Raymarine Ray54 User guide

Ray54
MarineVHF
Radio
Owner’sHandbook
Documentnumber:81231-3
Date:July2005

iii
AboutthisHandbook
Introduction
This handbook describes the Ray54 fixed VHF marine radio. The Ray54
providestwo-waycommunicationson allUS, Canadian and International
marinechannelsandweatherwatch on ten weatherchannels.The Ray54
includesequipmentfor Class “D” DigitalSelectiveCalling(DSC).
ConventionsUsed
Throughoutthishandbook,the dedicated(labelled) keysareshownin bold
capitals(for example:SCAN/SAVE).TheLCDindicators and functions are
shown in normal capitals(forexample:TX).
➤Operatingprocedures, which may consistof a single key-pressor a
sequenceofnumberedsteps,areindicatedbyanarrow iconshowninthe
margin.
TechnicalAccuracy
Tothebestofourknowledge,theinformationinthishandbookwascorrectas
itwent to press.However, ourpolicyofcontinuousproductimprovement
and updating may change specificationswithout prior notice. As aresult,
unavoidabledifferencesbetweentheproductandhandbookmayoccurfrom
timeto time. Raymarinecannotaccept liability for any inaccuracies or
omissionsit may contain.
Forthe latest productinformationvisitourwebsite:
www.raymarine.com
Warranty
ToregisteryournewRaymarineproduct,pleasetakeafewminutestofillout
thewarranty registrationcard found attheend of this handbook.It isvery
importantthatyoucompletetheownerinformationandreturnthecardtothe
factoryin ordertoreceivefull warrantybenefits.
Raymarine is a registered trademarkof Raymarineplc.
© Raymarine plc 2005

iv Ray54 VHF Radio
ImportantInformation
Raymarineradios complywith the FederalCommunicationsCommission
(FCC)andIndustry Canada requirements that regulate marine VHF radio
usagefortheUSandCanada,respectively.MarineVHFradiousersintheUS
must comply with all applicable FCC rules andregulations,some of which
aredescribedinthis handbook.
Thisinformationwas current atthe time thishandbook was printed.Up-to-
date information,including licensing requirements, canbe obtained on the
FCCwebsiteat:
www.fcc.gov/wtb/marine
OfficialFCC forms canbe obtained ontheFCC websiteat:
www.fcc.gov/formpage.html
FCCNotice
Thisdevice complieswith part 15 ofthe FCC Rules. Operation is subject to
thefollowingtwo conditions:(1) Thisdevice may not causeharmful
interference, and(2) this devicemust acceptany interference received,
includinginterference thatmay cause undesiredoperation.
Changesor modificationsto thisequipmentnotexpressly approvedin
writingby Raymarine,Incorporatedcould violatecompliance with FCC
rules and void the operator’s authority to operate the equipment.
StationLicense
AnFCCShip Radio StationLicense andCall Sign are notrequiredfor most
recreationalvesselstravellingin USwaters. However, you must obtain a
licenseifyour vessel travels to foreign ports.
Shipsthat use MF/HF singleside-bandradio,satellite communications, or
telegraphymustbelicensedbytheFCC.YoucanobtainaStationLicenseby
filing FCCForm605, which isavailable from the FCC website listed above.
OperatorLicense
AnOperatorLicenseisnot requiredto operate a VHFMarine Radio within
USterritorialwaters. However, a license is requiredto operate theradioif
youdock ina foreignport (includingCanadaand Mexico)orleave aforeign
portto dock inaU.S.port. Youcan request a RestrictedRadiotelephone
OperatorPermitfrom the FCC by filingForm 753.

