Standard Horizon HX380 User manual

Page 1HX380
HX380
VHF FM Marine Transceiver
Owner’s Manual

HX380Page 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Quick Reference Guide ............................................................................................................... 3
1. GENERAL INFORMATION .................................................................................................... 5
1.1 INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................... 5
1.2 RF EXPOSURE SAFETY STATEMENT ................................................................... 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 THE LMR CHANNELS ................................................................................ 7
3.3 ABOUT WATER RESISTANCE ................................................................................. 7
3.4 EMERGENCY (CHANNEL 16 USE).......................................................................... 7
3.5 CALLING ANOTHER VESSEL (CHANNEL 16 OR 9)............................................ 8
3.6 OPERATING ON CHANNEL 13 ............................................................................... 9
3.7 OPERATING ON CHANNEL 67 ............................................................................... 9
3.8 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 INSTALLATION OF OPTION ..................................................................................... 13
4.3.1 FBA-40 ALKALINE BATTERY CASE ........................................................... 13
5. CONTROLS AND INDICATORS ......................................................................................... 14
5.1 CONTROLS AND SWITCHES ................................................................................ 14
5.2 LCD INDICATORS .................................................................................................... 17
6. BASIC OPERATION ............................................................................................................ 18
6.1 INITIAL SETUP ......................................................................................................... 18
6.2 RECEPTION .............................................................................................................. 18
6.3 TRANSMISSION ....................................................................................................... 18
6.3.1 TRANSMIT TIME-OUT TIMER (TOT)........................................................... 19
6.4 INTERNATIONAL, CANADIAN AND USA CHANNELS ........................................ 19
6.5 KEYPAD LOCKING .................................................................................................. 20
6.6 PRESET CHANNELS (0 ~ 9): INSTANT ACCESS ................................................ 20
6.6.1 PROGRAMMING .......................................................................................... 20
6.6.2 OPERATION ................................................................................................. 20
6.7 MEMORY SCAN ....................................................................................................... 21
6.8 PRIORITY SCAN ...................................................................................................... 21
6.9 DUAL WATCH ........................................................................................................... 23
7. MENU (“SET”)MODE .......................................................................................................... 24
8. MAINTENANCE .................................................................................................................... 28
8.1 GENERAL .................................................................................................................. 28
8.2 REPLACEMENT PARTS .......................................................................................... 28
8.3 TROUBLESHOOTING CHART ................................................................................ 29
9. VHF MARINE CHANNEL ASSIGNMENT .......................................................................... 30
10. SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................................................. 34
10.1 GENERAL .................................................................................................................. 34
10.2 TRANSMITTER ......................................................................................................... 34
10.3 RECEIVER ................................................................................................................ 35

Page 3HX380
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.

[PWR/VOL]K
NOB
Rotate this knob
clockwise to turn on
the radio, and adjust
the audio level.

[SQL]B
UTTON
Press this key first,
then press the []
key to squelch or
press the []key to
un-squelch the radio.

[

]/[

]B
UTTONS
Selects the operating
channel.
MIC
When transmitting,
position your mouth
about 1.2 ~ 2.5 cm
away from the small
mic hole.
Speak slowly and
clearly into the micro-
phone.

[16/9]B
UTTON
Press to recall
channel 16.
Press and hold to
recall channel 9.

[H/L()] B
UTTON
Press to toggle the
transmit power be-
tween High (5W) and
Low (1W).

[PTT]S
WITCH
Speak into the micro-
phone in a normal
voice level while
pressing this switch.

HX380Page 4
[SCAN(DW)] B
UTTON
Press to start and
stop the scanning.
Press and hold to
watch the “Priority”
channel and the cur-
rent operating chan-
nel.
[PRESET]B
UTTON
Press to toggle the
“PRESET” mode “on”
and “off”.
Press and hold to
save the current
channel into the
“PRESET” memory.
QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE
[SQL]B
UTTON
Press this key first, then
press the []key to
squelch or press the
[]key to un-squelch
the radio.
[

