West Marine VHF500 User manual

UT01920ZB_0 8/16/05 12:34 PM Page 1

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 forbidden. 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.
Maritime Radio Services Operation
Warning!
For individuals requiring a license, such as commercial users, you should obtain
a license application from your nearest FCC field office.
West Marine works to reduce lead content in our PVC coated cords in our
products and accessories.
WARNING: The cords on this product and/or accessories contain lead, a
chemical known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.
UT01920ZB_0 8/16/05 12:34 PM Page 2

West Marine VHF500 .............................................................................5
Included with your VHF500 ....................................................................6
Controls and Indicators...........................................................................7
Installation.............................................................................................11
Choosing a Location........................................................................11
Engine Noise Suppression ..............................................................13
Antenna Considerations ..................................................................13
Antenna Selection and Installation ..................................................13
Installing the VHF500 ......................................................................14
Operation ..............................................................................................15
Power On/Off...................................................................................15
Last Channel Memory .....................................................................15
Squelch............................................................................................16
Hailing and Distress Channel 16/Channel 9 Communications .......17
Marine Distress Procedure..............................................................17
Triple Watch.....................................................................................18
Selecting a Channel .......................................................................18
Weather Channels ..........................................................................19
Entering Channel Numbers into Memory Scan...............................19
Memory Channel Scan....................................................................20
Triple Watch Alert Scan ...................................................................20
Alert Scan ........................................................................................20
Weather Alert...................................................................................21
About S.A.M.E. Weather Alert .........................................................21
Setting the Transmit (TX) Power .....................................................23
Menu Operation....................................................................................24
Digital Selective Calling (DSC)........................................................25
Distress............................................................................................25
Individual Call.............................................................................27
Group Call..................................................................................28
All Ships Call ..............................................................................29
Position Request........................................................................31
Position Send.............................................................................32
Standby ......................................................................................33
Call Wait.....................................................................................34
Contents
UT01920ZB_0 8/16/05 12:34 PM Page 3

Setup ...............................................................................................36
Alarm Clock................................................................................36
Local Time Adjust.......................................................................39
Daylight Savings On/Off.............................................................40
Directory.....................................................................................41
FIPS ...........................................................................................45
Auto Channel Switch..................................................................48
Position Reply ............................................................................49
Channel Name ...........................................................................51
WHAM........................................................................................53
Group MMSI...............................................................................56
User MMSI .................................................................................57
System.............................................................................................59
Contrast......................................................................................59
Lamp Adjust ...............................................................................60
Key Beep ...................................................................................61
NMEA Technical Setup .........................................................................62
Optional Accessories ............................................................................62
VHF FM Marine Radio Telephone
Channel and Functions (USA Channels) ........................................63
Channel and Functions (International Channels) ...........................64
Channel and Functions (Canadian Channels)................................65
NWR-SAME Event Code......................................................................66
Specification .........................................................................................67
Troubleshooting ....................................................................................68
Care and Maintenance .........................................................................70
Three Year Limited Warranty................................................................71
UT01920ZB_0 8/16/05 12:34 PM Page 4

5
The West Marine VHF500 is of all solid-state design with conservatively
rated, rugged components and materials compatible with the marine
environment. The transceiver utilizes a number of gaskets, sealing
rings, waterproof membranes, and other sealants to effect a waterproof
housing for protection of the electronics. It meets the most stringent
JIS7 waterproof specification. The unit may be mounted in any number
of convenient locations on your vessel by utilizing the optional flush
mount bracket (White - 500FMW, Black - 500FMB).
You are encouraged to thoroughly read the rest of this Operating Guide
to acquaint yourself with the characteristics and operation of your
transceiver so that you can contribute to the longevity of your
investment.
Keep your receipt as proof-of-purchase in case warranty service is
required.
Features, specifications, and availability of optional accessories are all
subject to change without notice.
Note: VHF500 meets JIS7 requirements. This means that the radio
and mic are rated submersible to a depth of 1 meter for 30
minutes.
West Marine VHF500
UT01920ZB_0 8/16/05 12:34 PM Page 5

