Shakespeare Electronic SE 2550 User guide

SE 2550
MARINE VHF RADIO
OWNER’S HANDBOOK
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 Introduction. 1
1.1 Purpose.1
1.2 Equipment Description.2
1.3 Supplied Parts.2
1.4 Optional Accessories.2
1.5 License Requirements.3
1.5.1 License Application.3
1.5.2 Operator's License.3
1.6 Brief Operating Instructions... 4
1.7 Technical Specifications.6
2.0 Installation.7
2.1 Unpacking And Inspection.... 7
2.2 Mounting Preparation.7
2.3 Mounting Location
Selection.7
2.4 Front Panel Reversal.8
2.5 Unit Mechanical
Installation.9
2.6 Electrical Connections.9
2.6.1 Power Hookup.9
2.6.2 Antenna Connection.10
2.6.3 Coax Connector Assembly....lO
2.6.4 External Speaker
Connection.12
2.6.5 Hailer Connection.12
3.0 Operation. 13
3.1 Controls And Display.13
3.2 Operating Procedures.14
3.2.1 Power and Volume Control.. 14
3.2.2 Display Backlighting.14
3.2.3 Setting Squelch.14
3.2.4 Channel Selection.15
3.2.5 USA/Intemational
Channel Select.15
3.2.6 Voice Transmitting.15
3.2.7 High/Low Transmit Power.... 16
3.2.8 Transmitter 3 Minute
Time Out.16
3.2.9 Weather Channels Access.16
3.2.10 Channel 16 Priority.17
3.2.11 Channel 13/67 High
Power Override.17
3.2.12 All Channel Scan.17
3.2.13 Memory Scan.17
3.2.14 Dual Watch.18
3.2.15 Hailer Operation.19
3.2.16 External Speaker Operation.. 19
3.2.17 Tone Control.19
3.2.18 Speaker Mike.19
3.3 Methods Of Operation.19
4.0 Appendix.20
Appendix A.20
USA VHF Marine Channel
Assignments
Appendix B.21
VHF Marine Weather
Channel Assignments
Appendix C. 21
International VHF Marine
Channel Assignments
Appendix D.22
Canadian VHF Marine
Channel Assignments
Appendix E.24
Phonetic Alphabet And
Glossary
Appendix F..„.25
Schematics

Figure 1-1 Shakespeare SE 2550 Marine VHF Radio.
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Welcome and congratulations on your purchase of the Shakespeare SE 2550 Marine
VHF transceiver. You have purchased a high technology piece of marine electronics,
fully backed by the Shakespeare name. The Shakespeare SE 2550 Marine VHF radio
incorporates modem styling and functionality, making the radio not only easy, but
pleasing to operate.
The frequency synthesized transceiver provides access to ALL usable U.S. and
International Channels. Ten weather channels are also available through easy front
panel key presses, making the SE 2550 a world class value in marine VHF radios.
The key to obtaining the most use and pleasure from your new VHF radio, is reading
the owner's manual. This manual teaches you proper transceiver procedures and care
to ensure many years of satisfying use. It is especially important to cover the areas of
this manual pertaining to "License Requirements" established by the Federal Com¬
munications Commission.
1.1 Purpose
The Shakespeare SE 2550 Owner’s Manual is designed to answer your questions about
the installation and operation of your radio. It is important to read through the
installation section before attempting to install your radio. A "Brief Operating" section
assures you are on the air quickly and properly. Many new user pitfalls will be avoided
by reading this manual.
1

1.2 E quipment Description
Your Shakespeare SE 2550 Marine VHF radio is a digitally synthesized transceiver
operating in the frequency range 156-163 MHZ and constructed of the highest grade
materials. All electronic components are solid state. The Shakespeare SE 2550 VHF
radio offers two transmitter power settings, I watt and 25 watts.
The front panel is completely reversible to provide excellent overhead mounting. The
large liquid crystal display shows channel numbers and mode annunciators. Red
nightlighting is controllable for your comfort. A special speaker mike is provided for
improved communication in a high noise environment.
Connectors are provided on the back panel of the radio for the antenna, 12 volt DC
power, external speaker, and hailer.
The microprocessor control used in this radio offers features found only in far more
expensive units. Features such as Dual Channel Watch, Memory Scan, Priority
Channel 16, 10 Weather Channels and Hailer are only some of your Shakespeare SE
2550’s many extras.
1.3 Supplied Parts
SE 2550 Radio Transceiver
Plastic Mike Clip with screws
Special Waterproof Speaker Mike
Spare 7 Amp fuse
Mounting Knobs (2)
Mounting Bracket
1.4 Optional Accessories
Flush Mount Installation Kit
Reverse Panel Gasket
Be sure to consult your marine electronics dealer for the Shakespeare antenna that best
suits your particular installation. Shakespeare has been building a reputation for
uncompromising quality in marine communications for more than 35 years. A reputa¬
tion that our US Navy and Coast Guard have come to count on. So whether you selected
your Shakespeare radio for peace of mind or for fun, we recommend you consult your
Shakespeare marine electronics dealer for the wide variety of marine antennas and
accessories available. He can help you select the.system combination that best fits your
boat and needs.
Power Cable Assembly with fuse holder
Owner’s Manual
Waterproof Brief Instruction Card
FCC Application-506
FCC Restricted Operator’s Permit-753
Warranty Card
2

