1-6 Basic Operation and Key Functions
All possible keys and their functions are listed. Note that some of the keys are not available depending on your Northstar VHF radio model.
Key | Function |
VOL/PWR | Volume and Power. Turn clockwise to power on. Continue to turn until a comfortable |
| volume is reached. VOL/PWR will also adjust the settings of an external speaker, if |
| connected. |
SQL | Squelch or Threshold Level. Sets the threshold level for the minimum receiver |
| signal. Turn fully counterclockwise until random noise is heard, then turn slowly |
| clockwise until the random noise disappears. Make another 1/4 turn clockwise for |
| best reception in open sea conditions. |
| In areas of high noise (eg close to large cities) reception may improve if sensitivity |
| is reduced. Either turn SQL slowly clockwise or use the LOCAL setting. See section |
| 2.3. |
16/9 | Priority Channel. VHF 710US only. Also on the microphone. Press to cancel all other |
| modes and to tune into the priority channel. Press again to return to your original |
| channel. |
| The default is Channel 16. To make Channel 09 the priority channel, hold down 16/9 |
| until a beep sounds and 09 is displayed. |
16 | Priority Channel. VHF 710EU. Also on the microphone. Press to cancel all other |
| modes and to tune into the priority channel, Channel 16, on high power. Press |
| again to return to your original channel. |
WX | Weather Channel. VHF 710US. In USA and Canadian waters, press to hear the most |
| recently selected weather station. The WX symbol is displayed on the LCD. |
| Press + or - to change to a different weather channel. Press WX again to return to |
| the most recent channel. |
| If the weather alert mode (ALT) is ON and an alert tone of 1050Hz is broadcast from |
| the weather station, it is picked up automatically and the alarm sounds. Press any |
| key to hear the weather alert voice message. |
8Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual
