Garmin VHF 720 User manual

Marine Radio
Marine Radio
Owner’s Manual
&
Reference
Guide
VHF 720
VHF 720

FCC
Compliance
Statement
© 1999 GARMIN Corporation
GARMIN International, Inc.
1200 E 151st Street, Olathe, Kansas 66062 USA
Tel. [phone] or 800-800-1-20
Fax. [phone]
GARMIN (Europe) Ltd.
Unit 5, The Quadrangle, Abbey Park Industrial Estate,
Romsey, SO51 9AQ UK
Tel. [phone]
Fax. [phone]
GARMIN (Asia) Corp.
3F, No. 1, Lane 45
PaoHsing Road, Hsin Tien, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C.
Tel. [phone]-4107
Fax. [phone]
Copyright 1999 GARMIN Corporation. All rights reserved. Except as
expressly provided herein, no part of this manual may be reproduced,
copied, transmitted, disseminated, downloaded or stored in any storage
medium, for any purpose without prior written consent of GARMIN
Corporation. GARMIN Corporation hereby grants permission to download
a single copy of this manual onto a hard drive or other electronic storage
medium to be viewed for personal use, provided that such electronic or
printed copy of this manual contains the complete text of this copyright
notice and provided further that any unauthorized commercial distribu-
tion of this manual is strictly prohibited.
Information in this manual is subject to change without notice. GARMIN
reserves the right to change or improve its products and to make changes
in the content without obligation to notify any person or organization of
such changes. Visit the GARMIN website for current updates and supple-
mental information concerning the use and operation of this and other
GARMIN products.
Website address: www.garmin.com
GARMIN and VHF 720 are registered trademarks of GARMIN Corporation
and may not be used without expressed permission of GARMIN.
Part Number 190-00150-00 Rev. B Printed inTaiwan

i
INTRODUCTION
About This
Manual
Thank you for choosing the GARMIN VHF 720. To get
the most from your new VHF marine radio, take time to read
through this owner’s manual in order to understand all of the
operating features. This manual is organized into three
sections for your convenience:
The Introduction to the “VHF 720 Features“ section
gives you an overview of the unit’s functional features.
The Getting Started section gets you started on using the
VHF 720 for basic radio uses.
The Reference section contains information on items
such as accessories, a channel list, a troubleshooting guide,
and the index.
Before getting started, check to be certain that your VHF
720 package includes the following items. If you are missing
anything, please contact your dealer immediately.
Standard Package:
o VHF 720 Unit oOwner’s Manual
o Lanyard oAntenna (SMA
o Belt Clip Connector)
Refer to Section 3, Appendix A, for a list of optional accesso-
ries available from your GARMIN Dealer.

ii
INTRODUCTION
FCC
Compliance
Statement
FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT
This device meets requirements for Parts 2, 15, and 80 of the
FCC Regulations. It has been tested for compliance with all
necessary FCC standards.
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation
is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may
not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept
any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
The VHF 720 does not contain any user-serviceable parts.
Repairs should only be made by and authorized service center.
Unauthorized repairs or modifications could void your
warranty and your authority to operate this device.
IMPORTANT!
GARMIN strongly recommends obtaining a marine radio user’s
guide such as the “Maritime Radio User’s Handbook” published
by the RCTM (Radio Technical Commission for Maritime
Services), P.O. Box 19087, Washington, D.C. 20036, to ensure
proper radio operation and protocol. Improper usage can result
in fines levied on mariners by the FCC.

iii
INTRODUCTION
Warnings
and
Precautions
IMPORTANT!
The Telecommunications Act of 1996, effective February 8,
1996, provides the FCC discretion to eliminate radio station
license requirements for aircraft and ships. At the present time,
you do not need an individual license to operate the VHF 720
aboard your private vessel in many circumstances. To find out
the specific details on whether you are exempt from licensing,
please refer to the FCC Fact Sheet PR 5000 or contact the FCC
at: 1-800-322-1117.
Note that no license is required for a portable radio used
only as a backup on a vessel which already has a station license
per FCC 506 Instructions, dated 1993.
If a marine license is required or desired, contact the FCC
at 1-800-322-1117 to request Form 506, Application for Ship
Radio License.
The FCC also has a fax-on-demand service to provide forms
by fax at 1-202-418-0177.
The VHF 720 user accepts all responsibility for obtaining
the proper licensing before using the transmitter.
WARNING!
This transmitter will operate on frequencies (channels) that
have restricted use in the United States. The channel assign-
ments include frequencies assigned for exclusive use of the
U.S. Coast Guard, use in Canada, and use in International
waters. Operation on these frequencies without proper
authorization is strictly forbidden. For frequencies (channels)
that are currently for use in the U.S. without an individual
license, please contact the FCC Call Center at 1-888-CALL-FCC.

