QUANTUM GX5500S
25 Watt VHF/FM
Marine Transceiver
Owner's Manual
z Commercial Grade ITU Class D DSC Transceiver
z Superior Receiver Performance (80 dB rejection)
z 30W Loud Hailer complete with Listen Back and 4 Fog Horns, Bells,and
Whistle
z 2.2 inch Internal Speaker Produces Clear Load Audio
z 2.58 x 1.28 inch Dot Matrix Display
z Alphanumeric keypad allows direct entry of channel numbers or selection
or most used functions
z NAV mode, Displays Latitude/Longitude, Position Time, SOG, COG
z Oversized Rotary Selector, Volume and Squelch Knobs
z Programmable Scan, Selectable Priority Scan, and Dual Watch
z One-Button Access to Channel 16 and 9
z Treble and Bass Audio Tone Control
z Two Inputs for Optional RAM+ or VH-310 Remote Microphone
z Optional Voice Scrambler
z Plug and Play Front or Rear Panel Microphone
(optional MEK-4 extension cable available)
@ When attached to GPS Receiver
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
11.5
INDIVIDUAL CALL .................................................................................................................... 41
11.5.1
11.5.2
11.5.3
11.5.4
11.5.5
Setting up the Individual / Position Call Directory ................................................. 41
Setting up Individual Reply ...................................................................................... 43
Setting up Individual / Group Call Ringer ............................................................... 43
Transmitting an Individual Call ................................................................................ 44
Receiving an Individual Call .................................................................................... 46
11.6
11.7
11.8
11.9
CALL WAITING DIRECTORY .................................................................................................. 46
11.6.1
11.6.2
11.6.3
Enabling the Call Waiting Feature .......................................................................... 46
Reviewing Received Calls Logged into the Call Waiting Directory ..................... 47
To Delete the Received Log from the “DSC Log” Directory ............................... 47
GROUP CALL ........................................................................................................................... 48
11.7.1
11.7.2
11.7.3
Setup a Group Call .................................................................................................. 48
Transmitting a Group Call ........................................................................................ 49
Receiving a Group Call ............................................................................................ 50
POSITION REQUEST ............................................................................................................... 51
11.8.1
11.8.2
11.8.3
Setting up Position Reply ........................................................................................ 51
Transmitting a Position Request to Another Vessel ............................................. 52
Receiving a Position Request ................................................................................. 53
POSITION SEND ...................................................................................................................... 54
11.9.1
11.9.2
11.9.3
Transmitting a DSC Position Send Ringer ............................................................ 54
Transmitting a DSC Position Send Call ................................................................. 54
Receiving a DSC Position Send Call ..................................................................... 56
11.10 MANUAL INPUTTING OF THE GPS LOCATION (LAT/LON) .............................................. 56
12 RADIO SETUP MODE ............................................................................................................................ 58
12.1
12.2
12.3
12.4
12.5
12.6
12.7
12.8
12.9
LCD CONTRAST ....................................................................................................................... 58
TIME OFFSET ........................................................................................................................... 59
TIME DISPLAY .......................................................................................................................... 60
SOG (SPEED OVER GROUND) UNIT .................................................................................. 60
TRUE MAGNETIC CHANGE (NAV DISPLAY) ........................................................................ 61
PRIORITY CHANNEL SET....................................................................................................... 61
SCAN TYPE .............................................................................................................................. 62
SCAN RESUME TIME ............................................................................................................... 62
KEY BEEP ................................................................................................................................. 63
12.10 WEATHER ALERT SETUP........................................................................................................ 63
12.11 CHANNEL NAMING .................................................................................................................. 64
12.12 NAMING THE RADIO OR SECOND STATION MIC OR HANDSET ................................. 65
12.13 TREBLE AND BASS AUDIO TONE CONTROL .................................................................... 66
12.14 FOG ALERT TONE FREQUENCY ............................................................................................ 67
12.15 CALENDAR SETUP .................................................................................................................. 67
13 ENHANCED RAM+ MIC OPERATION ................................................................................................... 70
13.1
13.2
RAM+ MIC CONTROLS ........................................................................................................... 70
INTERCOM OPERATION ......................................................................................................... 73
13.2.1
13.2.2
Communication ........................................................................................................... 73
Calling ......................................................................................................................... 73
13.3
PA/FOG OPERATION ................................................................................................................ 74
13.3.1
13.3.2
Operating the PA / Hailer .......................................................................................... 74
Operating the FOG Horn .......................................................................................... 74
13.4
13.5
MANUAL INPUTTING OF THE GPS LOCATION (LAT/LON) .............................................. 75
DSC / RADIO SETUP MODE .................................................................................................... 76
13.5.1
Lat/Lon or Time and SOG display ......................................................................... 77
14 VH-310 HANDSET OPERTION ............................................................................................................ 78
14.1
14.2
VH-310 HANDSET CONTROLS .............................................................................................. 78
INTERCOM OPERTION ............................................................................................................ 82
14.2.1
14.2.2
Communication ........................................................................................................... 82
Calling ......................................................................................................................... 82
14.3
PA/FOG OPERATION ................................................................................................................ 83
14.3.1
14.3.2
Operating the PA / Hailer .......................................................................................... 83
Operating the FOG Horn .......................................................................................... 83
14.4
14.5
MANUAL INPUTTING OF THE GPS LOCATION (LAT/LON) .............................................. 84
DSC / RADIO SETUP MODE .................................................................................................... 85
14.5.1
14.5.2
Lat/Lon or Time and SOG display ......................................................................... 86
External Speaker AF Selection ................................................................................ 86
15 MAINTENANCE ...................................................................................................................................... 88
15.1
15.2
15.3
REPLACEMENT PARTS ........................................................................................................... 88
FACTORY SERVICE ................................................................................................................. 88
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART ................................................................................................. 89
16 CHANNEL ASSIGNMENTS .................................................................................................................... 90
17 WARRANTY ............................................................................................................................................ 96
18 SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................................................................... 99
GX5500S
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1 GENERAL INFORMATION
1.1 INTRODUCTION
The STANDARD HORIZON GX5500S is a VHF/FM Marine Transceiver de-
signed for use in the frequency range of 156.025 to 163.275 MHz. The GX5500S
can be operated from 11 to 16 VDC and has a switchable RF output power of
1 watt or 25 watts.
The GX5500S is capable of DSC (Digital Selective Calling) Class D operation
and two Enhanced second station RAM+ mic (CMP25 remote-control speaker/
microphone with display) and/or VH-310 Handset. Class D operation allows
continuous receiving of Digital Selective Calling functions on channel 70 even
if the radio is receiving a call.
The GX5500S operates on all currently-allocated marine channels which are
switchable for use with USA, International, or Canadian regulations. It has an
emergency channel 16 which can be immediately selected from any channel
[
]
by pressing the red 16/9 key. NOAA Weather channels can also be accessed
[
]
immediately by pressing the WX key with channel selection.
Other features of the GX5500S include: 30W PA/Fog, multi-station intercom,
scanning, priority scanning, removeable speaker mic, high and low voltage
warning, and GPS repeatability.
2 PACKING LIST
When the package containing the transceiver is first opened, please check it
for the following contents:
y
y
y
y
y
GX5500S Transceiver
Mounting Bracket and attaching hardware
Owner’s Manual
Quick-Reference Card
Power Cord
Page 4
GX5500S
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3 OPTIONS
MMB-84 .........................................................................Flush-Mount Bracket
CMP25B/W ...............Remote-Access Microphone (RAM+ Mic, Black/White)
VH-310 ..................................................Remote Handset (available in Black)
CT-100 ...............................................23-foot Extension Cable for RAM+ Mic
CVS2500 ...............................................................................Voice Scrambler
MLS-310 ............ 10W amplified External Speaker with on/off volume control
MLS-300 ...................................................................... External Loudspeaker
101W ............................................................... Mini White Extension Speaker
220SW ..................................................................... 4.5” Round Hail/PA Horn
240SW ........................................................ 5” x 8” Rectangular Hail/PA Horn
MEK-4 .... Microphone Extension Kit (to remote front panel mic to rear panel)
4 SAFETY / WARNING INFORMATION
This radio is restricted to occupational use, work related operations only where
the radio operator must have the knowledge to control the exposure condi-
tions of its passengers and bystanders by maintaining the minimum separa-
tion distance of 0.89 m (2.92 feet). Failure to observe these restrictions will
result in exceeding the FCC RF exposure limits.
Antenna Installation:
The antenna must be located at least 0.89 m (2.92 feet) away from passen-
gers in order to comply with the FCC RF exposure requirements.
Lithium Battery Included:
This radio contains a Lithium Battery. At the end of radio’s useful life, under
various state and lows, it may be illegal to dispose of Lithium Battery into the
municipal waste stream. Check with your local solid waste officials for details
in your area for recycling options or proper disposal.
ON-LINE WARRANTY REGISTRATION
Please visit www.standardhorizon.com to register the GX5500S Marine
VHF. It should be noted that visiting the Web site from time to time may
be beneficial to you, as new products are released they will appear on
the STANDARD HORIZON Web site.
PRODUCT SUPPORT INQUIRIES
If you have any questions or comments regarding the use of the GX5500S,
you can visit the STANDARD HORIZON Web site to send an E-Mail or
contact the Product Support team at 800-767-2450 M-F 7:00-5:00PST.
GX5500S
Page 5
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5 FCC RADIO LICENSE INFORMATION
Standard Horizon radios comply with the Federal Communication Commis-
sion (FCC) requirements that regulate the Maritime Radio Service.
5.1 STATION LICENSE
An FCC ship station license is no longer required for any vessel traveling in
U.S. waters (except Hawaii) which is under 20 meters in length. However, any
vessel required to carry a marine radio on an international voyage, carrying a
HF single side band radiotelephone or marine satellite terminal is required to
have a ship station license. FCC license forms, including applications for ship
(506) and land station licenses can be downloaded via the Internet at
www.fcc.gov/forms. To obtain a form from the FCC, call (888) 225-5322.
5.2 RADIO CALL SIGN
Currently the FCC does not require recreational boaters to have a Ship Radio
Station License. The USCG recommends the boats registration number and
the state to be used.
5.3 CANADIAN SHIP STATION LICENSING
You may need a license when traveling in Canada. If you do need a license
contact their nearest field office or regional office or write:
Industry Canada
Radio Regulatory Branch
Attn: DOSP
300 Slater Street
Ottawa, Ontario
Canada, KIA 0C8
5.4 FCC / INDUSTRY CANADA INFORMATION
The following data pertaining to the transceiver is necessary to fill out the li-
cense application.
Type Acceptance ......................................................................... FCC Part 80
Output Power ...............................................1 Watt (low) and 25 Watts (high)
Emission.........................................................................16K0G3E, 16K0G2B
Frequency Range.................................................... 156.025 to 163.275 MHz
FCC Type Number ...................................................................K6630283X3S
Industry Canada Type Approval ............................................511B-30283X3S
Page 6
GX5500S
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6 FCC NOTICE
NOTICE
Unauthorized changes or modifications to this equipment may void com-
pliance with FCC Rules. Any change or modification must be approved
in writing by STANDARD HORIZON.
NOTICE
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for
a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These
limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses
and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to ra-
dio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference
will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be de-
termined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to
try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to
which the receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
GX5500S
Page 7
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7 GETTING STARTED
7.1 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 ma-
rine 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 can be greater than 15 miles, for
a portable 5W radio transmission the expected distance can be greater than 5
miles in “line of sight”.
7.2 SELECTING AN ANTENNA
Marine antennas are made to radiate signals equally in all horizontal direc-
tions, 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 power boats that require
the additional gain.
7.3 COAXIAL CABLE
VHF antennas are connected to the transceiver by means of a coaxial cable –
a shielded transmission line. Coaxial cable is specified by it’s diameter and
construction.
For runs less than 20 feet, RG-58/U, about 1/4 inch in diameter is a good
choice. For runs over 20 feet but less than 50 feet, the larger RG-8X or RG-
213/U should be used for cable runs over 50 feet RG-8X should be used. For
installation of the connector onto the coaxial cable refer to the figure below.
Adapter
To get your coax cable through a fit-
1/16''
ting and into your boat’s interior, you
may have to cut off the end plug and
3/4''
3/4''
1 1/8''
1/8''
reattach it later. You can do this if you
follow the directions that come with the
3/8'' 5/8''
connector. Be sure to make good sol-
dered connections.
Page 8
GX5500S
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8 INSTALLATION
8.1 LOCATION
The radio can be mounted at any angle. Choose a mounting location that:
• is far enough from any compass to avoid any deviation in compass read-
ing due to the speaker magnet
• provides accessibility to the front panel controls
• allows connection to a power source and an antenna
• has nearby space for installation of a microphone hanger
• the antenna must be mounted at least 3 feet from radio
Note: To insure the radio does not affect the compass or radios performance is
not affected by the antenna location, temporarily connect the radio in the de-
sired location and:
a. Examine the compass to see if the radio causes any deviation
b. Connect the antenna and key the radio. Check to ensure the radio is
operating correctly by requesting a radio check.
8.2 ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS
CAUTION
Reverse polarity connections will damage the radio!
Connect the power cord and antenna to the radio. Antenna and Power Supply
connections are as follows (see Figure 1):
Optional VH-310 Handset
Optional HAIL/PA Horn
Optional Speaker
Optional CMP25 RAM+ Mic.
GPS Navigation Receiver
A
c
c
e
s
Antenna
s
o
r
y
C
a
b
l
e
Water proof
Deck Outlet
Fuse
Red
Black
Power Source
Figure 1. General Installation
1. Mount the antenna at least 3 feet away from the radio. At the rear of the
radio, connect the antenna cable. It must have a PL259 connector. RG-8/
U coaxial cable must be used if the antenna is 25 feet or more from the
radio. RG58 cable can be used for distances less than 25 feet.
GX5500S
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2. Connect the red power wire to a 13.8 VDC ±20% power source. Connect
the black power wire to a negative ground.
3. If an optional remote extension speaker is to be used, refer to section 3.3
for connections.
4. It is advisable to have a Certified Marine Technician check the power out-
put and the standing wave ratio of the antenna after installation.
8.3 ACCESSORY CABLE
Wire Color/Description
WHITE - External Speaker +
(–)
Connection Examples
( )
SHIELD - External Speaker
( )
Connect to external 4 Ohm audio speaker
Connect to external 4 Ohm audio speaker
Connect to external 4 Ohm PA speaker
Connect to external 4 Ohm PA speaker
RED - PA Speaker +
(–)
SHIELD - PA Speaker
(–)
GREEN - NMEA Ground
BLUE- NMEA Input (+)
GRAY-NMEA Output (+)
Connect to NMEA
connection of GPS
( )
Connect to NMEA + output of GPS
( )
Connect to NMEA + input of GPS
When connecting the PA speaker, external speaker or GPS navigation receiver,
strip off about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of the specified wire’s insulation, then splice the
ends together.
PA Speaker
-/*
Shield
Red
JKL
(
(
)
)
Blue
NMEA OUT
NMEA OUT
Green
Gray
(
)
NMEA IN
Shield
White
DISTRESS
PULL OPEN
GPS Receiver
External Speaker
Note: In some areas powerful AM Broadcast stations may be heard when in
listen back mode. In this case the speaker wire will have to be changed to 2
conductor Shielded audio cable available from Radio Shack part number 278-
514. refer to image below for connections
-/*
Shield of cable is not
attached on PA Speaker end
JKL
Red
Bare
Connect the bare wire from the GX5500S
to one wire and to the shielded.
DISTRESS
PULL OPEN
PA Speaker
Make Red and bare connections short as possible
Page 10
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•
•
The GPS must have the NMEA Output turned on and set to 4800 Baud in
the setup menu. If there is a selection for parity select none.
For further information on interfacing /setting up your GPS. Please contact
the manufacturer of the GPS receiver.
•
•
GX5500S can read NMEA-0183 version 2.0 or higher.
The NMEA supported sentences are:
Input: GLL, GGA, RMC and GNS (RMC sentence is recommended)
Output:DSC and DSE
(DSC sentences to Standard Horizon Plotter for Position Polling)
If you have further inquires, please feel free to contact Product Support at:
Phone: (800) 767-2450
Email: [email protected]
GX5500S
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8.4 CHECKING GPS CONNECTIONS
After connections have been made between the GX5500S and the GPS, a
small satellite icon will appear on the top right corner of
the LCD display. To see additional GPS information press
[
(
)]
and hold the H/L NAV key until the GX5500S shows
the SOG and COG.
8.5 CHANGING THE GPS TIME
From the Factory the GX5500S shows GPS satellite time or UTC time when a
optional GPS is connected. A time offset is needed to show the local time in
your area.
[
(
)]
1. Press and hold down the CALL MENU key until
“Radio Setup” menu appears.
[
]
2. Press the ENT key, then select “Time Offset” with
the CHANNEL selector knob.
[
]
3. Press the ENT key.
4. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob to select time off-
set from UTC. See illustration below to find your off-
set time from UTC. If “00:00” is assigned, the time
is the same as UTC (Universal Time Coordinated or
GMT Greenwich Mean Time).
[
]
5. Press the ENT key to store the time offset.
[
]
6. Press the CLR key to return to the “Radio Setup”
[
]
menu, then press the CLR key again to return to radio operation.
OFFSET TIME TABLE
Page 12
GX5500S
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8.6 CHANGING THE TIME LOCATION
Set the radio show UTC time or local time with the offset inputted in section 8.5
CHANGING THE GPS TIME.
[
(
)]
1. Press and hold down the CALL MENU key until
“Radio Setup” menu appears.
[
]
2. Press the ENT key, then select “Time Display” in
the “Radio Setup” menu with the CHANNEL selector
knob.
[
]
3. Press the ENT key.
4. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob to select “UTC” or
“Local.”
[
]
5. Press the ENT key to store the selected setting.
[
]
6. Press the CLR key to return to the “Radio Setup”
[
]
menu, then press the CLR key again to return to
radio operation.
8.7 CHANGING COG TO TRUE OR MAGNETIC
Allows the GPS Course Over Ground to be selected to show in True or Mag-
netic. Factory default is True however following the steps below the COG can
be changed to Magnetic.
[
(
)]
1. Press and hold down the CALL MENU key until
“Radio Setup” menu appears.
[
]
2. Press the ENT key, then select “Magnetic” in the
“Radio Setup” menu with the CHANNEL selector
knob.
[
]
3. Press the ENT key.
4. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob to select “Mag-
netic” or “True.”
[
]
5. Press the ENT key to store the selected setting.
[
]
6. Press the CLR key to return to the “Radio Setup”
[
]
menu, then press the CLR key again to return to
radio operation.
GX5500S
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8.8 TREBLE AND BASE AUDIO TONE CONTROL
Allows the treble and bass of the speaker audio to be adjusted for the best
acoustics in noisy environments. The effect is similar to adjusting the treble
and bass controls on a stereo.
[
(
)]
1. Press and hold down the CALL MENU key until
“Radio Setup” menu appears.
[
]
2. Press the ENT key, then select “Tone Control” in
the “Radio Setup” menu with the CHANNEL selector
knob.
[
]
3. Press the ENT key, then select “Bass” with the
CHANNEL selector knob.
[
]
4. Press the ENT key, then turn the CHANNEL se-
lector knob to select desired audio responce in the
–
lower frequency range. Available selections are “
6” through “+6.”
[
]
5. Press the ENT key to store the selected setting.
6. Select “Treble” with the CHANNEL selector knob.
[
]
7. Press the ENT key, then turn the CHANNEL se-
lector knob to select desired audio responce in the
–
highr frequency range. Available selections are “
6” through “+6.”