]/[

]B
UTTONS
Selects the operating
channel.
Selects the item in the
“Setup Menu”
[PTT]S
WITCH
Speak into the micro-
phone in a normal voice
level while pressing this
switch.
MIC
The internal speaker is
located here.
When transmitting, po-
sition your mouth about
1.2 ~ 2.5 cm away from
the small mic hole.
[16/9]B
UTTON
Press to recall chan-
nel 16.
Press and hold to re-
call channel 9.
[H/L()] B
UTTON
Press to toggle the
transmit power be-
tween High (5W) and
Low (1W).
Press and hold to
lock and unlock the
keypad.
S PEAKER
The internal speaker is
located here.
[CLR]B
UTTON
Press to stop the Scan
or Dual Watch feature.
MIC/SP J ACK

Connects to a optional
Speaker/Microphone.
ANT J ACK
Connects to the sup-
plied CAT460 antenna.
[PWR/VOL]K
NOB
Rotate this knob
clockwise to turn on the
radio, and adjust the
audio level.
: Water resistance of the transceiver is assured only when the battery pack is at-
tached to the transceiver and MIC/SP cap is installed in the MIC/SP jack.

Page 5HX380
1. GENERAL INFORMATION
1.1 INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of the HX380! Whether this is your first
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 require
technical advice or assistance.
The HX380 is a Submersible 5-Watt portable two way marine transceiver with
the capability to be programmed with 40 LMR (Land Mobile Radio) channels
with CTCSS or DCS signalling by a dealer. The transceiver has all allocated
International, Canadian, or USA channels. It has emergency channel 16 which
can be immediately selected from any channel by pressing the [16/9]key.
The HX380 includes the following features: 10 PRESET channels for enabling
the instant access, Memory Scanning, Priority Scanning, Battery Saver, easy-
to-read large LCD display, EEPROM memory back-up, Battery Life displayed
on the LCD, and a transmit Time-Out Timer (TOT).
The HX380 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 HX380, and encourage you to read this
manual thoroughly, so as to learn and fully understand the capabilities of the
HX380.
1.2 RF EXPOSURE SAFETY STATEMENT
Your wireless handheld portable transceiver contains a low power transmitter.
When the Push-to-Talk (PTT) button is pushed, the transceiver sends out ra-
dio frequency (RF) signals.
This device is authorized to operate at a duty factor not to exceed 50% (this
corresponds to 50% transmission time and 50% reception time).
This transmitter and its antenna must maintain a separation distance of at
least 2.5 centimeters from your face. Speak in a normal voice, with the an-
tenna pointed up and away from the face at the required separation distance.
Use only the supplied antenna. Unauthorized antennas, modifications, or at-
tachments could damage the transmitter.

HX380Page 6
2. ACCESSORIES
2.1 PACKING LIST
When the package containing the transceiver is first opened, please check it
for the following contents:
HX380 Transceiver
CAT460 Antenna
FNB-V105LI 7.4 V, 1650 mAh Li-Ion Battery Pack
CD-48 Charger Cradle for HX380
NC-90C 230VAC Wall Charger for CD-48
Belt Clip
Owner’s Manual
Warranty Card
2.2 OPTIONS
MH-73A4B Speaker/Microphone
MH-57A4B Mini Speaker/Microphone
VC-24 VOX Headset
VC-27 Earpiece/Microphone
CN-3 Radio-to-Ship’s
Antenna Adapter
CD-48 Charger Cradle
FNB-V105LI 7.4 V, 1650 mAh Li-Ion
Battery Pack
FBA-40 Alkaline Battery Case
NC-90B/C/UAC Wall Charger for
the FNB-V105LI
E-DC-19A DC Cable with 12 V
Cigarette Lighter Plug
E-DC-6 DC Cable; plug and
wire only
:“B” suffix is for use with 120 VAC (Type-
A plug), “C” suffix is for use with 230
VAC (Type-C plug), and “U” suffix is
for use with 230 VAC (Type-BF plug).
Note: Before operating the HX380 for the
first time, it is recommended that the bat-
tery be charged. Please see section “4.2.3
BATTERY CHARGING” for details.