iv
INTRODUCTION
Warnings
and
Precautions
IMPORTANT!
Read all instructions carefully and completely before using
the VHF 720 Marine Radio. This device is intended only as an
aid to boating safety and navigation. The performance of the
VHF 720 can be affected by many factors including environ-
mental conditions and improper handling or use. It is the user’s
responsibility to exercise good safety and navigational judge-
ment and the GARMIN VHF 720 should not be relied upon in
lieu of such prudence and judgement.
CAUTIONS
For these reasons, the operator should exercise the follow-
ing precautions to ensure proper and reliable use of the
GARMIN VHF 720.
DO NOT operate this transceiver within 1 meter of the
ship’s navigational compass.
DO NOT recharge batteries except in methods described in
this manual
DO NOT use this transceiver for inappropriate communica-
tions. Know and observe the FCC Rules for
Marine Radio Operation.

1
GETTING
STARTED
Table of
Contents
SECTION ONE Introduction
Packing List....................................................................i
FCC Compliance Statement...................................................ii
Cautions.....................................................................iii-iv
SECTION TWO Getting Started
Unit Description...............................................................2-3
Keys and Function Displays............................................4-9
Maritime Radio Services Operation..............................10-4
Installing the Antenna.........................................................15
Installing the Battery Tray..............................................15-16
Selecting a Channel.......................................................16-17
Setting the Squelch Threshold..............................................17
Adjusting the Volume...........................................................18
Scanning Channels..........................................................18-19
Tri-Watch........................................................................19-20
Monitoring Weather Channels.......................................20-21
Receiving and Transmitting...........................................21-24
Backlighting the LCD Display ...........................................24
Using the Key Lock Feature..................................................24
SECTION THREE Reference
Appendix A - Optional Accessories............................25-26
Appendix B - Specifications...........................................27
Appendix C - VHF Channel List.............................28-29
Appendix D - Maintenance and Troubleshooting........30-32
Appendix E - Messages...................................................33
Appendix F - Glossary.....................................................34
Appendix G - Index.........................................................35
Appendix H - Warranty and Service Information................36

2
GETTING
STARTED
VOL
VOL
USA
USA LOW
LOW
9
16
9
16
TRI
TRI
RX
SCAN
CH
CH
MEM
U/I/CWX/CH
16/9
PWR
Unit
Description
Flexible Antenna
LCD Display Screen
Scan Key
Memory Key
Channel Band
Selection Key
+/- Volume Control
Keys
UP/DOWN Arrow
Channel Selection
Keys
Microphone
Speaker
Squelch Key
Press To Talk (PTT)
Key
Hi/Low Power-Lock
Key
Tri-Watch -
Channel 16- Channel
9 - Key
Power/Backlighting
Key
Weather/Regular
Channel -
Weather Alert Key
Battery Tray

3
GETTING
STARTED
Unit
Description
The VHF 720 is a 3 watt marine VHF communications
transceiver in a convenient handheld package.
A keypad located on the front of the unit provides one-
hand control of communication features. The knobless
design allows push-button Squelch and Volume adjustment.
A single button press provides a manual Squelch Override
function. Tri-Watch monitoring mode allows simultaneous
monitoring of emergency channel (16), calling channel (9)
and a channel selected by the user. The channel 16/9 key
allows you to toggle between emergency and calling
channels.
A 1” high by 1-3/8” wide LCD display provides indica-
tion of all features and functions of the VHF 720. The scan
feature allows the operator to select up to 10 channels for
continuous monitoring in any combination of U.S.A.,
Canadian, and International bands.
The weather channel key toggles between regular
channels and weather channels. It enables the weather alert
mode when pressed and held for more than one second. The
high/low key toggles the transmitter power level from
between three watts and one watt. When held for more than
one second, it locks and unlocks the “Key Lock” function to
prevent inadvertent changing of unit settings and modes.
The power key turns the unit off and on and, when
pressed briefly after the unit is powered on, enables the
display backlighting feature. The weather/regular channel
key enables or disables the weather alert function.
Small size and light weight characterize the portability of
the GARMIN VHF 720.

