Standard Horizon HX300 User manual

Page 1HX300
HX300
Floating VHF FM Marine Transceiver
Owner’s Manual
FCC ID: K6630493X20 / IC: 511B-303493X20
Vertex Standard Co.,Ltd.

HX300Page 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Quick Reference Guide .................................................................................................................................... 3
1. GENERAL INFORMATION ........................................................................................................................ 4
1.1 INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................ 4
1.2 SAFETY INFORMATION .............................................................................................................. 5
2. ACCESSORIES .......................................................................................................................................... 6
2.1 PACKING LIST .............................................................................................................................. 6
2.2 OPTIONS ....................................................................................................................................... 6
3. ABOUT THIS RADIO ................................................................................................................................ 7
3.1 ABOUT THE VHF MARINE BAND ............................................................................................ 7
3.2 ABOUT WATER RESISTANCE ................................................................................................... 7
3.3 DISTRESS AND HAILING (CHANNEL 16) ................................................................................ 7
3.4 CALLING ANOTHER VESSEL (CHANNEL 16 OR 9) ............................................................... 8
3.5 OPERATING ON CHANNEL 13 .................................................................................................. 9
3.6 OPERATING ON CHANNEL 67 .................................................................................................. 9
3.7 SIMPLEX / DUPLEX CHANNEL USE .......................................................................................... 9
4. GETTING STARTED................................................................................................................................ 10
4.1 RADIO CARE ............................................................................................................................... 10
4.2 BATTERIES AND CHARGERS .................................................................................................. 10
4.2.1 BATTERY SAFETY ......................................................................................................... 10
4.2.2 BATTERY INSTALLATION / REMOVAL .......................................................................... 12
4.2.3 BATTERY CHARGING .................................................................................................... 12
4.3 BELT CLIP INSTALLATION / REMOVAL ................................................................................... 13
HAND STRAP INSTALLATION .................................................................................................. 13
4.4 INSTALLATION OF OPTION ..................................................................................................... 14
4.3.1 FBA-44 ALKALINE BATTERY CASE ............................................................................ 14
5. CONTROLS AND INDICATORS ............................................................................................................ 15
5.1 CONTROLS AND SWITCHES ................................................................................................... 15
5.2 LCD INDICATORS ...................................................................................................................... 18
6. BASIC OPERATION ................................................................................................................................ 20
6.1 PROHIBITED COMMUNICATIONS ............................................................................................ 20
6.2 INITIAL SETUP ........................................................................................................................... 20
6.3 RECEPTION ................................................................................................................................ 20
6.4 TRANSMISSION .......................................................................................................................... 21
6.4.1 TRANSMIT TIME-OUT TIMER (TOT) .............................................................................. 21
WATER HAZARD LAMP ............................................................................................................ 21
6.5 USA, CANADIAN, AND INTERNATIONAL CHANNELS .......................................................... 22
6.6 KEYPAD LOCKING ..................................................................................................................... 22
6.7 NOAA WEATHER CHANNELS .................................................................................................. 22
6.7.1 NOAA WEATHER ALERT ................................................................................................ 22
6.7.2 NOAA WEATHER ALERT TESTING ................................................................................ 23
6.8 PRESET CHANNELS (0 ~ 9): INSTANT ACCESS ................................................................... 23
6.8.1 PROGRAMMING ............................................................................................................. 23
6.8.2 OPERATION ..................................................................................................................... 24
6.8.3 DELETING A PRESET CHANNEL ................................................................................ 24
6.9 SCANNING .................................................................................................................................. 24
6.9.1 PROGRAMMING THE SCAN MEMORY ...................................................................... 24
6.9.2 SELECTING THE SCAN TYPE ..................................................................................... 25
6.9.3 OPERATION ..................................................................................................................... 26
6.9.3.1 Priority Scan ....................................................................................................... 26
6.9.3.2 Memory Scan ..................................................................................................... 26
6.10 DUAL WATCH ............................................................................................................................. 26
6.11 TRI-WATCH ................................................................................................................................. 27
7. MENU (“SET”) MODE .............................................................................................................................. 28
8. MAINTENANCE ........................................................................................................................................ 30
8.1 GENERAL .................................................................................................................................... 30
8.2 REPLACEMENT PARTS............................................................................................................. 30
8.3 TROUBLESHOOTING CHART ................................................................................................... 31
9. VHF MARINE CHANNEL ASSIGNMENT ............................................................................................. 32
10. WARRANTY.............................................................................................................................................. 38
11. SPECIFICATIONS .................................................................................................................................... 41
11.1 GENERAL .................................................................................................................................... 41
11.2 TRANSMITTER............................................................................................................................ 41
11.3 RECEIVER ................................................................................................................................... 41
12. FCC AND CANADA RADIO LICENSE INFORMATION ..................................................................... 42
13. FCC NOTICE ........................................................................................................................................... 43
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Page 3HX300
Quick RefeRence Guide
This transceiver is equipped with the E2O (Easy-To-Operate) system. You
can do the basic operation in numerical order of the illustration below.