1.5 License Requirements
Pleasure boats (U.S. vessels), equipped with a marine radio, must have a Ship Station
License. Other vessels (including compulsory equipped vessels) may require a Ship
Radio Station License and a Commercial Radio Operator’s License to operate the radio
station. If the ship is not a U.S. vessel, contact the local authorities to determine
licensing requirements.
When purchasing a new boat, a new station license must be applied for as the "Ship
Station License" is not transferable. Therefore, upon the sale of your boat, the FCC
requires that you submit yourold license for cancellation. A change in mailing address
requires notification to be filed with the FCC. This notification is mailed to:
Federal Communications Commission
P. O. Box 1040
Gettysburg, PA 17326
1.5.1 License Application
The Ship Radio Station License is obtained by filling out and submitting Form 506
with $35 to the FCC. DO NOT SEND CASH. To operate the radio while waiting for
the license to be returned from the FCC, fill out and keep the bottom part of Form 506.
This "Temporary Permit" is good for 90 days from the date Form 506 is mailed to the
FCC. Your Ship Station License is valid for a period of 5 years. The Call Sign for
your station will be issued on the license and the temporary permit has instructions for
assigning the vessel’s temporary call sign. If the ship’s radio station is to be operated
in other countries, contact the local authorities for their licensing requirements. Mail
form to:
Federal Communications Commission
Marine Ship Service
P. O. Box 358275
Pittsburgh, PA 15251-5275
1.5.2 Operator’s License
A Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit is not required for domestic operation
of a marine VHF radio for U.S. pleasure boats as long as you do not dock in any foreign
ports. If you are going to dock in a foreign port or plan to leave a foreign port to dock
in U.S. ports, it will be necessary to obtain the Restricted Permit. To do this, acquire,
fill out and mail to the FCC a Form 753 along with a $35 fee in the form of a single
check or money order payable to the FCC. DO NOT SEND CASH. For further license
information call the FCC at 717-337-1212.
3

1.6 Brief Operating Instructions
Please use the following brief operation instructions when first using the Shakespeare
SE 2550 Marine VHF radio. Please remember that this section is not designed to
replace a thorough study of the Owner’s Manual. In addition, a waterproof quick card
is provided for reference.
1- Channel 16 Priority select key 14-Speaker
2- Power and Volume control 15-Weather and Dual Watch select
3- Squelch Control 16-HI/LO transmit power key
4- Dual Watch active indicator 17-Microphone cable
5- Weather Channel indicator 18-Scan select key
6- Lo Power Output indicator 19-Memory Key
7- Transmit active indicator 20-Tone and Hailer control
8- Hi Output power indicator 21-Backlight DIM/Speaker Mic key
9- USA channels indicator 22-USA/International channel key
10- Speaker/Microphone indicator 23-Memory indicator
11 - Active channel indicator 24-Down channel select key
12- Scan active indicator 25-Up channel select key
13- Hailer active indicator 26-Hail activation indicator
Brief Operations Table
POWER ON Turn the Volume control CLOCKWISE.
AND VOLUME
SQUELCH Turn the Squelch Control knob counterclockwise until
static is heard. Turn Squelch Control knob clockwise
slowly, just until noise is no longer heard.
4

