M A X I M I Z I N G Y O U R P E R F O R M A N C E A T S E A
Instruction Manual M A N U A L Simrad RD68 Fixed DSC VHF Radio III
RD68 VHF © 2005 Simrad Ltd The technical data, information and illustrations contained in this publication were to the best of our knowledge correct at the time of going to print. We reserve the right to change specifications, equipment, installation and maintenance instructions without notice as part of our policy of continuous development and improvement.
Instruction Manual 1 GENERAL 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Introduction ........................................................................... Licensing ............................................................................... Entering MMSI numbers ....................................................... Group ID MMSI .................................................................... 7 8 9 10 2 OPERATION 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 General .............................................................................
RD68 VHF 5 APPENDIX 5.1 Operating procedures ............................................................. 5.1.1 Sending a Distress Alert .............................................. 5.1.2 Acknowledging and relaying a Distress Alert ............ 5.1.3 Cancelling a Distress Alert ......................................... 5.1.4 Alerting all vessels within range ................................. 5.1.5 Calling a coast radio station ........................................ 5.1.6 Making an intership call .....
Instruction Manual 1 GENERAL 1.1 Introduction The RD68 is a combined VHF radio and Class D Digital Selective Calling (DSC) unit. It supports the latest GMDSS requirements for non-SOLAS vessels from the International Maritime Organization (IMO). This will enable you to make digitally selected calls, which are quicker and simpler to make than traditional voice calls using channel 16.
RD68 VHF 1.2 Licensing Note Prior to use please check the national licensing requirements for operators. In the UK license applications and queries should be made to the following authority: Ship Radio Licencing Radio Licencing Centre The Post Office PO Box 1495 Bristol BS99 3QS Website: www.radiolicencecentre.co.uk/rlc A set may only be operated by or under the supervision of the holder of a Marine Radio Operator’s Certificate of Competence and Authority to Operate.
Instruction Manual 1.3 Entering MMSI numbers At the time of issue of your vessel’s radio license, an MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identifier) must be requested. This is a nine-digit number which must be permanently entered into the RD68 when the radio is first set up, otherwise the DSC functions cannot be accessed. Note If the boat or the RD68 are subsequently sold, the radio must be returned to an authorized Simrad agent for the MMSI number to be erased and the new owner’s MMSI number entered.
RD68 VHF 52o16N 001o23E Rx DSC MMSI Dir More 12:44 Ships MMSI ********* Group MMSI 000000000 DSC Press this key to enter the MMSI number Press this key to enter the Group ID 12:44 Enter the MMSI number using the keypad. Press E to enter Note Ships MMSI 002325___ DSC If an error is made, press to move back and edit the number. You will be asked to confirm the number. Re-enter the MMSI and press E.
Instruction Manual 2 OPERATION 2.1 General The RD68 VHF is very simple to operate, with the controls falling into five groups: 1 SOFTKEY LABEL SOFTKEY LABEL SOFTKEY LABEL SOFTKEY LABEL SC1 SC2 SC3 SC4 2 3 4 Softkeys & labels 1. The rotary Volume (On/Off) & Squelch controls. 2. The alphanumeric keypad used to select the channel, MMSI number, etc. 3. The dedicated controls, for commonly used functions such as output power, Dual Watch, and channel 16 select, etc. 4.
RD68 VHF 2.3 Backlighting ( ) 12:40 INT Hi Lite Rx DSC T/W M/S Scan There are five levels of brightness – press and hold the key to step through and release when the required level is shown. 2.4 Changing channels 2.4.
Instruction Manual 2.4.2 Auxiliary & Private channels This function is used to select channels which are not part of the standard International channel set, for example, channels M and M2 in the UK, or the US Wx Weather channels. Standard availability of channels includes M & M2 in the UK, or one or more of L1–L3 or F1–F3 in Scandinavia (cf. section 5.3). Note STEP 1 To select an Auxiliary channel press any numeric key – To select a Weather or Private channel, press the relevant number key (e.g.
RD68 VHF 2.5 Transmit power This function allows toggling of the transmit power between 25W (Hi) and 1W (Lo) for short range transmissions, for example, when in a marina. This preserves battery power. 12:42 INT Hi Lite Rx DSC T/W M/S Scan 12:42 INT Lo Lite Rx Note DSC T/W M/S Scan Regulations restrict some channels, such as 15 and 17, to low power only, in which case this key will have no effect. 2.
Instruction Manual 12:43 52o16N 001o23E Rx SELECTING CALL TYPE Press Type to scroll through the different types of calls (see also p.