v
INDUSTRYCANADA
You donot need a license tooperate this radio within sovereign waters of
Canada or the US. You will need a license to operate this radio outside of
Canada or the US. Toobtain IndustryCanada licensing information,contact
thenearest field orregional office,orwrite:
IndustryCanada
RadioRegulatoryBranch
Attention:DOSP
300SlaterStreet
Ottawa,Ontario
Canada, KIAOC8
Thefollowinginformationabouttheradioisrequiredtocompletethelicense
application:
IndustryCanada CertificationNumber: 4069A-RAY54D
FCCType Number: PJ5RAY54
FCC Type Accepted: Parts 15 and 80
OutputPower:1 watt (low) & 25 watts (high)
Modulation:FM (16K0G3E),DSC (16K0G2B)
FrequencyRange: 156.025–157.425
MaritimeMobileServiceIdentity(MMSI)
TheRay54includes equipmentfor Class “D” Digital SelectiveCalling
(DSC).A nine-digitMaritime MobileService Identity(MMSI) number is
requiredtooperate the DSC equipment.
Note: YoucanrequestanMMSInumberfromtheFCCwhenyouapplyfora
Station License. If your vessel doesnot require a license, you may obtain an
MMSIby contactingBoatUS (www.boatus.com).Once obtained,you can
programtheMMSInumberintoyourRay54Eas describedinthishandbook.
SAFETYNOTICE
YourRaymarine VHFradiogenerates and radiates radio frequency (RF)
electromagnetic energy(EME). This equipmentmustbe installed and
operatedin accordancewith theinstructionscontainedin this handbook.
Failure to do socan result in personal injury and/or product malfunction.

vi Ray54 VHF Radio
CAUTION: NavigationAid
Thisunitis onlyanaidtonavigation.Its accuracycan be affectedby
manyfactors,including equipment failureor defects,environmental
conditions,andimproperhandlingoruse.It is your responsibilityto
exercisecommonprudence andnavigationaljudgments.Donotreply
uponthisradio as a substituteforsuchprudenceandjudgment.
AntennaMountingandEMEExposure
Thissystem has a MaximumPermissible Exposure(MPE) Radiusof 1.5
meters(per OET Bulletin65), assumingthe maximum power ofthe radio
andantennas with amaximumgain of 3dBi.Accounting forthe height ofan
averageadult(2 meters) the minimumheightof theantennaabove the deck
tomeetRF exposure compliancerequirements is 3.5meters.
DonottransmitwhenanyoneiswithintheMPEradiusoftheantenna,unless
shieldedfromtheantenna field by a groundedmetallic barrier.
WARNING: MaximumPermissibleExposure
Failuretoobserve these guidelinesmay expose those withinthe
maximumpermissible exposure(MPE)radiustoRF radiation
absorptionthatexceedstheFCCMPElimit.Itistheradiooperator’s
responsibilityto ensurethatnoonecomeswithinthisradius.
Foroptimalradioperformanceand minimal humanexposureto radio
frequencyelectromagneticenergy, make sure the antenna is:
• connected to the radio before transmitting
• locatedwhere itwillbeaway frompeople
• locatedat least 1.5 meters (5 feet) fromtheradio’s main unit
SafeCompassDistance
SafeCompassDistanceis1meterfora commonmechanicalcompass;other
compasstypes may requiregreaterdistances.Tobe sure, you shouldlocate
theradioas far aspossible from the compass. Testyourcompasstoverify
properoperationwhiletheradioisalsooperating.
EMCConformance
AllRaymarine equipment andaccessories are designedto the best industry
standards for use in the recreational marineenvironment.Their designand
manufactureconformto the appropriateElectromagneticCompatibility
(EMC) standards but correct installation and use is required to ensure that
performance is notcompromised.

vii
Contents
AboutthisHandbook...........................................................................................iii
ImportantInformation ........................................................................................iv
AntennaMountingandEMEExposure...................................................vi
SafeCompassDistance............................................................................vi
EMCConformance..................................................................................vi
Chapter1: Introduction .......................................................................................1
1.1 Ray54 Fixed StationVHF Radio ......................................................1
1.2 Features ............................................................................................1
Chapter2: Installation .........................................................................................3
2.1 Unpacking and Inspection ................................................................3
EquipmentSupplied .....................................................................3
2.2 PlanningtheInstallation ...................................................................4
TypicalMounting Methods ..........................................................4
FlushMounting.............................................................................4
2.3 PowerConnections ..........................................................................6
2.4 ExternalSpeakerConnections .........................................................7
2.5 Grounding ........................................................................................7
2.6 NMEA Data .....................................................................................7
2.7 Antenna Connections .......................................................................8
AntennaMountingSuggestions ...................................................8
AntennaMountingand EMEExposure........................................8
Chapter3: GettingStarted ..................................................................................9
3.1 Keypad and RotaryKnobs ...............................................................9
MicrophoneKeys .......................................................................10
MainUnitRotary Keys ...............................................................10
MainUnitPush Keys ..................................................................10
Microphone ................................................................................ 11
1. PTT .................................................................................... 11
2. UP/DOWN ........................................................................ 11
3. 16/9 ................................................................................... 11
4. HILO ................................................................................. 11
Main Unit .................................................................................... 11
5. CH ..................................................................................... 11
6. PWR/VOL ........................................................................ 11
7. SQ ..................................................................................... 11
8. DW/TRI ............................................................................ 11
9.CALL/MENU ...................................................................12
10.HILO/USER ...................................................................13
11.SCAN / SAVE .................................................................14

