cover SOLARA 8/16/01 11:38 Page 1
FRONT&BACK foldout 8/16/01 11:26 Page 1 Maritime Radio Services Operation Warning! This transmitter will operate on channels/frequencies that have restricted use in the United States. The channel assignments include frequencies assigned for exclusive use of the U.S. Coast Guard, use in Canada, and use in international waters. Operation in these frequencies without proper authorization is strictly forbidden. For frequencies/channels that are currently for use in the U.S.
FRONT&BACK foldout 8/16/01 11:26 Page 2 Controls and Indicators Controls 4 1 2 5 6 7 3 8 1. ▲/▼ CHANNEL Selectors - These controls are used to select the desired communication channel. 2. LED Display - Indicators for Channel Number, 16, INT, 1W and TX. 3. SQUELCH - Controls the background noise when a signal is not received. 4. PTT (Push-to-Talk) Switch - Press to transmit and release to receive. 5. CH16 - Controls instant access to Channel 16 communications. 6.
UT880ZL SOLARA 8/16/01 11:23 Page iii Indicators 9 10 11 12 13 9. 16 - Indicates that Channel 16 is selected. 10. INT - Indicates International Channel Mode. 11. LO - Indicates transmitted output is 1 Watt. 12. TX (Transmit) - Indicates PTT switch is pressed. 13. LED Numerical Channel Display - Indicates Channel Number in use. Weather Channels are displayed as single digits (Example: 0, 1, 2, 3, etc.). Communication Channels are displayed as two digits (Example: 01, 02, 03, etc.).
UT880ZL SOLARA 8/16/01 11:23 Page 1 Table of Contents Controls and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Front Cover Foldout Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Included with your SOLARA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Selecting a Location. . . . . .
UT880ZL SOLARA 8/16/01 11:23 Page 2 Introduction The Uniden SOLARA VHF marine radio transceiver is designed to provide you with years of trouble-free service. It’s rugged components and materials are easily capable of withstanding the harsh marine environment. The transceiver has a splashproof housing to protect the electronics, and the unit may be mounted in several convenient locations on-board your vessel using the universal mounting bracket.
UT880ZL SOLARA 8/16/01 11:23 Page 3 Included with your SOLARA Microphone Hanger and Screws SOLARA Owner’s Manual Other Printed Material Mounting Bracket and Knobs 3.
UT880ZL SOLARA 8/16/01 11:23 Page 4 Installation Caution: The SOLARA will operate only with nominal 12 volt negative ground battery systems. Selecting a Location Before choosing a location for your new SOLARA, review these guidelines: • Carefully consider the unit’s electrical and mechanical mounting requirements, as well as your accessability needs. • Select a location that allows free air flow around the heat sink in the back of the radio.
UT880ZL SOLARA 8/16/01 11:23 Page 5 Engine Noise Suppression The SOLARA has been designed to minimize ignition and alternator noise. However, in some installations it may be necessary to take additional steps to help eliminate noise interference. During installation, try to direct the DC battery wires, the antenna lead, and accessory cables away from the engine compartment or ignition and alternator wiring. If the noise continues, it may be necessary to install a noise suppression kit.
UT880ZL SOLARA 8/16/01 11:23 Page 6 4. Connect the black wire of the power cord to the negative (–) battery terminal or to a ground source in your vessel’s fuse box. 5. Install the radio in the mounting bracket and connect the antenna cable and accessories to their appropriate jacks and connectors. Note: Do not use any other mounting knobs than the ones enclosed. Do not insert the screw without attaching the bracket.
UT880ZL SOLARA 8/16/01 11:23 Page 7 Operation Setting the Squelch 1. Note: To turn the unit ON, rotate VOLUME clockwise. Adjust volume to a comfortable level. You must select a channel which is not in use before setting the SQUELCH control on your radio. 2. Think of the Squelch control as a gate. If you turn SQUELCH fully clockwise it raises the “Squelch Gate” so high that no signals get through. 3.
UT880ZL SOLARA 4. 8/16/01 11:23 Page 8 To set the “Squelch Gate” to the desired level, turn SQUELCH counterclockwise until you hear noise. Then turn SQUELCH back clockwise just until the noise stops. Now only strong signals get through. Selecting a Channel 1. 2a. When you turn on your SOLARA, it is automatically on Channel 16. Press ▲, to select a higher channel, — or — 2b. Note: Press ▼, to select a lower channel. Each time ▲ or ▼ is pressed, a short tone sounds.