Connect the supplied CAT460 antenna securely.
Press and hold the key to turn on or off the radio.
Press the key several times until the “VOL” indicator blinks, then
press the / key to adjust the speaker audio volume.
Press the / key to selects the operating channel.
Press the key several times until the “SQL” indicator blinks, then
press the key to squelch or press the key to un-squelch the ra-
dio.
Press the key to toggle the transmit power between High (5W) and
Low (1W).
Press the key briey to recall channel 16.
Press and hold the key for two seconds to recall channel 9.
Press the key again to revert to the last selected channel.
Place your mouth about 1 inch (2.5 cm) away from MIC hole and speak
in a normal voice level while pressing the PTT switch.
MIC Hole
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1. GENERAL INFORMATION
1.1 INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of the HX300! Whether this is your rst
portable marine VHF transceiver, or if you have other STANDARD HORIZON
equipment, the STANDARD HORIZON organization is committed to ensuring
your enjoyment of this high performance transceiver, which should provide
you with many years of satisfying communications even in the harshest of
environments. STANDARD HORIZON technical support personnel stands
behind every product sold, and we invite you to contact us should you re-
quire technical advice or assistance.
The HX300 is a Submersible Floating 5-Watt portable two way marine trans-
ceiver. The transceiver has all allocated USA, International, or Canadian
channels. It has emergency channel 16 which can be immediately selected
from any channel by pressing the key. NOAA (National Oceanic and At-
mospheric Administration) Weather channels can also be accessed immedi-
ately by press and holding the key.
The HX300 includes the following features: Memory Scanning, Priority Scan-
ning, NOAA Weather Alert, easy-to-read large LCD display, EEPROM mem-
ory back-up, Battery Life displayed on LCD, the Water Hazard Lamp which
blinks automatically when fell in water, and a transmit Time-Out Timer (TOT).
The HX300 transmitter provides a full 5 Watt of transmit power and also is
selectable to 1 Watt to assist the user in ensuring maximum battery life.
We appreciate your purchase of the HX300, and encourage you to read this
manual thoroughly, so as to learn and fully understand the capabilities of the
HX300.
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Page 5HX300
1.2 SAFETY INFORMATION
Your wireless handheld portable transceiver contains a low power transmit-
ter. When the Push-to-Talk (PTT) button is pushed, the transceiver sends out
radio frequency (RF) signals. In August 1996, the Federal Communications
Commission adopted RF exposure guidelines with safety levels for hand-
held wireless devices.
This device is authorized to operate at a duty factor not to exceed 50% (this
corresponds to 50% transmission time and 50% reception time).
WARNING: To maintain compliance with the FCC’s RF exposure guidelines,
this transmitter and its antenna must maintain a separation distance of at
least 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) from your face. Speak in a normal voice, with
the antenna pointed up and away from the face at the required separation
distance.
Use only the supplied antenna. Unauthorized antennas, modications, or at-
tachments could damage the transmitter, and may violate FCC regulations.
