Simrad RS86 User manual

MAXIMIZING YOUR PERFORMANCE AT SEA

Simrad RS86 & RS87
VHF Radio Systems
MANUAL

RS86/RS87 VHF
IV Part No. E04819 Issue 1.0 12-Apr-05 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 development
and improvement. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmit-
ted 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.
© 2005 Simrad Ltd

Instruction Manual
V
1 GENERAL
1.1 Introduction ........................................................................... 9
1.1.1 About this manual ........................................................ 9
1.2 The Simrad integrated system ............................................... 10
1.3 Licensing ............................................................................... 11
1.4 Radio Frequency exposure guidelines ................................... 11
1.5 MMSI number ....................................................................... 12
1.6 ATIS number .......................................................................... 12
1.7 Group ID MMSI .................................................................... 12
2 MAIN FUNCTIONS
2.1 General notes ......................................................................... 13
2.2 Switching on & Second Country mode ................................. 13
2.3 Changing channels ................................................................ 14
2.3.1 Additional channels ...................................................... 15
2.4 Volume adjustment ................................................................ 16
2.5 Squelch adjustment ................................................................ 16
2.6 Dual Watch ............................................................................ 16
2.7 Tri-Watch ............................................................................... 17
2.8 All Scan mode ....................................................................... 18
2.8.1 Dynamic All Scan inhibit ............................................ 18
2.9 Memory Scan mode ............................................................... 19
2.9.1 Dynamic Memory Scan delete .................................... 19
2.10 Adjusting backlighting ........................................................ 20
2.11 Handset/fistmike off cradle .................................................. 20
3 MENU MODE
3.1 Scanning ................................................................................ 21
3.1.1 All Scan inhibit ............................................................ 21
3.1.2 All Scan reset ............................................................... 22
3.1.3 All Scan show .............................................................. 22
3.1.4 Memory Scan select ..................................................... 23
3.1.5 Memory Scan clear ...................................................... 23
3.1.6 Memory Scan show ..................................................... 24
3.1.7 Scan dwell time ............................................................ 24
3.2 Numbers ................................................................................ 25
3.2.1 Ship’s MMSI ................................................................ 25
3.2.2 ATIS number ................................................................ 26
3.2.3 Group MMSI ................................................................ 27
3.3 VHF Items ............................................................................. 28
3.3.1 User channel ................................................................ 28
3.3.2 Position view ................................................................ 29
3.3.3 Last used channel ......................................................... 29
3.3.4 Interrupt Intercom ........................................................ 30
3.3.5 Auxiliary audio ............................................................ 30
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RS86/RS87 VHF
VI E04819 Issue 1.0
3.3.6 Speaker settings ........................................................... 31
3.3.7 SimNet Management ................................................... 32
3.3.7.1 Data sources ........................................................... 32
3.3.7.2 Lighting banks ....................................................... 33
3.3.7.3 Device instance ...................................................... 34
3.3.7.4 System instance ...................................................... 35
3.3.8 Lighting modes ............................................................ 36
4 DSC FUNCTIONS
4.1 General .................................................................................. 37
4.2 Making a call ......................................................................... 37
4.2.1 Individual routine call .................................................. 37
4.2.2 Public correspondence call .......................................... 38
4.2.3 All Ships Safety call .................................................... 40
4.2.4 All Ships Urgency call ................................................. 40
4.2.5 Group call .................................................................... 41
4.2.6 Distress Alert call ......................................................... 41
4.3 Receiving a call ..................................................................... 43
4.3.1 Individual routine call .................................................. 43
4.3.2 Public correspondence call .......................................... 44
4.3.3 All Ships Safety call .................................................... 45
4.3.4 All Ships Urgency call ................................................. 45
4.3.5 Group call .................................................................... 46
4.3.6 Distress Alert call ......................................................... 47
4.3.7 Distress Alert acknowledgment ................................... 48
4.3.8 Distress relay call ......................................................... 49
4.4 Viewing the call log ............................................................... 50
4.5 Position over 4 hours old ....................................................... 51
5 THE DIRECTORY
5.1 Switching between directories ............................................... 52
5.2 Viewing a directory ............................................................... 52
5.3 Entering a number ................................................................. 53
5.4 Editing a number ................................................................... 54
6 MISCELLANEOUS FUNCTIONS
6.1 Selecting Weather Watch ....................................................... 55
6.1.1 Weather Watch Alert .................................................... 55
6.2 Security mode (voice scrambler) ........................................... 56
6.3 Losing nav data ..................................................................... 56
6.3.1 Losing SimNet data ..................................................... 56
6.3.2 Losing NMEA data ...................................................... 56
6.4 Editing Latitude, Longitude and UTC .................................. 57
6.5 Toggling between Lat/Lon and UTC views .......................... 58
6.6 Intercom ................................................................................. 59
6.6.1 Making an intercom call .............................................. 59

