Cobra Electronics MRF45 FCC Licensing Information, Recommendations For Marine Communication

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Introduction

CAUTIONS

Recommendations For Marine Communication

FCC Licensing Information

VHF Marine Radio Protocols

FCC LICENSING INFORMATION

AVOID using or storing the radio at temperatures below -4°F (-20°C) or above 140°F (60°C).

NEVER connect the transceiver to DC power greater than 16 volts or to any DC source with reversed polarity. Doing so will damage the transceiver.

DO NOT cut the power cables attached to the transceiver. Improper reconnection with reversed polarity will damage the transceiver.

POSITION your radio, external speakers, and cablesat least three (3) feet (0.9 m) away from your vessel’s magnetic navigation compass. CHECK your compass before and after installation to be sure that it has not introduced any deviation.

DO NOT attempt to service any internal parts yourself. Have any necessary service performed by a qualified technician.

DO NOT drop the transceiver or microphone. Doing so may crack the case or damage a waterproof seal. Once these items have been dropped, the original waterproofing cannot be guaranteed.

DO NOT use chemicals or solvents such as mineral spirits and alcohol to clean your radio. They may damage the case surfaces.

Changes or modifications to your radio MAY VOID its compliance with FCC rules and make it illegal to use.

Recommendations For Marine Communication

The frequencies your radio uses are set aside to enhance safety afloat and for vessel navigation and operational messages over a range suitable for nearshore voyages. If the 25 watt maximum output of your radio isn’t sufficient for the distances you travel from the coast, consider installing more powerful radio equipment such as HF single side band or satellite radio for your vessel.

The U.S. Coast Guard does not endorse cellular telephones as substitutes for marine radios. They generally cannot communicate with rescue vessels and, if you make a distress call on a cellular telephone, only the party you call will be able to hear you. Additionally, cellular telephones may have limited coverage over water and can be hard to locate. If you don’t know where you are, the Coast Guard will have difficulty finding you if you’re using a cellular telephone.

However, cellular telephones can have a place on board where cellular coverage is available — to allow social conversations and keep the marine frequencies uncluttered and available for their intended uses.

CobraMarine VHF radios comply with the FCC (Federal Communication Commission) requirements that regulate the Maritime Radio Service.

This CobraMarine radio incorporates a VHF FM transceiver designed for use in the frequency range of 156.025 to 163.275 MHz. It requires 13.8 volts DC and has a switchable RF output power of one (1) or 25 watts.

The transceiver is capable of RTCM SC 101 DSC (Digital Selective Calling) operation.

The radio operates on all currently allocated marine channels and is switchable for use according to U.S.A., International, or Canadian regulations. It features instant access to emergency Channel 16 and calling Channel 9 as well as NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) All Hazards Radio with Alert that can be accessed by pressing one (1) key.

Station License

An FCC ship station license is no longer required for any vessel traveling in U.S.A. waters which uses a VHF marine radio, RADAR, or EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon), and which is not required to carry radio equipment. However, any vessel required to carry a marine radio on an international voyage, carrying a HF single side band radiotelephone, or carrying a marine satellite terminal must obtain a station license.

FCC license forms and applications for ship and land stations can be downloaded through the Internet at www.fcc.gov/forms. Forms can also be obtained by calling the FCC at 888-225-5322.

International Station License

If your vessel will be entering the sovereign waters of a country other than the U.S.A. or Canada, you should contact that country’s communications regulatory authority for licensing information.

Radio Call Sign

Currently, the FCC does not require recreational boaters to have a license. The United States Coast Guard recommends that the boat’s registration number and state of registry (e.g., Illinois 1234 AB) be used as a call sign and be clearly visible on the vessel.

Canadian Ship Station License

You need a Radio Operator’s Certificate if your vessel is operated in Canadian waters. Radio Operator training and certification is available from the Canadian Power Squadron. Visit their website (http://www.cps-ecp.ca/english/newradiocard.html), contact the nearest field office or write: Industry of Canada, Radio Regulatory Branch, Attn: DOSP, 300 Slater Street, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0C8.

 

 

 

 

4 English

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra® 5

 

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Contents For Assistance Outside The U.S.A Our Thanks ToYouCustomer Assistance For Assistance In The U.S.A Microphone With Auxiliary Controls Microphone Product Features Product Features Table Of Contents Important Safety Information Important Safety InformationSafety Training Information Always use only Cobra authorized accessoriesRecommendations For Marine Communication FCC Licensing InformationVHF Marine Radio Procedures Maintain Your Watch VHF Marine Radio ProceduresVoice Calling Voice CallingMaritime Mobile Service Identity Mmsi Maritime Mobile Service Identity MmsiDigital Selective Calling DSC Digital Selective Calling DSCEmergency Messages And Distress Procedure Emergency Messages Distress ProcedureRadiotelephone Calls Radiotelephone CallsMarine Distress Procedure DSC Marine Distress ProcedureTell where you are SayVHF Marine Channel Assignments VHF Marine Channel Assignments156.700 Rx Only 156.750 International Distress, Safety and Calling156.800 156.850 03A Government Only23A Government Only 20A Port Operations Port Operations, Ship Movement21A U.S. Government Only Canada Coast Guard Only Digital Selective Calling Voice communications not allowed 64A U.S. Government Only Canada Commercial Fishing81A U.S. Government Only Environmental Protection Operations Noaa Weather Channels Alert World City Time ZonesWorld City Time Zones Noaa Weather Channels And AlertMounting And Powering The Radio Mounting Powering The RadioIncluded In This Package Included In This PackageFlush Mount Kit Not Included Electrical Power ConnectionMicrophone Bracket Antenna Requirements And Attachment Installation RequirementsRadio Operator Requirements Safe Maximum Permissible Exposure MPE RadiusExternal Devices And Connections External Devices ConnectionsGlobal Positioning System GPS Device Not Included Microphone AttachmentPower On-Off Tones And AlarmsGetting Started Getting StartedSquelch VolumeStandby And Receive Set-Up Routines Set-Up Routines Settings MenuLCD Backlight LCD ContrastA./International/Canada Channel Maps To Set Your Radio For The Area In Which You Will Be Using ItVoice Transmission Transmit Power OutputVoice Transmission ChannelsAdvanced Operation Weather Radio And AlertNoaa All Hazards/Weather Radio And Alert Advanced OperationScan Dual-WatchDSC Set-Up DSC Set-UpUser Mmsi Number If You Incorrectly Enter Your Mmsi NumberDSC Scanning IfYou TransferYourRadioTo a DifferentVesselGroup Mmsi Number Individual Directory Position Request Reply TypeTo Set The Position Request Reply Type To Enter Or Edit Names And Mmsi Numbers In The DirectorySending Distress Calls DSC OperationDSC Operation Sending An All Ships Calls Receiving Distress CallsRegarding Distress Relay Calls Receiving Distress Relay CallsSending An Individual Call Receiving An All Ships CallSending a Geographical Call Receiving a Geographical CallReceiving a Group Call Receiving An Individual CallSending a Group Call Sending a Position RequestIf You Receive a Position To Exit The Position Request ModeIf The Station You Called Cannot Send Its Position If The Station You Called Chose Not To ReplyReceiving a Position Send Receiving a Position RequestSending a Position Send Specifications Maintenance TroubleshootingMaintenance TroubleshootingProduct Service Optional Accessories Accessories Order Info