BACKLIGHTING
USA/INT
SELECTING
CHANNELS
EMERGENCY
CALLING
TRANSMIT
POWER
TRANSMIT
WEATHER
CHANNELS
DUAL WATCH
ALL SCAN
SPEAKER
MIKE
Touch and release the |DIM| key to adjust backlighting
to the desired brightness.
This key changes the available channels to USA or
International allocations. See Appendix A through D for
complete channel listing and channel usage.
Pressing the | UP/DOWN] arrow keys on the front
panel, or the front of the microphone, scrolls through the
available channels. The displayed channel is the active
channel.
Press 116 | key for Channel 16. This channel is used to
call the Coast Guard and general vessel calling. Always
switch to another channel to chat.
To leave Emergency- Calling Channe l 16, press | WX/DW
or the Channel Select [ UP/DOWN] arrow keys.
Press IHI/LO | to toggle between 1 Watt and 25 Watts
transmit power.
Press and hold the Push-To-Talk key on the top of the
microphone to transmit.
Touch and release | WX/DW | to access the last selected
weather chan nel. To change Weather Channels, use the
|UP/DOWN~| arrow key s. To exit the Weather Mode
press [16] or | WX/DW 1 .
Set Squelch, then s elect a chan nel other than Channel 16.
Press and hold the | WX/DW ] key until the radio beeps.
DW is shown in the display. The radio scans both 16 and
your selected channel to stop, press
16 or WX/DW
Set Squelch as mentione d and press | SCAN | key. To
stop, press the 16
or
WX/DW | key. Memory Scan
is an advanced feature. Refer to Section 3.2.13.
Press and hold the DIM[ key until speaker mike is
activated, "SP/MC" is shown in the display.
NOTE
1 beep confirms a valid entry or selection.
3 beeps mean an invalid entry-PLEASE TRY AGAIN.
5

1.7 Technical Specifications
General
Physical Characteristics:
Temperature Range
Power Requirements
Channels
Transmitter
Output Power
Output Impedance
Modulation
Frequency Stability
Spurious Emissions
Hum and Noise
Audio response
Receiver
Sensitivity
Selectivity
Spurious Response
Attenuation
Intermodulation Spurious
Response Attenuation
Audio Output Power
Audio Distortion
Audio Response
Squelch Sensitivity
Height: 2.5"
Width: 6.0"
Length: 8.0" including heatsink
Weight: 2.0 lbs.
-20 Deg C to +50 Deg C
13.8 VDC nominal, 5.5 A transmitt, .2 A receive
124 total, 57 USA, 57 International and 10 weather
25 Watt/1 Watt
50 Ohms
FM, 5 KHz max deviation
+/- ,0005%(5ppm)
2.5 uW (-56 db) @ 1 Watt Tx
25 uW (-70 db) @25 Watt Tx
-40 db
Less than 10% distortion at 3khz
deviation. 6db/octave pre-emphasis
Audio low pass filter included.
.25uV or less for 12db SIN AD
.50uV or less for 20db SINAD
-6db at 7.5 KHz
-65db at 25 KHz
70db min.
70db min.
3 Watts @ 8 Ohms
6 Watts @ 4 Ohms Extemal/Hailer
10% @ 3 Watts into 8 Ohms
+1/-3 db matching a 6db/octave
de-emphasis from 300-3000Hz
Threshold: .30 uV Max
Full Squelch: .80 uV
Specifications are subject to change without notice and are nominal unless otherwise
indicated.
6

2.0 INSTALLATION
Before using the Shakespeare SE 2550 Marine VHF radio, please study the following
section. Failure to adhere to the these installation and operating considerations can
damage or significantly degrade the performance of your VHF radio.
2.1 Unpacking And Inspection
The Shakespeare SE 2550 Marine VHF radio comes to you 100% inspected. When
unpacking, check the parts shipped with the unit against the supplied parts list. If there
is a discrepancy, notify your selling agent or Shakespeare Customer Service (1-803-
276-5504).
If the radio was damaged during shipment, save ALL packing material to make it easier
to file a claim with the carrier. All damage claims from shipment must be filed with
the freight carrier used to ship the radio to you.
2.2 Mounting Preparation
Before actually mounting your new SE 2550 Marine VHF radio, take a little time to
read over the installation instructions. You will find there are many things to take into
consideration before drilling that first hole. Planning every aspect of the installation
first, will save time and aggravation. It will also save money by cutting down potential
errors that require repair to correct.
Before mounting begins you will need to purchase a marine VHF radio antenna.
Shakespeare markets a full line of high quality marine VHF radio antennas to fit every
installation. The dealer you purchased this radio from will be able to help you choose
the antenna style best suited to your type of boating.
2.3 Mounting Location Selection
The following is a list of items that need advanced planning before selection of the
mounting location. Be sure you can answer these questions fully.
1. Find where the vessel's +12 volt supply and ground are located and what it will
take to get the radio power cable assembly to it.
2. Where can the antenna be mounted and what must be done to route the antenna
cable to the radio?
NOTE
Keep the antenna at least 3 feet away from the radio and as high as possible for best
performance.
7

