NorthStar Navigation Portable Radio 710 VHF User Manual

Explorer 710 VHF  
VHF Marine Radio  
Operation and Installation Manual  
 
Contents  
Section 1 - General Information ............................................................................................................... 5  
1-1 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5  
1-2 Customizing your Northstar VHF Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5  
1-3 How to Display and Navigate Menus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6  
1-4 How to Enter Alphanumeric Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6  
1-5 LCD Symbols and Meanings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6  
1-6 Basic Operation and Key Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8  
Section 2 - The Radio Menu (MENU) .............................................................................................. 11  
2-1 Radio Menu Options (Menu) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11  
2-2 Maintain Your Buddy List (BUDDY LIST) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12  
2-3 Local or Distance Sensitivity (LOCAL/DIST) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13  
2-4 Backlighting (BACKLIGHT) and Contrast (CONTRAST). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13  
2-5 GPS Data and Time (GPS/DATA). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14  
2-6 GPS Simulator (SIMULATOR). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17  
2-7 Reset to Factory Defaults (RESET) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17  
Section 3 - Radio Setup Menu (RADIO SETUP) ........................................................................................... 18  
3-1 Radio Setup Menu (RADIO SETUP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18  
3-2 Channel Names (CH NAME) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18  
3-3 RING & BEEP Volume (RING VOL) and (BEEP VOL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19  
3-4 Internal Speaker Connections (INT SPEAKER) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19  
3-5 Set the Priority Channel (WATCH MODE). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19  
3-6 Weather Alert (Wx ALERT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20  
3-7 NMEA protocol (COM PORT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20  
Section 4 - DSC Setup Menu (DSC SETUP) .................................................................................................. 21  
4-1 DSC Setup - Menu Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21  
4-2 Enter Your USER MMSID (USER MMSID) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21  
4-3 Maintain Your Groups (GROUP SETUP). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22  
4-4 Response to Individual Calls (INDIV REPLY) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23  
4-5 ATIS MMSID & ATIS Functionality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23  
4-6 DSC functionality options (DSC FUNC). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24  
4-7 Response Type to LL Polling Calls (LL REPLY) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25  
Section 5 - Sending and Receiving DSC Calls............................................................................................. 26  
5-1 WHAT IS DSC? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26  
5-2 Sending DSC calls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26  
5-3 Receiving DSC Calls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30  
Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual  
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Section 6 - Distress Calls.......................................................................................................................... 32  
6-1 Sending a Distress Call . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32  
6-2 Receiving a Distress Call (DISTRESS!). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33  
6-3 Distress Acknowledgement (distress ack) or Relay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33  
Appendix A - Technical Specifications...................................................................................................... 34  
Appendix B - Troubleshooting................................................................................................................. 36  
Appendix C - VHF Marine Channel Charts ................................................................................................. 37  
Appendix D - MMSID and License Information ......................................................................................... 49  
Section 7 - Installation Section ............................................................................................................... 50  
RF Emissions Notice:  
This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment.  
This device’s antenna must be installed in accordance with provided instructions; and it must be operated  
with minimum 96 cm spacing between the antennas and all person’s body (excluding extremities of  
hands, wrist and feet) during operation. Further, this transmitter must not be co-located or operated in  
conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.  
IMPORTANT:  
1. Some features described in this manual are not available on every model. In particular, DSC  
functions are NOT available.  
2. DSC functions will not operate on the 710US or the 710EU until your MMSID has been entered.  
Refer to section 4.2 for details.  
3. The radio channels installed into the Northstar VHF radio may vary from country to country,  
depending upon the model, and government or national communications authority  
regulations.  
4. Northstar NZ Ltd recommends that you check the radio operating licensing requirements of your  
country before using the Northstar VHF radio. The operator is solely responsible for observing  
proper radio installation and usage practices.  
5. A DSC warning label is supplied with the 710US. To comply with FCC regulations, this label must  
be affixed in a location that is clearly visible from the operating controls of this radio. Make sure  
that the chosen location is clean and dry before applying this label.  
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Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual  
 
