West Marine VHF155, VHF460 manual Normal Mode with Weather Alert Watch

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Monitoring Channel 25

In addition to the three operation modes, your radio provides three different watch modes which you can activate during any operation mode. In the watch modes, the radio briefly checks for activity on a specific channel, then returns to its previous operation.

Watch mode

What it does

To turn it on/off

Weather Alert

Checks the last-used weather channel for

Select on or off from the Normal/WX Alert

Watch

hazard alerts every few seconds.

menu.

 

Checks emergency channel 16 for activity

Select dual watch from the Normal/Dual/

Dual Watch

TriWatch menu and press and hold 16/9-Tri

every few seconds.

 

for 2 seconds.

 

 

 

Checks emergency channels 16 and 9 for

Select triple watch from the Normal/Dual/

Triple Watch

TriWatch menu and press and hold 16/9-Tri

activity every few seconds.

 

for 2 seconds.

 

 

## Note: Private boats must monitor channel 16 whenever they are underway. Water-going vessels should have either Triple Watch or Dual Watch on at all times.

Normal

xx To transmit, remove the radio from the charger, then press and hold Push to Talk. Release the button when you are finished talking.

xx For the best sound quality, hold the microphone about two inches from your mouth while you’re talking.

xx Press Channel Up to move up one channel at a time. Press and hold the button to scroll quickly up through the channels.

xx Press Channel Down to move down one channel at a time. Press and hold the button to scroll quickly down through the channels.

xx To change the transmit power, press and hold GPS/ENT H/M/L. The transmit power cycles through LOW (1W), MID (2.5W), and HI (6W), then back to LOW again. Press BOOST on the left side of the radio to boost the transmit power to 6W (Lithium Ion battery) or to 1.5W (NiMH batteries).

## If you are using NiMH batteries, 6W is not available.

Normal Mode with Weather Alert Watch

If you activate Weather Alert Watch while

operating in Normal mode, the radio checks the most recently used weather channel every seven seconds. If it detects a weather or other hazard alert,

it will switch to that weather channel. (If you are actively transmitting, the radio waits until you finish your transmission before checking the weather channel.)

Normal Mode with Triple Watch or Dual Watch

Every 7 seconds,

the radio checks wx the last-used

weather channel.

WX Alert

Watch on

If you activate Triple Watch while operating in Normal mode, the radio checks channels 16 and 9 every few seconds; with Dual Watch turned on, the radio only checks channel 16. The radio will not check channels 16 or 9 while you are actively transmitting; it waits until your transmission is finished and then checks the channels.

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West Marine VHF460 Radio Owner’s Manual

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Contents VHF460155 Making a Distress Call Faire UN Appel DE Détresse Table of Contents Features IntroductionXx Battery level display and low battery alert Getting Started What’s includedParts of the VHF460 Front viewBack view Button Press to Press and hold toHow It Works Reading the displayMenus Display icons and what they meanDSC Setup Menu Call MenuMenu Option What it does Menu Option What it does DirectoryGPS Setup Menu Mode What it does Use it when you want to To turn it on/offOperation Modes GPS MenusNormal Mode with Weather Alert Watch Normal Mode with Triple Watch or Dual WatchWatch mode What it does To turn it on/off NormalUsing the Radio in Scan Mode Scan Mode with Weather Alert WatchScan Memory Channel ScanWeather Setting Up the Hardware Installing the BatteryUsing Rechargeable Batteries Attaching the AntennaSetting Up Your Radio Charging the BatteryInstalling the External Speaker/Mic Turning It OnSetting It Up Operating the Radio Digital Selective Calling Features What is DSC?Using the Strobe/Flashlight Changing the ChannelAdvanced DSC features Feature Menu Item FunctionMmsi Numbers Entering Mmsi numbers Entering Your User Mmsi NumberEntering a group Mmsi number Using the Directory Entering an individual Mmsi numberCall type What it does When to use it Making DSC CallsCalling a single station Individual Call All ships callSelect Individual Making an automatic distress call Calling a particular group of stations Group CallCalling all stations All-Ships Call Canceling an automatic distress call Receiving a DSC callReceive log Select Receive LogTest Calls Returning a call from the Receive LogMaking Test Calls Test DSC Call Type Receive Log InformationReceiving Test Call Setup Select DSC Setup and then Test ReplyAcknowledging Test Call Receipt If Test Reply is set to AutoSelect DSC Setup and then Position Reply Position Request and ReplyEnabling Automatic Position Reply POS RequestDisabling automatic channel switching Putting the radio into standbyPosition Send GPS Features Select DSC Setup, then Auto CH SWGPS Operation Overview Goto MenuNmea Features To input coordinatesTo select a Goto entry Maintenance and Troubleshooting Renaming ChannelsSpecifications Problem Things to TryCommon Questions GeneralChannels and Frequencies MHz US channel frequencies and namesTransmitter ReceiverUS Marine Channels RX Freq TX Freq Status NameCanadian channel frequencies and names Simplex Commercial Ship-ShipCanadian Marine Channels RX Freq TX Freq Status Name International channel frequencies and names RX Freq TX Freq Status Name on display156.5750 Simplex Non commercial Regulations and Safety Warnings Maritime Radio Services OperationWeather channel frequencies and names ChannelBasic Radio Guidelines FCC/Industry Canada InformationLithium Ion Battery Warning What Must I Do To Keep the Warranty in Effect? What Will West Marine Do? Page Boating

VHF460, VHF155 specifications

West Marine VHF155 and VHF460 are two prominent marine VHF radios designed to enhance communication for boaters and ensure safety on the water. These devices come packed with features that cater to both recreational and commercial vessel operators, making them invaluable tools for any maritime adventure.

The West Marine VHF155 is a compact and cost-effective model that provides essential communication capabilities. One of its main features is a built-in DSC (Digital Selective Calling) functionality, which allows users to send distress signals directly to the Coast Guard or nearby vessels with just a push of a button. This feature significantly improves safety, as it can alert others of emergencies without needing to communicate verbally.

The VHF155 offers a user-friendly interface with a large, easy-to-read LCD display, making it simple to navigate through channels and settings. It operates on the international VHF marine band and has access to all US, Canadian, and international channels, ensuring that users can communicate effectively regardless of their location. Additionally, the VHF155 is rated IPX7 for water resistance, meaning it can withstand splashes and brief submersion, providing peace of mind in challenging weather conditions.

On the other hand, the West Marine VHF460 boasts advanced features that appeal to professional mariners and avid boaters alike. It includes an integrated GPS receiver, allowing users to send their position during a distress call accurately. This feature is crucial for ensuring rapid assistance from search and rescue teams. The VHF460 supports both analog and digital communication, offering versatility in transmission methods.

Another notable characteristic of the VHF460 is its powerful built-in speaker, which delivers clear audio even in noisy marine environments. The radio also supports multiple scanning features, including Priority Scan, enabling users to monitor various channels effectively. This ensures that operators never miss important communications while engaged in other tasks on board.

Both models supportNMEA0183, which facilitates interoperability with other marine electronics, allowing for seamless integration with plotters and other navigational devices. The devices are designed for easy installation, with intuitive mounting options and clear instructions.

In summary, West Marine VHF155 and VHF460 marine radios bring crucial communication technology to boaters. Whether prioritizing essential safety features or seeking advanced capabilities, these radios provide reliability, ease of use, and enhanced safety, making them go-to choices for anyone who spends time on the water.
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