3. Where is the best place to mount the radio itself? Keep in mind that the radio may
be table top mounted, hang mounted overhead, bulkhead mounted vertically, under
counter mounted and flush mounted using the optional Flush Mount Kit.
4. When deciding on a mounting location, visibility of the front panel, access to the
front panel controls, access to the mounting knobs, room for rear cable connections
and access to rear cable connections must be addressed and planned.
REMOVE SCREWS
Figure 2-1 Screws to remove for front panel reversal.
2.4 Front Panel Reversal
For overhead and bulkhead installations follow these instructions to reverse the front
panel. Do this before mounting the radio.
1. Disconnect all connections from the back of the radio. Then remove the four screws
on the back of the unit securing the case to the chassis.
2. Slide the case off of the radio and replace the original front panel gasket with the
reverse front panel gasket included with your radio packaging.
3. Rotate the case 180 degrees.
4. Tilt the display forward 40 degrees.
5. Slide the case back on the chassis. Do not pinch any wiring or cabling.
6. Seat the case on the front panel and re-install the screws on the back of the radio.
7. Mount the trunnion bracket on the top of the radio. Figure 2-2 shows the "before"
and "after” results.
8

Figure 2-2 Front Panel Reversal Procedure.
2.5 Unit Mechanical Installation
Once a mounting location has been chosen, hold the mounting bracket at the place the
unit is to be mounted. Use the mounting bracket as a template to mark the places to
drill holes for the mounting screws. To mount the bracket into wood use stainless steel
wood screws. If the unit is to be mounted into fiberglass, use stainless steel nuts and
through bolts as the vibrations found on most pleasure boats will loosen self tapping
screws mounted directly into fiberglass. When the mounting bracket is secured, attach
the SE 2550 to the bracket using the mounting knobs supplied with the unit. For
overhead and bulkhead installation reverse the front panel.
2.6 Electrical Connections
The back panel of the SE 2550 comes with the following standard connections.
1. Electrical Power (+12 volts and ground)
2. Antenna Connector (for PL-259 type connections)
3. External speaker (1/8 " phono plug receptacle)
4. Hailer speaker (1/8” phono plug receptacle)
2.6.1 Power Hookup
The SE 2550 is supplied with a power cable assembly. The free end of the cable is
connected to the battery side of the vessel’s +12 volt power buss. The cable is
equipped with a 7 Amp in-line fuse holder for over-current protection. The Red (+)
side of the cable is connected to +12 volt buss. The Black (-) side of the cable is con¬
nected to the Negative or Ground side of ship’s power. After the power cable is con¬
nected to ship’s power, plug the connector end into the back of the radio.
9

EXTERNAL SPEAKER CONNECTOR
Figure 2-3 Rear panel electrical connections.
NOTE
Use at least 12 gauge wire to carry the transmit 5.5 Amp current. This wire size is
appropriate for up to 20 feet of cable length.
When powering up the SE 2550, if no display appears once the power is turned on,
check the power cable hookup polarity if the in-line fuse is blown. Remember to
replace the fuse with one of the same 7 Amp rating. Using a fuse with a higher rating
can result in permanent damage to the radio.
2.6.2 Antenna Connection
DO NOT attempt to operate the SE 2550 without the antenna connected, to do so can
result in severe damage to the transmitter portion of the radio and void the warranty.
Plug the antenna cable PL-259 connector into the antenna connector on the rear panel
of the SE 2550 Marine VHF radio. ALWAYS screw down the outer coupling ring of
the connector tightly to ensure a solid connection.
2.6.3 Coax Connector Assembly
1. Trim back outer jacket of antenna coax back 1-1/8".
2. Trim back the braided shield to 13/16"
3. Trim back center insulation 3/4"
4. Slip the coupling ring over cable.
10