Section 1 - General Information  
1-1 Features  
Congratulations on your purchase of a Northstar VHF 710US, or 710EU marine band VHF radio. All of  
these models provide the following useful features:  
Prominent channel display  
Adjustable contrast settings for the LCD  
Adjustable keypad backlighting for easy night-time use  
Waterproof and submersible to comply with JIS-7  
GPS latitude and longitude (LL) and time display (when connected to a GPS)  
Choice of High or Low (25 W or 1 W) transmission power  
Top centred PTT button for comfortable left- or right-handed use  
Powerful 4 W external audio output  
Access to all currently-available marine VHF channel banks (USA, Canada, International) including  
weather channels where available  
Special CH16 or CH16/9 key for quick access to the priority (international distress) channel  
Special 3CH key to select your three favourite channels  
PSCAN (similar to dual watch) facility  
In addition, the VHF 710 US/EU models also provide:  
DSC (Digital Select Calling) capability that meets USCG SC101 and  
Class D Standards. 710US only.  
DSC (Digital Select Calling) capability that meets EC Class D Standards. VHF 710EU only.  
DISTRESS call button to automatically transmit the MMSID and position until an  
acknowledgement is received  
Easy access to a buddy list of up to 20 favourite people  
MMSID storage for three favourite groups  
Group Call and All Ships Call facility  
LL position polling information  
Weather alert facility. VHF 710US only.  
ATIS facility for inland waterways. VHF 710EU only.  
1-2 Customizing your Northstar VHF Radio  
You can customize the radio to suit your individual preferences. Some preferences can be set directly through  
the keys as explained in this Section.  
Other preferences are set up through the built-in menus and these are explained in the other Sections.  
Note: VHF 710CAN operation is the same as VHF 710US. technical and DSC specifications for VHF  
710CAN are the same as VHF 710EU  
Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual  
5
 
1-3 How to Display and Navigate Menus  
1. Hold down MENU (or CALL/MENU). Note that only four menu items can be displayed at any one time  
on the screen.  
2. Press + CH - to scroll up and down the menu until the cursor is positioned at the desired option.  
Press ENT to display that option.  
3. Make any entries or changes as explained in the following section.  
4. Press ENT to confirm changes. Otherwise, press ESC to keep the original entry.  
5. Press ESC to backup one screen or exit. Any changes are active as soon as you exit the screen.  
1-4 How to Enter Alphanumeric Data  
If your radio does not have the optional alphanumeric microphone, use the + CH - key to enter  
alphanumeric data.  
Press - to count through numbers, or hold down to scroll rapidly to the desired number.  
Press + to step through the alphabet, or hold down to scroll rapidly to the desired character.  
If you make an error, press - until < is displayed, then press ENT to backup and correct  
the entry.  
1-5 LCD Symbols and Meanings  
This simulation shows the locations of all the following information symbols:  
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Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual  
 
