Position Request and Reply

Enabling Automatic Position Reply

If you want the radio to automatically transmit your current position whenever it receives a position request, you can enable automatic position reply. Most boaters activate automatic position reply for safety reasons or because they subscribe to a marine towing service.

Sometimes—for example, in some competitive situations--you may not want other stations to get your position without your manual confirmation

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

2.Select DSC Setup and then Position Reply.

3.Choose Auto and press GPS/ENT H/M/L. The radio will automatically transmit your position when it receives a position request.

4.To disable automatic position reply, repeat the steps above and select Manual.

POS Request

Any time you need to know where another boat currently is—to find your boating partners, to respond to a request for assistance, etc.—you can send a position request to their radio:

Press and hold

Call Menu/

POS Request

Position Request 16

[Manual]

Norwester

Harris

Back Select Exit

[MENU] [ENT] [CLR]

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

2.Select POS Request and press GPS/ENT H/M/L.

3.The radio displays the names listed in your directory; use Channel Up and Channel Down to choose the directory entry you want to contact and press GPS/ENT H/M/L. If you want to contact a station that is not in your directory, select Manual. The radio prompts you to enter the MMSI number you want to call. Enter the MMSI number the same way you enter directory entries (see page 22). Enter all nine digits and press GPS/ENT H/M/L.

4.The radio displays the MMSI number you are about to contact and asks you to confirm. If you want to request the position of the displayed MMSI number, select Send. To cancel the request, select Exit.

5.When the other station responds, the radio displays the MMSI number, the longitude, and the latitude of the other station. If your radio is connected to a chartplotter through the NMEA OUT connection (see page 34), the position information will also be displayed on the plotter screen.

6.If the other station does not have valid GPS data, the radio displays No Position.

Position Reply

When another station requests your current position, different screens display depending on whether you set Position Reply to Auto or Manual.

West Marine VHF460 Radio Owner’s Manual

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West Marine VHF460, VHF155 manual Position Request and Reply, Enabling Automatic Position Reply, POS Request
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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.
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