GME GX850W Handheld VHF Radio Instruction Manual

: June 17, 2024
: GME

Table of Contents

GME GX850W Handheld VHF Radio
Product Information – Marine Radio
Introduction
RF Radiation Information
FCC Regulations
Part 15 Compliance
Product Usage Instructions
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
INTRODUCTION
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
DIGITAL SELECTIVE CALLING
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

GME GX850W Handheld VHF Radio

GME-GX850W-Handheld-VHF-Radio

Product Information – Marine Radio

Specifications

Product Name: Marine Radio
Model: GX850W
Type: Handheld VHF Radio
Compliance: SAR and/or RF field strength limits of RSS-102 requirements
Regulations: FCC Regulations, Part 15 Compliance

Introduction

Congratulations on purchasing the GME fully featured VHF marine radio. The GX850 has been built to offer excellent value by combining advanced features, great design, and manufacturing quality. To ensure you are familiar with the operation and features of your radio, and in order to obtain the best performance, please read this manual thoroughly before operation.

Caution
IMPORTANT: READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS carefully and completely before operating your radio and retain this manual for future reference.

To maintain the waterproof integrity of the radio:

NEVER connect the radio to a power source other than the supplied battery. This may damage your product.
NEVER operate your radio with the antenna less than 5 cm from exposed parts of the body.
NEVER use or charge your radio in a potentially explosive atmosphere.
DO NOT use your radio with a damaged antenna.
DO NOT attempt to modify your radio in any way.
ALWAYS charge your radio at normal room temperature.
ALWAYS switch off your radio where notices restrict the use of two-way radio or mobile telephones.
AVOID storing or charging your radio in direct sunlight.

RF Radiation Information

Your radio is designed and tested to comply with a number of national and international standards and guidelines. The device complies with SAR and/or RF field strength limits of RSS-102 requirements.

RF Radiation Safety
In order to ensure user health, experts from relevant industries including science, engineering, medicine, and health work with international organizations to develop standards for safe exposure to RF radiation. These standards consist of:

FCC Regulations

The Federal Communication Commission (FCC) requires that all radio communication products should meet the requirements set forth in the above standards before they can be marketed in the U.S. The manufacturer shall post an RF label on the product to inform users of operational instructions, so as to enhance their occupational health against exposure to RF energy.

Part 15 Compliance

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

Product Usage Instructions

Follow the instructions below to use your Marine Radio effectively:

Ensure you have read the entire instruction manual before operating the radio.
Make sure the radio is charged at normal room temperature before use.
Do not connect the radio to a power source other than the supplied battery.
Keep the antenna at least 5 cm away from exposed parts of the body while operating the radio.
Avoid using or charging the radio in potentially explosive atmospheres.
Do not use the radio with a damaged antenna.
Do not attempt to modify the radio in any way.
Switch off the radio in areas where notices restrict the use of two-way radios or mobile telephones.
Avoid storing or charging the radio in direct sunlight.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use the Marine Radio with a power source other than the supplied battery?
A: No, connecting the radio to any other power source may damage the product. Always use the supplied battery for power.

Q: How far should I keep the antenna from exposed parts of the body while operating the radio?
A: It is recommended to keep the antenna at least 5 cm away from exposed parts of the body for safe usage.

Q: Can I modify the Marine Radio?
A: No, attempting to modify the radio in any way may result in damage to the product and void your warranty. Do not modify the radio.

Q: Can I use the Marine Radio in direct sunlight?
A: It is advised to avoid storing or charging the radio in direct sunlight to prevent any potential damage.

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on purchasing this GME fully featured VHF marine radio. Your GX850 has been built to offer excellent value by combining advanced features, great design and manufacturing quality. To ensure you are familiar with the operation and features of your radio, and in order to obtain the best performance, please read this manual thoroughly before operation.

CAUTION
IMPORTANT: READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS carefully and completely before operating your radio and retain this manual for future reference.
To maintain the waterproof integrity of the radio;
· ENSURE the antenna and the connector cover are both firmly tightened against the rubber seal (refer diagram on page 6).
· NEVER attempt to disassemble the radio.
NEVER: connect the radio to a power source other than the supplied battery. This may damage your product.
NEVER: operate your radio with the antenna less than 5 cm from exposed parts of the body.
NEVER: use or charge your radio in a potentially explosive atmosphere.
DO NOT: use your radio with a damaged antenna.
DO NOT: attempt to modify your radio in any way.
ALWAYS: charge your radio at normal room temperature.
ALWAYS: switch off your radio where notices restrict the use of two-way radio or mobile telephones.
AVOID: storing or charging your radio in direct sunlight.
AVOID: storing or using your radio where temperatures are below -20º C or above +60º C.
RF RADIATION INFORMATION RF RADIATION PROFILE
Your radio is designed and tested to comply with a number of national and international standards and guidelines

(listed below) regarding human exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic energy. This radio complies with the IEEE and ICNIRP exposure limits for occupational/controlled RF exposure environment at operating duty factors of up to 50% transmitting and is authorised by the FCC for occupational use only. In terms of measuring RF energy for compliance with the FCC exposure guidelines, your radio radiates measurable RF energy only while it is transmitting (during talking in PTT mode), not when it is receiving (listening) or in standby mode.
The device complies with SAR and/or RF field strength limits of RSS-102 requirements.
RF RADIATION SAFETY
In order to ensure user health, experts from relevant industries including science, engineering, medicine and health work with international organizations to develop standards for safe exposure to RF radiation. These standards consist of:
· United States Federal Communications Commission, Code of Federal Regulations; 47CFR part 2 sub-part J;
· American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) C95. 1-1992;
· Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) C95. 1-1999;
· International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) 1998;
FCC Regulations
Federal Communication Commission (FCC) requires that all radio communication products should meet the requirements set forth in the above standards before they can be marketed in the U.S, and the manufacturer shall post a RF label on the product to inform users of operational instructions, so as to enhance their occupational health against exposure to RF energy.
Part 15 Compliance
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and

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INSTRUCTION MANUAL

used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
· Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
· Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
· Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
· Consult your dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
NOTE: Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
EU Regulatory Conformance As certified by the qualified laboratory, the product is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of the Directive 1999/5/EC. Please note that the above information is applicable to EU countries only.

RADIO LICENCES
Ship Station License
When your craft is equipped with a VHF FM radio, you must have a current radio station licence before using the radio. It is unlawful to operate a ship station which is not licensed. Inquire through your dealer or the appropriate government agency for a Ship-Radiotelephone license. This license includes the call sign which is your craft’s identification for radio purposes.
Operators License
A restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit is the license most often held by small vessel radio operators when a radio is not required for safety purposes. The restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit must be posted near the radio or be kept with the operator.
Only a licensed radio operator may operate a radio. However, non-licensed individuals may talk over a radio if a licensed operator starts, supervises, ends the call and makes the necessary log entries.
A current copy of the applicable government rules and regulations is only required to be on hand for vessels in which a radio telephone is compulsory. However, even if you are not required to have these on hand it is your responsibility to be thoroughly acquainted with all pertinent rules and regulations.

OPERATING RULES
Priorities · Read all rules and regulations pertaining to priorities and
keep an up-to-date copy handy. Safety and distress calls take priority over all others.
· You must monitor Channel 16 when you are not operating on another channel.
· False or fraudulent distress calls are prohibited under law. Privacy · Information overheard but not intended for you cannot
lawfully be used in any way.
· Indecent or profane language is prohibited.

RANGE
The range of VHF transmissions depends on antenna height, transmitter power and the terrain over which the signals pass. For a 5 watt handheld radio like the TX850, ship to ship communications up to 5 nautical miles should be possible. Using an external antenna should allow ship to ship communication of 8 nautical miles or more. Ship to shore ranges will often be greater due to the increased height of the shore antenna.