Symbol  
TX  
Meaning  
Transmitting.  
HI LO  
WX  
Transmission power. High (HI) 25 W or Low (LO) 1 W.  
Weather channel.  
WX ALT  
BUSY  
PRI  
Weather Alert. Alarm beeps will sound. VHF 710US only.  
Receiver busy with an incoming signal.  
Priority channel is selected.  
D
Duplex operation. Otherwise, blank for Simplex operation.  
Local calling is selected. Otherwise, blank for distance calling.  
DSC capability is available. VHF 710US and VHF 710EU only.  
LOCAL  
DSC  
Indicates an incoming DSC call, or blinks to notify you of any unread Call Log  
messages  
Low Battery warning (activates at 10.5 V)  
Channel selected.  
88  
USA INT CAN  
Selected channel bank for VHF radio operations and regulations.  
Channel is temporarily deleted from the ALL SCAN operation.  
Channel suffix, if applicable.  
X
B A  
CH1 CH2 CH3  
Shows which of the 3 favourite channels, if any, are selected.  
Otherwise blank.  
ATIS  
Enabled for use in European inland waterways. Otherwise blank.  
VHF 710EU only.  
A typical operational display is shown here.  
The latitude and longitude of the vessel and the local time are shown.  
A transmission on Channel 16 is being made at high power using the International channel bank.  
Channel 16 is set as the Priority channel. It is also set as favourite channel 1.  
There is an incoming DSC call so the receiver is busy.  
Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual  
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1-6 Basic Operation and Key Functions  
All possible keys and their functions are listed. Note that some of the keys are not available depending on  
your Northstar VHF radio model.  
Key  
Function  
VOL/PWR  
Volume and Power. Turn clockwise to power on. Continue to turn until a comfortable  
volume is reached. VOL/PWR will also adjust the settings of an external speaker, if  
connected.  
SQL  
Squelch or Threshold Level. Sets the threshold level for the minimum receiver  
signal. Turn fully counterclockwise until random noise is heard, then turn slowly  
clockwise until the random noise disappears. Make another 1/4 turn clockwise for  
best reception in open sea conditions.  
In areas of high noise (eg close to large cities) reception may improve if sensitivity  
is reduced. Either turn SQL slowly clockwise or use the LOCAL setting. See section  
2.3.  
16/9  
Priority Channel. VHF 710US only. Also on the microphone. Press to cancel all other  
modes and to tune into the priority channel. Press again to return to your original  
channel.  
The default is Channel 16.To make Channel 09 the priority channel, hold down 16/9  
until a beep sounds and 09 is displayed.  
16  
Priority Channel. VHF 710EU. Also on the microphone. Press to cancel all other  
modes and to tune into the priority channel, Channel 16, on high power. Press  
again to return to your original channel.  
WX  
Weather Channel. VHF 710US. In USA and Canadian waters, press to hear the most  
recently selected weather station. The WX symbol is displayed on the LCD.  
Press + or - to change to a different weather channel. Press WX again to return to  
the most recent channel.  
If the weather alert mode (ALT) is ON and an alert tone of 1050Hz is broadcast from  
the weather station, it is picked up automatically and the alarm sounds. Press any  
key to hear the weather alert voice message.  
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Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual  
 
H/L  
Transmission Power. High (HI) 25 W or Low (LO) 1 W. Press to toggle between high  
or low transmission power for the entire channel bank. The HI or LO selection is  
shown on the LCD.  
Some channels allow only low power transmissions. Error beeps will sound if the  
power transmission setting is incorrect.  
Some channels allow only low power transmissions initially, but can be changed  
to high power by holding down H/L and PTT at the same time. See Appendix C for  
a complete listing of channel charts.  
3CH  
Three Favourite Channels. Also on the microphone. Press to toggle between your  
favourite channels.The CH1, CH2, or CH3 symbol appears on the LCD to show which  
favourite channel is selected.  
To scan only one of your favourite channels, press 3CH then immediately press  
and release SCAN. If you want to scan all three favourite channels, press 3CH then  
immediately press and hold SCAN.  
To add a favourite channel for the first time, select that channel then hold 3CH  
to store it in the CH1 location. Repeat the procedure to store two more favourite  
channels in the CH2 and CH3 locations respectively.  
If you try and add another favourite channel it will overwrite the existing CH3. CH1  
and CH2 remain unless you delete them.  
To delete a favourite channel, select that channel then hold down 3CH until the  
CH1, CH2 or CH3 symbol disappears off the LCD.  
UIC  
U/I  
Channel Bank. 710US only. Press to toggle between USA, International or Canadian  
channel banks. The selected channel bank is displayed on the LCD along with the  
last used channel. All the channel charts are shown in Appendix C.  
Channel Bank. Press to toggle between channel banks. Note that the channel banks  
available are dependent upon your VHF radio model. The selected channel bank is  
displayed on the LCD along with the last used channel. All the channel charts are  
shown in Appendix C.  
DIM  
Backlighting. 710EU only. Press to toggle between the backlighting settings. OFF  
will extinguish all the backlighting except for the DISTRESS key. (Otherwise, use the  
menu to change the backlight setting.)  
SCAN  
Scan. Press to scan between your current channel and the priority channel in DUAL  
or TRI WATCH mode. The weather channel is also scanned if the USA channel bank  
is selected and the weather alert mode (ALT) is ON.  
Hold down SCAN to enter ALL SCAN mode where the priority channel is checked  
every 1.5 seconds.  
When a signal is received, scanning stops at that channel and BUSY appears on the  
screen. If the signal ceases for more than 5 seconds, the scan restarts.  
Press ENT to temporarily skip over (lock out) analways busychannel when in ALL  
SCAN mode and resume the scan. An X is shown on the screen to designate a  
skipped channel. Note that it is not possible to skip over the priority channel.  
Press SCAN to stop at the current channel.  
+ CH -  
Channel Select. Also on the microphone. The current channel is shown on the screen  
in BIG digits with an appropriate designator suffix A or B in small letters below the  
channel number.  
Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual  
9
 
