Garmin VHF 725e User manual

owner’s
manual
and
reference
guide
VHF 725e
submersible marine radio

© 1999 GARMIN Corporation
GARMIN International, Inc.
1200 E 151
st
Street, Olathe, Kansas 66062 U.S.A.
Tel. [phone] or 800-800-1020
Fax. [phone]
GARMIN (Europe) Ltd.
Unit 5, The Quadrangle, Abbey Park Industrial Estate,
Romsey, SO51 9AQ U.K.
Tel. [phone]
Fax. [phone]
GARMIN (Asia) Corp.
3rd Floor, No. 1, Lane 45 Pao Hsing Road,
Hsin Tien, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C.
Tel. [phone]-4107
Fax. [phone]-1758
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 distribution of this manual is strictly prohibited.
Information in this manual is subject to change without notice. GARMIN
Coroporation 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 supplemental
information concerning the use and operation of this and other GARMIN products.
Website address: www.garmin.com
GARMIN is a registered trademark and VHF 725e is a trademark of GARMIN
Corporation. Such trademarks may not be used without the express permission of
GARMIN.
November 1999 Part Number 190-00163-00 Rev. A Printed in Taiwan

i
INTRODUCTION
About This
Manual
Thank you for choosing the GARMIN VHF 725e. 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 725e Features section
gives you an overview of the unit’s functional features.
The Getting Started section gets you started on using the
VHF 725e for basic radio uses.
The Appendix section contains reference 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
725e package includes the following items. If you are missing
anything, please contact your dealer immediately.
Standard Package:
oVHF 725e Unit Owner’s Manual
oLanyard oAntenna (SMA
oBelt Clip Connector)
oNiCad Battery Pack oCharging Unit
oCharging Stand/Mounting oAlkaline Battery tray
Bracket
Refer to Section 3, Appendix A, for a list of optional
accessories available from your GARMIN Dealer.

ii
INTRODUCTION
Compliance
Statements
CE COMPLIANCE STATEMENT
This device complies with the essential requirements of CE
for meeting standards EN301-178 and EN 300-828.
WARNING!
This transmitter will operate on frequencies (channels) that
have restricted use. Use of International, U.S., and Canadian
Bands presents frequencies that have restricted use. Operation
on these frequencies without proper authorization is strictly
prohibited.
In the United States Band, for example, the channel
assignments include frequencies assigned for exclusive use of
the U.S. Coast Guard. 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.

iii
INTRODUCTION
Warnings
and
Precautions
RADIO LICENSES
The VHF 725e user accepts all responsibility for obtaining
the proper licensing before using the transmitter. In many
instances, you must have a current radio station license before
using this transceiver. It my be unlawful to operate a ship
station which is not licensed. Inquire through your dealer or
the appropriate government agency for a Ship Radiophone
license application. A government issued radio station license
is issued with the call sign which is your craft’s identification
for radio communication purposes.
OPERATOR’S LICENSE
A Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit is the license
most often acquired by radio operators of small watercraft
when the radio is not required for safety purposes.
This permit must be posted aboard the craft or kept by the
licensed operator. Only a licensed operator may operate a
marine radio (transceiver). Others may talk over a transceiver if
the operator begins, supervises and ends the transmission.
IMPORTANT!
GARMIN strongly recommends obtaining a marine radio
user’s guide appropriate for the geographical location of
intended use. Read and follow instructions for proper use of
your marine radio. Improper usage can result in fines levied on
mariners by regulatory agencies.

iv
INTRODUCTION
Warnings
and
Precautions
IMPORTANT!
Read all instructions carefully and completely before using
the VHF 725e Marine Radio. This device is intended only as an
aid to boating safety and navigation. The performance of the
VHF 725e 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 725e 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 725e.
DO NOT operate this transceiver within 1 meter of the
ship’s navigational compass.
DO NOT recharge batteries except in methods descried in
this manual
DO NOT use this transceiver for inappropriate communica-
tions. Know and observe the International Rules
for Marine Radio Operation.

1
GETTING
STARTED
Table of
Contents
SECTION ONE Introduction
Packing List....................................................................i
Regulatory Agency Compliance Statement........................ii
Cautions.....................................................................iii-iv
SECTION TWO Getting Started
Unit Description...............................................................2-3
Keys and Function Displays............................................4-9
Maritime Radio Services Operation.............................10-14
Installing the Antenna.........................................................15
Installing Batteries..........................................................15-16
Selecting a Channel.......................................................16-17
Setting the Squelch Threshold..............................................17
Adjusting the Volume...........................................................18
Scanning Channels.........................................................18-19
Tri-Watch........................................................................19-20
Programming a Call Channel.......................................20
Receiving and Transmitting...........................................21-23
Backlighting the LCD Display and Keypad..........................24
Using the Key Lock Feature..................................................24
SECTION THREE Appendices
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
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 Key
Power/Backlighting
Key
Call Programming/
Call Key
Battery Pack

3
GETTING
STARTED
Unit
Description
The VHF 725e is a 5 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 adjust-
ment. A single button press provides a manual Squelch
Override function. Tri-Watch monitoring mode allows
simultaneous monitoring of emergency channel (16), Call
channel and a working channel programmed by the user.
The channel 16 key allows you to toggle between emer-
gency and working channels.
A 1” high by 1-3/8” wide LCD display provides
indication of all features and functions of the VHF 725e.
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.
Call Channel programming allows you to select and
program a channel for regular conversation for instant
access by pressing the Call key. The high/low key toggles
the transmitter power level from between five watts and
one watt. When held for more than one second, it locks
and unlocks the “Key Lock” function to prevent inadvert-
ent 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 and illuminates the keys on
the front of the unit.
Small size and light weight characterize the portability
of the GARMIN VHF 725e.

