Garmin VHF 720, Owner'S Manual & Reference

Page 1: ...Marine Radio Marine Radio Owner s Manual Reference Guide VHF 720 VHF 720 ...

Page 2: ...s permission to download a single copy of this manual onto a hard drive or other electronic storage medium to be viewed for personal use provided that such electronic or printed copy of this manual contains the complete text of this copyright notice and provided further that any unauthorized commercial distribu tion of this manual is strictly prohibited Information in this manual is subject to cha...

Page 3: ...al features The Getting Started section gets you started on using the VHF 720 for basic radio uses The Reference section contains information on items such as accessories a channel list a troubleshooting guide and the index Before getting started check to be certain that your VHF 720 package includes the following items If you are missing anything please contact your dealer immediately Standard Pa...

Page 4: ...ed including interference that may cause undesired operation The VHF 720 does not contain any user serviceable parts Repairs should only be made by and authorized service center Unauthorized repairs or modifications could void your warranty and your authority to operate this device IMPORTANT GARMIN strongly recommends obtaining a marine radio user s guide such as the Maritime Radio User s Handbook...

Page 5: ...C 506 Instructions dated 1993 If a marine license is required or desired contact the FCC at 1 800 322 1117 to request Form 506 Application for Ship Radio License The FCC also has a fax on demand service to provide forms by fax at 1 202 418 0177 The VHF 720 user accepts all responsibility for obtaining the proper licensing before using the transmitter WARNING This transmitter will operate on freque...

Page 6: ...onsibility to exercise good safety and navigational judge ment and the GARMIN VHF 720 should not be relied upon in lieu of such prudence and judgement CAUTIONS For these reasons the operator should exercise the follow ing precautions to ensure proper and reliable use of the GARMIN VHF 720 DO NOToperate this transceiver within 1 meter of the ship s navigational compass DO NOT recharge batteries exc...

Page 7: ... 16 17 Setting the Squelch Threshold 17 Adjusting the Volume 18 Scanning Channels 18 19 Tri Watch 19 20 Monitoring Weather Channels 20 21 Receiving and Transmitting 21 24 Backlighting the LCD Display 24 Using the Key Lock Feature 24 SECTION THREE Reference Appendix A Optional Accessories 25 26 Appendix B Specifications 27 Appendix C VHF Channel List 28 29 Appendix D Maintenance and Troubleshooting...

Page 8: ...ble Antenna LCD Display Screen Scan Key Memory Key Channel Band Selection Key Volume Control Keys UP DOWN Arrow Channel Selection Keys Microphone Speaker Squelch Key Press To Talk PTT Key Hi Low Power Lock Key Tri Watch Channel 16 Channel 9 Key Power Backlighting Key Weather Regular Channel Weather Alert Key Battery Tray ...

Page 9: ...nctions of the VHF 720 The scan feature allows the operator to select up to 10 channels for continuous monitoring in any combination of U S A Canadian and International bands The weather channel key toggles between regular channels and weather channels It enables the weather alert mode when pressed and held for more than one second The high low key toggles the transmitter power level from between ...

Page 10: ...rrow keys sets the operating channel Pressing these keys while the Squelch key is pressed and held sets the squelch threshold level Weather Channel Regular Channel Key Pressing and releasing this key will toggle between the ten weather channel band and the fifty six regular channel band Pressing this key for more than one second will activate the weather alert feature if a weather channel is curre...

Page 11: ...sing and releasing the key sequences through the three bands The band selected is displayed on the LCD screen Channel 16 9 and Tri Watch Key This key provides the operator with a choice of three channel monitoring options Pressing once will monitor channel 16 the emergency channel Pressing again will monitor channel 9 the calling or hailing channel Pressing a third time will return to the last use...

Page 12: ...0 all signals can be heard while at level 9 L9 only the strongest signals can be heard Adjusting the squelch level eliminates weak unwanted signals as explained on page 17 H L High Low Power Key This key toggles the transmitter power level from High 3 watts to Low 1 watt when pressed and released It also locks the keypad when pressed and held for more than one second The Power key PTT key backligh...