[
]
8. Press the ENT key to store the selected setting.
[
]
9. Press the CLR key to return to the “Radio Setup”
[
]
menu, then press the CLR key again to return to
radio operation.
Page 14
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8.9 OPTIONAL MMB-84 FLUSH MOUNT INSTALLATION
1. Make a rectangular template for the flush mount measuring 2.9” H x
8.1” W (72 x 205 mm).
2. Use the template to mark the location where the rectangular hole is to be
cut. Confirm the space behind the dash or panel is deep enough to accom-
modate the transceiver (at least 6 inches deep).
There should be at least 1/2 inch between the transceiver’s heatsink and
any wiring, cables or structures.
3. Cut out the rectangular hole and insert the transceiver.
4. Fasten the brackets to the sides of the transceiver with the lock washer nut
combination; so that the mounting screw base faces the mounting surface
(see Figure 2).
5. Turn the adjusting screw to adjust the tension so that the transceiver is
tight against the mounting surface.
Bracket
Adjusting Screw
Lock-washer nut combination
Figure 2. MMB-84 Flush Mount Installation
GX5500S
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8.10 OPTIONAL CMP25 ENHANCED RAM+ SECOND STATION MIC
OR VH-310 HANDSET INSTALLATION
The GX5500S is capable of using a CMP25 Enhanced RAM+ mic or VH-310
Handset to remotely control the Radio, DSC and PA/Fog functions. In addition
the GX5500S can operate as a full function intercom system.
1. Connect the Extension Cable to the Remote Mic eight pin connector on
the rear panel, then tighten the Cable Nut (See Figure 3).
2. Referring to Figure 3, make a 1.2” (30 mm) hole in the wall, then insert the
Extension Cable into this hole. Connect the Gasket and Mount Base to the
Extension Cable Connector using the Nut.
3. Drill the four Screw holes (approx. 2 mm) on the wall, then install the Mount-
ing Base to the wall using four screws.
4. Put the Rubber Cap on to the Nut. The installation is now complete.
NOTE
The routing cable can be cut and spliced, however care needs to be
taken when reconnecting the wires to ensure water integrity.
Before cutting the cable make sure it is not plugged into the radio. After
cutting you will notice there are the following wires:
Yellow, Green, Brown, Purple, Blue, Green, RedÚ, ShieldÚ
Ú The red and shield wires are wrapped in foil. Remove the foil, and
seperate the Red and shield wires.
External Speaker Connections
Gasket
Cap
Wall
Routing Cable
Mounting Bracket
Nut
Figure 3. Enhanced RAM+ MIC Installation
Page 16
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Remote Mic or External Speaker Selection
By default the RAM+ or VH-310 Handset internal speaker is turned on, how-
ever using the RAM+ mic (or VH-310 Handset) this speaker can be turned off
so the external speaker can be used.
RAM+ mic procedure
[
(
)
]
1. Press and hold the CALL SET MENU key.
[ ] [ ]
2. Press the S or T key to select “RADIO SETUP.”
[
(
)
]
3. Press the CALL SET MENU key.
[ ]
4. Press the T key to until “EXT SPK” is shown and press the
[
(
)
]
CALL SET MENU key.
[
]
[
]
5. Press the S or T key to select “oF” (External speaker
off) or “on” (External speaker on).
[
(
)
]
6. Press the CALL SET MENU key to save the selection.
[
]
7. Press the 16/9 key to exit this mode.
VH-310 Procedure
[
(
)]
1. Press and hold the CALL MENU key.
[ ] [ ]
2. Press the S or T key to select “RADIO SETUP.”
[
]
3. Press the ENT key
[ ]
4. Press the T key to until “EXT SPK” is shown and press the
[
]
ENT key.
[
]
[
]
5. Press the S or T key to select “oF” (External speaker
off) or “on” (External speaker on).
[
]
6. Press the ENT key to save the selection.
[
]
7. Press the 16/9 key to exit this mode.
GX5500S
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9 CONTROLS AND INDICATORS
NOTE
This section defines each control of the transceiver. See Figure 4 for
location of controls. For detailed operating instructions refer to chapter
10 of this manual.
9.1 CONTROLS AND CONNECTIONS
(
)
VOLUME CONTROL VOL/PWR
Adjusting this control clockwise, increases the audio volume level.
Secondary Use
When in PA or Fog mode, controls the listen back volume.
(
)
SQUELCH CONTROL SQL
Adjusting this control clockwise, sets the point at which random noise on
the channel does not activate the audio circuits but a received signal does.
This point is called the squelch threshold. Further adjustment of the squelch
control will degrade reception of wanted transmissions.
MIC Connector
Connects to the supplied noise canceling speaker microphone.
KEYPAD
[
]
WX Key
Press the WX key immediately recalls the previously selected NOAA
[
]
[
]
weather channel from any channel. Pressing the WX key again reverts
to the previous selected working channel.
Secondary use:
[
]
[
]
Press the WX key while pressing and holding the 16/9 key to switch
between USA, International and Canadian bands.
[
[
]
PWR Key
Turns the transceiver on and off. To turn the transceiver on, press and
hold this key until the LCD turns on. To turn it off, press and hold this key
until the LCD turns off. When the power is turned on, the transceiver is
set to the last selected channel.
]
16/9 Key
Press the 16/9 key immediately recalls channel 16 from any channel
[
]
[
]
location. Holding down the 16/9 key recalls channel 9. Pressing the
[
]
16/9 key again reverts to the previous selected working channel.
Secondary use:
[
]
[
]
Press the WX key while pressing and holding the 16/9 key to switch
between USA, International and Canadian bands.
Page 18
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-/*
JKL
DISTRESS
PULL OPEN
Figure 4. Controls and Connectors
GX5500S
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[
]
H/L Key
Press the H/L key to toggles between 25 W (High) and 1 W (Low)
[
]
[
]
power. When the H/L key is pressed while the transceiver is on chan-
nel 13 or 67, the power will temporarily switch from LO to HI power until
[
]
the PTT is released. The H/L key does not function on transmit inhib-
ited and low power only channels.
CHANNEL SELECTOR KNOB
Rotary knob used to select channels and to choose menu items (such as
[
(
)]
the DSC menu, Radio Setup and DSC Setup menu). The UP S
)]
/
[
(
DOWN T keys on the microphone can also be used to select channels
and menu items.
Secondary Use
[ ]
[ (
)]
y Press the F key first then press the 3 SCAN key, and turning the
[ (
)]
CHANNEL selector knob while holding down the 3 SCAN key, you
can confirm memory channels for scanning.
y Adjusts the PA output level while in PA/FOG mode.
KEYPAD
[ (
)]
1 DIM Key
When in radio mode, this key is used to directly select channel digit “1”
in a channel number.
Secondary use
[ ]
[ (
)]
Press the F key first then press the 1 DIM key, access the LCD Dim-
mer menu. Refer to section “10.16 LCD DIMMER” for details.
[ (
)]
2 MEM Key
When in radio mode, this key is used to directly select channel digit “2”
in a channel number.
Secondary use
[ ]
[ (
)]
Press the F key first then press the 2 MEM key, memorize the se-
lected channel into the transceiver scan memory for scanning. When
([ ]
[ (
)])
repeat the same procedures F Æ 2 MEM , DELETES the channel
from the scan memory. Refer to section “10.13 SCANNING” for details.
[ (
)]
3 SCAN Key
When in radio mode, this key is used to directly select channel digit “3”
in a channel number.
Secondary use (Depends on the transceiver version)
[ ]
[ (
)]
Press the F key first then press the 3 SCAN key, start and stop the
scanning of programmed channels. Refer to section “10.13 SCANNING”
for details.
Page 20
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[ (
)]
4 DW Key
When in radio mode, this key is used to directly select channel digit “4”
in a channel number.
Secondary use
[ ]
[ (
)]
Press the F key first then press the 4 DW key, scan for voice com-
munications on the priority channel and another selected channel until
a signal is received on either channel (Dual Watch). Refer to section
(
)
“10.12 DUAL WATCH TO PRIORITY CHANNEL ” for details.
[ ( )]
5 IC Key
When in radio mode, this key is used to directly select channel digit “5”
in a channel number.
Secondary use
[ ]
[ ( )]
Press the F key first then press the 5 IC key, when the optional RAM+
Mic is connected, intercom operation will operate between radio and
RAM+ Mic. Refer to section “10.17 INTERCOM OPERATION” for de-
tails.
[ (
)]
6 NAV Key
When in radio mode, this key is used to directly select channel digit “6”
in a channel number.
Secondary use
[ ]
[ (
)]
Press the F key first then press the 6 NAV key, the LCD displays
NAV GPS Data; Time, SOG (Speed Over Ground), and COG (Course
Over Ground) when a GPS is connected to the accessory cable of the
GX3500S. See section “8.4 CHECKING GPS CONNECTION” for de-
tails.
[ (
)]
7 SCRM Key
When in radio mode, this key is used to directly select channel digit “7”
in a channel number.
Secondary use
[ ]
[ (
)]
Press the F key first then press the 7 SCRM key, when the optional
CVS2500 Voice Scrambler Unit is installed, available to operate the Voice
Scrambler function. Refer to section “10.18 VOICE SCRAMBLER” for
details.
[ ( )]
8 PA Key
When in radio mode, this key is used to directly select channel digit “8”
in a channel number.
Secondary use
[ ]
[ ( )]
Press the F key first then press the 8 PA key, available to operate
the 30 Watt PA function. Refer to section “10.14 PA/FOG OPERATION”
for details.
GX5500S
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[ (
)]
9 FOG Key
When in radio mode, this key is used to directly select channel digit “9”
in a channel number.
Secondary use
[ ]
[ (
)]
Press the F key first then press the 9 FOG key, available to operate
the Fog Horn function. Refer to section “10.14 PA/FOG OPERATION”
for details.
[ ]
0 Key
When in radio mode, this key is used to directly select channel digit “0”
in a channel number.
[
[
]
CLR Key
[
]
Press the CLR Key to cancel the menu selection and/or keypad entry.
]
ENT Key
[
]
Press the ENT Key to determine the menu selection and/or keypad
entry.
[
(
)]
CALL MENU Key
[
(
)]
Press the CALL MENU key to access the DSC OPERATION menu.
The “INDIVIDUAL CALL,” “GROUP CALL,” and “ALL SHIPS CALL” functions
can be accessed from the DSC OPERATION menu.
Secondary use
[
(
)]
Press and hold the CALL MENU key to access the “Radio Setup” (re-
fer to section “12 RADIO SETUP MODE”) or “DSC Setup” menu (refer to
section “11 DIGITAL SELECTIVE CALLING”).
RADIO SETUP menu
Contrast
Time Offset
Time Display
SOG Unit
Magnetic
Priority CH
SCAN Type
SCAN Resume
Key Beep
DSC SETUP menu
Individual Directory
Individual Reply
Individual Ack
Individual Ringer
Group Directory
Position Reply
Position InputÚ
DSC Beep
User MMSI
Weather Alert
CH Name
: Only shown when a
GPS is not connected.
Ú
Unit Name
Tone Control
FOG Frequency
Calendar
[ ]
F Key
[ ]
Press the F key to activate the “Alternate” key function.
[
]
DISTRESS Key
Used to send a DSC Distress Call. To send the distress call refer to section
“11.3.1 Transmitting a DSC Distress Call.”
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ACCESSORY CONNECTION CABLE
Connects the GX5500S to a GPS, a PA speaker, and an external speaker.
See section “3 OPTIONS” for a list of optional STANDARD HORIZON
Speakers.
DC INPUT CABLE
Connects the radio to a DC power supply capable of delivering 12 to 16V DC.
FRONT PANEL REMOTE MIC Connector
Connects the supplied Hand Microphone if desired. This connnector is
used to remote the Front panel speaker mic using the optional MEK-4
Microphone Extension
Kit. 2 front panel micro-
phones to the front mic
jack and the rear panel
mic connector at the
same time.
RAM+ MIC CONNECTORS
Connects the GX5500S to the enhanced RAM+ MIC (Remote Access Mi-
crophone) or the VH-310 Handset. Refer to section “13 ENHANCED RAM+
MIC OPERATION” or “14 VH-310 HANDSET OPERATION” for details.
ANTENNA JACK
Connects an antenna to the transceiver. Use a marine VHF antenna with
an impedance of 50 ohms.
(
)
PTT Push-To-Talk SWITCH
Keys the transmitter when the transceiver is in radio mode. If the transceiver
is in the intercom operation mode (between the RAM+ and the GX5500S), it
activates the GX5500S microphone for voice communications.
MICROPHONE
Transmits the voice message with reduction of background noise, using
Clear Voice Noise Reduction Technology.
MICROPHONE SPEAKER
The same audio heard through internal radio speaker is heard through
microphone speaker.
[
(
)] [
(
)]
UP S / DOWN T KEYS
[
( )]
[
( )]
The UP S and DOWN T on the microphone function the same as the
CHANNEL selector knob on the front panel of the transceiver.
[
]
16/9 Key
[
]
Pressing the 16/9 key immediately recalls channel 16 from any location.
[
]
[
]
Press and hold the 16/9 key to recall channel 9. Pressing the 16/9 key
again will revert the radio to the previous selected channel.
GX5500S
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10 BASIC OPERATION
10.1 PROHIBITED COMMUNICATIONS
The FCC prohibits the following communications:
• False distress or emergency messages:
• Messages to “any boat” except in emergencies and radio tests;
• Messages to or from a vessel on land;
• Transmission while on land;
• Obscene, indecent, or profane language (potential fine of $10,000).
10.2 RECEPTION
1. After the transceiver has been installed, ensure that the power supply and
antenna are properly connected.
2. Press and hold the PWR key until the radio turns on.
3. Turn the SQL knob fully counterclockwise. This state is known as “squelch
off”.
4. Turn up the VOL knob until noise or audio from the speaker is at a comfort-
able level.
5. Turn the SQL knob clockwise until the random noise disappears. This state
is known as the “squelch threshold.”
6. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob to select the desired channel. Refer to
the channel chart on page 91 for available channels.
7. The keypad on the front may be used to directly select channels. Example
to select channel 68:
1. Press [6(NAV)]
[ ( )]
2. Press 8 PA
[
]
3. Press ENT
[ ]
In the USA and Canadian modes, press and hold in the 0 key to select
the “A” channel. Example to select channel 22A:
[ (
)]
)]
1. Press 2 MEM
[ (
2. Press 2 MEM
[ ]
3. Press 0 until “A” appears to the right of the channel number
[
]
4. Press ENT
8. When a message is received, adjust the volume to the desired listening
level. The “ ” indicator in the LCD is displayed indicating that the
channel is being used.
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10.3 TRANSMISSION
1. Perform steps 1 through 6 of RECEPTION.
2. Before transmitting, monitor the channel to ensure it is clear.
THIS IS AN FCC REQUIREMENT!
3. Press the PTT (push-to-talk) switch. The “
displayed.
” indicator on the LCD is
4. Speak slowly and clearly into the microphone.
5. When the transmission is finished, release the PTT switch.
NOTE
This is a noise-canceling microphone. Position the Oval Slot label “MIC”
within 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the mouth for optimum performance.
(
)
10.4 TRANSMIT TIME - OUT TIMER TOT
When the PTT switch on the microphone is held down, transmit time is limited to
5 minutes. This limits unintentional transmissions due to a stuck microphone.
About 10 seconds before automatic transmitter shutdown, a warning beep will be
heard from the speaker(s). The transceiver will automatically go to receive mode,
even if the PTT switch is continually held down. Before transmitting again, the
PTT switch must first be released and then pressed again.
10.5 SIMPLEX/DUPLEX CHANNEL USE
Refer to the VHF MARINE CHANNEL CHART (page 91) for instructions on
use of simplex and duplex channels.
NOTE
All channels are factory-programmed in accordance with FCC (USA),
Industry Canada (Canada), and International regulations. Mode of op-
eration cannot be altered from simplex to duplex or vice-versa.
10.6 USA, CANADA, AND INTERNATIONAL MODE
1. To change the modes, hold the 16/9 key and press the WX key. The
[
]
[
]
mode changes from USA to International to Canadian with each press of
[
]
the WX key.
2. “USA” will be displayed on the LCD for USA mode, “INTL” will be dis-
played for International mode, and “CAN” will be displayed for Canadian
mode.
3. Refer to the VHF MARINE CHANNEL CHART (page 91) for allocated chan-
nels in each mode.
GX5500S
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10.7 NOAA WEATHER CHANNELS
1. To receive a NOAA weather channel, press the WX key from any chan-
[
]
nel. The transceiver will go to the last selected weather channel.
[
(
)] [
(
)]
2. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob on the radio or UP S / DOWN T
keys on the microphone to select a different NOAA weather channel.
[
]
3. To exit from the NOAA weather channels, press the WX key. The trans-
ceiver returns to the channel it was on prior to a weather channel.
10.7.1 NOAA Weather Alert
In the event of extreme weather disturbances, such as storms and hurricanes,
the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) sends a weather
alert accompanied by a 1050 Hz tone and subsequent weather report on one
of the NOAA weather channels. When the Weather Alert feature is enabled
(
)
(see section “12.10 WEATHER ALERT ON/OFF ”), the transceiver is capable
of receiving this alert if the following is performed:
1. Program NOAA weather channels into the transceiver’s memory for scan-
ning. Follow the same procedure as for regular channels under section
(
)
“10.13.2 Memory Scanning M-SCAN .”
[
]
2. Press the SCAN key once to start memory scanning.
3. The programmed NOAA weather channels will be scanned along with the
regular-programmed channels. However, scanning will not stop on a nor-
mal weather broadcast unless a NOAA alert is received.
4. When an alert is received on a NOAA weather channel, scanning will stop
and the transceiver will emit a loud beep to alert the user of a NOAA broad-
cast.
[
]
5. Press the WX key to stop the alert tone and receive the weather report.
NOTE
[
]
If the WX key is not pressed the alert tone will be emitted for 5 minutes
and then the weather report will be received.
NOTE
The Weather Alert feature is also engaged while the transceiver is re-
ceiving on one of the NOAA weather channels.
10.7.2 NOAA Weather Alert Testing
NOAA tests the alert system ever Wednesday between 11AM and 1PM. To test
the GX5500S’s NOAA Weather feature, on Wednesday between 11AM and
1PM, setup as in section “10.7.1 NOAA Weather Alert” and confirm the alert is
heard.
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(
)
10.8 EMERGENCY CHANNEL 16 USE
Channel 16 is known as the Hail and Distress Channel. An emergency may be
defined as a threat to life or property. In such instances, be sure the transceiver
is on and set to CHANNEL 16. Then use the following procedure:
1. Press the microphone push-to-talk switch and say “Mayday, Mayday, May-
day. This is
2. Then repeat once: “Mayday,
,
,
” (your vessel’s name).
” (your vessel’s name).
3. Now report your position in latitude/longitude, or by giving a true or mag-
netic bearing (state which) to a well-known landmark such as a navigation
aid or geographic feature such as an island or harbor entry.
4. Explain the nature of your distress (sinking, collision, aground, fire, heart
attack, life-threatening injury, etc.).
5. State the kind of assistance your desire (pumps, medical aid, etc.).
6. Report the number of persons aboard and condition of any injured.
7. Estimate the present seaworthiness and condition of your vessel.
8. Give your vessel’s description: length, design (power or sail), color and
other distinguishing marks. The total transmission should not exceed 1
minute.
9. End the message by saying “OVER”. Release the microphone button and
listen.
10. If there is no answer, repeat the above procedure. If there is still no re-
sponse, try another channel.
(
)
10.9 CALLING ANOTHER VESSEL CHANNEL 16 OR 9
Channel 16 may be used for initial contact (hailing) with another vessel.
However, its most important use is for emergency messages. This channel
must be monitored at all times except when actually using another channel.
