Kongsberg Simrad rd68 User manual

Manual

Simrad RD68

Fixed DSC VHF Radio

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RD68

Part No. E03912 Issue 1.0 28/6/00 MDL

The technical data, information and illustrations contained in this publication were to the best of our knowledge correct at the time of

going to print. We reserve the right to change speciﬁcations, equipment, installation and maintenance instructions without notice as part

of our policy of continuous development and improvement.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form, electronic or otherwise without

prior permission from Simrad Navico Ltd.

No liability can be accepted for any inaccuracies or omissions in the publication, although every care has been taken to make it as com-

plete and accurate as possible.

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Instruction Manual

CONTENTS

1. GENERAL 1.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

1.2 Licensing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

1.3 Entering MMSI numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

2. MAIN FUNCTIONS

2.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

2.2 Rotary controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

2.3 Backlighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

2.4 Changing channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

2.4.1 Standard International channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

2.4.2 Auxiliary & Private channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

2.5 Transmit power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

2.6 Making a DSC call . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

2.7 Sending a Distress Alert call . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

2.8 Receiving a DSC call . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

2.9 Dual Watch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

2.10 Tri Watch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

2.11 Scan Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

2.11.1 Inhibit / enable channel from scan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

2.12 Memory scan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

2.12.1 Add / remove memory scan channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

2.13 Priority channel & user channel select . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

2.13.1 Programming user channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

2.14 Viewing call log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

3. MISCELLANEOUS FUNCTIONS

3.1 Adjusting LCD contrast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

3.2 Entering manual position & time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

3.3 Entering local time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

3.4 Viewing the directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

3.4.1 Adding entry to directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

3.4.2 Editing / deleting entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

3.5 Disabling key beep . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

3.6 Second channel mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

3.7 Speaker mute (handset models only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

4. INSTALLATION

4.1 VHF installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

4.2 Antenna installation recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

4.3 Electrical interference suppression . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

5. APPENDIX 5.1 Operating procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

5.2 Transmission range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

5.3 Frequency of channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

5.4 Fault ﬁnding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

5.5 Optional accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

5.6 Technical speciﬁcation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

5.7 Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

5.8 Service & warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

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1 GENERAL

1.1 Introduction

The RD68 is a combined VHF radio and Class D Digital

Selective Calling (DSC) unit. It supports the latest GMDSS

requirements for non-SOLAS vessels from the International

Maritime Organisation (IMO). It will enable you to make digi-

tally selected calls, which are quicker and simpler to make than

traditional voice calls using Channel 16. Should a distress situ-

ation occur, with the RD68 you can quickly raise an alert, indi-

cating your identity, your position and automatically establish

distress communication on the emergency voice channel.

The RD68 is robustly constructed using a pressure die cast alu-

minium case for effective heat dissipation, ensuring maximum

transmission performance even after many hours constant use.

Thank you for choosing Simrad

If you are pleased with your VHF we hope you will be interest-

ed in our range of marine electronic equipment, which is man-

ufactured to the same high standards as the RD68. Please con-

tact your nearest Simrad Agent for a catalogue showing our

increasing range of high tech navigational instruments, GPS,

autopilots, Radar, Fishﬁnders and VHF radio sets.

Simrad operate a policy of continual development and reserve

the right to alter and improve the speciﬁcation of their prod-

ucts without notice.

RD68

4E03912

Fig 1.1 - RD68 Combined VHF & DSC

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1.2 Licensing

NOTE Prior to use check the national licensing requirements for the

operator.

In the UK license applications and queries should be made to

the following authority -

Ship Radio Licensing

Radio Licensing Centre

The Post Ofﬁce

PO Box 1495

Bristol

BS99 3QS

A set may only be operated by, or under the supervision of a

holder of a Certiﬁcate of Competence and Authority to

Operate. This involves a simple examination and an annual

license renewal fee. The VHF only certiﬁcate is administered

by the Royal Yachting Association -

Royal Yachting Association

RYA House

Romsey Road

Eastleigh

Hants, SO5 4YA

Holders of the Restricted Certiﬁcate of Competence in Radio-

telephony (which covers MF/HF SSB etc), do not need a sepa-

rate VHF certiﬁcate.

In all other countries, please contact your regional authority for

information.

Instruction Manual

E03912

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1.3 Entering MMSI numbers

At the time of issue of your vessel’s radio license, an MMSI

(Maritime Mobile Service Identiﬁer) must be requested. This is

a nine digit number which must be permanently entered into

the RD68, otherwise the DSC functions cannot be accessed.