Page 13: ...cted U S A International or Canadian Weather WX Channel Indicator This display provides indication that a weather channel is currently being monitored Memory Channel Indicator This display in conjunction with the Channel Number Indicator indicates that the channel number displayed has been entered into the unit memory for selection when the scan feature is active Tri Watch Indicator This display a...

Page 14: ...This battery shaped icon displays information about battery capacity in 25 increments This indicator is always active Squelch Indicator This display appears whenever the SQ squelch key is presses for either squelch override or setting of the squelch threshold Low Battery Indicator This indicator flashes on and off when the battery capacity drops to 10 or below Lock Indicator Weather Alert Indicato...

Page 15: ...on Low while others allow only receive operation Scan Indicator This display provides indication that the Scan feature is active Receive RX Indicator This indicator provides notice that a signal is being received by the unit Transmit TX Indicator This indicator appears when you are using the VHF 720 to transmit and will come on when you hold down the PTT key Volume Indicator Hi Low Power Indicator...

Page 16: ...erators are required to obtain a license You can obtain a license application from your nearest FCC field office It is your responsibility to determine if you are required to apply for a license If you have questions about the use of your marine radio you can contact the FCC Call Center at 1 888 CALL FCC For safety and efficient navigation of vessels the maritime radio frequency bands are separate...

Page 17: ... another vessel as an alternate to channel 16 As channel 16 is often used so frequently that hailing vessels is not practical in some high traffic areas Contact is made using channel 9 and then switched to another regular channel for exchange of information Maritime radio users are required to monitor channel 16 it is also advisable to monitor channel 9 and a weather channel as well To facilitate ...

Page 18: ...ommunications only Do not use for routine communications as this is a safety channel Channels 7 8 9 10 11 18 19 67 79 80 88 Commercial Vessels Used for communication between vessels pertaining to the purpose for which the vessel is used Limited communications between vessels and coast stations Recreational boats are not permit ted to use these channels Channels 8 67 and 88 may not be used for ship...

Page 19: ... on fire someone has been lost overboard or there is grave and imminent danger to life or property Every ship is obliged to give priority to radio distress communications Calling This channel is also used to establish communication with another marine radio station After contact is made switch to a working channel Due to congestion on channel 16 particularly in high traffic areas the FCC has appro...

Page 20: ... of the latest weather informa tion directly from the national Weather Service Offices These channels are designated on Marine VHF equipment as WX1 through WX10 but are rarely used beyond WX7 During severe weather National Weather Service forecasters can interrupt routine weather broadcasts and substitute special warning messages Specially designed warning receivers either sound an alarm indicatin...

Page 21: ... Pack may also be used The battery level indicator at the lower left corner of the unit LCD display gives indication of battery capacity in increments of 25 If NiCad rechargeable batteries are used in the battery tray the battery gauge measurement will not accurately indicate battery capacity However the optional NiCad Battery Pack will be accurately indicated To install the batteries 1 Lift up th...

Page 22: ...riods six or moremonths topreventleakagefromexpendedcells Selecting a Channel To begin using the VHF 720 you will want to select a channel to monitor while you personal ize the unit settings such as volume and squelch When you power up the unit a channel will automatically be selected but it may not be suitable for making unit settings To select a channel 1 Use the U I C Channel Band key to select...

Page 23: ...elch threshold 1 Adjust the Squelch to the lowest setting by pressing and holding the Squelch SQ key then pressing the DOWN arrow key repeatedly until the display indicates L0 You should hear static If you hear a voice transmission change to another channel and repeat this step Figure 5 2 While holding the Squelch SQ key down use the UP arrow key to increase the squelch level to L1 If no static is...

Page 24: ... another transmission You cannot scan weather channels since they broadcast continually and do not allow a break in trans mission for the scan to move to the next channel You can utilize the WX Alert feature to monitor for severe weather conditions To scan channels 1 Before activating the scan feature you must program at least two channels into memory You can do this by pressing the U I C key to s...

