions and situations.

To ensure that you get the most from the MHS050’s features, please read
this operating guide carefully before using the unit.

Features

• International Marine Channels

• Built-in precision matched Antenna

• Floating / Waterproof to JIS8*

• Carabiner Clip

• Emergency 16CH / 09CH mode

• Battery Level Display

• Memory Scan

• Triple Watch

• TX Power Select

• Channel Select

• Volume Select

• Audio Monitor (Fixed Squelch)

• Key Lock On/Off

• Battery Save

*Protected against the effects of continuous immersion in water. The

MHS050 can withstand immersion in water up to 1.5m depth for 1hr.
Note this is not suitable for scuba diving.

UNIDEN MHS050 Handheld VHF Marine Transceiver

4

Included in your Package

MHS050

CHARGING CRADLE

LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY

SCAN

TRI

TX

MEM

LOCK

LO

HI

MHS050*

(AAD-050S(M))*

AC Adapter

Drop-in Charger

(Single charger shown)

NiMH Battery Pack

(BP38)*

Beltclip*

(DTMHS1)**

MHS050

Handheld VHF Marine Transceiver

For more exciting new products please visit our website:

Australia: www.uniden.com.au
New Zealand: www.uniden.co.nz

Carabiner Clip* Owner’s Manual

* MHS050 (x1), MHS050-2 (x2)
** MHS050: DTMHS1, MH050-2: DTMHS2

If any of these items are missing from the box, contact your

NOTE

UNIDEN MHS050 Handheld VHF Marine Transceiver

place of purchase, immediately.

5

Controls and Indicators

MHS050

CHARGING CRADLE

14

15
16

18

LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY

17

SCAN

TRI

TX

MEM

LO

HI

LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY

22

CHARGING CRADLE

19
20

21

SCAN

TRI

TX

MEM

LOCK

LO

HI

19
20

21

19
20

21

1

14

15
16

TX

17

LO

18

2

3

8
9

10
11

12
13

12 Microphone
13 Speaker
14 Channel Indicator
15 Scan Indicator

16 TX Indicator
17 TX Power Indicator

18 Triple Watch Indicator

19 Memory Indicator

20 Keylock Indicator

21 Battery Level Indicator

22 Charging Contacts

6

4
5

6
7

1 Antenna

2 PTT (Push-To-Talk) Button
3 Power Boost Button
4 Monitor Button
5 Channel Up/Down Key
6 Hi/Lo (Transmit Power) /

Keylock Key
7 Scan / Memory Key
8 Power key

9 Volume Up/Down key
10 16/9 / TRI (Triple Watch) Key

11 Sql (Squelch) Key

UNIDEN MHS050 Handheld VHF Marine Transceiver

HI

(single charger shown)

SCAN

MEM

TRI

LOCK

19
20

21

Getting Started

Connect Drop-In Charger with AC adaptor

Plug one end of the AC adaptor into the wall

outlet and the other end into the drop-in charger.

(single charger shown)

• The drop-in charger is not water proof. Ensure the radio is

dry before connecting to the charger.

NOTE

• Don’t use the charger when the ambient temperature is

below 0º C (32º F) or above 45º C (113º F)

UNIDEN MHS050 Handheld VHF Marine Transceiver

7

Getting Started

Install the Battery Pack

Your radio uses the supplied NiMH battery pack.
To install the NiMH battery pack:

1. Make sure the radio is off.

2. Turn the screw holding the battery compartment counterclockwise with
a screwdriver, and hold up the battery cover.

3. Put the NiMH battery pack in the battery compartment applying the

battery contacts to the lower charge contacts. Be sure to follow the

instructions written on the battery pack’s label. Installing the battery
pack incorrectly will prevent the unit from operating.

4. Before placing the battery cover back on the radio, check the rubber

seal around the battery compartment and the ribbon of the battery
pack: make sure that the seal is in good condition and that there is
no foreign matter under the seal.

5. Replace the battery compartment door. Tighten the screws securely.

If the rubber seal appears warn, nicked, or dried out,

NOTE

CAUTION

replacement seals are available. Visit the website on the
cover of this manual.

Use only the supplied NiMH battery pack. Do not charge

alkaline or non rechargeable batteries.

UNIDEN MHS050 Handheld VHF Marine Transceiver

8

Getting Started

Attaching the Beltclip

To attach the belt clip:

Slide the belt clip until it snaps into place.

