Bypassing the Low Transmission Power Setting
In the USA and Canadian frequency bands, transmissions on select channels are required to be low-power
(1 W) by default, because they are intended for intership (bridge-to-bridge) communication (
1 W and 25 W Transmitting Modes, page 7
). If other radios cannot receive these channels due to the low power
setting, you can bypass the default restriction during transmission.
NOTE: In the International channel band, the radio does not permit transmissions on these select channels to
be changed to high (25 W).
1 From a USA or Canadian channel set to low power by default, such a 13,17, or 77, select PTT.
2 While transmitting, select 25W.
Using the Hailer Function
Before you can use the hailer function, you must install a hailer horn (optional). For more information, see the
VHF 315 Series Installation Instructions.
A hailer horn allows you to make on-boat or ship-to-shore announcements, and allows two-way
communications between connected radios. You can address the ship using the radio or handset, and sounds
received through the horn can be heard through the radio speaker. For vessels with enclosed cabins, the hailer
horn allows you to hear sounds from the deck.
NOTE: When the radio is in hailer mode, it does not receive broadcasts from the active channel.
1 Select PA > HAILER.
Sounds received through the horn are heard through the radio speaker.
2 Hold PTT.
3 Select an option:
• To make an announcement, speak into the handset.
• To adjust the volume of the hailer broadcast, turn the ENTER dial.
4 Release PTT to stop broadcasting and listen for broadcasts from other connected radios on the ship.
Foghorn
NOTE: Foghorn functionality is not available on all VHF radio models.
Before you can use the foghorn, you must provide and install a hailer horn (optional) on the deck or tower of
your boat. For more information, see the Installation Instructions.
The foghorn is part of the public address system of your radio. You can sound the foghorn through a hailer horn
or an external speaker. Your radio can sound the horn automatically using standard patterns, or you can sound
the horn manually. When you manually operate the foghorn, sounds received through the horn can be heard
through the radio speaker between soundings.
Sounding the Foghorn Automatically
1 Select PA > FOG > AUTO.
2 Select a foghorn-type option.
The radio alternates between sounding the pattern of tones or rings and receiving radio broadcasts.
3 Turn the ENTER dial to adjust the volume of the horn (optional).
Sounding the Foghorn Manually
NOTE: When you sound the horn manually, the radio does not receive broadcasts between horn soundings.
1 Select PA > FOG > MANUAL.
Sounds are received through the horn and heard through the radio speaker.
2 Hold PTT.
NOTE: The horn stops sounding when you release PTT.
3 Turn the ENTER dial to adjust the volume of the horn (optional).
8
Basic Operation