It is monitored by the U.S. and Canadian Coast Guards and by other vessels.
Use of channel 16 for hailing must be limited to initial contact only. Call-
ing should not exceed 30 seconds, but may be repeated 3 times at 2-minute
intervals. In areas of heavy radio traffic, congestion on channel 16 resulting
from its use as a hailing channel can be reduced significantly in U.S. waters by
using channel 9 as the initial contact (hailing) channel for non-emergency
communications. Here, also, calling time should not exceed 30 seconds but
may be repeated 3 times at 2-minute intervals.
Prior to making contact with another vessel, refer to the channel charts in this
manual, and select an appropriate channel for communications after initial
contact. For example, Channels 68 and 69 of the U.S. VHF Charts are some of
the channels available to non-commercial (recreational) boaters. Monitor your
desired channel in advance to make sure you will not be interrupting other
GX5500S
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traffic, and then go back to either channel 16 or 9 for your initial contact.
When the hailing channel (16 or 9) is clear, state the name of the other vessel
you wish to call and then “this is” followed by the name of your vessel and
your Station License (Call Sign). When the other vessel returns your call, im-
mediately request another channel by saying “go to,” the number of the other
channel, and “over.” Then switch to the new channel. When the new channel
is not busy, call the other vessel.
After a transmission, say “over,” and release the microphone’s push-to-talk
(PTT) switch. When all communication with the other vessel is completed, end
the last transmission by stating your Call Sign and the word “out.” Note that it
is not necessary to state your Call Sign with each transmission, only at the
beginning and end of the contact.
Remember to return to Channel 16 when not using another channel. Some
radios automatically monitor Channel 16 even when set to other channels or
when scanning.
10.10 MAKING TELEPHONE CALLS
To make a radiotelephone call, use a channel designated for this purpose, The
fastest way to learn which channels are used for radiotelephone traffic is to
ask at a local marina. Channels available for such traffic are designated Pub-
lic Correspondence channels on the channel charts in this manual. Some
examples for USA use are Channels 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 84, 85, 86, and 87.
Call the marine operator and identify yourself by your vessel’s name, The marine
operator will then ask you how you will pay for the call (telephone credit card,
collect, etc.) and then link your radio transmission to the telephone lines.
The marine telephone company managing the VHF channel you are using
may charge a link-up fee in addition to the cost of the call.
10.11 OPERATING ON CHANNELS 13 AND 67
Channel 13 is used at docks and bridges and by vessels maneuvering in port.
Messages on this channel must concern navigation only, such as meeting and
passing in restricted waters.
Channel 67 is used for navigational traffic between vessels.
By regulation, power is normally limited to 1 Watt on these channels. Your
radio is programmed to automatically reduce power to this limit on these chan-
nels. However, in certain situations it may be necessary to temporarily use a
[
]
higher power. See page 20 ( H/L key) for means to temporarily override the
low-power limit on these two channels.
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)
10.12 DUAL WATCH TO CH16
1. Adjust the SQL knob until the background noise disappears.
2. Select the channel you wish to dual watch to CH16.
[ ]
[ (
)]
3. Press the F key followed by the 4 DW key. The display will scan be-
tween CH16 and the channel that was selected in
step 2.
If a transmission is received on the channel selected
in step 2, the GX5500S will dual watch to CH16.
[ ]
[ (
)]
4. To stop Dual Watch press the F key followed by the 4 DW key again.
10.13 SCANNING
Allows the user to select the scan type from Memory scan or Priority scan.
“Memory scan” scans the channels that were programmed into memory. “Pri-
ority scan” scans the channels programmed in memory with the priority chan-
nel.
10.13.1 Selecting the Scan Type
[
(
)]
1. Press and hold down the CALL MENU key until
“Radio Setup” menu appears.
[
]
2. Press the ENT key, then select “SCAN Type” in the
“Radio Setup” menu with the CHANNEL selector
knob.
[
]
3. Press the ENT key.
4. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob to select “Priority
SCAN” or “Memory SCAN.”
[
]
5. Press the ENT key to store the selected setting.
[
]
6. Press the CLR key to return to the “Radio Setup”
[
]
menu, then press the CLR key again to return to
radio operation.
(
)
10.13.2 Memory Scanning M-SCAN
1. Adjust the SQL knob until background noise disappears.
2. Select a desired channel to be scanned using the CHANNEL selector knob.
[ ]
[ (
)]
Press the F key followed by the 2 MEM key,
“MEM” appears on the LCD which indicates the
channel has been programmed into the transceiv-
ers memory.
3. Repeat step 2 for all the desired channels to be scanned.
4. To DELETE a channel from the transceiver’s memory, select the channel
[ ]
[ (
)]
then press the F key followed by the 2 MEM key, “MEM” will disap-
pears from the LCD.
GX5500S
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[ ]
[ (
)]
5. To start scanning, press the F key followed by the 3 SCAN key,
“M-SCAN” appears on the LCD. Scanning will pro-
ceed from the lowest to the highest programmed
channel number and will stop on a channel when a
transmission is received.
6. The channel number will blink during reception.
[
] [
]
[
]
7. To stop scanning, press the CLR , 16/9 , or WX key.
(
)
10.13.3 Priority Scanning P-SCAN
In the default setting, Channel 16 is set as the priority channel. You may change
the priority channel to the desired channel from the Channel 16 by the Radio
Setup Mode, refer to section “10.13.1 Selecting the Scan Type,” and “12.6
PRIORITY CHANNEL SET.”
1. Adjust the SQL knob until background noise disappears.
2. Select a desired channel to be scanned using the CHANNEL selector knob.
[ ]
[ (
)]
Press the F key followed by the 2 MEM key,
“MEM” will appear on the display which indicates
the channel has been programmed into the trans-
ceivers memory.
3. Repeat step 2 for all the desired channels to be scanned.
4. To DELETE a channel from the transceiver’s memory, select the channel
[ ]
[ (
)]
then press the F key followed by the 2 MEM key, “MEM” is removed
from the display.
[ ]
[ (
)]
5. To start priority scanning, press the F key followed by the 3 SCAN key.
“P-SCAN” appears on the LCD. Scanning will pro-
ceed between the memorized channels and the pri-
ority channel. The priority channel will be scanned
after each programmed channel.
[
] [
]
[
]
6. To stop scanning, press the CLR , 16/9 , or WX key.
You may change the scan resume time in the Radio Setup Mode, refer to
section “12.8 SCAN RESUME TIME.”
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10.14 PA/FOG OPERATION
The GX5500S has a 30W Hailer built-in and can be used with any 4 Ohm PA
Horns. Standard Horizon offers a small and a large PA horn called the 220SW
and 240SW. When in Hail mode the PA speaker Listen’s Back (acts as a mi-
crophone and sends sound to the front panel speaker and the speaker mic)
through the PA horn speaker which provides two-way communications through
the PA horn speaker.
NOTE
When in PA or FOG mode the GX5500S will receive on the last selected
VHF channel before entering into the PA or FOG mode and receive
DSC calls.
NOTE
in some areas powerful AM Broadcast stations may be heard when in
listen back mode. In this case the speaker wire will have to be changed
to 2 conductor Shielded audio cable available from Radio Shack part
number 278-514. refer to section “8.3 ACCESSORY CABLE.”
PA HAIL mode:
PA HAIL mode allows the transceiver to be used as a power hailer when an
optional STANDARD HORIZON 220SW or 240SW HAIL/PA speaker is in-
stalled. The Hail mode has a listen-back feature which provides two way
communication through the HAIL/PA speaker.
FOG HORN mode:
Automatic signaling is transmitted through the HAIL/PA speaker. When the
Fog horn, Bells or Whistle signal is not being outputted the GX5500S lis-
tens back through the connected PA Horn speaker.
10.14.1 Operating the PA HAIL mode
[ ]
[ (
)]
1. Press the F key followed by the 2 MEM key, acti-
vate the PA HAIL mode.
2. Press the PTT switch to speak through the HAIL/PA
speaker.
Rotate the CHANNEL selector knob to control the
AF output level. The AF output level can be set from
0 to 30 watts.
3. When the fog signal is not outputted, rotate the VOL
knob to adjust listen back volume.
[
]
4. To exit the PA HAIL mode, press the CLR key.
GX5500S
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10.14.2 Operating the FOG HORN mode
Operator can select from Underway, Stop, Sail, Tow, Aground, Anchor, Horn
and Siren. Refer to the Fog Horn Timing Chart on the next page.
[ ]
[ (
)]
1. Press the F key followed by the 9 FOG key.
2. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob to select the one
of the eight functions described above.
[
]
3. Press the ENT key.
4. On the HORN and SIREN modes, press the PTT
switch to activate the tone through the HAIL/PA
speaker.
Rotate the CHANNEL selector knob to control the
AF output level. The AF output level can be set from
0 to 30 watts.
6. When the fog signal is not outputted, rotate the VOL
knob to adjust listen back volume.
[
]
7. To exit the FOG HORN mode, press the CLR key.
10.15 DISPLAY SOG AND COG INFORMATION
The transceiver has the ability to display the time, SOG and COG date, as well
as the vessel’s position (LAT/LON), when connected to a GPS receiver.
[ ]
[ (
)]
1. Press the F key followed by the 6 NAV key to
display SOG and COG information.
[ ]
2. To hide SOG and COG information, press the F
[ (
)]
key followed by the 6 NAV key again.
10.16 LCD DIMMER
Allows setting up the backlight intensity or to turn it off.
[ ]
[ (
)]
1. Press the F key followed by the 1 DIM key to enabling the setting up
the backlight intensity.
2. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob to select the de-
sired backlight intensity.
[
]
3. Press the CLR key the mode will revert to “Radio”
mode.
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FOG HORN TIMING CHART
TYPE
UNDERWAY
PATTERN
One 5-second blasts every 120 seconds.
USAGE
Motor vessel underway and
making way.
Listen Back
120s
STOP
SAIL
Two 5-second blasts (separated by 2
seconds) every 120 seconds.
Motor vessel underway but
stopped (not making way).
5s
5s
Listen Back
120s
2s
2s
One 5-second blasts followed by two 1-
second blasts (separated by 2 seconds)
every 120 seconds.
Sailing vessel underway, fish-
ing vessel (underway or an-
chored), vessel not under
command, a vessel restricted
in her ability to maneuver (un-
derway or at anchor), or a ves-
sel towing or pushing another
ahead.
1s 1s
1s 1s
Listen Back
120s
2s 2s
2s 2s
TOW
One 5-second blasts followed by three 1-
second blasts (separated by 2 seconds)
every 120 seconds.
Vessel under tow (manned).
1s 1s 1s
1s 1s 1s
Listen Back
120s
2s 2s 2s
2s 2s 2s
AGROUND
One 11-second rings every 60 seconds.
Vessel is aground.
Listen Back
60s
ANCHOR
One 5-second rings every 60 seconds.
Vessel is at anchor.
Listen Back
60s
GX5500S
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10.17 INTERCOM OPERATION
Connecting a CMP25 RAM+ or VH-310 Handset to the GX5500S allows inter-
com communications. Refer to section “13.2 INTERCOM OPERATION” for
CMP25 RAM+ Microphone or section “14.2 INTERCOM OPERATION” for VH-
310 Handset.
10.17.1 Communication
[ ( )]
1. Press and hold the 5 IC key while in the “Radio” mode, the mode is
changed to “Intercom” mode.
2. If your GX5500S is equipped two RAM+ Mic’s (or
VH-310 Handset), select the companion you wish
to communicate (RAM1, RAM2, or ALL) with the
[
]
CHANNEL selector knob, then press the ENT key.
3. When the “Intercom” operation is activated, “Inter-
com” is displayed on the GX5500S, and “IC” is dis-
played on the CMP25 RAM+ or VH-310 Handset.
4. Press the PTT switch. “Talk” will be
shown on the display.
NOTE: A warning beep will be emit-
ted when the GX5500S microphone’s
PTT switch is pressed while the
RAM+ Mic’s PTT switch is pressed.
5. Speak slowly and clearly into the mi-
crophone, hold the microphone about
1/2 inch away from your mouth.
6. When finished, release the PTT
switch.
(
)
GX5500S’s PTT switch is pressed
(
)
Second Station Mic’s PTT switch is pressed
[
]
7. Press the CLR key the mode will revert to “Radio” mode.
RAM 2
RAM 2
RAM 2
RAM 2
RAM 1
RAM 1
RAM 1
RAM 1
M
E
M
IC
M
E
M
IC
M
E
M
I
C
M
E
M
IC
WX
WX
SCAN
D
W
SCA
N
DW
WX
WX
SCA
N
DW
SCAN
DW
CALL
CALL
N
AV
16
9
N
AV
16
9
CALL
CALL
SET
SE
T
S
E
T
NAV
16
9
NAV
16
9
S
ET
-/*
-
/
*
-/
*
-/*
JK
L
JK
L
JK
L
J
K
L
DI
S
TRE
S
S
DI
P
S
T
RESS
EN
DI
S
T
RE
S
S
DI
S
T
RE
S
S
P
U
L
L
O
P
E
N
U
L
L
O
P
P
U
L
L
O
P
E
N
P
U
L
L
O
P
E
N
QUANTUM
Ù
RAM 1
QUANTUM
Ù
RAM 2
RAM 1
Ù
RAM 2
ALL
Page 34
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10.17.2 Calling
[ ( )]
Hold down the 5 IC key when the “Intercom” mode is activated to send a
calling beep to the RAM+ or VH-310 remote mic.
NOTE
When both RAM+ microphones (or VH-310 Hand-
sets) are set to intercom mode, the GX5500S will
be temporarily disabled until the remote mics exit
the intercom mode.
10.18 VOICE SCRAMBLER
If privacy of communications is desired, an optional CVS2500 4 code voice
scrambler (VS) can be installed in the transceiver. Contact your Dealer to have
a CVS2500 installed.
1. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob to select the channel to be scrambled.
Note: Channel 16 and 70 can not operate the voice scrambler.
[ ]
[ (
)]
2. Press the F key followed by the 7 SCRM key,
the voice scrambler is activated. “VS” and scram-
bler number (“0,” “1,” “2,” or “3”) will appear on the
LCD.
[ ]
3. Press the F key, then press and hold down the
[ (
)]
7 SCRM key until “Scrambler” menu appears.
4. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob to change the
scrambler code. The scrambler code can be set from
“0” to “3.”
[
]
5. Press the ENT key to save the scrambler code and return to radio opera-
tion mode (with voice scrambler).
6. Monitor the channel before transmitting.
[ ] )]
[ (
7. To disable the voice scrambler, press the F key followed by the 7 SCRM
key again. “VS” and scrambler number (“0,” “1,” “2,” or “3”) disappear from
the LCD.
GX5500S
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11 DIGITAL SELECTIVE CALLING
11.1 GENERAL
WARNING
This radio is designed to generate a digital maritime distress and safety
call to facilitate search and rescue. To be effective as a safety device,
this equipment must be used only within communication range of a shore-
based VHF marine channel 70 distress and safety watch system. The
range of signal may vary but under normal conditions should be ap-
proximately 20 nautical miles.
NOTE
A DSC Warning sticker is included with
the GX5500S. To comply with FCC regu-
lations this sticker must be mounted in
a location that can be easily viewed from
the location of the GX5500S.
WARNING
STICKER
-
/
*
J
K
L
D
I
S
T
R
E
S
S
P
U
L
L
OP
E
N
Digital Selective Calling is a semi-automated method of establishing a radio
call, it has been designated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO)
as an international standard for establishing VHF, MF and HF radio calls. It has
also been designated as part of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety Sys-
tem (GMDSS). It is planned that DSC will eventually replace aural watches on
distress frequencies and will be used to announce routine and urgent maritime
safety information broadcasts.
This new system allows mariners to instantly send a distress call with GPS posi-
tion (when connected to the transceiver) to the US Coast Guard and other ves-
sels within range of the transmission. DSC will also allow mariners to initiate or
receive Distress, Urgency, Safety, Routine, POSITION REQUEST, POSITION
SEND, and Group calls to or from another vessel equipped with a DSC trans-
ceiver.
(
)
11.2 MARITIME MOBILE SERVICE IDENTITY MMSI
11.2.1 What is an MMSI?
An MMSI is a nine digit number used on Marine Transceivers capable of using
Digital Selective Calling (DSC). This number is used like a telephone number to
selectively call other vessels.
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THIS NUMBER MUST BE PROGRAMMED INTO THE RADIO TO OPERATE
THE GX5500S DSC FUCTIONS.
How can I obtain an MMSI assignment?
In the USA, visit the following websites to register:
http://www.boatus.com/mmsi/ or
www.seatow.com/boatingsafety/mmsiinfo.htm.
In the Canada, visit
http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/site/smt-gst.nsf/vwapj/cpc_2307e.pdf/$FILE/
cpc_2307e.pdf
11.2.2 Programming the MMSI
WARNING
A user MMSI can be inputted only once. Therefore please be careful
not to input the incorrect MMSI number. If the user needs to change
the MMSI number after it has been entered, the radio will have to be
returned to Factory Service. Refer to the section “15.2. FACTORY SER-
VICE.”
[
(
)]
1. Press and hold down the CALL MENU key
until the “Radio Setup” menu appears.
2. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob to the left to
select “DSC Setup” menu.
[
]
3. Press the ENT key, then select “User MMSI”
with the CHANNEL selector knob.
[
]
4. Press the ENT key.
5. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob or press the
[
(
)] [
(
)]
UP S / DOWN T key on the microphone
to select the first number of your MMSI, then
[
]
press the ENT key to step to the next number.
6. Repeat step 5 to set your MMSI (nine digits).
7. When finished programming the number, press
[
]
and hold the ENT key. Appears the confirma-
tion message on the display. Set your MMSI
[
]
again, then press and hold the ENT key.
[
]
8. Press the ENT key to store the number in
memory.
[
]
9. Press the CLR key twice to return to the “Ra-
[
]
dio Setup” menu, then press the CLR key
again to return to radio operation.
GX5500S
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11.3 DSC DISTRESS CALL
The GX5500S is capable of transmitting and receiving DSC Distress mes-
sages to all DSC radios. The GX5500S may be connected to a GPS to also
transmit the Latitude, Longitude of the vessel.
11.3.1 Transmitting a DSC Distress Call
NOTE
To be able to transmit a DSC distress call an MMSI number must be
programmed, refer to section “11.2.2 Programming the MMSI.”
In order for your ships location to be transmitted a GPS must be connected to
the GX5500S, refer to section “8.3 ACCESSORY CABLE.”
1. Lift the red spring loaded DISTRESS cover and
[
]
press the DISTRESS key. The “DISTRESS ALERT”
menu will appear on the LCD.
[
]
2. Press and hold the DISTRESS key. The radios dis-
play will count down (5-4-3-2-1) and then transmit
the Distress call. The backlight of the LCD and key-
pad flashes while the radios display is countdown.
3. When the distress signal is sent, CH70 and “
icon will appear on the LCD.
”
4. The transceiver “shadow-watches” for a transmission
between CH16 and CH70 until an acknowledgment
signal is received. “DISTRESS” and “WAITING” will
appear on the LCD.
5. If an acknowledgement is received, select channel
16 and advise your distress situation.
6. If no acknowledgment is received, the distress call is repeated in 4 minute
intervals until an acknowledgment is received.
7. When a DSC Distress acknowledgment is received, a distress alarm sounds
and channel 16 is automatically selected. The LCD shows the MMSI of the
ship responding to your distress.
RECEIVED ACK: acknowledgment signal is received.
RECEIVED RLY: relay signal is received from another vessel or coast station.