4
GETTING
STARTED
Keys &
Function
Displays
Eleven keys provide access to all of the unit’s
features and functions. When any key (except
the PTT key) is pressed, the unit will acknowl-
edge by emitting a single beep confirmation
tone. Some keys have dual functions.
Power/Backlighting Key - This key turns on
the unit when pressed and released, and turns
the unit off when pressed and held for more than
one second. Briefly pressing and releasing the
power key when the unit is on will activate the
backlighting feature and will last for five seconds
after the last key is pressed.
Channel Up and Channel Down Keys -
Pressing these CH arrow keys sets the operating
channel. Pressing these keys while the Squelch
key is pressed and held, sets the squelch
threshold level.
Weather Channel/Regular Channel Key -
Pressing and releasing this key will toggle
between the ten weather channel band and the
fifty-six regular channel band. Pressing this key
for more than one second will activate the
weather alert feature if a weather channel is
currently displayed.
NOTE: WX Alert Mode will interrupt regular use
momentarily to monitor for a weather alert tone on
the selected weather channel.
Volume Increase and Volume Decrease Keys -
Pressing the plus and minus keys increases or
decreases the volume of received transmissions
and audio tones.
Power/Backlighting
Key
Channel Up &
Channel Down Keys
Weather Channel/
Regular Channel Key
Volume Increase &
Volume Decrease
Keys
ALERT

5
GETTING
STARTED
Keys &
Function
Displays
Memory Key
Memory Key - Pressing this key after selecting a
channel places that channel into the scanning
memory. Pressing this key when a channel is stored
in memory (as indicated by the MEM icon on the
display) will remove the channel from memory. A
maximum of ten channels can be stored in memory.
Scan Key - Pressing this key starts the scanning of
channels entered into memory. Pressing this key
while scanning disables the scan feature while
retaining the selected channels in memory.
U/I/C (USA, International/Canadian) Frequency
Bands Key - This key allows the operator to
select from the three channel bands. Pressing and
releasing the key sequences through the three
bands. The band selected is displayed on the LCD
screen.
Channel 16/9 and Tri-Watch Key - This key
provides the operator with a choice of three
channel monitoring options. Pressing once will
monitor channel 16 (the emergency channel).
Pressing again will monitor channel 9 (the calling
or hailing channel). Pressing a third time will
return to the last used regular channel. Pressing
and holding for more than one second will
activate Tri-Watch to continuously monitor
channels 16, 9 and a channel of your choice, from
the regular or weather band.
PTT (Press To Talk) Key - This Key allows the
operator to transmit over those regular band
channels that permit transmission. Press and hold
the key to talk and release to receive.
Scan Key
U/I/C Frequency
Bands Key
Channel 16/9 & Tri-
Watch Key
PTT Key
USA
INT
CAN
TRI

6
GETTING
STARTED
Keys &
Function
Displays
Squelch Key - This key breaks the squelch
(unmutes the audio) when pressed and held. It is
also used to set the squelch threshold (the level
at which only strong signals can be received).
The squelch threshold is set by pressing and
holding the squelch key while using the UP/
DOWN keys to adjust the squelch level from 0
to 9. At level 0 (L0), all signals can be heard,
while at level 9 (L9), only the strongest signals
can be heard. Adjusting the squelch level
eliminates weak, unwanted signals, as explained
on page 17.
H/L (High/Low) Power Key - This key toggles
the transmitter power level from High (3 watts)
to Low (1 watt) when pressed and released. It
also locks the keypad when pressed and held for
more than one second.. The Power key, PTT
key, backlighting key and the Squelch key still
function in the Lock mode. Locking the keypad
prevents inadvertent changing of channel
settings and feature modes.
Squelch Key
H/L Power Key

7
GETTING
STARTED
Keys &
Function
Displays
The VHF 720 LCD Display Screen gives
indication of channels being monitored, battery
power level, volume level, and the status of all
unit features.
Channel Number Indicator - This large numeral
display indicates the selected operating channel or
the squelch threshold setting when the squelch
key is pressed. This indicator is always active.
Channel Band Indicator - This display provides
indication of the regular channel band selected,
U.S.A., International, or Canadian.
Weather (WX) Channel Indicator - This display
provides indication that a weather channel is
currently being monitored.
Memory Channel Indicator - This display, in
conjunction with the Channel Number Indicator,
indicates that the channel number displayed has
been entered into the unit memory for selection
when the scan feature is active.
Tri-Watch Indicator - This display appears
along with the Emergency (16) and Call (9)
Channel indicators to give notification that the
Tri-Watch (three channel monitoring) feature is
active.
Memory Channel Indicator
Tri-Watch Indicator
Weather Channel Indicator
Channel Band Indicator
Channel Number Indicator