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HX300Page 6
2. ACCESSORIES
2.1 PACKING LIST
When the package containing the transceiver is rst opened, please check it
for the following contents:
 HX300 Transceiver
 CAT460 Antenna
 FNB-122LI 3.7 V, 1560 mAh Li-Ion Battery Pack
 PA-54B 120VAC USB Wall Charger
 Charge Cable (HX300 1 PA-54B)
 CLIP-22 Belt Clip
 Hand Strap
 Owner’s Manual
2.2 OPTIONS
CN-3 Radio-to-Ship’s-Antenna Adapter
FNB-112LI 7.4 V, 1650 mAh Li-Ion Battery Pack
FBA-44 Alkaline Battery Case (3 x “AAA” Cell Size)
PA-54B/C/U USB Wall Charger
Charge Cable Connects HX300 and PA-54
: “B” sufx is for use with 120 VAC (Type-A plug), “C” sufx is for use with
230 VAC (Type-C plug), and “U” sufx is for use with 230 VAC (Type-BF
plug).
Note: Before operating the HX300 for the rst time, it is recommended that
the battery be charged. Please see section “4.2.3 BATTERY CHARGING”
for details.
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Page 7HX300
3. ABOUT THIS RADIO
3.1 ABOUT THE VHF MARINE BAND
The radio frequencies used in the VHF marine band lie between 156 and 158
MHz with NOAA Weather stations available between 161 and 163 MHz. The
marine VHF band provides communications over distances that are essen-
tially “Line of sight” Actual transmission range depends much more on an-
tenna type, gain and height than on the power output of the transmitter. On a
xed mount 25 W radio transmission expected distances can be greater than
15 miles, for a portable 5 W radio transmission the expected distance can be
greater than 5 miles in “Line of sight”.
The user of a Marine VHF radio is subject to severe nes if the radio is used
on land. The reasoning for this is you may be near an inland waterway, or
propagation anomalies may cause your transmission to be heard in a water-
way. If this occurs, depending upon the marine VHF channel on which you
are transmitting, you could interfere with a search and rescue case, or con-
tribute to a collision between passing ships. For VHF Marine channel assign-
ments refer to section “9 VHF MARINE CHANNEL CHART ASSIGNMENT”.
WARNING
This radio is capable of transmitting on Marine VHF.
The FCC allows the use of VHF Marine band on water areas only.
However the FCC does not allow the use of the VHF Marine band
when on land. If persons use the VHF Marine Band on land and inter-
fere with others communicating, the FCC will be notied and search
for the interference. Responsible parties found to be transmitting on
the VHF Marine Band on land could be ned up to $10,000 for the
rst offense.
3.2 ABOUT WATER RESISTANCE
Water resistance of the transceiver is ensured only when the Battery Cover
and CHG Cover is attached to the transceiver certainty.
3.3 DISTRESS AND HAILING (CHANNEL 16)
Channel 16 is known as the Hail and Distress Channel. An emergency may
be dened as a threat to life or property. In such instances, be sure the trans-
ceiver is on and set to “Channel 16”. Then use the following procedure:
1. Press the PTT (Push-To-Talk) switch and say “Mayday, Mayday, May-
day. This is _____, _____, _____” (your vessel’s name).
2. Then repeat once: “Mayday, _____” (your vessel’s name).
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HX300Page 8
3. Now report your position in latitude/longitude, or by giving a true or mag-
netic bearing (state which) to a well-known landmark such as a naviga-
tion aid or geographic feature such as an island or harbor entry.
4. Explain the nature of your distress (sinking, collision, aground, re, heart
attack, life-threatening injury, etc.).
5. State the kind of assistance your desire (pumps, medical aid, etc.).
6. Report the number of persons aboard and condition of any injured.
7. Estimate the present seaworthiness and condition of your vessel.
8. Give your vessel’s description: length, design (power or sail), color and
other distinguishing marks. The total transmission should not exceed 1
minute.
9. End the message by saying “OVER”. Release the PTT switch and listen.
10. If there is no answer, repeat the above procedure. If there is still no re-
sponse, try another channel.
3.4 CALLING ANOTHER VESSEL (CHANNEL 16 OR 9)
Channel 16 may be used for initial contact (hailing) with another vessel.
However, its most important use is for emergency messages. This channel
must be monitored at all times except when actually using another channel.
It is monitored by the U.S. and Canadian Coast Guards and by other ves-
sels. Use of channel 16 for hailing must be limited to initial contact only. Call-
ing should not exceed 30 seconds, but may be repeated 3 times at 2-minute
intervals. In areas of heavy radio trafc, congestion on channel 16 resulting
from its use as a hailing channel can be reduced signicantly in U.S. waters
by using Channel 9 as the initial contact (hailing) channel for non-emergency
communications. Here, also, calling time should not exceed 30 seconds but
may be repeated 3 times at 2-minute intervals.