8. To cancel the DSC distress alarm signal from the speaker, press any key.
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Transmitting a DSC Distress Alert with Nature of Distress
The GX5500S is capable of transmitting a DSC Distress Alert with the follow-
ing “Nature of Distress” categories:
Undesignated, Fire, Flooding, Collision, Grounding, Capsizing, Sinking,
Adrift, Abandoning, Piracy, MOB
1. Lift the red spring loaded DISTRESS cover and
press the [DISTRESS] key. The “DISTRESS ALERT”
menu will appear on the LCD.
2. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob to select the de-
sired nature of distress category.
3. When the GX5500S is connected the GPS receiver,
to skip to step 4.
When the GX5500S is not connected the GPS receiver,
you may send the Latitude/Longitude of your vessel manually, if desired.
[
]
a. Press the ENT key twice. The display will be as
shown in the illustration on the right.
b. Enter your local time from the keypad by the 24-
hour system on the UTC time, then press the
[
]
ENT key.
c. Enter the Latitude/Longitude of your vessel location by the keypad, then
[ ( )]
[
]
press the ENT key. To select North (N) press 6 NAV key, South (S)
[ ( )] [ ( )]
press the 7 SCRM key, East (E) press the 3 SCAN key or West (W)
[ ( )]
press the 9 FOG key.
d. To store the data entered, press and hold the ENT key.
[
]
[
]
4. Press and hold the DISTRESS key. The radios dis-
play will count down (5-4-3-2-1) and then transmit
the Distress call. The backlight of the LCD and key-
pad flashes while the radios display is countdown.
5. When the distress signal is sent, CH70 and “
icon will appear on the LCD.
”
6. The transceiver will watch for a DSC acknowledgment
transmission on CH70 and also receive calls on CH16.
7. When a DSC Distress acknowledgment is received,
a distress alarm sounds and channel 16 is auto-
matically selected. The LCD shows the MMSI of the
ship responding to your distress.
RECEIVED ACK:
acknowledgment signal is received.
RECEIVED RLY ACK: relay acknowledgment signal is received from another
vessel or coast station.
8. To cancel the DSC Distress alarm signal from the speaker, press any key.
GX5500S
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Cancel a DSC Distress Call
If a DSC Distress call was sent by error the GX5500S allows you to send a
message to other vessels to cancel the Distress Call that was made in error.
[
]
[
]
Press the CLR key, then press the ENT key.
11.3.2 Receiving a DSC Distress Call
1. When a DSC Distress call is received, an emergency
alarm sounds.
Then channel 16 is automatically selected.
2. Press any key to stop the alarm.
3. The LCD shows the position of the vessel in distress.
4
If the position of the vessel distress data does not
include position, the LCD will show the display on
the right.
NOTE
You must continue monitoring channel 16 as a coast station may re-
quire assistance in the rescue attempt.
11.4 ALL SHIPS CALL
The All Ships Call function allows contact to be established with other vessel
stations without having their ID in the individual calling directory. Also, priority
for the call can be designated as Urgency or Safety.
URGENCY Call:This type of call is used when a vessel may not truly be in
distress, but have a potential problem that may lead to a dis-
tress situation. This call is the same as saying PAN PAN PAN
on channel 16.
SAFETY Call: Used to transmit boating safety information to other vessels.
This message usually contains information about an overdue
boat, debris in the water, loss of a navigation aid or an impor-
tant meteorological message. This call is the same as saying
Securite, Securite, Securite.”
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11.4.1 Transmitting an All Ships Call
[
(
)]
1. Press the CALL MENU key. The “DSC Call
Menu” will appear.
2. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob to select “All
Ships.”
[
]
3. Press the ENT key. (To cancel, turn the
CHANNEL selector knob to select “Exit.”)
4. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob to select the
nature of call (“Urgency” or “Safety”), then press
[
]
the ENT key.
[
]
5. Press the ENT key again to transmit the selected
type of all ships DSC call.
6. After the All Ships Call is transmitted, the trans-
ceiver will switch to CH16.
7. Listen to the channel to make sure it is not busy,
then key the microphone and say PAN PAN
PAN or “Securite, Securite, Securite” depend-
ing on the priority of the call. Then announce your call sign and announce
the channel you wish to switch to for communications.
11.4.2 Receiving an All Ships Call
1. When an all ships call is received, an emergency alarm sounds.
The radio will automatically change to channel 16.
The LCD shows the MMSI of the vessel transmit-
ting the All Ships Call.
2. Press any key to stop the alarm.
3. Monitor channel 16 or traffic channel until the URGENCY voice communi-
cation is completed.
11.5 INDIVIDUAL CALL
This feature allows the GX5500S to contact another vessel with a DSC VHF
radio and automatically switch the receiving radio to a desired communica-
tions channel. This feature is similar to calling a vessel on CH16 and request-
ing to go to another channel (switching to the channel is private between the
two stations).
11.5.1 Setting up the Individual / Position Call Directory
The GX5500S has a DSC directory that allows you to store a vessel or person’s
name and the MMSI number associated with vessels you wish to transmit
Individual calls, Position Requests and Position Send transmissions.
To transmit an Individual call you must program this directory with information
GX5500S
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of the persons you wish to call, similar to a cellular phones telephone directory.
[
(
)]
1. Press and hold down the CALL MENU key
until “Radio Setup” menu appears.
2. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob to select
“DSC Setup” menu.
[
]
3. Press the ENT key, then select “Individual Di-
rectory” with the CHANNEL selector knob.
[
]
4. Press the ENT key.
5. Select “Add” with the CHANNEL selector knob,
[
]
then press the ENT key.
6. Press the one of the Keypad keys to enter the first
letter of the name of the vessel or person you want
to reference in the directory.
[ (
)]
Example: Press the 2 MEM key repeatedly to
toggle among the seven available characters asso-
....
Æ
Æ
Æ
Æ
Æ
Æ
Æ
ciated with that key: 2
A
B
C
a
b
c
2
If a mistake was made entering in the name, press-
[
]
ing the CLR key to delete the wrong character.
[
]
7. Press the ENT key to store the first letter in the name and step to the next
letter to the right.
8. Repeat step 6 and 7 until the name is complete. The name can consist of
up to eleven characters, if you do not use all eleven
[
]
characters press the ENT key to move to the next
space. This method can also be used to enter a blank
space in the name. If a mistake was made entering
[
]
in the name repeat pressing the H/L key until the wrong character is
selected, then enter the correct character.
9. After the eleventh letter or space has been entered, press and hold the
[
]
ENT key to advance to the MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity Num-
ber) number entry.
10. Enter the desired number by the keypad. If a mis-
take was made entering in the MMSI number re-
[
]
peat pressing the H/L key until the wrong number
is selected, then enter the correct number.
[
]
11. To store the data entered, press and hold the ENT
key.
12. To enter another individual address, repeat steps 5
through 11.
[
]
13. Press the CLR key twice to return to the “Radio Setup” menu, then press
[
]
the CLR key again to return to radio operation.
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11.5.2 Setting up Individual Reply
Allows setting up the radio to automatically (default setting) or manually re-
spond to a DSC Individual call requesting you to switch to a working channel
for voice communications. When Manual is selected the MMSI of the calling
vessel is shown allowing you to see who is calling. This function is similar to
caller id on a cellular phone.
[
(
)]
1. Press and hold down the CALL MENU key
until “Radio Setup” menu appears.
2. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob to select
“DSC Setup” menu.
[
]
3. Press the ENT key, then select “Individual Re-
ply” with the CHANNEL selector knob.
[
]
4. Press the ENT key.
5. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob to select “Au-
tomatic” or “Manual.”
[
]
6. Press the ENT key to store the selected setting.
[
]
7. Press the CLR key twice to return to the “Radio Setup” menu, then press
[
]
the CLR key again to return to radio operation.
11.5.3 Setting up Individual/Group Call Ringer
When a Individual Call or Group Call is received the radio will produce a ring-
ing tone for 2 minutes. This selection allows the Individual Call ringer time to
be changed.
[
(
)]
1. Press and hold down the CALL MENU key
until “Radio Setup” menu appears.
2. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob to select
“DSC Setup” menu.
[
]
3. Press the ENT key, then select “Individual
Ringer” with the CHANNEL selector knob.
[
]
4. Press the ENT key.
5. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob to select
ringing time of a Individual Call.
[
]
6. Press the ENT key to store the selected setting.
[
]
7. Press the CLR key twice to return to the “Radio Setup” menu, then press
[
]
the CLR key again to return to radio operation.
GX5500S
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The GX5500S has the capability to turn off the Individual call ringer.
[
(
)]
1. Press and hold down the CALL MENU key
until “Radio Setup” menu appears.
2. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob to select
“DSC Setup” menu.
[
]
3. Press the ENT key, then select “DSC Beep”
with the CHANNEL selector knob.
[
]
4. Press the ENT key.
5. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob to select “In-
dividual” if you wish to disable the Individual Call
ringer, or “Group” if you wish to disable the
[
]
Group Call ringer and press the ENT key.
6. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob to select
“Off.”
[
]
7. Press the ENT key to store the selected set-
ting.
[
]
8. Press the CLR key twice to return to the “Radio Setup” menu, then press
[
]
the CLR key again to return to radio operation.
To enable the individual ringer tone, repeat the above procedure, turning the
CHANNEL selector knob to select “On” in step “6” above.
11.5.4 Transmitting an Individual Call
This feature allows the user to contact another vessel with a DSC radio. This
feature is similar to calling a vessel on CH16 and requesting to go to another
channel.
Pre-Programmable Calling
[
(
)]
1. Press the CALL MENU key. The “DSC Call
Menu” will appear.
2. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob to select “In-
[
]
dividual.” (To cancel, press the CLR key.)
[
]
3. Press the ENT key. The transceiver will beep,
and the “Individual directory” will appear.
4. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob to select the
“Individual” you want to contact.
[
]
5. Press the ENT key, then turn the CHANNEL
selector knob to select the operating channel
you want to communicate on and press the
[
]
ENT key.
[
]
6. Press the ENT key again to transmit the individual
DSC signal.
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7. When an individual call acknowledgment is re-
ceived, the established channel is automatically
changed to the channel which is selected on
step 5 above and a ringing tone sounds.
[
]
8. Press CLR key to listen to the channel to make
sure it is not busy, then key the microphone
and call the other vessel you desire to com-
municate with.
Manual Calling
You may enter an MMSI number manually to contact without storing it in the
Individual Directory.
[
(
)]
1. Press the CALL MENU key. The “DSC Op-
eration” menu will appear.
2. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob to select “In-
[
]
dividual.” (To cancel, press the CLR key.)
[
]
3. Press the ENT key. The transceiver will beep,
and the “Individual directory” will appear.
4. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob to select
[
]
“Manual,” then press the ENT key.
5. Enter the MMSI number (nine digits) which you want
[
]
to contact by the keypad, then press the ENT key.
6. If a mistake was made entering in the MMSI num-
[
]
ber repeat pressing the H/L key until the wrong
number is selected, then enter the correct number.
7. When finished entering the MMSI number, press and
[
]
hold the ENT key.
8. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob to select
[
]
“Manual,” then press the ENT key.
9. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob to select the
operating channel you want to communicate on and
[
]
press the ENT key.
[
]
10. Press the ENT key again to transmit the indi-
vidual DSC signal.
11. When an individual call acknowledgment is re-
ceived, the established channel is automatically
changed to the channel which is selected on
step 5 above and a ringing tone sounds.
[
]
12. Press the CLR key to listen to the channel to
make sure it is not busy, then key the micro-
phone and call the other vessel you desire to communicate with.
GX5500S
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11.5.5 Receiving an Individual Call
When receiving an individual call, an acknowledgment must be sent back to the
calling station. The GX5500S default setting is Automatic, but has a selection
that allows you to manually send a reply before the radio will switch to the re-
quested calling channel. This selection is useful if you want to see who is calling
and requesting you to switch to a channel for communications, similar to caller id
on a cellular phone.
1. When an individual call is received, an individual call ringing alarm sounds.
The radio automatically (automatic mode selected) switches to the re-
quested channel. The LCD shows the MMSI of the
vessel calling.
2. Press any key to stop the alarm.
3. Press the PTT on the mic and talk to the calling ship.
11.6 CALL WAITING DIRECTORY
The GX5500S logs received distress calls and individual calls. The DSC Call
Waiting feature is similar to an answer machine where calls are recorded for
review. When a call is logged while the radio is set on
the DSC Standby function, a “ ” icon will appear on
the LCD. The GX5500S can memorize up to the latest
30 Distress, and up to the latest 80 Individual Calls.
11.6.1 Enabling the Call Waiting Feature
Follow the steps below to enable or disable the Call Waiting feature.
[
(
)]
1. Press and hold down the CALL MENU key
until “Radio Setup” menu appears.
2. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob to select
“DSC Setup” menu.
[
]
3. Press the ENT key, then select “Individual Ack”
with the CHANNEL selector knob.
[
]
4. Press the ENT key.
5. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob to select
“Able to comply” or “Unable.”
[
]
6. Press the ENT key to store the selected setting.
[
]
7. Press the CLR key twice to return to the “Radio Setup” menu, then press
[
]
the CLR key again to return to radio operation.
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11.6.2 Reviewing Received Calls Logged into the Call Waiting Directory
[
(
)]
1. Press the CALL MENU key. The “DSC Call
Menu” will appear.
2. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob to select
“DSC Log” menu.
[
]
3. Press the ENT key, then turn the CHANNEL se-
lector knob to select the category (“Distress
Alert LOG” or “DSC Call Log”) you want to review
and/or call back.
[
]
4. Press the ENT key, then turn the CHANNEL
selector knob to select the station (name or MMSI
number) you want to review and/or call back.
[
]
5. Press the ENT key, to review details for the
selected station.
[
]
6. Press the ENT key again, to call the selected
station.
NOTE
When there is an unread received call, the category (“Distress Alert LOG”
or “DSC Call Log”) notation will blink.
11.6.3 To Delete the Received Log from the “DSC Log” Directory
[
(
)]
1. Press the CALL MENU key. The “DSC Call
Menu” will appear.
2. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob to select
“DSC Log” menu.
[
]
3. Press the ENT key, then turn the CHANNEL se-
lector knob to select “Log Delete.”
[
]
4. Press the ENT key, then turn the CHANNEL
selector knob to select the category (“Distress
Alert LOG” or “DSC Call LOG”) to be deleted.
[
]
5. Press the ENT key, then turn the CHANNEL
selector knob to select the station (name or
MMSI number) to be deleted.
[
]
6. Press and hold the ENT key until the station
(name or MMSI number) is removed from the
display.
7. To exit this menu and return to radio operation mode
[
]
press the 16/9 key.
GX5500S
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11.7 GROUP CALL
This feature allows the user to contact a group of specific vessels (example
members of a yacht club) using DSC radios with Group call function to auto-
matically switch to a desired channel for voice communications.
11.7.1 Setup a Group Call
For this function to operate the same Group MMSI must be programmed into
all the DSC VHF radios within the group of vessels that will be using this fea-
ture. The group MMSI is a 9 digit (first digit permanently set to “0”) that will
allow other radios to call your vessel along with others to automatically switch
to a working channel for voice communications. This function is very useful for
yacht clubs and vessels traveling together that want to collectively make an-
nouncements on a predetermined channel.
[
(
)]
1. Press and hold down the CALL MENU key
until “Radio Setup” menu appears.
2. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob to select
“DSC Setup” menu.
[
]
3. Press the ENT key, then select “Group Direc-
tory” with the CHANNEL selector knob.
[
]
4. Press the ENT key, then select “Add” with the
CHANNEL selector knob.
[
]
5. Press the ENT key.
6. Press one of the Keypad keys to enter the first letter
of the name of the group you want to reference in
the directory.
[ (
)]
Example: Press the 2 MEM key repeatedly to
toggle among the seven available characters asso-
....
Æ
Æ
Æ
Æ
Æ
Æ
Æ
ciated with that key: 2
A
B
C
a
b
c
2
If a mistake was made entering in the name, press-
[
]
ing the CLR key to delete the wrong character.
[
]
7. Press the ENT key to store the first letter in the name.
8. Repeat step 6 and 7 until the name is complete. The name can consist of
up to eleven characters, if you do not use all eleven
[
]
characters press the ENT key to move to the next
space. This method can also be used to enter a blank
space in the name. If a mistake was made entering
[
]
in the name repeat pressing the H/L key until the wrong character is
selected, then enter the correct character.
9. After the eleventh letter or space has been entered, press and hold the
[
]
ENT key to advance to the GROUP MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Iden-
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tity Number) number entry.
10. Enter the desired number by the keypad. If a mis-
take was made entering in the MMSI number re-
[
]
peat pressing the H/L key until the wrong number
is selected, then enter the correct number.
[
]
11. To store the data entered, press and hold the ENT
key.
12. To enter another group address, repeat steps 4
through 13.
[
]
13. Press the CLR key twice to return to the “Radio Setup” menu, then press
[
]
the CLR key again to return to radio operation.
11.7.2 Transmitting a Group Call
Pre-Programmable Calling
[
(
)]
1. Press the CALL MENU key. The “DSC Call
Menu” will appear.
2. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob to select
[
]
“Group.” (To cancel, press the CLR key.)
[
]
3. Press the ENT key. The transceiver will beep,
and the “Group directory” will appear.
4. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob to select the
“Group” you want to contact.
[
]
5. Press the ENT key, then turn the CHANNEL
selector knob to select the operating channel
you want to communicate on and press the
[
]
ENT key.
[
]
6. Press the ENT key again to transmit the Group
Call signal.
7. When the Group Call signal is sent, the LCD
will be as shown in the illustration at the right.
8. After the GROUP CALL is transmitted, all the
radios in the group will switch to the designated
channel.
9. Listen to the channel to make sure it is not busy,
then key the microphone and call the other vessels you desire to commu-
nicate with.
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Manual Calling
You may enter a Group MMSI number manually to contact without the Setting
up a Group call number.
[
(
)]
1. Press the CALL MENU key. The “DSC Call
Menu” will appear.
2. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob to select
[
]
“Group.” (To cancel, press the CLR key.)
[
]
3. Press the ENT key. The transceiver will beep,
and the “Group Directory” will appear.
4. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob to select
[
]
“Manual,” then press the ENT key.
5. Enter the MMSI number (nine digits: first digit per-
manently set to “0”) which you want to contact by
[
]
the keypad, then press the ENT key.
6. If a mistake was made entering in the MMSI num-
[
]
ber repeat pressing the H/L key until the wrong
number is selected, then enter the correct num-
ber.
7. When finished entering the MMSI number,
[
]
press and hold the ENT key.
8. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob to select
[
]
“Manual,” then press the ENT key.
9. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob to select the
operating channel you want to communicate
[
]
on and press the ENT key.
[
]
10. Press the ENT key again to transmit the Group
Call signal.
11. After the GROUP CALL is transmitted, all the
radios in the group will switch to the designated
channel.
12. Listen to the channel to make sure it is not busy, then
key the microphone and call the other vessels you de-
sire to communicate with.
11.7.3 Receiving a Group Call
1. When a group call is received, the GX5500S will
produce a ringing alarm sound and the radio auto-
matically switches to the requested channel.
2. Press any key to stop the alarm.
3. Monitor the channel for the person calling the Group for a message.
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5. If you want to respond, monitor the channel to make sure it is clear, then
press the PTT on the mic and talk to the calling ship(s).
NOTE
After a Group call is received, the time the call was made and the ships
MMSI or vessels name will appear on the LCD.
11.8 POSITION REQUEST
Advancements in DSC have made it possible to poll the location of another
vessel and show the position of that vessel on the display of the GX5500S.
