MT-500
17
6. OPERATING PROCEDURES
6.1 Primary Calling Channel
VHF Channel 16 (156.8 MHz) is the Distress Safety and Primary Calling Chan-
nel. All vessels, not actively engaged in communication, are required to main-
tain a listening watch on Channel 16.
6.2 Transmitting
The transmitter is activated, for normal voice communications, by pressing
the Push To Talk (
PTT
) button on the microphone. Always listen for moment
on a channel before transmitting. If the channel is busy, do not transmit until
the channel is clear. For DSC calling and Distress calls, the transmitter is
activated automatically during the appropriate operating procedure. After
DSC contact is established, proceed as in normal voice communication. Con-
tinuous transmitter operation is limited to five minutes and the transmitter
will automatically stop.
To establish normal voice communication:
•
Press the
16
key to select the Primary Calling Channel. The Primary
Calling Channel is 16. The Primary Calling Channel number appears in
the upper left corner of the display.
•
Listen on the Primary Calling Channel to make sure the channel is clear.
•
Press the
PTT
button. Speak directly into the microphone in a normal
tone of voice --clearly--distinctly. Say “(name of vessel being called) THIS
IS (your vessel’s name and call sign).”
•
Release the
PTT
button and listen for a reply.
•
Once contact is made on the Primary Calling Channel, each vessel must
switch to a working channel to continue conversation. Refer to the chan-
nel chart for proper usage.
•
After communication is completed, each vessel must give its call sign or
vessel name and switch to the Primary Calling Channel and resume lis-
tening watch.
Summary of Contents for MT-500
Page 56: ...MT 500 55 9 3 Troubleshooting...
Page 62: ...MT 500 61 Table 1 of 2...
Page 63: ...62 MT 500 Table 2 of 2...