RD68 VHF 12:44 52o16N 001o23E Rx MMSI DIRECTORY Use the directory (see section 3.4) to select a commonly used MMSI: Rad Call Menu VOICE CHANNEL SELECTION To specify which channel is to be used in voice communication 12:44 Routine to Excalibur Rx Type Dir Ch26 Send Press Dir to scroll through directory entries Press softkey 3 (ChXX) to specify voice channel.
Instruction Manual 2.7 Making a Distress Alert call WARNING This call should only be made if the vessel is in a genuine distress situation. It is an offense to send a Distress Alert call if the vessel or crew are not in grave and imminent danger (see section 5.1). The DISTRESS button is located under a protective cover that must be slid back before the button can be pressed.
RD68 VHF 12:47 DISTRESS ALERT Sending in 5 secs To send the call, press and hold the DISTRESS key for five seconds. A countdown to the transmission will be displayed. Release the key at any time during this countdown to abort the transmission and press C to return to the main menu.
Instruction Manual 2.8 Receiving a DSC call When a call is received, the RD68 will ring and the display will show the call information. Press Ack (for individual calls requesting acknowledgment only) or OK to cancel and switch to the working channel. Press Stop to cancel ring only.
RD68 VHF 2.9 Dual Watch Dual Watch allows the radio to scan between a selected working channel and the priority channel (normally Ch16). 12:52 Select a working channel INT Hi Lite Rx Press the D/W key INT Hi Lite Rx DSC T/W M/S Scan 12:52 DSC T/W M/S Scan 12:52 12:52 INT DSC Hi Ch16 D/W INT DSC Hi Ch16 D/W The RD68 will monitor the working channel and the priority channel sequentially Note 20 Normal VHF functions will not be available when in Dual Watch mode.
Instruction Manual 2.10 Tri-Watch Tri-Watch operates on the same principle as Dual Watch, but this function scans between the working channel, priority channel, and the User channel. For more information on the User channel and how it is specified, please refer to section 2.13.
RD68 VHF 2.11 Scan mode The Scan function cycles the RD68 sequentially through each enabled channel, pausing when a signal is detected. 12:54 INT Hi Lite Rx DSC T/W M/S Scan 12:54 Press Adv to manually advance to the next channel in the scan sequence Note INT DSC Hi Lite Inh Scan Adv While in Scan mode, normal VHF functions are not available. To exit Scan mode, press C or 16. 2.11.
Instruction Manual To re-enable an inhibited channel into the scan cycle, repeat sequence 2: 12:55 Select channel to be enabled then press and hold Scan (double beep) INT Scan Ena Rx DSC T/W M/S Scan Press and hold 2.12 Memory Scan Like the Scan function, Memory Scan will cycle sequentially through the channels, but only those which have been preselected. ➞ Refer to the next subsection 2.12.1 for more information on preselecting Memory Scan channels.
RD68 VHF 2.12.1 Add/remove channels from Memory Scan To add a channel to the Memory Scan cycle: 12:57 Select the required channel INT Hi Lite Rx DSC T/W M/S Scan 12:57 INT DSC M/S T/W Sel M/S Rx Scan Press and hold M/S (double beep) Press and hold To delete a pre-selected channel from the Memory Scan cycle: 1. While in Memory Scan mode INT M/S Del M/S 2.
Instruction Manual 2.13 Priority & User channel select The priority channel (usually Ch16, depending on the configuration of the RD68) can be accessed immediately by pressing 16. This will cancel any function currently in operation. The User channel is a programmable priority channel which is accessed by pressing 16 twice: 12:57 INT Hi Lite Rx DSC T/W M/S Scan Press 16 twice 12:58 INT Hi User Rx DSC T/W M/S Scan 2.13.
RD68 VHF 2.14 Viewing the call log The last 16 incoming DSC calls are logged by the RD68 and can be viewed later (this function will not be displayed if no calls have been received).
Instruction Manual 3 MISCELLANEOUS FUNCTIONS 3.1 Adjusting the LCD contrast 13:00 52o16N 001o23E Rx Rad Call Log Menu 13:00 52o16N 001o23E Rx Press ▲ and ▼ keys to adjust contrast: max = +7 min = –8 DSC LCD Posn More 13:00 Contrast +2 DSC Rx Press DSC to return to main menu or C to cancel E03912 Issue 2.
RD68 VHF 3.2 Entering position and time manually The boat’s position and the time (transmitted as part of a Distress Alert call) would normally be given by an interfaced GPS.