Prior to making contact with another vessel, refer to the channel charts in this
manual, and select an appropriate channel for communications after initial
contact. For example, Channels 68 and 69 of the U.S. VHF Charts are some
of the channels available to non-commercial (recreational) boaters. Monitor
your desired channel in advance to make sure you will not be interrupting
other trafc, and then go back to either channel 16 or 9 for your initial contact.
When the hailing channel (16 or 9) is clear, state the name of the other ves-
sel you wish to call and then “this is” followed by the name of your vessel
and your Station License (Call Sign). When the other vessel returns your
call, immediately request another channel by saying “go to”, the number of
the other channel, and “over”. Then switch to the new channel. When the
new channel is not busy, call the other vessel.
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Page 9HX300
After a transmission, say “over”, and release the PTT (Push-To-Talk) switch.
When all communication with the other vessel is completed, end the last
transmission by stating your Call Sign and the word “out”. Note that it is not
necessary to state your Call Sign with each transmission, only at the begin-
ning and end of the contact.
Remember to return to Channel 16 when not using another channel. Some
radios automatically monitor Channel 16 even when set to other channels or
when scanning.
3.5 OPERATING ON CHANNEL 13
Channel 13 is used at docks, bridges and for maneuvering in port. Messages
on this channel must concern navigation only, such as meeting and pass-
ing in restricted waters. In emergencies and when approaching blind river
bends, High power is allowed. Pressing the key will change the power
output from Low Power (1 Watt) to High (5 Watts). When you change from
this channel then return to it, low power will be automatically selected.
3.6 OPERATING ON CHANNEL 67
When channel 67 is used for navigational bridge-to-bridge trafc between
ships, Normal, High or Medium power may be used temporarily (in the USA
band) by pressing the key. When you select this channel again, the
transceiver will revert to low power.
3.7 SIMPLEX/DUPLEX CHANNEL USE
Refer to the section “9 VHF MARINE CHANNEL CHART ASSIGNMENT” for
instructions on use of simplex and duplex channels.
NOTE
All channels are factory-programmed in accordance with FCC (USA),
Industry Canada and International regulations. The mode of opera-
tion cannot be altered from simplex to duplex or vice-versa. Simplex
(ship to ship) or duplex (marine operator) mode is automatically acti-
vated, depending on the channel and whether the USA, International
or Canadian operating band is selected.
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HX300Page 10
4. GETTING STARTED
4.1 RADIO CARE
CAUTION
Before following the instructions below, insure the battery pack is
in place and rmly tightened. Care must be taken if the radio was
dropped and a close inspection may be needed to insure the radio
case and gaskets are in adequate condition.
After using the HX300 in salt water environment is recommended to clean
the radio with fresh water after exposure to salt water by rinsing the radio
under a sink faucet or by dunking the radio in a bucket of fresh water. After
washing, use a soft cloth and thoroughly dry all parts of the radio. This is to
keep the rubber switches and speaker grill clean and in top operating condi-
tion.
4.2 BATTERIES AND CHARGERS
If the radio has never been used, or its charge is depleted, it may be charged
by connecting the PA-54B USB Wall Charger with the Charge Cable, see
section “4.3.3 BATTERY CHARGING”. The PA-54B will charge a completely
discharged FNB-112LI battery pack in about 6 hours.
If the USB port is available (such as your personal computer), You may
charge the FNB-112LI battery pack by connecting the supplied Charge Ca-
ble between the HX300 and USB port.
The FNB-112LI is a high performance Li-Ion battery providing high capacity
in a compact package.
CAUTION
To avoid risk of explosion and injury, FNB-112LI battery pack should
only be removed, charged or recharged in non-hazardous environ-
ments.
