Simrad Axis 200 User manual

MAXIMIZING YOUR PERFORMANCE AT SEA

Instruction Manual
III
Simrad Axis
Handheld VHF Radio
MANUAL

IV Part No. E02066 Issue 4.0 12/05/04 CR
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 devel-
opment 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 Ltd.
No liability can be accepted for any inaccuracies or omissions in the publication, although every care has been taken to make it as complete and accurate
as possible.
©2004 Simrad Ltd

CONTENTS
1. GENERAL
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Technical Specification
1.3 Licensing
2. OPERATION
2.1 Location of Controls
2.2 Operation - 150
2.3 Operation - 200/250
2.3.1 The Function Key
3. BATTERY USE
3.1 Removal, Fitting & Options
3.2 Charger Options
3.3 Mains Adaptors for Drop-In Chargers
3.4 Charging of Batteries
3.5 Notes on Charging
3.6 200/250 Battery Level Indicator
3.7 150 Battery Status LED
3.8 Battery Life Guidelines
4. ANTENNA & ACCESSORY SOCKET
4.1 Antenna
4.2 Accessory Socket (150 & 250 only)
5. APPENDIX
5.1 Spares & Accessories
5.2 Transmission Range
5.3 Frequency of Channels
5.4 Troubleshooting
5.5 Service &Warranty
V

Page 7
1 GENERAL
1.1 Introduction
The Simrad Axis waterproof handheld VHF
radio is manufactured in our modern factory
facilities in the UK. The radio was designed to
meet or exceed stringent International
Regulations including EN301 178.
In addition Simrad GMDSS specification
radios conform to Pan European specification
ETS300 225 for the use of radios for Safety at
Sea, including waterproofing to IP67/68 stan-
dard.
Please note that regulations vary from country
to country. Simrad sets are also approved
specifically by the countries in which they are
sold. Consequently, there may be differences in
the programming of sets bought in different
countries, and therefore in their associated
manuals. If using outside the country of pur-
chase, it is vital to check that the set conforms
to local regulations before use.
Thank you for choosing Simrad.
If you are pleased with your radio, we hope
you will be interested in our range of marine
electronic equipment, which is manufactured
to the same high standards as Axis. Please con-
tact your nearest Simrad Agent for a catalogue
showing our increasing range of high-tech nav-
igational instruments, autopilots and VHF
radio sets.
Simrad operate a policy of continual develop-
ment and reserve the right to alter and
improve the specification of their products
without notice.
Axis®is a registered trademark of
Simrad Ltd.
AXIS200
SIGSQBAT VOL
D/W
SQ F
HI LO
M+
AS
LO
AXIS200
SIG
Rx
D/W SQ
SQ
16
FCH
CH
VOL
VOL
HI LO
M+ MS
AS
Simrad waterproof handheldVHF

Page 8
1.2 Technical Specification
Electrical
Channel Capability (Axis200) 55 international channels 1–28, 60–88.
UK : includes M (previously 37) and M2.
USA : includes 0, 29, 89, 75, 76, Wx1–10 receive only.
Scandinavia : leisure or fishing channels as appropriate.
Canada : Canadian and USA channels.
(250) As 200 plus up to 16 private channels may be
programmed.*
(150) 16 channel capability – channels 06, 16 and 67 are
programmed as standard. Remaining channel spaces may be
programmed with further international or private channels as
specified. The standard channels may also be changed as
required.*
(GMDSS Versions) GMDSS sets are shipped with only simplex channels fitted.
150 GMDSS : 06, 08, 10–17, 67, 69, 71–74
250 GMDSS : 06, 08–17, 67–69, 71–77
Frequency Range 155–165Mhz (can be extended to suit market requirements)*.
Operating Temperature Range -20ºC to +60ºC
Output Power 2 levels, maximum 5 Watts (1 & 5 Watts standard)*.
Harmonic and Spurious Emissions <.25µW Tx, <1nW Rx
Sensitivity 0.5µV for 20 dB SINAD
Selectivity 75 dB (±25 kHz)
Intermodulation 75 dB
Channel Spacing 25kHz (12.5 khz also possible)*
Blocking 90dB
Spurious Response 80dB
Audio Output Power Max 1 Watt
Current Consumption Squelched <25mA
Receive typically 125mA
Transmit 5 Watts 1.4A
1 Watt 0.8A
Weight 600g (approx)
* Contact local Simrad Service Agent for further details of channel programming, etc.
Environmental
Waterproof To a depth of 1m fully submersed, including a 45ºC thermal
shock.
Drop Resistance Will withstand a drop from 1M on to a hard surface on any
face.
Hermetically Sealed Will withstand petrol, diesel and other fuel oils.
Ergonomics Is designed to fit comfortably into the hand and be
operated with ease in the worst weather conditions.