Standard Horizon has taken this feature one step further, if any Standard Hori-
zon GPS chart plotters are connected to the GX5500S, the polled position of
the vessel is shown on the display of the GPS chart plotter making it easy to
navigate to the location of the polled vessel. This is a great feature for anyone
wanting to know the position of another vessel. For example your buddy that is
catching fish, or finding the location of a person you are cruising with.
NOTE
The other vessel must have an operating GPS receiver connected to its
DSC transceiver and must not have its transceiver set to deny position
requests. (Refer the section “11.5 INDIVIDUAL CALL” to enter infor-
mation into the individual directory).
11.8.1 Setting up Position Reply
The GX5500S can be set up to automatically or manually send your position to
another vessel. This selection is important if you are concerned about some-
one polling the position of your vessel that you may not want to. In the manual
mode you will see the MMSI or persons name shown on the display allowing
you to choose to send your position to the requesting vessel.
[
(
)]
1. Press and hold down the CALL MENU key until
“Radio Setup” menu appears.
2. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob to select “DSC
Setup” menu.
[
]
3. Press the ENT key, then select “Position Reply” with
the CHANNEL selector knob.
4. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob to select “Auto-
matic” or “Manual.” In “Automatic” mode, after a DSC
POS Request is received, the radio will automati-
cally transmit your vessels position. In “Manual”
mode, the display of the GX5500S will show who is
requesting the position.
GX5500S
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[
]
6. Press the ENT key to store the selected setting.
[
]
7. Press the CLR key twice to return to the “Radio
[
]
Setup” menu, then press the CLR key again to re-
turn to radio operation.
11.8.2 Transmitting a Position Request to Another Vessel
Pre-Programmable Request
[
(
)]
1. Press the CALL MENU key. The “DSC Call
Menu” will appear in the display.
2. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob to select the
“Pos Request.”
[
]
3. Press ENT key to show the “Position Request
Directory.” This directory uses the “Individual
Directory” information.
4. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob to select a
[
]
name, then press the ENT key.
[
]
5. Press the ENT key again to transmit the Po-
sition Request DSC call.
6. When the GX5500S receives the position from
the polled vessel it is shown on the radio dis-
play and also transferred to the GPS Chart plot-
ter.
NOTE
If the GX5500S does not receive position data from the polled vessel,
the LCD will show “NO POSITION DATA.”
Manual Request
You may enter an MMSI number manually to contact without Setting up the
Individual / Position Call Directory.
[
(
)]
1. Press the CALL MENU key. The “DSC Call
Menu” menu will appear in the display.
2. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob to select
“Pos Request.”
[
]
3. Press ENT key to show the Position request direc-
tory. This directory uses the INDIVIDUAL Directory
information.
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4. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob to select the
[
]
“Manual,” then press the ENT key.
5. Enter the MMSI number (nine digits) which you
want to contact by the keypad, then press the
[
]
ENT key.
6. If a mistake was made entering in the MMSI
[
]
number repeat pressing the H/L key until the
wrong number is selected, then enter the cor-
rect number.
7. When finished entering the MMSI number, press and
[
]
hold the ENT key.
[
]
8. Press the ENT key to transmit the position
request DSC call.
9. When the GX5500S receives the position from
the polled vessel it is shown on the radio dis-
play and also transferred to the GPS Chart plot-
ter.
11.8.3 Receiving a Position Request
When a position request call is received from another vessel, a ringing alarm
will sound and POS REQUEST will be shown in the LCD. Operation and trans-
ceiver function differs depending on “Position Reply” in the “DSC Setup” menu
setting.
Automatically reply:
1. When a position request call is received, a calling alarm sounds 4 times.
Then requested position coordinates are transmit-
ted automatically to the vessel requesting your ves-
sels position.
[
]
2. To exit from position request display, press the CLR
key.
Manually reply:
1. When a position request call is received from an-
other vessel, the LCD will show the time and MMSI
or name of person requesting your vessel’s posi-
tion.
2. A ringing alarm sounds 4 times. To send your vessels position to the re-
[
]
questing vessel, press the ENT key. Or to exit from position request dis-
[
]
play, press the CLR key.
GX5500S
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11.9 POSITION SEND
The feature is similar to Position Request, however instead of requesting a
position of another vessel this function allows you to send your position to
another vessel. Your vessel must have an operating GPS receiver connected
for the GX5500S to send the position.
NOTE
To transmit a Position Send Call, you must setup the GX5500S DSC
Individual / Position Call Directory with the name of the vessel(s) or
person and the MMSI of the DSC radio you wish to send your position
to. To setup this directory refer to section “11.5.1 Setting up the Indi-
vidual / Position Call Directory.”
11.9.1 Setting up a Position Send Ringer
The GX5500S has the capability to turn off the Position Send ringer.
[
(
)]
1. Press and hold down the CALL MENU key
until “Radio Setup” menu appears.
2. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob to select
“DSC Setup” menu.
[
]
3. Press the ENT key, then select “DSC Beep”
with the CHANNEL selector knob.
[
]
4. Press the ENT key, then select “Position Re-
port” with the CHANNEL selector knob.
[
]
5. Press the ENT key, then select “Off” with the
CHANNEL selector knob.
[
]
6. Press the ENT key to store the selected set-
ting.
[
]
7. Press the CLR key twice to return to the “Radio
[
]
Setup” menu, then press the CLR key again to re-
turn to radio operation.
To return to enabling the ringer tone, repeat the above procedure, turning the
CHANNEL selector knob to select “On” in step “6” above.
11.9.2 Transmitting a DSC Position Send Call
Pre-Programmable Calling
[
(
)]
1. Press the CALL MENU key. The “DSC Call
Menu” will appear in the display.
2. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob to select the
“Pos Report.”
[
]
3. Press ENT key to show the “Position Send Direc-
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tory.” This directory uses the “Individual Direc-
tory” information.
4. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob to select a
[
]
name in the directory, then press the ENT key.
[
]
5. Press the ENT key again to send your posi-
tion to the selected vessel.
[
]
6. Press the CLR key twice to return to the “Ra-
[
]
dio Setup” menu, then press the CLR key
again to return to radio operation.
Manual Calling
You may enter an MMSI number manually to contact without the Setting up the
Individual / Position Call Directory.
[
(
)]
1. Press the CALL MENU key. The “DSC Call
Menu” will appear in the display.
2. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob to select the
“Pos Report.”
[
]
3. Press ENT key to show the “Position Send
Directory.” This directory uses the “Individual
Directory” information.
4. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob to select
[
]
“Manual,” then press the ENT key.
5. Enter the MMSI number (nine digits: first digit
permanently set to “0”) which you want to con-
[
]
tact by the keypad, then press the ENT key.
6. If a mistake was made entering in the MMSI
[
]
number repeat pressing the H/L key until the wrong
number is selected, then enter the correct number.
7. When finished entering the MMSI number, press and
[
]
hold the ENT key.
[
]
8. Press the ENT key to send your position to the
selected vessel.
GX5500S
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11.9.3 Receiving a DSC Position Send Call
When another vessel transmits their vessels location to the GX5500S the fol-
lowing will happen:
1. A ringing sound will be produced when the call is received.
2. Press any key to stop ringing.
3. The position from the vessel sending it's position
will be shown on the display of the radio and also
transferred to any Standard Horizon GPS Chart plot-
ter if connected.
(
)
11.10 MANUAL INPUTTING OF THE GPS LOCATION LAT/LON
You may send the Latitude/Longitude of your vessel manually when the
GX5500S is not connected the GPS receiver.
After the position is entered, transmitting a DSC Distress, Position Request, or
Position Send will contain the manually entered position.
[
(
)]
1. Press and hold down the CALL MENU key
until “Radio Setup” menu appears.
2. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob to select
“DSC Setup” menu.
[
]
3. Press the ENT key, then select “Position In-
put” with the CHANNEL selector knob.
[
]
4. Press the ENT key. The transceiver will beep,
and the display will be as shown in the illustra-
tion on the right.
5. Enter the your local time from the keypad by the 24-
[
]
hour system on the UTC time, then press the ENT
key.
6. Enter the Latitude/Longitude of your vessel location
[
]
by the keypad, then press the ENT key. To select
[ ( )]
North (N) press 6 NAV key, South (S) press the
[ ( )] [ ( )]
7 SCRM key, East (E) press the 3 SCAN key or
[ ( )]
West (W) press the 9 FOG key.
[
]
7. To store the data entered, press and hold the ENT
key.
[
]
8. Press the CLR key twice to return to the “Radio Setup” menu, then press
[
]
the CLR key again to return to radio operation.
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MEMO
GX5500S
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12 RADIO SETUP
NOTE
The optional CMP25 RAM+ mic and VH-310 Handset can also change
the SETUP menu. Refer to page 75 (CMP25) and page 85 (VH-310) for
details.
12.1 LCD CONTRAST
Due to varying mounting (overhead or below) this selection sets up the display
for best viewability.
[
(
)]
1. Press and hold down the CALL MENU key until
“Radio Setup” menu appears.
[
]
2. Press the ENT key, then select “Contrast” in the
“Radio Setup” menu with the CHANNEL selector
knob.
[
]
3. Press the ENT key.
4. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob to select the de-
sired level. The contrast level can be set from “0” to
“31.”
[
]
5. Press the the ENT key to store the selected level.
6. To exit this menu and return to radio operation mode
[
]
press the 16/9 key.
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12.2 TIME OFFSET
Sets the time offset between local time and UTC shown on the display. Time is
displayed when the GPS unit (not supplied) is connected.
[
(
)]
1. Press and hold down the CALL MENU key until
“Radio Setup” menu appears.
[
]
2. Press the ENT key, then select “Time Offset” in the
“Radio Setup” menu with the CHANNEL selector
knob.
[
]
3. Press the ENT key.
4. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob to select time off-
set from UTC. See illustration below to find your off-
set time from UTC. If “0:00” is assigned, the time is
the same as UTC (Universal Time Coordinated or
GMT Greenwich Mean Time).
[
]
5. Press the EN key to store the time offset.
[
]
6. To exit this menu and return to radio operation mode press the 16/9 key.
OFFSET TIME TABLE
GX5500S
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12.3 TIME DISPLAY
Allows the time shown on the display to be shown in local or UTC time. Time is
displayed when the optional GPS unit is connected.
[
(
)]
1. Press and hold down the CALL MENU key until
“Radio Setup” menu appears.
[
]
2. Press the ENT key, then select “Time Display” in
the “Radio Setup” menu with the CHANNEL selector
knob.
[
]
3. Press the ENT key.
4. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob to select “UTC” or
“Local.”
[
]
5. Press the ENT key to store the selected setting.
6. To exit this menu and return to radio operation mode
[
]
press the 16/9 key.
In the local time mode, the display shows the time by the 12-hour system,
while the display shows the time by the 24-hour system in the UTC mode.
(
)
(
)
“UTC” mode
“LOCAL” mode
(
)
12.4 SOG SPEED OVER GROUND UNIT
Allows the SOG shown on the NAV display to be shown in Knot, MPH or KPH.
[
(
)]
1. Press and hold down the CALL MENU key until
“Radio Setup” menu appears.
[
]
2. Press the ENT key, then select “SOG Unit” in the
“Radio Setup” menu with the CHANNEL selector
knob.
[
]
3. Press the ENT key.
4. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob to select desired
unit.
[
]
5. Press the ENT key to store the selected setting.
6. To exit this menu and return to radio operation mode
[
]
press the 16/9 key.
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(
)
12.5 TRUE MAGNETIC CHANGE NAV DISPLAY
This selection allows customizing the GPS COG (Course Over Ground) dis-
played on the LCD to be in True or Magnetic.
[
(
)]
1. Press and hold down the CALL MENU key until
“Radio Setup” menu appears.
[
]
2. Press the ENT key, then select “Magnetic” in the
“Radio Setup” menu with the CHANNEL selector
knob.
[
]
3. Press the ENT key.
4. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob to select “Mag-
netic” or “True.”
[
]
5. Press the ENT key to store the selected setting.
6. To exit this menu and return to radio operation mode
[
]
press the 16/9 key.
12.6 PRIORITY CHANNEL SET
Allows selection of the priority channel when priority scan is enabled.
[
(
)]
1. Press and hold down the CALL MENU key until
“Radio Setup” menu appears.
[
]
2. Press the ENT key, then select “Priority CH” in the
“Radio Setup” menu with the CHANNEL selector
knob.
[
]
3. Press the ENT key.
4. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob to select the chan-
nel to be a priority.
[
]
5. Press the ENT key to store the selected setting.
6. To exit this menu and return to radio operation mode
[
]
press the 16/9 key.
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12.7 SCAN TYPE
This selection is used to select the scan mode between “Memory Scan” and
“Priority Scan.”
[
(
)]
1. Press and hold down the CALL MENU key until
“Radio Setup” menu appears.
[
]
2. Press the ENT key, then select “SCAN Type” in the
“Radio Setup” menu with the CHANNEL selector
knob.
[
]
3. Press the ENT key.
4. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob to select “Priority
SCAN” or “Memory SCAN.”
[
]
5. Press the ENT key to store the selected setting.
6. To exit this menu and return to radio operation mode
[
]
press the 16/9 key.
12.8 SCAN RESUME TIME
This selection is used to select the time the GX5500S waits after a transmis-
sion ends before starting scanning.
[
(
)]
1. Press and hold down the CALL MENU key until
“Radio Setup” menu appears.
[
]
2. Press the ENT key, then select “SCAN Resume” in
the “Radio Setup” menu with the CHANNEL selector
knob.
[
]
3. Press the ENT key.
4. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob to select the de-
sired resume time. The resume time can be set to
“1sec” through “5sec,” or “Off.” In the “Off” selection,
the scanner will resume after the other station stops
transmitting (carrier drops).
[
]
5. Press the ENT key to store the selected setting.
6. To exit this menu and return to radio operation mode press the 16/9 key.
[
]
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12.9 KEY BEEP
This selection is used to select the beep tone volume level when a key is
pressed.
[
(
)]
1. Press and hold down the CALL MENU key until
“Radio Setup” menu appears.
[
]
2. Press the ENT key, then select “Key Beep” in the
“Radio Setup” menu with the CHANNEL selector
knob.
[
]
3. Press the ENT key.
4. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob to to select the
desired level. The contrast level can be set from
“Level 1” to “Level 6,” “High,” or “Off,”
[
]
5. Press the ENT key to set the key beep condition.
6. To exit this menu and return to radio operation mode
[
]
press the 16/9 key.
NOTE
Emergency alarm and beeps for DSC operation cannot be turned OFF.
12.10 WEATHER ALERT SETUP
This selection allows the NOAA Weather alert to be turned off. Default setting
is “On SCAN and WX CH.”
[
(
)]
1. Press and hold down the CALL MENU key until
“Radio Setup” menu appears.
[
]
2. Press the ENT key, then select “Weather Alert” in
the “Radio Setup” menu with the CHANNEL selector
knob.
[
]
3. Press the ENT key.
4. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob to select the de-
sired WX alert mode. The WX alert mode can be
set to “On WX CH,” “On SCAN,” “On SCAN and WX
CH,” or “Off.”
[
]
5. Press the ENT key to store the selected setting.
6. To exit this menu and return to radio operation mode
[
]
press the 16/9 key.
GX5500S
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12.11 CHANNEL NAMING
This selection allows you to customize the name of a channel from the default
name.
Example: CH69 PLEASURE to HOOKUP
[
(
)]
1. Press and hold down the CALL MENU key until
“Radio Setup” menu appears.
[
]
2. Press the ENT key, then select “CH Name” in the
“Radio Setup” menu with the CHANNEL selector
knob.
[
]
3. Press the ENT key.
4. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob to select the chan-
[
]
nel to be named and press the ENT key.
5. Press the one of the Keypad keys to enter the first
letter of channel name.
[ (
)]
Example: Press the 4 GHI key repeatedly to toggle
among the seven available characters associated
....
Æ
Æ
Æ
Æ
Æ
Æ
Æ
with that key: 4
G
H
I
g
h
i
2
[
]
6. Press the ENT key to enter the desired letter and
move the cursor one space to the right.
7. Repeat step 5 and 6 until the name is complete.
The name can consist of up to 16 characters. If you
[
]
do not use all 16 characters, press the ENT key to
move to the next space. This method can also be
used to enter a blank space in the name. To clear
[
]
the previous letter, press the CLR key.
[
]
8. Press and hold down the ENT key to enter the
name.
9. If you want to enter the name of another channel, repeat steps 3 through 8.
[
]
10. To exit this menu and return to radio operation mode press the 16/9 key.
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12.12 NAMING THE RADIO OR
SECOND STATION MIC OR HANDSET
This function allows you to change the name of the RADIO or second station
microphone. Example: “RADIO - Cabin,” “RAM1 - Flybridge.”
[
(
)]
1. Press and hold down the CALL MENU key until
“Radio Setup” menu appears.
[
]
2. Press the ENT key, then select “Unit Name” in the
“Radio Setup” menu with the CHANNEL selector
knob.
[
]
3. Press the ENT key.
4. With the second station mic or handset connected,
turn the CHANNEL selector knob to select the Unit
(“Radio” or “RAM1”) to be named, then press the
[
]
[
]
ENT key, otherwise press the ENT key.
5. Press the one of the Keypad keys to enter the first
letter of channel name.
[ (
)]
Example: Press the 2 MEM key repeatedly to
toggle among the seven available characters asso-
....
Æ
Æ
Æ
Æ
Æ
Æ
Æ
ciated with that key: 2
A
B
C
a
b
c
2
[
]
6. Press the ENT key to enter the first letter in the
name and step to the next letter to the right.
7. Repeat step 5 and 6 until the name is complete.
The name can consist of up to 8 characters, if you
[
]
do not use all 8 characters press the ENT key to move to the next space.
This method can also be used to enter a blank space in the name. To clear
[
]
the previous letter, press the CLR key.
[
]
8. Press and hold the ENT key to enter the name and return to the “Unit
Name” menu.
9. If you want to enter the name of another unit, repeat steps 4 through 8.
[
]
10. To exit this menu and return to radio operation mode press the 16/9 key.
GX5500S
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12.13 TREBLE AND BASS AUDIO TONE CONTROL
Allows the treble and bass of the speaker audio to be adjusted for best listen-
ing in noisy environments. The effect is similar to adjusting the treble and bass
controls on a stereo.
[
(
)]
1. Press and hold down the CALL MENU key
until “Radio Setup” menu appears.
[
]
2. Press the ENT key, then select “Tone Control”
in the “Radio Setup” menu with the CHANNEL
selector knob.
[
]
3. Press the ENT key, then select “Bass” with
the CHANNEL selector knob.
[
]
4. Press the ENT key, then turn the CHANNEL
selector knob to select desired audio response
in the lower frequency range. Available selec-
–
tions are “ 6” through “+6.”
[
]
5. Press the ENT key to store the selected set-
ting.
6. Select “Treble” with the CHANNEL selector
[
]
knob, then press the ENT key.
7. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob to select de-
sired audio response in the higher frequency range.
–
Available selections are “ 6” through “+6.”
[
]
8. Press the ENT key to store the selected setting.
[
]
9. To exit this menu and return to radio operation mode press the 16/9 key.
12.14 FOG ALERT TONE FREQUENCY
This selection allows you to select the Tone Frequency for the PA/FOG Opera-
tion. Available selections are “200Hz” through “850Hz” in 50Hz steps. The
default Tone Frequency is 400Hz.
[
(
)]
1. Press and hold down the CALL MENU key until
“Radio Setup” menu appears.
[
]
2. Press the ENT key, then select “FOG Frequency” in
the “Radio Setup” menu with the CHANNEL selector
knob.
