Uniden MHS050 User manual

MHS050
Handheld VHF Marine Transceiver
For more exciting new products please visit our website:
Australia: www.uniden.com.au
New Zealand: www.uniden.co.nz

NOTE
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is
intended to alert the user to the presence of important
operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the
literature accompanying the appliance.
Floating/Waterproof: JIS8
Uniden’s MHS050 radio is designed to meet the water proong
standard of JIS8 and will oat in water.
This Means: Protected against the effects of continuous immersion in water.
The MHS050 can withstand immersion in water up to 1.5m depth for 1hr.
Note this is not suitable for scuba diving.
NOTE
The MHS050 will only meet this rating if fully assembled
and all rubber seals are well maintained and correctly tted.
This means that the carabiner clip is not connected and the
battery cover securely fastened.
After your radio is submerged in water, you might notice that the sound
is distorted. This is because there is still water remaining in and around
the speaker and microphone. Just shake the radio to clear excess water,
and the sound should return to normal.
NOTE
If your radio is exposed to salt water, clean your radio
thoroughly with fresh water, and dry it before turning it on.
Ni-MH Battery Pack Warning
• This equipment contains a Ni-MH Battery Pack.
• The Ni-MH Battery Pack contained in this equipment may
explode if disposed of in a re.
• Do not short-circuit the Battery Pack.
• Do not charge the Ni-MH Battery Pack used in this equipment with any
Adaptor other than the one designed to charge this Battery Pack. Using
another Adaptor may damage the Battery Pack or cause the Battery
Pack to explode.
• Ni-MH batteries must be disposed of properly.
2
Warning
UNIDEN MHS050 Handheld VHF Marine Transceiver

Introduction
Features 4
Included in your Package 5
Optional Accessories 5
Controls and Indicators 6
Getting Started
Install the Battery Pack 8
Attaching the Beltclip 9
Using the Carabiner Clip 9
Charging the Battery Pack 9
Battery Level Display 10
Operation
Power On/Off 12
Volume 12
Selecting a Channel 13
Squelch 14
To Transmit and Receive 16
One-touch Channel 16/09 18
Triple Watch 18
Scanning 19
Programming Scan Channels 20
Drop-Out Delay 20
Power Save 21
Back Lighting 21
Monitor 21
Keypad Lock 22
Marine Channels - International 23
Warranty 26
3
Contents
UNIDEN MHS050 Handheld VHF Marine Transceiver

4
Introduction
UNIDEN MHS050 Handheld VHF Marine Transceiver
The MHS050 is a oating, waterproof, portable two-way VHF transceiver. It
is compact, lightweight, rugged and ts easily in your hand. This handheld
VHF marine radio will give you consistent, outstanding performance in
virtually all conditions and situations.
To ensure that you get the most from the MHS050’s features, please read
this operating guide carefully before using the unit.
Features
• International Marine Channels
• Built-in precision matched Antenna
• Floating / Waterproof to JIS8*
• Carabiner Clip
• Emergency 16CH / 09CH mode
• Battery Level Display
• Memory Scan
• Triple Watch
• TX Power Select
• Channel Select
• Volume Select
• Audio Monitor (Fixed Squelch)
• Key Lock On/Off
• Battery Save
*Protected against the effects of continuous immersion in water. The
MHS050 can withstand immersion in water up to 1.5m depth for 1hr.
Note this is not suitable for scuba diving.