UT880ZL SOLARA 8/16/01 11:23 Page 9 Instant Channel 16 Communications You can access Channel 16 instantly while tuned to another channel using the CH16 button. 1. For example, suppose you are on Channel 63. 2. Press CH16. 3. Press CH16 again, to return to the previous channel. Note: Each time CH16 is pressed a short tone sounds. USA/INT Channels The SOLARA can transmit and receive both USA and International frequencies. To change the selected set of frequencies use INT. 1.
UT880ZL SOLARA 8/16/01 11:23 Page 10 Transmitting The SOLARA transmits on 54 marine frequencies and receives 80 different marine frequencies. Certain channels — the weather channels, channel 70 of both the USA and International frequencies, and channel 15, 81 and 83 of the USA frequencies — are receive only. Your radio will not transmit on these channels. For your reference, a listing of all the available marine channels is printed on the back cover foldout.
UT880ZL SOLARA 8/16/01 11:23 Page 11 If necessary, you can override the LO power output setting during an emergency situation. Warning: This is an emergency procedure and should be used accordingly. 1. Press the PTT button on your microphone. 2. Press and hold HI/LO. 3. Releasing the HI/LO returns to LO output. Transmitting with the SOLARA 1. Press the PTT button, to activate the transmitter. 2. Release the PTT button, to end the transmission.
UT880ZL SOLARA 8/16/01 11:23 Page 12 Troubleshooting If the SOLARA does not perform to your expectations, try the suggestions listed below. If you cannot get satisfactory results, call the Uniden Customer Service Center at (800) 586-0409, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Central Standard Time, Monday through Friday. SYMPTOM Won’t power on. CAUSE No or low voltage. REMEDY Check for proper voltage getting to the set. Reverts to Ch.16 when Tx key is pressed. Low current or voltage.
UT880ZL SOLARA 8/16/01 11:23 Page 13 Care and Maintenance Your SOLARA is a precision piece of electronic equipment and you should treat it accordingly. Its rugged design requires very little maintenance; however, these precautions should be observed: • If your radio has been accidentally sprayed or splashed, you should immediately wipe it down with a soft cloth dampened with fresh water. • If the antenna has been damaged, you should not transmit except in the case of an emergency.
UT880ZL SOLARA 8/16/01 11:23 Page 14 Service Should you find it desirable or necessary to service your SOLARA, we suggest you contact the Uniden dealer where your purchase was made. Your dealer will be able to assist you with complete service information. If you require service that is within the terms of your warranty you should present a copy of your receipt to your dealer to authenticate your claim.
UT880ZL SOLARA 8/16/01 11:23 Page 15 Specification General Channels Controls Status Indicators Channel Display Channel Selector Buttons Connectors Size Weight Supply Voltage Antenna Impedance Microphone Speaker Operating Temperature Range Shock and Vibration FCC Approvals Transmitter Power Output Power Requirement Modulation Signal-to-Noise Audio Distortion Spurious Suppression Output Power Stabilization Frequency Range Frequency Stability: Receiver Frequency Range Sensitivity Circuit Squelch Sensiti
UT880ZL SOLARA 8/16/01 11:23 Page 16 3 Year Limited Warranty WARRANTOR: UNIDEN AMERICA CORPORATION (“Uniden”) ELEMENTS OF WARRANTY: Uniden warrants, for three years, to the original retail owner, this Uniden Product to be free from defects in materials and craftsmanship with only the limitations or exclusions set out below. WARRANTY DURATION: This warranty to the original user shall terminate and be of no further effect 36 months after the date of original retail sale.
FRONT&BACK foldout 8/16/01 11:26 Page 3 VHF FM Marine radiophone Channels and Functions (International Channels) CHANNEL DESIGN WXO WX1 WX2 WX3 WX4 WX5 WX6 WX7 WX8 WX9 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 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 FREQUENCY (MHz) TRANSMIT RECEIVE – – – – – – – – – – 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.
FRONT&BACK foldout 8/16/01 11:26 Page 4 VHF FM Marine radiophone Channels and Functions (USA Channels) CHANNEL DESIGN FREQUENCY (MHz) TRANSMIT RECEIVE WX0 WX1 WX2 WX3 WX4 WX5 WX6 WX7 WX8 WX9 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 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 – – – – – – – – – – 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 – 156.800 156.
cover SOLARA 8/16/01 11:38 Page 2 Thank you for purchasing a Uniden Marine Radio. © 2001 Uniden America Corporation, Fort Worth TX All rights reserved.
