Uniden America UT888 Owners Manual
UT888ZL (POLARIS)-0805 8/5/02 4:50 PM Page i
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.
Maritime Radio Services Operation
Warning!
For individuals 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....................................................................................2
Controls and Indicators...........................................................................3
Installation...............................................................................................6
Choosing a Location..........................................................................6
Engine Noise Suppression ................................................................7
Antenna Considerations ....................................................................7
Antenna Selection and Installation ....................................................7
Installing the POLARIS......................................................................8
Operation ................................................................................................9
Power On/Off.....................................................................................9
Squelch............................................................................................10
Triple Watch.....................................................................................11
Manual Tuning .................................................................................11
Instant Channel 16/Channel 9 Communications.............................12
Weather Scan..................................................................................12
MEM (Entering channel numbers into Memory Scan) ....................12
Weather Alert...................................................................................14
Transmitting.....................................................................................15
Setting TX Output ............................................................................15
Distress............................................................................................16
Menu Operation....................................................................................17
Digital Selective Calling (DSC)........................................................17
Individual ....................................................................................17
Group .........................................................................................18
All Ships .....................................................................................19
POS.Request .............................................................................20
Standby ......................................................................................21
Callwait.......................................................................................22
System.............................................................................................24
Contrast......................................................................................24
Lamp Adjust ...............................................................................25
Key Beep ...................................................................................26
LCD Color ..................................................................................27
Setup ...............................................................................................28
FIPS ...........................................................................................28
User MMSI .................................................................................30
Group MMSI...............................................................................32
U.I.C ...........................................................................................33
Contents
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Directory.....................................................................................34
Auto. CH. SW.............................................................................38
POS.Reply .................................................................................39
WHAM........................................................................................41
CH Tag .......................................................................................43
Time Offset.................................................................................45
Alarm Clock................................................................................47
Rev.CH.MEM ........................................................................................50
Optional Accessories ............................................................................51
VHF FM Marine Radio Telephone
Channel and Functions (USA Channels)........................................52
Channel and Functions (International Channels) ...........................53
Channel and Functions (Canadian Channels)................................54
Specification .........................................................................................55
Troubleshooting ....................................................................................56
Care and Maintenance .........................................................................57
Three Year Limited Warranty................................................................59
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2
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 could 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. PTT Switch - Press to transmit and release to receive.
2.
16/9 - Change Channel 16 and Channel 9.
3.
HAIL - Use as a public address system.
4.
CHANNEL - Change channel number up/down. These buttons are used to
adjust the volume for Hail.
5.
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. It also changes to
GPS mode. It is used to adjust the volume for HAIL.
6.
POWER/VOLUME (On/Off/Volume) - Turns the unit On or Off and adjust
the audio output.
7.
DISTRESS - Send a signal of distress in case of emergency.
8.
H/L/MENU - Change output power Hi/Lo and select Menu mode. Press
this key to change output power High and Low. Press and hold the key for
2 seconds to enter the MENU mode.
9.
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.
10.
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.
11.
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.
12.
SQUELCH - Eliminate background noise when no signal is received.
Controls and Indicators
4
3
2
1
65
1287 9 10 11
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4
Rear Panel Connectors
2
3
4
1
1. DC Jack
2. ACC Connector
3. Remote Connector
4. Antenna Connector
To POLARIS
Bare Wire : GND
Black : External Speaker (—)
Yellow : GPS IN (—)
Blue : PA (+) Horn Speaker
Green : GPS IN (+)
Brown : PA (—) Horn Speaker
Red : DC +13.8V
Orange : External Speaker (+)
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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.
ALT - Indicates Weather Alert Mode has been activated.
5.
MEM (Memory) - Indicates Memory Scan Mode status for each
channel selected.
6.
WX - Indicate Weather Channel Mode has been activated.
7.
Channel Display - Indicates Channel Number in use.
8.
(Alarm mark) - It appears when the alarm is set.
9. (Exclamation mark) - It appears when it receives WX Alert.
10. (GPS mark) - It appears while GPS module is receiving the
data.
11. (WHAM mark) - It appears when it is connected to the base of
WHAM.
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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 for 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
objects. 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 ship’s compass. Auxiliary
speakers also should be located away from the compass.
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Engine Noise Suppression
Interference from the 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 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 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.
Antenna Selection and Installation
Your Uniden Polaris radio has been designed to accomodate all of the
popular marine VHF antennas. However, the selection and the
installation of the antenna is the responsibility of the user or installer.
The FCC has determined that excessive radiation poses a health risk to
people near radio transmitting antennas. Therefore, the antenna used
with this radio should be installed using the following guidelines to insure
a suitable distance between the antenna and persons close by.
Small whip antennas (3 dB) or smaller should be installed keeping at
least three feet separation distance between the radiating element and
people.
Larger antennas (6 dB or 9 dB) should be installed keeping at least a six
foot separation distance.
No person should touch the antenna or come into the separation
distance when the radio is transmitting.
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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 the volume to a comfortable
level.
When you turn the unit On, you will hear a
beep and the greeting message below
appears on the LCD for 2 seconds.
Note: Polaris meets the JIS7 require ments.
Operation
UNIDEN
POLARIS
MARINE
RADIO
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Think of squelch as a gate. turn SQUELCH fully clockwise. this raises
the “Squelch Gate” so high that only very strong signals can get through.
Turn
SQUELCH fully counterclockwise until you hear a hiss. This lowers
the “Squelch Gate” so that everything gets through - noise, weak
signals, and strong signals.
Turn
SQUELCH back clockwise until the hiss stops. Now the “Squelch
Gate” allows only strong signals through.
