M-tech MT-700, Owner'S Handbook Manual

Page: 24 / 82

MT-700
23
6. OPERATING PROCEDURES
6.1 Primary Calling Channel
VHF Channel 16 (156.8 MHz) is the Distress Safety and Primary Calling Channel. All
vessels, not actively engaged in communication, are required to maintain 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. Continuous transmitter operation is limited to five
minutes and the transmitter will automatically stop.
To establish normal voice communication:
•
Press the 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 channel 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 listening watch.