Uniden SOLARA-BK, SOLARA Owner's Manual

Maritime Radio Services Operation

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.

Warning!

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

Controls

1. ▲/▼ CHANNEL Selectors - These controls are used to select the

desired communication channel.

2. LED Display - Indicators for Channel Number, 16, INT, 1W
and TX.

3. SQUELCH - Controls the background noise when a signal is

not received.

4. PTT (Push-to-Talk) Switch - Press to transmit and release

to receive.

5. CH16 - Controls instant access to Channel 16 communications.

6. INT (USA/International) - Switches operation between US and

International Channels.

7. HI/LO - Controls transmitter’s output power between 1 watt and

25 watt.

8. VOLUME/On/Off - Turns the SOLARA power on or off and

adjusts the volume.

123

4

5678

Controls and Indicators

Indicators

1514

16
17

9

10
11

12
13

9. 16 - Indicates that Channel 16 is selected.

10. INT - Indicates International Channel Mode.

11. LO - Indicates transmitted output is 1 Watt.

12. TX (Transmit) - Indicates PTT switch is pressed.

13. LED 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.).

Rear Panel Connectors

14. ANT. (Antenna) Connector - Connect the antenna here using a

PL259 type connector.

15. REMOTE Speaker Connector - An external 4 ohm, 4 watt

speaker may be connected to this jack. The connecting wire must
use the included 3.5mm miniature plug.

16. DC Power Cord with In-line Fuse Holder - Connect red power

lead to positive power source.

17. DC Ground Cord - Connect black power lead to negative

power source.

Table of Contents

Controls and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Front Cover Foldout

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Included with your SOLARA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Selecting a Location. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Antenna Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Engine Noise Suppression . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Installing the SOLARA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Setting the Squelch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Selecting a Channel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Channel Auto Repeat. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

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

USA/INT Channels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Transmitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Care and Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Replacement Parts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

USA/INT Frequency Lists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rear Cover Foldout

1

Introduction

The Uniden SOLARA VHF marine radio transceiver is designed to

provide you with years of trouble-free service. It’s rugged components
and materials are easily capable of withstanding the harsh marine
environment. The transceiver has a splashproof housing to protect the
electronics, and the unit may be mounted in several convenient
locations on-board your vessel using the universal mounting bracket.

You can be confident in your choice of radio equipment because the

SOLARA offers Instant Channel 16 access, automatic transmitter time-

out, and coverage of the marine frequency band. It will meet your
communication needs by providing you with state-of-the-art radio
electronics that are easy to operate.

We are certain that you will enjoy your SOLARA. To ensure that you get

the most from its features, please read this operating guide carefully
before using the unit.

Features

• Receives 90 Marine Channels • Receives 10 Weather Channels

• HI(25W)/LO(1W) Transmitter • Transmits 54 Marine Channels

• Instant Channel 16 Button • External Speaker Jack

• 5 Minute Transmitter Time-Out • Splash Proof Chassis

• USA/INT Frequency Capable • Channel Auto Repeat

Specifications, features, and availability of optional accessories are all
subject to change without prior notice.

2

Included with your SOLARA

SOLARA Owner’s Manual

Microphone Hanger

and Screws

Other Printed Material

Mounting Bracket

and Knobs

3.5mm Mini Plug
and Spare Fuse

3