To remove the belt clip:

To remove the belt clip, press and hold belt clip locker, slide the belt clip
at the same time until released.

Using the Carabiner Clip

Use the carabiner clip to conveniently secure the MHS050 to a belt or strap.

The MHS050 will oat when the carabiner clip is not

NOTE

Charging the Battery Pack

Your radio includes charging cradle and rechargeable battery pack.
Follow these instructions to recharge the radio in the charging cradle.

NOTE

1. Connect the adapter’s plug to DC IN 12V jack

of the charging cradle and plug the other end into
an AC outlet.

2. Set the charging cradle on the desk or tabletop, and
place the radio in the charging cradle with the keypad
facing forward.

3. Make sure that the LED illuminates. Charge the battery

pack for 13 hours and remove the radio from the
charging cradle after charging.

connected and the battery cover securely fastened.

For the initial battery charge, make sure the
radio is off for optimum charging.

(single charger shown)

UNIDEN MHS050 Handheld VHF Marine Transceiver

9

Getting Started

• Charge time may vary depending on the battery life remaining.

NOTE

WARNING

• For fastest charging, turn off the radio before charging.

• The charging cradle is not waterproof. If the charging

cradle falls into water, unplug it before attempting to
remove it from the water. Allow the cradle to dry completely
before reconnecting the power.

• Wipe off dirt or shake water from your radio before placing

in the charging cradle if your radio is soiled or wet.

UNIDEN MHS050 Handheld VHF Marine Transceiver

10

Getting Started

Battery Level Display

The BATTERY icon at the bottom of the screen indicates the battery

level at all times. The battery level is displayed in 4 levels.

LEVEL 4
Battery 100% full

LEVEL 2
Low Battery

PTT

When

NOTE

NOTE

Battery Life : 12 Hours (Typical)

This is based on the following Duty Cycle:

Transmit (Low Power) 5%
Receive 5%
Stand-by 90%

and transmission is disabled. Once at Level 1 the unit will

automatically shutdown after 60 seconds.

Recharge the battery at any time. From empty the battery
will take up to 13 hours to fully charge.

is pressed at Level 1, an error tone sounds

LEVEL 3
Battery approx.
40% capacity

LEVEL 1
(ashing)
Empty Battery

UNIDEN MHS050 Handheld VHF Marine Transceiver

11

Operation

MHS050

CHARGING CRADLE

LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY

TX
LO

HI

HI

HI

In order to get the most out of your new radio, read this owner’s manual
completely before attempting to operate the unit.

Power On/Off

1. Press and hold to turn the radio ON.
A channel number and battery level should
appear on the display.

2. Press and hold

to turn the radio OFF.

Volume

The volume level can be adjusted from 0

(no volume) to 7 (maximum volume).

1. Press VOL ( ) or ( ) to increase or
decrease the volume level. U shows on the

display and the current volume level ashes.

HI

UNIDEN MHS050 Handheld VHF Marine Transceiver

12

Operation

Selecting a Channel

Press CH ( ) or ( ) to select the desired channel.

If you press and hold the ( ) or ( ), channel number will

NOTE

NOTE

scroll rapidly.

For your reference a list of the available channels,
corresponding frequencies and guidelines for their use and
selection is printed on page 27.

UNIDEN MHS050 Handheld VHF Marine Transceiver

13

Operation

SCAN

TRI

TX

MEM US

LOCK

LO HI

INT

CAN

HI

HI

LO

TX
LO

FULL Power On/Off Volume

Squelch

To Transmit
and Receive - 1

To Transmit
and Receive - 2

Squelch

The squelch is used to eliminate any annoying background noise when
there are no signals present.

Make sure to rst select a channel not in use before setting

NOTE

the squelch in your MHS050 VHF Marine radio.

S1 - max sensitivity (min squelch)
S2 - med sensitivity (med squelch)
S3 - min sensitivity (max/tight squelch)

1. Press (sql) momentarily. S shows on the

display and the current squelch level will ash.

2. Press (sql) while the squelch level shows to
change the squelch level to the next step.

3. Press and hold (sql) to save and exit the
squelch setting.

UNIDEN MHS050 Handheld VHF Marine Transceiver

14

Strong Signals

Medium Signals

Weak Signals

Noise

Operation

Think of the squelch control as a gate. If you
increase the squelch level to maximum it
raises the ‘Squelch gate’ so only the strongest
signals get through.