4.2.1 BATTERY SAFETY
Battery packs for your transceiver contain Li-Ion batteries. This type of bat-
tery stores a charge powerful enough to be dangerous if misused or abused,
especially when removed from the transceiver. Please observe the following
precautions:
DO NOT SHORT BATTERY PACK TERMINALS: Shorting the terminals
that power the transceiver can cause sparks, severe overheating, burns, and
battery cell damage. If the short is of sufcient duration, it is possible to melt
battery components. Do not place a loose battery pack on or near metal sur-
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Page 11HX300
faces or objects such as paper clips, keys, tools, etc. When the battery pack
is installed on the transceiver, the terminals that transfer current to the trans-
ceiver are not exposed. The terminals that are exposed on the battery pack
when it is mounted on the transceiver are charging terminals only and do not
constitute a hazard.
DO NOT INCINERATE: Do not dispose of any battery in a re or incinerator.
The heat of re may cause battery cells to explode and/or release dangerous
gases.
Battery Maintenance
For safe and proper battery use, please observe the following:
 Battery packs should be charged only in non-hazardous environ-
ments;
 Use only STANDARD HORIZON-approved batteries;
 Use only a STANDARD HORIZON approved charger. The use of any
other charger may cause permanent damage to the battery.
 Follow charging instructions provided with the chargers.
 Keep the battery contacts clean.
Battery Storage
Store the batteries in a cool place to maximize storage life. Since batteries
are subject to self-discharge, avoid high storage temperatures that cause
large self-discharge rates. After extended storage, a full recharge is recom-
mended.
Battery Recycling
DO NOT PLACE USED BATTERIES IN YOUR REGULAR TRASH!
LI-ION BATTERIES MUST BE COLLECTED, RECYCLED OR DISPOSED
OF IN AN ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND MANNER.
The incineration, land lling or mixing of Li-Ion batteries with the municipal
solid waste stream is PROHIBITED BY LAW in most areas.
Return batteries to an approved Li-Ion battery recycler. This may be where
you purchased the battery.
Contact your local waste management ofcials for other information regard-
ing the environmentally sound collection, recycling and disposal of Li-Ion bat-
teries.
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HX300Page 12
4.2.2 BATTERY INSTALLATION / REMOVAL
 Open the Battery Pack Latch on the bottom of the radio, then remove the
Battery Cover from the radio while pulling the bottom side of the Battery
Cover.
 Install the FNB-122LI Battery Pack into the Battery Nest of the radio,
carefully mate the battery’s two alignment
tabs on the top side of the Battery Pack with
their corresponding alignment slots in the
Battery Nest of the radio, then gently press
the bottom side of the Battery Pack until it
locks in place.
 Replace the Battery Cover to the radio,
carefully mate the two alignment tabs on the
Batter Cover with their corresponding align-
ment slots on the radio, then gently press
the bottom side of the Battery Cover.
 Close the Battery Pack Latch until it locks in
place with a “Click”.
CAUTION
The HX300 does NOT keep the water resis-
tance when the Battery Cover is not closed
securely.
4.2.3 BATTERY CHARGING
1. Turn the transceiver off.
2. Slide the CHG cover knob to open the
CHG cover, then connect the supplied
Charge Cable to the CHG jack on the
HX300.
3. Connect the other side plug of the sup-
plied Charge Cable to the PA-54B, then
plug the PA-54B into the AC line outlet.
4. If the connection is correct, the “ ”
and “ ” icon will appear in the display.
A fully-discharged pack will be charged
completely in approximately 6 hours.
5. When charging is completed, the “
” icon disappears and “FL” notation will appear in the display. Disconnect
the Charge Cable from the HX300 and close the CHG cover securely,
then unplug the PA-54B from the AC line outlet.
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Page 13HX300
CAUTION
 The HX300 does NOT keep the water resistance when the CHG
Cover is not closed securely.
 The PA-54B is NOT designed to be waterproof. Do not attempt to
charge in water hazardous locations.
NOTE
The PA-54B is only designed for the charging of the HX300’s battery
pack, and is not suitable for other purposes. The PA-54B may con-
tribute noise to TV and radio reception in the immediate vicinity, so
we do not recommend its use adjacent to such device.
4.3 BELT CLIP INSTALLATION / REMOVAL
 To install the Belt Clip: align the
Belt Clip to the groove of the
Battery pack, then press the Belt
Clip downward until it locks in
place with a “Click”.

To remove the Belt Clip: press
the Belt Clip Tab away from the
battery pack to unlock the Belt
Clip, then slide the Belt Clip up-
ward to remove it.