STEP 1
STEP 6B
COUPLING
RING
STEP 5
UG-175U
ADAPTER
STEP 6A
BRAID
STEP 8 & 9
SOLDER
PLUG HERE
ASSEMBLY
Figure 2-4 Coax Connector Assembly.
5. Insert cable through the middle of the UG-175U adapter.
6. Fold the braided shield back over the end of the UG-175U adapter. Be sure there
is no shield wires touching the center conductor.
7. Screw the UG-175U adapter into the PL-259 connector while feeding the end of
the center conductor of the cable through the hole at the end of the plug.
8. Solder the center conductor of the coax to the center of the PL-259 connector. Trim
center conductor. Solder braided shield to the PL-259 connector via the small holes
9. Screw coupling ring onto the PL-259 connector.
NOTE
If you are not sure about this procedure, have a qualified marine radio service
technician assist you.
11

2.6.4 External Speaker Connection
Under high noise conditions, it is often desirable to install a more powerful external
speaker or use your speaker mike. Purchasing and mounting of the externa! speaker
is left to the discretion of the owner as there is a great variety of external speakers
available, but be sure a 4 ohm model capable of 8 watts is purchased. We recommend
a watertight model for long service.
Obtain a 1/8" phono plug from your local electronics supply house. To connect your
external speaker, solder the two leads from the speaker to the connections on a 1/8"
phono plug. Next, plug the phono plug into the "EXT" external speaker connector on
the back of the radio.
After installation is complete, the external speaker replaces the radio’s internal speaker.
2.6.5 Hailer Connection
Generally, the hailer loud speaker is mounted high and facing the bow of the boat. Be
sure a 4 ohm model capable of 8 watts is purchased. Obtain a 1/8" phono plug from
your local electronics supply house. To connect the hailer, solder the two leads from
the speaker to the connections on the 1/8" phono plug. Next, plug the phono plug into
the "HAILER" loud speaker connector on the back of the radio. After installation is
complete, turn the radio to the "HAIL" position, push |PTT| and speak into the
microphone. Use the Volume Control to adjust to the desired audio power level.
12

Figure 3-1. SE 2550 Front Control Panel.
3.0 OPERATION
Your Shakespeare 2550 Marine VHF radio is designed for the tough marine environ¬
ment, with special attention paid to ease of operation. The following section helps you
realize the maximum benefit of your purchase. The SE 2550 marine VHF radio is not
only a communications convenience but a valuable tool in life threatening situations.
This life saving potential makes thorough study of this Owner’s manual extremely
important.
3.1 Controls And Display
All controls and displayed information are on the front panel of the SE 2550. The
upper left knob on the front panel controls Power ON and speaker volume. The upper
right knob controls the squelch adjustment. The red backlit LCD display shows
selected channel, transmit power setting, scan mode, hail mode, speaker mike mode
and transmit mode. The tactile keypad, with individual switches behind the overlay,
controls selection of receive and transmit channels, transmit power level, backlight
brightness, speakermike ON/OFF, dual channel watch, all channel scan, memory scan,
weather channel access, USA or International channels and instant channel 16 priority
select. A single beep of the radio indicates a valid keyboard entry. Three beeps means
an invalid entry- PLEASE TRY AGAIN.
13

3.2 O perating Procedures
3.2.1 Power and Volume Control
To apply power to the SE 2550 VHF radio, turn the Volume Control knob (upper left
control knob), clockwise. A “click” is heard and felt. At this point the display shows
numbers and annunciators. The SE 2550 remembers the last channel and mode you
VOLUME
were using before “TURN OFF” and goes to this same con¬
figuration at “TURN ON".
The next thing to do is adjust the Squelch (see below). To do
this, turn the Squelch Control knob counterclockwise until back¬
ground noise is heard in the speaker. Now, the volume of the
speaker can be adjusted to your desired level by the Volume
Control. Make this adjustment by turning the Volume Control back and forth until
you are comfortable with the background noise level.
3.2.2 Display Backlighting
At power ON the display back¬
lighting comes on at f ull inten sity,
Press and release the |D1M| key
to adjust the brightness level
down one step. Each press and release of the [PIM| key sets the brightness of the
backlighting one step lower until the backlight is turned off.
The brightne ss leve ls are full, medium, low and OFF. When the backlight is OFF,
pressing the |D1M| key one time turns the backlighting on to full brightness.
3.2.3 Setting Squelch
To adjust the squelch setting, start by turning the Squelch control knob (front right
control knob), all the way counterclockwise. Rotate the volume control knob
counterclockwise until the background noise heard in the radio speaker is at a
comfortable level. Next, when no radio transmissions are being heard, turn the Squelch
control knob clockwise just to the point that the background noise is no longer heard.
SQUELCH This quiets the recever between radio transmissions and still allows
the incoming messages to be heard.
The level of squelch adjustment needed to quiet the radio static
noise is dependent on the background noise intensity. Keep in
mind that the squelch may need to be adjusted when listening to a
different channel.
14

