MHS050-2

FLOATING VHF MARINE RADIO

RADIO VHF MARITIME FLOTTANTE

OWNER???S MANUAL

GUIDE D???UTILISATION

Making a Distress Call

For future reference, write your boat???s name & call sign here:

Speak slowly - clearly - calmly.

1.Make sure your radio is on.

2.Press the 16/9-TRI button to switch to Channel 16 (156.8 MHz). (If the display does not show 16, press the 16/9-TRI button again until it does.)

3.Press the Push to Talk button and say: ???MAYDAY -- MAYDAY -- MAYDAY.???

4.Say ???THIS IS {name of your boat (three times) and call sign/ boat registration number (once)}.???

5.Repeat ???MAYDAY {name of your boat}??? once.

6.Tell where you are: (what navigational aids or landmarks are near, or read the latitude and longitude from your GPS).

7.State the nature of your distress (e.g. sinking, medical emergency, man overboard, on fire, adrift, etc.).

8.State the type of assistance you need (medical, towing, pumps, etc.).

9.Give the number of persons aboard and describe the condition of any injured persons.

10.Estimate present seaworthiness of your ship (e.g. how immediate is the danger due to flooding or fire).

11.Briefly describe your ship, giving ship name (i.e., ???Blue Duck is 32 foot cabin cruiser, white hull, blue deck house???).

12.Say: ???I WILL BE LISTENING ON CHANNEL 16.???

13.End the message by saying ???THIS IS {name or call sign of your boat}, OVER.???

14.Release the Push to Talk button and listen.

If you do not get an answer after 30 seconds, repeat your call beginning at step 3 above.

Faire un appel de d??tresse

Pour toute r??f??rence ult??rieure, transcrivez ci-dessous le nom et l???indicatif d???appel de votre bateau:

Parlez lentement ??? clairement ??? calmement.

1.V??rifiez si votre radio est en marche.

2.Appuyez sur la touche 16/9-TRI du microphone afin de commuter au canal 16 (156,8 MHz). (Si le canal 16 n???appara??t pas ?? l???affichage, appuyez de nouveau sur la touche 16/9-TRI jusqu????? ce qu???il soit affich??.)

3.Appuyez sur le bouton de microphone Push to Talk et dites:???MAYDAY -- MAYDAY -- MAYDAY???.

4.Donnez l???identit?? de votre navire en disant : ???ICI {nom de votre bateau (trois fois) ou indicatif d???appel et le num??ro d???identification de votre bateau (une fois)}???.

5.Dites ???MAYDAY {nom ou indicatif d???appel de votre bateau} une fois???.

6.Donnez votre position : (quels sont les points de rep??re ou aides ?? la navigation pr??s de vous ou lisez les coordonn??es de longitude et de latitude apparaissant sur votre dispositif GPS).

7.R??v??lez la nature de votre d??tresse (par exemple, nous sommes en train de couler, urgence m??dicale, un homme ?? la mer, un incendie, nous sommes ?? la d??rive, etc.

8.R??v??lez la nature de l???aide d??sir??e (m??dicale, remorquage, essence, etc.)

9.Donnez le nombre de personnes ?? bord et les conditions des bless??s, s???il y en a.

10.Donnez la condition de navigabilit?? actuelle de votre navire, tel que le degr?? de l???urgence par rapport une inondation, et une incendie.

11.Donnez une br??ve description de votre navire en donnant le nom du bateau (par exemple, ???Blue Duck est un yacht de croisi??re de 32 pieds, avec une coque blanche et un rouffle bleu.).

12.Dites : ???JE VAIS ??COUTER SUR LE CANAL 16???.

13.Terminez le message en disant ???ICI {nom ou indicatif d???appel de votre bateau}, ?? VOUS???.

14.Rel??chez le bouton Push to Talk du microphone et ??coutez.

Si vous n???obtenez pas de r??ponse apr??s 30 secondes, r??p??tez l???appel encommen??ant ?? l?????tape 3 ci-dessus.

MHS050-2 INTRODUCTION

The MHS050-2 is a floating, waterproof, portable 2.5-watt two-way VHF marine transceiver. It is compact, lightweight, rugged, and fits 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 MHS050-2 features, please read this operating guide carefully before using the unit.