viii Ray54 VHF Radio
12.16/9..................................................................................14
13.CLEAR/WX ...................................................................14
14.DISTRESS ......................................................................14
3.2 LCDDisplay ..................................................................................14
1.(HI/LO)TX Power ..................................................................15
2.(TX)Transmitting ...................................................................15
3.(RX)Receiving .......................................................................15
4.(LOCAL)Local/Distant Mode ...............................................15
5. DSCMessage .........................................................................15
6.ATIS Active ............................................................................15
7.NOGPS ...................................................................................15
8.BatteryLow ............................................................................15
9.(USER)Favorite Channel Mode .............................................15
10.(SAVED)Memory Mode ......................................................15
11.(WX) WeatherChannel .........................................................16
12.(ALERT)Weather Alert ........................................................16
13.(UI C) Channel Set ...............................................................16
14.(A)SimplexChannel ............................................................16
15.(B)Receive-only Channel ....................................................16
16.ChannelNumber ...................................................................16
17.DotMatrix Display ...............................................................16
Chapter4: GeneralOperations .........................................................................17
4.1 Turningthe PowerON and OFF .....................................................17
4.2 SettingtheVolume .........................................................................17
4.3 SettingtheSquelch .........................................................................17
4.4 Setting the Power Output ................................................................17
OverridingtheLowOutput Power Restriction ...........................18
4.5 SettingtheChannel ........................................................................19
Onthemicrophone... .............................................................19
Onthemainunit... .................................................................19
4.6 SelectingaWeather Channel ..........................................................19
Weather Alert Operation .......................................................20
4.7 SelectingthePriorityChannel ........................................................20
4.8 SelectingtheSecondaryPriority Channel ......................................21
ReprogramingtheSecondaryPriority Channel ..........................22
4.9 Transmitting ...................................................................................23
4.10 Using the Scan Modes ....................................................................23
AllScan .......................................................................................24
Saved(Memory) Scan ................................................................24
PriorityAllScan .........................................................................25
PrioritySavedScan .....................................................................26

ix
4.11 AddingChannels to Memory .........................................................26
4.12 UsingtheMonitorModes ...............................................................28
DualWatch .................................................................................28
TriWatch .....................................................................................29
4.13 USER ChannelMode .....................................................................30
4.14 DSCCallOperation .......................................................................30
4.15 Menu Mode Operation ...................................................................30
Chapter5: DigitalSelectiveCalling(DSC).......................................................31
5.1 DSC Call Function .........................................................................32
5.2 Individual Calls ..............................................................................34
MakingDSCCalls to Coast Stations ..........................................34
Transmittingan IndividualCall ..................................................34
Receiving Individual Calls .........................................................37
5.3 Group Calls ....................................................................................38
Transmittinga Group Call ..........................................................38
Receiving GroupCalls ................................................................40
5.4 All Ships Calls ................................................................................42
Transmittingan All Ships Call ....................................................42
Receiving an All ShipsCall ........................................................43
5.5 Distress Calls ..................................................................................45
SendingaDistress Call ..............................................................45
Undesignated(Quick)DistressCall .....................................46
DesignatedDistressCall .......................................................46
CancellingaDistress CallMadein Error ....................................48
Receiving a Distress Call ............................................................48
Receiving a Distress ACKSentfroma CoastStation .................49
Receiving a Distress Relay Sent by Another Station ..................49
5.6 PositionRequest .............................................................................50
SpecifyingtheTargetVessel .......................................................50
RetrievingtheLast ReceivedPosition Data ...............................52
Receiving a Position RequestFrom Another Station .................53
5.7 Call Log ..........................................................................................53
MakingaCall from a Call Log Entry ..........................................54
SavinganMMSIIDNumberfrom aCall LogEntry ..................55
5.8 DSC Distress Log ...........................................................................56
Chapter6: MenuSettings ..................................................................................57
6.1 Menu Function ...............................................................................57
6.2 DSC Phonebook .............................................................................59
AddinganEntry ..........................................................................59
EditinganExisting Entry ............................................................61
DeletinganExisting Entry ..........................................................62