Page 9
1.3 Licensing
Prior to use check the national licensing requirements for operators.
In the UK licence applications and queries should be made to the following authority:
Ship Radio Licensing
Radio Licencing Centre
The Post Office
PO Box 1495
Bristol
BS99 3QS
Website: www.radiolicencecentre.co.uk/rlc
Aset may only be operated by or under the supervision of the holder of a Marine Radio
Operator’s Certificate of Competence and Authority to Operate. This is awarded on completion of
the Marine Short Range Certificate course administered by the Royal Yachting Association:
Royal Yachting Association
RYA House
Ensign Way
Hamble
Southampton
SO31 4YA
Website: www.rya.org.uk
Tel. [phone]
Holders of the Restricted Certificate of Competence in Radio-telephony (which covers MF/HF
SSB, etc.) do not need a separate VHF certificate.
In the USA licence applications should be made to:
Federal Communications Commission
Gettysburg
Washington DC 20554
PA17325
Website: www.fcc.gov
In Canada licence applications should be made to the regional or district offices of:
Spectrum Direct®
Industry Canada
Website: http://sd.ic.gc.ca/engdoc/main.jsp
In all other countries, please contact your regional authority for information.

Page 10
2 OPERATION
2.1 Location of Controls
The location of the controls for the 150 and
200/250 are shown in Figures 2.1 and 2.2:
150 –
1On/Off Button
2PTT Button
3(Accessory Socket)
4High/Low Transmit Power Button
5Autosquelch On/Off Button
6Backlight On/Off (Channel Display)
7Channel Selection Knob
8Audio Volume Control Knob
9(Tx Status LED)
10 (Battery Status LED)
11 (Rx Status LED)
200/250 –
1On/Off Button
2PTT Button
3(LCD Screen)
4High/Low Transmit Power Button
5Audio Volume Up
6Audio Volume Down
7Dual Watch (D/W)
8Squelch Up/Enter Memory
9Channel 16
10 Channel Up/Memory Scan
11 Squelch Down/Scan Inhibit
12 Function*/LCD Backlighting
13 Channel Down/All Scan
* Scanning models only. All functions listed in
italics are secondary functions accessed by
pressing the FUNCTION (F) key first.
AS
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
11 12 13
89
10
AS
1
2
378
91011
4
5
6
Fig 2.1 - 150 schematic
Fig 2.2 - 200/250 schematic

Page 11
2.2 Operation – 150
The operation of any of the push buttons or
the channel selector knob is confirmed by an
audible beep from the unit. The operation of
the controls for the 150 and 150 GMDSS is as
follows:
On/Off Button (1)
Pressing this button will turn the radio on and
off. To turn the radio off it is necessary to hold
the button in for two seconds. This prevents the
radio being accidentally switched off.
PTT Button (2)
The PTT, or Press-To-Talk, button is used to
switch the radio from receive to transmit.
Unlike other keys, the radio will not beep if this
key is pressed, but the Rx LED (11) will go off
and the Tx LED (9) will illuminate.
If the radio will not transmit when the PTT but-
ton is pressed, this may be because the selected
channel is not valid for transmission.
High/LowTransmit Power Button (4)
This button will toggle the transmit power
between the preset maximum level (normally 5
Watts) and low power (normally 1 Watt).
Autosquelch On/Off Button
When pressed, this button will open the
squelch to incoming signals. The squelch set-
ting is preset at the factory to cope with most
operating conditions. If, however, it is found
necessary to change this setting, the following
procedure should be followed :
1. With the radio on, turn the volume control
(8) fully anti-clockwise (Fig 2.3).
2. Turn the radio off.
3. Without adjusting the rotary controls, hold
in the squelch button and turn the radio on.
4. Atriple beep will be heard. This will be fol-
lowed by a series of beeps indicating the
squelch level being set.
5. The setting is from 1 to 8 beeps, with 8 being
fully squelched. When the correct setting is
reached, release the squelch button. The setting
is now stored in the radio.
TURN RADIO OFF
HI LO
TX BAT RX
TURN RADIO ON
HI LO
TX BAT RX
RELEASE BUTTON WHEN COR-
RECT SETTING IS SELECTED
Fig 2.3 - Setting Autosquelch
Anti-clockwise