8
GETTING
STARTED
Weather Alert Indicator - This display gives
indication that the weather alert function has
been activated. The display will flash whenever a
weather alert tone is received.
Lock Indicator - This indicator is displayed
when the Lock feature is active.
Battery Level Indicator - This battery shaped
icon displays information about battery capacity
in 25% increments. This indicator is always
active.
Squelch Indicator - This display appears
whenever the SQ , squelch key is presses for
either squelch override or setting of the squelch
threshold.
Low Battery Indicator - This indicator flashes
on and off when the battery capacity drops to
10% or below.
Lock Indicator
Weather Alert Indicator
Low Battery Indicator
Battery Level Indicator
Squelch Indicator
Keys &
Function
Displays

9
GETTING
STARTED
Volume Level Indicator - This band of gradually
rising bars provides an indication of the volume
setting. This indicator is always active.
Hi/Low Power Indicators - These displays
indicate the transmitter power level.
NOTE: Some channels only permit transmission on
Low while others allow only receive operation.
Scan Indicator - This display provides indication
that the Scan feature is active.
Receive (RX) Indicator - This indicator provides
notice that a signal is being received by the unit.
Transmit (TX) Indicator - This indicator appears
when you are using the VHF 720 to transmit and
will come on when you hold down the PTT key.
Volume Indicator
Hi/Low Power Indicator
Transmit Indicator
Receive Indicator
Scan Indicator
Keys &
Function
Displays

10
GETTING
STARTED
Important Information for First Time Users About
Operating a Marine Radio
If you are a first time user of a marine radio, you should be aware
of methods for operating your GARMIN VHF 720. Although, as
explained on page iii, a Federal Communication Commission (FCC)
license is no longer required for individual operator use, you must
comply with all applicable FCC rules and regulations. We recommend
that you obtain a copy of the “Maritime Radio users Handbook” an
authoritative handbook prepared by the Radio Technical Commission
for Maritime Services, Post Office Box 19087, Washington, D.C.
20036.
In some instances, such as commercial vessels, operators are
required to obtain a license. You can obtain a license application from
your nearest FCC field office. It is your responsibility to determine if
you are required to apply for a license. If you have questions about
the use of your marine radio you can contact the FCC Call Center at
1-888-CALL-FCC.
For safety and efficient navigation of vessels, the maritime radio
frequency bands are separated into four groups. Specific frequencies
within each are assigned for particular safety and functional applica-
tions, such as ship to shore communications, US Coast Guard use,
and navigation in waterways and ports. You may not have access to
some which are not-for-public-use frequencies, and you are required
to monitor and use others which are safety and navigational proce-
dure frequencies.
Maritime
Radio Services
Operation
Maritime
Radio Services
Operation

11
GETTING
STARTED
Maritime
Radio Services
Operation
The four groups you will have occasion to use are the U.S.A.
Regular Band of 52 channels, the Canadian Band of 56 channels, the
International Band of 55 channels, and the Weather Band of 10
channels. Some of these are receive (listen) only, such as the weather
channels.
The emergency channel 16 is restricted to hailing of other vessels,
distress calls and safety purposes only. Known as the Hail and Distress
Channel, it is used to contact nearby vessels and in emergencies
where there is threat to life or property.
The calling or hailing channel 9 is used for establishing contact
with another vessel as an alternate to channel 16. As channel 16 is
often used so frequently that hailing vessels is not practical in some
high traffic areas. Contact is made using channel 9 and then switched
to another regular channel for exchange of information.
Maritime radio users are required to monitor channel 16, it is also
advisable to monitor channel 9 and a weather channel as well. To
facilitate these requirements, the VHF 720 is equipped with Tri-Watch
and Weather Alert features that allow you to engage in regular
channel communications and monitor both the emergency channel
and the alternate calling channel while also being alerted of severe
weather conditions.
Appendix C on pages 28 and 29 of this manual provides a listing
of channels and the use of each, including those which are for
receiving broadcast messages only.

