Uniden America UT888 Users manual

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 the FCC Call Center at 1-888-CALL-FCC.
Maritime Radio Services Operation
Warning!
For individual requiring a license, such as commercial users, you should obtain a license application from your nearest FCC field office.
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Uniden POLARIS ...................................................................................1
Controls and Functions...........................................................................2
Installation...............................................................................................7
Choosing a Location..........................................................................7
Engine Noise Suppression ................................................................8
Antenna Considerations ....................................................................8
Installing the
POLARIS .....................................................................9
Operation ..............................................................................................10
Power On/Off...................................................................................10
Channel Selection ...........................................................................10
Transmission ...................................................................................10
Instant Channel 16/Channel 9 Communication...............................11
Memory Channel .............................................................................11
Weather Channel/Weather Alert ......................................................11
Triple Watch.....................................................................................12
Scan ................................................................................................12
DSC .................................................................................................12
FIPS.................................................................................................13
MMSI ...............................................................................................13
Time Offset ......................................................................................13
Review Channel memory ................................................................14
UIC ..................................................................................................15
Directly.............................................................................................16
HAIL Volume Adjusting .........................................................................17
Contrast Adjusting ................................................................................18
Lamp Adjusting .....................................................................................19
Key Beep Adjusting ..............................................................................20
Alarm Clock ..............................................................................................
Exit............................................................................................................
GPS Display .............................................................................................
Hail............................................................................................................
Frequency and Channels .........................................................................
Specifications............................................................................................
Troubleshooting ........................................................................................
Warranty ...................................................................................................
Contents
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1
The Uniden POLARIS 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 POLARIS will outlast
your present vessel and serve you well on-board. 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 POLARIS is demonstrated by the multiplicity of uses for which it has been found acceptable by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission. The Uniden POLARIS 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 POLARIS 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 waterproof 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.
Uniden POLARIS
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Front panel/Microphone
1. POWER/VOLUME (On/Off/Volume) - Turns the unit On or Off and varies the audio output.
2.
PUSH/SELECT - This is used to manually select the desired Communication Channel(01-28 and 60-88), or Weather Channel (0-9). In the MENU mode this is used to select the menu options.
3.
SQUELCH - Eliminate background noise when no signal is received.
4.
H/L/MENU - Change output power Hi/Lo and select Menu mode. Press this key to change output power Hi and Low. Press and hold the key for 2 seconds to enter the MENU mode.
5.
WX/ALERT - Select weather channel and weather alert mode. Press this key to listen the active NOAA weather channels. Press and hold the key for 2 seconds to place the radio into the weather alert mode.
6.
SCAN/MEM - Select Scan mode and setup memory channel. Press this key to activate scan operation. Press and hold the key for 2 seconds to select memory channel or cancel memory channel.
7.
16/9/TRI - Access channel 16/9, and setup Triple Watch function On/Off. Press this key to access instant channel 16 and channel 9 communications. Press and hold the key for 2 seconds to turn Triple Watch On/Off.
8.
DISTRESS - Send a signal of distress in case of emergency.
Controls and Indicators
10
12
11
9
12
348 5 6 7
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Rear Panel Connectors
1.
2.
3.
4.
9. PTT Switch - Press to transmit and release to receive.
10. CHANNEL - Change channel number up/down.
11.
16/9 - Change Channel 16 and Channel 9.
12.
HAIL - Use as a public address system.
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1. TX (Transmit) - Indicates transmitting. TRI (Triple Watch) - Indicates Triple Watch Mode is in effect.
2.
HI (High) - Indicates transmitted output is 25 Watts. LO (Low) - Indicates transmitted output is 1 Watts.
3.
USA - Indicates US Channel Mode. CAN - Indicates Canada Channel Mode. INT - Indicates International Channel Mode.
4.
MEM (Memory) - Indicates Memory Scan Mode status for each channel selected.
5.
WX - Indicate Weather Channel Mode has been activated.
6.
ALT - Indicates Weather Alert Mode has been activated.
7.
(Alarm mark) - It appears when the alarm is set.
8. (GPS mark) - It appears when GPS module is set.
9. (WHAM mark) - It appears when WHAM is set.
10. (Exclamation mark) - It appears when it receives DSC call or
WX Alert.
11. Channel Display - Indicates Channel Number in use.
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Installation
Caution: The POLARIS will only operate with nominal 12 volt negative
ground battery system.