Features

???US, Canadian, and International Marine Channels

???Built-in Precision Matched Antenna

???Floating / Waterproof to JIS8

???Carabiner Clips

???Emergency 16CH / 09CH Mode

???Battery Level Display

(Battery Low Alert sounds every 5 seconds at Level 1)

???Memory Scan

???Triple Watch

???TX Power Select

???Channel Select

???Volume Select

???3-Level Squelch Selectable

???Key Lock On / Off

???Battery Save

*Protected against the effects of continuous immersion in water. The MHS050-2 can withstand immersion in water up to 5 feet depth for 1 hour.

Note: This is not suitable for scuba diving.

The MHS050-2 will float when the carabiner clip is not

GETTING STARTED

What???s Included

Dual Charging Cradle

(DTMHS2)

Owner???s Manual

(Not Shown)

Carabiner Clip* (2)

Beltclip

If any of these items are missing or damaged, contact Uniden Customer Service (see back cover for contact NOTE information). For information on available accessories,

visit www.uniden.com.

Controls and Indicators

Getting Started

Connecting Power

The dual charging cradle uses a single AC adapter.

1.Connect the AC adapter to the DC 12 V jack on the rear of the charging cradle.

2.Plug the other end of the AC adaptor into a 120 VAC wall outlet.

???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

Install the Battery Pack

Your radio uses the supplied NiMH battery pack. To install the NiMH battery:

1.Make sure the radio is off.

2.Use a screwdriver to turn the battery compartment screw counterclockwise and then lift up and remove 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.

5.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.

If the rubber seal appears worn, nicked, or dried out, replace it. Visit the website on the cover of this manual to order a replacement seal.

6.Replace the battery compartment door. Tighten the screws securely.

Charging the Battery Pack

Your radio includes a charging cradle and a rechargeable battery pack. Follow these instructions to recharge the radio in the charging cradle.

For the initial battery charge, make sure the radio is off

1.Connect the charging cradle to power. Refer to page 9.

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 then remove the radio from the charging cradle.

??? 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

WARNING

power.

???If your radio is soiled or wet, wipe off dirt or shake water from your radio before placing it in the charging cradle.

Battery Level Display

The battery icon at the bottom of the screen indicates the battery level (displayed as one of the 4 levels below) at all times.

Battery Life: 12 Hours (Typical)

This is based on the following Duty Cycle:

Attaching the Beltclip

To attach the belt clip:

Slide the belt clip until it snaps into place.

To remove the belt clip:

Press and hold down the belt clip lock while simultaneously sliding it upward until it releases.

Using the Carabiner Clip

Use the carabiner clip to conveniently secure the radio to a belt or strap.

Operation

In order to get the most out of your new radio, read this owner???s manual completely before attempting to operate the unit.

BASICS

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 holdto turn the radio OFF.

Volume

The volume level can be adjusted from U0 (no volume) to U 7 (maximum volume).

Select a Channel

Press CH or CH to scroll though the channels individually. Press and hold CH or CH to scroll rapidly through the channel numbers. Refer to page 19 for a list of available channels and their corresponding frequencies and usage guidelines.

Set Squelch

Use squelch to eliminate any annoying background noise when there are no signals present.

Make sure to first select a channel not in use before

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 (raise the ???Squelch Gate???) to a medium level. Now only medium and strong signals get through.

S1 - minimum squelch

S2 - medium squelch

S3 - maximum/tight squelch

1.Press SQL/UIC. S displays and the current squelch level flashes.

2.Press SQL/UIC while the squelch level displays in order to change the squelch level to the next step.

3.Press and hold SQL/UIC to save and exit the squelch setting.

HI

SRT Channel Mode

Press and hold SQL/UIC to switch between USA, International, and Canadian Channel Modes.

Transmitting and Receiving

The radio uses U.S., Canadian, and International Marine Channels. Refer to page 19 for a list of the available channels and corresponding frequencies. The radio???s maximum RF transmit power is 2.5 W.

1.Hold the radio with microphone approximately 2 inches in front of your mouth with the antenna at approximately 45?? angle away from your head. Speak in a clear, normal conversational voice.

2.Press HI/LO-LOCK to change the transmit power

between High (2.5 W) and Low (1 W). HI displays when on high power and LO displays when on low power.

4.When the channel is clear, press and hold PTT or BOOST to transmit. TX displays.

TX

LO

When you press BOOST and the transmit power is low

(LO - 1W), the radio transmits at maximum high power (HI - NOTE 2.5W) except for channels 75 and 76.