MARINE MOBILE SERVICE IDENTITY (MMSI)
The MMSI is a 9-digit number used to identify a radio that is capable of using Digital Selective Calling (DSC). The number is used to selectively call other vessels. To setup and use the DSC feature on your radio: Please refer to the DSC’ section of this manual. USER MMSI To use the DSC feature you must be registered with the appropriate licensing authority (AMSA in Australia) who will issue you with your unique user MMSI number. Having a registered user MMSI means you can be identified much quicker in an emergency. Once you have obtained your MMSI number you can then enter this into your GX850 to enable DSC operation. Your GX850 is shipped from the factory without a user MMSI number. It is up to the user to obtain a valid MMSI from the appropriate licensing authority. NOTE: If you don’t register for a User MMSI, you can still receive DSC distress calls from other vessels however you cannot send a DSC call. GROUP MMSI The Group MMSI is used for DSC Group Calls. A Group Call provides a method for contacting a group of vessels with a common interest, for example, alerting all yachts in a race to announce a change in the race conditions. Any number with a leading zero can be used as a Group MMSI, and they do not need to be registered, but the entity deciding on a Group MMSI must use the MID of the host country or country of vessel registration (e.g. 503 in Australia). The Group ID should be based on a key vessel in the Group, and the recommended system is to drop the last digit of the key vessel’s MMSI and place a zero in front. For example, a fleet of vessels that has a lead vessel with a DSC User MMSI of 503080110 could use the Group MMSI of 050308011. This would then be programmed into all fleet vessels as the special event Group MMSI. SeeMy MMSI ID Setup’ on page 13 for details on entering a group MMSI.

F E AT U R E S · Waterproof to IP67 · Man Overboard Alarm Function · Floats with Auto-Flashing LCD if dropped overboard · Integrated 48 Channel GPS Receiver · 5/1 watt Switchable Power · Large Dot-Matrix LCD · Private Channel Facility · Programmable Scan, Priority Scan, Dual and Tri Watch · All International, US and Canadian Marine VHF
Channel Sets. · Integrated 1700 mAh Lithium Polymer Battery
SUPPLIED WITH · GX850 DSC Marine Radio · Belt Clip · 240V AC Charger · Wrist Strap · High Gain Flexible Antenna · Instruction Manual
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES · MB046 Belt Clip · PSK20P Plug Pack for 9V1A Prop Conn · AE4024 Flexible Antenna · CSGX850 Cap and Seal

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INSTRUCTION MANUAL

ANTENNA CONNECTOR COVER
RUBBER SEAL
PTT
SCRM/ MOB

CONTROLS

CH / WX CH 16 SCAN
MEMORY

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VOLUME ON/ OFF
DISTRESS
SQL
DISPLAY UP CALL / MENU HI / LO POWER KEY LOCK DOWN DUAL WATCH / TRIPLE WATCH
GX850

LCD ICONS

BATTERY LEVEL
HIGH TX POWER
DIGITAL SELECTIVE CALLING
SQUELCH LEVEL
DATE/ TIME

DSC INT
16 HI
SQL :5
DISTRESS 22° 32. 3608′ S 113° 57. 0323′ E 24 OCT 03 : 39 UTC

BAND CHANNEL DISTRESS MODE GPS POSITION

KEY Hi/LO [LOCK] 16 DW [TRIW] CH/* [WX] SCAN MEM Up/ Down Call/ Menu SCRM/MOB Distress SQL Volume Knob
GX850

KEY FUNCTIONS

SHORT PRESS

LONG PRESS

Transmit Power Hi/Low

Key Lock / Key Unlock

CH 16

Secondary Priority channel

Dual Watch Mode

Triple Watch mode

Private Channel

Weather channel

Scan

Priority Scan

Memory Mode

Save/Delete Memory channel

Channel Up/Down

Fast Up/Down

DSC Menu

Main Menu

Scrambler

MOB Activated

Distress Menu

Distress Alert Calling

Squelch Setting

Switch ON/OFF Time and Date Display

Power ON / OFF. Adjust the Volume Level

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7

GENERAL OPERATION
POWER ON/OFF VOLUME CONTROL
Turn the Volume knob clockwise past the click’ to turn the radio ON. Continue turning the knob clockwise to increase the volume. Turn the knob counter- clockwise to reduce the volume. Continue turning the knob counter clockwise past theclick’ to turn the radio OFF.
SQUELCH
To adjust the Squelch, briefly press the SQL key. The present squelch level will be displayed. Use the or keys to adjust the squelch level from 0 (min) to 9 (max).
CHANNEL SELECTION
Briefly press the key to step upwards one channel or the key to step downwards one channel. Press and hold the or keys to scroll quickly through the channels at a
faster rate. When the key is released the channel scrolling stops.
WEATHER CHANNELS (USA & CANADIAN CHANNEL SET)
The US NOAA weather channels are available only when the USA or Canadian Channel Set is selected. Weather channels are not available on the International marine band.
To access the weather channels while on the USA or Canadian band, press and hold the key. The radio will switch to the weather channels and the `WX’ icon will appear. Weather channels are numbered 01 10 and are selected using the or keys. To return to the normal communications channels press and hold the key again.
NOTE: Weather channels provide a receive-only weather information service in and around the USA and Canada. You cannot transmit on the weather channels.
Weather Alert Operation (WAT) (USA & Canada) When a weather warning is issued in your area the NOAA weather service will transmit a weather alert tone on your local weather channel. If the weather alert function is activated on your radio, the reception of this tone will cause a short alarm to sound and the radio will automatically tune

to the weather channel where the alert tone was detected. The alert should be detected in all the modes of operation including Standby, Dual and Tri-watch and Scan etc.
To Activate the Weather Alert Function 1. Press and hold the key to select the weather
channels. WX’ is displayed. 2\. Press and hold the key again to switch ON the weather alert function. WAT’ will appear in the upper right of the display.
3. Select the local weather channel that you wish to monitor for alerts using the or keys.
4. Briefly press the key to return to normal operation.
When the weather alert function is enabled the radio will check the selected weather channel every 4 seconds for a weather alert tone. If an alert tone is detected, the WX’ andWAT’ icons will flash and a short alarm tone will sound. The radio will then automatically switch to the selected weather channel to allow you to hear the weather warning.
To disable weather alerts;
1. Press and hold the key to enable the weather channels. WX’ is displayed. 2\. Press and hold the key again to switch OFF the weather alert function. WAT’ will disappear from the upper right of the display.
3. Briefly press the key to return to normal operation.
Private Channels A brief press of the key is for private channels. This feature is not available to users in Australia and New Zealand.
16 KEY
The GX850 supports two priority channels.
Priority Channel 16 Briefly press the key to switch to Channel 16. All previous functions such as scanning or low power will be cancelled and the radio will switch to channel 16 with Hi transmit power selected. When the key is used to select

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channel 16, P-CH’ is displayed. Briefly press the key again to return to the last selected channel or to go to an alternative channel press the or keys. SECOND PRIORITY CHANNEL Programming the Second Priority Channel The second priority channel can be preset through the main menu (see menu section) or can be changed directly from the display as follows. 1\. Press and hold the key to switch to the second Priority channel.P-2nd’ is displayed.
2. Press and hold the key again. `Set 2nd Prior CH’ is displayed and the channel number flashes.

· To activate the Scrambler, briefly press the appear on the display.

key. will

· To disable the Scrambler, briefly press the will disappear from the display.

key again.

MAN OVER BOARD (MOB)

The MOB function is designed to automatically send a MOB distress call with your MMSI and latitude and longitude.

To activate the MOB function, press and hold the 2 seconds.

key for

NOTE: In order to make DSC distress calls including MOB calls you must have your user MMSI programmed into your radio.

BACKLIGHT

3. Use the or keys to select a new channel. 4. Press and hold the key to store the new channel as
the second priority channel.
NOTE: Priority channel 16 is factory set and cannot be changed.
HI/LO POWER Briefly press the key to toggle high or low transmitter power. The display will show Hi’ orLo’ to confirm the selected power setting.
NOTE: Some channels may be permanently set to Hi or Lo power by default. If any of these channels are selected you will not be able to change the power setting for that channel.
KEY LOCK

The backlight operates automatically whenever any key (except the PTT) is pressed and switches off about 7 seconds after the last keypress. The backlight provides lighting for the display, keypad and Distress button.
Water Activated Backlight Alert
If the GX850 is immersed in water, sensors built into the case will cause the backlight to flash urgently. This feature is designed to make it easier to locate and recover your radio if it is accidentally dropped into water.
SCANNING
Basic Scan
The basic scan function allows the radio to scan all channels for transmissions. When a signal is detected the scan pauses to allow the signal to be heard. Once the signal has gone the scan resumes.

Press and hold the key to lock the keypad. The icon will be displayed when the keypad is locked and all keys except the PTT and any Distress related keys will be locked.