Instruction Manual
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E04819 Issue 1.0
6.6.2 Receiving an intercom call .......................................... 60
6.7 Loudhailer/Foghorn ............................................................... 61
6.7.1 Loudhailer .................................................................... 61
6.7.2 Foghorn ........................................................................ 62
6.8 Station speaker mute ............................................................. 63
6.9 iDSC ...................................................................................... 63
7 INSTALLATION
7.1 Physical installation ............................................................... 64
7.1.1 Transceiver installation ................................................ 64
7.1.2 Control panel installation (RS86) ................................ 65
7.1.3 Handset installation (RS87) ......................................... 66
7.1.4 Station speaker installation .......................................... 67
7.2 Electronic installation ............................................................ 67
7.2.1 Control stations ............................................................ 68
7.2.2 Loudspeakers ............................................................... 69
7.2.3 Intercoms ...................................................................... 69
7.2.4 Loudhailers/Foghorns .................................................. 70
7.2.5 Remote foghorn button ................................................ 70
7.2.6 Auxiliary audio input ................................................... 71
7.2.7 NMEA0183 input ........................................................ 71
7.2.8 iDSC output ................................................................. 72
7.2.9 SimNet ........................................................................ 72
7.2.10 Summary of connections ........................................... 73
7.2.11 Cable strain relief ....................................................... 74
7.3 Antenna installation ............................................................... 74
7.4 Electrical interference suppression ........................................ 76
8 APPENDIX
8.1 Operating procedures ............................................................. 77
8.1.1 Sending a Distress Alert .............................................. 77
8.1.2 Acknowledging and relaying a Distress Alert ............. 77
8.1.3 Canceling a Distress Alert ........................................... 78
8.1.4 Alerting all vessels within range .................................. 78
8.1.5 Calling a coast station .................................................. 78
8.1.6 Making an intership call .............................................. 78
8.2 Compatible NMEA sentences ............................................... 79
8.3 Transmission range ................................................................ 79
8.4 Channel frequencies .............................................................. 80
8.5 Troubleshooting ..................................................................... 81
8.6 Optional accessories .............................................................. 82
8.7 Technical specification .......................................................... 83
8.8 Dimensions ............................................................................ 83
8.9 Declaration of Conformity .................................................... 84
8.10 Service & warranty .............................................................. 85

Instruction Manual
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E04819 Issue 1.0
1 GENERAL
1.1 Introduction
The RS86/RS87 is a modular VHF radio and Class D DSC
(Digital Selective Calling) radiotelephone systems using a fully
featured telephone-style handset (RS87) or a slimline control
panel (RS86) to access and control all functions. Both support
the latest GMDSS requirements for non-SOLAS vessels from
the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and will enable
you to make digitally selected calls that are quicker and simpler
to make than traditional voice calls using channel 16. Should a
distress situation occur, with the RS86/RS87 you can quickly
raise an alert, indicating your identity, your position, and auto-
matically establish distress communication on the emergency
voice channel.
The RS80 transceiver is robustly constructed using a pressure
die-cast aluminum 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 manu-
factured to the same high standards as the RS86/RS87. Please
contact your nearest Simrad Agent for a catalog showing our in-
creasing range of high-tech navigational instruments, GPS, Auto-
pilots, Radar, Echosounders, Chartplotters, and VHF radio sets.
Simrad operate a policy of continuous development and reserve
the right to alter and improve the specification of their products
without notice.
1.1.1 About this manual
This manual applies to both the RS86 fixed-panel and RS87
handset models of the RS80 system radio series.
Although most functions are identical, there are some differ-
ences in the user interface due to the different control layout:
Control of: RS86 RS87
Menu options CHANNEL knob VOL ▲& VOL ▼keys
Volume levels VOLUME knob VOL ▲& VOL ▼keys
Squelch levels SQUELCH knob SQkey
Note RS86 Users – For VOL ▲& VOL ▼(RS87) read CHANNEL rotary
control, unless otherwise stated.
WX WATCH
SPEAKER
DIR
TEL CALL
VOL
VOL ON/C
LAT/LON
CH SET
LIFT
COVER DISTRESS
16
VOLUME 1 1
SQUELCH 07
INT
RS87 handset

