Standard Horizon MATRIX GX1280S User manual

GX1280S Page 1
MATRIX GX1280S
25 Watt VHF/FM
Marine Transceiver
Owner's Manual
lSubmersible
lDSC distress call automatically broadcasts lat/long and vessel ID]
lMARITEL DSC telephone capability
lDSC position request function and NMEA data input/output
lLatitude/Longitude and SOG/COG display]
lChannel name capability
lVersatile user-programmable Scanning, Priority Scan and Dual Watch
lNOAA Weather Alert
lOne-button access to Channel 16 and 9
lAccess to all US, Canadian and International channels
lBig, back-lit display and keys
]with GPS attached

GX1280SPage 2

GX1280S Page 3

GX1280SPage 4
SAFETY / WARNING INFORMATION
This radio is restricted to occupational use, work related operations only
where the radio operator must have the knowledge to control the exposure
conditions of its passengers and bystanders by maintaining the minimum
separation distance of 0.6 m (2 feet).
Failure to observe these restrictions will result in exceeding the FCC RF
exposure limits.
Antenna Installation:
The antenna must be located at least 0.6 m (2 feet) away from passengers
in order to comply with the FCC RF exposure requirements.
For roof top installation, the antenna must be placed in the center of the
roof.
ON-LINE WARRANTY REGISTRATION
Please visit www.standardhorizon.com to register the MATRIX Marine
VHF. It should be noted that visiting the Web site from time to time may
be beneficial to you, as new products are released they will appear on
the STANDARD HORIZON Web site.
PRODUCT SUPPORT INQUIRIES
If you have any questions or comments regarding the use of the MA-
TRIX, you can visit the STANDARD HORIZON Web site to send an E-
Mail or contact the Product Support team at 800-767-2450 M-F 7:00-
5:00PST.

GX1280S Page 5
FCC RADIO LICENSE INFORMATION
Standard Horizon radios comply with the Federal Communication Commis-
sion (FCC) requirements that regulate the Maritime Radio Service.
STATION LICENSE
An FCC ship station license is no longer required for any vessel traveling in
U.S. waters which is under 20 meters in length. However, any vessel re-
quired to carry a marine radio on an international voyage, carrying a HF
single side band radiotelephone or marine satellite terminal is required to
have a ship station license. FCC license forms, including applications for
ship (506) and land station licenses can be downloaded via the Internet at
www.fcc.gov/forms. To obtain a form from the FCC, call [phone].
RADIO CALL SIGN
Currently the FCC does not require recreational boaters to have a Ship Radio
Station License. The USCG recommends the boats registration number and
the state to be used.
CANADIAN SHIP STATION LICENSING
You may need a license when traveling in Canada.. If you do need a license
contact their nearest field office or regional office or write:
Industry Canada
Radio Regulatory Branch
Attn: DOSP
300 Slater Street
Ottawa, Ontario
Canada, KIA 0C8

GX1280SPage 6
FCC NOTICE
NOTICE
Unauthorized changes or modifications to this equipment may void com-
pliance with FCC Rules. Any change or modification must be approved
in writing by STANDARD HORIZON.
NOTICE
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for
a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These
limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses
and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to
radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference
will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be de-
termined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to
try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
-Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
-Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
-Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that
to which the receiver is connected.
-Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

GX1280S Page 7
1 GENERAL INFORMATION
1.1 INTRODUCTION
The STANDARD HORIZON MATRIX is a VHF/FM transceiver designed for
use in the frequency range of 156.025 to 163.275 MHz. The MATRIX re-
quires 13.8V for operation and has a switchable RF output power of 1 watt
or 25 watts.
The MATRIX is capable of RTCM SC101 DSC (Digital Selective Calling)
operation and intercom operation with the use of an optional RAM mic
(CMP25 remote-control speaker/microphone with display).
The MATRIX operates on all currently-allocated marine channels which are
switchable for use with either USA, International, or Canadian regulations.
It has an emergency channel 16 which can be immediately selected from
any channel by pressing the red [16/9]key. NOAA Weather channels can
also be accessed immediately by pressing the [WX]key with channel selec-
tion.
Other features of the transceiver include: scanning, priority scanning, sub-
mersible speaker mic, high and low voltage warning, and GPS repeatability.
1.2 FCC / INDUSTRY CANADA INFORMATION
The following data pertaining to the transceiver is necessary to fill out the
license application.
Type Acceptance ........................................................................ FCC Part 80
Output Power ............................................. 1 Watt (low) and 25 Watts (high)
Emission........................................................................ 16K0G3E, 16K0G2B
Frequency Range ................................................... 156.025 to 163.275 MHz
FCC Type Number.................................................................... K66GX1280S
Industry Canada Type Approval.........................................511B-GX1280S V

