West Marine VHF460, VHF155 Making an automatic distress call, Calling all stations All-Ships Call

Page 25

response channel for voice transmission.

xx If the other station cannot respond on the channel you selected, the radio displays Not support CH.

Calling a particular group of stations (Group Call)

Group calling calls all the stations that share your group MMSI. You must have a group MMSI programmed into the radio to make a group call, and the stations (boats) you are calling must have this same group MMSI programmed into their radios.

1.Press and hold MENU/CALL to display the Call menu.

2.Select Group.

3.The radio prompts you to select a response channel. Use Channel Up and Channel Down to scroll through the available channels. When you reach the channel you want to use for a response, press GPS/ENT H/M/L.

4.The radio asks you to confirm the call. Select Send (press GPS/ENT H/M/L) to continue with the call or select Exit (press CLR/SCAN) to cancel the call.

5.The radio switches to channel 70 to transmit the call request then automatically switches to the designated response channel.

Calling all stations (All-Ships Call)

All ships calling contacts all DSC radios within range of your boat. You should only use all ships calling in the event of a Safety warning (such as debris in the water) or to request assistance in an Urgency (any situation where your vessel has a serious problem but is not yet in distress).

1.Open the Call menu.

2.Select All Ships, and then choose whether this is an Urgency call or a Safety call.

3.The radio asks you to confirm the call. Select Send (press GPS/ENT H/M/L) to continue with the call or select Exit (press CLR/SCAN) to cancel the call.

4.The radio automatically switches to channel 70 to transmit the call request then automatically switches to channel 16, the designated response channel for all-ships calling.

Making an automatic distress call

If you have programmed your MMSI number, your radio can transmit an automated distress call with your current location and nature of the distress. The radio then monitors channel 16 for a response and repeats the distress call every few minutes until it receives an acknowledgement.

To send an automatic distress call, press and hold DISTRESS for three seconds. If no MMSI number has been programmed, the radio prompts you to enter your MMSI number.

If you want to include the nature of your distress in the distress call, use the following distress procedure:

1.Press DISTRESS.

2.The radio displays the list of distress conditions; use Channel Up and Channel Down to choose the nature of your distress, then press and hold DISTRESS for three seconds.

West Marine VHF460 Radio Owner’s Manual

E-21

Page 24 Page 26
Image 25
Page 24 Page 26
Contents VHF460155 Making a Distress Call Faire UN Appel DE Détresse Table of Contents Introduction FeaturesXx Battery level display and low battery alert What’s included Getting StartedParts of the VHF460 Front viewButton Press to Press and hold to Back viewReading the display How It WorksMenus Display icons and what they meanCall Menu DSC Setup MenuMenu Option What it does Menu Option What it does DirectoryMode What it does Use it when you want to To turn it on/off GPS Setup MenuOperation Modes GPS MenusNormal Mode with Triple Watch or Dual Watch Normal Mode with Weather Alert WatchWatch mode What it does To turn it on/off NormalScan Mode with Weather Alert Watch Using the Radio in Scan ModeScan Memory Channel ScanWeather Installing the Battery Setting Up the HardwareUsing Rechargeable Batteries Attaching the AntennaCharging the Battery Setting Up Your RadioInstalling the External Speaker/Mic Turning It OnSetting It Up Operating the Radio What is DSC? Digital Selective Calling FeaturesUsing the Strobe/Flashlight Changing the ChannelFeature Menu Item Function Advanced DSC featuresMmsi Numbers Entering Your User Mmsi Number Entering Mmsi numbersEntering a group Mmsi number Entering an individual Mmsi number Using the DirectoryMaking DSC Calls Call type What it does When to use itAll ships call Calling a single station Individual CallSelect Individual Calling a particular group of stations Group Call Making an automatic distress callCalling all stations All-Ships Call Receiving a DSC call Canceling an automatic distress callReceive log Select Receive LogReturning a call from the Receive Log Test CallsMaking Test Calls Test DSC Call Type Receive Log InformationSelect DSC Setup and then Test Reply Receiving Test Call SetupAcknowledging Test Call Receipt If Test Reply is set to AutoPosition Request and Reply Select DSC Setup and then Position ReplyEnabling Automatic Position Reply POS RequestPutting the radio into standby Disabling automatic channel switchingPosition Send Select DSC Setup, then Auto CH SW GPS FeaturesGPS Operation Overview Goto MenuTo input coordinates Nmea FeaturesTo select a Goto entry Renaming Channels Maintenance and TroubleshootingProblem Things to Try SpecificationsCommon Questions GeneralUS channel frequencies and names Channels and Frequencies MHzTransmitter ReceiverRX Freq TX Freq Status Name US Marine ChannelsSimplex Commercial Ship-Ship Canadian channel frequencies and namesCanadian Marine Channels RX Freq TX Freq Status Name RX Freq TX Freq Status Name on display International channel frequencies and names156.5750 Simplex Non commercial Maritime Radio Services Operation Regulations and Safety WarningsWeather channel frequencies and names ChannelFCC/Industry Canada Information Basic Radio GuidelinesLithium 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