6
Included with your VHF500
VHF500
Owner s Manual
VHF500 Radio Microphone Hanger
and Screws
Mounting Bracket
and Knobs
DC Cord
Spare Fuse
250V 6A
Accessory CableMounting Hardware
UT01920ZB_0 8/16/05 12:34 PM Page 6

7
Front panel/Microphone
1. PTT Switch - Press to transmit and release to receive.
2.12. 16/9/TRI - Press this key briefly to instantly change to Channel 16,
Channel 9 or current channel. Press this key for more than two seconds to
activate the triple Watch Feature.
3.5. CH(CHANNEL)/▲(+)/▼(–) - These keys are used to change the channel
number up/down. These buttons are also used to move the cursor in
Menu mode.
4. SELECT - In the Menu mode this is used to select the menu options.
6. MEM/UIC - Press this key briefly to place the currently selected channel
into Memory. Press this key briefly again to delete the channel from
scanning memory. Press this key for more than two seconds to change
channel modes. (USA, International, or Canadian)
7. PA - Press this key briefly to enable the PA (Public Address) feature.
8. PWR/VOL (On/Off/Volume) - Turns the unit On or Off and adjusts the
speaker volume.
9. STEP/SCAN - Press this key briefly to activate the step operation. Every
time this key is pushed, the radio will step to the next channel that has
been placed into Memory. Press this key for more than two seconds to
activate the memory channel scan feature.
10. H/L/MENU - Press this key briefly to change the transmit power to either
High (25 watts) or Low (1 watt). Press this key for more than two seconds
to enter the Menu mode.
11. WX/ALERT - Press this key briefly to listen to active NOAA Weather
channels. Press this key for more than two seconds to place the radio into
the Weather Alert mode.
13. DISTRESS - Lift the flap and press this key for 5 seconds to send a
distress signal in case of emergency.
14. SQUELCH - Rotate this knob clockwise to eliminate background noise
when a signal is not being received.
Controls and Indicators
64 9875
1410 11 12 13
23
1
UT01920ZB_0 8/16/05 12:34 PM Page 7

8
Rear Panel Connectors
2
3
4
11. DC Jack
2. ACC Connector
3. Remote Connector
4. Antenna Connector
To VHF500
Note: DC13.8V and GND are for GPS ANT.
ACC Connector
UT01920ZB_0 8/16/05 12:34 PM Page 8

9
1. TX (Transmit) - Indicates transmitting.
2. HI (High) - Indicates transmit output is 25 Watts.
3. C- Indicates Canadian Channel Mode.
4. DSC - Indicates the radio is in the Digital Selective calling mode.
5. TRI (Triple Watch) - Indicates Triple Watch Mode is in effect.
6. MEM (Memory) - Indicates that the channel is entered into the
Scan memory.
7. (Alarm Icon) - It appears when the alarm clock is set.
8. LO (Low) - Indicates transmit output is 1 Watt.
9. U- Indicates USA Channel Mode.
10. I- Indicates International Channel Mode.
11. WX - Indicates Weather Channel Mode has been activated.
12. ("ALT" Icon) - Indicates Weather Alert Mode has been
activated.
13. Radio Status Indicator - This area is used for Channel Name,
Menu, Frequency of active Weather Channel and messages
concerning SAME, DSC, and GPS. These messages will
continually scroll from right to the left.
14. (GPS Icon) - Indicates the radio is receiving data from an
external GPS.
15. (WHAM Icon) - Indicates the radio it is connected to the control
unit of the WHAM. (Wireless Handheld Access Microphone)
16. Channel Display - Indicates the current Channel Number.
UT01920ZB_0 8/16/05 12:34 PM Page 9

