Uniden HH979XL User manual

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HH979XL
Handheld Marine VHF Radio
~elsfra Seaphone
Compatible Product
unldE!neOPERATINGMANUAL
UNIDEN AUSTRALIA PlY. LTD
345 Princes Highway, Rockdale, NSW 2216
Ph (O2)599 3100 FAX (O2)599 3278
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.Please read this OperatingGuidecarefullybefore
operating this radio
Safety Information
DO NOToperate the transmitter of any radio equip-
ment withthe antenna touching or close to the eyes,
face, or exposed body parts.
DO NOTletchildren operate any transmitter-equipped
radio equipment.
Have your radio equipment serviced by a qualified
technician.
Nickel-Cadmium Battery VVarning
This equipment contains a nickel-cadmiumbattery
The nickel-cadmiumbattery contained inthis equip-
ment may explode ifdisposed of in a fire.
DO NOTshort circuitthe battery.
DO NOT charge the nickel-cadmium battery used in
this equipment in any other charger other than the one
designed to charge this battery.Using another charger
may damage the battery,or cause the battery to
explode.
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Unlden~ is a registered trademark of Uniden Corporation.
Features, Specifications, and availability of Optional
Accessories are all subject to change without notice.
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-" Table of Contents
Introduction 2
Important 2
Warning 2
Feature Highlights 3
Unpacking 4
Optional Accessories 4
Controls and Indicators 5
Top Indicators and Display 5
Front Controls 7
SideControlsand Connectors ,8
Getting Started 9
Antenna "... 9
Battery Information 9
Operation 10
Receive 10
Dual Watch "... 10
Channel Scan 10
Instant Channel 16Communications """"",."""."". 11
Australian/International Channels 11
Weather Channels 11
Transmitting 12
Special Features ."""..".""".."..."""".."."""""."..".""."." 13
DTMFControls and Functions 14
Seaphone Operation ,15
Vessel to Shore Automatic DiallingProcedure :.. 15
Vessel to Shore Manual Call Procedure 15
Shore to Ship Semi-Auto Calls and
Auto Radio Check "16
Shore to Ship BookingProcedure 16
Shore to Vessel Manual Calls from TELSTRA
MaritimeCommunication Station 16
"333"Repeater Mode Seaphone Calls 17
Dial"999"For Emergency Service 17
CautionaryNote 18
Memory Dialling."."".".""""".""""".""""""""".".""""". 19
Storing a Telephone Number IntoMemory 19
Erasing a Stored Telephone Number 19
Recalling the Stored Telephone Number 19
Last Number Redialling 20
Manual DTMFOver-Dialling .""""""""'.""."."."""""". 20
Registration. 21
Service 22
Care and Maintenance 23
VHF FMMarine Radiotelephone Channels and
Functions AustralianChannels """""'."."""""""""'. 24
VHF FMMarine Radiotelephone Channels and
Functions International Channels ."""""."."."".."."" 25
Specifications 26
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Introduction
Congratulations! You've chosen the Uniden HH979XL for
your Handheld Marine VHF Radio. The HH979XL has been
engineered to exact marine specifications for reliable,
dependable operations. This Radio gives you the full
complement of all Australian and International channels,
Seaphone Channel Access, Instant Channel 16, recharge-
able batteries and more. The HH979XL features Phase
Locked Loop frequency synthesis for precise transmit and
receive frequency control and long term stability. This radio
has been type approved and certified by the Australian
Spectrum Management Agency (SMA) for marine use,
and Telstra Corporation for access to its Seaphone Network
around Australia.
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Important
In Australia, the VHF-FM Marine Radio Telephone Band is
regulated by the Spectrum Management Agency. Any
adjustments or alterations which would alter the perfor-
mance of the transceivers original SMA type approvals or
would change the determining method are strictly prohibited.
Replacement or substitution of crystals, transistors, ICs,
regulators, diodes, or any other part of a unique nature, with
parts other than those recommended by UNIDEN may
cause violation of the technical specifications as approved
by the SMA. .
