Specifications

1 This location provides optimal
performance (above decks).
2 In this location, performance may be
less effective.
3 This location is NOT recommended.
Vessel construction
The construction of your vessel can have an impact
on performance. For example, the proximity of heavy
structures such as a structural bulkhead, or the interior
of larger vessels may result in a reduced signal. The
construction materials can also have an impact. In
particular, steel, aluminium or carbon surfaces can
impact performance. Before locating equipment with an
internal antenna below decks, or on a steel, aluminium or
carbon construction vessel or surface, seek professional
assistance.
Prevailing conditions
The weather and location of the vessel can affect
performance. Typically calm clear conditions provide
a more accurate position fix. Vessels at extreme
northerly or southerly latitudes may also receive a
weaker signal. An antenna mounted below decks will
be more susceptible to performance issues related to
the prevailing conditions.
External GNSS (GPS) antenna location
requirements
Your product includes a built-in GNSS (GPS) receiver
and antenna. It is also possible to connect and use
an external GNSS (GPS) antenna such as the GA150
instead.
When using an external antenna, ensure you follow
the location requirements specified in your external
antenna’s installation instructions.
Note:
When using an external antenna you must select the
internal antenna in order for it to be used instead of
the external antenna. See the Switching between
internal and external antenna procedure.
Antenna mounting and EME exposure
Ensure that your VHF antenna is connected to the radio
before transmission.
Raymarine® declares a Maximum Permissible Exposure
(MPE) radius of 0.89 meters (2.92ft.) for this system,
assuming 25 watts output to an omnidirectional antenna
of 9dBi gain or less.
For watercraft with suitable structures, the antenna base
must be at least 3.8 meters (12.5 ft) above the main deck
to meet the MPE for persons up to 0.89 metres (2.92ft)
tall. For watercraft without such structures, the antenna
must be mounted so that its base is a minimum of 1.8
meters (5.9 ft.) vertically from heads of all persons.
The antenna must be isolated from the vessel’s
metalwork using an insulated (e.g. plastic) mounting
bracket.
Multiple antenna installations
Important additional considerations when installing
multiple antennas.
To prevent potential channel interference when
installing two or more VHF radios on the same vessel,
ensure that the antennas are located at least 2.4 m (8 ft.)
away from each other.
Loud hailer location requirements
To avoid audio feedback, ensure that the loud hailer is
at least 3 m (9.8 ft) away from the VHF base unit and
any handset or fistmic at all times. When talking, ensure
that the handset or fistmic is pointing in the opposite
direction to the loud hailer.
3.2 EMC installation guidelines
Raymarine® equipment and accessories conform to
the appropriate Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)
regulations, to minimize electromagnetic interference
between equipment and minimize the effect such
interference could have on the performance of your
system
Correct installation is required to ensure that EMC
performance is not compromised.
Note:
In areas of extreme EMC interference, some slight
interference may be noticed. Where this occurs the
product and the source of the interference should be
separated by a greater distance.
For optimum EMC performance we recommend that
wherever possible:
• Raymarine® equipment and cables connected to it
are:
– At least1m(3ft)from any equipment transmitting
or cables carrying radio signals e.g. VHF radios,
cables and antennas. In the case of SSB radios, the
distance should be increased to 2 m (7 ft).
– More than 2 m (7 ft) from the path of a Radar beam.
A Radar beam can normally be assumed to spread
20 degrees above and below the radiating element.
• The product is supplied power from a separate battery
from that used for engine start. This is important to
prevent erratic behavior and data loss which can occur
if the engine start does not have a separate battery.
• Only Raymarine® specified cables are used.
• Cables are not cut or extended, unless doing so is
detailed in the installation instructions.
Note:
Where constraints on the installation prevent any
of the above recommendations, always ensure the
maximum possible separation between different
items of electrical equipment, to provide the best
conditions for EMC performance throughout the
installation.
Suppression ferrites
• Raymarine cables may be pre-fitted or supplied with
suppression ferrites. These are important for correct
EMC performance. If ferrites are supplied separately
to the cables (i.e. not pre-fitted), you must fit the
supplied ferrites, using the supplied instructions.
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