10
NOTES: "POS SEND", "LOCAL TIME ADJUST", "DAYLITE SAVINGS", and "ALARM
CLOCK" are not displayed in Menu when external GPS receiver is not
connected.
When the radio is in one of the following modes: WX Alert mode, Channel 16/9
mode, Scan Mode, or Triple Watch mode, and the user presses the Menu key, all
the of these modes are cancelled.
The Menu mode will be cancelled if the radio receives a DSC call or any key is
pressed besides the Up arrow, Down arrow, or select keys are pressed.
UT01920ZB_0 8/16/05 12:34 PM Page 10

11
Installation
Caution: The VHF500 will only operate with a nominal 12 volt negative
ground battery system.
Keep in mind the flexibility designed into the VHF500 so that you can
most conveniently use it. Features which should be considered are:
1. The universal mounting bracket may be installed on either the top
or bottom of a shelf, on a bulkhead, or for overhead mounting.
2. The REMOTE speaker wires can be used with an auxiliary
speaker.
3. All connections are "plug-in" type for easy removal of the radio.
4. By using the optional WHAM (Wireless Handheld Access
Microphone), the VHF 500 can be mounted completely out of the
way.
5. Also optionally available is your choice of flush mount brackets
(White - 500FMW, Black - 500FMB).
Choosing a Location
Some important factors to consider in selecting the location for your
VHF500.
1. The VHF500 is completely waterproof, but will last longer if
protected from spray and splash.
2. Keep the battery leads as short as possible. Direct connection to
the battery is most desirable. If direct connection can not be
made with the supplied power lead, any extension should be
made with #12-14 AWG wire. Long extensions should use larger
gauge wire.
3. Keep the antenna lead - in wire as short as possible. If you must
use a long lead - in wire as in the case of a sailboat masthead
antenna installation, we recommend you upgrade your lead - in
wire according to the following table:
RG-58 <20'
RG-8X <35'
RG-8U <60'
4. Locate your antenna as high as possible and clear from metal
objects. The reliable range of coverage is a direct function of the
antenna height.
5. Select a location that allows free air flow around the heat sink on
the rear of the radio.
UT01920ZB_0 8/16/05 12:34 PM Page 11

12
6. Select a location well away from the ship’s compass. Auxiliary
speakers also should be located away from the compass.
UT01920ZB_0 8/16/05 12:34 PM Page 12

13
Engine Noise Suppression
Interference from the noise generated by the electrical systems of
engines is sometimes a problem with radios. The VHF500 has been
designed to be essentially impervious to ignition noise and alternator
noise. However, in some installations it may be necessary to take
measures to further reduce the effect of noise interference. The
VHF500 radio DC battery wires, antenna lead, and accessory cables
should be routed away from the engine and engine compartment, and
from power cabling carrying high currents.
In severe cases of noise interference, it may be necessary to install a
noise suppression kit. Contact your West Marine store or dealer from
whom you purchased the radio for more information.
Antenna Considerations
A variety of antennas are available from a number of quality suppliers.
In general, we receommend 8’6dB rated antennas for powerboats, and
4’3dB antennas for sailboats.
In general, communication range is increased by using a high-gain
antenna placed as high as possible above the water line. Antennas
should be located away from metal objects. Keep coax feed cables as
short as practical.
Antenna Selection and Installation
VHF500 has been designed to accomodate all of the popular marine
VHF antennas. However, the selection and the installation of the
antenna is the responsibility of the user or installer.
The FCC has determined that excessive radiation poses a health risk to
people near radio transmitting antennas. Therefore, the antenna used
with this radio should be installed using the following guidelines to insure
a suitable distance between the antenna and persons close by.
Small whip antennas (3 dB) or smaller should be installed keeping at
least three feet separation distance between the radiating element and
people.
Larger antennas (6 dB or 9 dB) should be installed keeping at least a six
foot separation distance.
No person should touch the antenna or come into the separation
distance when the radio is transmitting.
UT01920ZB_0 8/16/05 12:34 PM Page 13