5
Included in your Package
UNIDEN MHS050 Handheld VHF Marine Transceiver
* MHS050 (x1), MHS050-2 (x2)
** MHS050: DTMHS1, MH050-2: DTMHS2
NOTE
If any of these items are missing from the box, contact your
place of purchase, immediately.
MHS050*
AC Adapter
(AAD-050S(M))*
MHS050
CHARGING CRADLE
LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY
SCAN
TRI
TX
MEM LOCK
LO
HI
Drop-in Charger
(Single charger shown)
(DTMHS1)**
NiMH Battery Pack
(BP38)*
Beltclip*
Carabiner Clip* Owner’s Manual
MHS050
Handheld VHF Marine Transceiver
For more exciting new products please visit our website:
Australia: www.uniden.com.au
New Zealand: www.uniden.co.nz

6
Controls and Indicators
UNIDEN MHS050 Handheld VHF Marine Transceiver
1 Antenna
2 PTT (Push-To-Talk) Button
3 Power Boost Button
4 Monitor Button
5 Channel Up/Down Key
6 Hi/Lo (Transmit Power) /
Keylock Key
7 Scan / Memory Key
8 Power key
9 Volume Up/Down key
10 16/9 / TRI (Triple Watch) Key
11 Sql (Squelch) Key
(single charger shown)
12 Microphone
13 Speaker
14 Channel Indicator
15 Scan Indicator
16 TX Indicator
17 TX Power Indicator
18 Triple Watch Indicator
19 Memory Indicator
20 Keylock Indicator
21 Battery Level Indicator
22 Charging Contacts
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
MHS050
22
CHARGING CRADLE
14
15
16
19
20
18 21
LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY
17
SCAN
TRI
TX
MEM LOCK
LO
HI
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
MHS050
22
CHARGING CRADLE
14
15
16
19
20
18 21
LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY
17
SCAN
TRI
TX
MEM LOCK
LO
HI
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
MHS050
22
CHARGING CRADLE
14
15
16
19
20
18 21
LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY
17
SCAN
TRI
TX
MEM LOCK
LO
HI
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
MHS050
22
CHARGING CRADLE
14
15
16
19
20
18 21
LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY
17
SCAN
TRI
TX
MEM LOCK
LO
HI
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
MHS050
22
CHARGING CRADLE
14
15
16
19
20
18 21
LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY
17
SCAN
TRI
TX
MEM LOCK
LO
HI

7
Getting Started
UNIDEN MHS050 Handheld VHF Marine Transceiver
Connect Drop-In Charger with AC adaptor
Plug one end of the AC adaptor into the wall
outlet and the other end into the drop-in charger.
NOTE
• The drop-in charger is not water proof. Ensure the radio is
dry before connecting to the charger.
• Don’t use the charger when the ambient temperature is
below 0º C (32º F) or above 45º C (113º F)
(single charger shown)

8
Getting Started
UNIDEN MHS050 Handheld VHF Marine Transceiver
Install the Battery Pack
Your radio uses the supplied NiMH battery pack.
To install the NiMH battery pack:
1. Make sure the radio is off.
2. Turn the screw holding the battery compartment counterclockwise with
a screwdriver, and hold up the battery cover.
3. Put the NiMH battery pack in the battery compartment applying the
battery contacts to the lower charge contacts. Be sure to follow the
instructions written on the battery pack’s label. Installing the battery
pack incorrectly will prevent the unit from operating.
4. Before placing the battery cover back on the radio, check the rubber
seal around the battery compartment and the ribbon of the battery
pack: make sure that the seal is in good condition and that there is
no foreign matter under the seal.
5. Replace the battery compartment door. Tighten the screws securely.
NOTE
If the rubber seal appears warn, nicked, or dried out,
replacement seals are available. Visit the website on the
cover of this manual.
CAUTION
Use only the supplied NiMH battery pack. Do not charge
alkaline or non rechargeable batteries.