é
ê
Belt Clip Tab
NAND STRAP INSTALLATION
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HX300Page 14
4.4 INSTALLATION OF OPTION
4.4.1 FBA-44 ALKALINE BATTERY CASE
FBA-44 is a Battery Case that holds three “AAA” size Alkaline Batteries and
is used with the HX300 transceiver. When the FBA-44 is installed into the
HX300, the radio can withstand immersion in water up to 3.3 ft (1 m) for 30
minutes.
IMPORTANT NOTE
The power output will be reduced to “Low Power” (1 W) automatically
when using the FBA-44.
 Install the three “AAA” size Alkaline Batteries into the
FBA-44 Battery Case with the Negative (–) side of the
batteries touching the spring connections inside the
FBA-44 Battery Case (Figure 1).
 Turn over the FBA-44 Battery Case, then insert the
FBA-44 Battery Case into the Battery Compartment,
by a same manner of the installation of the FNB-122LI
(Figure 2).

Replace the Battery Cover to the radio (Figure 3), then
close the Battery Pack Latch until it locks in place with
a “Click” (Figure 4).
NOTE
 The FBA-44 is designed for use only with “AAA” size Alkaline
Cells. Do not attempt to install any rechargeable battery cell.
 If you do not use the HX300 for a long time, remove the Alkaline
batteries from the FBA-44, as battery leakage could cause dam-
age to the FBA-44 and/or HX300.
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
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Page 15HX300
5. CONTROLS AND INDICATORS
5.1 CONTROLS AND SWITCHES
NOTE
This section denes each control of the transceiver. For detailed oper-
ating instructions, refer to section “6 BASIC OPERATION”. Refer to
illustrations for the location of the following controls, switches, and
connections.
ANT Jack (Top Panel)
The supplied CAT460 exible antenna is attached here.
PTT (PUSH-TO-TALK) Switch (Left Side Panel)
When pushed activates the transmitter.
LCD Display
This display shows current operating conditions, as indicated on the
page 18.
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HX300Page 16
Keypad
Key
Pressing this key immediately recalls channel 16 from any channel loca-
tion. Holding down this key recalls channel 9. Pressing this key again
reverts to the previous selected working channel.
Key
Press to stop the Scan, Priority Scan, or Dual Watch feature.
Secondary use:
Press and hold this key immediately recall the last-used NOAA (National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Weather Channel from any
channel location. Recalls the previously- selected working channel when
the key is pressed again.
Advanced use:
When the key is held and the key is pressed, the radio will
change the marine band between the USA, International, and Canadian
channels.
Key
Press this key to toggle the transmitter output power between “High”
(5 Watts) and “Low” (1 Watt) power. This key does not function on the
“Transmission Inhibited” and “Low power only” channels.
Secondary use:
Hold down this key to lock the keypad (except the , and PTT keys)
so that they are not accidentally changed. The “ ” icon will appear at
the bottom right corner on the display, to indicate that the functions are
locked. Hold down this key until the “ ” icon disappears to unlock the
radio.
Key
Press this key used to change the operating channel, receiver volume
level, and squelch threshold level.
Press the key momentarily, the channel (or level) increase one step.
Holding the key, channel (or level) increase continuously.
Key
Press this key used to change the operating channel, receiver volume
level, and squelch threshold level.
Press the key momentarily, the channel (or level) decrease one step.
Holding the key, channel (or level) decrease continuously.
Key
Press and hold this key for two seconds to turn the radio “on” or “off”.
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Page 17HX300
Key
Press this key to toggle the operation mode of the / key among
the VOL adjustment, SQL adjustment, and Channel selection.
Secondary use:
Press and holding this key to open the squelch, allowing you to monitor
the operating channel. Release the key to resume normal (quiet) moni-
toring.
Key
Starts scanning and priority scanning of programmed channels.
Secondary use:
Press and hold the key for two seconds to activate the Dual Watch
feature.
Key
Immediately recalls one of up to 10 user preset memories for each band
(shown as “0” - “9” on the LCD). Pressing this key repeatedly scrolls
through the preset memory channels.
Speaker
The internal speaker is located here.
CHG Jack (Left Side Panel)
This mini-USB (Type-B) jack allows to connection to the supplied PA-54B
USB Wall Charger with the supplied Charge Cable.