3.2.4 C hannel Selection
Channel selection for the normal transmit/receive channels is handled by two separate
sets of controls. One set of channel selection arrow keys is found on the front panel
directly below the LCD readout. The other set is found on the front of the speaker
microphone. The current active channel selection is viewed in the LCD display.
CHANNEL SELECT KEYS
CHANNEL
SELECT
KEYS
PUSH
TO
TALK
To change chan nels using eith er set of arrows,
simply press the | DP/DOWN] arrow keys. Ob¬
serve the changing channels in the LCD dis play.
From your present channel, pressing the 111 Pi
arrow key will increase the channel numbers. In
the same respect, from your present channel, pressing the
decreases the channel numbers. If the highest or lowest channel available is reached
and the pressing of the arrow key is continued, the channel numbers will c ycl e around
DOWN | arrow key
to the top or bottom of the list and continue changing. Holding the [UP| or |DOWN
changes the channel at a rapid rate. Practice several times to become accustomed to
this. Some channels have no Tx function (ie. 15,75,76 guard channels). Please study
the channel allocation list in the Appendix to become familiar with the proper and
customary useage.
CHANNEL TYPE INDICATOR
3.2.5 U .S.A/International Channel Select
The SE 2550 is programmed to access both United States
and International channels. Which set of channels you
use is determined by the area of operation. Normally in
U.S. coastal areas and ports, the USA channels are
selected.
To t oggle betwe en USA and International channels, press
the jUSA/INTl key. The channel type selected is indi¬
cated in the display.
TX HI 1NT USA
LO SP/MC
IJ
DW —
MEM SCAN HAlU
3.2.6 V oice Transmitting
Until you memorized the proper usage of each channel, refer to the channel Assignment
Appendices before attempting to make a Voice Transmission. There you will find a
listing of the channels and their usage.
IS

Once the proper channel has been selected, locate the Push-To-Talk key o n the top
of the microphone. The Push-To-Talk key will be referred to as the (~PTT| key. To
transmit, press and hold |PTT| for the entire transmission . Whil e | PTT | is held in,
speak into the microphone slowly and clearly. While the |PTT[ key is being held.
"TX" a ppears in the LCD display. When the transmission is complete, release the
| PTT | key.
3.2.7 H igh/Low Transmit Power
The SE 2550 has two transmit power output levels, 1 Wan and 25 Wans. The low
power level (1 Watt) is provided for situations where the two parties involved are close
to each other. This reduces the congestion on the same channel in areas far away,
allowing more individuals to use a channel at one given time.
To toggle the power output selection between "LO" and "HI" press the | HI/LO | key.
The transmit power output level is displayed in the LCD display window.
3.2.8 Transmitter 5 Minute Time Out
In the. event that the |~PTT | key is held in for too long, the transmitter timer will
disengage the transmit function after 5 minutes. The| ptt| must be lifted and pressed
again to continue transmission. This is designed to prevent a channel from acciden¬
tally being tied up by a malfunctioning microphone or transmitter.
3.2.9 Weather Channels Access
Your SE 2550 has the ability to monitor
NO A A and International Weather Ser¬
vice broadcast. This safety feature allows
you to listen to weather reports at any time
so changes can be made in your boating plans. This allows you to alter your planned
course and to make shipboard preparations.
To change from standard ma rine VHFchannels to the weather channel broadcast, touch
and release the WX/DW key. "WX" appears in the LCD display indicating that
weather channel reception in now active. The initial weather channel displayed, is the
last one used. Use the channel change arrow keys on the microphone or the front panel
to select another weather channel.
To cancel weather channel access, press the | WX/DW | or the [16] key. Pressing of
other keys (except for the backlighting | DIM| key~while in the weather channel
mode, will cause a 3 beep tone to be heard indicating an invalid key press.
16