If you decrease the squelch level to minimum
it lowers the ‘Squelch Gate’ to the extent that
weak signals can get through.

If unwanted weak and noisy signals are getting
through increase the squelch level (‘Squelch
Gate’) to a medium level. Now only medium
and strong signals get through.

UNIDEN MHS050 Handheld VHF Marine Transceiver

15

Operation

HI

HI

TX

LO

To Transmit
and Receive - 1

To Transmit
and Receive - 2

HI

To Transmit
and Receive - 2

HI

HI

To Transmit
and Receive - 2

To Transmit and Receive

The MHS050 uses the International Marine Channels. For your reference
a list of the available channels and corresponding frequencies is printed

on p.23-p.25.

1. The maximum RF transmit power of MHS050 is 2.5W.

Press (hi/lo) to change the transmit power

between High (2.5W) and Low (1W).

HI appears on the display when on high power
and LO when on low power.

2. Before you transmit, listen for activity on the

selected channel.

3. When the channel is clear, press and hold the
(PTT) or (BOOST) to transmit. TX appears

on the LCD.

Hold the radio with microphone approximately

ve cms in front of your mouth with the
antenna at approximately 45* angle away from
your head. Speak in a clear, normal
conversational voice.

LO

TX
LO

UNIDEN MHS050 Handheld VHF Marine Transceiver

16

Operation

When you press (BOOST) when the transmit power is low

NOTE

4. When you have nished speaking, release the (PTT) or (BOOST) to
listen for a response. TX indicator then disappears on the LCD.

(Lo - 1W) the radio transmits at maximum high (Hi - 2.5W)

power (except for channel 75 and 76).

UNIDEN MHS050 Handheld VHF Marine Transceiver

17

Operation

SCAN

TRI

TX

MEM US

LOCK

LO HI

INT

CAN

HI

HI

LO

TX
LO

LO

LO

FULL Power On/Off Volume

Squelch

To Transmit
and Receive - 1

To Transmit
and Receive - 2

One-touch Channel - 1 ScanningOne-touch Channel - 2

HI

HI

LO

TX
LO

SCAN MEM

LO

To Transmit
and Receive - 1

To Transmit
and Receive - 2

HI

LO

TX
LO

LO

LO

LO

TRILO

Squelch

To Transmit
and Receive - 1

To Transmit
and Receive - 2

Triple Watch - 1 Triple Watch - 2 Triple Watch - 3

LO

TX
LO

LO

SCAN MEM

LO

TRILO

To Transmit
and Receive - 1

To Transmit
and Receive - 2

TX
LO

SCAN MEM

LO

To Transmit
and Receive - 2

One-touch Channel 16/09

Example: While you are monitoring channel 20,
you want to check channel 16 or channel 9.

1 You are now on channel 20.

2 To monitor channel 16, press (16/9).

3 To monitor channel 9, press (16/9) again.

4 To return to channel 20, press (16/9) again.

LO

LO

Triple Watch

Triple Watch mode monitors channels 16 and 9

for a signal while you listen to the currently
selected channel. The marine radio checks

channel 16 and 9 for activity every 2 seconds.

1. Press and hold (tri) to activate the
Triple Watch.

2. Press and hold (tri) again to exit
Triple Watch.

While in Triple Watch mode,you

NOTE

can change the currently selected
channel using CH ( ) or ( ).

TRILO

TRILO

TRILO

UNIDEN MHS050 Handheld VHF Marine Transceiver

18

HI

TX
LO

SCAN MEM

LO

To Transmit
and Receive - 2

LO

LO

LO

SCAN MEM

LO

TRILO

TRILO

MEM

TRILO

Operation

Scanning

The MHS050 can scan the channels programmed into memory, see
Programming Scan Channels on page 20.

To initiate scanning;

1. Assuming the unit is on CH17 when switched on.

2. Press (scan) and scanning starts. SCAN icon
appears during scanning.

The MHS050 will scan memory channels in ascending order.

If Triple Watch is turned on during scan then the radio will scan the

memory channels in ascending order and will check channel 09 and

channel 16 every 2 seconds, then resume scanning the memory channels.