It is important to carefully determine the most suitable location for your POLARIS on your vessel. Electrical, mechanical, and environmental considerations must all be taken into account. You should select the optimum relationship among these considerations.
Keep in mind the flexibility designed into the
POLARIS 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 you’re your
POLARIS.
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 can not 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 object. The reliable range of coverage is a direct function of the 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 ships compass. Auxiliary speakers also should be located away from the compass.
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Engine Noise Suppression
Interference from the impulse noise generated by the electrical systems of engines is sometimes a problem with radios The POLARIS 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 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 are 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.
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Installing the POLARIS
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.
Note: This HEXAGON HEAD BOLT is
only for mounting the bracket with hardware. Do not use it for installing the radio in the mounting bracket.
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".
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.
Note: Do not use any other mounting
knobs than the ones enclosed. Do not insert the knobs without attaching the bracket.
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Power On/Off
1. Turn the unit on by rotating the POWER/VOLUME control clockwise. Adjust volume to a comfortable level.
Note: You must select a channel which
is not in use before setting the SQUELCH control on your radio.
2. Think of the Squelch control as a gate. If you turn SQUELCH fully clockwise it raises the "Squelch Gate" so high that no signals get through.
3. If you turn SQUELCH fully counterclockwise it lowers the "Squelch Gate" so that everything gets through – noise, weak signals, and strong signals.
4. To set the "Squelch Gate" to desired level, turn SQUELCH counterclockwise until you hear noise. Then turn SWUELCH back clockwise just until the noise stops. Now only strong signals get through.
It beeps and the following greeting message appears on the LCD for 3 seconds.
SQUELCH
Adjust the SQUELCH control counterclockwise until you hear background noise, and then turn it clockwise until the noise disappears.
Operation
UNIDEN POLARIS MARINE RADIO
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Triple Watch
Triple Watch monitors Channel 16 and Channel 9 for activity every two seconds while scanning or monitoring.
To activate Triple Watch, press
16/9/TRI key for 2 seconds. The "TRI " icon appears on the LCD panel, indicating Triple Watch mode is effect. If a signal is received on either Channel 16 or Channel 9, the radio remains on that channel unit the signal ends.
Press and hold 16/9/TRI key for 2 seconds to cancel Triple Watch Mode
Note: Rewriting of priority CH cannot be performed.
It is set to Triple watch which receives 16CH, 9CH, and Current CH when a signal is in Current CH. It is set to Dual watch which receives 9CH and 16CH when a signal is in 9CH. When a signal is in 16CH, it stops at this CH, and gives priority and receives. If Triple watch is in WX mode, Triple watch will start with WX mode. If 16/9/TRI key is pressed for 2 seconds in scan mode, normal scan and Triple watch scan will change. If user presses 16/9/TRI key in Triple watch mode, Triple watch will be interrupted temporarily and it will be set to PRI 16CH. If user presses 16/9/TRI key once again, it will be set to PRI 9CH, and Triple watch will be resumed if user presses 16/9/TRI key once again. Triple watch is not turned on or turned off while WX ALERT beep is sounding, or while receiving WX ALERT CH, even if user presses 16/9/TRI key for 2 seconds.
Manual Tuning (scan mode?)
To manually select a channel, rotate the channel knob (push-select) clockwise to increase the number or counterclockwise to decrease the number and select the desired channel. Communication channels are located on channel 01-28 and 60-88. Weather channels are located on channels 0-9.
TRI HI CAN MEM
SC
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Instant Channel 16/Channel 9 Communications
To access instant Channel 16 or Channel 9 communications, press 16/9/TRI. This overrides the channel selected wit the Channel up/down selector button or any scanning activity. The Channel Display indicates the unit is Channel 16. Press 16/9/TRI again to access Channel 9 communications. Press and release
16/9/TRI a third time to release the switch (Off). The transceiver will return to the channel selected prior to accessing instant Channel 16/Channel 9 commnunications. The Channel Display will indicate the selected channel.
To cancel Channel 16/Channel 9 communications:
Press 16/9/TRI until previous channel setting appears.
--or--
Press WX ALERT.
Weather Scan
To scan only Weather Channels 0-9, press WX/ALERT, and then the radio will go to the last selected weather channel. Press Up Key and Down Key on the microphone to select a different weather channel.
To exit from weather channel:
Press WX/ALERT key. The radio returns to the previous MRN channel it.
MEM (Entering channel numbers into Memory Scan)
You can enter the channels into Memory Scan for instant scanning at any time. When a channel is selected for Memory Scan, the MEM indicator will appear on the LCD display.