xRay54 VHF Radio
6.3 Local/Distant ................................................................................63
6.4 BacklightAdjustment ....................................................................63
6.5 ContrastAdjustment .......................................................................63
6.6 GPS/TimeSetup .............................................................................64
WhenGPSInformation Not Available .................................64
6.7 Settings ...........................................................................................66
Latitude/LongitudeDisplay ........................................................68
TimeDisplay ...............................................................................68
TimeOffset .................................................................................68
TimeFormat................................................................................68
COG/SOGDisplay .....................................................................68
6.8 RadioSetup ....................................................................................69
Band ............................................................................................69
Channel(CH)Name ...................................................................70
DisplayName .......................................................................70
CHInfo .................................................................................70
DeletingaChannel Name Entry ...........................................70
RingVolume ...............................................................................70
KeyBeep.....................................................................................70
6.9 DSCSetup ......................................................................................71
MyMMSIID ..............................................................................72
GroupMMSI Setup ....................................................................73
AddingaNew Group ............................................................74
EditinganExistingEntry ......................................................76
PositionReply .............................................................................77
Automatic ChannelChanging for Incoming Calls .....................78
ProcedureWhenEnabled .....................................................79
ProcedureWhenDisabled ....................................................79
6.10 ResettingFactoryDefaults .............................................................80
Chapter7: CustomerService ............................................................................81
7.1 Howto Contact Raymarine ............................................................81
AppendixA: Specifications ...............................................................................83
AppendixB: ChannelList ...................................................................................85
U.S.Marine VHF Channelsand Frequencies 85
CanadianMarine VHF Channels andFrequencies .................... 88
InternationalMarine VHFChannels& Frequencies.................. 93
WXChannels(North America only) ..........................................96
AppendixC: Glossary .........................................................................................97
Index ..............................................................................................99

Chapter 1: Introduction 1
Chapter1: Introduction
1.1 Ray54FixedStationVHFRadio
TheRay54marine VHFradiotelephone is a microprocessor-controlled
transceiverthatprovides reliablesimplex(single frequency)and semi-
duplex (two frequency) communications. This handbook describes the
physicalandfunctionalcharacteristics of the radio.
Figure1-1: Ray54VHFRadio
TheRay54providestwo-way communicationson all US,Canadian and
International marine channels and ten weather channels. Referto the
FrequencyTablesin Appendix B, which list allmarine VHF channels
availablein your radio.You shouldfamiliarize yourself with these tables to
ensureproperchannelusage.
1.2 Features
TheRay54is designed and manufacturedto provideease of operationwith
excellentreliability.The Ray54 hasmany enhanced features, including:
• Waterproofto IPX-7standard
• Anti-glare2" x 1.5" LCDwith 4 x 12dotmatrix display
• Nine(9) brightnessand contrastadjustments
• AllUSA, Canadian and InternationalChannels