Press + or - to step through the available channels one at a time, or hold down  
to scroll rapidly through all the available channels. See Appendix C for a listing of  
channel charts.  
Alphanumeric Entry. This key can also be used for menu selection and for alpha-  
numeric entry. Press + or - to scroll the cursor up or down menu options when  
navigating menus.  
When editing an item containing only numbers, press - to count through the  
numbers or hold down to scroll rapidly.  
To enter a character, press + to step through the alphabet or hold down to scroll  
rapidly.  
ENT  
ESC  
Enter. Use ENT when navigating menus, to confirm entries and edits.  
Escape. Use ESC when navigating menus, to clear incorrect entries, to exit from a  
menu without saving changes, and to back up to the previous screen.  
CALL/MENU  
DSC Setup Menu and DSC Call Menu. 710US and 710EU only. Press to enter the DSC  
Call Menu and make DSC calls. See Section 5.  
Hold down to enter MENU SELECT. Scroll to DSC SETUP to setup your MMSID and  
other DSC information. Go to RADIO SETUP to customize your Northstar VHF radio.  
See Section 4.  
MENU  
Radio menu. 7000 only. Press to enter the Radio Menu and customize your Northstar  
VHF radio. See Section 3.  
DISTRESS  
PTT  
Send DSC Distress Call. 710US & 710EU only. See Section 6.  
Press To Talk. Press PTT to transmit at any time on an allowable channel. This auto-  
matically exits you from menu mode and stops scanning. You must release PTT to  
receive a signal.  
If PTT sticks, a built-in timer will automatically shut down a transmission after five  
minutes and sound the error beeps.  
This time out is required by FCC regulations.  
Note: VHF 710CAN operation is the same as VHF 710US. Technical and DSC specifications for VHF  
710CAN are the same as VHF 710EU  
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Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual  
 
Section 2 - The Radio Menu (MENU)  
2-1 Radio Menu Options (Menu)  
The following options are available through MENU (or CALL/MENU):  
Maintain your buddy list.  
Set radio sensitivity.  
BUDDY LIST  
LOCAL/DIST  
BACKLIGHT  
CONTRAST  
See Section 2-2.  
See Section 2-3.  
Set backlight level.  
Set contrast level.  
See Section 2-4.  
See Section 2-4.  
Set position & UTC manually.  
See Section 2-5.  
GPS/DATA  
DSC SETUP  
MANUAL  
SETTING  
Set local time and time format.  
See Section 2-5.  
USER MMSID  
GROUP SETUP  
INDIV REPLY  
DSC FUNC  
DSC Setup Menu.  
710US and 710EU only.  
See Section 4.  
ATIS MMSID  
ATIS FUNC  
Make DSC calls.  
710US and 710EU only.  
See Section 5.  
LL REPLY  
Radio Setup Menu.  
RADIO SETUP  
CH NAME  
See Section 3.  
RING VOLUME  
BEEP VOLUME  
INT SPEAKER  
WATCH MODE  
WX ALERT  
Turn the GPS Simulator on/off.  
COM PORT  
See Section 2.6.  
GPS SIM  
RESET  
Reset factory settings.  
See Section 2.7.  
1-3 and 1-4 explain how to navigate around the menu and enter, save and change data.  
Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual  
11  
 