Page 25: ...g the emergency channel 16 and the alternate hailing channel 9 while monitoring the channel you are using for communications To use Tri Watch 1 First determine which channel other than 16 and 9 that you desire to monitor then use the UP or DOWN arrow keys to make a choice 2 Press and hold the TRI 16 9 key for more than one second Figure 8 3 Observe the LCD display showing TRI 16 9 and the cycling ...

Page 26: ...r channels to determine the area weather broadcast you desire to monitor or refer to the list of weather broadcast stations published in the Maritime Radio Users Handbook Once you have selected a weather channel you can toggle back and forth to the regular channel bands by pressing the WX CH ALERT key Weather Alert The Weather Alert Feature can be activated to briefly monitor for a weather alert t...

Page 27: ...0 1 Press and release the PWR key to turn the unit on 2 Observe that the display screen will come on and the last channel accessed will be displayed If there is someone transmitting on that channel you will hear their communication and the RX symbol will appear on the LCD display You may now select from the many receiving options NOTE For clearer reception you can adjust the volume key up or down ...

Page 28: ... monitor the alternate calling channel 9 10 Press and hold the 16 9 key if you want to activate the TRI WATCH feature in order to monitor the emergency the alternate calling and one regular channel simultaneously To transmit on the VHF 720 1 Perform Steps 1 through 5 of the procedure for receiving above 2 Choose a correct channel for communications Channels are restricted to use by various governm...

Page 29: ... VHF Marine Radios communicate over distance by Line of Sight which means that the signal may be blocked by objects such as land forms large vessels etc It is therefore important to transmit with the antenna in a vertical position and with the radio positioned as far above the water as is feasible 6 Release the PTT key when you have completed your transmission NOTE You must use a specific communic...

Page 30: ...nated for 5 seconds after the last key press before cycling off NOTE Press this key anytime you require visual reference in dim light Using the Key Lock Feature If you desire to maintain a selected function on your VHF 720 such as TRI WATCH SCAN or Weather Alert you can lock the keys using the Lock feature to prevent inadvertent canceling or changing of unit settings However the Press To Talk Sque...

Page 31: ...rvice to obtain replacement parts Refer to Page 15 for Antenna and Battery Installation Installing the Belt Clip and Wrist Strap The VHF 720 is supplied with a belt clip and carrying strap so you can carry the unit wherever you go Attach the clip to the back of the unit using the two mounting screws provided To attach the wrist strap thread the cord portion of the strap through the slot in the cli...

Page 32: ...247 00 Mounting Bracket Charging Stand Part Number 010 10191 00 Carry Holster with Belt Loop Part Number 010 10219 00 Contact your GARMIN Dealer to obtain these optional accessories VHF 720 Optional Accessories NiCad Battery Pack Kit Includes rechargeable NiCad Battery Pack Mounting Bracket Charging Stand and 120 VAC Charging Unit Cigarette Lighter Charging Cable Assembly Charges the battery pack ...

Page 33: ...udio Power 0 5 W into 16 ohm speaker Audio Distortion 10 Hum and Noise 40dB Transmitter Transmitter Output 3 watts high 1 watt low Frequency Stability 10 PPM Hum and Noise 40dB Duty Cycle No damage even if continuously keyed Microphone Internal electret Compliance FCC Part 87 Power Operating Voltage 8 0 VDC Source Standard 6 AA alkaline battery cells Optional 6 AA NiCad rechargeable cells NiCad Ba...

Page 34: ...3 13 156 650 156 650 Navigational Yes No 14 14 14 156 700 156 700 Port Ops Yes Yes 15 NO TX 156 750 Environmental RX Only 15 15 156 700 156 700 Environmental 1 watt Only 16 16 16 156 800 156 800 Distress Safety Calling Yes Yes 17 17 17 156 850 156 850 State Control 1 watt Only Yes 18 156 900 161 500 Com l Yes Yes 18A 18A 156 900 156 900 Com l Yes Yes 19 156 950 161 550 Com l Yes Yes 19A 19A 156 95...