[
]
3. Press the ENT key.
4. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob to select desired
tone frequency.
[
]
5. Press the ENT key to store the selected setting.
6. To exit this menu and return to radio operation mode
[
]
press the 16/9 key.
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12.15 CALENDAR SETUP
Calendar Menu
The GX5500S has a built in clock to remember date, time, latitude and longi-
tude. Connecting a GPS to the GX5500S is very important as it not only will be
used to update the calendar automatically and also when a DSC Distress call
is transmitted will send your vessels location to other vessels to aid in the
rescue. Refer to section “8.3 ACCESSORY CONNECTIONS.”
GPS Connected
When a GPS is connected, the GX5500S will automatically store the calendar
date and time information after being connected for 1 hour.
GPS Not Connected
If a GPS is not connected to the GX5500S, the date and time has to be manu-
ally entered into the Calendar Menu in order for the clock to operate. The time
you will enter will be your local time in UTC format. To calculate your local UTC
time:
a.
Find you location on the Standard Time chart below.
NOTE
The chart below is show in Standard Time. For Daylight Savings sub-
tract one hour from your offset.
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Examples:
NOTE
If you are west of UTC time you will add the offset to your time.
If you are East of UTC time you will subtract the offset from your time.
City
Los Angels
Offset
-8
Time (convert local time to 24 hour)
Calculate 24hour local + Offset (East of UTC)
4:00PM (local) or 16:00 (24hour)
16:00 + 08:00 = 22:00
City
NY
Offset
-5
Time (convert local time to 24 hour)
Calculate 24hour local + Offset (East of UTC)
4:00PM (local) or 16:00 (24hour)
16:00 + 05:00 = 21:00
City
Rome
Offset
+1
Time (convert local time to 24 hour)
Calculate 24hour local + Offset (East of UTC)
4:00PM (local) or 16:00 (24hour)
16:00 - 01:00 = 15:00
[
(
)]
1. Press and hold the CALL MENU key until “Radio
Setup” menu is shown.
[
]
2. Press the ENT key
3. Select “Calendar” with the CHANNEL selector knob.
[
]
4. Press the ENT key
5. Select “Date (20YY/MM/DD)” with the CHANNEL se-
lector knob.
[
]
6. Press the ENT key.
7. Enter the current date (Yr/Mo/day) from the keypad.
8. If a mistake was made entering repeat pressing the
[
]
H/L key until the wrong number is selected, then
enter the correct number.
9. Using the Standard time table above, calculate the
UTC time of your position.
Note: For daylight savings time subtract one hour
to the offset in your time zone.
[
]
9. To enter the time, press the ENT key until the first
digit in the “Time (hh/mm [UTC])” is selected on the
display, then enter the time from the keypad.
[
]
10. Press and hold down the ENT key to store the se-
lected setting.
11. Select “Update” with the CHANNEL selector knob,
[
]
then press the ENT key.
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12. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob to select the
method of the time adjustment between “Automatic”
and “Manual.”
[
]
13. Press the ENT key to store the selected setting.
[
]
14. To exit this menu and return to radio operation mode press the 16/9 key.
GX5500S
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13 ENHANCED RAM+ MIC OPERATION
When the RAM+ microphone is connected to the GX5500S, most VHF, DSC,
setup menus and PA modes can be remotely operated. The RAM+ Mic sup-
plied with 23 feet (7 m) of routing cable and can be extended up to 70 feet (21
m) using three 23 feet extension cables model CT-100. The intercom opera-
tion can be used between the RAM+ Mic and the transceiver. In addition,
speaker wires are supplied at the panel mount of the routing cable allowing the
STANDARD HORIZON MLS-300 or MLS-310 External speakers to be con-
nected in noisey environments.
13.1 RAM+ MIC CONTROLS
WX
NAV
CLR
DW
16
SET
9
IC
(
)
SQUELCH CONTROL SQL
Press this key to activate the squelch adjusting mode. Press the
[
]
[
]
microphone’s S or T key to adjust the squelch.
(
)
VOLUME KEY VOL
Press this key to activate the volume adjusting mode. Press the
[
]
[
]
microphone’s S or T to adjust the volume.
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(
)
POWER SWITCH PWR
Press and hold down this key to turn to the transceiver and RAM+ Mic on
or off.
(
)
PTT Push-To-Talk SWITCH
Activates transmission.
[
]
H/L KEY
[
]
Toggles between high and low power. When the H/L key is pressed while
the transceiver is on channel 13 or 67, the power will temporarily switch
[
]
from LO to HI power until the PTT is released. The H/L key does not
function on transmit inhibited and low power only channels.
[
]( ) [ ](
)
S UP / T DOWN KEY
These keys are used to select channels, adjust the volume and squelch
level, and to choose the item selection of different functions (such as the
DSC operation). In many ways, these keys emulate the function of the
transceiver’s CHANNEL selector knob.
[
]
16/9 KEY
Immediately recalls channel 16 from any channel location. Holding down
[
]
this key recalls channel 9. Pressing the 16/9 key reverts to the previous
selected working channel.
Secondary use
[
]
[
]
Please see secondary use for the WX and MEM key.
KEY PAD
[
(
)]
SCAN CLR Key
1. Starts and stops scanning of programmed channels.
[
(
)]
[
(
)]
2. If held while the UP S or DOWN T key on the microphone are
pressed, the radio will show the channels programmed in scan
memory. This function will not work if the unit is scanning.
NOTE: The priority channel is channel 16 only.
[
(
)
]
CALL SET MENU Key
[
(
)
]
The CALL SET MENU key functions as the enter key.
Secondary use
[
(
)
]
Press the CALL SET MENU key to access the DSC OPERATION
menu.
[
(
)
]
Press and hold the CALL SET MENU key to access the SETUP menu.
GX5500S
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[
[
(
)]
DW IC Key
Watches for a transmission on CH16 and another selected channel until
either signal is received. (Dual watch)
Secondary use
Press and hold DW IC key, intercom operation will operate between
radio and RAM Mic.
[
(
)]
]
NAV Key
Press this key, when connected to the GPS receiver to show GPS position
data (Lat/Lon) and Time on the display of the RAM+.
Secondary use
[
]
Press and hold NAV key to access PA/FOG function menu.
NOTE
When in PA or FOG mode the GX5500S will receive on the last
selected VHF channel before entering into the PA or FOG mode and
receive DSC calls.
[
]
WX Key
Immediately recalls the previously selected NOAA weather channel from
any channel location.
Secondary use
[
]
[
]
Holding down the 16/9 key while pressing the WX key changes the mode
from USA to International or Canadian.
[
]
DISTRESS KEY
Used to send a DSC Distress Call. To send the distress call:
1. Lift the red rubber cover.
2. Press and hold the Red button. The RAM+ display will
count down (5-4-3-2-1) and then transmit the Distress
call.
3. When the distress signal is sent, CH70 and “TX” icon
will appear on the LCD. After the message has been
sent, the radio will sound a Distress Alarm.
4. The transceiver “shadow-watches” for a transmission
on CH16 or CH70 until an acknowledgment signal is
received. “DISTRESS” and “WAITING” will appear on
the LCD.
5. When a DSC Distress acknowledgment is received, a
distress alarm sounds and channel 16 is automatically
selected. The LCD shows the MMSI of the ship responding to your
distress.
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RECEIVED ACK: acknowledgment signal is received.
RECEIVED RLY: relay signal is received from another vessel or coast
station.
6. To cancel the DSC distress alarm signal from the speaker, press any
key.
13.2 INTERCOM OPERATION
13.2.1 Communication
[
(
)]
1. Press and hold the DW IC key while in the “RADIO” mode, the mode is
changed to “INTERCOM” mode.
2. If your GX5500S is equipped with two RAM+ Mics (or VH-
310 Handsets), select the station you wish to communi-
[ ] [ ]
cate (RADIO, RAM, or ALL) with the T / S key, then press
[
]
the ENT key.
3. When the “INTERCOM” operation is
activated, “IC” is displayed on the
RAM+ Mic and “INTERCOM” is dis-
played on the GX5500S.
(
(
)
)
RAM+ Mic’s PTT switch is pressed
4. Press the PTT switch, “TALK” is dis-
played.
NOTE: A warning beep is emitted
when the RAM+ Mic PTT switch is
pressed while the transceiver
microphone’s PTT switch is pressed.
GX5500S’s PTT switch is pressed
5. Speak slowly and clearly into the microphone, hold the microphone about
1/2 inch away from your mouth.
6. When finished, release the PTT switch.
[
(
)]
7. Press the DW IC key again the mode will revert to “RADIO” mode.
13.2.2 Calling
[
(
)]
Press and hold the DW IC key for one second when the “INTERCOM” is
activated, a calling beep is emitted from the GX5500S speaker.
GX5500S
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13.3 PA/FOG OPERATION
When the RAM+ is connected to the GX5500S it is capable of controlling the
30W Public address, 4 fog horns, bells, and whistles.
NOTE
When in PA or FOG mode the GX5500S will receive on the last selected
VHF channel before entering into the PA or FOG mode and receive
DSC calls.
13.3.1 Operating the PA / Hailer
[
]
[
]
1. Press and hold the NAV key then select PA with the S
[
]
or T key.
[
(
)
]
2. Press the CALL SET MENU key.
3. Press the PTT switch and speak into the microphone.
4. To turn up the PA Volume, press the PTT switch and press
[
]
[
]
the S or T keys to adjust the Audio output level. The
level can be set from 0 to 30W.
5. To adjust the listen back volume, (while in listenback mode)
[
]
[
]
[
]
press the VOL Key, then press the S or T key to the
desired listen back volume.
[
(
)
]
To exit from the PA Hailer mode, press the CALL SET MENU ,
[
]
[
]
16/9 , or WX key.
13.3.2 Operating the FOG Horn
The GX5500S is capable of sending 4 pre-programmed fog signals and also
Horn, Siren, Aground and Anchor signals.
UNDERWAY: POWER BOAT UNDERWAY
STOPPED: POWER BOAT STOPPED
SAIL: SAIL BOAT, FISH VESSEL, TOW VESSEL
TOW: VESSEL UNDER TOW
[
]
1. Press and hold the NAV key then select FOG with the
[
]
[
]
S or T key.
[
(
)
]
2. Press the CALL SET MENU key.
3. Select the one of the eight functions described above with
[ ] [ ]
[
(
)
]
the S or T key and press the CALL SET MENU key.
4. On the “Horn” and “Siren” modes, press the PTT switch to
activate the tone through the HAIL/PA speaker.
[
]
[ ]
Press the S or T keys to adjust the Audio output level.
The level can be set from 0 to 30W.
[
]
5. To adjust the listen back volume, (while in listenback mode) press the VOL
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[
]
[
]
Key, then press the S or T key to the desired listen
back volume.
[
]
To exit from the FOG or other signaling mode, press the 16/9 ,
[
]
[
]
WX , or CALL/SET key.
(
)
13.4 MANUAL INPUTTING OF THE GPS LOCATION LAT/LON
You may send the Latitude/Longitude of your vessel manually from the RAM+
Mic when the GX5500S is not connected the GPS receiver.
After the position is entered, transmitting a DSC Distress, Position Request, or
Position Send will contain the manually entered position.
[
(
)
]
1. Press and hold down the CALL SET MENU key until “RA-
DIO SETUP” menu appears.
[
]
2. Press the T key to select “DSC SETUP” menu.
[
(
)
]
3. Press the CALL SET MENU key, then select “POS INPUT”
] [ ]
[
with the S / T key.
[
(
)
]
4. Press the CALL SET MENU key. The display will be as
shown in the illustration on the right.
5. Enter the your local time by the 24-hour system on the
[
(
)
]
[
]
[
UTC time. Use the CALL SET MENU and H/L key to
] [
]
navigate to each column of the time, then use the S / T
key to select the desired numbers in each column. Repeat
for each column, to complete the time.
6. Enter the Latitude/Longitude of your vessel location with
the same procedure as description above.
[
]
7. To store the data entered, press the 16/9 key to exit this
menu and return to radio operation mode.
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13.5 DSC/RADIO SETUP MODE
The RAM+ can access the DSC / RADIO setup menu (refer to section “11
DIGITAL SELECTIVE CALLING” and section “12 RADIO SETUP MODE” for
details). However, the LAMP, CONTRAST, and KEY BEEP menu item which is
accessed from the RAM+ only controls the RAM+’s display and speaker.
DSC/RADIO Setup mode from the RAM+:
[
(
)
]
1. Press and hold down the CALL SET MENU key until “RADIO SETUP” menu
appears.
[
] [
]
2. Press the S / T key to select “RADIO SETUP” or “DSC SETUP” menu.
[
(
)
]
3. Press the CALL SET MENU key, then select the menu item you wish to
] [
[
]
work on by pressing the S / T key.
[
[
(
)
]
4. Press the CALL SET MENU key.
] [ ]
5. Press the S / T key to change the value or condition for the menu item,
[
(
)
]
then press the CALL SET MENU key to save the new setting.
[
] [
]
[
(
)
]
6. Press the S / T key to select “EXIT,” then press the CALL SET MENU
key to return to the normal operation.
RADIO SETUP
DIMMER
Function
Adjusts the backlight
CONTRAST
NAV DISPLAY
SOG UNIT
MAGNETIC
KEY BEEP
UNIT NAME
EXT SPK
Contrast adjustment of the display
Selects Lat/Lon or SOG to be displayed
Knots, MPH or KPH selection
True or Magnetic selection
On or off selection
Allow changing the name of the connected mic
Internal or External speaker selection
Exits the RADIO SETUP menu
EXIT
DSC SETUP
Function
INDIVIDUAL DIR
Setup the Individual Directory
INDIVIDUAL REPLY
INDIVIDUAL ACK
INDIVIDUAL RINGER
GROUP DIR
Auto or manual selection
Able or Unable to acknowledge Individual Call
Selects from 1 to 4 rings
Setup the Group Directory
POSITION REQUEST
DSC BEEP
EXIT
Auto or manual selection
Turns on or off the Individual, Group, Position request or send beep
Exits the DSC Setup menu
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13.5.1 Lat/Lon or Time and SOG Display
Factory default is “Your Vessel’s Current Position,” however, following the steps
below the GPS Information can be changed to “Course Over Ground (COG).”
[
(
)
]
1. Press and hold down the CALL SET MENU key until “RA-
DIO SETUP” menu appears.
[
(
)
]
]
2. Press the CALL SET MENU key, then select “NAV DIS-
] [
[
PLAY” with the S / T key.
[
(
)
]
3. Press the CALL SET MENU key.
[ ] [ ]
4. Press the T or S key to select “Pos (Your Vessel’s Cur-
rent Position)” or “Cru (Course Over Ground).”
[
(
)
]
5. Press the CALL SET MENU key to store the data en-
[
]
tered, then press the 16/9 key to exit this menu and re-
turn to radio operation mode.
GX5500S
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14 VH-310 HANDSET OPERATION
When the VH-310 HANDSET is connected to the GX5500S, most VHF, DSC,
and setup menus can be remotely operated. The VH-310 HANDSET is supplied
with 7 m of routing cable and can be extended up to 21 m using three 7 m
extension cables model CT-100. The intercom operation can be used between
the VH-310 HANDSET or the GX5500S. In addition, speaker wires are supplied
at the panel mount of the routing cable allowing the STANDARD HORIZON MLS-
300 or MLS-310 External speakers to be connected in noisey environments
14.1 VH-310 HANDSET CONTROLS
PWR key
Press and hold down this key to turn to
the transceiver and VH-310 HANDSET
on and off.
(
)
PTT Push-To-Talk Switch
Activates transmission.
[
]
H/L key
Toggles between high and low power.
[
]
When the H/L key is pressed while
the transceiver is on channel 13 or 67,
the power will temporarily switch from
“LO” to “HI” power until the PTT is released.
[
]
The H/L key does not function on transmit
inhibited and low power only channels.
[
]
DISTRESS key
Used to send a DSC Distress Call. To send
the distress call refer to section “11.3.1. Trans-
mitting a DSC Distress Alert.”
RADIO CONTROL KEYS
[
]
VOL key
Activates the volume adjusting mode.
Press this key to activate the volume adjusting mode.
[
]
[
]
Press the S or T to adjust the volume.
NOTE
When the VH-310 handset is removed from the cradle the speaker
audio will be automatically reduced so not to damage your hearing.
When the VH-310 is in the cradle the speaker audio will increase so
communications can be heard.
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[
[
]
SQL key
Activates the squelch adjusting mode.
Press this key to activate the squelch mode. Press the S or T key to
adjust the squelch.
[ ] [ ]
(
)]
CALL MENU key
[
(
)]
The CALL MENU key functions as the enter key.
Secondary use
[
(
)]
Press the CALL MENU key to access the DSC OPERATION menu.
The “INDIVIDUAL CALL,” “GROUP CALL,” “ALL SHIP CALL,” “POSI-
TION REQUEST,” POSITION SEND,” STANDBY MODE,” and “CALL
WAITING” functions can be accessed from the DSC OPERATION menu.
[
(
)]
Press and hold the CALL MENU key to access the RADIO SETUP
(refer to section 12) or DSC SETUP menu (refer to section 11).
[ ]
F key
Activates the “Alternate” key function.
Press this key to activate the “Alternate” key function of the numeric
keypad.
[
]
16/9 key
Immediately recalls channel 16 from any channel location. Holding down
this key recalls channel 9. Pressing the [16/9] key reverts to the previ-
ous selected working channel.
Secondary use
[
]
[
]
Press and hold the 16/9 key then press the WX key to switch be-
tween the USA, International or Canadian channels.
[
]
WX key
Immediately recalls the previously selected US NOAA weather channel
from any channel location.
Secondary use
Holding down the [16/9] key while pressing the [WX] key switches the
Channel Group.
[ ] [
]
S / T KEY
These keys are used to select channels, adjust the volume and squelch
level, and to choose the item selection of different functions (such as DSC
operation).
GX5500S
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KEYPAD
[ (
)]
1 DIM key
When in radio mode, this key is used to directly select digit “1” in a
channel number.
Secondary use
[ ]
[ (
)]
Press the F key first then press the 1 DIM key to access the LCD
Dimmer menu. Refer to section “10.16 LCD DIMMER” for details.
[ (
)]
2 MEM Key
When in radio mode, this key is used to directly select digit “2” in a
channel number.
Secondary use
[ ]
[ (
)]
Press the F key first then press the 2 MEM key, memorize the se-
lected channel into the transceiver scan memory for scanning. When
([ ]
[ (
)])
repeat the same procedures F Æ 2 MEM , will delete the channel
from the scan memory. Refer to section “10.13 SCANNING” for details.
[ (
)]
3 SCAN Key
When in radio mode, this key is used to directly select digit “3” in a
channel number.
Secondary use
[ ]
[ (
)]
1) Press the F key first then press the 3 SCAN key to start and stop
the scanning of programmed channels. Refer to section “10.13 SCAN-
NING” for details.
(
)
[
]
[
]
2) While holding down the [3 SCAN ] key and pressing the S or T
key, you can confirm memory channels for scanning.
[ (
)]
4 DW Key
When in radio mode, this key is used to directly select digit “4” in a
channel number.
Secondary use
[ ]
[ (
)]
Press the F key first then press the 4 DW key to scan for voice com-
munications on the priority channel and another selected channel until
a signal is received on either channel (Dual Watch). Refer to section
(
)
“10.12 DUAL WATCH TO CH-16 ” for details.
[ ( )]
5 IC Key
When in radio mode, this key is used to directly select digit “5” in a
channel number.
Secondary use
[ ]
[ ( )]
Press the F key then press the 5 IC key to activate intercom function
between RAM+(s) or VH-310 handset(s). Refer to section “10.16 IN-
TERCOM OPERATION” for details.