2-2 Maintain Your Buddy List (BUDDY LIST)  
VHF 710US and VHF 710EU only.  
MENU SELECT  
>BUDDY LIST  
LOCAL/DIST  
BACKLIGHT  
Use the Buddy List to store the names and associated MMSIDs of 20 favourite people.  
Names are stored in the order of entry, with the most recent entry shown first.  
The following sections show to use BUDDY LIST to add, edit, and delete entries on  
your buddy list.  
Section 3 explains how to call a buddy.  
2-2-1 Add an Entry  
BUDDY LIST  
> MANUAL NEW  
ALEX  
ENTER NAME  
––––––––––––  
ENTER MMSID  
–––––––––  
ENTER NAME  
BOB  
BOB  
123456789  
> STORE  
CANCEL  
ENTER MMSID  
123456789  
TOM  
1. Select BUDDY LIST. The cursor is at MANUAL NEW. Press ENT.  
2. Enter the buddy name, one character at a time (this may be alphanumeric) then press ENT  
repeatedly until the cursor moves to the MMSID entry line.  
4. Enter the MMSID associated with that buddy name (this must be numeric) then press ENT.  
5. The new buddy name and MMSID are displayed. Press ENT to store the new entry, which is displayed  
at the top of your buddy list.  
Note that when the BUDDY LIST is full (20 entries), you cannot make a new entry until you have deleted an  
existing entry.  
2-2-2 Edit an Entry  
BUDDY LIST  
> MANUAL NEW  
ALEX  
ALEX  
EDIT NAME  
ALEX  
ALEX  
> EDIT  
111223344  
> STORE  
CANCEL  
DELETE  
EDIT MMSID  
112233445  
TOM  
1. Select BUDDY LIST. Press ENT to display the list of entries.  
2. Scroll down (if required) to the incorrect entry and press ENT.  
3. Select EDIT. The cursor is at the first character of the name.  
4. Edit the buddy name or, to edit only the MMSID, press ENT repeatedly until the cursor moves to the  
MMSID line.  
5. When you are finished, press ENT (repeatedly if necessary) to display the next screen.  
6. Press ENT to store the changes. The buddy list is displayed again. If more changes are required,  
repeat Steps 2 thru 6. Otherwise, press ESC to exit.  
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Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual  
 
2-2-3 Delete an Entry  
BUDDY LIST  
> MANUAL NEW  
ALEX  
BUDDY LIST  
MANUAL NEW  
ALEX  
TOM  
DELETE BUDDY  
TOM  
EDIT  
> DELETE  
> YES  
TOM  
> TOM  
NO  
1. Select BUDDY LIST. Press ENT to display the list of entries.  
2. Scroll down (if required) to the entry you want to delete and press ENT.  
3. Select DELETE then select YES.  
4. The entry is deleted immediately and the buddy list is displayed again.  
2-3 Local or Distance Sensitivity (LOCAL/DIST)  
Use LOCAL/DIST to improve the sensitivity of the receiver either locally (LOCAL) or  
over distances (DIST).  
MENU SELECT  
BUDDY LIST  
> LOCAL/DIST  
BACKLIGHT  
LOCAL is not recommended for use in open sea conditions. It is designed for use  
in areas of high radio noise; for example, close to cities.  
See also SQL (Squelch Control) in Section 1.6.  
2-3-1 Set Distance Sensitivity  
1. Select LOCAL/DIST then select DIST.  
SENSITIVITY  
> DISTANT  
LOCAL  
2. Press ENT to activate the DIST setting. This disables local sensitivity and the  
menu is displayed again.  
2-3-2 Set Local Sensitivity  
1. Select LOCAL/DIST then scroll to LOCAL.  
SENSITIVITY  
DISTANT  
2. Press ENT to activate the LOCAL setting. This  
disables distance sensitivity and the menu is  
displayed again.  
> LOCAL  
LOCAL is displayed on the LCD as a reminder that local sensitivity is selected.  
2-4 Backlighting (BACKLIGHT) and Contrast (CONTRAST)  
Use BACKLIGHT to set the backlight levels for the LCD and the keypad at a com-  
fortable level.  
MENU SELECT  
LOCAL/DIST  
> BACKLIGHT  
CONTRAST  
The microphone keypad backlighting is either ON or OFF.  
Use CONTRAST to set the contrast level for the LCD.  
Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual  
13  
 