Page 12
Backlighting On/Off (6)
This button will illuminate the channel selec-
tion window for a period of ten seconds. The
window will re-illuminate for a further ten sec-
onds if a key is subsequently pressed, thus pre-
serving battery life. Pressing this button again
will switch the backlighting off.
Channel Selection Knob (7)
This is a sixteen-position rotary switch used to
select the channels programmed into the radio.
The channel selected is shown in the channel
selection window next to the knob, with each
programmed channel selection being con-
firmed by a beep. This first position (normally
channel 16) is indicated by a long beep. NB,
although there are sixteen channel locations,
not all of these may have a channel pro-
grammed into them.
AudioVolume Control Knob (8)
Turn the knob clockwise to increase volume
and anticlockwise to reduce volume.
Tx Status LED (9)
This LED indicates the transmit power status
of the radio:
LED Blinking Receive, high power selected.
LED Off Receive, low power selected.
LED Flashing Transmit, low power selected.
LED On Transmit, high power selected
(Fig 2.4).
Battery Status LED (10)
This shows the charge status of the battery -
LED Off Battery charge okay.
LED Blinking Battery level low (Fig 2.5).
Rx Status LED (11)
This displays the squelch status of the radio as
follows:
LED Blinking Fully squelched (Fig 2.5).
LED On Squelch open.
HI LO
TX BAT RX
Fig 2.4 -Tx LED: transmitting on high power
HI LO
TX BAT RX
Fig 2.5 - Rx LED: receiving,fully squelched

Page 13
D/W SQ
SQ
16
FCH
CH
VOL
VOL
HI LO
M+ MS
AS
Fig 2.6 - Switching On and Off
D/W SQ
SQ
16
FCH
CH
VOL
VOL
HI LO
M+ MS
AS
VOL
VOL
Rx
Fig 2.7 -Volume bargraph on LCD display
2.3 Operation – 200/250
The operation of any of the push buttons, or
the channel selector knob is confirmed by an
audible beep from the unit. The operation of
the controls for the 200, 250 and 250 GMDSS is
as follows -
On/Off Button (1)
Pressing this button will turn the radio on and
off (Fig 2.6). To turn the radio off it is necessary
to hold the button in for two seconds, prevent-
ing the radio being accidentally switched off.
PTT Button (2)
The PTT, or Press-To-Talk, button is used to
switch the radio from receive to transmit.
Unlike other keys, the radio will not beep if this
key is pressed, but the LCD legend will change
from to , and the bar graph will display
the current battery strength.
If the radio will not transmit when the PTT but-
ton is pressed, this may be because the selected
channel is not valid for transmission. NOTE -
transmit is also inhibited when the Dual Watch
or Scanning functions are activated.
High/LowTransmit Power Button (4)
This button will toggle the transmit power
between the preset maximum level (normally
5 Watts) and low power (normally 1 Watt). The
power setting selected will be indicated by
either the HI or LO legend on the LCD dis-
play.
AudioVolume Up (5)
This button will increase the audio volume in
graduated increments. The volume setting will
be indicated on the LCD display by the bar
graph (Fig 2.7).
AudioVolume Down (6)
This button will decrease the audio volume in
graduated decrements. The volume setting will
be indicated on the LCD display by the bar
graph.
DualWatch (7)
The Dual Watch function enables the radio to
scan between the selected channel and the pri-
ority channel (normally channel 16). To activate
Dual Watch mode, select the channel and press
TxRx

