Reading the display

The LCD display shows different information depending on what you are doing. Not all icons display on every screen. This dummy screen displays many of the possible icons. Not all icons are displayed at the same time. The table below shows possible icons and what they mean.

 

Channel

Weather Alert

Transmit

Current channel

Keylock is

mode

 

 

Watch is on

 

power level

number

active

 

 

 

 

 

 

Speed over

USA

HI

 

 

 

45.7KT

MEM

 

 

Battery

Ground

 

 

 

11:00AM

 

 

 

status

Time

35˚

40.610 N

 

 

A

 

139˚

46.564 E

 

 

GPS data

COMMERCIAL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Channel name

This channel is

 

 

 

in Memory

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Display icons and what they mean

 

 

 

 

Icon

What it means

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The keys are locked.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weather Alert Watch is turned on.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The battery is fully charged, mostly charged, half charged, mostly empty, or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

completely empty.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BRG

Bearing from boat’s position to destination from Favorite’s list.

 

 

 

 

COG

Current course (Course over Ground). COG displays when Favorite mode or

 

 

 

 

Compass mode is active, or when a DSC distress call is received.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DIST

Distance from boat’s position to destination.

 

LOW / MID / HI

The transmitter power is set to LOW (1W), MID (2.5W), or HI (6W).

 

USA / CAN / INT

Indicates Channel mode: US, CANadian, or INTernational channels.

 

 

 

 

MEM

The current channel is saved in memory.

How It Works

Menus

Various menus let you establish guidelines and parameters for sending and receiving calls. Menus also let you set your radio’s characteristics such as brightness, Code selection, and contrast.

The MENU/CALL button accesses menus that let you set the way your radio operates. The GPS/ENT/H/M/L button lets you set up your GPS features and save GPS locations to a favorites list to use again later.

MENU/CALL Menus

You can set up the radio’s physical displays and operation modes (Normal menu) and how you want to receive and send various types of calls (Call menu), The Call menu provides access to the DSC Setup submenu.

Normal Menu

Press MENU/CALL to display the following Normal menu options:

West Marine VHF460 Radio Owner’s Manual

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West Marine VHF460, VHF155 manual How It Works, Reading the display, Menus, Display icons and what they mean, Normal Menu

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.