14
Installing the VHF500
After you have carefully considered the various factors affecting your
choice of location, position the radio (with the bracket, microphone,
power cord, antenna and any auxiliary cables installed) into the selected
location to assure there is no interference with the surrounding items.
Mark the location of the mounting bracket. Remove the bracket from the
radio and use it as a template to mark the holes to be drilled for the
mounting hardware. Drill the holes and mount the bracket with
hardware compatible with the material of 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.
Connect the red wire of the supplied power cord to the positive (+) side
of your distribution circuit or battery. Connect the black wire of the
supplied power cord to the negative (–) side of your distribution circuit or
battery. The power cord is equipped with a fuse to protect the radio.
Use only a six (6) ampere fast blow fuse for replacement. Connect the
power cord to the keyed connector on the power "pigtail".
Connect the antenna and all other auxiliary cables and accessories.
Install the radio in the mounting bracket and connect all cables and
accessories to the appropriate jacks and connectors.
Note: Do not use any other mounting
knobs than the ones enclosed.
Do not insert the knobs without
attaching the bracket.
UT01920ZB_0 8/16/05 12:34 PM Page 14

15
POWER On/Off
Turn the unit On by rotating the PWR/VOL
control clockwise. Adjust the volume to a
comfortable level.
When you turn the unit On, you will hear a
beep, and the greeting message below
appears on the Radio Status Display for 3
seconds.
Operation
Last Channel Memory
The VHF500 memorizes the last channel selected before you turn Off
the radio. For example, if you turn Off the radio on CH 12, it will be on
that channel when turned back On.
Note: In order for the last channel to be memorized, you must have
the radio on that channel for 3 seconds.
UT01920ZB_0 8/16/05 12:34 PM Page 15

16
Turn SQUELCH fully clockwise. This raises the “Squelch Gate”so high
that only very strong signals can get through.
Turn SQUELCH fully counterclockwise until you hear a hiss. This lowers
the “Squelch Gate”so that everything gets through - noise, weak
signals, and strong signals.
Turn SQUELCH back clockwise until the hiss stops. For best results,
adjust the squelch so that the noise is eliminated, but no further.
Strong Signals
Medium Signals
Weak Signals
Noise
Strong Signals
Medium Signals
Weak Signals
Noise
Strong Signals
Medium Signals
Weak Signals
Noise
SQUELCH
UT01920ZB_0 8/16/05 12:34 PM Page 16

17
HAILING AND DISTRESS CHANNEL 16/CHANNEL 9
COMMUNICATIONS
To select Channel 16 or Channel 9, press the 16/9/TRI key. The first
press of the 16/9/TRI key will select the Hailing and Distress channel 16
instantly while tuned to another channel. A second of 16/9/TRI key will
select channel 9. Press 16/9/TRI briefly a third time to return to the
channel selected prior to accessing Hailing and Distress Channel
16/Channel 9 commnunications. The display will indicate the selected
channel.
To cancel Hailing and Distress Channel
16/Channel 9 communications:
●Press 16/9/TRI briefly until the
previous channel setting appears.
--or--
●Press WX/ALERT, CH ▲, ▼or STEP/SCAN briefly.
MARINE DISTRESS PROCEDURE
Speak slowly –clearly –calmly.
1. Make sure your radio is On.
2. Tune to Channel 16.
3. Press the PTT button on the microphone and say: "MAYDAY –
MAYDAY –MAYDAY."
4. Give your ship ID.
5. Say "MAYDAY [your ship name]."
6. Give your location: (what navigational aids or landmarks are
near).
7. State the nature of your distress.
8. Give the number of persons aboard and the conditions of any
injured.
9. Estimate present seaworthiness of your vessel.
10. Give a brief description of your vessel (meters, type, color, hull).
11. Say: "I will be listening on Channel 16".
12. End message by saying "THIS IS [your ship name or call sign]
OVER."
13. Release the PTT button and listen. Someone should answer.
If not, repeat call, beginning at Item 3 above.
UT01920ZB_0 8/16/05 12:34 PM Page 17