9
Getting Started
UNIDEN MHS050 Handheld VHF Marine Transceiver
Attaching the Beltclip
To attach the belt clip:
Slide the belt clip until it snaps into place.
To remove the belt clip:
To remove the belt clip, press and hold belt clip locker, slide the belt clip
at the same time until released.
Using the Carabiner Clip
Use the carabiner clip to conveniently secure the MHS050 to a belt or strap.
NOTE
The MHS050 will oat when the carabiner clip is not
connected and the battery cover securely fastened.
Charging the Battery Pack
Your radio includes charging cradle and rechargeable battery pack.
Follow these instructions to recharge the radio in the charging cradle.
NOTE
For the initial battery charge, make sure the
radio is off for optimum charging.
1. Connect the adapter’s plug to DC IN 12V jack
of the charging cradle and plug the other end into
an AC outlet.
2. Set the charging cradle on the desk or tabletop, and
place the radio in the charging cradle with the keypad
facing forward.
3. Make sure that the LED illuminates. Charge the battery
pack for 13 hours and remove the radio from the
charging cradle after charging. (single charger shown)

10
UNIDEN MHS050 Handheld VHF Marine Transceiver
Getting Started
NOTE
• Charge time may vary depending on the battery life remaining.
• For fastest charging, turn off the radio before charging.
WARNING
• The charging cradle is not waterproof. If the charging
cradle falls into water, unplug it before attempting to
remove it from the water. Allow the cradle to dry completely
before reconnecting the power.
• Wipe off dirt or shake water from your radio before placing
in the charging cradle if your radio is soiled or wet.

11
Getting Started
UNIDEN MHS050 Handheld VHF Marine Transceiver
Battery Level Display
The BATTERY icon at the bottom of the screen indicates the battery
level at all times. The battery level is displayed in 4 levels.
LEVEL 4
Battery 100% full
LEVEL 2
Low Battery
NOTE
When PTT is pressed at Level 1, an error tone sounds
and transmission is disabled. Once at Level 1 the unit will
automatically shutdown after 60 seconds.
NOTE
Recharge the battery at any time. From empty the battery
will take up to 13 hours to fully charge.
Battery Life : 12 Hours (Typical)
This is based on the following Duty Cycle:
Transmit (Low Power) 5%
Receive 5%
Stand-by 90%
LEVEL 3
Battery approx.
40% capacity
LEVEL 1
(ashing)
Empty Battery

12
UNIDEN MHS050 Handheld VHF Marine Transceiver
Operation
In order to get the most out of your new radio, read this owner’s manual
completely before attempting to operate the unit.
Power On/Off
1. Press and hold to turn the radio ON.
A channel number and battery level should
appear on the display.
2. Press and hold to turn the radio OFF.
Volume
The volume level can be adjusted from 0
(no volume) to 7 (maximum volume).
1. Press VOL ( ) or ( ) to increase or
decrease the volume level. Ushows on the
display and the current volume level ashes.
MHS050
CHARGING CRADLE
LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY
SCAN
TRI
TX
MEM LOCK
LO
HI
SCAN
TRI
TX
MEM US LOCK
LO HI
INT
CAN
HI
HI
HI LO
TX
LO
LO LO
SCAN MEM
LO
TRILO TRILO
FULL Power On/Off Volume
Squelch
To Transmit
and Receive - 1
To Transmit
and Receive - 2
One-touch Channel - 1 ScanningOne-touch Channel - 2
MEM
LO LO
LOCK
LO
TRILO
Triple Watch - 1 Triple Watch - 2 Triple Watch - 3
Mem Monitor Lock
SCAN
TRI
TX
MEM US LOCK
LO HI
INT
CAN
HI HI
HI LO
TX
LO
LO LO
SCAN MEM
LO
TRILO TRILO
FULL Power On/Off Volume
Squelch
To Transmit
and Receive - 1
To Transmit
and Receive - 2
One-touch Channel - 1 ScanningOne-touch Channel - 2
MEM
LO LO
LOCK
LO
TRILO
Triple Watch - 1 Triple Watch - 2 Triple Watch - 3
Mem Monitor Lock

13
Operation
UNIDEN MHS050 Handheld VHF Marine Transceiver
Selecting a Channel
Press CH ( ) or ( ) to select the desired channel.
NOTE
If you press and hold the ( ) or ( ), channel number will
scroll rapidly.
NOTE
For your reference a list of the available channels,
corresponding frequencies and guidelines for their use and
selection is printed on page 27.