Instruction Manual Press E or W for Longitude reference from meridian 52o16N 001o23 88:88 UTC Press E (Enter) key to confirm position and select time 52o16N 001o23E -:-- UTC Enter UTC time (24-hour format) using keypad and press E to confirm E W DSC Posn 52o16N 001o23E 13:02 UTC 52o16N 001o23E 13:02 UTC DSC Posn UTC Note The display will now show the manual Lat and Long when in DSC mode, but the clock display will not be shown (this is only available if NMEA position and time data is being recei
RD68 VHF 3.3 Entering local time When a GPS is connected to the RD68 via the NMEA interface, the display will show the UTC (GMT) time in the top righthand corner.
Instruction Manual 18:03 The display will now show local time 52o16N 150o23E Rx Rad Call Log Menu 3.4 Viewing the directory The directory allows up to 16 MMSI numbers to be stored in the RD68’s memory.
RD68 VHF 18:04 Directory 01 Excalibur 002321167 DSC Next Edit 18:04 Directory 02 Saucy Sue 002320588 DSC Back Next Edit 3.4.1 Adding an entry to the directory 18:05 Directory Used 04/16 Enter name using the keypad (10 chars max) - DSC View Add 18:05 Name: _________ DSC Press E to confirm name - 18:06 Enter MMSI number, then press E to save entry to directory 32 Name: Sea Mist MMSI: ________ DSC E03912 Issue 2.
Instruction Manual 3.4.2 Editing/deleting an entry To edit an existing entry: 18:06 The main directory screen shows the number of entries Directory Used 05/16 DSC View Add 18:06 Directory 01 Excalibur 002321167 DSC Next Edit 18:06 Directory 01 Excalibur 002321167 DSC Del Edit MMSI number 18:06 Re-enter the MMSI using the keypad. Press E to enter Name: Excalibur MMSI: 00 ______ DSC Edit Name 18:06 Re-enter the name using the keypad. Press E to enter E03912 Issue 2.
RD68 VHF To delete an entry from the directory: 18:06 Directory Used 05/16 DSC View Add 18:07 Directory 01 Excalibur 002321167 DSC Next Edit 18:07 Directory 01 Excalibur 002321167 DSC Del 18:07 Directory Delete ? Excalibur 002321167 34 DSC No Yes E03912 Issue 2.
Instruction Manual 3.5 Disabling the key beep All key presses on the RD68 are normally confirmed by a “beep” – this feature can be disabled: 18:07 52o16N 150o23E Rx Rad Call Log Menu 18:07 52o16N 150o23E Rx DSC LCD Posn More 18:07 52o16N 150o23E Rx DSC MMSI Dir More 18:07 52o16N 150o23E Rx DSC Beep Time To re-enable the key beep, repeat the above key sequence. Note E03912 Issue 2.0 The key beep will be disabled on all first level functions.
RD68 VHF 3.6 Second country mode In countries where it is permitted, the RD68 can operate on a secondary set of channels, such as the USA channels: Radio switched off Press and hold 18:07 Turn radio on USA DSC M/S T/W Sel M/S Rx Scan Note Channel sets available will depend on programming. Please enquire with your national licensing authority for details of permitted channel sets in your country (see also section 5.4).
Instruction Manual 4 INSTALLATION 4.1 VHF installation The radio should be sited so that engine noise and vibration or other background noise do not make it difficult for the operator to hear. Although the RD68 radio is waterproof when flush mounted, it is recommended that it is not installed where it will be exposed to continuous direct sunlight, as this will eventually damage the LCD display.
RD68 VHF The radio is fixed to the bracket using a simple clamp arrangement. The peg on the left side of the radio is slotted into the hole in the bracket. The clamp on the right side of the radio can then be slid into the slotted aperture on the bracket and tightened to hold the radio firmly in place (Fig 4.3). The rake angle of the radio can be adjusted by slackening the clamp. 3 1 2 1. Fit locating peg (left side) into hole in bracket 2. Slide locking clamp (right) into slot in bracket 3.
Instruction Manual The RD68 has five electrical connections – the handset/fistmike socket is on the front panel below the LCD display (Fig 4.4A). The other four are situated on the back of the case: the antenna socket is on the left (Fig 4.4B); DC power is supplied to the set via a two-core flying lead (Fig 4.4C); the NMEA input connections (Fig 4.4D) allow a GPS to be interfaced, below which is a 3.5 mm jack socket for an optional extension speaker (Fig 4.