D/W. While the radio is in Dual Watch mode,
the D/W legend will be displayed on the LCD.
REVERT Function - If D/W is pressed when
CH16 is selected, the radio will revert to the
previously selected channel.
Squelch Up (8)
This button will increase the receiver muting
threshold (or SQUELCH) level, i.e a stronger
signal will be required to activate the receiver.
The squelch level selected is indicated by the
bar chart on the LCD display (Fig 2.8).
Squelch Down (11)
This button will decrease the squelch level, i.e
weaker signals will be able to activate the
receiver. The squelch level selected is indicated
by the bar chart on the LCD display.
Channel 16 (9)
Will automatically select Channel 16 on High
Power when pressed. Any function active
(such as Dual Watch, Scanning, etc) will be can-
celled.
Channel Up (10)
This button will scroll up through the channels
available, the selected channel being shown by
the large digits on the LCD display (Fig 2.9).
The radio will automatically switch to Low
Power if the selected channel is inhibited to
transmit on the Low Power setting only, even if
High Power is currently selected.
Channel Down (13)
This button will scroll down through the chan-
nels available as Channel Up (see above).
2.3.1 The Function Key (12)
(SCANNING MODELS ONLY) Function (F) is
used to access second level functions available,
and is indicated by the Flegend appearing in
the LCD display for two seconds. After this
time, the legend will disappear and the radio
will revert to first level functions. Therefore,
the subsequent buttons must be pressed within
two seconds of Fbeing pressed.
Page 14
D/W SQ
SQ
16
FCH
CH
VOL
VOL
HI LO
M+ MS
AS
SQ
SQ
Rx
Fig 2.8 - Squelch bargraph on LCD display
D/W SQ
SQ
16
FCH
CH
VOL
VOL
M+ MS
AS
VOL
VOL
SIG
Rx
SIG
Rx
CH
VOL
VOL
SIG
Rx
Fig 2.9 - Scrolling through channels using CH▲and
CH▼buttons

NOTE -Second level functions are only avail-
able on scanning versions of the 200 and 250.
On non-scanning versions, the Fkey is re-
placed with a backlighting key.
- Backlighting (F-F)
On scanning models of the 200 and 250, the
LCD display backlighting can be switched on
by pressing F and Fagain within two seconds.
By keeping Fdepressed, the radio will step
through the six levels of illumination available
(Fig 2.10). A second press will turn the back-
lighting off.
On non-scanning versions, the backlighting
key – which replaces the Fkey – must only
be pressed and held once.
While the backlighting is activated, the lamp
legend will be shown on the LCD display.
On all versions, the backlighting will automat-
ically switch off if no button is pressed for ten
seconds or longer. The backlighting will re-illu-
minate if a button is subsequently pressed.
AS - All Channel Scan (F-Channel Down)
This function enables the radio to scan through
each channel sequentially until a signal is
detected which is above the squelch level set.
Once the signal ends or drops below the
squelch level, the radio will continue scanning.
Pressing Channel Up will step to the next
channel regardless of the signal strength.
Pressing Channel Down or F-Channel Down
will exit Scan mode.
M+ - Memory Enter (F-Squelch Up)
This function will add the currently selected
channel into the Scan Memory. The LCD dis-
play will show ‘ENT’ indicating that the chan-
nel has been entered into the Scan Memory.
When that channel is subsequently selected, a
legend will be shown on the bottom line of
the LCD display indicating that the channel is
in the Scan Memory (Fig 2.11). Pressing F-
Squelch Up if the channel is already in the
Scan Memory will remove it from the memory
- indicated by ‘DEL’ appearing on the bottom
line of the LCD display.
D/W SQ
SQ
16
FCH
CH
M+ MS
AS
D/W SQ
SQ
16
FCH
CH
VOL
VOL
HI LO
M+ MS
AS
F
SIG
Rx
Fig 2.10 - LCD backlighting
D/W SQ
SQ
16
FCH
CH
VOL
VOL
M+ MS
AS
D/W SQ
SQ
16
FCH
CH
VOL
VOL
M+ MS
AS
Fig 2.11 - Entering channel into Scan Memory
SIG
Rx
F
SIG
Rx
SQ