To activate the scan function, briefly press the key. `SCAN’ appears on the display and the channel numbers change rapidly.

To unlock the keypad, press and hold the key again. The To deactivate the scan function, briefly press the key

icon will disappear.

again. `SCAN’ disappears from the display.

SCRAMBLER
Your radio incorporates a simple voice scrambler that, when activated, will make your signal intelligible only to other radios using the same scrambler technology.

Priority Scan
Priority scan is similar to the basic scan except it regularly inserts channel 16 into the scan. Signals received on channel 16 have priority over signals received on other channels.

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9

To activate the Priority scan function, press and hold the key. SCAN’ appears on the display and the channel numbers change rapidly with channel 16 appearing predominantly in the channel display area. To deactivate the Priority scan function, briefly press the key.SCAN’ disappears from the display.
User Memory Scan
User Memory Scan allows you to program a select group of channels for scanning.
To Program User Memory Channels 1. Use the or keys to select the required channel.
2. Press and hold the key. The icon appears to the right of the selected channel number to confirm the channel is in Memory.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 to add further channels to the User Scan Memory.
NOTE: Separate User Memories can be stored for USA, International and Canadian bands.

To Activate the User Memory Scan
1. Briefly press the key. USER’ appears to the left of the channel display indicating the radio is now in User Memory mode and the channel number switches to a User Memory channel (only User Memory channels are displayed while in User mode). 2\. Briefly press the key. The radio will begin scanning the User Memory channels. 3\. To stop scanning; briefly press the key. 4\. To exit the User Channel mode, briefly press the key.USER’ will disappear from the display and the radio will return to the last selected channel.
Reviewing User Memory Scan Channels
To quickly determine which channels are stored in the User Memory;

1. Briefly press the Channel display.
2. Press the or

key. `USER’ appears to the left of the keys to quickly to step through the

Memory Scan channels. Only channels stored in Memory Scan will be displayed.

3. To exit Memory Scan, briefly press the disappear from the display.

key. `User’ will

NOTE: You cannot add or remove channels from the User Memory Scan while in the User mode. You must exit the User mode to edit User Memory channels.

DUAL WATCH

The Dual Watch function is a 2 channel scan feature where the radio switches between Channel 16 and any other selected channel. This allows you to monitor a working or club channel while still being able to receive important broadcasts on Channel 16.

To use the Dual Watch function:

1. Use the or channel.

keys to select your preferred working

2. Briefly press the key to activate Dual Watch.

`DUALW’ will be displayed and the channel number will quickly alternate between 16 and the selected channel as the radio monitors both channels.

If a signal is received on the selected channel, the Dual Watch will pause to allow the signal to be heard but will continue to monitor channel 16 every 2 seconds resulting in short breaks in the conversation. Once the signal has gone, Dual Watch continues.

If a signal appears on channel 16 it will take priority over any signals on the selected channel.

TRIPLE WATCH

The Triple Watch function is a 3 channel scan feature where the radio switches between Channel 16, a selected channel and the second priority channel. This allows you to monitor 2 channels while still being able to receive important broadcasts on Channel 16.

NOTE: Prior to using Triple Watch ensure you have programmed your second priority channel.

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To use the Triple Watch Function

1. Use the or channel.

keys to select your preferred working

2. Press and hold the key to activate Triple Watch. `TRIW’ will be displayed and the channel number will quickly switch between 16, the second priority channel and the selected channel.

If a signal is received on the either selected channel or the second priority channel, the Triple Watch will pause to allow the signal to be heard but will continue to monitor channel 16 every 2 seconds resulting in short breaks in the conversation. Once the signal has gone, Triple Watch continues.

If a signal appears on channel 16 it will take priority over any signals on the other channels.

TIME OUT TIMER

The radio has a built-in time out timer that automatically limits transmissions to a maximum of 5 minutes of continuous operation. This feature is required to prevent accidental blocking of the frequency should your PTT become jammed or be otherwise pressed accidentally.

When the time out timer activates, the transmission will stop, and the radio will return to receive mode. Normal operation will be restored once the PTT is released.

DISPLAYING TIME AND DATE

When the GX850 is not receiving GPS signals, the screen will display the time and date.

To switch the time and date display on or off, press and hold the SQL key for 3 seconds.

DISPLAYING LOCAL TIME

GPS time is received from the satellites in UTC format. To display the time as local time please refer to the GPS Setup option on page 19.

DIGITAL SELECTIVE CALLING

The Digital Selective Calling (DSC) feature on your GX850 uses preformatted digital data messages instead of voice to transmit urgent or important information to another radio. In times of an emergency, DSC can alert all radios within range

to a distress message even when a listening watch is not being maintained. This increases the chances of your signal being heard. DSC can also be used to make All Ships Calls, Group Calls and Position Requests as well as routine calls to individual radios.
DSC is part of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) which is expected to eventually replace listening watches on distress frequencies and will be used to announce all routine and urgent maritime safety information broadcasts.
DSC AND GPS
DSC operation is enhanced by the in-built GPS receiver in your GX850. By using GPS, your distress call can automatically include your current position and time. If a GPS position cannot be obtained, DSC calls can still be sent and received to alert the operator of another vessel for subsequent voice communication.
DSC calls are automatically sent and received on CH70. The GX850 has two receivers, one of which is dedicated to CH70. Therefore, regardless of which channel you are operating on, the GX850 will not miss a DSC call.
USER MMSI (MARINE MOBILE SERVICE IDENTITY)
A User MMSI is a unique 9-digit number used to identify a DSC capable radio. An MMSI is used to selectively call other vessels. Before you can use DSC, you must enter your User MMSI number into the My MMSI ID’ option in the DSC Menu. If you don’t yet have a User MMSI, please register with your local Maritime Authority (AMSA in Australia – go to http://www.amsa.gov.au/mmsi/ for more details and to download an application form) who will then issue a unique MMSI number. Please refer to theMy MMSI ID’ option further below for instructions on entering your User MMSI.
DISTRESS CALLS
To make a Distress Call use the button under the Red DISTRESS cover on the side of the GX850. To make any other DSC call, use the key on the main keypad.
Making a Distress Call
1. Lift the bottom of the Red DISTRESS cover on the side of the radio.

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11

LIFT COVER

PRESS BUTTON

DSC
16 HI
SQL :5 DISTRESS
Resend in 4:09

Exit Pause Send

If an acknowledgement is not received, the distress call will be re-sent at around 4 minute intervals for as long as the radio remains in the distress call mode. Select PAUSE to delay the resending of the distress call or SEND to resend the call immediately. To cancel the call select EXIT.

2. Briefly press the DISTRESS button. The display shows the `Distress’ Menu list.

NOTE: A Distress Acknowledge response is generally sent by a coastal base station.

Distress Menu Undesignated Fire, Explosion Flooding Collision Grounding Capsizing Sinking
Exit

Receiving a Distress Call
When a Distress Call is received an audible Distress Alert alarm will be generated and, if the Auto Channel Change in the DSC Setup Menu set to Automatic, the GX850 will switch to CH16.
To see all received DSC messages, press the key and select the Receive Call Log then press Enter.

3. Use the or keys to select the nature of the distress. The list includes: Undesignated, Fire,Explosion, Flooding, Collision, Grounding, Capsizing, Sinking, Adrift, Abandoning, Piracy and Man Overboard.
4. Press and HOLD the DISTRESS button. The display will flash and the radio will count down from 3 to 1.
NOTE: To cancel the distress call, release the DISTRESS button before the countdown is completed. The radio will return to normal operation.
When the countdown is complete, the DISTRESS call will be sent. The radio will then switch to CH16 and the display will show `DISTRESS’ to indicate it is now in the distress mode and is waiting for an acknowledgement from another radio. The distress call mode will be cancelled when a DISTRESS ACKNOWLEDGE is received. The radio will then return to normal operation.

DSC Menu Individual Call Position Request All Ship Call Group Call Test Call Receive Call Log Send Call Log
Exit

Enter

DSC MENU
Apart from distress calls, all other DSC calls are made using the Menu available from the key. To access the DSC menu briefly press the key. The following menu will appear.