To enter a channel number into Memory Scan, select the channel number you want to store by rotating the PUSH-SELECT knob, and then press SCAN/MEM for 2 seconds at the channel which is not stored in the memory scan channels, the channel is stored as a channel of memory scan and MEM icon appear.
TRI HI CAN MEM
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When SCAN/MEM key is pressed for 2 seconds at the channel which is stored once in the memory scan channels once, the stored channel is canceled and MEM icon disappears.
NOTE:
Memory channel can be set up by MODE of USA, INT, and CAN.
This function in WX mode is in valid.
If [
SCAN/MEM] key is pressed for 2 seconds while staying at the channel which is in the scan mode, Triple watch scan mode and Triple watch mode, On/Off of memory channel will be performed.
It is not possible to cancel all memory channels at the same time.
Memory Scan:
To scan channels stored in Memory Scan, press SCAN/MEM. In the Memory Scan Mode, the POLARIS scans channel numbers previously entered into Memory Scan. If no channel has been entered into Memory Scan, an error tone sounds and the LCD Panel does not change.
Hail:
To access the Hail Mode, press HAIL on the microphone. The HA icon appear in the display. Press PTT switch on the microphone , hold the microphone approximately two inches from your mouth, and speak clearly in a normal voice. To cancel HA, press HAIL on the microphone.
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 volume setting. When the signal stops, you will hear the active weather channel broadcast t normal volume.
The ALT icon indicates the Weather Alert Mode is activated. To activate the Weather Alert Mode:
HI CAN
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1. Press WX/ALERT key for 2 seconds in the state of WX/ALERT off it is set to WX/ALERT on and ALT icon appears.
2. If this radio receives a 1050Hz tone, channel display and ALT_h icon will blink every other second.
3. In the area where S.A.M.E. is broadcast, the following figures are displayed.
4. When a WX ALERT signal is decoded at the time of WX ALERT on by scan mode, Triple watch, PRI 16CH mode and PRI 9CH mode are canceled.
5. When WX ALERT signal is received during transmission, decoding does not carry out. In order to stop alarm leave it as it is for 8 seconds, or any key is pushed.
--or--
1. Manually select the active Weather Channel after selecting WX.
2. Press and hole
WX to activate the Weather Alert Mode. To cancel the Weather Alert Mode, press and hold WX again.
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Transmitting
The Polaris transmits on 57 marine frequencies and receives 80 different marine frequencies. Certain channels – the weather channels. Channel 70 of both the USA and International frequencies, and channel 15, 81, and 83 of the ISA frequencies – are received only. Your radio will transmit on these channels. For your reference, a listing of all the available marine channel is printed on the back cover foldout.
Setting TX Output
Caution: It is important to remember use the LO position in port or for
short range communications.
1. When you turn the Polaris on, the unit is automatically set to transmit at 25 watts.
2. Press H/L/MENU, to change the transmitter output to 1W.
3. Press
H/L/MENU again, to change
back to the higher power setting.
Note: Each time the H/L/MENU key is pressed a short tone sounds.
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Transmitter Time-Out Optional Accessories
1. Digital Selective Calling (DSC)
Digital Selective Calling is a semi-automated method of establishing a radio call, it has been designated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) as an international standard for establishing VHF, MF and HF radio calls. It has also been designated as part of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). It is planned that DSC will eventually replace aural watches distress frequencies and will be used to announce routine and urgent maritime safety information broadcasts.
This new service will allow mariners to instantly send a distress call with GPS position (when connected to the transceiver) to the US Coast Guard and other vessel within range of the transmission. DSC will also allow mariners to initiate or receive distress, urgency, safety and routine calls to or from another vessel equipped with a DSC transceiver.
1. Press the
Menu key when it is the Channel display mode, and the following screen appears.
2. Press the
PUSH/SELECT knob to choose DSC CALL to
DSC CALL SYSTEM SETUP REV.CH.MEM EXIT
Dimming the LCD Display Backlight
When the Polaris is turned on, the LCD Panel will be brightest.
1. Pressing the
PUSH–SELECT knob
will change the brightness.
2. Rotating the knob clockwise to move the arrow down, clockwise to move the arrow up through the options. The backlight will change as the arrow moves.
3. Press
PUSHSELECT knob to select the desired level. The radio will return to the channel display screen.
Note: All user selectable options from
the menu are retained during power down and even when the radio is removed from the boat.
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