GX1280SPage 8
2 ACCESSORIES
2.1 PACKING LIST
When the package containing the transceiver is first opened, please check
it for the following contents:
ŸGX1280S MATRIX Transceiver (White/Black)
ŸMounting Bracket and attaching hardware
ŸOwner’s Manual
ŸQuick-Reference Card
ŸPower Cord
ŸDust Cover
2.2 OPTIONS
MMB-84 ......................................................................... Flush-Mount Bracket
CMP25B/W ..............Remote-Access Microphone (RAM Mic, Black/White)
CT-100................................................ 10-foot Extension Cable for RAM Mic
CVS2500 ...............................................................................Voice Scrambler
101S ..........................................................................Mini Extension Speaker
201S .......................................................................White Extension Speaker
201SZ ............................................... White Flush Mount Extension Speaker
201SBK .................................................................. Black Extension Speaker
201SBKZ ...........................................Black Flush Mount Extension Speaker

GX1280S Page 9
3 INSTALLATION
3.1 LOCATION
The radio can be mounted at any angle. Choose a mounting location that:
•is far enough from any compass to avoid any deviation in compass
reading due to the speaker magnet
•provides accessibility to the front panel controls
•allows connection to a power source and an antenna
•has nearby space for installation of a microphone hanger
•the antenna must be mounted at least 3 feet from radio
3.2 ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS
CAUTION
Reverse polarity connections will damage the radio!
Connect the power cord and antenna to the radio. Antenna and Power Sup-
ply connections are as follows (see Figure 1):
1. Mount the antenna at least 3 feet away from the radio. At the rear of the
radio, connect the antenna cable. It must have a PL259 connector. RG-
8/U coaxial cable must be used if the antenna is 25 feet or more from the
radio. RG58 cable can be used for distances less than 25 feet.
2. Connect the red power wire to a 13.8 VDC ±20% power source. Connect
the black power wire to a negative ground.
3. If an optional remote extension speaker is to be used, refer to section
3.3 for connections.
4. It is advisable to have a Certified Marine Technician check the power
output and the standing wave ratio of the antenna after installation.
Figure 1. General Installation
GPS Navigation Receiver
Accessory Cable
Optional Speaker
Antenna
Fuse
Red
Power Source
Black
Water proof
Deck Outlet

GX1280SPage 10
3.3 ACCESSORY CABLE
White: External speaker (+)
Shield: External speaker (–)
Blue: NMEA IN (+) from GPS navigation receiver
Green: NMEA IN (–) from GPS navigation receiver
Gray: NMEA OUT (+) to GPS navigation receiver
Grown: Test port (for the Service Technician)
When connecting the external speaker or GPS navigation receiver, strip off
about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of the specified wire’s insulation.
External Speaker
Green
Blue
Shield
White
Brown
Green
16/9
WX
SCAN
H/L CALL
SET SQL
VOL/PWR
DISTRESS
ICMEM
U.I.C
MENU
PULLOPEN
NAV
DW
MATRIX
Wire Color/Description
WHITE - External Speaker (+)
SHILED - External Speaker (–)
GREEN - NMEA Ground
BLUE- NMEA Input (+)
Connection Examples
Connect to external 4 Ohm audio speaker
Connect to external 4 Ohm audio speaker
Connect to NMEA (–) connection of GPS
Connect to NMEA (+)output of GPS