Page 16
MS - Memory Scan (F-Channel Up)
This function operates in the same way as the
Scanning function (F-Channel Down), except
that it will only scan channels that have been
entered into the Scan Memory. If no channels
have been entered into the memory, then this
function will not be available.
- Channel Inhibit (F-Squelch Down)
Since the Scanning function operates by stop-
ping on channels where a signal is detected, the
function will lock onto a channel with a lot of
interference noise, or if a channel is transmit-
ting a continuous carrier wave signal. This will
prevent the radio from continuing its scan of
the other channels.
The Inhibit function allows unwanted channels
to be removed from the Scanning function
while remaining available for use on the radio.
Pressing F-Squelch Down will inhibit the cur-
rent channel – indicated by ‘INH’ appearing on
the bottom line of the LCD display (Fig 2.12).
When that channel is subsequently selected, a
legend will be shown on the bottom line of
the LCD display indicating that the channel is
inhibited from the Scanning function.
Pressing F-Squelch Down if the channel is
already in inhibited will restore it to the Scan
function – indicated by ‘SCAN’ appearing on
the bottom line of the LCD display.
Mem (F-Channel Up held for two seconds)
This function allows the radio to operate only
on the channels held in the Scan Memory -
indicated by ‘MEM’ shown on the LCD dis-
play. If the Scanning function is selected, it will
operate the same way as the Memory Scan
function.
Pressing CH16 or F-Channel Up held for
two seconds will return the radio to normal
operation.
D/W SQ
SQ
16
FCH
CH
VOL
VOL
M+ MS
AS
D/W SQ
SQ
16
FCH
CH
VOL
VOL
M+ MS
AS
Fig 2.12 - Inhibiting channel from Scan
SIG
Rx
F
SIG
Rx
SQ

Page 17
AXIS 200
CH
AS
F
SQ
AXIS 200
CH
AS
F
SQ
Fig 3.2 - Release lever in‘unlocked’ position
3 BATTERY USE
3.1 Removal,Fitting and Options
The radio comes equipped with a 700- or
850mA-hour NiCad battery pack as standard
(depending on model). All battery types are
housed in an identical enclosure.
Model Battery Pack Supplied
200 NCB700 - 700mAh
150 NCB850 - 850mAh
250 NCB850 - 850mAh
150 GMDSS NCB850 - 850mAh
250 GMDSS NCB850 - 850mAh
To remove the battery, lift the release lever sit-
uated at the base of the battery pack to the ver-
tical position. Turn this through 180º, and pull
the release lever to withdraw the battery (Fig
3.1).
Before inserting a battery, check that the release
lever is in the ‘unlocked’ position (Fig 3.2), i.e.
the textured side of the lever is pointing away
from the recess on the base of the battery pack.
Although the set is fully waterproof even with
the battery removed, it is recommended that
any moisture on the top of the battery or in the
battery compartment is wiped clear prior to
insertion to prevent the water creating a con-
ductive path between the contacts and reduc-
ing battery life.
Fig 3.1 - Battery pack removal

Page 18
3.2 Charger Options
The 200 is supplied as standard with a 12v
drop-in trickle charger TCH12 that will accept
the whole radio, or the battery alone (Fig 3.3).
This charger will run from a standard 12v
marine supply (12.6v–15.5v), or from 110v/
220v/240v mains with an appropriate optional
adapter/power supply. Charging with the
trickle charger takes approximately 12–16
hours. There are also optional drop-in Comm-
ercial Trickle and Rapid chargers available
(CTC1 and CRC1). The CRC1 will charge the
battery within 11/2hours and has an additional
charge maintaining slot. Both the CTC1 and
CRC1 have an inbuilt mains adapter.
3.3 Mains Adapters forTCH12 Charger
Charger Country Mains Adapter
TCH12 UK MAD230:U
Europe MAD230:E
USA MAD115:A
3.4 Charging of Batteries
To charge the NiCad battery pack, insert the
radio or battery into the charger ensuring that
excess moisture is wiped clear from the three
contacts on the back of the battery pack (Fig
3.4). The TCH12 will constantly trickle charge
the battery even once it is fully charged, thus
ensuring that it is always at full capacity. The
RCH1 will rapid charge the battery until it is
fully charged and will then automatically
switch to trickle charge.
IMPORTANT – The lithium battery pack
(available with GMDSS sets, or as an option-
al extra) are not rechargeable, and under no
circumstances should any attempt be made to
recharge these batteries.
Replacement lithium cells can be re-ordered
from your local Simrad Agent, quoting Part
No. LTB1.
AXIS200
D/W SQ
SQ
16
FCH
CH
VOL
VOL
HI LO
M+ MS
AS
TCH12 Trickle Charger
Charging with
battery fitted Charging battery only
Battery Contacts
Fig 3.3 - Battery Charger Options
Fig 3.4 - Battery Charging Contacts
Battery Contacts