RS86/RS87 VHF
10 E04819 Issue 1.0
1.2 The Simrad integrated system
The standard RS86/RS87 radiotelephone can support up to two
stations with full intercom facility, geographical position input
via SimNet or NMEA 0183, and iDSC integration with Simrad
Chartplotters, which enables the plotters to display DSC call
information.
With the addition of an expansion board, the system can support
an additional two stations, two intercom speakers, and forward
and aft foghorn/loudhailer speakers in addition to the standard
functions.
Additional stations can either be another RS87-type telephone
handset, or an RS86 fixed-panel display with a passive telephone
handset or fistmike, allowing great flexibility in installations
(Fig 1.1).
Fig 1.1 - RS86/RS87 system options
DUAL STATION SYSTEM
EXPANDED SYSTEM
BASIC SYSTEM

Instruction Manual
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E04819 Issue 1.0
1.3 Licensing
Note Prior to use please check the national licensing requirements
for operators.
In the UK license applications and queries should be made to
the following authority:
Ship Radio Licencing
Radio Licencing Centre
The Post Office
PO Box 1495
Bristol BS99 3QS
Website: www.radiolicencecentre.co.uk/rlc
A set 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 sepa-
rate VHF certificate.
In all other countries, please contact your regional authority for
information.
1.4 Radio Frequency exposure guidelines
Note North American Users – To meet FCC (Federal Communica-
tions Commission) rules on Radio Frequency exposure, it is rec-
ommended that the VHF antenna is mounted at least 3 m (10 ft)
away from any area accessible to any personnel on board. If this
distance is achieved by vertical separation, the antenna must be
at least 5 m (16.5 ft) above deck. This guideline applies only to
antennas not exceeding 9dBi gain.
Warning Failure to observe these recommendations may
expose those within the MPE (maximum permit-
ted exposure) radius of 3 m (10 ft) to RF absorp-
tion levels that exceed the FCC safe limits.

RS86/RS87 VHF
12 E04819 Issue 1.0
1.5 MMSI number
At the time of issue of your vessel’s radio license an MMSI
(Maritime Mobile Service Identity) number must be requested.
This is a nine-digit number which must be permanently entered
into the RS86/RS87 when the radio is first set up, otherwise the
DSC functions cannot be accessed.
Note If the boat or the RS86/RS87 are subsequently sold, the radio
should be returned to an authorized Simrad agent for the MMSI
number to be erased and the new owner’s MMSI number entered.
An MMSI number will only be issued to licensed and certified
users. Please enquire with your local licensing authority for full
details.
➞Refer to section 3.2.1 on how to enter the vessel’s MMSI
number.
1.6 ATIS number
Some countries require an ATIS number (e.g. Benelux and the
Rhine/Danube waterways); however, this option will only ap-
pear on ATIS-equipped radios.
➞Refer to section 3.2.2 for information on how to enter an
ATIS number.
1.7 Group ID MMSI
For boats that are part of a flotilla, racing fleet, or other group, a
Group ID MMSI number can also be entered, which will allow
DSC communication within the group.
Note Contact your local authority for rules regarding Group MMSI
allocation. In some countries, where ATIS is in use, Group MMSI
numbers may not be permitted.
➞Refer to section 3.2.3 on how to enter a Group MMSI number.

Instruction Manual
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E04819 Issue 1.0
2 MAIN FUNCTIONS
2.1 General notes
Although it has many advanced features, the RS86/RS87 has
been designed to be as simple and intuitive to operate as possible.
The SHIFT key is used to access the secondary functions printed
above each key – press and release SHIFT, then press the appro-
priate key. These secondary functions are shown in this manual
in brackets, e.g. (GROUP).
Note The SHIFT key will automatically time out of Shift mode after 2
seconds if another key is not pressed.
At any time, pressing ON/C will cancel the current operation.
The lowest occupied port is the master controller – any opera-
tions initiated on this handset will therefore override all other
stations.
Note In order for other users to be able to operate the radio, it is
imperative that the handset is replaced in the cradle after use.
2.2 Switching on & Second Country mode
To turn the radio on, press the ON/C key. The display will show
the handset software issue number for 2 seconds, then the sta-
tion number and software issue number for the transceiver unit
for 2 seconds.
As a default, the radio switches on tuned to the priority channel
(normally 16). If Last used channel mode has been set (see sec-
tion 3.3.3), the radio will switch on tuned to the previously used
channel. The radio also stores the previous volume and squelch
settings and will use these on start-up.
In countries where it is permitted, the RS86/RS87 can operate
on a secondary set of channels, such as the USA channels.
To select the secondary channel table, press SHIFT followed by
OK. The display will show the channel set selected for 2 seconds
before reverting to the default display.
Note Channels available will depend on programming. Please enquire
with your national licensing authority for details of permitted
channel sets in your own country (cf. sections 2.3.1 and 8.4).