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DSC Menu Individual Call Position Request All Ship Call Group Call Test Call Receive Call Log Send Call Log
Exit

Enter

CONTEXT MENU

Note the context menu options at the bottom of the display. Press the keys directly below the context menu to select those options. E.g. In the example above, press the key to Exit the menu, the or keys to move up and down through the menu items and the key to Enter (select) the menu item.
The following Menu items are available:

To enter the 9 digit User MMSI number issued to you by your local authority:
1. Briefly press the key to enter the DSC menu.
2. Press the key to scroll down the screen until `My MMSI ID’ is selected then press Enter.
3. Use the or keys to select the number in the first digit position then press .
4. Repeat step 3 to enter the full 9 digit MMSI number.
5. Once all 9 digits have been entered you will be asked to enter them again.
6. Repeat step 3 to re-enter the MMSI then press Enter to store or Exit to cancel without saving.
MY MMSI ID 123456789

· Individual Call · Position Request · All Ship Call · Group Call · Test Call

· Receive Call Log · Send Call Log · Phone Book · DSC Setup · My MMSI ID

MY MMSI ID SETUP

Before using the DSC function you must set up your user MMSI ID. If you don’t yet have a User MMSI, please register with your local Maritime Authority.

NOTE: The reception of distress calls does not require a user MMSI.

IMPORTANT: It is a requirement of the regulations that the User MMSI can only be entered ONCE. For this reason take special care when entering your user MMSI number to ensure it is entered correctly before saving it. You will be required to enter your MMSI twice as confirmation of the correct number before it is stored by the radio. If you need to change the MMSI (due to an entry error or after purchasing a second hand GX850) please contact GME to arrange for the MMSI code to be reset.

Exit
INDIVIDUAL CALL, POSITION REQUEST, GROUP CALL AND TEST CALL
The Individual Call’ option is used to alert a specific vessel that you wish to communicate with them on a specified channel. If the called vessel’s radio is on a different channel, their radio will change to the channel you specify. APosition Request’ (or position polling) is used to obtain the position of another vessel. If the receiving vessel is in range, an acknowledgement will be received from them that will include their position. If there is no acknowledgement, either the receiving boat is not in your communication area or it has chosen to ignore your request.
A `Group Call’ is used to contact a group of vessels that are using the same Group MMSI. All ships in the group who receive the Group call will change to the specified channel. For example, this feature could be used to alert all yachts in a race to announce a change in the race conditions. Any number with a leading zero can be used as a Group MMSI, and they do not need to be registered, but the entity deciding

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INSTRUCTION MANUAL

13

on a Group MMSI must use the MID of the host country or country of vessel registration (503 in Australia). The Group ID should be based on a key vessel in the Group, and the recommended system is to drop the last digit of the key vessel’s MMSI and place a zero in front. e.g. a fleet of vessels that has a lead vessel with a DSC self-ID of 503080110 could use the Group MMSI of 050308011. This would then be programmed into all fleet vessels as the special event Group MMSI.
The Test Call’ option can be used to make a test call to your local Coast Station. The coast station should provide an automated response to confirm that your radio’s DSC is operating correctly. The operations of the call options described above are very similar. 1\. Briefly press the key to enter the DSC menu. 2\. Press the or keys to selectIndividual Call’, Position Request’,Group Call’ or `Test Call’ and press Enter.
3. You can choose to either manually enter the MMSI of the other radio or recall it from your radio’s phone book.
Individual Call Input Address From Phonebook

Input Address Input 9 digits
1 00000000

Exit

Enter

Input Address Input 9 digits
12345678 9

Exit

Enter

b. To recall the other radio’s MMSI from the phone book; i. Select `From Phonebook’ and press Enter.
ii. Use the or keys to select the name from the list then press Enter.

Buddy List Bluewave Seadog Seaspray TEST

INDIVIDUAL CALL

Exit

Enter

a. To manually enter the MMSI; i. Select `Input Address’ and press Enter.

ii. Use the or keys to select the number in the flashing digit position then press to move to the next digit.
iii. Repeat to enter all 9 digits of the MMSI number then press Enter.

Exit
Buddy List Bluewave Seadog Seaspray TEST

Enter
POSITION REQUEST

Exit

Enter

14

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

GX850

Group List RACE1 RACE2

GROUP CALL

Individual Call To: 100000000 Safety Telephony by Channel 01

Exit

Enter

Exit

Call

Buddy List

TEST

Bluewave

CALL

Seadog

Seaspray

TEST

Exit

Enter

4. For Individual Calls, select from Routine’,Safety’ or `Urgency’ and press Enter.

Individual Call Routine Safety Urgency

INDIVIDUAL CALL

Exit

Enter

5. For Individual and Group Calls select a suitable channel from the list provided then press Enter.

Individual Call Select Channel: 01 port ops/vts 03 unauthorized 05 port ops/vts 06 inter ship 07 commercial 08 commercial Exit

Enter

6. A summary of your selected options are displayed. If everything is correct press Call to call or Exit to cancel.

ALL SHIPS CALL

An All Ships Call allows your radio to establish contact with all the other ships in your area without needing to enter their MMSI. All Ships calls are classified as ROUTINE, SAFETY or URGENCY. URGENCY calls (similar to a PAN PAN call) may be sent when a vessel is not in immediate distress but has a problem that may lead to a distress situation. SAFETY calls (similar to SECURITY calls) may be sent when safety information needs to be transmitted to other vessels.

To send an All Ships Call;

1. Briefly press the key to enter the DSC menu.

2. Press the or and press Enter.

keys to select `All Ship Call’

DSC Menu Individual Call Position Request All Ship Call Group Call Test Call Receive Call Log Send Call Log
Exit

Enter

3. Select from Routine’,Safety’ or `Urgency’ and press Enter.

All Ship Call Routine Safety Urgency

Receive Call Log Exit

Enter

GX850

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

15

4. Select the required channel.

Individual Call Select Channel: 01 port ops/vts 03 unauthorized 05 port ops/vts 06 inter ship 07 commercial 08 commercial Exit

Enter

5. A summary of your selected call options is displayed. If everything is correct press Call to call or Exit to cancel.

All Ship Call To: All Ship Urgency Telephony by Channel 07

Exit

Call

RECEIVE CALL LOG

All incoming DSC calls are logged allowing you to review past messages. To review these messages;

1. Briefly press the key to enter the DSC menu.

2. Press the or and press Enter.

keys to select `Receive Call Log’

DSC Menu Individual Call Position Request All Ship Call Group Call Test Call Receive Call Log Send Call Log
Exit

Enter

3. Select from Distress Call’ orOthers Call’ and press Enter to display logged calls.

Recieve Call Log Distress call Others call
R

Exit

Enter

Received DSC Distress call Undesignated From: 123456789 GPS POS; Unknown EG: 88UTC

Exit

Delete

4. Press Delete to delete the logged call or press Exit to return to the previous page.

SEND CALL LOG

All outgoing DSC calls are logged. To view your outgoing messages;

1. Briefly press the key to enter the DSC menu.

2. Press the or and press Enter.

keys to select `Send Call Log’

DSC Menu Individual Call Position Request All Ship Call Group Call Test Call Receive Call Log Send Call Log
Exit

Enter

3. Select from Distress Call’,MOB Call’ or Others Call’ and press Enter to display your outgoing calls. 4\. Select fromDistress Call’, MOB Call’ orOthers Call’ and press Enter to display your outgoing calls.

16

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

GX850

Send Call log Distress Call MOB Call Others Call

Buddy List New Entry
List

Exit

Enter

PHONE BOOK

The Phone Book provides access to your stored MMSI’s. Normal MMSI’s for ships or coast stations can be stored in the Buddy List while Group MMSI’s can be stored in the Group List.

To add an MMSI

1. Briefly press the key to enter the DSC menu.

2. Press the or press Enter.

keys to select `Phone Book’ and

DSC Menu Position Request All Ship Call Group Call Test Call Receive Call Log Send Call Log Phone
Exit

Enter

3. Select from Buddy List’ orGroup List’ and press Enter.

Phone Book Buddy List
Group List

Exit

Enter

Exit

Enter

4. Select New Entry’ to add a new MMSI (or selectList’ to see your current list of stored MMSI’s).

New Entry Input MMSI
0 Input Name

Exit
New Entry Input MMSI
123456789 Input Name
SEASPRAY

Exit

Enter

5. Use the or keys to select the number in the first digit position then press .
6. Repeat step 5 to enter the full 9 digit MMSI number then press Enter.
7. Repeat step 5 to enter the name of the vessel then press Enter to save it.
To View, Edit or List the saved MSSIs
1. Select `List’ and press Enter.
2. Select the required ship’s name and press Enter.

