After your radio is submerged in water, the sound might be distorted. This is because there is still water remaining in and around the speaker and microphone. Just shake the radio to clear excess water, and the sound should return to normal.

If your radio is exposured to salt water, clean it thoroughly with fresh water and dry it before turning it on.

The charger is not waterproof.

xx Memory Scan mode. Lets you save channels to memory and monitor them in quick succession.

xx Transmitter power level select. Lets you boost the transmitter power from 1W to 2.5 or 6W for added transmission distance.

xx Battery level display and low battery alert.

xx Dual and Triple Watch operation. These different watch modes let you monitor up to two Coast Guard Distress/Hailing channels and one weather channel along with one regular marine channel.

xx All marine VHF channels for the U.S., Canada, and international waters

xx Emergency 16/09 Channel monitoring. Set unit to scan one or both of these emergency channels regularly within normal scanning cycles.

xx Class D second receiver is dedicated to monitoring the DSC watch channel 70 to ensure that no incoming messages are missed.

xx National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Channel watch. Sounds a warning tone when a hazard alert is issued.

xx SOS Strobe/Flashlight. A high intensity strobe LED can be set to blink an SOS pattern or to be steady on.

xx Key Lock. Locks keys to prevent accidentally changing channels or entering data. xx Selectable Backlight Timer. Lets you select the length of time the backlight will be

on.

xx Reversable LCD. You can change the display from light characters on dark background to dark characters on light background.

xx DSC. Lets you call other stations or groups using their unique identification code. This radio complies with International Class D DSC standards for Handheld GPS/VHF marine transceivers.

xx GPS (Favorite Position mode). Lets you to save your current position as well as manually enter other positions.You can save positions into a directory to return to them as desired.

xx NMEA input/output. Lets you connect to a chartplotter and send current GPS position and incoming DSC position information (Distress calls, other boat’s position, etc) to the chart plotter screen.

xx 9 weather channels available for monitoring.

xx Boost. Allows you to instantly transmit at a full 6 Watts.

xx MOB (Man Overboard). Lets you lock onto the current position when a Man Overboard situation occurs.

E-2

West Marine VHF460 Radio Owner’s Manual

Page 6
Image 6
West Marine VHF155, VHF460 manual Xx Battery level display and low battery alert

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.