Maintenance and
Troubleshooting
Introduction
VHP Marine Radio
Procedures
No display on LCD when
radio is turned On
Batteries are exhausted
Batteries not installed
properly
Recharge or
replace batteries
Remove batteries and
reinstall according to
polarity markings
Batteries run
down quickly
Batteries are at the
end of their life
Replace with new
batteries
Will transmit at
one (1) or three (3) watts,
but not at six (6) watts
Batteries are low
Selected channel is imited
to one (1) watt
Recharge or
replace batteries
Switch to
another channel
Will not transmit
Selected channel is
limited to receive only
Switch to
another channel
No sound from speaker
Volume level is too low or
squelch level is too deep
Re-adjust volume
and squelch
No response to
button press
Button lock is On
Press
Backlight/
Key Lock
button
No answer to calls
Out of range of
other station
Signal is blocked
by terrain
Switch to three (3) or six
(6) watts or move closer
Move until you have a “line-
of-sight” to the other station
Problem
Possible Cause(s)
Solution(s)
Maintenance
•
Very little maintenance is required to keep your CobraMarine VHF radio
in good operating condition:
■
Keep the radio and charger clean by wiping with a soft cloth and mild detergent.
Do not use solvents or harsh or abrasive cleaners, which could damage the case
or scratch the LCD screen.
■
If the radio is exposed to salt water, wipe with a soft, moist cloth at least once a
day to prevent buildup of salt deposits, which could interfere with button
operation.
■
If the radio will be stored for a long period, such as over the winter,
remove the batteries from the battery tray and store them in a separate
package. This is especially important if you are using alkaline batteries.
Troubleshooting
•
VHF Marine Radio Procedures
•
Maintain Your Watch
Whenever your boat is underway, the radio must be turned On and be tuned to
Channel 16 except when being used for messages.
Power
Try 1 watt first, if the station being called is within a few miles. If there is no answer,
switch to 3 watts and call again. You have the ability to go up to 6 watts of output
power to increase your calling distance. Remember, the lower wattage outputs will
conserve your battery and minimize interference to other users.
Calling Coast Stations
Call a coast station on its assigned channel. You may use Channel 16 when you
do not know the assigned channel.
Calling Other Vessels
Call other vessels on Channel 16 or on Channel 9. (Channel 9 is preferred for
recreational vessel use.) You may also call on ship-to-ship channels when you know
that the vessel is listening on a ship-to-ship channel.
Initial Calling on Channel 16 or 9
The use of Channel 16 is permitted for making initial contact (hailing) another vessel.
The limits on calling must be followed. Be reminded, Channel 16’s most important
function is for Emergency Messages. If for some reason, Channel 16 is congested,
the use of Channel 9, especially in U.S. waters, may be used as the initial contact
(hailing) channel for non-emergency communication.
Limits on Calling
You must not call the same station for more than 30 seconds at a time.
If you do not get a reply, wait at least two (2) minutes before calling again.
After three (3) calling periods, wait at least 15 minutes before calling again.
Change Channels
After contacting another station on a calling channel, change immediately
to a channel which is available for the type of message you want to send.
Station Identification
Identify, in English, your station by your FCC call sign (if available), vessel name and
the state registration number, at both the beginning and at the end of the message.
VHF Marine Radio Protocols
VHF Marine Radio Protocols
Operating Your Radio
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