GX850

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

17

Buddy List New Entry List
TES

Exit

Enter

List SEASPRAY

Exit
List View Edit Delete

Enter

Exit

Enter

3. Select View to view the selected entry, Edit to change the entry or Delete to remove the entry from the Phone Book.
DSC SETUP
Use the DSC Setup menu to set the default operation of the DSC feature in your radio.

DSC Setup Position Input Auto Ch Change Position Reply Test Ack

Position Input The Position Input allows you to manually enter a position in Latitude and Longitude and a time in UTC.
Auto Channel Change The Auto Channel Change option will determine whether your radio will change channels automatically when requested by another radio. Generally this should be set to Automatic as the DSC system is designed to guide to you a specific channel after receiving a DSC call. However there may be times when this is not desirable, in which case set this feature to Manual.
Position Reply Position Reply determines whether your radio will respond automatically to a `Position Request’. If set to Automatic, your radio will automatically respond to a Position Request by transmitting your location back to the caller.
If you do not wish to allow other radios to request your position, set this option to Manual.
Test Acknowledge Test Acknowledge determines if your radio will respond automatically to a Test call. Test calls sent to a coast station or to another ship can be used to check if the DSC function on your radio is working correctly. If set to Automatic, a Test call sent to your User MMSI will cause your radio to automatically respond to the caller allowing them to confirm their radio is operating correctly.
To disable the Test Acknowledge feature, set this to Manual.
MAIN MENU OPTIONS
To access the Main Menu, press and hold the key. Use the or keys to select the required option then press Enter.

Exit
18

Enter

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

GX850

VHF OPERATION
Main Menu VHF Operation GPS Setup ATIS Operation DSC Operation System Config

Exit

Enter

VHF Operation Channel Band Set Priority 2nd Ch

RACE1

Exit

Enter

Channel Band Set Select `Channel band Set’ to set the frequency band for your country of operation. The following options are available;
USA United States of America INT International (inc. Australia and NZ) CAN Canada

Use the or keys to select the required band then press Enter (or select Exit to exit without any change).
Priority 2nd Channel Select `Priority 2nd Channel to select the alternate priority channel on the key.

Use the or keys to select the required channel then press Enter. The chosen channel will be displayed. Press Enter again to save or select Exit to exit without any change.

To access the second priority channel press and hold the key. `P 2nd’ is displayed and the channel changes to your 2nd priority channel.

DSC INT
16 HI
P2nd SQL :5 DISTRESS
Resend in 4:09
Exit Pause Send
GPS SETUP
GPS Setting
Main Menu VHF Operation GPS Setup ATIS Operation DSC Operation System Config

Exit

Enter

GPS Setup RACE1 GPS Setting

Exit

Enter

GPS Setting Time Display Time Offset

RACE1

Exit

Enter

GX850

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

19

Time Display
Select `Enable’ to display the time and date on the LCD.
Time Offset
The GPS time is normally displayed in UTC (Greenwich Mean Time) by default. To display the time in local time, set the UTC time offset in hours and minutes. e.g. for Sydney Australia set the time offset to UTC +10:00
To set the time,
1. Use the or keys to set the + or offset then press . Set + for locations that are ahead of UTC (East) or for locations that are behind UTC (West).
2. Use the or keys to set the hours minutes and seconds, pressing the to move to each digit.
3. When the correct time is set press Enter.
ATIS OPERATION
ATIS stands for Automatic Transmitter Identification System and is generally used in the inland waterways of Europe. ATIS is used to identify a ship or vessel that has made a radio transmission. The identity of the vessel is sent digitally immediately after the ship’s radio operator ceases talking and releases their radio’s PTT switch. The ATIS system is similar to the DSC system except that DSC transmissions take place exclusively on Channel 70 whereas the ATIS digital signal is transmitted on the same VHF channel as the voice transmission.
Main Menu VHF Operation GPS Setup ATIS Operation DSC Operation System Config

Exit

Enter

ATIS Operation My ATIS ID ATIS Function

RACE1

Exit

Enter

MY ATIS ID
The use of ATIS requires a unique Maritime Mobile Service Identity or MMSI. The ATIS MMSI is completely separate to the MSSI required for the DSC functionality. Radio operators in Europe should obtain their unique ATIS MMSI from their local Maritime Authority.
To enter the ATIS MMSI 1. Select ATIS Operation’ from the main Menu and press Enter. 2\. SelectMy ATIS ID’ and press Enter.
3. The first digit of the ATIS ID always starts with 9 and cannot be changed. Use the or keys to select the required digit in the next character position then press .
4. Repeat step 3 to enter the full 10 digit ATIS MMSI number.
5. Once all 10 digits have been entered, press Enter. You will then be asked to enter them again.
6. Repeat step 3 to re-enter the ATIS MMSI then press Enter to store or Exit to cancel without saving.
ATIS Function To enable or disable the ATIS operation, select the ATIS’ Function from the main Menu, then selectEnable’ or Disable’. If you choose Enable’, you will be asked `Are you sure?’ Select Yes or No.
When the ATIS Function is enabled, your ATIS MMSI will be attached to the end of your transmissions allowing your vessel to be identified whenever you transmit.

20

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

GX850

DSC OPERATION
DSC Operation My MMSI ID DSC Function

RACE1

Exit

Enter

System Configuration

Systen Config LCDBackLight BackLight Time LCDContrast Key Beep Version Info Factory Reset
Exit

Enter

DSC Operation Disable Enable

RACE1

Exit

Enter

MY MMSI ID
This option duplicates the My MMSI ID’ option in the DSC menu. Either option can be used to set the User MMSI in the GX850. DSC Function SelectingDSC Function’ allows the DSC feature to be completely disabled on the radio. When the DSC function is disabled, the DSC Menu normally accessed via the Menu key is no longer available.
To enable or disable the DSC Function
1. Select DSC Function in the DSC Operation Menu.
2. Select Enable or Disable. You will be asked `Are you sure’.
3. Select Yes or No.

LCD BACKLIGHT
Select LCD Backlight’ to adjust the brightness of the display backlight. The brightness can be adjusted from 0 (min) to 9 (max). Use the key to increase the brightness or the key to decrease the brightness. Press Enter to accept or Exit to cancel. BACKLIGHT TIME SelectBacklight Time’ to adjust the length of time (in seconds) before the backlight extinguishes after a key press. The time can be adjusted from 0 (no backlight) to 9 seconds. Use the key to increase the time or the key to decrease the time.
LCD CONTRAST
Select LCD Contrast’ to adjust the contrast of the display. The contrast can be adjusted from 0 (min) to 9 (max). Use the key to increase the contrast or the key to decrease the contrast. KEY BEEP SelectKey Beep’ to set the volume of the beeps that will be heard when a key is pressed. Choose from Off, Quiet, Middle or Loud then press Enter. The new Beep volume setting will be applied and a `tick’ will appear adjacent to the selected setting. Once the preferred setting is ticked, press Exit to return to the Menu.

GX850

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

21

Key Beep Off
Quiet Middle Loud

Exit

Enter

VERSION INFO
Select `Version Info’ to review the software versions installed inside your radio.
FACTORY RESET
Select Factory Reset to clear any settings you have made to your radio and restore it to the factory defaults.
CHARGING THE BATTERY
The battery is a built-in design and is not user serviceable. If the battery requires replacing, the radio should be returned to GME for service to ensure the waterproof integrity of the radio is maintained.
To charge the battery Unscrew the centre knob on the top panel (between the Volume knob and the antenna). Plug the supplied AC adaptor into the 240V power then connect the adaptor’s charger plug into the socket on the top of the radio. Secure it by tightening the collar on the plug.

3. ROTATE THE COLLAR TO SECURE THE PLUG
While the charger is connected the display will show the battery charging state by animating the battery icon.
16 HI
SQL :5
08 : 15 : 59
25 JUL 2013 thu
When the radio is on, the battery symbol animates in the corner of the display.

1. UNSCREW THE CONNECTOR CAP
22

2. INSERT THE CHARGER PLUG

When the radio is switched off, the battery symbol animates in the centre of the display.

