Maintenance and Troubleshooting
VHP Marine Radio Procedures
Operating Your Radio
Maintenance
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Very little maintenance is required to keep your CobraMarine VHF radio
VHF Marine Radio Protocols
VHF Marine Radio Procedures
Maintain Your Watch
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in good operating condition:
■Keep the radio and charger clean by wiping with a soft cloth and mild detergent. Do not use solvents or harsh or abrasive cleaners, which could damage the case or scratch the LCD screen.
■If the radio is exposed to salt water, wipe with a soft, moist cloth at least once a day to prevent buildup of salt deposits, which could interfere with button operation.
■If the radio will be stored for a long period, such as over the winter, remove the batteries from the battery tray and store them in a separate package. This is especially important if you are using alkaline batteries.
Troubleshooting |
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Problem | Possible Cause(s) | Solution(s) |
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No display on LCD when | Batteries are exhausted | Recharge or |
radio is turned On |
| replace batteries |
| Batteries not installed | Remove batteries and |
| properly | reinstall according to |
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| polarity markings |
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Batteries run | Batteries are at the | Replace with new |
down quickly | end of their life | batteries |
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Will transmit at | Batteries are low | Recharge or |
one (1) or three (3) watts, |
| replace batteries |
but not at six (6) watts | Selected channel is imited | Switch to |
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| to one (1) watt | another channel |
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Will not transmit | Selected channel is | Switch to |
| limited to receive only | another channel |
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No sound from speaker | Volume level is too low or | |
| squelch level is too deep | and squelch |
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No response to | Button lock is On | Press Backlight/ |
button press |
| Key Lock button |
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No answer to calls | Out of range of | Switch to three (3) or six |
| other station | (6) watts or move closer |
| Signal is blocked | Move until you have a “line- |
| by terrain | |
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Whenever your boat is underway, the radio must be turned On and be tuned to Channel 16 except when being used for messages.
Power
Try 1 watt first, if the station being called is within a few miles. If there is no answer, switch to 3 watts and call again. You have the ability to go up to 6 watts of output power to increase your calling distance. Remember, the lower wattage outputs will conserve your battery and minimize interference to other users.
Calling Coast Stations
Call a coast station on its assigned channel. You may use Channel 16 when you do not know the assigned channel.
Calling Other Vessels
Call other vessels on Channel 16 or on Channel 9. (Channel 9 is preferred for recreational vessel use.) You may also call on
Initial Calling on Channel 16 or 9
The use of Channel 16 is permitted for making initial contact (hailing) another vessel. The limits on calling must be followed. Be reminded, Channel 16’s most important function is for Emergency Messages. If for some reason, Channel 16 is congested, the use of Channel 9, especially in U.S. waters, may be used as the initial contact (hailing) channel for
Limits on Calling
You must not call the same station for more than 30 seconds at a time.
If you do not get a reply, wait at least two (2) minutes before calling again. After three (3) calling periods, wait at least 15 minutes before calling again.
Change Channels
After contacting another station on a calling channel, change immediately to a channel which is available for the type of message you want to send.
Station Identification
Identify, in English, your station by your FCC call sign (if available), vessel name and the state registration number, at both the beginning and at the end of the message.
34 English | Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra® 35 |