Page 7HX380
3. ABOUT THIS RADIO
3.1 ABOUT THE VHF MARINE BAND
The radio frequencies used in the VHF marine band lie between 156 and 162
MHz. The marine VHF band provides communications over distances that are
essentially “Line of sight” Actual transmission range depends much more on
antenna type, gain and height than on the power output of the transmitter. On
a fixed 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 fines if the radio is used on
land. The reasoning for this is you may be near an inland waterway, or propa-
gation anomalies may cause your transmission to be heard in a waterway. If
this occurs, depending upon the marine VHF channel on which you are trans-
mitting, you could interfere with a search and rescue case, or contribute to a
collision between passing ships. For VHF Marine channel assignments refer
to page 30 section 9.
3.2 ABOUT THE LMR CHANNELS
The HX380 is capable of being programmed with 40 LMR (Land Mobile Radio)
channels by a dealer. The frequency range is 137 to 174MHz which may be
setup for 25 kHz (wide) or 12.5 kHz (narrow) channel stepping with CTCSS
and DCS signaling. Contact your dealer for further details.
3.3 ABOUT WATER RESISTANCE
Water resistance of the transceiver is assured only when the battery pack is
attached to the transceiver and MIC/SP cap is installed in the MIC/SP jack.
3.4 EMERGENCY (CHANNEL 16 USE)
Channel 16 is known as the Hail and Distress Channel. An emergency may be
defined 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, Mayday.
This is _____, _____, _____” (your vessel’s name).
2. Then repeat once: “Mayday, _____” (your vessel’s name).
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 navigation
aid or geographic feature such as an island or harbor entry.
4. Explain the nature of your distress (sinking, collision, aground, fire, heart
attack, life-threatening injury, etc.).
5. State the kind of assistance your desire (pumps, medical aid, etc.).

HX380Page 8
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.
3.5 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 vessels.
Use of channel 16 for hailing must be limited to initial contact only. Calling
should not exceed 30 seconds, but may be repeated 3 times at 2-minute inter-
vals. In areas of heavy radio traffic, congestion on channel 16 resulting from its
use as a hailing channel can be reduced significantly in U.S. waters by using
Channel 9 as the initial contact (hailing) channel for non-emergency communi-
cations. 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
traffic, 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 vessel
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, im-
mediately 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.
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 trans-
mission by stating your Call Sign and the word “out”. Note that it is not neces-
sary to state your Call Sign with each transmission, only at the beginning and
end of the contact.

Page 9HX380
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.
3.6 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 passing in
restricted waters. In emergencies and when approaching blind river bends,
High power is allowed. Pressing the [H/L()] key will change the power out-
put 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.
3.7 OPERATING ON CHANNEL 67
When channel 67 is used for navigational bridge-to-bridge traffic between ships,
Normal, High or Medium power may be used temporarily (in the USA band) by
pressing the [H/L()] key. When you select this channel again, the trans-
ceiver will revert to low power.
3.8 SIMPLEX/DUPLEX CHANNEL USE
Refer to the VHF MARINE CHANNEL CHART (page 31) for instructions on
use of simplex and duplex channels.
NOTE
All channels are factory-programmed in accordance with International,
Industry Canada, and FCC (USA) regulations. The mode of operation
cannot be altered from simplex to duplex or vice-versa. Simplex (ship to
ship) or duplex (marine operator) mode is automatically activated, de-
pending on the channel and whether the International, Canadian or USA
operating band is selected.

HX380Page 10
4. GETTING STARTED
4.1 RADIO CARE
CAUTION
Before following the instructions below, insure the battery pack is in place
and firmly 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.
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.
CAUTION
There is rare case that water is in between the radio and battery pack. In
this case, the radio and battery pack keep the submersible performance
individually. Remove the battery pack from the radio, then clean the
radio and battery pack individually by a procedures described above.
4.2 BATTERIES AND CHARGERS
If the radio has never been used, or its charge is depleted, it may be charged
by connecting the CD-48 Charger Cradle with the NC-90C battery charger, as
shown in the illustration. If 12V DC power is available, the optional E-DC-19A
DC Cable with 12 V Cigarette Lighter Plug or the optional E-DC-6 DC Cable
may be used for charging the battery. The NC-90C, E-DC-19A, and E-DC-6
will charge a completely discharged FNB-V105LI battery pack in approximately
7 hours.
The FNB-V105LI is a high performance Li-Ion battery providing high capacity
in a compact package.
CAUTION
To avoid risk of explosion and injury, FNB-V105LI battery pack should
only be removed, charged or recharged in non-hazardous environments.
4.2.1 BATTERY SAFETY
Battery packs for your transceiver contain Li-Ion batteries. This type of battery
stores a charge powerful enough to be dangerous if misused or abused, espe-
cially when removed from the transceiver. Please observe the following pre-
cautions:

Page 11HX380
DO NOT SHORT BATTERY PACK TERMINALS: Shorting the terminals that
power the transceiver can cause sparks, severe overheating, burns, and bat-
tery cell damage. If the short is of sufficient duration, it is possible to melt
battery components. Do not place a loose battery pack on or near metal sur-
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 fire or incinerator.
The heat of fire 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 environments;
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 and dry.
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 recommended.
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 filling 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 officials for other information regarding
the environmentally sound collection, recycling and disposal of Li-Ion batter-
ies.

HX380Page 12
4.2.2 BATTERY INSTALLATION/REMOVAL
To install the battery pack, hold the transceiver with your left hand, so your
palm is over the speaker and your thumb
is on the top of the belt clip. Insert the bat-
tery pack into the battery compartment on
the back of the radio while tilting the Belt
Clip outward, then push the bottom side of
the battery pack until the battery pack locks
with the Battery Pack Latch.
To remove the battery, turn the radio off. Slide the Battery Pack Latch on
the bottom of the radio, then slide the battery downward and out from the
radio while holding the Belt Clip.
4.2.3 BATTERY CHARGING
1. Turn the transceiver off.
2. Insert the DC plug from the NC-90C into the DC jack on the CD-48 side
panel, then plug the NC-90C into the AC
line outlet.
3. Insert the HX380 (with the battery pack)
into the CD-48; the antenna should be at
the left side when viewing the charger from
the front.
4. If the HX380 is inserted correctly, the Red
“CHARGING” indicator will glow. A fully-
discharged pack will be charged com-
pletely in approximately 7 hours.
5. When charging is completed, the red LED
indicator will change to green. Remove
the transceiver from the CD-48, and un-
plug the NC-90C from the AC line outlet.
CAUTION
The CD-48 is NOT designed to be waterproof. Do not attempt to charge
in water hazardous locations.
NOTE
The CD-48 is only designed for the charging of the HX380’s battery, and
is not suitable for other purposes. The CD-48 may contribute noise to
TV and radio reception in the immediate vicinity, so we do not recom-
mend its use adjacent to such device.
NC-90C
CD-48

Page 13HX380
4.3 INSTALLATION OF OPTION
4.3.1 FBA-40 ALKALINE BATTERY CASE
FBA-40 is a battery case that holds six AA size Alkaline batteries and is used
with the HX380 transceiver. When the FBA-40 is installed into the HX380 the
radio can withstand immersion in water up to 3.3ft for 30 minutes.
1. On the FBA-40, remove the battery case cover. Due to the battery case
water proof characteristics, it may be difficult to remove the battery case
cover, put a coin to the edge of the battery compartment ( ) then pry
open the battery case cover.
2. Slide the six AA size Alkaline batteries into the FBA-40 Battery Case with
the Negative (–) side of the batteries touching the spring connections in-
side the FBA-40 Battery Case.
3. Attach the battery cover to the FBA-40 Battery Case while being careful so
that o-ring is not twisted.
4. Insert the FBA-40 Battery Case into the battery compartment on the back
of the HX380 transceiver while tilting the Belt Clip outward, then push the
bottom side of the FBA-40 Battery Case until the Battery Case locks with
the Battery Pack Latch.

HX380Page 14
5. CONTROLS AND INDICATORS
5.1 CONTROLS AND SWITCHES
NOTE
This section defines each control of the transceiver. For detailed operat-
ing instructions, refer to section “6 BASIC OPERATION”. Refer to illustra-
tions for the location of the following controls, switches, and connections.
ANT Jack (Top Panel)
The supplied CAT460 flexible antenna is attached here.
MIC/SP Jack (Top Panel)
The jack accepts the optional MH-73A4B Speaker/Microphone, MH-57A4B
Mini Speaker/Microphone, VC-24 VOX Headset, or VC-27 Earpiece/Mi-
crophone. When this jack is used, the internal speaker and microphone
are disabled.







NOTE
When transmitting,
position your mouth
about 1 ~ 2 cm away
from the small mic
hole.
Speak slowly and
clearly into the micro-
phone.