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

GX850

CH 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 60 61 62 63 64
GX850

INTERNATIONAL MARINE VHF CHANNEL AND FREQUENCIES

TX Freq 156.050 156.100 156.150 156.200 156.250 156.300 156.350 156.400 156.450 156.500 156.550 156.600 156.650 156.700 156.750 156.800 156.850 156.900 156.950 157.000 157.050 157.100 157.150 157.200 157.250 157.300 157.350 157.400 156.025 156.075 156.125 156.175 156.225

RX Freq 160.650 160.700 160.750 160.800 160.850 156.300 160.950 156.400 156.450 156.500 156.550 156.600 156.650 156.700 156.750 156.800 156.850 161.500 161.550 161.600 161.650 161.700 161.750 161.800 161.850 161.900 161.950 162.000 160.625 160.675 160.725 160.775 160.825

Simplex
X
X X X X X X X X X X

Use Public Correspondence, Port Operations and Ship Movement Public Correspondence, Port Operations and Ship Movement Public Correspondence, Port Operations and Ship Movement Public Correspondence, Port Operations and Ship Movement Public Correspondence, Port Operations and Ship Movement Intership 1 Public Correspondence, Port Operations and Ship Movement Intership Intership, Port Operations and Ship Movement Intership, Port Operations and Ship Movement 2 Port Operations and Ship Movement Port Operations and Ship Movement Intership Safety, Port Operations and Ship Movement 3 Port Operations and Ship Movement Intership and On-board Communications at 1W only 4 Distress, Safety and Calling Intership and On-board Communications at 1W only 4 Public Correspondence, Port Operations and Ship Movement Public Correspondence, Port Operations and Ship Movement Public Correspondence, Port Operations and Ship Movement Public Correspondence, Port Operations and Ship Movement Public Correspondence, Port Operations and Ship Movement Public Correspondence, Port Operations and Ship Movement Public Correspondence, Port Operations and Ship Movement Public Correspondence, Port Operations and Ship Movement Public Correspondence, Port Operations and Ship Movement Public Correspondence, Port Operations and Ship Movement Public Correspondence, Port Operations and Ship Movement Public Correspondence, Port Operations and Ship Movement Public Correspondence, Port Operations and Ship Movement Public Correspondence, Port Operations and Ship Movement Public Correspondence, Port Operations and Ship Movement Public Correspondence, Port Operations and Ship Movement

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

23

INTERNATIONAL MARINE VHF CHANNEL AND FREQUENCIES cont.

CH

TX Freq RX Freq Simplex Use

65

156.275

160.875

Public Correspondence, Port Operations and Ship Movement

66

156.325

160.925

Public Correspondence, Port Operations and Ship Movement

67

156.375

X

Intership, Port Operations and Ship Movement 2

68

156.425

X

Port Operations and Ship Movement

69

156.475

X

Intership, Port Operations and Ship Movement

71

156.575

X

Port Operations and Ship Movement

72

156.625

X

Intership

73

156.675

X

Intership 2

74

156.725

X

Port operations and Ship Movement

75

156.775

X

See Note 5

76

156.825

X

See Note 5

77

156.875

X

Intership

78

156.925

161.525

Public Correspondence, Port Operations and Ship Movement

79

156.975

161.575

Public Correspondence, Port Operations and Ship Movement

80

157.025

161.625

Public Correspondence, Port Operations and Ship Movement

81

157.075

161.675

Public Correspondence, Port Operations and Ship Movement

82

157.125

161.725

Public Correspondence, Port Operations and Ship Movement

83

157.175

161.775

Public Correspondence, Port Operations and Ship Movement

84

157.225

161.825

Public Correspondence, Port Operations and Ship Movement

85

157.275

161.875

Public Correspondence, Port Operations and Ship Movement

86

157.325

161.925

Public Correspondence, Port Operations and Ship Movement

87

157.375

X

Port Operations and Ship Movement

88

157.425

X

Port Operations and Ship Movement

Intership channels are for communications between ship stations. Intership communications should be restricted to Channels 6, 8, 72 and 77. If these are not available, the other channels marked for Intership may be used. Channel 70 is used exclusively for Digital Selective Calling (DSC) and is not available for regular voice communications.
NOTES
1. Channel 06 may also be used for communications between ship stations and aircraft engaged in coordinated search and rescue operations. Ship stations should avoid harmful interference to such communications on channel 06 as well as to communications between aircraft stations, ice breakers and assisted ships during ice seasons.
2. Within the European Maritime Area and in Canada, channels 10, 67 and 73 may also be used by the individual administrations

concerned for communication between ship stations, aircraft stations and participating land stations engaged in coordinated search and rescue and anti- pollution operations in local areas. Channels 10 or 73 (depending on location) are also used for the broadcast of Marine Safety Information by the Maritime and Coast Guard Agency in the UK only.
3. Channel 13 is designated for use on a worldwide basis as a navigation safety communication channel, primarily for intership navigation safety communications.
4. Channels 15 and 17 may also be used for on-board communications provided the effective radiated power does not exceed 1 watt.
5. The use of Channels 75 and 76 should be restricted to navigation related communication only and all precautions should be taken to avoid harmful interference to channel 16. Transmit power is limited to 1 watt.

24

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

GX850

CH 01A
05A
06 07A 08 09 10 11 12 13
14 15 16
17 18A 19A 20 20A 21A 22A
23A 24 25 26 27 28
GX850

TX Freq 156.050
156.250
156.300 156.350 156.400 156.450 156.500 156.550 156.600 156.650
156.700 -156.800
156.850 156.900 156.950 157.000 157.000 157.050 157.100
157.150 157.200 157.250 157.300 157.350 157.400

U.S. MARINE VHF CHANNELS AND FREQUENCIES

RX Freq Simplex Use

156.050 156.250 156.300

X

Port Operations and Commercial, VTS. Available only in New

Orleans / Lower Mississippi area.

X

Port Operations or VTS in the Houston, New Orleans and Seattle

areas

X

Intership Safety

156.350

X

Commercial

156.400

X

Commercial (Intership only)

156.450

X

Boater Calling. Commercial and Non-Commercial

156.500

X

Commercial

156.550

X

Commercial. VTS in selected areas

156.600

X

Port Operations. VTS in selected areas

156.650 156.700

X

Intership Navigation Safety (Bridge-to-bridge). Ships >20m length

maintain a listening watch on this channel in US waters.

X

Port Operations. VTS in selected areas

156.750

Environmental (Receive only). Used by Class C EPIRBs

156.800 156.850

X

International Distress, Safety and Calling. Ships required to carry

radio, USCG, and most coast stations maintain a listening watch on

this channel.

X

State & local govt maritime control

156.900

X

Commercial

156.950

X

Commercial

161.600

Port Operations (duplex)

157.000

X

Port Operations

157.050

X

U.S. Coast Guard only

157.100 157.150

X

Coast Guard Liaison and Maritime Safety Information Broadcasts.

Broadcasts announced on channel 16.

X

U.S. Coast Guard only

161.800

Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)

161.850

Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)

161.900

Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)

161.950

Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)

162.000

Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

25

U.S. MARINE VHF CHANNELS AND FREQUENCIES cont.

CH

TX Freq RX Freq Simplex Use

63A

156.175

65A

156.275

X

Port Operations and Commercial, VTS. Available only in New

Orleans / Lower Mississippi area.

X

Port Operations

66A

156.325

X

Port Operations

67

156.375

68

156.425

X

Commercial. Used for Bridge-to-bridge communications in Lower

Mississippi River. Intership only.

X

Non-Commercial

69

156.475

X

Non-Commercial

70

156.525

X

Digital Selective Calling (voice communications not allowed)

71

156.575

X

Non-Commercial

72

156.625

X

Non-Commercial (Intership only)

73

156.675

X

Port Operations

74

156.725

X

Port Operations

77

156.875

X

Port Operations (Intership only)

78A

156.925

X

Non-Commercial

79A

156.975

X

Commercial. Non-Commercial in Great Lakes only

80A

157.025

X

Commercial. Non-Commercial in Great Lakes only

81A

157.075

X

U.S. Government only – Environmental protection operations.