UNIDEN MHS050 Handheld VHF Marine Transceiver

19

Operation

LO

LO

LO

TRILO

One-touch Channel - 1 ScanningOne-touch Channel - 2

LO

LO

TRILO

Triple Watch - 1 Triple Watch - 2 Triple Watch - 3

Mem Monitor Lock

Programming Scan Channels

1. Select the channel you want to store by
pressing ( ) or ( ).

2. Press and hold (mem). MEM appears and
a double beep is heard.

3. To remove the channels from Memory, press
and hold (mem) once more. A double beep
sounds and MEM disappears.

Drop-out Delay

While scanning, the MHS050 stops at a busy channel and receives a
signal. When the received signal is over, the unit will wait for 2 seconds
for the return of the signal, otherwise, the radio resumes scanning.

MEM

LO

UNIDEN MHS050 Handheld VHF Marine Transceiver

20

Operation

LO

SCAN MEM

LO

TRILO

TRILO

LOCK

LO

Power Save

Battery Save feature extends the battery life by switching the receiver

circuit power ON and OFF. This feature automatically activates during

standby mode (RX mode without signal).

Back Lighting

The Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) is backlit for easy viewing at night or in

low light situations. The back lighting automatically switches ON every

time a key (except PTT and BOOST) is pressed. It turns OFF 10 secs

after the last key is pressed.

Monitor

1. Press (MON) to start monitoring one channel

with xed (open) squelch.

2. Press and hold (MON) for 2 seconds to hold
the monitor status on. All channel indicators

will start to ash.

3. Press (MON) key again to release the
monitoring status.

NOTE

UNIDEN MHS050 Handheld VHF Marine Transceiver

Monitor is not available in scan mode or triple watch mode.

21

LO

Operation

SCAN MEM

LO

TRILO

Keypad Lock

To prevent accidental entries, you can lock the
keypad. Press and hold (LOCK) until it beeps to
activate Key Lock. LOCK appears.

To unlock the keypad, press and hold (LOCK)
again. LOCK icon disappears.

NOTE

When the Key Lock is active, a warning beep will be heard

and the LOCK icon will blink if you attempt to press keys,
except for the (PTT), (BOOST) and (MON) buttons.