Page 15HX380
POWER Switch / VOLUME Control (VOL)
Turns the transceiver on and off as well as adjusts the audio volume level.
Turn this knob clockwise to turn the radio on and increase the speakers
audio volume.
Turn fully counter-clockwise to turn the radio off.
PTT (PUSH-TO-TALK)Switch
When pushed activates the transmitter.
LCD Display
This display shows current operating conditions. Refer to page 17 for de-
tails.
Keypad
[16/9]Key
Pressing this key immediately recalls channel 16 from any channel loca-
tion. Holding down this key recalls channel 9. Pressing this key again re-
verts to the previous selected working channel.
Secondary use:
When the [16/9]key is held and the [CLR]key is pressed, the radio will
change the marine band between the International, Canadian, and USA
channels.
[H/L()] Key
Press this key to toggle the transmitter output power between “High” (5
Watts) and “Low” (1 Watt) power. When the “Low” power is selected, the
“” icon will appear at the right of the channel indication of the display.
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 [SQL], [H/L()] and
PTT keys) so that they are not accidentally changed. The “ ” icon will
appear at the right of the channel indication of the display, to indicate that
the functions are locked. Hold down this key until the “ ” icon disappears
to unlock the radio.
[PRESET]Key
Press this key to recall the user preset memories (shown as memory chan-
nel number “0” - “9” on the display). Press the [] or [] key to select the
desired preset channel.
Press and hold this key for two seconds to memorize the selected channel
into the preset memory channel.

HX380Page 16
[(UP)] Key
Press the key momentarily to increase the channel one step. Hold the key
down to increase the channel continuously.
Secondary use:
Used to adjust the squelch threshold level up after the [SQL]key is pressed.
[(DOWN)] Key
Press the key momentarily to decrease the channel one step. Hold the key
down to decrease the channel continuously.
Secondary use:
Used to adjust the squelch threshold level down after the [SQL]key is
pressed.
[SQL]Key
Press this key to activate the squelch adjusting mode. Press the [] or []
key to adjust the squelch threshold level.
Press and hold this key for two seconds to open the squelch, allowing you
to monitor the operating channel. Release the key to resume normal (quiet)
monitoring.
[SCAN(DW)] Key
Starts scanning and priority scanning of programmed channels.
Secondary use:
Press and hold the [SCAN(DW)] key for two seconds to activate the Dual
Watch feature.
[CLR]Key
Press to stop the Scan, Priority Scan, or Dual Watch feature.
Secondary use:
When the [16/9]key is held and the [CLR]key is pressed, the radio will
change the marine band between the International, Canadian, and USA
channels.
Speaker
The internal speaker is located here.
Microphone
The internal microphone is located here.
When transmitting, position your mouth about 1 ~ 2 cm away from the
small mic hole. Speak slowly and clearly into the microphone.
Battery Pack Lock (Bottom side)
Slide the Battery Pack Lock to the “” position for battery removal.

Page 17HX380
5.2 LCD INDICATORS
Alpha/numeric “Tag” display
Indicates the current channel name or
current operating mode.
“PRI” Indicator
This indicator shows the channel is in
the “Priority” Channel.
“” 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.
“P” Indicator
This indicator shows the channel is in the “PRESET” Channel.
“” Battery Indicator
“”: Full battery
“ ”: Lower battery
“”: Battery is very low
“(Blinking)”: Prepare to charge the battery
Channel Display
The operating channel is shown on the LCD in both the transmission and
reception modes.
“” Indicator
This indicator appears during transmission.
“” Indicator
When the “ ” icon is shown on the LCD, all keys are disabled except for
the PTT, [SQL], and [H/L()] keys.
“” Indicators
This indicator shows when the TX output power is “Low” (1 Watt) power.