Microphone
The internal microphone is located here.
When transmitting, position your mouth about 1/2 to 1 inch (1.2 ~ 2.5 cm)
away from the small mic hole. Speak slowly and clearly into the micro-
phone.
Water Hazard Lamp
When the HX300 fell in water, this lamp blinks in red to inform a emer-
gency.
Water Hazard Terminal
These terminals are detection terminal for the Water Hazard Lamp.
When these terminals touch to the water, the Water Hazard Lamp blinks
in red to inform a emergency. Keep these terminals clean.
Battery Pack Latch (Bottom side)
Open the battery pack lock latch to for battery case cover removal.
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HX300Page 18
5.2 LCD INDICATORS
“ ” Indicator
When the “ ” icon is shown on the LCD, all keys are disabled except for
the PTT, , and keys.
“ ” Indicator
This indicator appears during transmission.
“ ” Indicator
This indicator appears when a signal is being received.
“U/I/C” Indicator
These indicators show the “band” of operation for the particular channel.
“U” indicates the USA band; “I” indicates the International band; and “C”
indicates the Canadian band.
“SCN” Indicator
This indicator appears when the Scan is activated.
“ ” Battery Indicator
“ ”: Full battery
“ ”: Lower battery
“ ”: Battery is very low
“ (Blinking)”: Prepare to charge the battery
“PRESET” Indicator
This indicator shows the channel is in the “Preset Channel”.
“PRI” Indicator
This indicator shows the channel is in the “Priority Channel”.
FCC ID: K6630493X20 / IC: 511B-303493X20
Vertex Standard Co.,Ltd.

Page 19HX300
“CHG” Indicator
This indicator appears during battery charging.
“M” Indicator
This indicator shows the channel is in the transceiver’s “Scan Memory”.
“ ” Indicators
This indicator shows the TX output power is “Low” (1 Watt) power.
“WX ALT” Indicator
“WX”: NOAA weather channel is selected.
“WX ALT”: “Weather Alert” is received.
“TW DW” Indicator
“TW”: Triple Watch is activated.
“DW”: Dual Watch is activated.
VOL Indicator
This indicator shows the receiver audio volume level.
SQL Indicator
This indicator shows the squelch level.
Channel Display
The operating channel is shown on the LCD in both the transmission and
reception modes.
FCC ID: K6630493X20 / IC: 511B-303493X20
Vertex Standard Co.,Ltd.

HX300Page 20
6. BASIC OPERATION
6.1 PROHIBITED COMMUNICATIONS
The FCC prohibits the following communications:
 False distress or emergency messages:
 Messages to “any boat” except in emergencies and radio tests;
 Messages to or from a vessel on land;
 Transmission while on land;
 Obscene, indecent, or profane language (potential ne of $10,000).
6.2 INITIAL SETUP
1. Install the battery pack on the transceiver (see section “4.2.2 BATTERY
INSTALLATION/REMOVAL”).
2. Install the antenna onto the transceiver; hold the bottom end of the an-
tenna, then screw it onto the mating connector on the transceiver until it
is snug. Do not over-tighten.
6.3 RECEPTION
1. Press and hold the key for two seconds to turn the radio “on”.
2. Press the key several times until the “SQL” indica-
tor blinks (activate the squelch adjusting mode).
3. While blinking the “SQL” indicator, press the key
until the “ ” indicator will appear on the display,
then press the key.
4. Press the key several times until the “VOL” indica-
tor blinks (activate the audio volume adjusting mode).
5. While blinking the “VOL” indicator, press the /
key until the noise or audio from the speaker is at
a comfortable level, then press the key.
6. Activate the squelch adjusting mode by press the
key several times (the “SQL” indicator blinks). Press
the key until the random noise disappears, then
press the key. This state is known as the “Squelch
Threshold”.
5. Press the or key to select the desired chan-
nel. Refer to section “9. VHF MARINE CHANNEL
ASSIGNMENTS” for available channels.
6. When a signal is received, adjust the volume (press
the key, followed by the / key) to the de-
sired listening level. The “ ” indicator in the LCD
is displayed indicating that the channel is being used.
FCC ID: K6630493X20 / IC: 511B-303493X20
Vertex Standard Co.,Ltd.