14
UNIDEN MHS050 Handheld VHF Marine Transceiver
Operation
Squelch
The squelch is used to eliminate any annoying background noise when
there are no signals present.
NOTE
Make sure to rst select a channel not in use before setting
the squelch in your MHS050 VHF Marine radio.
S1 - max sensitivity (min squelch)
S2 - med sensitivity (med squelch)
S3 - min sensitivity (max/tight squelch)
1. Press (sql) momentarily. Sshows on the
display and the current squelch level will ash.
2. Press (sql) while the squelch level shows to
change the squelch level to the next step.
3. Press and hold (sql) to save and exit the
squelch setting.
10
SQUELCH
The squelch is used to eliminate any annoying background noise when there
are no signals present.
Think of squelch as a gate. Turn [SQ] fully
clockwise. This raises the "Squelch Gate" so high
that only the very strong signals can get through.
Turn [SQ] fully counter clockwise until you hear a
hiss. This opens the "Squelch Gate" so that
everything gets through noise, weak signal, and
strong signals.
To set the "Squelch Gate" to the desired level, turn
[SQ] counter-clockwise until you hear noise. Then
turn the [SQ] clockwise just until the noise
stopped. Now only the desired signal can get
through.
If an incoming signal is very weak there is a
possibility that you will have a choppy or broken
reception, due to the sensitivity of the squelch.
In this case, simply rotate the [SQ] clockwise
until the weak signal is heard clearly.
Noise
Weak Signals
Medium Signals
Strong Signals
Make sure to first select a channel not in use before setting the
squelch in your UH076SX UHF-CB radio.
UH076SX
SCAN
TRI
TX
MEM US LOCK
LO HI
INT
CAN
HI HI
HI LO
TX
LO
LO LO
SCAN MEM
LO
TRILO TRILO
FULL Power On/Off Volume
Squelch
To Transmit
and Receive - 1
To Transmit
and Receive - 2
One-touch Channel - 1 ScanningOne-touch Channel - 2
MEM
LO LO
LOCK
LO
TRILO
Triple Watch - 1 Triple Watch - 2 Triple Watch - 3
Mem Monitor Lock

15
Operation
UNIDEN MHS050 Handheld VHF Marine Transceiver
Think of the squelch control as a gate. If you
increase the squelch level to maximum it
raises the ‘Squelch gate’ so only the strongest
signals get through.
If you decrease the squelch level to minimum
it lowers the ‘Squelch Gate’ to the extent that
weak signals can get through.
If unwanted weak and noisy signals are getting
through increase the squelch level (‘Squelch
Gate’) to a medium level. Now only medium
and strong signals get through.