HI LO
TX BAT RX
Page 19
3.5 Notes on Charging
1. NiCad battery packs are supplied un-
charged and need charging before use.
2. Charge the battery up to full charge when
not in use, although it may lose a proportion of
its charge after some months of storage.
3. Do not charge at temperatures below 0ºC
or above 40ºC.
4. Check battery level indicator during
switch on to determine remaining battery life.
5. Turn off if charging battery while fitted to
Axis.
6. Always try to fully discharge the battery
before recharging – repeated recharging of the
battery while it is partly discharged may create
a ‘memory effect’, preventing the battery
reaching full charge.
7. Dispose of used batteries carefully. The
contents of the batteries are harmful to wildlife.
8. Never expose to a naked flame.
3.6 200/250 Battery Level Indicator
The battery level is shown when the radio is
first switched on, and also when transmitting
(Fig 3.5). This indicates the voltage at the bat-
tery terminals, not necessarily the charge
stored. Seven or eight bars represent a fully
charged battery, whilst four bars represent a
battery whose charge is almost drained.
3.7 150 Battery Status LED
The battery status LED displays the current
condition of the battery.
LED off : Battery level nominal.
LED blinking : Battery level low.
NOTE - When using a lithium battery pack, the
low level battery indicator may flash under
transmit conditions. This does not necessarily
reflect the charge level remaining in the battery,
as it is due to the different voltage characteris-
tics of a lithium battery pack under load.
Replacement and spare batteries are available
from your local SimradAgent. Please quote the
relevant part number.
BAT
Tx
Fig 3.5 - 200/250 Battery Level Indicator
Fig 3.6 - 150 Battery Status LED

Page 20
Ai Based on - 5% Transmit at 5 Watts setting of r.f. output power (1.4Amp)
5% Receive at 250mWatts Audio (.25Amp)
90% Receiver squelched (0.025Amp)
Aii Based on - 5% Transmit at 1Watt setting of r.f. output power (1.1Amp)
5% Receive at 250mWatts Audio (.25Amp)
90% Receiver squelched (0.025Amp)
BBased on - 10% Transmit at 5Watt setting of r.f. output power (1.4Amp)
10% Receiver at 250mWatts Audio (.25Amp)
80% Receiver squelched (0.025Amp)
Charge HeldWhile Stored
The following data is approximate:
BATTERY PACK Typical Life of a fully charged pack at 25°C
Duty Cycle Ai Duty CycleAii Duty Cycle B
700mAh 5.6 hrs 6.7 hrs 3.2 hrs
850 mAh 8.0 hrs 9.4 hrs 4.6 hrs
Lithium > 15 hrs > 18 hrs >8 hrs
3.8 Battery Life Guidelines
To a large extent, the battery life will depend on
the usage, or Duty Cycle of the radio – i.e the
battery will be drained much quicker, if the
radio is transmitting continually than if it is
just receiving. Additionally, if the radio is set to
High Power (5 Watts*), the power drain will be
considerably greater than if transmitting on
Low Power (1 Watt*).
* Standard power settings
Battery Pack Duration
At 25 ºC At 45ºC
NiCad Battery Up to 50% Charge 4–6 months 4 weeks
(NCB700/
NCB850)