Strong Signals
Medium Signals
Weak Signals
Noise
Strong Signals
Medium Signals
Weak Signals
Noise
Strong Signals
Medium Signals
Weak Signals
Noise
SQUELCH
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TRIPLE WATCH
Triple Watch monitors Channel 16, Channel 9, and current MRN
Channel for activity every two seconds while scanning or monitoring.
To activate Triple Watch, press
16/9/TRI for 2 seconds. TRI 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 unit the signal ends.
Press and hold 16/9/TRI for 2 seconds to cancel the Triple Watch Mode.
Note: While in Triple Watch mode, you can change the currently
selected channel using the PUSH – SELECT0 knob.
A momentary press of the 16/9/TRI button interrupts Triple
Watch mode and remains on 16, or on channel 9 if you press
once more. To return to the previous mode, simply press the
button again.
MANUAL TUNING
To manually select a channel, rotate 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
TELEPHONE
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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. The LCD display
indicates the unit is on Channel 16. Press 16/9/TRI again to access
Channel 9 communications. Press and release 16/9/TRI a third time to
return to the channel selected prior to accessing instant Channel
16/Channel 9 commnunications. The display will indicate the selected
channel.
To cancel Channel 16/Channel 9 communications:
● Press 16/9/TRI until the previous
channel setting appears.
--or--
● Press WX/ALERT.
WEATHER SCAN
To select Weather Channels 0-9, press
WX/ALERT. The radio will go to the last
selected weather channel. Press Up and
Down on the microphone to select a
different weather channel. It also can be
changed by the PUSH – SELECT knob on
the base.
To exit from weather channel:
● Press WX/ALERT. The radio returns
to the previous MRN channel.
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, MEM indicator will
appear on the LCD display.
To enter a channel into Memory Scan,
select the channel you want to store by
rotating the PUSH – SELECT knob, and
then press SCAN/MEM for 2 seconds the
channel is stored in memory scan and MEM
appears on the LCD display.
WX
HI CAN
MEM
TELEPHONE
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Press and hold SCAN/MEM for 2 seconds and the MEM icon disappears.
NOTE:
The memory channel can be set independently in 3 regional mode
(USA, INT, and CAN). You cannot use this feature in WX mode or CH
70. You can select On/Off of memory channels even although you are
in the scan mode, Triple watch scan mode and Triple watch mode.
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 a channel has not been entered into
Memory Scan, an error tone sounds and the LCD does not change.
Hail:
To access the Hail Mode, press HAIL on the microphone. The HA icon
appears in the display. Press the PTT switch on the microphone, hold
the microphone approximately two inches away from your mouth, and
speak clearly in a normal voice. To cancel Hail mode, press HAIL on
the microphone.
TX
VOL¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡
Hail Volume Adjust:
While you are in the HAIL, you can adjust the volume pressing ▲/▼
keys on the microphone, or rotating the PUSH – SELECT knob on the
POLARIS.
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1. Press WX/ALERT for 2 seconds if
WX/ALERT is Off, it is changed to
WX/ALERT On and the ALT icon
appears.
2. If the radio receives a 1050Hz tone,
the (Exclamation mark) and the
ALT icon will blink every other
second.
In the area where S.A.M.E. is
broadcasted, the following figures
are displayed.
3. When a WX ALERT signal is
received at the time WX ALERT
is on by scan mode, Triple watch,
PRI 16CH mode and PRI 9CH mode
are canceled.
When a S.A.M.E. signal is received
during transmission, decoding does
not carry out.
In order to stop the alarm press any
key. You can press and hold
WX/ALERT to cancel the
WX/ALERT mode.
WX ALT
WX ALT
WX ALT
WARNING
TSUNAMI
The ALT icon indicates the Weather Alert Mode is activated. To activate
the Weather Alert Mode:
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, an Emergency siren will sound at full volume, regardless of the
volume setting. When the signal stops, you will hear the active weather
channel broadcast at the normal volume.
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TRANSMITTING
The POLARIS transmits on fifty-seven marine frequencies and
receives on eighty marine frequencies. Channel 70 of both the USA and
International frequencies, and channel 15, of the USA frequencies – are
for receiving only. The POLARIS transmit on 70 when sending DSC
information. Your radio will not transmit on these channels. For your
reference, a listing of all the available marine channels are located on
the back 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 (HI).
2. Press H/L/MENU, to change the
transmitter output to 1 watt (LO).
3. Press
H/L/MENU again, to change
back to 25 watts (HI).
Note: Each time the H/L/MENU is pressed a short tone sounds.
CH13 is set as 1 watt (LO) channel; however, you can override
by pressing H/L/MENU during the call.
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DISTRESS
This feature will allow the user to transmit a
distress call. In order to transmit a distress
call, push DISTRESS for 3 seconds. After
the Distress call has been sent, the Distress
alarm will sound. Distress call is
transmitted and it waits for about 180 - 270
seconds. This is continued eternally. The
transceiver "shadow-watches" for a
transmission between CH16 and CH70 until
an acknowledgment signal is received.
To cancel the Distress call, press the PUSH
– SELECT knob.
When the
POLARIS receives a Distress
call, the following screen appears. If no
acknowledgment is received, the distress
call is repeated until an acknowledgment is
received.
Note: If POLARIS receives a distress
call, it will be displayed on the
LCD display. An emergency
alarm will sound. The name will
be displayed if it is the name
registered into the directory.
Otherwise, MMSI is displayed.
Latitude and Longitude
information will also be displayed
if the GPS module is carried in the
ship that transmitted DSC.
DISTRESS ACK
06/15 10:30A
WAITING
CANCEL
DISTRESS
06/15 10:30A
KENT NEWMAN
FIRE
70.00.000N
120.00.000W
DISTRESS
06/15 10:30A
PAUL HUBER
FIRE
70.40.000N
150.00.000E
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