Uniden DSC Series User manual

cover SOLARA 8/16/01 11:38 Page 1

Maritime Radio Services Operation
This transmitter will operate on channels/frequencies that have
restricted use in the United States. The channel assignments
include frequencies assigned for exclusive use of the U.S. Coast
Guard, use in Canada, and use in international waters. Operation
in these frequencies without proper authorization is strictly forbid-
den. For frequencies/channels that are currently for use in the
U.S. without an individual license, please contact the FCC Call
Center at 1-888-CALL-FCC.
Warning!
For individuals requiring a license, such as commercial users, you should obtain
a license application from your nearest FCC field office.
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Controls
1. ▲/▼CHANNEL Selectors - These controls are used to select the
desired communication channel.
2. LED Display - Indicators for Channel Number, 16, INT, 1W
and TX.
3. SQUELCH - Controls the background noise when a signal is
not received.
4. PTT (Push-to-Talk) Switch - Press to transmit and release
to receive.
5. CH16 - Controls instant access to Channel 16 communications.
6. INT (USA/International) - Switches operation between US and
International Channels.
7. HI/LO - Controls transmitter’s output power between 1 watt and
25 watt.
8. VOLUME/On/Off - Turns the SOLARA power on or off and
adjusts the volume.
123
4
5678
Controls and Indicators
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Indicators
9. 16 - Indicates that Channel 16 is selected.
10. INT - Indicates International Channel Mode.
11. LO - Indicates transmitted output is 1 Watt.
12. TX (Transmit) - Indicates PTT switch is pressed.
13. LED Numerical Channel Display - Indicates Channel Number in
use. Weather Channels are displayed as single digits (Example:
0, 1, 2, 3, etc.). Communication Channels are displayed as two
digits (Example: 01, 02, 03, etc.).
Rear Panel Connectors
14. ANT. (Antenna) Connector - Connect the antenna here using a
PL259 type connector.
15. REMOTE Speaker Connector - An external 4 ohm, 4 watt
speaker may be connected to this jack. The connecting wire must
use the included 3.5mm miniature plug.
16. DC Power Cord with In-line Fuse Holder - Connect red power
lead to positive power source.
17. DC Ground Cord - Connect black power lead to negative
power source.
1514 16
17
9
10
11
12
13
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Table of Contents
Controls and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Front Cover Foldout
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Included with your SOLARA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Selecting a Location. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Antenna Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Engine Noise Suppression . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Installing the SOLARA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Setting the Squelch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Selecting a Channel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Channel Auto Repeat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Instant Channel 16 Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
USA/INT Channels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Transmitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Care and Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Replacement Parts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
USA/INT Frequency Lists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rear Cover Foldout
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The Uniden SOLARA VHF marine radio transceiver is designed to
provide you with years of trouble-free service. It’s rugged components
and materials are easily capable of withstanding the harsh marine
environment. The transceiver has a splashproof housing to protect the
electronics, and the unit may be mounted in several convenient
locations on-board your vessel using the universal mounting bracket.
You can be confident in your choice of radio equipment because the
SOLARA offers Instant Channel 16 access, automatic transmitter time-
out, and coverage of the marine frequency band. It will meet your
communication needs by providing you with state-of-the-art radio
electronics that are easy to operate.
We are certain that you will enjoy your SOLARA. To ensure that you get
the most from its features, please read this operating guide carefully
before using the unit.
Features
• Receives 90 Marine Channels • Receives 10 Weather Channels
• HI(25W)/LO(1W) Transmitter • Transmits 54 Marine Channels
• Instant Channel 16 Button • External Speaker Jack
• 5 Minute Transmitter Time-Out • Splash Proof Chassis
• USA/INT Frequency Capable • Channel Auto Repeat
Specifications, features, and availability of optional accessories are all
subject to change without prior notice.
Introduction
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SOLARA Owner’s Manual Microphone Hanger
and Screws
Other Printed Material
Mounting Bracket
and Knobs
3.5mm Mini Plug
and Spare Fuse
Included with your SOLARA
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Caution: The SOLARA will operate only with nominal 12 volt negative
ground battery systems.
Selecting a Location
Before choosing a location for your new SOLARA, review these guidelines:
• Carefully consider the unit’s electrical and mechanical mounting
requirements, as well as your accessability needs.
• Select a location that allows free air flow around the heat sink in
the back of the radio.
• Select a location that is free from spray and splash and doesn’t
expose your radio to direct sunlight.
• Keep the battery leads as short as possible, and for best results
connect directly to the battery. If the supplied power lead isn’t
long enough to reach the battery, extensions should be made
with at least #10 AWG wire.
• Choose a location for the radio and auxiliary speaker (if
installed) that is away from the ship’s compass.
Antenna Considerations
Many different antennas are available for your radio. We recommend
that you consult with your Uniden dealer in determining a suitable
antenna for your vessel and range requirements.
In general when choosing or installing your antenna, consider
these guidelines:
• The range increases with the antenna placed as high as
possible above the water line.
• The antenna should not have an excessively long coaxial
feed cable.
• The antenna should be located away from metal objects.
Installation
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Engine Noise Suppression
The SOLARA has been designed to minimize ignition and alternator
noise. However, in some installations it may be necessary to take
additional steps to help eliminate noise interference. During installation,
try to direct the DC battery wires, the antenna lead, and accessory
cables away from the engine compartment or ignition and alternator
wiring.
If the noise continues, it may be necessary to install a noise suppression
kit. Contact your Uniden dealer for more information.
Installing the SOLARA
After choosing a location, position the radio (with the bracket,
microphone, power cord, antenna cable, and external speaker lead, if
installed) to make sure it fits. Then follow these steps:
1. Using the bracket as a template, mark the holes for the mounting
hardware.
2. Drill the holes and mount the
bracket with hardware
appropriate for the mounting
surface.
Note: This HEXAGON HEAD
BOLT is only for mounting the
bracket with hardware. Do not
use it for installing the radio in
the mounting bracket.
3. Connect the red power lead to
the positive (+) battery terminal
or to an accessory contact in
your vessel’s fuse box.
Note: The power cord is
equipped with a 6-ampere fast
blow fuse to protect your radio.
Use only a 6-ampere
replacement fuse.
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4. Connect the black wire of the power cord to the negative (–)
battery terminal or to a ground source in your vessel’s fuse box.
5. Install the radio in the mounting
bracket and connect the
antenna cable and accessories
to their appropriate jacks and
connectors.
Note: Do not use any other
mounting knobs than the ones
enclosed. Do not insert the
screw without attaching the
bracket.
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