2-4-1 Set the Backlighting Level  
1. Select BACKLIGHT.  
BACKLIGHT  
LO HI  
2. Select a comfortable backlight level using + or - to change the setting.  
3. Press ENT to enable the setting and return to the menu.  
Note that the DISTRESS key backlighting cannot be switched off.  
2.4.2 Set the Contrast Level  
1. Select CONTRAST.  
CONTRAST  
2. Select a comfortable contrast level using + or - to change the setting.  
3. Press ENT to enable the setting and return to the menu.  
LO HI  
2-5 GPS Data and Time (GPS/DATA)  
If the boat has an operational GPS navigation receiver, the VHF radio automatically  
detects and updates the vessel position and the local time.  
MENU SELECT  
BACKLIGHT  
CONTRAST  
However, if the GPS navigation receiver is disconnected or absent, you can specify  
the vessel position and the local time manually, using the GPS/DATA option.  
> GPS/DATA  
This information is important because it will be used if a DSC distress call is transmitted.  
You can also enter the course (COG) and speed (SOG) and select GPS Alert and GPS Simulator options.  
2-5-1 Manually Enter Position and UTC Time (MANUAL)  
Note that this function is available only if an operational GPS receiver is not connected.  
GPS/DATA  
> MANUAL  
SETTING  
MANUAL LL  
–––––N  
–––––W  
MAN ––:––UTC  
1. Select GPS/DATA, then MANUAL.  
2. Enter the latitude, then the longitude, then the UTC.  
3. Press ENT when all the information is correct.  
The vessel’s latitude and longitude are shown on the screen, with the UTC time. The prefix MAN indicates  
a manual entry. The manual entries are cancelled if a real GPS position is received.  
14  
Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual  
 
2-5-2 Local Time (TIME OFFSET)  
The local time can be set by entering the time offset between UTC and local time as follows.  
GPS/DATA  
MANUAL  
>SETTING  
GPS/DATA  
TIME OFFSET  
>+01:30  
> TIME OFFSET  
TIME FORMAT  
TIME DISPLY  
02:30PM LOC  
1. Select GPS/DATA, then SETTING.  
2. Select TIME OFFSET to enter the difference between UTC and local time. Half hour increments can be  
used with a maximum offset of 13 hours.  
In this example, a difference of +1.5 hours has been entered and the local time is displayed with the  
suffix LOC.  
LM Y  
X
W
V
T
S
Q
O
U
R
P
Z
C
D
F
G
N
A
B
E
H
I
K
L
M Y  
Z
Z
A
S
N
R
T
Z
M
K
L
M
V
I
G
S
P
B
A
D
E
Z
F
H
C
D
K
I
Q
U
T
D
R
B
F
P*  
A
H
E
L
D
S
B
N
I
Z
R
H
*
E
D
C*  
X
X
I
B
C
W
R
H
E*  
F
F
*
G
D
Q
N
Z
A
K
C
E*  
E
M
S
C
E*  
P
M
M
H
M
F
H
R
Z
M*  
C
P
O
K
*
V
Q
D
G
S
A
I
B
L
I
K
I
F
X
C
C
G
L
W
W
L
M
M
Z
H
F*  
A
P
W
L
O
M*  
M*  
D
U
I*  
S
H
K
*
Q
B
L
*
M
Z
K
P
M
K
Standard Time = Universal Time + value from table  
Q
STANDARD TIME ZONES  
M
h
m
h
m
h
m
h
m
h
m
O
Corrected to January 2005  
Z
A
B
C
0
E* + 5 30  
K
K*  
L
L*  
M
M*  
M†  
+10  
+10 30  
+11  
+11 30  
+12  
+13  
N
O
P
P*  
Q
R
S
- 1  
- 2  
- 3  
- 3 30  
- 4  
- 5  
T
U
- 7  
- 8  
- 8 30  
- 9  
- 9 30  
-10  
-11  
Zone boundaries are approximate  
+ 1  
+ 2  
+ 3  
F
+ 6  
F*  
G
H
I
+ 6 30  
+ 7  
+ 8  
U*  
V
V*  
W
X
Daylight Saving Time (Summer Time),  
usually one hour in advance of Standard  
Time, is kept in some places  
C* + 3 30  
+ 4  
D* + 4 30  
+ 5  
D
+ 9  
I*  
+ 9 30  
+14  
- 6  
Map outline © Mountain High Maps  
Compiled by HM Nautical Almanac Office  
E
Y
-12  
P
No Standard Time legally adopted  
180°  
120°W  
90°W  
150°E  
150°W  
60°W  
30°W  
0°  
30°E  
60°E  
90°E  
120°E  
180°  
Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual  
15  
 