GX1280S Page 11
3.4 OPTIONAL MMB-84 FLUSH MOUNT INSTALLATION
1. Make a rectangular template for the flush mount measuring 2-1/8” H x
5-3/4” W.
2. Use the template to mark the location where the rectangular hole is to be
cut. Confirm the space behind the dash or panel is deep enough to ac-
commodate the transceiver (at least 6 inches deep).
There should be at least 1/2 inch between the transceiver’s heatsink and
any wiring, cables or structures.
3. Cut out the rectangular hole and insert the transceiver.
4. Fasten the brackets to the sides of the transceiver with the lock washer
nut combination, so that the mounting screw base faces the mounting
surface (see Figure 2).
5. Turn the adjusting screw to adjust the tension so that the transceiver is
tight against the mounting surface.
Figure 2. MMB-84 Flush Mount Instllation
Bracket
Adjusting Screw
Lock-washer nut combination

GX1280SPage 12
4 CONTROLS AND INDICATORS
NOTE
This section defines each control of the transceiver. See Figure 3 for
location of controls. For detailed operating instructions refer to chapter
5 of this manual.
4.1 CONTROLS AND CONNECTIONS
POWER SWITCH/VOLUME CONTROL
Turns the transceiver on and off as well as adjusts the audio volume. To
turn the transceiver on press and hold this knob until the LCD turns on.
To turn it off, press and hold this knob until the LCD turns off. When the
power is turned on, the transceiver is set to the last selected channel.
Secondary Use
When the transceiver is turned on while the [SCAN]and [WX]keys are
held down, the internal microprocessor is reset. This clears the memory
and all user-programmed settings, such as scan memory, and priority
scan assignments. This condition is known as the default condition, the
same as when shipped from the factory. For a list of these defaults, see
the section on Resetting the Transceiver’s Microprocessor.
NOTE
Resetting the microprocessor will not erase DSC MMSI and Direc-
tory Call information.
SQUELCH CONTROL (SQL)
Sets the point at which random noise on the channel does not activate
the audio circuits but a received signal does. This point is called the
squelch threshold. Further adjustment of the squelch control will degrade
reception of wanted transmissions.
CHANNEL SELECTOR KNOB
Rotary knob used to select channels and, to choose the item selection of
different functions (such as the DSC operation). The [UP(p)] / [DOWN(q)]
key on the microphone can also be used to select them.
Secondary Use
While holding down the [SCAN]Key and turning the CHANNEL selector
knob, you can confirm memory channels for scanning.

GX1280S Page 13
Figure 3. Controls and Connectors
16/9
WX
SCAN
H/L CALL
SET SQL
VOL/PWR
DISTRESS
ICMEM
U.I.C
MENU
PULL OPEN
NAV
DW
MATRIX

GX1280SPage 14
KEYPAD
[16/9]Key
Immediately recalls channel 16 from any channel location. Holding down
this key recalls channel 9. Pressing the [16/9]key again reverts to the
previous selected working channel.
Secondary use
Please see secondary use for the [WX]and [MEM]key.
[WX]Key
Immediately recalls the previously selected NOAA weather channel from
any channel location.
Secondary use
1. Holding down the [16/9]key while pressing the [WX]key changes
the mode from USA to International or Canadian.
NOTE:If position is displayed, this icon will be hidden.
2. Holding down the [WX]and [SCAN]key while turning the power on
resets the microprocessor and erases scan channels from memory.
This clears the memory and establishes the factory-set defaults. For
a list of these defaults, see the section on Resetting the Transceiver’s
Microprocessor.
[SCAN]Key
1. Starts and stops scanning of programmed channels.
2. If held while the [UP(p)] or [DOWN(q)] key on the microphone are
pressed or CHANNEL selector knob on radio is turned, the radio will
show the channels programmed in scan memory. This function will
not work if the unit is scanning.
NOTE: The priority channel is channel 16 only.
[H/L]Key
Toggles between high and low power. When the [H/L]key is pressed
while the transceiver is on channel 13 or 67, the power will temporarily
switch from LO to HI power until the PTT is released. The [H/L]key does
not function on transmit inhibited and low power only channels.
Secondary use
Press and hold [H/L]key, when connected to the GPS receiver, the LCD
displays Position Data, Time, SOG (Speed Over Ground), and COG
(Course Over Ground) from the GPS.