LO

LOCK

UNIDEN MHS050 Handheld VHF Marine Transceiver

22

Marine Channels - International

Channel

Desig

01 156.050 160.650 Duplex Yes Yes

02 156.100 160.700 Duplex Yes Yes

03 156.150 160.750 Duplex Yes Yes

04 156.200 160.800 Duplex Yes Yes

05 156.250 160.850 Duplex Yes Yes

06 156.300 156.300 Yes No

07 156.350 160.950 Duplex Yes Yes

08 156.400 156.400 Yes No

09 156.450 156.450 Yes Yes

10 156.500 156.500 Yes Yes

11 156.550 156.550 Yes Yes

12 156.600 156.600 No Yes

13 156.650 156.650 Yes Yes

14 156.700 156.700 Yes Yes

15 156.750 156.750 Yes Yes

16 156.800 156.800 Yes Yes

17 156.850 156.850 Yes Yes

18 156.900 161.500 Duplex Yes Yes

19 156.950 161.550 Duplex No Yes

20 157.000 161.600 Duplex No Yes

21 157.050 161.650 Duplex No Yes

22 157.100 161.700 Duplex No Yes

23 157.150 161.750 Duplex No Yes

24 157.200 161.800 Duplex No Yes

25 157.250 161.850 Duplex No Yes

26 157.300 161.900 Duplex No Yes

27 157.350 161.950 Duplex No Yes

28 157.400 162.000 Duplex No Yes

Frequency (MHz)
Transmit Receive

Trafc Type Ship to Ship

Ship to

Shore

Permanent

Scan List

UNIDEN MHS050 Handheld VHF Marine Transceiver

23

Marine Channels - International

Channel

Desig

60 156.025 160.625 Duplex

61 156.075 160.675 Duplex

62 156.125 160.725 Duplex

63 156.175 160.775 Duplex

64 156.225 160.825 Duplex

65 156.275 160.875 Duplex Yes Yes

66 156.325 160.925 Duplex Yes Yes

67 156.375 156.375 Yes No

68 156.425 156.425 Yes Yes

69 156.475 156.475 Yes Yes

70 RX Only 156.525

71 156.575 156.575 Yes Yes

72 156.625 156.625 Yes No

73 156.675 156.675 Yes Yes

74 156.725 156.725 Yes Yes

75 156.775 156.775 Yes No

76 156.825 156.825 Yes No

77 156.875 156.875 Yes No

78 156.925 161.525 Duplex Yes Yes

79 156.975 161.575 Duplex Yes Yes

80 157.025 161.625 Duplex Yes Yes

81 157.075 161.675 Duplex Yes Yes

82 157.125 161.725 Duplex Yes Yes

83 157.175 161.775 Duplex Yes Yes

84 157.225 161.825 Duplex Yes Yes

85 157.275 161.875 Duplex No Yes

86 157.325 161.925 Duplex No Yes

87 157.375 157.375 No Yes

88 157.425 157.425 Yes No

Frequency (MHz)
Transmit Receive

Trafc Type Ship to Ship

Ship to

Shore

Permanent

Scan List

UNIDEN MHS050 Handheld VHF Marine Transceiver

24

Notes

UNIDEN MHS050 Handheld VHF Marine Transceiver

25

Warranty

UNIDEN MHS050 Handheld VHF Transceiver

IMPORTANT: Satisfactory evidence of the original purchase is required
for warranty service

Please refer to our Uniden website for any details or warranty durations offered
in addition to those contained below.

Warrantor: The warrantor is either Uniden Australia Pty Limited ABN 58 001
865 498 (“Uniden Aust”) or Uniden New Zealand Limited (“Uniden NZ”) as the

case may be.

Terms of Warranty: Uniden Aust/NZ warrants to the original retail purchaser
only that the MHS050 Radio (“the Product”), will be free from defects in
materials and craftsmanship for the duration of the warranty period, subject to

the limitations and exclusions set out below.

Warranty period: This warranty to the original retail purchaser is only valid in

the original country of purchase for a Product rst purchased either in Australia
or New Zealand and will expire three (3) years from the date of the original

retail sale.

If a warranty claim is made, this warranty will not apply if the Product is found
by Uniden to be:

(A) Damaged or not maintained in a reasonable manner or as recommended

in the relevant Uniden Owner’s Manual;

(B) Modied, altered or used as part of any conversion kits, subassemblies or
any congurations not sold by Uniden Aust or Uniden NZ;

(C) Improperly installed contrary to instructions contained in the relevant
Owner’s Manual

(D) Repaired by someone other than an authorized Uniden Repair Agent in

relation to a defect or malfunction covered by this warranty; or

(E) Used in conjunction with any equipment, parts or a system not

manufactured by Uniden.

Parts Covered: This warranty covers the Product and included accessories.

User-generated Data: This warranty does not cover any claimed loss of

or damage to user-generated data (including but without limitation phone

numbers, addresses and images) that may be stored on your Product.

UNIDEN MHS050 Handheld VHF Marine Transceiver

26

Warranty

Statement of Remedy: If the Product is found not to conform to this warranty

as stated above, the Warrantor, at its discretion, will either repair the defect or
replace the Product without any charge for parts or service. This warranty does
not include any reimbursement or payment of any consequential damages
claimed to arise from a Product’s failure to comply with the warranty.

Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian

Consumer Law. You are entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure

and for compensation for any other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage.
You are also entitled to have the goods repaired or replaced if the goods fail to

be of acceptable quality and the failure does not amount to a major failure.

This warranty is in addition to and sits alongside your rights under either the

COMPETITION AND CONSUMER ACT 2010 (Australia) or the CONSUMER
GUARANTEES ACT (New Zealand) as the case may be, none of which can be

excluded.

Procedure for obtaining warranty service: Depending on the country in
which the Product was rst purchased, if you believe that your Product does

not conform with this warranty, you should deliver the Product, together with
satisfactory evidence of your original purchase (such as a legible copy of the
sales docket) to Uniden at the addresses shown below. You should contact
Uniden regarding any compensation that may be payable for your expenses
incurred in making a warranty claim. Prior to delivery, we recommend that you
make a backup copy of any phone numbers, images or other data stored on
your Product, in case it is lost or damaged during warranty service.

UNIDEN AUSTRALIA PTY LTD

Service Division

345 Princes Highway,
Rockdale, NSW 2216

Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

UNIDEN NEW ZEALAND LTD

Service Division
150 Harris Road, East Tamaki

Auckland 2013

Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

UNIDEN MHS050 Handheld VHF Marine Transceiver

27

THANK YOU FOR BUYING A UNIDEN PRODUCT.

© 2011 Uniden Australia Pty Limited. Uniden New Zealand Ltd. Printed in PRC.

U01UT639ZZA(0)