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
acknowledge by emitting a single beep confir-
mation tone. Some keys have dual functions
and those keys on the front of the unit are
illuminated when the display backlighting
feature is active.
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.
Call Channel Programming/Call Key -
Pressing this key for longer than 1 second after
selecting a channel from one of the channel bands
will store that channel as the calling channel to
be accessed whenever the Call key is pressed. You
can program a Call channel for each of the three
bands (USA/Canadian/International).
NOTE: Selection of appropriate call channels is
based on a working knowledge of available
channels and their designated uses.
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
Call Channel
Programming/
Call Key
Volume Increase &
Volume Decrease
Keys
C PGM

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 and Tri-Watch Key - Pressing this
key once will monitor channel 16 (the emer-
gency channel). Pressing again will return to the
last used regular channel. Pressing and holding
the key for more than 1 second will activate Tri-
Watch which monitors channel 16 and the
programmed Call channel for the currently
monitored band and a working channel..
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
PTT Key
USA
INT
CAN
PTT
Call
Channel
Tri-Watch Key
Channel 16 Key
TRI
Regular
Channel
Working Channel
Emergency
Channel
Emergency
Channel

6
GETTING
STARTED
Keys &
Function
Displays
Squelch Key - This key breaks the squelch
(unmutes the audio) when pressed and held. It
is also sed 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, all signals
can be heard, while at level 9, only the stron-
gest 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 (5 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 725e 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.
Call Channel Indicator - This display provides
indication that a call channel is currently being
received or transmitted on.
Memory Channel Indicator - This display, in
conjunction with the Channel Number Indica-
tor, 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
Channel indicators to give notification that the
Tri-Watch (three channel monitoring) feature is
active.
Memory Channel Indicator
Tri-Watch Indicator
Call Channel Indicator
Channel Band Indicator
Channel Number Indicator

8
GETTING
STARTED
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.
Volume Level Indicator - This band of
gradually rising bars provides an indication of
the volume setting. This indicator is always
active.
Lock Indicator
Low Battery Indicator
Battery Level Indicator
Squelch Indicator
Volume Indicator
Keys &
Function
Displays

9
GETTING
STARTED
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 indica-
tion 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 725e to
transmit and will come on when you hold down
the PTT key.
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 725e.
International VHF Radio communication is governed by the
International Telecommunications Union. (ITU). Rules and
Regulations for use of International Band channels vary throughout
the countries under ITU jurisdiction. It is therefore recommended
that you obtain information about VHF radio use for the specific
areas of planned use.
If you plan to use the USA Channel Band, we recommend that
you obtain a copy of the “Maritime Radio Users Handbook” an
authoritative handbook prepared by the Radio Technical Commis-
sion for Maritime Services, Post Office Box 19087, Washington,
D.C. 20036. Although a Federal Communication Commission
(FCC) license is no longer required for individual operator use, you
must comply with all applicable FCC rules and regulations.
Marine radio communication within Canadian boundaries is
governed by Industry Canada (RIC), Marine Communications
Traffic Services. If you plan to use the 725e in this jurisdiction, it
recommended that you obtain information concerning radio
operation rules and regulations.
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
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 15 programmed-in
Marina Channels and 57 programmed-in Private channels on the
International Band. Some of these are receive (listen) only.
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.
A calling or hailing channel 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 a programmed Call channel.
Maritime radio users are required to monitor channel 16, it is
also advisable to monitor the Call channel and a selected regular
channel as well. To facilitate these requirements, the VHF 725e is
equipped with a Tri-Watch feature that allows you to engage in
regular channel communications and monitor both the emergency
channel and the Call channel.
Appendix C on pages 28 through 30 of this manual provides a
listing of channels and the use of each, including those which are
for receiving broadcast messages only.
applications, such as ship to shore communications 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 procedure frequencies.

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,
movement 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 communi-
cating navigational and weather warnings to other ships. Also used
for communicating 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
permitted 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 pertain-
ing 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.
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 (USA) has
approved channel 9 as a second hailing channel.
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.

14
GETTING
STARTED
Maritime
Radio Services
Operation
Private Channels: These are channels that require special
registration to use and must be programmed into the International
Channel Band by your radio dealer. Contact your radio dealer to
determine availability of programming and private channels. A list
of these channels is contained in the VHF Channel List on pages 30
through 32.
Marina Channels: These are channels located in the International
Channel Band assigned to specific marinas in European countries.
These channels must also be programmed at your request by your
radio dealer. A list of Marina channels is contained in the VHF
Channel List on page 29.
NOTE: Programming of Private Channels and Marina Channels can be
done only by your VHF Radio Dealer who is authorized and has the
knowledge to program the VHF 725e. Your dealer is also prepared to assist
you in making application for license for your use of private channels.
Altering your VHF 725e without proper authorization is strictly prohibited
and may result in penalties and fines.
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
communications.