GX1280S Page 15
[DW]Key
Watches for a transmission on CH16 and another selected channel until
either signal is received. (Dual watch)
NOTE: When the DSC SCANNING feature is enabled (see section 7.10
DSC SCANNING), the radio watches for a transmission on CH16, an-
other selected channel, and CH70 until either signal is received (Triple
watch).
Secondary use
Press and hold [DW]key, when the optional RAM Mic is connected, in-
tercom operation will operate between radio and RAM Mic.
[CALL/SET]Key
The [CALL/SET]key functions as the enter key.
Secondary use
Press the [CALL/SET]key to access the DSC OPERATION menu. The
“INDIVIDUAL CALL” and “ALL SHIPS CALL” functions can be accessed
from the DSC OPERATION menu.
Press and hold the [CALL/SET]key to access the RADIO SETUP or
DSC SETUP menu. The following functions can be accessed in the menu.
RADIO SETUP menu DSC SETUP menu
[DISTRESS]Key
Used to send a DSC Distress Call. To send the distress call see section
6.2 (Sending a Distress Call).

GX1280SPage 16
RAM MIC CONNECTOR
Connects the Remote Access Microphone (RAM MIC). Refer to section
8.0 RAM MIC OPERATION.
ACCESSORY CONNECTION CABLE
Connects the radio to a GPS, and an external speaker.
DC INPUT CABLE
Connects the radio to a DC power supply of 13.8V
ANTENNA JACK
Connects an antenna to the transceiver. Use a marine VHF antenna with
an impedance of 50 ohms.
PTT (Push-To-Talk) SWITCH
Keys the transmitter when the transceiver is in radio mode. If the trans-
ceiver is in the intercom operation mode, it activates the .microphone for
the inercom.
MICROPHONE
Transmits the voice message with reduction of background noise.
MICROPHONE SPEAKER
The same audio heard through internal radio speaker as heard through
microphone speaker.
[UP(p)] / [DOWN(q)] KEYS
The [UP(p)] and [DOWN(q)] on the microphone function the same as
the CHANNEL selector knob on the front panel of the transceiver.
[16/9]Key
Pressing the [16/9]key immediately recalls channel 16 from any loca-
tion. Press and hold the [16/9]key to recall channel 9. Pressing the
[16/9]key again revert the radio to the previous select channel.

GX1280S Page 17
5 BASIC OPERATION
5.1 RECEPTION
1. After the transceiver has been installed, ensure that the power supply
and antenna are properly connected.
2. Press and hold the VOL/PWR knob until the radio turns on.
3. Turn the SQL knob fully counterclockwise. This state is known as “squelch
off”.
4. Turn up the VOL/PWR knob until noise or audio from the speaker is at a
comfortable level.
5. Turn the SQL knob clockwise until the random noise disappears. This
state is known as the “squelch threshold.”
6. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob to select the desired channel. Refer
to the channel chart on page ?? for available channels.
7. When a message is received, adjust the volume to the desired listening
level. The “BUSY” indicator in the LCD is displayed indicating that the
channel is being used.
5.2 TRANSMISSION
1. Perform steps 1 through 6 of RECEPTION.
2. Before transmitting, monitor the channel to ensure it is clear. THIS IS AN
FCC REQUIREMENT!
3. Press the PTT (push-to-talk) switch. The “TX” indicator on the LCD is
displayed.
4. Speak slowly and clearly into the microphone.
5. When the transmission is finished, release the PTT switch.
NOTE
This is a noise-canceling microphone. The oval slot on the bottom of
microphone should be positioned within 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the
mouth for optimum performance.
6. Refer to page 38 for operating practices.
5.3 TRANSMIT TIME - OUT TIMER (TOT)
When the PTT switch on the microphone is held down, transmit time is limited
to 5 minutes. This limits unintentional transmissions due to a stuck micro-
phone. About 10 seconds before automatic transmitter shutdown, a warning
beep will be heard from the speaker(s). The transceiver will automatically go
to receive mode, even if the PTT switch is continually held down. Before trans-
mitting again, the PTT switch must first be released and then pressed again.