12
GETTING
STARTED
Here is a grouping of the channels and a brief description of their use.
Channels 5,12, 14, 20, 65, 66, 73, 74,77: Port Operations - Can
be used by any vessel for communications between ships and ship-to-
coast stations for messages relating to operational handling, move-
ment and safety of vessels in or near ports, locks or waterways.
Channel 77 is limited to communications to and from commercial
pilots in regard to movement and docking of vessels. Channels 11,12,
13, and 14 are used for traffic service on the Great Lakes, St.
Lawrence Seaway and designated major ports.
Channel 6: Intership Safety - For use by any vessel for communicat-
ing navigational and weather warnings to other ships. Also used for
communicating with the U.S. Coast Guard during search and rescue
operations. Ship-to- ship communications only. Do not use for routine
communications as this is a safety channel.
Channels 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 18, 19, 67, 79, 80, 88: Commercial
Vessels - Used for communication between vessels pertaining to the
purpose for which the vessel is used. Limited communications
between vessels and coast stations. Recreational boats are not permit-
ted to use these channels. Channels 8, 67, and 88 may not be used for
ship-to-coast communications. Channel 88 is not available on the
Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway.
Channels 9, 68, 69, 71, 72, 78: non-Commercial (Boat Opera-
tions) - Used by recreational boaters and others not engaged in
commercial transport. Provides a communication channel pertaining
to the needs of the vessel (maneuvers, berthing, provisioning, fueling,
etc.). Used as a second receiver between ship-to-ship and ship-to-
limited coast stations. Channel 72 may not be used for ship-to-coast
communications and channel 9, the alternate calling channel, is
shared with commercial vessels.
Maritime
Radio Services
Operation

13
GETTING
STARTED
Maritime
Radio Services
Operation
Channel 13: Navigation - used by any vessel for safety communica-
tions regarding the maneuvering of vessels or directing of a vessels
movements. Ship-to-ship and secondarily ship-to-coast communica-
tions. Commonly called the Bridge-to-Bridge channel. For routine
operations, radio power must be reduced to one watt.
Channel 15: Environmental - Used by any vessel to receive only
broadcast information concerning environmental conditions in which
vessel operate, such as, weather, sea conditions, time signals, and
hazards to navigation. One-way broadcast from coast-to-ship stations.
Channel 16: Emergency - Used if your vessel is sinking or on fire,
someone has been lost overboard, or there is grave and imminent
danger to life or property. Every ship is obliged to give priority to
radio distress communications. Calling - This channel is also used to
establish communication with another marine radio station. After
contact is made, switch to a working channel. Due to congestion on
channel 16, particularly in high traffic areas, the FCC has approved
channel 9 as a second hailing channel.
Channel 17: State Control - Used by state and local government
vessels to coordinate, regulate and control boating activities and the
rendering of assistance.
Channel 22: U.S. Coast Guard - For use by any vessel for exchange
of communications with a U.S. Coast Guard station. Communication
is ship-to-U.S. Coast Guard ship, and coast-to-aircraft station.
Establish contact on channel 16 then shift to channel 22 as directed
by the U.S. Coast Guard.

14
GETTING
STARTED
Maritime
Radio Services
Operation
Channels 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 84, 85, 86, 87: Marine Operator -
Can be used by any vessel to place a telephone call to any place in the
world or to a vessel outside their transmitting range. Used between
vessels and public coast stations. You must contact a marine operator
on the channel assigned to your navigating area.
Channels WX1, through WX10: Weather - Used by any vessel to
receive continuous weather information from the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This is a one-way broad-
cast to any interested parties. You are not allowed to transmit on these
frequencies. A list of weather broadcast stations for the U.S. is
contained in the “Maritime Radio Users Handbook”. They provide
continuous around-the-clock broadcasts of the latest weather informa-
tion directly from the national Weather Service Offices. These
channels are designated on Marine VHF equipment as WX1 through
WX10, but are rarely used beyond WX7.
During severe weather, National Weather Service forecasters can
interrupt routine weather broadcasts and substitute special warning
messages. Specially designed warning receivers either sound an alarm
indicating an emergency exits or tune into the weather frequency. The
VHF 720 is equipped to sound the alarm tone and tune into the
broadcast when the Weather Alert feature is activated.
Some channels will appear on the display with an “A” suffix. These
are “Simplex Channels” receiving and transmitting on the same
frequency. See “Selecting a Channel” on page 16 for a more detailed
explanation. There are other regular channels in the list of channels
on pages 28 and 29 that are not defined above. They have special uses
that do not apply generally to regular maritime traffic and communi-
cations.