hREMOTE MIC Connector

Connects the supplied Hand Microphone if desired. This connector is connected to the front panel's MIC connector in parallel. Do not connect the microphones to both MIC connectors at same time.

iVIDEO Jacks

Connects the after-market VIDEO device, such as DVD player.

jGPS Antenna Jack

Connects the GPS antenna to the CPV550. Only use the GPS Smart antenna supplied with the CPV550

kAUX Jack

Allows connection of optional FF520 fish finder module and connections for AIS receiver

and other NMEA devices.

•I/N Jack

Connects the after-market NMEA device.

2.3.1VHF Antenna

ABOUT VHF RADIO

The radio frequencies used in the VHF marine band lie between 156 and 158 MHz with some shore stations available between 161 and 163 MHz. The marine VHF band provides communications over distances that are essentially “line of sight” (VHF signals do not travel well through objects such as buildings, hills or trees). Actual transmission range depends much more on antenna type, gain and height than on the power output of the transmitter. On a fixed mount 25W radio transmission expected distances could be greater than 15 miles.

2.3.2Selecting a Marine VHF Antenna

Marine antennas are made to radiate signals equally in all horizontal directions, but not straight up. The objective of a marine antenna is to enhance the signal toward the horizon. The degree to which this is accomplished is called the antenna’s gain. It is measured in decibels (dB) and is one of the major factors in choosing an antenna. In terms of effective radiated power (ERP), antennas are rated on the basis of how much gain they have over a theoretical antenna with zero gain. A 3-foot, 3dB gain antenna represents twice as much gain over the imaginary antenna. Typically a 3-foot 3dB gain stainless steel whip is used on a sailboat mast. The longer 8-foot 6dB fiberglass whip is primarily used on powerboats that require the additional gain.

CPV550

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