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[ (
)]
6 NAV Key
When in radio mode, this key is used to directly select digit “6” in a
channel number.
Secondary use
[ ]
[ (
)]
Press the F key first then press the 6 NAV key, the LCD will display
NAV GPS Data, Time, SOG (Speed Over Ground), and COG (Course
Over Ground) when a GPS is connected to the accessory cable of the
GX5500S. See section “8.3 ACCESSORY CABLE” for details.
[ (
)]
7 SCRM Key
When in radio mode, this key is used to directly select digit “7” in a
channel number.
Secondary use
[ ]
[ (
)]
Press the F key then press the 7 SCRM key to toggle the Voice Scram-
[ ] [ ( )]
bler “on” and “off.” Press the F key then press and hold the 7 SCRM
key to enable the selection the Voice Scrambler code. Refer to section
“10.18 VOICE SCRAMBLER” for details.
[ ( )]
8 PA Key
When in radio mode, this key is used to directly select digit “8” in a
channel number.
Secondary use
[ ]
[ ( )]
Press the F key then press the 8 PA key to operate the 30 Watt PA
function. Refer to section “10.14 PA/FOG OPERATION” for details.
NOTE
When in PA or FOG mode the GX5500S will receive on the last
selected VHF channel before entering into the PA or FOG mode and
receive DSC calls.
[ (
)]
9 FOG Key
When in radio mode, this key is used to directly select digit “9” in a
channel number.
Secondary use
[ ]
[ (
)]
Press the F key then press the 9 FOG key to operate the Fog Horn
function. Refer to section “10.14 PA/FOG OPERATION” for details.
[ ( )]
0 A Key
When in radio mode, this key is used to directly select digit “0” in a
channel number.
Secondary use
Used to select A (alpha channels). Press the desired channel keys then
[ ]
press and hold 0 key until “A” appears next to the channel number and
[
]
press ENT to select the channel.
GX5500S
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[
[
]
CLR Key
[
]
Press the CLR key to cancel the menu selection and/or keypad entry.
]
ENT Key
[
]
Press the ENT key to enter the menu selection and/or keypad entry.
14.2 INTERCOM OPERATION
14.2.1 Communication
[ ]
[ ( )]
1. Press the F key followed by the 5 IC key, the mode is changed to “IN-
TERCOM” mode.
2. If your GX5500S is equipped with two VH-310 Handsets
(or RAM+ Mics), select the station you wish to communi-
[ ] [ ]
cate (RADIO, RAM, or ALL) with the T / S key, then press
[
]
the ENT key.
3. When the “INTERCOM” operation is
activated, “IC” is displayed on the VH-
310 Handset (and RAM+ Mic, if used)
and “INTERCOM” is displayed on the
GX5500S.
(
)
VH-310 Mic’s PTT switch is pressed
4. Press the PTT switch, “TALK” is dis-
played.
NOTE: A warning beep is emitted
when the RAM+ Mic PTT switch is
also being pressed while the trans-
(
)
GX5500S’s PTT switch is pressed
ceiver microphone’s PTT switch is pressed.
5. Speak slowly and clearly into the microphone, hold the microphone about
1.5 cm away from your mouth.
6. When finished, release the PTT switch.
7. To exit the “INTERCOM” mode and return to radio operation mode, press
[ ]
[ ( )]
the F key followed by the 5 IC key again.
14.2.2 Calling
[ ( )]
Press and hold the 5 IC key for 1 second when the “INTERCOM” is acti-
vated, a calling beep is emitted from the GX5500S speaker.
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14.3 PA/FOG OPERATION
The VH-310 Handset is capable of controlling the 30W Public address, 4 fog
horns, bells and whistles.
NOTE
When in PA or FOG mode the GX5500S will receive on the last selected
VHF channel before entering into the PA or FOG mode and receive
DSC calls.
14.3.1 Operating the PA / Hailer
[ ]
[ ( )]
1. Press the F key followed by the 8 PA key, activate the
“PA / HAIL” mode.
2. Press the PTT switch and speak into the microphone.
3. To turn up the PA Volume, press the PTT switch and press
[
]
[
]
the S or T keys to adjust the Audio output level. The
level can be set from 0 to 30W.
4. To adjust the listen back volume, (while in listenback mode)
[
]
[
]
[
]
press the VOL Key, then press the S or T key to the
desired listen back volume.
[ ]
To exit from the PA / Hailer mode, press the F key followed by
[ ( )]
the 8 PA key again.
14.3.2 Operating the FOG Horn
The GX5500S is capable of sending Underway, Stop, Sail, Tow, Horn, Siren,
Aground and Anchor signals.
[ ]
[ (
)]
1. Press the F key followed by the 9 FOG key, to activate
the “FOG HORN” menu.
2. Select the one of the eight functions described above with
[
]
[
]
[
]
the S or T key and press the ENT key.
3. On the “Horn” and “Siren” modes, press the PTT switch to
activate the tone through the HAIL/PA speaker.
[
]
[
]
Press the S or T keys to adjust the Audio output level.
The level can be set from 0 to 30W.
4. To adjust the listen back volume, (while in listenback mode)
[
]
[
]
[
]
press the VOL Key, then press the S or T key to the
desired listen back volume.
[ ]
To exit from the FOG HORN mode, press the F key followed
[ (
)]
by the 9 FOG key again.
GX5500S
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(
)
14.4 MANUAL INPUTTING OF THE GPS LOCATION LAT/LON
You may send the Latitude/Longitude of your vessel manually from the VH-
310 Handset when the GX5500S is not connected the GPS receiver.
After the position is entered, transmitting a DSC Distress, Position Request, or
Position Send will contain the manually entered position.
[
(
)]
1. Press and hold down the CALL MENU key until “Radio
Setup” menu appears.
[
]
2. Press the T key to select “DSC SETUP” menu.
[
]
[ ]
3. Press the ENT key, then select “POS INPUT” with the S /
[
]
T key.
[
]
4. Press the ENT key then, enter the your local time from
the keypad by the 24-hour system on the UTC time.
5. Enter the Latitude of your vessel location (xx.xx.xx) by the
[ (
)]
keypad, then press the 6 NAV key to select North (N), or
[ (
)]
7 SCRM key to select South (S).
6. Enter the Longitude of your vessel location (xxx.xx.xx) by
[ (
)]
the keypad, then press the 3 SCAN to select East (E), or
[ (
)]
9 FOG key to select West (W).
7. If a number was entered by mistake, press the H/L key
[
] [
]
repeatedly to select the number. Press the S / T key to
select the desired number.
[
]
8. Press and hold in the ENT key to store the data entered,
[
]
then press the 16/9 key to exit this menu and return to
radio operation mode.
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14.5 DSC/RADIO SETUP MODE
The VH-310 Handset can access the DSC / RADIO setup menu (refer to sec-
tion “11 DIGITAL SELECTIVE CALLING” and section “12 RADIO SETUP
MODE” for details). The CONTRAST, NAV DISPLAY, KEY BEEP, and AF SELECT
menu item accessed from the VH-310 Handset only controls the VH-310
Handset’s display and speaker.
DSC/RADIO Setup mode from the VH-310 Handset:
[
(
)]
1. Press and hold down the CALL MENU key until “RADIO SETUP” menu
appears.
[
] [
]
2. Press the S / T key to select “RADIO SETUP” or “DSC SETUP” menu.
[
]
3. Press the ENT key, then select the menu item you wish to work on by
] [
[
]
pressing the S / T key.
[
]
4. Press the ENT key.
[
] [ ]
5. Press the S / T key to change the value or condition for the menu item,
then press the [ENT] key to save the new setting.
[
] [
]
[
]
6. Press the S / T key to select “EXIT,” then press the ENT key to return
to the normal operation.
RADIO SETUP
CONTRAST
NAV DISPLAY
SOG UNIT
MAGNETIC
KEY BEEP
UNIT NAME
EXT SPK
Function
Contrast adjustment of the display
Selects Lat/Lon or SOG to be displayed
Knots, MPH or KPH selection
True or Magnetic selection
On or off selection
Allow changing the name of the connected mic
Internal or External speaker selection
Shown when VH-310 connected
Exits the RADIO SETUP menu
AF SELECT
EXIT
DSC SETUP
Function
INDIVIDUAL DIR
Setup the Individual Directory
INDIVIDUAL REPLY
INDIVIDUAL ACK
INDIVIDUAL RINGER
GROUP DIR
Auto or manual selection
Able or Unable to acknowledge Individual Call
Selects from 1 to 4 rings
Setup the Group Directory
POSITION REQUEST
DSC BEEP
EXIT
Auto or manual selection
Turns on or off the Individual, Group, Position request or send beep
Exits the DSC Setup menu
NOTE
When the SETUP menu is selected, using the VH-310 Handset, the
GX5500S will be temporarily disabled until the VH-310 Handset exits
from the setup mode.
GX5500S
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14.5.1 Changing the display to show Lat/Lon or Time and SOG
Factory default is “Your Vessel’s Current Position,” however, following the steps
below the GPS Information can be changed to “Course Over Ground (COG).”
[
(
)]
1. Press and hold down the CALL MENU key until “RADIO
SETUP” menu appears.
[
]
2. Press the ENT key, then select “NAV DISPLAY” with the
] [
[
]
S / T key.
[
]
3. Press the ENT key.
[ ] [ ]
4. Press the T or S key to select “Pos (Your Vessel’s Cur-
rent Position)” or “Cru (Course Over Ground).”
[
]
5. Press the ENT key to store the data entered, then press
[
]
the 16/9 key to exit this menu and return to radio opera-
tion mode.
14.5.2 External Speaker AF Selection
The AF SELECT menu allows you to set the audio output level of the VH-310’s
External Speaker to a fixed level regardress of the VOL level setting of the VH-
310, which is useful when using the STANDARD HORIZON MLS-310 10W
amplified speaker with on/off volume control.
[
(
)]
1. Press and hold down the CALL MENU key until “Radio
Setup” menu appears.
[
]
[
]
2. Press the ENT key, then select “AF SELECT” with the S /
[
]
T key.
[
]
3. Press the ENT key.
[
]
[
]
4. Press the S or T key to select “Pr” (External Speaker
Level is “Fixed”) or “Po” (External Speaker Level is “Adjust-
able”).
[
]
5. Press the ENT key to store the data entered, then press
[
]
the 16/9 key to exit this menu and return to radio opera-
tion mode.
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MEMO
GX5500S
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15 MAINTENANCE
The inherent quality of the solid-state components used in this transceiver will
provide many years of continuous use. Taking the following precautions will pre-
vent damage to the transceiver.
•
•
•
•
Keep the microphone connected or the jack covered at all times to prevent
corrosion of electrical contacts;
Never key the microphone unless an antenna or suitable dummy load is con-
nected to the transceiver.
Ensure that the supply voltage to the transceiver does not exceed 16 VDC or
fall below 11 VDC.
Use only STANDARD HORIZON-approved accessories and replacement parts.
In the unlikely event of serious problems, please contact your Dealer or our repair
facility. Address and phone numbers for this facility, as well as warranty informa-
tion, are contained in section “17 WARRANTY.”
15.1 REPLACEMENT PARTS
Occasionally an owner needs a replacement mounting bracket or knob.
These can be ordered from our Parts Department by writing or calling:
Marine Division of Vertex Standard
US Headquarters
10900 Walker Street, Cypress, CA 90630, U.S.A.
Telephone (714) 827-7600
Commonly requested parts, and their part numbers are listed below.
• Power Cord: T9023306
• VOL/SQL Knob: RA0542600
• Rotary Channel Knob: RA0542500
• Mounting Bracket: RA0544200
• Mounting Bracket Knob: RA045910A
• Microphone Hanger: RA0458800
• Microphone Assembly: M3090118
• RAM+ Mic Routing Cable Assembly: S8101512
15.2 FACTORY SERVICE
In the unlikely event that the radio fails to perform or needs servicing, please con-
tact the following:
Standard Horizon
Attention Marine Repair Department
10900 Walker Street, Cypress, CA 90630
Telephone (800) 366-4566
An “RA” Return Authorization number is not necessary to send a product in for
service. Include a brief note describing the problem along with your name, return
address, phone number, and proof of purchase.
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15.3 TROUBLESHOOTING CHART
SYMPTOM
PROBABLE CAUSE REMEDY
Transceiver fails to No DC voltage to the a. Check the 12VDC battery connections and
power up.
transceiver, or blown
fuse.
the fuse.
b. The PWR switch needs to be pressed and
held to turn the radio on.
Transceiver blows fuse Reversed power Check the power cable for DC voltage, or re-
when connected to wires.
power supply.
place the fuse (6A 250V).
Make sure the red wire is connected to the posi-
tive (+) battery post, and the black wire is con-
nected to the negative (-) battery post. If the fuse
still blows, contact marine product support.
Popping or whining Engine noise.
noise from the speaker
while engine runs.
Reroute the DC power cables away from the
engine. Add noise suppressor on power cable.
Change to resistive spark plug wires and/or add
an alternator whine filter.
Sound is not emitted Accessory cable.
from the internal or ex-
ternal speaker.
Check the connections of the accessory cable
(Short Circuit the External speaker cable
WHITE/SHIELD).
Sound is not emitted Accessory cable.
from the PA speaker.
Check the accessory cable connection (Short
Circuit the PA speaker cable RED/SHIELD).
Receiving station re- Antenna.
ports low transmit
power, even with trans-
Have the antenna checked or test the trans-
ceiver with another antenna. If the problem per-
sists, contact your Dealer for servicing.
ceiver set to HI power.
“HI BATTERY” or “LO The power supply Confirm that the connected power supply volt-
BATTERY” message voltage is too high or age is not 17 volts or lower than 10 volts.
appears when the too low.
power is turned on.
“PA ERROR” or “FOG Accessory cable.
ERROR” message is
shown when the PA/
FOG mode is acti-
vated.
Check the accessory cable connection (Short
Circuit the PA speaker cable RED/SHIELD).
Your position is not dis- Accessory cable.
played.
Check the accessory cable connection.
Some GPS use the battery ground line for NMEA
connection.
Setting of the GPS Check the output signal format of the GPS navi-
navigation receiver. gation receiver. This radio requires NMEA0183
format with GLL, RMB, or RMC sentence as an
output signal. If the GPS has a baud rate set-
ting make sure to select 4800 and parity to
NONE.
While in PA or FOG lis- Strong AM radio sta- Need to replace the speaker wires to a sheilded
ten back modes, am tions are being 2 conductor wire available from Radio Shack
broadcasts can be pickup up by the part number 278-513. Refer to section “8.3 AC-
heard.
speaker wires.
CESSORY CABLE” for cable connections.
GX5500S
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16 CHANNEL ASSIGNMENTS
Tables on the following columns list the VHF Marine Channel assignments for
U.S.A. and International use. Below are listed some data about the charts.
1. VTS. Where indicated, these channels are part of the U.S. Coast Guard’s
Vessel Traffic System.
2. Alpha channel numbers, that is, channel numbers followed by the letter A
(such as Channel 07A) are simplex channels on the U.S.A. or Canadian
channel assignments whose counterparts in the International assignments
are duplex channels. International channels do not use “alpha” numbers.
If you call the Coast Guard on Channel 16, they will sometimes ask you to
“go to channel 22 Alpha.” This is a channel assigned to U.S.A, and Cana-
dian Coast Guards for handling distress and other calls. If your radio is set
for International operation you will go to Channel 22 instead of 22A, and
will not be able to communicate with the Coast Guard. To use Channel
22A, your radio must be set for USA or Canada operation, usually by a U/
I/C (USA/International/Canada) control or combination of controls. Chan-
nel 22 (without an “A”) is an International duplex channel for port opera-
tions. Some radios indicate an “A” adjacent to the alpha channels on the
display; on others “alpha” is not indicated but the proper channel is se-
lected based on the U/I/C setting.
3. Bridge-to-Bridge channels (for example, Channel 13) are for use by bridge
operators on intercoastal waterways and rivers. It is also used by marine
vessels in the vicinity of these bridges for navigation and for communicat-
ing with the bridge operators. Note that a limit of 1 Watt is specified for
these channels. See page 27 for additional information.
4. The S/D column on the chart indicates either S (simplex) or D (duplex).
Simplex means transmitting and receiving on the same frequency. Only
one party at a time can talk, unlike a telephone. Be sure to say “over” and
release your microphone push-to-talk switch at the end of each transmis-
sion. Duplex operation involves the use of one frequency for transmitting
and a separate frequency for receiving. On channels specified as duplex
on the charts, correct mode of operation is established automatically by
your radio when you select a channel; you cannot change the mode. And
you still must release the push-to-talk switch after each transmission in
order to listen to the radio.
5. Channels normally used by recreational boaters are those that include the
term “non-commercial” in the Channel Use column of the chart. Some of
these are shared with other users and some are used only in certain geo-
graphic regions.
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6. Marine vessels equipped with VHF radios are required to monitor
Channel 16.
VHF MARINE CHANNEL CHART
CH
01
U
C
X
I
X
S/D
D
TX
RX
CHANNEL USE
156.050 160.650 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)
01A
X
S
156.050
Port Operation and Commercial.
VTS in selected areas
02
03
03A
04
X
X
X
X
D
D
S
D
156.100 160.700 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)
156.150 160.750 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)
X
156.150
US Government only, Coast Guard
X
156.200 160.800 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator),
Port operation, ship movement
04A
05
X
S
D
156.200
Pacific coast: Coast Guard, East Coast:
Commercial fishing
X
156.250 160.850 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator),
Port operation, ship movement
05A
06
07
X
X
X
X
S
S
D
156.250
156.300
Port operation. VTS in Seattle
Inter-ship Safety
X
X
156.350 160.950 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator),
Port operation, ship movement
07A
08
09
X
X
X
X
X
X
S
S
S
156.350
156.400
156.450
Commercial
Commercial (Inter-ship only)
Boater Calling channel, Commercial &
Non-commercial (Recreational)
X
X
10
11
12
13
14
15
15
16
17
18
18A
19
19A
19A
20
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
D
S
D
S
S
D
156.500
156.550
156.600
156.650
156.700
Commercial
Commercial. VTS in selected areas.
Port operation. VTS in selected areas.
Inter-ship Navigation Safety (Bridge-to-bridge)
Port operation. VTS in selected areas.
- - -
156.750
156.800
156.850
156.750 Environmental (Receive only)
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Commercial, non-commercial, ship movement (1 W)
International Distress, Safety and Calling
State Controlled (1 W)
X
X
156.900 161.500 Port operation, ship movement
156.900 Commercial
156.950 161.550 Port operation, ship movement
X
X
X
X
X
156.950
156.950
US: Commercial
Coast Guard
X
X
X
X
157.000 161.600 Canadian Coast Guard Only,
International: port operations and shipment
Port operation
157.050 161.650 Port operation, ship movement
20A
21
21A
22
S
D
S
D
S
157.000
X
X
X
X
157.050
U.S. Government Only, Canadian Coast Guard
157.100 161.700 Port operation, ship movement
22A
X
X
157.100
US and Canadian Coast Guard Liaison and
Maritime Safety Information Broadcasts announced
on channel 16
GX5500S
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VHF MARINE CHANNEL CHART
TX RX CHANNEL USE
157.150 161.750 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)
157.150 U.S. Government Only
157.200 161.800 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)
157.250 161.850 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)
157.300 161.900 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)
157.350 161.950 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)
157.400 162.000 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)
156.025 160.625 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)
CH
23
23A
24
25
26
27
28
60
61
U
C
X
I
X
S/D
D
S
D
D
D
D
D
D
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
D
156.075 160.675 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator),
Port operation, ship movement
61A
62
X
X
S
D
S
D
S
D
S
D
156.075
U.S. Government Only, Canadian Coast Guard-
Pacific Coast, Commercial Fishing-East Coast
X
X
X
156.125 160.725 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator),
Port operation, ship movement
62A
63
X
156.125
Public Coast: Coast Guard;
East Coast: commercial fishing only
156.175 160.775 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator),
Port operation, ship movement
63A
64
X
X
X
156.175
Port Operation and Commercial.