NOTE If the boat or the RD68 are subsequently sold, the radio must

be returned to an authorised Simrad agent for the MMSI num-

ber to be erased and the new owner’s MMSI number entered.

For European leisure vessels ﬁtted with VHF DSC equipment, a

CEPT Short Range Certiﬁcate is required by the operator.

Additional requirements, such as GOC or ROC may apply to

operators on commercial vessels. Please enquire with your

local licensing authority for full details.

To enter the vessel’s MMSI number -

RD68

6E03912

12:43

Rad

MMeennuu

52o16N

001o23E

12:43

DSC

LCD

Posn

MMoorree

52o16N

001o23E

12:43

DDSSCC

T/W

M/S

Scan

INT

Lite

continued on next page -

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NOTE If an error is made, press to move back and edit the number.

You will be asked to conﬁrm the number. Re-enter the MMSI

and press E.

WARNING It is important that the MMSI entered is checked carefully, as it

can only be entered once. To change the MMSI number after it

has been programmed the unit must be returned to an autho-

rised Simrad Dealer to erase the existing number.

* The Group ID MMSI number can also be entered here - unlike the

vessel MMSI number, this can be changed later .

Instruction Manual

E03912

12:44

DSC

MMMMSSII

Dir

12:44

Ships MMSI

*********

Group MMSI

000000000

DSC

12:44

Ships MMSI

002325___

DSC

52o16N

001o23E

Enter the MMSI num-

ber using the keypad

Press E to enter

Press this key to enter

the Group ID MMSI*

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RD68

8E03912

2 OPERATION

2.1 General The RD68 VHF is very simple to operate, with the controls

falling into ﬁve groups -

1. The rotary Volume/On/Off & Squelch controls.

2. The alphanumeric keypad used to select the channel, MMSI

number etc.

3. The dedicated controls, for commonly used functions such

as output power, dual watch and channel 16 select etc.

4. The four softkeys to the right of the display change their

function depending on what is displayed. The labels showing

the current function of each keys is shown on the respective

line on the right side of the display.

5. There is also a Distress alert button under a sliding cover.

This must only be used in an emergency - see section 5.1.

The radio functions are split into two main modes -

- Radio Mode allows access to the standard VHF radio

functions, such as tri watch, scan etc.

- DSC Mode covers the Digital Selective Calling functions.

These modes are toggled by pressing the top softkey (labelled

DSC or Rad).

At any stage of the DSC Mode menu structure, pressing the

DSC softkey will return to the DSC Mode main menu.

At any stage of the DSC Mode menu structure, pressing the C

key will cancel any unconﬁrmed action or step back one level

in the menu structure.

Some menu options will only be displayed if the relevant infor-

mation is available.

If the radio is receiving NMEA GPS data the current Lat/Long

will be displayed when in DSC Mode, and the time will be dis-

played in both Radio and DSC Modes in 24 hour UTC (GMT)

format (the local time can also be entered).

2.2 Rotary controls

The radio is switched on by turning the volume knob clock-

wise. To increase the volume, turn the knob further clockwise.

Turn the knob fully anticlockwise to switch off.

The squelch knob is used to adjust the receiver muting thresh-

old (squelch) level. To cut out weaker signals, increase the

squelch until the background interference noise disappears. To

receive weaker signals, decrease the squelch.

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Instruction Manual

E03912

2.3 Backlighting ( )

There are ﬁve levels of brightness - press and hold the key to

step through and release when the required level is shown.

2.4 Changing channel

2.4.1 Standard International channel

NOTE To select channels, the RD68 will need to be in Radio Mode. If

in DSC mode, press the Rad softkey before entering the channel

number.

INT

LLiittee

12:40

DSC

T/W

M/S

Scan

INT

Lite

12:40

Pvt

Aux

INT

Lite

12:41

DSC

T/W

M/S

Scan

If channel selection is

not conﬁrmed within 2

seconds (by pressing E),

the radio will revert to

the original channel

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RD68

10 E03912

2.4.2 Auxiliary & Private channels

NOTE Only available if channels are programmed into radio.

INT

Lite

12:41

Pvt

Aux

INT

Lite

12:41

PPvvtt

Aux

12:42

Select private channel

Select auxiliary channel & press E

INT

Lite

Pvt

WWxx

Aux

12:42

INT

Lite

Pvt

AAuuxx

Select weather channel

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Instruction Manual

E03912

2.5 Transmit power

Toggles transmit power between 25w (Hi) and 1w (Lo) for short

range transmissions, for example when in a marina. This pre-

serves battery power.