RS86/RS87 VHF
14 E04819 Issue 1.0
2.3 Changing channels
To select a channel, enter the channel number using the numer-
ic keypad (Fig 2.1).
Fig 2.1 - Selecting a channel
If the channel is invalid, the display will show “INVALID
CHANNEL” and then revert to the previous channel.
The priority channel (normally 16) can be selected by pressing
16, which will also set the radio to 25W transmit power.
The preselected User channel can be directly selected by press-
ing the USER key. The display will show “U” next to the chan-
nel number to indicate that it is the User channel (Fig 2.2).
72
VOLUME 05
SQUELCH 03
INT
U 23
VOLUME 05
SQUELCH 03
INT
16
VOLUME 05
SQUELCH 03
INT
The default setting for the User channel is 16.
➞Refer to section 3.3.1 for details on setting the User channel.
Fig 2.2 - User channel selected

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E04819 Issue 1.0
2.3.1 Additional channels
In addition to the standard international channels, the RS86/87
can also be programmed with regional auxiliary channels, such
as the Marina channels M and M2 in the UK, the USA Weather
channels, and the Fishing or Leisure channels in Scandinavia.
To display the channel sets available, press SHIFT followed by
1W (CHSET). Multiple pressing of the 1W key, while still in
Shift mode, will scroll through the available channel sets (Fig 2.3).
When the required channel set is displayed, enter the channel
number using the numeric keypad, e.g. “2” for M2 (Fig 2.4).
MAR I NAAAAA
MAR I NAAAAA
INT
PR I VATE AAA
Fig 2.3 - Selecting auxiliary channel sets
(sets must be available to be displayed)
Fig 2.4 - Selecting auxiliary channel number
The only exception to this is when selecting UK Marina chan-
nel M, which has no number associated with it. Simply select-
ing the Marina channel set will automatically select it.
Note If no numeric keys are pressed within 2 seconds, the radio will
revert to the previous working channel (except for Marina
channel M as noted above).
2
MAR I NAAAAA
INT

RS86/RS87 VHF
16 E04819 Issue 1.0
2.4 Volume adjustment
To adjust the volume, press the VOL ▲and VOL ▼keys (rotate
the VOLUME control) to increase or decrease the setting, respec-
tively. Press and hold a VOL key to increase/decrease the setting
rapidly. The volume setting can be between 1 and 24 (loud).
2.5 Squelch adjustment
To adjust the squelch setting, press the SQkey (rotate the
SQUELCH control) to enter squelch adjustment mode. The
squelch setting can be between 0 (open) and 10.
On the RS87 only: use the VOL ▲and VOL ▼keys to increase
or decrease the squelch, respectively. Press and hold a VOL key
to increase/decrease the setting rapidly.
Note Squelch mode will automatically time out after 2 seconds, un-
less another key is pressed. Squelch mode can also be canceled
by pressing the ON/C key.
2.6 Dual Watch
Dual Watch allows the radio to scan between the selected work-
ing channel and the watch channel (the priority channel, nor-
mally 16).
To enter Dual Watch, select the required working channel, then
press SHIFT and 3(DW) within 2 seconds.
If Dual Watch is selected while the handset/fistmike is off cra-
dle, the display will show “PLACE BACK ON CRADLE”. If
the handset/fistmike is replaced within 10 seconds of selecting
Dual Watch, it will automatically initiate Dual Watch.
The display will show “D/W” – the large digits on the display
indicate the working channel, with the watch channel shown
below in small digits (Fig 2.5).
6
D/WAAAAA 16
BBBBBBBBBB
INT
DW
Fig 2.5 - Dual Watch mode

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E04819 Issue 1.0
If the radio detects a signal on the watch channel, it will lock
onto this and the large digits will change to show the watch
channel.
Note All other stations will also show the Dual Watch display.
Note Normal VHF functions will not be available when in Dual Watch
mode. To exit Dual Watch, press 16 or ON/C, or lift the handset/
fistmike from the cradle.
2.7 Tri-Watch
Tri-Watch allows the radio to scan between the selected work-
ing channel, the User channel, and the watch channel.
Note Tri-Watch cannot be selected if the User channel is set to Ch16.
To enter Tri-Watch, select the required working channel, press
SHIFT, and then press and hold 3(DW) for 2 seconds.
If Tri-Watch is selected while the handset/fistmike is off the cra-
dle, the display will show “PLACE BACK ON CRADLE”. If
the handset/fistmike is replaced within 10 seconds of selecting
Tri-Watch, it will automatically initiate Tri-Watch.
The display will show “T/W” – the large digits on the display
indicate the working channel, with the User channel and watch
channel shown below in small digits (Fig 2.6).
Press & hold
T/WAAAAA 16
USERBBBBB6
INT 10
Fig 2.6 - Tri-Watch mode
If the radio detects a signal on the User or watch channel, it
will lock onto this and the large digits will change to show the
relevant channel.
Note All other stations will also show the Tri-Watch display.
Note Normal VHF functions will not be available when in Tri-Watch
mode. To exit Tri-Watch, press 16 or ON/C, or lift the handset/
fistmike from the cradle.