VTS in selected areas.
X
156.225 160.825 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator),
Port operation, ship movement
64A
65
X
156.225
U.S. Government Only,
Canadian Commercial Fishing
X
X
X
156.275 160.875 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator),
Port operation, ship movement
65A
66
X
S
D
156.275
Port Operations
156.325 160.925 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator),
Port operation, ship movement
66A
67
X
X
X
X
S
S
156.325
156.375
Port Operations
US: Commercial. Used for Bridge-to-bridge com
munications in lower Mississippi River. Inter-ship
only,
Canada: Commercial fishing, S&R
68
69
X
X
X
X
X
X
S
S
156.425
156.475
Non-commercial (Recreational)
US: Non-commercial (Recreational),
Canada: Commercial fishing only,
International: Inter-ship, Port operations and Ship
movement
70
71
X
X
X
X
X
X
S
S
156.525
156.575
Digital selective calling (voice communications not
allowed)
US, Canada: Non-commercial (Recreational),
International: Port operations and Ship movement
72
73
X
X
X
X
X
X
S
S
156.625
156.675
Non-commercial (Inter-ship only)
US: Port Operations,
Canada: Commercial fishing only,
International: Inter-ship, Port opertions and Ship
movement
74
X
X
X
S
156.725
US: Port Operations,
Canada: Commercial fishing only,
International: Inter-ship, Port operations and Ship
movement
Page 92
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VHF MARINE CHANNEL CHART
CH
75
76
77
77
78
U
X
X
X
C
I
X
X
S/D
S
S
S
S
TX
156.775
156.825
156.875
156.875
RX
CHANNEL USE
Port Operations (Inter-ship only) (1W)
Port Operations (Inter-ship only) (1W)
Port Operations (Inter-ship only) (1W)
Port Operations (Inter-ship only)
X
X
X
D
156.925 161.525 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator),
Port operation, ship-movement
78A
79
79A
80
80A
81
81A
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
S
D
S
D
S
D
S
156.925
156.975 161.575 Port operation and Ship movement
156.975 Commercial
157.025 161.625 Port operation, ship movement
157.025 Commercial
157.075 161.675 Port operation, ship movement
Non-commercial (Recreational)
X
X
X
157.075
U.S. Government Only -
Environmental protection operations.
82
X
X
D
157.125 161.725 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator),
Port operation, ship movement
82A
X
X
X
S
157.125
U.S. Government Only,
Canadian Coast Guard Only
83
83A
X
X
D
S
157.175 161.775 Canadian Coast Guard Only
157.175
U.S. Government Only,
Canadian Coast Guard Only
83
84
85
86
87
87
88
88
88A
WX01
WX02
WX03
WX04
WX05
WX06
WX07
WX08
WX09
WX10
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
D
D
D
D
D
S
D
S
S
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
157.175 161.775 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)
157.225 161.825 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)
157.275 161.875 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)
157.325 161.925 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)
157.375 161.975 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)
X
X
X
X
X
X
157.375
Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)
X
X
157.425 162.025 Public Correspondence (ship-to-coast)
157.425
157.425
Public Correspondence (ship-to-coast)
Commercial, Inter-ship Only
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
- - -
162.550 Weather (receive only)
- - -
- - -
- - -
- - -
- - -
- - -
- - -
- - -
- - -
162.400 Weather (receive only)
162.475 Weather (receive only)
162.425 Weather (receive only)
162.450 Weather (receive only)
162.500 Weather (receive only)
162.525 Weather (receive only)
161.650 Weather (receive only)
161.775 Weather (receive only)
163.275 Weather (receive only)
The above BOLD channels are not for use of the general public in U.S. waters, unless proper authorization is
given.
GX5500S
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Points of communica-
tion (Intership and be-
tween coast and ship
unless otherwise indi-
cated)
Points of communica-
tion (Intership and be-
tween coast and ship
unless otherwise indi-
cated)
Carrier frequency
Carrier frequency
(
)
(
)
MHz
MHz
Channel
designator
Channel
designator
Coast
transmit
Coast
transmit
Ship
transmit
Ship
transmit
Port Operations
Noncommercial
01A1
63A1
052
65A
66A
123
73
156.050 156.050
6817
0916
69
71
72
78A
79A
80A
6714
156.425 156.425
156.450 156.450
156.475 156.475
156.575 156.575
156.625 ........ Intership only.
156.925 156.925
156.975 156.975 Great Lakes only.
157.025 157.025 Do.
156.175 156.175
156.250 156.250
156.275 156.275
156.325 156.325
156.600 156.600
156.675 156.675
156.700 156.700
156.725 156.725
156.875
143
74
156.375
.......
Intership only.
774
Intership only.
Intership only.
Distress, Safety and Calling
156.800 156.800 EPRIB
Intership Safety
20A12 157.000
16
06
Navigational (Bridge-to-Bridge)5
136
677
156.650 156.650
156.375 156.375
156.300 ........ a. Intership, or
b. For SAR: Ship
Commercial
and aircraft for the
U.S. Coast Guard.
01A1
63A1
07A
677
08
09
156.050 156.050
156.175 156.175
156.350 156.350
Environmental
1513
........ 156.750 Coast to ship only.
Maritime Control
156.375
Intership only.
156.400 ........ Do.
156.450 156.450
156.500 156.500
179,10
156.850 156.850
10
Liaison, U.S. Coast Guard
113
156.550 156.550
18A
19A
79A
80A
88A8
7214
156.900 156.900
22A11 157.100 157.100 Ship, aircraft, and
coast stations of
the U.S. Coast
Guard and at
Lake Mead, Nev.,
ship and coast
stations of the
National Park
Service, U.S.
Department of the
Interior.
156.950 156.950
156.975 156.975
157.025 157.025
157.425 ........ Intership only.
156.625 ........ Intership only.
Digital Selective Calling
7015
156.525 156.525
1: 156.050 MHz and 156.175 MHz are available for port operations and commercial com-
munications purposes when used only within the U.S. Coast Guard designated Vessel
Traffic Services (VTS) area of New Orleans, on the lower Mississippi River from the
various pass entrances in the Gulf of Mexico to Devil’s Swamp Light at River Mile 242.4
above head of passes near Baton Rouge.
2: 156.250 MHz is available for port operations communications use only within the U.S.
Coast Guard designated VTS radio protection areas of New Orleans and Houston de-
scribed in Sec. 80.383. 156.250 MHz is available for intership port operations communi-
cations used only within the area of Los Angeles and Long Beach harbors, within a 25-
nautical mile radius of Point Fermin, California.
3: 156.550 MHz, 156.600 MHz and 156.700 MHz are available in the U.S. Coast Guard
designated port areas only for VTS communications and in the Great Lakes available
primarily for communications relating to the movement of ships in sectors designated by
the St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation or the U.S. Coast Guard. The use
of these frequencies outside VTS and ship movement sector protected areas is permit-
ted provided they cause no interference to VTS and ship movement communications in
their respective designated sectors.
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4: Use of 156.875 MHz is limited to communications with pilots regarding the movement
and docking of ships. Normal output power must not exceed 1 watt.
5: 156.375 MHz and 156.650 MHz are available primarily for intership navigational com-
munications. These frequencies are available between coast and ship on a secondary
basis when used on or in the vicinity of locks or drawbridges. Normal output power must
not exceed 1 watt. Maximum output power must not exceed 10 watts for coast stations or
25 watts for ship stations.
6: On the Great Lakes, in addition to bridge-to-bridge communications, 156.650 MHz is
available for vessel control purposes in established vessel traffic systems. 156.650 MHz
is not available for use in the Mississippi River from South Pass Lighted Whistle Buoy “2”
and Southwest Pass entrance Midchannel Lighted Whistle Buoy to mile 242.4 above
Head of Passes near Baton Rouge. Additionally it is not available for use in the Missis-
sippi River-Gulf Outlet, the Mississippi River-Gulf Outlet Canal, and the Inner Harbor
Navigational Canal, except to aid the transition from these areas.
7: Use of 156.375 MHz is available for navigational communications only in the Mississippi
River from South Pass Lighted Whistle Buoy “2” and Southwest Pass entrance Mid-
channel Lighted Whistle Buoy to mile 242.4 above head of Passes near Baton Rouge,
and in addition over the full length of the Mississippi River-Gulf Outlet Canal from en-
trance to its junction with the Inner Harbor Navigation Canal, and over the full length of
the Inner Harbor Navigation Canal from its junction with the Mississippi River to its entry
to Lake Pontchartrain at the New Seabrook vehicular bridge.
8: Within 120 km (75 miles) of the United States/Canada border, in the area of the Puget
Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca and its approaches, 157.425 MHz is half of the
duplex pair designated as Channel 88. In this area, Channel 88 is available to ship
stations for communications with public coast stations only. More than 120 km (75 miles)
from the United States/Canada border in the area of the Puget Sound and the Strait of
Juan de Fuca, its approaches, the Great Lakes, and the St. Lawrence Seaway, 157.425
MHz is available for intership and commercial communications. Outside Puget Sound
area and its approaches and the Great Lakes, 157.425 MHz is also available for commu-
nications between commercial fishing vessels and associated aircraft while engaged in
commercial fishing activities.
9: When the frequency 156.850 MHz is authorized, it may be used additionally for search
and rescue training exercises conducted by state or local governments.
10: The frequency 156.850 MHz is additionally available to coast stations on the Great Lakes
for transmission of scheduled Coded Marine Weather Forecasts (MAFOR), Great Lakes
Weather Broadcast (LAWEB) and unscheduled Notices to Mariners or Bulletins. F3C
and J3C emissions are permitted. Coast Stations on the Great Lakes must cease weather
broadcasts which cause interference to stations operating on 156.800 MHz until the
interference problem is resolved.
11: The frequency 157.100 MHz is authorized for search and rescue training exercises by
state or local government in conjunction with U.S. Coast Guard stations. Prior U.S. Coast
Guard approval is required. Use must cease immediately on U.S. Coast Guard request.
12: The duplex pair for channel 20 (157.000/161.600 MHz) may be used for ship to coast
station communications.
13: Available for assignment to coast stations, the use of which is in accord with an agreed
program, for the broadcast of information to ship stations concerning the environmental
conditions in which vessels operate, i.e., weather; sea conditions; time signals; notices
to mariners; and hazards to navigation.
14: Available only in the Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
15: The frequency 156.525 MHz is to be used exclusively for distress, safety and calling
using digital selective calling techniques. No other uses are permitted.
16: The frequency 156.450 MHz is available for intership, ship and coast general purpose
calling by noncommercial vessels, such as recreational boats and private coast stations.
17: The frequency 156.425 MHz is assigned by rule to private coast stations in Alaska for
facsimile transmissions as well as voice communications.
GX5500S
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17 WARRANTY
Marine Products Limited Warranty
STANDARD HORIZON (a division of VERTEX STANDARD) warrants, to the
original purchaser only, each new Marine Communications Product (“Prod-
uct”) manufactured and/or supplied by STANDARD HORIZON against defects
in materials and workmanship under normal use and service for a period of
time from the date of purchase as follows:
Fixed Mount and Portable Transceivers
1 year - if purchased before 01/01/91
3 years - if purchased between 01/01/91 and 01/01/94
3 years Waterproof - if purchased after 01/01/94
Loud hailers
1 year - if purchased before 01/01/91
3 years - if purchased after 01/01/91
Associated Chargers
1 year - if purchased before 01/01/91
3 years - if purchased after 01/01/91
Associated Batteries - 18 months. Note: Batteries will be deemed deflective
only if storage capacity drops below 80% of rated capacity or if leakage devel-
ops.
Associated Accessories - 1 year. Includes: Microphones/Handsets, External
Speakers, Antennas, Carrying Accessories, Power Supplies, and Signaling
Boards.
To receive warranty service, the purchaser must deliver the Product, transpor-
tation and insurance prepaid, to STANDARD HORIZON (a division of VER-
TEX STANDARD), Attention Marine repairs 10900 Walker Street, Cypress, CA
90630. Include proof of purchase indicating model. serial number, and date of
purchase. STANDARD HORIZON will return the Product to the purchaser freight
prepaid. Products purchased prior to January 1, 1991 will bear the STAN-
DARD HORIZON warranty terms in effect prior to that date.
In the event of a defect, malfunction or failure of the Product during the war-
ranty period, STANDARD HORIZON’s liability for any breach of contract or
any breach of express or implied warranties in connection with the sale of
Products shall be limited solely to repair or replacement, at its option, of the
Product or part(s) therein which, upon examination by STANDARD HORIZON,
appear to be defective or not up to factory specifications. STANDARD HORI-
ZON may, at its option, repair or replace parts or subassemblies with new or
Page 96
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reconditioned parts and subassemblies. Parts thus repaired or replaced are
warranted for the balance of the original applicable warranty.
STANDARD HORIZON will not warrant installation, maintenance or service of
the Products. In all instances, STANDARD HORIZON’s liability for damages
shall not exceed the purchase price of the defective Product.
This warranty only extends to Products sold within the 50 States of the United
States of America and the District of Columbia.
STANDARD HORIZON will pay all labor to repair the product and replacement
parts charges incurred in providing the warranty service except where pur-
chaser abuse or other qualifying exceptions exist. The purchaser must pay
any transportation expenses incurred in returning the Product to STANDARD
HORIZON for service.
This limited warranty does not extend to any Product which has been sub-
jected to misuse, neglect, accident, incorrect wiring by anyone other than STAN-
DARD HORIZON, improper installation, or subjected to use in violation of in-
structions furnished by STANDARD HORIZON, nor does this warranty extend
to Products on which the serial number has been removed, defaced, or changed.
STANDARD HORIZON cannot be responsible in any way for ancillary equip-
ment not furnished by STANDARD HORIZON which is attached to or used in
connection with STANDARD HORIZON’s Products, or for the operation of the
Product with any ancillary equipment, and all such equipment is expressly
excluded from this warranty. STANDARD HORIZON disclaims liability for range,
coverage, or operation of the Product and ancillary equipment as a whole
under this warranty. STANDARD HORIZON reserves the right to make changes
or improvements in Products, during subsequent production, without incurring
the obligation to install such changes or improvements on previously manu-
factured Products.
The implied warranties which the law imposes on the sale of this Product are
expressly LIMITED, in duration, to the time period specified above. STAN-
DARD HORIZON shall not be liable under any circumstances for consequen-
tial damages resulting from the use and operation of this Product, or from the
breach of this LIMITED WARRANTY, any implied warranties, or any contract
with STANDARD HORIZON. IN CONNECTION WITH THE SALE OF ITS
PRODUCTS, STANDARD HORIZON MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS
OR IMPLIED AS TO THE MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PAR-
TICULAR PURPOSE OR OTHERWISE, EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY SET
FORTH HEREIN.
GX5500S
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Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or conse-
quential damages, or limitation on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the
above limitations or exclusions may not apply. This warranty gives specific
legal rights, and there may be other rights which may vary from state to state.
ONLY PRODUCTS SOLD ON OR AFTER JANUARY 1, 1991 ARE COVERED
UNDER THE TERMS OF THIS LIMITED WARRANTY.
ON-LINE WARRANTY REGISTRATION
THANK YOU for buying STANDARD HORIZON (a division of Vertex
Standard) products! We are confident your new radio will serve your
needs for many years!
Please visit www.standardhorizon.com to register the GX5500S
Marine VHF. It should be noted that visiting the Web site from time to
time may be beneficial to you, as new products are released they will
appear on the STANDARD HORIZON Web site. Also a statement re-
garding product support should be added to the manual.
Product Support Inquiries
If you have any questions or comments regarding the use of the
GX5500S, you can visit the STANDARD HORIZON Web site to send an
E-Mail or contact the Product Support team at (714) 827-7600 ext 6300
M-F 7:00-5:00PST.
In addition to the warranty, STANDARD HORIZON includes a lifetime “flat
rate” and “customer loyalty” programs to provide service after the warranty
period has expired. If you wish to obtain the flat rate price for out-of-war-
ranty repair, you must include the information on the Owner’s Record with
the unit when you return it to your Dealer or to STANDARD HORIZON.
Lifetime Flat Rate Service Program: For the original Owner only, for the
lifetime of the unit, STANDARD HORIZON will repair the unit to original
specifications.
Note: The flat rate amount is payable by the Owner only if STANDARD
HORIZON or the STANDARD HORIZON Dealer determines that a re-
pair is needed. After the repair, a 90-day warranty will be in effect from
the date of return of the unit to the Owner.
This service program is not available for equipment which has failed as
a result of neglect, accident, breakage, misuse, improper installation or
modification, or water damage (depending on the product).
Page 98
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18 SPECIFICATIONS
Performance specifications are nominal, unless otherwise indicated, and are
subject to change without notice.
18.1 GENERAL
Channels ............................................... All USA, International and Canadian
Input Voltage ......................................................................... 13.8 VDC ±20%
Current Drain
Standby ............................................................................................. 0.5 A
Receive ............................................................................................. 1.5 A
Transmit .....................................................................5.0 A (Hi); 1.5 A (Lo)
Dimensions ............................................................... 3.5” H x 9.1” W x 5.9” D
(90 H x 230 W x 150 D mm)
Flush-Mount Dimensions .......................................... 2.8” H x 8.1” W x 5.1” D
(72 H x 205 W x 130 D mm)
Weight ................................................................................... 3.2 lbs (1.45 kg)
18.2 TRANSMITTER
Frequency Range.................................................... 156.025 to 157.425 MHz
RF Output......................................................................... 25 W (Hi); 1 W (Lo)
Conducted Spurious Emissions ................................... 80 dB (Hi); 66 dB (Lo)
Audio Response ................................................ within +1/-3 of a 6 dB/octave
pre-emphasis characteristic at 300 to 3000 Hz
Audio Distortion ........................................................................................ 5 %
Modulation........................................................ 16K0G3E, for DSC 16K0G2B
Frequency Stability (-20°C to +60°C) ..............................................±0.0005%
FM Hum and Noise ............................................................................... 50 dB
18.3 RECEIVER
Frequency Range.................................................... 156.050 to 163.275 MHz
Sensitivity
20 dB Quieting .............................................................................. 0.35 μV
12 dB SINAD ................................................................................. 0.30 μV
Squelch Sensitivity (Threshold)..................................................... 0.13 μV
Modulation Acceptance Bandwidth ...................................................±7.5 kHz
Selectivity (Typical)
Spurious and Image Rejection ....................................................... –80 dB
Intermodulation and Rejection at 12 dB SINAD ............................. –80 dB
Audio Output ......................................................................................... 4.5 W
Audio Response ...............................................within + 1/–3 of a 6 dB/octave
de-emphasis characteristic at 300 to 3000 Hz
Frequency Stability (-20°C to +60°C) .............................................±0.0005 %
Channel Spacing ................................................................................. 25 kHz
DSC Format ................................................................................. EN 301 025
NMEA Input/Output .......................................................... Output - DSC, DSE
Input - GLL, GGA, RMC and GNS
GX5500S
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Copyright 2007
VERTEX STANDARD CO., LTD.
All rights reserved.
Marine Division of VERTEX STANDARD
US Headquarters
10900 Walker Street, Cypress, CA 90630, U.S.A.
No portion of this manual
may be reproduced
www. standardhorizon.com
without the permission of
VERTEX STANDARD CO., LTD.
E M 0 2 8 N 2 0 0
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|