GX1280SPage 18
5.4 SIMPLEX/DUPLEX CHANNEL USE
Refer to the VHF MARINE CHANNEL CHART (page 49) for instructions on
use of simplex and duplex channels.
NOTE
All channels are factory-programmed in accordance with FCC (USA),
Industry Canada (Canada), and International regulations. Mode of op-
eration cannot be altered from simplex to duplex or vice-versa.
5.5 USA, CANADA, AND INTERNATIONAL MODE
1. To change the modes, hold the [16/9]key and press the [WX]key. The
mode changes from USA to International to Canadian with each press of
the [WX]key.
2. “USA” will be displayed on the LCD for USA mode, “INTL” will be dis-
played for International mode, and “CAN” will be displayed for Canadian
mode.
3. Refer to the VHF MARINE CHANNEL CHART (page ??) for allocated
channels in each mode.
5.6 NOAA WEATHER CHANNELS
1. To receive a NOAA weather channel, press the [WX]key from any chan-
nel. The transceiver will go to the last selected weather channel.
2. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob on the radio or [UP(p)] / [DOWN(q)]
keys on the microphone to select a different NOAA weather channel.
3. To exit from the NOAA weather channels, press the [WX]key. The trans-
ceiver returns to the channel it was on prior to a weather channel.

GX1280S Page 19
5.7 NOAA WEATHER ALERT
In the event of extreme weather disturbances, such as storms and hurri-
canes, the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) sends
a weather alert accompanied by a 1050 Hz tone and subsequent weather
report on one of the NOAA weather channels. When the Weater Aleart fea-
ture is enabled (see section 7.4 WEATER ALERT), the transceiver is ca-
pable of receiving this alert if the following is performed:
1. Program NOAA weather channels into the transceiver’s memory for scan-
ning. Follow the same procedure as for regular channels under section
5.8.
2. Press the [SCAN]key once to start memory scanning or hold down the
[SCAN]key during memory scanning to start priority scanning.
3. The programmed NOAA weather channels will be scanned along with
the regular-programmed channels. However, scanning will not stop on a
normal weather broadcast unless a NOAA alert is received.
4. When an alert is received on a NOAA weather channel, scanning will
stop and the transceiver will emit a loud beep to alert the user of a NOAA
broadcast.
5. Press the [WX]key to stop the alert tone and receive the weather report.
NOTE
If the [WX]key is not pressed the alert tone will be emitted for 5 minutes
and then the weather report will be received.
NOTE
The Weather Aleart feature is also engaged while the transceiver is
received on the one of the NOAA weather channel.

GX1280SPage 20
5.8 MEMORY SCANNING (M-SCAN)
NOTE
•During scanning, the dot matrix area of the LCD will show M-SCAN or
P-SCAN depending on the scan mode selected.
•If GPS position is displayed this icon will be hidden.
1. Adjust the SQL knob until background noise disappears.
2. Select a desired channel to be scanned using the
CHANNEL selector knob. Press the [MEM]key,
“MEM” will appear on the LCD which indicates the
channel has been programmed into the transceiv-
ers memory.
3. Repeat step 2 for all the desired channels to be scanned.
4. To DELETE a channel from the transceiver’s memory, press and hold
the [MEM]key, “MEM” will disappear in the LCD.
5. To start scanning, press the [SCAN]key. Scan-
ning will proceed from the lowest to the highest
programmed channel number and will stop on a
channel when a transmission is received.
6. The channel number will blink during reception.
7. To stop scanning, press the [SCAN], [16/9], [WX], or PTT key.
5.9 PRIORITY SCANNING (P-SCAN)
1. Any channel can be set as the priority channel, other than weather chan-
nels and channel 70. To set the priority channel,
select the desired channel. Press and hold down
the [MEM]key until “P-CH” is shown on the dis-
play.
2. To select priority scanning, hold down the [SCAN]key until “P-SCAN”
appears on the LCD during memory scanning. Scanning will proceed
between the memorized channels and the priority channel. The priority
channel will be scanned after each programmed channel.
ø: When DSC Scanning method is enabled. Default is DSC scan is ON.
3. The scanning will be performed while receiving
the MEM CH (memorized channel).
4. To stop scanning, press the [SCAN], [16/9], [WX],
or PTT key.
MEM CH. CH. 16 øCH. 70 MEM CH. CH. 16 øCH. 70