You are required to comply with the Rules and Regulations
as set forth by the AUSTRALIAN Spectrum Management
Agency.
Before operating the radiotelephone, you must hold an
appropriate Certificate of Proficiency. To obtain this certifi-
cate, you are required to demonstrate by examination a
satisfactory knowledge of the Marine distress and safety
procedures and related operating principles associated with
maritime communications.
General information relating to licensing and operation of
stations in the Marine Radio Communication Service can be
obtained from any SMA office in your state.
WARNING
UNIDEN does NOT warrant this unit to be waterproof. When
using this unit in a marine environment, care must be taken
to prevent spray or water from entering the unit, which may
damage it.
HH979XL Page 2

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Feature Highlights
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Australian and International VHFRadioTelephone
Channels
Includes a full complement of Marine VHF FM frequencies.
Ten Weather Channels
For vital weather information.
Seaphone System Access
Fitted with DTMF keypad and unique Seaphone ID, fully
compatible with TELSTRA's National Seaphone System.
Auto-Squelch System
Eliminates unwanted noise when the Channel is not busy.
Scan Mode
Provides rapid, automaticscanning of all channels.
DualWatch Mode
Checksfor activity on both the current channel and Emer-
gency Channel 16.
Rechargeable Battery Pack
Eliminatesthe costly expenseof frequent battery replace-
ment.
Battery Save Mode
Conserves battery energy when there is no activity on the
current channel for over 3 seconds.
LCD Backlight
Illuminatesthe channel displayfor visibility at night or under
dim conditions.
Battery Low Detection/
The TX LED (RED) blinks during transmit when the battery
lev~1is LOW.
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UNPACKING
""" Carefullycheck the package contents against this list:
.UnidenHH979XLHandheldMarineRadio
.FlexibleAntenna
.ACAdaptor/Charger
.Standard Nickel-CadmiumBatteryPack
.Belt Clip
.Wrist strap
.ThisOperatingGuide withSeaphone RegistrationForm
Ifany itemsare missingor 9amaged. contact your place of
purchase immediately.Be sure to complete and mailthe
Seaphone RegistrationFormto Telstra's Customer Service
Centre.
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
.Speaker-Microphone
A 2-in-1 feature combinationfor convenienttransmitting
and receiving.
.Spare Battery Pack
A replacement pack for your rechargeable battery.
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-Standard Pack or HeavyDutyPack
.Battery Pack Charger
ITrickleor RapidCharger
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Controls and Indicators
ANTENNA
Connection LCDDisplay TXlBUSY
IndicatorLED
DUAL
WATCH
Switch
CHANNELUP
Switch
ON/OFFVOLUME
Control
INSTANTCH16 CHANNELDOWN
Switch Switch
TOP INDICATORSAND DISPLAYS
Antenna Connector -Connect the flexibleantenna to this
TNC port.
WARNING: Do not use any other antenna other than the
one supplied. This can permanently damage
your radio.
Channel UP/DOWN Switches -Use to selecta channel.
ON/OFF Volume Control -Rotate clockwise to turnthe
Radio ON and increase the volume. Rotate counter-
clockwise to turn the Radio OFF or decrease the volume.
TXlBusy Indicator -The red LED lights when you press the
PTT switch (totransmit).Itblinkswhen the Battery isLow
and needs recharging. The green LED (BUSY Indicator)
lightswhen signalsare being received.
CH16 (Channel 16) -This switch isused to access instant
Channel 16 communications.
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LCD Display -The liquid crystal display (LCD) has several
indicators that show the current operating
mode. The two digits at the right show the
current selected channel. The smaller
displays show which features are enabled.
DW ft 88
INT WX -
LOWSCN
Note: Weather (WX) Channel Service is not available in
Australia.
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DW DualWatch Mode Enabled
ft IndicatesSeaphoneChannel
INT InternationalChannel Selected
WX IndicatesWeather Channel
LOW Low PowerTX Selected
SCN Scan Function Enabled

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FRONT CONTROLS
Antenna
Built-In Speaker - Audio Output
Built-InMicrophone - Speak intothe microphonewhen
transmitting.