2Ray54 VHF Radio
• 10WeatherChannelwatch with1050Hz Alert Tone detect
• Dedicated key for switching to Priority Channel 16
• ProgrammableSecondaryPriorityChannel key
• AllScan, Memory Scan and 2 PriorityScan functions
• Dual/Tri Watch Monitor modes
• Eachchannel displays an editable12-characterChannelName
• Enhanced GPS Position Data gives Latitude and Longitude to 1/10,000
ofa minute plus Time,SOGandCOG data from anyNMEA input
• AutomaticallydistinguishesbetweencallsmadetoShiporCoastStations
• LowandHighVoltagedetection with alarm
• User Mode provides easy access to favorite channels
• Local Mode decreases noise inareas where RFinterference ishigh
• KeyBeep volume adjustment(3 levels)
DigitalSelectiveCalling(DSC)
TheRay54 includesequipmentfor Class “D”Digital Selective Calling
(DSC). DSC protocol is a globally applied system used to send andreceive
digitalcalls.DSC uses a unique Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI)
numberto direct DSC calls directlyto yourradio, much like a telephone
number.WhentheDSCsignal isreceived, theradioquicklyswitchesover to
channel70 and performsthe correspondingoperation.
Note: AnMMSInumberisrequiredtooperatetheDSCequipmentinthisra-
dio.You can obtainan MMSI fromBoatUS (www.boatus.com).Onceob-
tained,you can programthe MMSI number yourselfone time onlyusingthe
menuoperationdescribedin My MMSI ID onpage 72.
TheRay54 includesthe followingDSC features:
• Separate receiver dedicated to handlingDSCCalls onchannel 70
• PositionRequestfunctionsendsGPSpositiondatatoorreceivesposition
datafrom other stations
• Phonebookforautomaticallymaking DSC calls
• QuickSavefeaturesavesincomingDSCCallsandthecaller’sassociated
MMSInumberdirectlyintothe phonebook
• QuickCallfeaturesends IndividualCalls or GroupCalls directlyfrom
thephonebook, justlike the redial functionon a telephone
• Three(3)GroupIDsformakingDSCCallsonlytostationsinyourgroup,
suchasa flotilla or fishingfleet
DSCfunctionsarefullydescribed inChapter5:

Chapter 2: Installation 3
Chapter2: Installation
2.1 UnpackingandInspection
Use care when unpacking the unit fromthe shipping carton to prevent
damageto the contents.Itis also goodpracticeto savethe carton andthe
interiorpacking materialintheevent you must return the unit to the factory.
EquipmentSupplied
The following is a list of materials supplied with the Ray54:
The following is a of optional equipment for the Ray54:
Table2-1: SuppliedComponents
PartNumber Description
E43022
E43023 Ray54,White Ray54,CharcoalGray
81231 Handbook,Ray54
R49108
R49128
R49133
Power Cord, Ray54
GPSCable,Ray54
SpeakerCord,Ray54
R49093
R49095 MountingYokeforWhiteRay54 MountingYokeforCharcoalRay54
R49094
R49096 YokeKnobandSpacerforWhiteRay54 YokeKnobandSpacerforCharcoalRay54
R49104
R49105 MicrophoneBracketforWhiteRay54 MicrophoneBracketforCharcoalRay54
R49109
R49110 SunCover,White SunCover,CharcoalGray
MountingHardware:
Screws(x4)forMountingYoke
Screws(x2)forMicrophoneBracket
Screw/LockWasher(x1)forGrounding
Table2-2: OptionalEquipment
PartNumber Description
E46034 FlushMountKit,ASeriesVHFRadios

4Ray54 VHF Radio
2.2 PlanningtheInstallation
WhenplanningtheinstallationofyourRay54, considerthe following
conditionstoensure dependableand trouble-free operation.
Mountthemain unitto alloweasy access fromthe locationwherethe boatis
normallynavigated.
Themain unitis designed to be mountedhorizontallyor verticallyon a flat
bulkhead.Select a locationthat is non-metallic,dry, protected,well-
ventilated,andfree from high operatingtemperaturesand excessive
vibration. Provide sufficient space behind the main unit to allow for proper
cableconnections tothe rear panel connectors. Locate the mainunitas near
as possible to the power source yet asfar apart as possible fromany devices
thatmaycause interference suchas motors,generators,and otheron board
electronics.Theradioshouldbeprotectedfromprolongeddirectexposureto
rainandsaltspray.
The Ray54 is not designed to be mounted in engine compartments. Donot
installthe radioin a locationwhere theremay be flammable vapors (suchas
in an engine room or compartment, orin a fuel tankbay),watersplash or
sprayfrom bilges orhatches, where itisat risk from physicaldamagefrom
heavyitems (such as hatch covers, toolboxes, etc.),or where it mightbe
covered by other equipment.Locate the radioat least1.5 metersfrom the
antenna.
SafeCompassDistanceis1meterfora commonmechanicalcompass;other
compasstypes may requiregreaterdistances.Tobe sure, you shouldlocate
theradioas far aspossible from the compass. Testyourcompasstoverify
properoperationwhiletheradioisalsooperating.
TypicalMountingMethods
The Ray54 can beconveniently mounted ona chart table, bulkhead,
overhead,or any otherdesired location.Refertothe followingfigurefor
typicalmountingmethods.
FlushMounting
In addition to the typicalMountingMethods, theRay54 may also beflush
mountedusing the optionalE46034FlushMount Kit. Instructionsfor
installingtheradiousingtheFlushMountKitareincludedwiththekit.These
kitsare available from your Raymarine dealer.