RD68 VHF The antenna is connected to the radio using a standard PL259type connector as fitted to most marine antennas. If fitting to an existing antenna, check that the contacts are not corroded before connecting, as this will affect the quality of the signal. Ensure that the retaining collar of the antenna plug is securely tightened to prevent accidental disconnection. For NMEA interfacing to an external navigation source (e.g.
Instruction Manual The most popular antennas for marine use are 1 m (3 ft 3 in) long. On sailboats these are usually mounted on the masthead, where the length of the antenna keeps it clear from the navigation lights and windvanes, etc. This type of antenna can also be mounted on the cockpit roof or garage of power boats.
RD68 VHF The quality of any connections and integrity of the cable (without breaks in the sheathing) will directly affect the performance of the radio. Poor soldering or corrosion of the terminals can impair performance. We recommend that screw or crimp terminaltype connectors are not used for any through-deck fittings – a good quality waterproof solder terminal connector will be less susceptible to poor connection due to corrosion of the contacts.
Instruction Manual 5 APPENDIX 5.1 Operating procedures The following operating procedure summary has been proposed by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency. It is not exhaustive and should not be regarded as a replacement for information provided by the proper two-day VHF/DSC training course required for all UK VHF license holders. 5.1.1 Sending a Distress Alert 1. Send a Distress Alert call (see section 2.7). 2. Wait approx. 15 seconds for a DSC acknowledgment from the Coastguard or a ship station. 3.
RD68 VHF 5.1.3 Cancelling a Distress Alert If a DSC Distress Alert is sent accidentally, cancel it immediately on the RD68 by pressing the C button to prevent repeats, then make the following announcement on channel 16: “This is (name of vessel, callsign, MMSI)” “Cancel DSC Alert sent (date & time UTC)” “Over.” DO NOT simply cancel the DSC alert without verbally canceling it as well, otherwise the rescue authorities will not be aware that this is a false alarm. 5.1.
Instruction Manual 5.3 Transmission range Because VHF signals travel in a straight line and are not reflected back off the ionosphere as lower frequency signals are, the range of VHF signals is limited to ‘line of sight’, beyond which other vessels pass behind the curve of the Earth. Therefore, the range will increase greatly the higher above sea level the antenna is positioned, as Fig 5.1 illustrates (assuming maximum transmission power is used): Fig 5.
RD68 VHF 5.4 Channel frequencies Note Ch 0 will only be made available in the UK to Coastguard users with written authorization. Channel 70 is the designated Digital Selective Calling (DSC) channel and may not be used for voice transmissions. 46 E03912 Issue 2.
Instruction Manual 5.5 Troubleshooting Symptom Possible Cause Remedy Unit will not switch on * Faulty connection to power * Fuse has blown * Check power connection * Replace fuse and check power supply current Scan or Memory Scan is locking on a channel without a signal * Noise on the channel is holding the scan * Increase squelch level * Inhibit channel from scan (see section 2.11.
RD68 VHF 5.6 Accessories The following accessories are available from your Simrad Technical Dealer. Please quote the relevant part number when ordering. THS5 Spare telephone handset FTM5 Spare fistmike LS60 Waterproof loudspeaker FMB1000:BK Flush Mount Kit 5.7 Technical specifications Power supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 V DC (10.8 V–15.5 V DC) Channel capability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 international channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instruction Manual 66 mm (2.6 in) 158 mm (6.2 in) 185 mm (7.4 in) 55mm (2.2 in) 54 mm (2.2 in) 70 mm (2.8 in) 79 mm (3.1 in) 47 mm (1.8 in) 22 mm (0.9 in) 5.8 Dimensions 213 mm (8.4 in) E03912 Issue 2.
RD68 VHF 5.9 Declaration of Conformity English Hereby, Simrad Limited (Margate) declares that this RD68 VHF Radio is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive 1999/5/EC. Finnish Simrad Limited (Margate) vakuuttaa täten että RD68 VHF Radio tyyppinen laite on direktiivin 1999/5/EY oleellisten vaatimusten ja sitä koskevien direktiivinmuiden ehtojen mukainen.
Instruction Manual 5.10 Service & Warranty Your radio should seldom need servicing, although it will benefit from an application of silicone or Teflon grease to the antenna and mike sockets each season. The equipment should be regularly checked by making routine calls to other stations. On an annual basis, test the DISTRESS button by pressing it ONCE. This will display the Distress Alert screen and ensure that the button is functioning.
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