Speaker Jack - Connect optionalexternalspeaker here.
Microphone Jack - Connect optionalexternal microphone
here.
DTMFKeypad - Used when entering DTMFdata, such as
an access code or telephone number. Or when using
special Seaphone Function.
JPage 7 HH979XL
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Built-In - 0
Speaker 11 ca.
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CD
Built-In I Cl)
Microphone ,11.
CDCDCD@
CDCDCD@. 11 DTMFKeypad
CDCDCD@
Battery Pack .. IIII (E) CD CID (bID
Release
Button

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SIDE CONTROLS and CONNECTORS
MONITORSWitch
P1T
(Push-to- Talk)
SWItch
TXPOWERHI/LO
SWitch
BatteryPack
ReleaseButton
ACAdaptor!
ChargerJack
Battery Pack Release Button -To remove the Battery
Pack, push up on the release button and slide the Battery
Pack away from the radio.
Monitor Switch - Press to set the Auto-squelch feature ON
or OFF.
Push-ta-Talk(PIT) Switch :' Pressand holdto talk.
Release to listen for a reply.
TX Power HI/LOW Switch - Press to set the transmit output
power to HIGH (SW) or LOW (1W).
AC Adaptor/Charger Jack - Connect AC Adaptor/Charger
here
HH979XL Page 8
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GETTING STARTED
Antenna
To attach the antenna to the TNC connector on top of your
radio, press down and rotate the antenna base clockwise
until it seats firmly into place.
Battery Information
The HH979XL comes with a standard rechargeable Ni-Cd
Battery Pack. An optional heavy duty rechargeable Ni-Cd
battery pack is also available.
Installation
THE RECHARGEABLE NICKEL-CADMIUM BATTERY
PACK MUST BE CHARGED FULLY BEFORE USING IT
FORTHE FIRSTTIME.
When installingor removing the rechargeableBattery Pack,
be sure that the power (ON/OFF Volume control) is turned
OFF.
To remove the Battery Pack, push up on the release button
and slide the Battery Pack away from the radio. To replace,
align the Battery Pack rails with the transceiver and slide
I toward the transceiver unit until the Battery Pack locks. in
place.
Rechargingthe Nickel-CadmiumBatteryPack
Note: Before charging, be sure that the power (ON/OFF
Volume control) is turned OFF. Recharge the Ni-Cd
Battery ONL Y when the Unit indicates LOW Battery
condition. (TX LED blinks during TRANSMIT).
Insert the discharged Battery Pack in the rapid charger, or
connect the trickle charger to the side of the unit.
In the trickle charger, the standard pack charges fully in 8
hours, and the heavy duty pack in 12 hours. In the rapid
charger, the standard pack charges fully in 1.5 hours, and
the heavy duty pack charges fully in 2 hours.
DO NOT leave the Batteries on charger for an extended
period of time. Page 9 HH979XL
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OPERATION
RECEIVE
1. Turn the unit ON by rotatingthe Volume control clock-
wise. Channel 16should appearon the LCD Display.
(PowerOn Channel default)
2. Pressthe UP or DOWNswitchto selectthe desired
channel.
3. Pressthe monitorswitch. (Auto-squelchturns OFF)
4. Rotatethe ON/OFFVolume control to adjust the
speaker volume to a comfortable level.
5. Pressthe Monitorswitch. (Auto-squelchturns ON)
Note: To listen to weak signal transmissions, switch OFF
the Auto-squelch feature. (Squelch is on minimum
level)
Dual Watch
DualWatch monitorsChannel 16for activity everytwo
seconds while scanningor monitoring.
To activate Dual Watch, press DWSwitch momentarily.
The DualWatch Indicator DWwill appearon the LqD Panel
indicating DualWatch Mode. Ifa signal is receivedon
Channel 16, the radio remains on Channel 16 as long as
the signal is active. Otherwise Dual Watch resumes after 3
seconds.
Todeactivate Dual Watch, press DW Switch again.
Channel Scan
To activate Channel Scan, press and hold the UP key for
about 1.5 seconds, SCN is displayed on the LCD Panel.