5.When you have finished speaking, release PTT or BOOST to listen for a response. TX then disappears.

One-touch Channel 16/9

Press 16/9 again to monitor the original channel

(CH 20).

LO

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 Triple Watch.

2.Press and hold TRI again to exit Triple Watch.

Scanning

The radio can scan the channels programmed into memory (see page 16). To initiate scanning:

1.Select channel 17.

2.Press SCAN and scanning starts. SCAN displays during scanning.

The radio will scan memory channels in ascending order.

LO SCANMEM

If Triple Watch is turned on during the scan, the radio will scan the memory channels in ascending order. Check channel 9 and channel 16 every 2 seconds, and then resume scanning the memory channels.

Storing Scanned Channels

1.Select the channel you want to store by pressing CH or

CH .

2.Press and hold MEM. MEM displays and

you hear a double beep.

Monitor

1.Press MON to start monitoring one channel with fixed (open) squelch.

2. Press and hold MON for 2 seconds to hold the monitor status on. All channel indicators will start to flash.

Monitor is not available in Scan or Triple Watch modes.

NOTE

Drop-out Delay

While scanning, the radio stops on channels when it receives a signal. When the received signal is over, the unit provides a drop-out delay of 2 seconds for the return of the signal. After 2 seconds, if the signal does not return, the radio resumes scanning.

Battery Save

This feature extends the battery life by switching the receiver circuit power on and off. Battery Save automatically activates during standby mode (RX mode without signal).

Backlighting

The Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) is backlit for easy viewing at night or in low light situations. Backlighting automatically

switches on every time a key is pressed (except PTT and BOOST) and off 10 seconds after the last key is pressed.

Keypad Lock

The radio retains Key Lock status even when you cycle power on/off. To unlock the keypad, press and hold LOCK again. LOCK disappears.

Maintenance & Troubleshooting

Due to its rugged design, your radio requires very little maintenance. However, it is a precision electronic instrument, so you should follow a few precautions:

xx If the antenna has been damaged, do not transmit except in an emergency situation. Transmitting with a defective antenna may cause further radio damage.

xx You are responsible for continued FCC technical compliance of your radio.

xx You should arrange for periodic performance checks with your Uniden dealer.

Common Questions

The radio won???t turn on. Charge the radio.

???Don???t use the charger when the ambient temperature is below 32??F

The power LED on the (0??C) or above 113??F (45??C).

charger doesn???t turn on. ??? Make sure the charging contacts on the radio and charger are clean.

??? Replace the battery.

Specifications

General

Channels and Frequencies (MHz)

US channel frequencies and names

US Marine Channels

US Marine Channels

Canadian channel frequencies and names

Canadian Marine Channels

Canadian Marine Channels

Canadian Marine Channels

International channel frequencies and names

International Marine Channels

International Marine Channels

International Marine Channels

Regulations and Safety Warnings

WARNING! Read this information before using the radio.

RBRC Information

As part of our commitment to protect the environment and conserve natural resources, Uniden voluntarily participates in an RBRC?? industry program to collect and recycle used Ni-MH batteries within the US.

Please call 1-800-8-BATTERY for information on Ni-MH battery recycling in your area. (RBRC?? is a registered trademark of the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation.)

Maritime Radio Services Operation

Warning! 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 on these frequencies without proper authorization is strictly forbidden. See pages 20 through 25 for tables of the available channels and their uses. If you are still not certain which channels to use, see the FCC maritime radio page at the FCC website (http://wireless.fcc.gov/marine/) or contact the FCC Call Center at 1-888-CALL-FCC. For individuals requiring a license, such as commercial users, you should obtain a license application from your nearest FCC field office (for US users) or Industry Canada (for Canadian users).

Basic Radio Guidelines

You should familiarize yourself with the rules on marine radios and be aware of which rules apply to your boat. Complete guidelines for all ship and marine radio types can be found

at the US Coast Guard website under the topic Radio Info for Boaters (the direct link is: http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/boater.htm). Here are a few guidelines that affect nearly all boaters:

xx If you have a VHF radio on your boat, you must maintain a watch on channel 16 (156.800 MHz) whenever the radio is not being used to communicate. Starting in 2004, if a radio is carried, it must be on and set to channel 16 whenever your boat is underway.

xx If you hear a distress call, wait a few minutes to let a shore station or Coast Guard vessel respond. If no other station has responded after 5 minutes, you must respond to the distress call.

xx Do not make false mayday or distress calls as a prank or to test your radio. (This is essentially like making a false 9-1-1 call; you may be subject to fines.)