82A

157.125

X

U.S. Government only

83A

157.175

X

U.S. Coast Guard only

84

157.225

161.825

Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)

85

157.275

161.875

Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)

86

157.325

161.925

Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)

87

157.375

X

Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)

88A

157.425

X

Commercial, Intership only

26

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

GX850

Additional Information, Frequencies, and Charts.
Frequencies are in MHz. Modulation is 16KF3E or 16KG3E.
Recreational boaters normally use channels listed as NonCommercial: 68, 69, 71, 72, 78A.
Channel 70 is used exclusively for Digital Selective Calling (DSC) and is not available for regular voice communications.
Channels 75 and 76 are reserved as guard bands for Channel 16 and are not available for regular voice communications.
Note that the letter A indicates simplex use of the ship station transmit side of an international duplex channel, and that operations are different than international operations on that channel.

NOAA Weather Channels

WX1

162.550

WX2

162.400

WX3

162.475

WX4

162.425

WX5

162.450

WX6

162.500

WX7

162.525

Some VHF transceivers are equipped with an International U.S. switch for that purpose. A channels are generally only used in the United States, and use is normally not recognized or allowed outside the U.S. The letter B indicates simplex use of the coast station transmit side of an international duplex channel. The U.S. does not currently use B channels for simplex communications in this band.
Boaters should normally use channels listed as NonCommercial. Channel 16 is used for calling other stations or for distress alerting. Channel 13 should be used to contact a ship when there is danger of collision. All ships of length 20m or greater are required to guard VHF channel 13, in addition to VHF channel 16, when operating within U.S. territorial waters. Users may be fined by the FCC for improper use of these channels.

Channel numbers, e.g. (WX1, WX2) etc. have no special significance but are often designated this way in consumer equipment. Other channel numbering schemes are also prevalent.
The order of channels shown is the order they were established and is slowly becoming less popular over time than a numerical ordering of channels.
See NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MARINE PRODUCTS VIA NOAA WEATHER RADIO and the NOAA Weather Radio Homepage for more information.

GX850

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

27

CH TX Freq 01 156.050 02 156.100 03 156.150 04A 156.200 05A 156.250 06 156.300 07A 156.350 08 156.400 09 156.450
10 156.500
11 156.550
12 156.600
13 156.650
14 156.700
15 156.750
16 156.800 28

CANADIAN MARINE VHF CHANNELS AND FREQUENCIES

RX Freq 156.650

EC NL AC GL WC BCC INL INL Use BCC PRA

X

PC

Restrictions None

160.700

X

PC None

160.750

XX

PC None

156.200 X

X

156.250 X X X X X X X

IS, SS, DFO/Canadian Coast Guard only in BCC C, S area. Commercial fishing in EC area.
SM None

156.300 X X X X X X X X IS, C, May be used for search and rescue
NC, S communications between ships and aircraft.

156.350 X X X X X X X

IS, None SS, C

156.400 X

X

IS, C, Also assigned for intership in the Lake

S

Winnipeg area.

156.450

X

X IS, SS, Commercial BCC area. May be used

C, NC, to communicate with aircraft and

S, SM helicopters in predominantly maritime support operations.

156.500

XX

X

IS, SS, C, NC, S, SM

Commercial BCC area. May also be used for communications with aircraft engaged in coordinated search and rescue and antipollution operations.

156.550

XX

X

IS, SS, VTS BCC area. Also used for pilotage C, NC, purposes.
SM

156.600

XXX X

IS, SS, VTS BCC area. Port operations and C, NC, pilot information and messages.
SM

156.650 X X X X X X X

IS, C, VTS BCC area. Bridge-to-bridge NC, navigational traffic.
SM

156.700

XX

X

IS, SS, VTS BCC area. Port operations and C, NC, pilot information and messages.
SM

156.750 X X X X X X X X IS, SS, Port operations and Ship Movement

C,

BCC area. All operations limited to

1 watt maximum power. May also be

used for on-board communications.

156.800

All

areas

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

GX850

CH TX Freq 17 156.850
18A 156.900 19A 156.950 20 157.000 21A 157.050 21B ——-22A 157.100
23 157.150 23B ——-24 157.200 25 157.250 25B ——-26 157.300 27 157.350 28 157.400 28B ——-60 156.025 61A 156.075 62A 156.125 63A 156.175 64 156.225

CANADIAN MARINE VHF CHANNELS AND FREQUENCIES cont.

RX Freq 156.850
156.900

EC NL AC GL WC BCC INL INL Use Restrictions BCC PRA

X X X X X X X X IS, SS, Port operations and Ship Movement
C, NC, BCC area. All operations limited to SM 1 watt maximum power. May also be
used for on board communications.
maximum power. May also be used for
on board communications.

XXX X X X X

IS,SS, C Towing BCC area

156.950 X X X X X X X X IS, SS DFO/Canadian Coast Guard. Pacific Pilots BCC area.

161.600 X X X X X X X

SS, S, Port operations only with 1 watt SM maximum power.

157.050 X X X X X X X X IS, SS DFO/Canadian Coast Guard only

161.650 X X X X X X X X S

Continuous Marine Broadcast (CMB) service.

157.100 X X X X X X X X IS, SS, For communications between Canadian
C, NC Coast Guard and non-Canadian Coast Guard stations only.

161.750

XX

SS, PC None

161.750

X

S

Continuous Marine Broadcast (CMB) service

161.800 X X X X X X X X SS, PC None

161.850

X

161.850

X

SS, PC Also assigned for operations in the Lake Winnipeg area.

S

Continuous Marine Broadcast (CMB) service

161.900 X X X X X X X X SS, PC None

161.950 162.000
162.000

XX

X

XX

SS, PC
SS, S, PC S

None None
Continuous Marine Broadcast (CMB) service

160.625

X

SS, PC None

156.075 X 156.125 X 156.175 160.825

X

IS, DFO/Canadian Coast Guard only in BCC

SS, C area. Commercial fishing only in EC area.

X

IS, DFO/Canadian Coast Guard only in BCC

SS, C area. Commercial fishing only in EC area.

X

IS, Tow Boats BCC area

SS, C

X

SS, PC None

GX850

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

29

CH TX Freq 64A 156.225 65A 156.275
66A 156.950 67 156.375
68 156.425 69 156.475 70 156.525 71 156.575 72 156.625 73 156.675
74 156.725 75 156.775

CANADIAN MARINE VHF CHANNELS AND FREQUENCIES cont.

RX Freq 156.225 156.275
156.950

EC NL AC GL WC BCC INL INL Use BCC PRA

X

IS,

SS, C

X X X X X X X X S, IS, SS, C, NC

XXX X X X X

IS, SS

Restrictions
Commercial fishing only
Search and rescue and antipollution operations on the Great Lakes. Towing on the Pacific Coast. Port operations only in the St. Lawrence River areas with 1 watt maximum power. Intership in INLD PRA. Port operations only in the St. Lawrence River/Great Lakes areas with 1watt maximum power. 1 watt marina channel BCC area.

156.375
156.425 156.475 156.525 156.575 156.625
156.675

XXX X X X X X

XXX X X X X X
XXX X X X X
Digital Selective Calling for Distress, Urgency, Safety and Calling XXX X X X X

X

XXX X X X X X

SS, IS, ,C, NC

May also be used for communications with aircraft engaged in coordinated search and rescue and antipollution operations. Commercial fishing only in EC and INLD PRA areas. Pleasure craft BCC area.

IS, SS, For marinas, yacht clubs and pleasure NC craft.

IS, SS, Commercial fishing only EC area. C, NC Pleasure craft BCC area.

All Voice communications prohibited. Areas

S, IS, Ship Movement BCC area. Marinas SS, SM, and yacht clubs EC and on Lake C, NC Winnipeg.

IS, C, May be used to communicate NC with aircraft and helicopters in
predominantly maritime support operations. Pleasure craft BCC area.

S, IS, May also be used for communications SS, with aircraft engaged in coordinated
search and rescue and antipollution operations. Commercial fishing only in EC and INLD PRA areas.

156.725 X

X

IS, SS, VTS and Ship Movement BCC area

SM, C,

NC

156.775 X X X X X X X X IS, SS, Simplex port operation, ship movement SM, C and navigation related communication only. 1 watt maximum.

30

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

GX850

CH TX Freq 76 156.225
77 156.275
78A 156.950 79A 156.375 80A 157.025 81A 157.075 82A 157.125 83A 157.175 83B ——-84 157.225 85 157.275 86 157.325 87 157.375 87B 161.975 88 157.425 88B 162.025
WX-1 WX-2 WX-3 WX-4 WX-5 WX-6 WX-7

CANADIAN MARINE VHF CHANNELS AND FREQUENCIES cont.