16
UNIDEN MHS050 Handheld VHF Marine Transceiver
Operation
To Transmit and Receive
The MHS050 uses the International Marine Channels. For your reference
a list of the available channels and corresponding frequencies is printed
on p.23-p.25.
1. The maximum RF transmit power of MHS050 is 2.5W.
Press (hi/lo) to change the transmit power
between High (2.5W) and Low (1W).
HI appears on the display when on high power
and LO when on low power.
2. Before you transmit, listen for activity on the
selected channel.
3. When the channel is clear, press and hold the
(PTT) or (BOOST) to transmit. TX appears
on the LCD.
Hold the radio with microphone approximately
ve cms in front of your mouth with the
antenna at approximately 45* angle away from
your head. Speak in a clear, normal
conversational voice.
SCAN
TRI
TX
MEM US LOCK
LO HI
INT
CAN
HI HI
HI
LO
TX
LO
LO LO
SCAN MEM
LO
TRILO TRILO
FULL Power On/Off Volume
Squelch
To Transmit
and Receive - 1
To Transmit
and Receive - 2
One-touch Channel - 1 ScanningOne-touch Channel - 2
MEM
LO LO
LOCK
LO
TRILO
Triple Watch - 1 Triple Watch - 2 Triple Watch - 3
Mem Monitor Lock
SCAN
TRI
TX
MEM US LOCK
LO HI
INT
CAN
HI HI
HI LO
TX
LO
LO LO
SCAN MEM
LO
TRILO TRILO
FULL Power On/Off Volume
Squelch
To Transmit
and Receive - 1
To Transmit
and Receive - 2
One-touch Channel - 1 ScanningOne-touch Channel - 2
MEM
LO LO
LOCK
LO
TRILO
Triple Watch - 1 Triple Watch - 2 Triple Watch - 3
Mem Monitor Lock
SCAN
TRI
TX
MEM US LOCK
LO HI
INT
CAN
HI HI
HI LO
TX
LO
LO LO
SCAN MEM
LO
TRILO TRILO
FULL Power On/Off Volume
Squelch
To Transmit
and Receive - 1
To Transmit
and Receive - 2
One-touch Channel - 1 ScanningOne-touch Channel - 2
MEM
LO LO
LOCK
LO
TRILO
Triple Watch - 1 Triple Watch - 2 Triple Watch - 3
Mem Monitor Lock

17
Operation
UNIDEN MHS050 Handheld VHF Marine Transceiver
NOTE
When you press (BOOST) when the transmit power is low
(Lo - 1W) the radio transmits at maximum high (Hi - 2.5W)
power (except for channel 75 and 76).
4. When you have nished speaking, release the (PTT) or (BOOST) to
listen for a response. TX indicator then disappears on the LCD.

18
UNIDEN MHS050 Handheld VHF Marine Transceiver
Operation
One-touch Channel 16/09
Example: While you are monitoring channel 20,
you want to check channel 16 or channel 9.
1 You are now on channel 20.
2 To monitor channel 16, press (16/9).
3 To monitor channel 9, press (16/9) again.
4 To return to channel 20, press (16/9) again.
Triple Watch
Triple Watch mode monitors channels 16 and 9
for a signal while you listen to the currently
selected channel. The marine radio checks
channel 16 and 9 for activity every 2 seconds.
1. Press and hold (tri) to activate the
Triple Watch.
2. Press and hold (tri) again to exit
Triple Watch.
NOTE
While in Triple Watch mode,you
can change the currently selected
channel using CH ( ) or ( ).
SCAN
TRI
TX
MEM US LOCK
LO HI
INT
CAN
HI HI
HI LO
TX
LO
LO
LO
SCAN MEM
LO
TRILO TRILO
FULL Power On/Off Volume
Squelch
To Transmit
and Receive - 1
To Transmit
and Receive - 2
One-touch Channel - 1 ScanningOne-touch Channel - 2
MEM
LO LO
LOCK
LO
TRILO
Triple Watch - 1 Triple Watch - 2 Triple Watch - 3
Mem Monitor Lock
SCAN
TRI
TX
MEM US LOCK
LO HI
INT
CAN
HI HI
HI LO
TX
LO
LO
LO
SCAN MEM
LO
TRILO TRILO
FULL Power On/Off Volume
Squelch
To Transmit
and Receive - 1
To Transmit
and Receive - 2
One-touch Channel - 1 ScanningOne-touch Channel - 2
MEM
LO LO
LOCK
LO
TRILO
Triple Watch - 1 Triple Watch - 2 Triple Watch - 3
Mem Monitor Lock
SCAN
TRI
TX
MEM US LOCK
LO HI
INT
CAN
HI HI
HI LO
TX
LO
LO LO
SCAN MEM
LO
TRILO TRILO
FULL Power On/Off Volume
Squelch
To Transmit
and Receive - 1
To Transmit
and Receive - 2
One-touch Channel - 1 ScanningOne-touch Channel - 2
MEM
LO LO
LOCK
LO
TRILO
Triple Watch - 1 Triple Watch - 2 Triple Watch - 3
Mem Monitor Lock
SCAN
TRI
TX
MEM US LOCK
LO HI
INT
CAN
HI HI
HI LO
TX
LO
LO LO
SCAN MEM
LO
TRILO
TRILO
FULL Power On/Off Volume
Squelch
To Transmit
and Receive - 1
To Transmit
and Receive - 2
One-touch Channel - 1 ScanningOne-touch Channel - 2
MEM
LO LO
LOCK
LO
TRILO
Triple Watch - 1 Triple Watch - 2 Triple Watch - 3
Mem Monitor Lock
SCAN
TRI
TX
MEM US LOCK
LO HI
INT
CAN
HI HI
HI LO
TX
LO
LO LO
SCAN MEM
LO
TRILO
TRILO
FULL Power On/Off Volume
Squelch
To Transmit
and Receive - 1
To Transmit
and Receive - 2
One-touch Channel - 1 ScanningOne-touch Channel - 2
MEM
LO LO
LOCK
LO
TRILO
Triple Watch - 1 Triple Watch - 2 Triple Watch - 3
Mem Monitor Lock