12:42

DSC

T/W

M/S

Scan

12:42

DSC

T/W

M/S

Scan

INT

LLoo

Lite

INT

HHii

Lite

NOTE Regulations restrict some channels, such as 15 and 17 to low

power only, in which case this key will have no effect.

2.6 Making a DSC call

Press the DSC softkey to enter DSC Mode.

12:43

DDSSCC

T/W

M/S

Scan

INT

Lite

continued on next page -

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RD68

12 E03912

continued on next page -

12:43

Rad

CCaallll

52o16N

001o23E

12:43

RRoouuttiinneettoo

Excalibur

12:43

TTyyppee

Ch16

Send

AAllllSShhiippss

SSaaffeettyy

12:43

TTyyppee

Ch16

Send

AAllllSShhiippss

UUrrggeennccyy

12:44

GGrroouuppccaallll

000099999999999999

Type

Ch06

Send

TTyyppee

Dir

Ch26

Send

Select call type and

press Send to transmit

12:43

RRoouuttiinneettoo

________

12:43

RRoouuttiinneettoo

002325567

On Ch26

Press E to send

Use keypad to type in

MMSI number and press

E then Send

Manual MMSI entry

Press Type to scroll

through the different

types of call

Only displayed if a group

MMSI number has been

entered (see section 1.3)

Use key to

correct any

mistakes

12:43

Waiting for

acknowledge

Rx Stop

Press Stop to

cancel call

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Instruction Manual

E03912

12:44

Rad

CCaallll

52o16N

001o23E

12:45

Reply on channel

1177

Type in channel and

press E

12:44

Routine to

Excalibur

Type

DDiirr

Ch06

Send

12:44

Routine to

Hbrmaster

Type

Dir

Ch06

SSeenndd

12:45

Routine to

Excalibur

Type

Dir

CChh2266

Send

Press Dir to scroll

through directory

entries

Press Send to

transmit to

selected destination

Press ChXX key to

specify voice channel

Only Routine, Safety and

Group calls allow voice

channel to be speciﬁed (simplex

only). Urgency and Distress

calls are set to Ch16

12:43

RRoouuttiinneettoo

Hbrmaster

On Ch26

Press E to send

12:43

Waiting for

acknowledge

Rx Stop

Press Stop to

cancel call

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RD68

14 E03912

2.7 Making a distress alert call

WARNING This call should only be made if the vessel is in a genuine distress

situation. It is an offense to send a Distress Alert call if the vessel

or crew are not in danger. Refer to section 5.1 for more details.

The distress button is located under a protective cover that

must be slid back before the button can be pressed. Press the

Distress button to access the distress alert screen -

12:46

Distress Alert

52o16N 001o23E

12:46 UTC

Undefined

M.O.B

Fire

Flooding

Collision

Grounding

Listing

Sinking

Adrift

- continued on next page

Press to scroll

through distress categories

Piracy

12:46

Distress Alert

52o16N 001o23E

12:46 UTC

Abandoning

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E03912

Press and hold the Distress key a second time for ﬁve seconds.

A countdown to the transmission will be displayed. Release

the key at any time during this countdown to abort the trans-

mission and press Cto return to the main menu.

The Distress Alert transmission contains the following data -

- The vessel's MMSI

- The vessel’s position (either from the NMEA0183 input, or

manually entered)

- The time (from NMEA or manual)

- The nature of the distress

NOTE If the boat’s position and time are not being received via the

NMEA interface then the display will allow this data to be

entered manually - refer to section 3.2 for more details.

After the Distress Alert has been sent, the RD68 will tune to

channel 16 and will automatically repeat the Alert approxi-

mately every four minutes until either an acknowledgement is

received, or Cis pressed (it is not recommended that the

Distress Alert is cancelled manually by pressing Cunless you

are requested to do so by the rescue authorities).

While the Distress Alert remains active, an intermittent alarm

will continue to sound.

When an acknowledgement is received from the Rescue Co-

ordination Centre, this will automatically cancel the Distress

Alert transmission. The subsequent rescue co-ordination will

be performed using the voice working channel.

12:47

DISTRESS ALERT

Sending in

5 secs

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RD68

16 E03912

12:50

Sinking OOKK

23oo47’N

001oo35’E

12:50 UTC

2.8 Receiving a DSC call

When a call is received, the RD68 will ring and the display will

show the call information.

Press Ack (for Individual calls requesting acknowledgement

only) or OK to cancel ring and switch to the working channel.

Press Stop to cancel ring only.