18
SELECTING A CHANNEL
To manually select a channel, press CH ▲or ▼briefly. Communication
channels are located on channel 01-28 and 60-88. Weather channels
are located on channels WX 0-9.
TRIPLE WATCH
Triple Watch monitors Channel 16, Channel 9, and the current Marine
Channel (home or normal Channel) or Weather Channel.
To activate Triple Watch, Press 16/9/TRI for more than two seconds.
TRI appears on the Radio Status Display, indicating Triple Watch mode
is in effect. If a signal is received on either Channel 16 or Channel 9, the
radio remains on that channel until the signal ends.
Press 16/9/TRI for more than two seconds to cancel the Triple Watch mode.
Note: While in Triple Watch mode, you can change the currently
selected channel using CH ▲and ▼.
A momentary press of the 16/9/TRI button interrupts Triple
Watch mode and remains on channel 16, or on channel 9 if
you press 16/9/TRI briefly once more. To return to the Triple
Watch mode, simply press the button briefly again.
Note: In the US, the Coast Guard may refer to Channels 21, 22, 23
etc. as 21 alpha, 22 alpha, etc. The VHF500 shows these
channels in the USA mode as channel 21, 22, 23, etc.
UT01920ZB_0 8/16/05 12:34 PM Page 18

19
WEATHER CHANNELS
To select Weather Channels 0-9, press
WX/ALERT briefly. The radio will go to the
last selected Weather Channel. Press CH ▲
or ▼briefly to select a different Weather
Channel. Most areas of the US are covered by
Weather Channels 1,2, and 3.
To exit from Weather Channel:
●Press WX/ALERT briefly. The radio returns to the previous
Marine channel.
ENTERING CHANNEL NUMBERS INTO MEMORY SCAN
You can enter channels into the radio’s memory so they can be rapidly
scanned. This means that you can have the radio move from one
memorized channel to the next, and have it stop to monitor the channel
only if there is traffic, or conversations, on that channel.
To enter a channel into Memory Scan, select
the channel you want to store by using CH ▲
and ▼, and then press MEM/UIC briefly. The
channel is stored in Memory Scan and MEM
appears on the Radio Status Display.
To cancel the channel in Memory, press MEM/UIC. The MEM icon
disappears.
Note: The Memory channel can be set independently in 3 regional
modes (USA, INT, and CAN). You cannot use this feature in
WX mode or for channel 70.
UT01920ZB_0 8/16/05 12:34 PM Page 19

20
MEMORY CHANNEL SCAN
This feature will allow you to scan only the channels of your choice.
Memory Channel Scan can only be activated if channels have previously
been placed into memory.
To turn on Memory Channel Scan, press and hold the STEP/SCAN key
for 2 seconds.
The VHF500 will now scan the channels that were previously placed into
memory, starting with the lowest channel number to the highest channel
number.
TRIPLE WATCH ALERT SCAN
This feature will allow you to listen to the channel of your choice. Scan
channels 16 and 9 every 2 seconds, and scan for Emergency or
Weather Alerts every seven seonds to be sure that you will not miss any
important broadcasts.
To turn Triple Watch Alert Scan On, press and hold WX/ALERT for
2 seconds while in Memory Channel Scan mode. While the Memory
Channels are scanned, Channel 16 and Channel 9 are scanned every 2
seconds, and the Weather Channel is scanned every 7 seconds. TRI
and icon appear on the Radio Status Display.
ALERT SCAN
This feature will allow you to scan the channels of your choice and also
scan the Weather channels for Emergency or Weather alerts.
To turn Alert Scan On, press and hold WX/ALERT for 2 seconds. While
Memory Channels are scanned, the Weather Channel is scanned every
7 seconds. The icon appears on the Radio Status Display.
UT01920ZB_0 8/16/05 12:34 PM Page 20