FCC/Industry Canada Information

xx Certification: FCC Part 80 or RSS-182

xx Output Power: 5W

xx Emission: 16K0F3E

xx Transmitter Frequency Range: 156.025-157.425 MHz

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the condition that this device does not cause harmful interference.

Unauthorized changes or modifications to this equipment may void compliance with the FCC Rules. Any change or modification must be approved in writing by Uniden. Changes or modifications not approved by Uniden could void the user???s authority to operate the equipment.

FCC RF Exposure Information

In August 1996 the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of the United States with its action in Report and Order FCC 96-326 adopted an updated safety standard for human exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic energy emitted by FCC regulated transmitters. Those guidelines are consistent with the safety standard previously set by both U.S. and international standards bodies. The design of the radio complies with the FCC guidelines and these international standards.

Never allow children to operate the radio without adult supervision and the knowledge of the following guidelines.

WARNING! It is up to the user to properly operate this radio transmitter to insure safe operation. Please adhere to the following:

xx Use only the supplied or an approved antenna. Unauthorized antennas, modifications, or attachments could impair call quality, damage the radio, or violate FCC regulations.

xx Do not use the radio with a damaged antenna. If a damaged antenna comes into contact with the skin, a minor burn may result. Please contact your local dealer for a replacement antenna.

RF Exposure Information

For hand-held operation, the radio should be held 1 inch from the user???s face. The use of accessories that do not satisfy these requirements may not comply with FCC RF exposure requirements and should be avoided. For more information about RF exposure, please visit the FCC website at www. fcc.gov.

Avoid exposing the battery (whether attached to the radio or not) to direct sunlight, heated cars, or temperatures below -4??F (-20??C) or above +140??F (+60??C). Exposing the chemical contained within the battery pack to temperatures above +140??F (+60??C) may cause the battery to rupture, fail,

or reduce performance.

In case of exposure to the cell contents, wash the affected area thoroughly, and seek medical attention.

Three Year Limited Warranty

WARRANTOR: UNIDEN AMERICA CORP. (???Uniden???)

ELEMENTS OF WARRANTY: Uniden warrants, for three years, to the original retail owner, this Uniden Product to be free from defects in materials and craftsmanship with only the limitations or exclusions set out below.

WARRANTY DURATION: This warranty to the original user shall terminate and be of no further effect 36 months after the date of original retail sale. The warranty is invalid if the Product is (A) damaged or not maintained as reasonable or necessary, (B) modified, altered, or used as part of any conversion kits, subassemblies, or any configurations not sold by Uniden, (C) improperly installed, (D) serviced or repaired by someone other than an authorized Uniden service center for a defect or malfunction covered by this

warranty, (E) used in any conjunction with equipment or parts or as part of any system not manufactured by Uniden, or (F) installed or programmed by anyone other than as detailed by the Operating Guide for this product.

STATEMENT OF REMEDY: In the event that the product does not conform to this warranty at any time while this war- ranty is in effect, warrantor will repair the defect and return it to you without charge for parts, service, or any other cost (except shipping and handling) incurred by warrantor or its representatives in connection with the performance of this warranty. THE LIMITED WARRANTY SET FORTH ABOVE

IS THE SOLE AND ENTIRE WARRANTY PERTAINING TO

THE PRODUCT AND IS IN LIEU OF AND EXCLUDES ALL

OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY NATURE WHATSOEVER,

WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR ARISING BY

OPERATION OF LAW, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED

TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY

OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THIS

WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER OR PROVIDE FOR THE

REIMBURSEMENT OR PAYMENT OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. Some states do not allow this exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.

LEGAL REMEDIES: This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state. This warranty is void outside the United States of America.

PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING PERFORMANCE OF WARRANTY: If, after following the instructions in this Operating Guide you are certain that the Product is defective, pack the Product carefully (preferably in its original packaging). Include evidence of original purchase and a note describing the defect that has caused you to return it. The Product should be shipped freight prepaid, by traceable means, or delivered, to warrantor at:

Uniden America Corporation

Parts and Service Division 4700 Amon Carter Boulevard Fort Worth, TX, 76155

(800) 554-3988