Chapter 2: Installation 5
Figure2-1: TypicalMountingMethods
CAUTION:Makesuretherearenohiddenelectricalwiresorotheritems
behindthedesiredlocationbeforeproceeding.Checkthatfreeaccessfor
mountingand cabling is available.
Figure2-2: MountingDimensions

6Ray54 VHF Radio
2.3 PowerConnections
TheredandblackPowerCordprovidesconnectiontoDCpower.Thered(+)
wire contains a 7amp in-line fuse. It should be connected to thepositive
terminalof the power source.Theblack (-)wire should be connected to the
negative(ground) ofthe power source. Check thepolaritywitha VOM
(Voltage/OhmMeter)and reconnect observingcorrectpolarity. If the fuse
ever needsto be replaced,be sure to use thesame type and rating.
Connectthestrippedwireson the PowerCord to thenearest primarysource
oftheboat's DC power. Atypicalsource wouldbe a circuit breaker onthe
powerpanel ora fuse block nearthe unit. The circuitbreaker or otherin-line
fuse should berated at 10amps. The power cordshould be long enough to
reachtheDC power source. Ifadditionalwire length is required, the cable
canbeextended byaddingmore cableas necessary. However, for power
cableruns longerthan 15feet,largerwire diameter size should be used to
preventvoltageline loss. Toensure adequate current drawto theequipment,
Raymarinerecommends that youuse lugs to connect the power cable to the
DCsupplyand thatthe lug connectionsbe both crimped andsoldered.The
connection terminal should be clean, with nosign of corrosion.
Afterthecordisconnectedtopower,slidethebulletconnectorsonthePower
Cordinto theirmates (with thesamecolored wire) ontherearof the radio.
(SeeFigure 2-3 .)
The Ray54 is designed to be operated ona 12 volt (nominal) system. If
batteryvoltage drops below10.5 VDC (approximately),the icon
appearson the LCD(see page15). Discontinueusing theradioif a low
voltageconditionoccurs as performance wouldbe unreliable. Ifvoltage
exceeds16VDC,themessageEXCESSIVEVOLTAGEappearsonthedotmatrix
displayand an alarmis sounded. Immediatelydisconnectthe radio ifa high
voltageconditionoccurs as the unitcould becomedamaged.
Figure2-3: WiringConnections

Chapter 2: Installation 7
2.4 ExternalSpeakerConnections
Locatedjustbelowthepower cord is a cable for connection to an optional
externalspeaker.Connectthewhite(+)wireandblack(–)wiretothespeaker
observingpolarityasitismarkedonthespeaker.Mate the connectorwith its
counterpart on the rear of theradio. (See Figure 2-3 .)Ifnot connectingan
external speaker, please leave the dust cover on the cable connector.
2.5 Grounding
Whilespecial groundingisnot generallyrequiredfor VHF radiotelephone
installations,itis goodmarine practiceto properlygroundall electronic
equipmentto the boat’s earth groundsystem. TheRay54 can be connected to
groundbyinstallingthesuppliedscrew and lock washer in thethreadedhole
labelled GND on the main unit’s rear paneljustbelowthe antennajack.Then
attacha wire from this screwto the nearest ship’searth ground connection
point.The recommendedwiretobeused for suchgroundingis #10AWG.
2.6 GPS/NMEAData
The Ray54 accepts NMEA 0183 (V1.5) data from a position determining
device (GPS) to providethe Latitude andLongitude position information
thatistransmittedduringaDSCDistressCall.WhenavalidNMEAsignalis
detected, the GPSindicatorappears on the LCD.When no validNMEA
signal is detected, the NOGPSindicator appears.
Connect the NMEAOUT + and NMEA OUT– signals from the positioning
device to the GPS + (yellow)and GPS –(green) wires, respectively, of the
GPScable.Mate the connectorwithitscounterparton therear ofthe radio,
aligningthe arrowsonthe two connectors. (SeeFigure 2-3 .)Ifnot
connecting a GPS, please leave the dust cover on thecable connector.
Anexampleofhowtomaketheconnectionsusingasuitableconnectorblock
is shown inthe following drawing. Forspecific instructions how to connect
yourparticularGPS,pleaserefertothehandbookthatcamewiththatdevice.
Figure2-4: GPSWiring