Notice that Dual Watch is ON automatically to cover
Channel 16 when SCAN Mode is activated. (DW indicator
is also displayed on the LCD Panel.)
If there is too much activity on Channel 16, and you wish to
exclude it from SCAN, simply press DW Switch momen-
tarily to cancel Dual Watch. (DW is no longer displayed on
the LCD Panel.)
In Normal Scan, the radio will stop on the first active
channel and stay there as long as the signal is present.
Otherwise scanning resumes after 3 seconds.
To resume scanning when on an active channel, press UP
key.
To deactivate Scan, press DOWN key.
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Instant Channel 16 Communications
To access Instant Channel 16 Communications, press
CH16. This overrides the channel selected with the UP!
DOWN Key or any scanning activity. The Channel Display
will indicate the unit is on Channel 16.
To deactivate Instant Channel 16 Communications, Press
CH16 again to release the switch (Off) and the transceiver
will return to the channel selected or previous mode prior to
accessing Instant Channel 16 communications.
AUSTRALIAN/INTERNATIONAL Channels
To select operation (communications and scanning) on
International Channels, press and hold the DW Switch for
about 1.5 seconds INT will appear on the LCD Display
indicating International Channel Mode.
To select operation (communication and scanning) on
Australian Channels, press and hold the DW Switch again
for more than 1.5 seconds. INT will disappear on the LCD
Display indicating Australian Channel Mode.
On Power OFF, the change is kept in memory .
Weather Channels (INT'L MODE ONLY)
To scanthe Weather Channels, selectany Weather
Channel and then press and holdthe UP Switch for about
1.5seconds. The SCAN function starts and SCN will appear
on the LCD Display.
DUAL WATCHis automatically ON to cover CH16 when
SCAN Mode is activated. (DW will appearon the LCD
Panel)
Ifthere istoo much activity on CH16, and you wish to
exclude it when scanning Weather channels, simply press
DW Switch momentarilyto cancel Dual Watch. (DW is no
longerdisplayed onthe LCD Panel)
Todeactivate SCAN, press DOWN Key.
While on Weather Channel (Scanningor Monitoring),
switching back to Australian Channel Mode will reset
HH979XLto CH16 Manual Mode.
Note: WX (Weather)Serviceis currently not availablein
Australia.
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TRANSMITTING
When the unit is shipped from the factory, the transmitter
power is set for 1 Watt (Factory default). Thus, at initial
Power ON the LOW indicator will appear on the LCD
Display, indicating 1 Watt Power.
To switch to the High (5 Watts) position. Press the HI/LOW
switch. The LOW indicator will disappear on the LCD
Display, indicating 5 Watt output power.
To switch back to LOW power, press the HI/LOW switch
again. The LOW indicator appears on the LCD. The LOW
position should always be used for in-port or short range
communications only.
On Power OFF, the ch~nge is kept in memory .
Before you transmit, listen for activity on the selected
channel.
When the channel is clear, pressthe PTT Switch to
transmit. The TX LED comes on when you transmit. Hold
the radio with the microphone approximately two inches in
front of your mouth with the antenna at approximately a 45-
degree angle away from your head. Speak in a clear,
normal, conversational voice.
When you are through speaking, release the PTT Switch
and listen for an answer.
HH979XL Page 12
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SPECIAL FEATURES
The HH979XL represents the most advanced DTMF Marine
Transceiver Radio ever designed for use in the Maritime
Radio Telephone Service. Built to be fully compatible with
Australia's Auto Seaphone Network, you will be able to
make and receive calls in your boat within most territorial
waters of Australia.
With exceptional features like Automatic dialinn 10 number
memory dialing, Last Number Redial function, DTMF over-
dialing and confirmation tones make the HH979XL superior
to any of its kind.
Be sure to complete the Seaphone Registration Form
included at the back portion on this guide. Fill in all the
details and send to the Customer Service Centre of
TELSTRA Mobile Satellite and Radio Services at the
address shown in the accompanying form.
Automatic Dialling
Automatically transmit the desired DTMF access code that
was stored just before transmitting.