19
Operation
UNIDEN MHS050 Handheld VHF Marine Transceiver
Scanning
The MHS050 can scan the channels programmed into memory, see
Programming Scan Channels on page 20.
To initiate scanning;
1. Assuming the unit is on CH17 when switched on.
2. Press (scan) and scanning starts. SCAN icon
appears during scanning.
The MHS050 will scan memory channels in ascending order.
If Triple Watch is turned on during scan then the radio will scan the
memory channels in ascending order and will check channel 09 and
channel 16 every 2 seconds, then resume scanning the memory channels.
SCAN
TRI
TX
MEM US LOCK
LO HI
INT
CAN
HI HI
HI LO
TX
LO
LO LO
SCAN MEM
LO
TRILO TRILO
FULL Power On/Off Volume
Squelch
To Transmit
and Receive - 1
To Transmit
and Receive - 2
One-touch Channel - 1 ScanningOne-touch Channel - 2
MEM
LO LO
LOCK
LO
TRILO
Triple Watch - 1 Triple Watch - 2 Triple Watch - 3
Mem Monitor Lock
SCAN
TRI
TX
MEM US LOCK
LO HI
INT
CAN
HI HI
HI LO
TX
LO
LO LO
SCAN MEM
LO
TRILO TRILO
FULL Power On/Off Volume
Squelch
To Transmit
and Receive - 1
To Transmit
and Receive - 2
One-touch Channel - 1 ScanningOne-touch Channel - 2
MEM
LO LO
LOCK
LO
TRILO
Triple Watch - 1 Triple Watch - 2 Triple Watch - 3
Mem Monitor Lock

20
UNIDEN MHS050 Handheld VHF Marine Transceiver
Operation
Programming Scan Channels
1. Select the channel you want to store by
pressing ( ) or ( ).
2. Press and hold (mem). MEM appears and
a double beep is heard.
3. To remove the channels from Memory, press
and hold (mem) once more. A double beep
sounds and MEM disappears.
Drop-out Delay
While scanning, the MHS050 stops at a busy channel and receives a
signal. When the received signal is over, the unit will wait for 2 seconds
for the return of the signal, otherwise, the radio resumes scanning.
SCAN
TRI
TX
MEM US LOCK
LO HI
INT
CAN
HI HI
HI LO
TX
LO
LO LO
SCAN MEM
LO
TRILO TRILO
FULL Power On/Off Volume
Squelch
To Transmit
and Receive - 1
To Transmit
and Receive - 2
One-touch Channel - 1 ScanningOne-touch Channel - 2
MEM
LO
LO
LOCK
LO
TRILO
Triple Watch - 1 Triple Watch - 2 Triple Watch - 3
Mem Monitor Lock