3.2.10 Channel 16 Priority
RED CH [fi[ KEY
As a convenience and safety feature, the SE 2550 marine
VHP radio has a channel [l6j priority key. Pressing this CD
key from any mode or channel immediately changes the
selected channel to channel 16 with the power output changed to "HI".
3.2.11 C hannel 13/67 High Power Override
Due to the special usage FCC assigned channels 13 and 67, are restricted to I Watt
under normal conditions. In some situations it is acceptable to override this output
level and transmit on channels 13 and 67 at 25 Watts. To do this, press and hold the
[Hl/LO | key on the front panel of the radio, for the duration of the tra nsmission. The
LCD display shows "HI" in the display window while the HI/LO key is held in.
Upon releasing the |HI/LO | key, transmit output power is dropped back to 1 Watt.
When another appropriate marine VHF channel is selected, the |HI/LO | key toggles
the transmit power setting between 1 and 25 watts, and does not have to be held in for
"HI" power.
3.2.12 A ll Channel Scan
The SE 2550 has the ability to scan
through all available channels. To do
this, proper squelch adjustment is most
important.
| S CAN| K EY
I MEM I KEY
ibbgsdd
Press the | SCAN | key. The channel indications displayed in the LCD display on
the front panel will begin to cycle through all available channels. If a Squelch Break
occurs on any of the channels while being scanned, the scanning stops on that channel.
TheSE 2550 resumes scanning 4 seconds after the end of the squelch break unless the
PTT| key on the Mike is pressed. If you key the mike, a beep is heard, the scan
operation is canceled and your SE 2550 remains on the selected channel.
Th e All Ch annel Scan is canceled at any time by pressing the [16], |WX/DW
or MEM keys.
SCAN
3.2.13 M emory Scan
The Memory Scan feature of the SE 2550 allows programming the scan function to 10
selected channels of your choice. Proper adjustment of the Squelch Control is
necessary for this function to correctly operate.
STORING: To store a channel in the memory bank, use the arrow key on the front
panel or on the front of the microphone to select the desired channel. Press and hold
17

the | MEM [ key until second beep is heard (about 1 second). The channel showing in the
display is placed into the memory bank. If the channel is already in memory, NO beep
is heard.
If you wish to enter more channels into memory, wait until the “MEM” annunciator is
out and repeat the above step for up to nine more channels to make a total of ten. If an
attempt is made to store a channel in memory when it is full, a 3 beep tone is heard and
“FL” appears in the LCD display for 1 second.
SCAN LIST REVIEW: To review the channels stored, briefly touch and release the
|MEM| key . “MEM ” and the stored channel appears in the LCD display. Each quick
touch of the jMEM key sequencially shows the channels you have stored in the memory
bank.
SCANNING THE MEMORY BANK: Press the lMEMl key. “MEM” annunciator
appears. Then press the |SCAN| key. “SCAN” also appears in the display and the
channel display begins to cycle through the channels stored in the memory bank. When
a squelch break occours, the display stops and remains on that channel for 4 seconds after
the squelch break ends. The scan process then continues.
If lhe |PTT| key on the microphone is pressed, a beep tone is heard and the memory scan
mode is turned off. Co mmun ication o n the displayed channel continues. Pressing the
[16] key, | WX| , |DW| or the |SCAN keys will cancel the memory scan operation.
CLEARING A CHANNEL: To clear a channel stored in scan memory, press and hold
the |MEM | key about 3.5 seconds until “CL” appears in the LCD Display and a beep
is heard. ALWAYS MAKE SURE THE "MEM" ANNUNCIATOR IS OUT BEFORE
ATTEMPTING TO CLEAR A CHANNEL FROM MEMORY. The SE 2550 remem¬
bers your stored channels even if the radio is OFF. To completely erase the memory
bank, either repeat the process until all channels are clear or HOLD DOWN the |MEM
key while turning ON the SE 2550 until "CL” appears in the LCD and a beep sounds.
3.2.12 Dual Watch
The Dual Watch feature allows you to monitor channel 16 and ONE other channel. To
make use of this feature the squelch must be properly set. Once the squelch is set, select
the “other” channel using the channel select
arrow keys on the front panel or f ront of the
microphone. Next, press and hold | WX/DW
key until “DW” appears in the LCD display.
The channel display then changes between
Channel 16 and the “other” channel until a squelch break occurs. The channel displayed
at this time is held in the display for 4 seconds after the Squelch Break ends.
Pushing the jPTT | key d isables the Dual W atch mode at any time. Also, pressing the
channel arrow keys, 116 | , or the | WX/DW 1 key turns the Dual Watch mode OFF. Any
other key press produces 3 quick beeps and results in no change in current configuration.
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