West Marine VHF155, VHF460 manual Operating the Radio

Page 18

Adjusting the Lamp

The backlight LCD function can be set to automatically dim after a set time.

1.Press MENU/CALL and select Lamp Adjust.

2.Lamp Adjust options are Always Off, Timer, or Always On.

3.If you select Always On, the next screen lets you choose between Green and Orange. If you select Timer, the options are:

xx 10 sec xx 30 sec xx 1 min xx 3 min xx 5 min

Adjust the LCD Contrast

This feature lets you adjust the LCD’s contrast level. It also permits you to reverse the contrast completely. You can choose to have dark characters on a light background or light characters on a dark background.

1.Press MENU/CALL and select Contrast/RVS; press Channel Up or Channel Down to adjust the contrast.

2.Pressing Channel Down to turn the contrast all the way off will reverse the background/letters.

Turning the Key Beep On and Off

Key beep is the tone that sounds when you press a key or a button. Press MENU/CALL to bring up the Normal menu. Select Key Beep. Press Channel Up or Channel Down to turn the key beep on or off.

Operating the Radio

Making a Transmission

Select the channel you want to transmit on, then press and hold the Push to Talk button. Release the Push to Talk button when you’re finished talking to let the other party respond.

xx To prevent stuck microphone problems or situations where the Push to Talk button is pushed accidentally, the radio limits your talk time to 5 minutes in a single transmission.

xx For the best sound quality, hold the microphone about two inches away from your mouth.

xx See page E-23 for a list of receive-only channels.

Changing the transmission level

In most situations, 1W transmission power is all you need. If you find yourself far away from other stations and have trouble getting a response, you may need to increase the transmission power. If your radio is powered by a Li-Ion battery, you can press and hold the BOOST button to transmit at 6W; however, NiMH battery power boost is limited to 1.5W.

To increase the transmission power in increments:

1.Select the channel you want to transmit on.

2.Press and hold GPS/ENT H/M/L to switch to the next transmission power level (for

E-14

West Marine VHF460 Radio Owner’s Manual

Page 17 Page 19
Image 18
Page 17 Page 19
Contents VHF460155 Making a Distress Call Faire UN Appel DE Détresse Table of Contents Features IntroductionXx Battery level display and low battery alert Parts of the VHF460 Getting StartedWhat’s included Front viewBack view Button Press to Press and hold toMenus How It WorksReading the display Display icons and what they meanMenu Option What it does DSC Setup MenuCall Menu Menu Option What it does DirectoryOperation Modes GPS Setup MenuMode What it does Use it when you want to To turn it on/off GPS MenusWatch mode What it does To turn it on/off Normal Mode with Weather Alert WatchNormal Mode with Triple Watch or Dual Watch NormalScan Using the Radio in Scan ModeScan Mode with Weather Alert Watch Memory Channel ScanWeather Using Rechargeable Batteries Setting Up the HardwareInstalling the Battery Attaching the AntennaInstalling the External Speaker/Mic Setting Up Your RadioCharging the Battery Turning It OnSetting It Up Operating the Radio Using the Strobe/Flashlight Digital Selective Calling FeaturesWhat is DSC? 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 Receive log Canceling an automatic distress callReceiving a DSC call Select Receive LogMaking Test Calls Test Test CallsReturning a call from the Receive Log DSC Call Type Receive Log InformationAcknowledging Test Call Receipt Receiving Test Call SetupSelect DSC Setup and then Test Reply If Test Reply is set to AutoEnabling Automatic Position Reply Select DSC Setup and then Position ReplyPosition Request and Reply POS RequestDisabling automatic channel switching Putting the radio into standbyPosition Send GPS Operation Overview GPS FeaturesSelect DSC Setup, then Auto CH SW Goto MenuNmea Features To input coordinatesTo select a Goto entry Maintenance and Troubleshooting Renaming ChannelsCommon Questions SpecificationsProblem Things to Try GeneralTransmitter Channels and Frequencies MHzUS channel frequencies and names 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 Weather channel frequencies and names Regulations and Safety WarningsMaritime Radio Services Operation 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.
Top Page Image Contents