Memory Dialling
User -programmable auto-dial memory. Memorised
Telephone Numbers are transmitted automatically.
10 Number Memories
Stores up to 10 important telephone numbers into memory
for easy dialling.
Manual DTMF Over-Dialling
Lets you access banking services, call minders, answering
machines, and other voice mail services.
Last Number Redial
Allows you to quickly re-dial the last number you entered.
This feature is very useful when the called party's telephone
is busy or engaged, there is no need for you to re-enter the
complete telephone number again.
TX LED
Informs you when DTMF Tones are being transmitted.
CLEAR Button
Lets you quickly erase incorrectly keyed-in digits.
CONFIRMATION Tones
You can hear Beep Tones whenever keys are pressed.
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DTMF CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS
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TX LED (Red)
LCD Display
HH979XL
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: NUMERICKeys; Press to select telephone
numbers and enter special codes and functions.
: ASTERISK Key; Press to TRANSMIT chosen
telephone numbers and also to INTERROGATE
the host computer to enquire if there are any
calls for your vessel.
: HASH Key; Press to TERMINATE or CANCEL
your call.
: CLEAR Key; Press to erase previously selected
digits.
: RECALL Key; Press to retrieve telephone
numbers stored in memory.
: STORE key; Press to store telephone numbers
into memory.
: LAST NUMBER REDIAL key; Retrieves from
memory the last telephone number entered.
: Lights when DTMF Tonesare being transmitted.
: (Flashing), serves as a function indicator during
MEMORY DIALLING Store/Erase sequence.
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Seaphone OPERATION
VESSEL TO SHORE OPERATION AUTOMATIC
DIALLING PROCEDURE
.Select a free Seaphone channel appropriate to your
location (referto coveragemap or Seaphone Directory
from Telstraif necessary),listen tothe channel and
ensurethere are nocalls in progress.
.Dial the required telephone number on the keypad
Including the relevant STD/IDDarea codes (which
mustprecede even local phonecalls) as appropriate.
.Press the ASTERISK [*] button. Your Seaphone ID and
telephone number will automatically be transmitted.
.A voice announcement (VA) will follow saying "Your
Seaphone call is being connected" together with your
SeaphonelD.
.Ring (or Busy) will be heard, followed by the called party
answering.
Charging commences at this time.
Should the Shore subscriber's telephone numberbe
BUSY,terminate the call usingthe HASH [I] Key,allow
afew minutesto passthen press[LN] and ASTERISK
[*] key to redialthe lasttelephone numberyou have"
entered.
.Operate the Press-To-Talk (PTT) switch and conduct
your telephone call in the normal manner.
.To terminate your call, simply press the HASH [I] button
and listen for a final voice annoucement (VA) from
Seaphone. Repeat [#] if no VA is heard.
Note: If you made an error in entering the telephone
number, simply press [CL] key and re-enter the
correct telephone number.
VESSEL TO SHORE MANUAL CAll PROCEDURE
~There is no change to existing manual call procedures.
.Select a free Seaphone channel and call "Sydney
Radio, Sydney Radio this is (VESSELNAME)etc..."
for at least 4 seconds.
.An automatic VA will respond followed by the operator
who will help you with the service you require.
Page 15 HH979XL
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SHORE TO SHIP SEMI-AUTO CALLS AND AUTO
RADIO CHECK
Toverify that your radio is in range, working OK and to
determine if there are any outstanding Seaphone calls for
your vessel, you can "Interrogate" the system via an idle
Seaphone Channel at any time and at no cost by simply
pressing the [*] button on your DTMF Keypad.
Within seconds you will hear a V A saying "Thank you for
calling (quoting your Seaphone ID) -we have no calls for
you at this time" or alternatively "Thank you for calling
Seaphone -we have a call for you -please stand by".
In this Instance, the Seaphone system will dial the
shore subscriber's number and connect you automati-
cally, with call costs charged to the shore party.