RX Freq 156.225 156.275
156.950 156.375

EC NL AC GL WC BCC INL INL Use Restrictions BCC PRA

X

IS, SS, Simplex port operation, ship movement

SM, C and navigation related communication

only. 1 watt maximum.

X X X X X X X X S, IS, Pilotage BCC area; 25 watts. Port SS, operations only in the St. Lawrence SM, River/Great Lakes areas with 1 watt maximum power.

XXX X X X X

IS, Fishing Industry BCC area SS, C

X X X X X X X X SS, IS, Fishing Industry BCC area

157.025 X

X

IS, SS, C Whale Watching BCC area

157.075 X X X X X X X

S, IS, SS DFO/Canadian Coast Guard use only

157.125 X X X X X X X

IS, SS DFO/Canadian Coast Guard use only

157.175 161.775

XX

X

XX

X

IS, SS DFO/Canadian Coast Guard and other Government agencies.

S

Continuous Marine Broadcast (CMB) Service.

161.825

X

SS, PC None

161.875

XX X

X

SS, PC None

161.925

X

SS, PC None

161.375 161.975 157.425 162.025
——–

XX X

X

IS,SM, Port operation and ship movement EC NC area. Pleasure craft BCC area.

X X X X X X X X AIS Automatic Ship Identification and Surveillance System.

XX X

X

IS, Port operation and ship movement SM, C BCC area.

X X X X X X X X AIS Automatic Ship Identification and Surveillance System.

WEATHER CHANNELS

162.550

S Environment Canada Weather Radio

——–

162.400

S Environment Canada Weather Radio

——–

162.475

S Environment Canada Weather Radio

——–

162.425

S Environment Canada Weather Radio

——–

162.450

S Environment Canada Weather Radio

——–

162.500

S Environment Canada Weather Radio

——–

162.525

S Environment Canada Weather Radio

GX850

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

31

EC NL AC
GL WC
BCC Inland BC Inland PRA

Table Footnotes

– East Coast (NL, AC, GL, and Eastern Arctic areas)

IS

– Newfoundland and Labrador

SS

– Atlantic Coast, Gulf and St. Lawrence River to and including C Montreal
– Great Lakes including the St. Lawrence above Montreal NC

– West Coast (BCC, Western Arctic, and Athabasca-Mackenzie S Watershed areas)

– British Columbia Coast (Pacific Coast)

SM

– Inland Waters of BC and the Yukon

PC

– Inland Waters of MB, SK, and AB

AIS

VTS

Intership Ship / Shore Commercial
Non-Commercial Safety
Ship Movement Public Correspondence Automatic Ship Identification Vessel Traffic Services

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GX850

GENERAL

SPECIFICATIONS

RECEIVER

Frequency Range: 156.025 to 162.425 MHz Number of Channels: 56 International
52 USA 59 Canadian 10 Weather
Oscillator: PLL
Modulation: FM
Channel Spacing: 25 kHz Frequency Stability: ±5 PPM
Digital Selective Calling (DSC): Class D (EN301025)
Man Over Board (MOB): DSC Channel 70
Standard Operating Temperature: -20°C ~ +55°C
Nominal Working Volt- 7.4 V DC age:
Low Voltage Limit: 6.8 V DC Battery Life (5% TX, 5%
RX, 90% Stby): 8 Hrs Antenna Socket : SMA Built in Speaker: 40 mm Diameter, 8 Ohms
Dimensions: 67 (W) x 153 (H) x 43 (D) mm
Battery: 7.4 V 1700 mAh Li-Polymer
DC Charger: 9 V @ 1000 mA
Charging Current: 760 mA ± 130 mA
GPS Receiver: 48 Channel
Waterproof: IP67

Sensitivity (12dB SINAD): -119 dBm
Squelch: Threshold: -119 dBm Tight: -113 dBm to -107 dBm Hysteresis: 3~6 dB Attack Time: <50 ms Delay Time: <250 ms
Rated Audio Output @5% THD Speaker: 250 mW
Adjacent Channel Rejection: > 70 dB
Image Rejection: > 70 dB
Intermodulation Rejection: > 68 dB
Spurious Response rejection (CH16) 80 MHz to 1 GHz: > 70 dB
Conducted Spurious Emission: < 70 dB
Scan Time per Channel: 200 ms
RX Current: Standby 185 mA Max Audio Power 380 mA
TRANSMITTER
Output Power: High 5W Low 0.8W
Frequency Tolerance: ±2.5 PPM
Max Modulation: ± 5 kHz
Conducted Spurious Emission: < -56 dB
Audio Distortion @ 3 kHz Dev: < 5%
Conducted Spurious Emission: < -56 dB
TX Current: High Power 1.6 A Low Power 0.9 A
Specifications are nominal and are subject to change without notice or obligation

STANDARD COMMUNICATIONS CONTRACT WARRANTY AGAINST DEFECTS

This warranty against defects is given by Standard Communications Pty Ltd ACN 000 346 814 (We, us, our or GME). Our contact details are set out in clause 2.7. This warranty statement only applies to products purchased in Australia. Please contact your local GME distributor for products sold outside of Australia. Local distributor details at www.gme.net.au/export.
1. Consumer guarantees

(i) the replacement of the goods or the supply of equivalent goods;
(ii) the repair of the goods;
(iii) the cost of repairing the goods or of acquiring equivalent goods;
(b) in the case of services we supply, to any one of the following as we decide –

1.1 Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law. You are entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure and for compensation for any other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage. You are also entitled to have the goods repaired or replaced if the goods fail to be of acceptable quality and the failure does not amount to a major failure.
1.2 To the extent we are able; we exclude all other conditions, warranties and obligations which would otherwise be implied.
2. Warranty against defects
2. 1 This warranty is in addition to and does not limit, exclude or restrict your rights under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Australia) or any other mandatory protection laws that may apply.
2.2 We warrant our goods to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for the warranty period (see warranty table) from the date of original sale (or another period we agree to in writing). Subject to our obligations under clause 1.2, we will at our option, either repair or replace goods which we are satisfied are defective. We warrant any replacement parts for the remainder of the period of warranty for the goods into which they are incorporated.
2.3 To the extent permitted by law, our sole liability for breach of a condition, warranty or other obligation implied by law is limited.
(a) in the case of goods we supply, to any one of the following as we decide

(i) the supplying of the services again;
(ii) the cost of having the services supplied again.
2.4 For repairs outside the warranty period, we warrant our repairs to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for three months from the date of the original repair. We agree to re-repair or replace (at our option) any materials or workmanship which we are satisfied are defective.
2.5 We warrant that we will perform services with reasonable care and skill and agree to investigate any complaint regarding our services made in good faith. If we are satisfied that the complaint is justified, and as our sole liability to you under this warranty (to the extent permitted at law), we agree to supply those services again at no extra charge to you.
2.6 To make a warranty claim you must before the end of the applicable warranty period (see warranty table), at your own cost, return the goods you allege are defective, provide written details of the defect, and give us an original or copy of the sales invoice or some other evidence showing details of the transaction.
2.7 Send your claim to:
Standard Communications Pty Ltd. PO Box 96, Winston Hills, NSW 2153, Australia. Tel: 1300 463 463 Email: servadmin@gme.net.au

34

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

2.8 If we determine that your goods are defective, we will pay for the cost of returning the repaired or replaced goods to you, and reimburse you for your reasonable expenses of sending your warranty claim to us.
3. What this warranty does not cover 3.1 This warranty will not apply in relation to:
(a) goods modified or altered in any way;
(b) defects and damage caused by use with non Standard Communications products;
(c) repairs performed other than by our authorised representative;
(d) defects or damage resulting from misuse, accident, impact or neglect;
(e) goods improperly installed or used in a manner contrary to the relevant instruction manual; or
(f) goods where the serial number has been removed or made illegal.
4. Warranty period 4.1 We provide the following warranty on GME and Kingray
products. No repair or replacement during the warranty period will renew or extend the warranty period past the period from original date of purchase.

PRODUCT TYPE GX800/GX850 Marine radios

WARRANTY PERIOD 2 years

GX850

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

gme.net.au
Standard Communications Pty Ltd trading as GME.
Part Number: 310616 Drawing Number: 47025-3