RS86/RS87 VHF
18 E04819 Issue 1.0
If the radio locks onto a busy channel, pressing OKwill manu-
ally continue the scan. All Scan will otherwise automatically
restart when the channel becomes clear.
Note All other stations will also show the All Scan display.
Note While in Scan mode, normal VHF functions are not available.
To exit All Scan, press 16 or ON/C, or lift the handset from the
cradle.
2.8.1 Dynamic All Scan inhibit
If the radio is constantly locking onto a busy channel during
scanning, this channel can be excluded from the scan by press-
ing SHIFT then 1while locked on that channel.
The display will show “CHANNEL INHIBITED” and the chan-
nel will no longer be included in the scan cycle.
➞The channel can be reinstated using the menu option de-
scribed in section 3.1.2.
2.8 All Scan mode
The scan function cycles the RS86/RS87 sequentially through
each enabled channel, pausing when a signal is detected.
Press SHIFT followed by 1(SCAN ALL) to enter All Scan mode.
If All Scan is selected while the handset/fistmike is off cradle,
the display will show “PLACE BACK ON CRADLE”. This
function will be canceled, if the handset/fistmike is not returned
to the cradle within 10 seconds.
The display will now show “SCAN ALL”. If the radio detects
a signal, it will lock onto this and the large digits will change
to show the relevant channel number (Fig 2.7).
67
INT
SCAN
ALL
Fig 2.7 - All Scan mode

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2.9 Memory Scan mode
Memory Scan gives the option of scanning a preprogrammed
set of channels specified by the user (see sections 3.1.4 and
3.1.5).
Press SHIFT then 2(SCAN M) to enter Memory Scan mode.
If Memory Scan is selected while the handset/fistmike is off
cradle, the display will show “PLACE BACK ON CRADLE”.
If the handset/fistmike is replaced within 10 seconds of select-
ing Memory Scan, it will automatically initiate Memory Scan.
The display will now show “SCAN M”. If the radio detects a
signal, it will lock onto this and the large digits will change to
show the relevant channel (Fig 2.8).
68
INT
SCAN
M
Fig 2.8 - Memory Scan mode
If the radio locks onto a busy channel, pressing OKwill manu-
ally continue the scan. Memory Scan will otherwise automati-
cally restart when the channel becomes clear.
Note If only one channel has been entered into the memory, then ini-
tiating Memory Scan will retune the RS86/RS87 to the stored
channel.
Note All other stations will also show the Memory Scan display.
Note While in Memory Scan mode, normal VHF functions are not
available. To exit Memory Scan, press 16 or ON/C, or lift the
handset from the cradle.
2.9.1 Dynamic Memory Scan delete
If the radio is constantly locking onto a busy channel during
scanning, this channel can be removed from the Memory Scan
by pressing SHIFT then 2while locked on that channel.
The display will show “CHANNEL DELETED” and the chan-
nel will no longer be included in the scan cycle.

RS86/RS87 VHF
20 E04819 Issue 1.0
2.10 Adjusting backlighting
The display and keypad are backlit – to set the backlighting
level, press SHIFT followed by CALL(DIMMER) to enter back-
lighting mode.
Use the VOL ▲and VOL ▼keys to adjust the backlighting level
from off through to level 5.
Press OKor ON/C to exit the backlighting mode at the selected
level.
Note Backlighting levels will only affect this particular station.
2.11 Handset/fistmike off cradle
When a handset/fistmike is lifted off its cradle, all other stations
will show “OCCUPIED” on the display (Fig 2.9). This means
that these stations are locked out until the handset/fistmike is
returned to the cradle – unless the station is being called on
intercom by another station.
Note The handset plugged into the lowest numbered port is the de-
signated master unit. Lifting the master handset will override
all other stations, even if it is displaying “OCCUPIED”. All
other stations will now display “OCCUPIED” in return and be
locked out.
STAT I ONAA2
OCCUP I EDBB
INT 16
Fig 2.9 - Station 2 handset is in use