SHORE TO SHIP BOOKING PROCEDURE
All shore to ship calls are made via the Ships,c~tSea
Operator on 0108. This is a free call. (Not connectable via
public phones or PABX's with a bar on STD or IDD calls).I
1. The shore subscriber will be asked for details of the
vessel's Seaphone ID/radio call sign, ship's name and
probable whereabouts. These details are entered into
the Seaphone computer system, plus the caller's name/
telephone number ashore.
2. The call can then be retrieved automatically at the
vessel's convenience or when it's next in VHF range by
following the simple "Interrogation" procedures.
3. The Ships at Sea Operator will also call the vessel on
Channel 16,67 and / or Seaphone channels applicable to
the vessel's known location.
4. Periodically, the caller will be advised of the status of any
outstanding shore to ship calls.
SHORE TO VESSEL MANUAL CALLS FROM
TELSTRA MARITIME COMMUNICATION STATIONS
There is no change to existing manual procedures. Two
hourly "Traffic Lists" will continue to be broadcasted by each
MCS on VHF Channel 67 or Primary Seaphone Channel
with subsequent Seaphone calls connected in the normal
manner appropriate for each Seaphone coverage area.
HH979XL Page 16
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"333" REPEATER MODE SEAPHONE CALLS
Vessels outside the range of direct inter-ship VHF communi-
cations can make extended range (up to 10 times greater)
ship-to-ship calls by using Seaphone stations as talk-
through repeaters. And the first 20 seconds is free.
1. Choose the Seaphone channel which you know the
other vessel(s) is monitoring in your area and listen
briefly to ensure that the channel is clear.
2. Dial the numbers "333" on the keypad and press the
Asterisk [*] button. Your Seaphone ID and the dialed
number will automatically be transmitted.
3. A voice announcement will follow saying "Your
Seaphone ship-to-ship channel is now open, please
proceed".
4. Now call the vessel you wish to talk to -eg: "Unicom
Unicom, this is Mariner, Mariner on Channel 23. Do you
copy? Over."
5. When the other vessel responds operate your PTT
Switch in the normal manner. To terminate your call,
simply press the HASH [I] button and listen for the
"Thank you for calling" voice announcement.
Important Note:
Pressing the HASH [I] button and receiving the latter
voice announcement ensures that call charging is
terminated.
Ship-to-ship Seaphone repeater calls are currently charged
at just $0.75 per minute with 20 seconds of free establish-
ment time.
DIAL "999" FOR EMERGENCYSERVICE
If you are involved in an emergency at sea and you have
made a distress call on Channel 16 or 67 without response
from a coast station or another vessel, simply switch to an
unoccupied Seaphone channel appropriate to your area.
Dial "999" and press asterisk "*".
There is no need for you to wait if all Seaphone channels
are busy because a "999" call will usually override any
established Seaphone traffic in progress at the time.
Your signal will immediately activate a high priority alarm at
your nearest Seaphone station, the operator's screen will
switch to red alert and the Seaphone computer system will
automatically display your vessel's name radio callsign,
owner's name, address and telephone number for urgent
attention.
Page 17 HH979XL
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This willbefollowed on air by an automaticvoice announce-
mentdeclaring" Attention all ships, emergency call
received, please stand by for Sydney Radio".
The Seaphone channel you are using will also be automati-
cally switched to "talk through repeater mode". This means
that your signals are instantly rebroadcast from the VHF
base station antenna enabling any other vessels listening on
the channel to respond and standby to render assistance as
advised by the operator and the appropriate search and
rescue organisation.
Cautionary Note:
The effective range and strength of ship-to-shore and ship-
to-ship VHF transmission varies greatly depending on the
quality of individual radio installations, height of the antenna
and the vessels location. (As VHF is essentially a line of
sight medium, signals can be greatly interrupted by high
terrain in sheltered waterways and inlets).
In addition, volume and signal strength of other traffic and
channel capacity in a particular location can impact on the
timing and/or success of establishing a radio link.
If any of these factors apply to your vessel you may not
succeed in making contact when you first activate the "999"
Seaphone facility. In these circumstances you should
continue to repeat the procedure outlined above, selecting
an alternative Seaphone channel if necessary .
HH979XL Page 18
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