HX380Page 18
6. BASIC OPERATION
6.1 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.
6.2 RECEPTION
1. Turn the VOL knob clockwise to turn the trans-
ceiver on.
The battery voltage will appear briefly at the upper
left corner on the display, then the channel name
will appear.
2. Press the [SQL]key to activate the squelch adjusting
mode (The “SQL LVL” notation will appear). Press the
[]key until the “ ” indicator will appear on the
display, then press the [SQL]key again.
3. Turn up the VOL knob until the noise or audio from the
speaker is at a comfortable level.
4. Press the [SQL]key, then press the []key until the
random noise disappears. This state is known as the
“Squelch Threshold”.
5. Press the []or []key to select the desired channel.
Refer to the channel chart on page 31 for available chan-
nels.
6. When a signal is received, adjust the VOL knob to the
desired listening level. The “ ” indicator in the LCD
is displayed indicating that the channel is being used.
6.3 TRANSMISSION
1. Perform “6.2 RECEPTION” discussion above.
2. Before transmitting, monitor the channel and make sure it is clear.
3. For communications over short distances, press the
[H/L()] key to select the Low power (1 watt: “ ” icon
appears).
Note: Transmitting on Low power prolongs battery life.
Low power should be selected whenever possible.

Page 19HX380
4. If using Low power is not effective, select High power (5 watts: “ ” icon
disappears) by pressing the [H/L()] key.
5. When receiving a signal, wait until the incoming signal stops before trans-
mitting. The transceiver cannot transmit and receive simultaneously.
6. Press the PTT (Push-To-Talk) switch to transmit. Dur-
ing transmission, the “ ” indicator will appear on the
display.
7. Position your mouth about 1 ~ 2 cm away from the mic
hole. Speak slowly and clearly into the microphone.
8. When the transmission is finished, release the PTT switch.
6.3.1 TRANSMIT TIME - OUT TIMER (TOT)
While the PTT switch is held down, transmission time is limited to 5 minutes.
This prevents prolonged (unintentional) transmissions. About 10 seconds be-
fore automatic transmitter shutdown, a warning beep will sound from the
speaker. The transceiver automatically switches to the receiving mode, even if
the PTT switch is held down. Before transmitting again, the PTT switch must
first be released, then wait 10 seconds and then pressed again. This Time-
Out-Timer (TOT) prevents a continuous transmission that would result from an
accidentally stuck PTT switch.
NOTE
The PTT switch is ignored for 10 seconds after the transceiver auto-
matically switches to the receiving mode by the TOT feature.
6.4 INTERNATIONAL, CANADIAN, AND USA CHANNELS
1. To change from International to Canadian or US Marine Channels, hold
down the [16/9]key and press the [CLR]key. The band will change from
International, to Canadian, and to USA with each press.
2. “I” appears for the International band, “C” appears for the Canadian band,
and “U” appears on the LCD for the USA band
3. Refer to the marine channel charts in section 9 “VHF MARINE CHANNEL
ASSIGNMENTS” for allocated channels.
“USA” BAND“INTERNATIONAL” BAND “CANADIAN” BAND

HX380Page 20
6.5 KEYPAD LOCKING
In order to prevent accidental channel change, the HX380’s keypad may be
locked out.
1. Hold down the [H/L()] key to lock the keypad (ex-
cept the PTT, [SQL], and [H/L()] keys) so that they
are not accidentally changed. The “ ” icon will ap-
pear next to the channel number on the display, indi-
cating that the functions are locked.
2. Hold down the [H/L()] key until the “ ” icon disappears to unlock the
radio.
6.6 PRESET CHANNELS (0 ~ 9): INSTANT ACCESS
Ten user assigned channels can be programmed for instant access. Pressing
the [PRESET]key activates the user assigned channel bank.
6.6.1 PROGRAMMING
1. Select the desired channel to be assigned into the Pre-
set channel bank using the []or []key.
2. Press and hold the [PRESET]key until the channel
number blinks. The “P” icon and Preset channel num-
ber will blink together, the release the [PRESET]key.
3. Press the []or []key to select the desired Preset
channel (“0” ~ “9”). If you see the “Underbar” between
the current channel number and the Preset channel
number, it means that the Preset channel currently has
no data written on it (i.e. the channel is “free”).
4. Press the [PRESET]key to program the current chan-
nel into the Preset channel bank.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 to program the other channel
into the Preset Channels, if desired.
6. To delete a Preset Channel, select the Preset Channel Number to be de-
leted using the []or []key, then press and hold the [PRESET]key until
the Preset Channel Number is removed from the display.
6.6.2 OPERATION
1. Press the [PRESET]key to change the transceiver to
the Preset channel mode. The “P” icon and Preset chan-
nel number will appear on the display.
2. Press the []or []key to select the desired Preset
Channels (“0” through “9”).
3. To exit from the Preset channel mode, press the [PRESET]key. The trans-