Page 35: ...161 525 Non Com l Yes Yes 78A 78A 156 925 156 925 Non Com l Yes Yes 79 156 975 161 575 Com l Yes Yes 79A 79A 156 975 156 975 Com l Yes Yes 80 157 025 161 625 Com l Yes Yes 80A 80A 157 025 157 025 Com l Yes Yes 81 157 075 161 675 U S Govt Only Yes Yes 81A 81A 157 075 157 075 U S Govt Only Yes Yes 82 157 125 161 725 U S Govt Only Yes Yes 82A 82A 157 125 157 125 U S Govt Only Yes Yes 83 83 157 175 16...

Page 36: ...nts or solvent based cleaning agents Isopropyl alcohol is acceptable Wipe dry with a clean non abrasive cloth Submersion in Water The VHF 720 is constructed to meet IEC Standard 529 IPX7 It can withstand submersion in 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes Note that while the unit is designed to operate after submersion meaning if dropped in water and retrieved quickly it should suffer no damage Pr...

Page 37: ...onmentally sound collection and recycling or disposal of nickel cadmium and Nickel Metal Hydride batteries Contact your local waste management official for instructions on disposal Service and Repairs The GARMIN VHF 720 is warranted for three years under the terms of the GARMIN Limited Warranty on Page 36 of this manual If you need to obtain warranty service for your unit call the GARMIN Product S...

Page 38: ...volume Cannot transmit or Some channels are for receive Change channel transmission isn t being only received Batteries are exhausted Replace batteries Some channels are for low Change channels power only Output power too low Press H L key for high power The displayed channel cannot The LOCK function is on Press and hold the be changed H L key for at least one second Error tone 2 beeps is heard In...

Page 39: ...unit operating mode Screen Messages LOW BATT This display appears when the battery capacity has dropped to 10 of its capacity The LOW BATT display flashes and an initial three beep tone will be heard The unit will operate under normal use for approximately 30 more minutes WX ALERT When the Weather Alert feature is activated by a weather alert broadcast the weather alert tone will be heard and the ...

Page 40: ...annel designations as defined for use in international waters by the ITS PTT Press To Talk switch RF Radio Frequency RX Receive Simplex Transmit and receive on the same frequency Squelch To suppress background noise Tri Watch Monitors Channels 16 and 9 while working on yet another user designated channel TX Transmit U S A Channels Channel designations as defined by the FCC VHF Very High Frequency ...

Page 41: ... 24 M Maritime Radio User s Hndbk iii Marine Radio License iv Memory 5 7 18 Messages 33 Monitoring 18 20 N National Weather Service 14 NiCad Battery Kit 26 NiMH Battery Pack 26 P Packing List ii Priority Scan 19 S Scanning Setup 18 Selecting Channel 16 9 19 22 Selecting a Channel 16 Selecting a Weather Channel 20 29 Specifications 27 T Transmitting 22 Tri Watch 19 Trickle Charger 26 Troubleshootin...

Page 42: ...PECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS WHICH MAY VARY FROM STATE TO STATE IN NO EVENT SHALL GARMIN BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL SPECIAL INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES WHETHER RESULTING FROM THE USE MISUSE OR INABILITY TO USE THIS PRODUCT OR FROM DEFECTS IN THE PRODUCT SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUEN TIAL DAMAGES SO THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU To obtain warranty se...

Page 43: ...200 E 151st Street Olathe KS 66062 USA GARMIN Europe LTD Unit 5 The Quadrangle Abbey Park Indus trial Estate Romsey SO51 9AQ UK GARMIN Asia Corp 3F No 1 Lane 45 Pao Hsing Road Hsin Road Hsin Tien Taipei Taiwan R O C website address www garmin com Part Number 190 00150 00 Rev B ...