8Ray54 VHF Radio
2.7 AntennaConnections
The coaxial VHF antenna cable connects tothe Ray54 antenna jackon the
rearpanel usinga PL259VHF type connector. The antennacablelengthcan
becriticalto performance.If you are uncertain,contacta professional
installer or callRaymarine ProductSupport. Ifa longer cablelength is
required,RG-8x (50 ohm) marine coaxial cable or equivalent cablecanbe
used for runs up to a maximum of 50 feet.If the distance requirediseven
greater, Raymarine recommends usinglow lossRG-213 orequivalent cable
for the entire run to avoid excessive losses in power output.
Iftheantenna RF connectoris likely to be exposed to the marine
environment,a protectivecoating ofgrease(Dow CorningDC-4 or similar)
canbeappliedto the connectorbeforeconnectingittothe radio.Any other
extensionsor adaptersin the cablerunshouldalso be protected bysilicon
grease and then wrapped with a waterproofing tape.
AntennaMountingSuggestions
Mounting the VHF antenna properly is very important becauseitwill
directly affectthe performance of your VHF radio. Use a VHFantenna
designedfor marinevessels.
Since VHF transmission is essentially line-of-sight, mount the antenna at a
locationon the vesselthat is free ofobstructionto obtainmaximum range.
Ifyoumust extendthe length of thecoaxial cable between the antenna and
theradio,useacoaxialcabledesignedfortheleastamountofpowerlossover
theentirecablelength.
AntennaMountingandEMEExposure
Foroptimalradioperformanceand minimal humanexposureto radio
frequencyelectromagneticenergy, make sure the antenna is:
• connected to the radio before transmitting
• properlymounted
• locatedwhere itwillbeaway frompeople
• locatedat least 1.5 meters (5 feet) fromthe radio

Chapter 3: Getting Started 9
Chapter3: GettingStarted
3.1 KeypadandRotaryKnobs
Severalofthe keysonthefront panel ofthemain unit servemultiple
purposes.Forthe mostpart,the functionindicatedonthe firstline ofthe key
is accessed by pressing and releasing that key. The function indicated on the
second line of the key is accessed by pressing and holding the key for three
seconds.
Figure3-1: Ray54KeysLayout

10 Ray54 VHF Radio
MicrophoneKeys
MainUnitRotaryKeys
MainUnitPushKeys
KeyName Press&Release(<3sec.) Press&Hold(>3sec.)
1.PTT Push-to-Talk Push-to-Talk
2.UP/DOWN Channelincrement/decrementand
navigatingmenuitemselections Rapidchannelchangeandnavigating menuitemselections
3.16/9 SwitchbetweenthePriorityand
WorkingChannels SwitchtoSecondaryPriorityCH(9); Ifalreadytunedtosecondarychannel,
programanewsecondaryPriority
Channel.
4.HI/LO TXPowerHigh/LowandACCEPTkey
formenuitemselections TXPowerHigh/LowandACCEPTkey formenuitemselections
KeyName Function
5.CH/PUSH Rotatetoincrement/decrementchannelsornavigatemenuitem
selections
6.PWR/VOL PowerradioON/OFFandadjustvolumelevel
7.SQ Adjustsquelchthresholdlevel
KeyName Press&Release(<3sec.) Press&Hold (>3sec.)
5.CH/PUSH ACCEPTmenuitemselections ACCEPTmenuitemselections
8.DW/TRI DualWatchMode TriWatchMode
9.CALL/MENU ActivateDSCfunctions ActivateMenufunctions
10.HL/USER TXPowerHigh/Low USER(SavedMemoryChannel)Mode
11.SCAN/SAVE ScanON/OFF SAVE/DELETEchannelto/frommemory
12.16/9 SwitchbetweenthePriority
andWorkingChannels SwitchtosecondaryPriorityCH(9); Ifalreadytunedtosecondarychannel,
programanewsecondaryPriorityChannel.
13.CLEAR/WX Cancelfunction WeatherChannelMode
14.DISTRESS DesignateDistressType MakeDistressCall