2-5-3 Time Format Options (TIME FORMAT)  
Time can be shown in 12 or 24 hour format.  
GPS/DATA  
MANUAL  
SETTING  
TIME OFFSET  
TIME FORMAT  
> 12 Hr  
> SETTING  
> TIME FORMAT  
TIME DISPLAY  
24 Hr  
07:15AM LOC  
1. Select GPS/DATA, then SETTING.  
2. Select TIME FORMAT.  
3. Select 12 Hr or 24 Hr as desired. In this example, 12 hour format has been selected and so the LCD  
shows the AM or PM suffix.  
2-5-4 Time Display Options (TIME DISPLAY)  
If you have entered the time manually as described in the previous sections, the time is always shown on  
the screen with the prefix M.  
However, if the vessel position is being updated through a GPS navigation receiver, you can switch the time  
display on the screen ON or OFF as follows:  
1. Select GPS/DATA, then SETTING.  
GPS/DATA  
TIME OFFSET  
TIME DISPLY  
ON  
2. Select TIME DISPLAY.  
TIME FORMAT  
> TIME DISPLY  
> OFF  
3. Select ON (on) or OFF (o) as desired. In this  
example, OFF has been selected and so the  
screen no longer shows the time.  
If the time display is set ON, course and speed data are not displayed on the LCD (see  
section 2-5-6).  
2-5-5 Position Display Options (LL display)  
If you have entered the vessel position manually as described in the previous section, the vessel position is  
always shown on the screen with the suffix M.  
However, if the time is being updated through a GPS navigation receiver, you can switch the vessel position  
display on the screen on or off as follows:  
1. Select GPS/DATA, then SETTING.  
GPS/DATA  
TIME FORMAT  
LL DISPLAY  
ON  
2. Select LL DISPLAY.  
3. Select ON (on) or OFF (o) as desired. In this  
example, OFF has been selected and the screen  
no longer shows the vessel position.  
TIME DISPLY  
> OFF  
> LL DISPLAY  
2-5-6 Course & Speed Display Options (COG/SOG)  
Use this option to display course over ground (COG) and speed over ground (SOG) data on the screen.  
1. Select GPS/DATA, then SETTING.  
GPS/DATA  
TIME DISPLY  
COG/SOG  
> ON  
2. Select COG/SOG.  
3. Select ON (on) or OFF (o) as desired. In this  
example, ON has been selected and so the  
screen shows the bearing and speed.  
LL DISPLY  
OFF  
> COG/SOG  
If GOG/SOG is set ON (on), the time is not displayed on the screen (see section 2-5-4).  
16  
Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual  
 
2-5-7 GPS Alert Options (ALERT)  
The GPS alert is usually set to ON (on) so that if the GPS navigation receiver is disconnected, the alarm  
sounds.  
1. Select GPS/DATA, then SETTING.  
GPS/DATA  
LL DISPLY  
GPS ALERT  
> ON  
2. Select GPS ALERT.  
3. Select ON (on) or OFF (o) as desired.  
COG/SOG  
OFF  
> GPS ALERT  
2-6 GPS Simulator (SIMULATOR)  
The GPS Simulator is set to OFF whenever the radio is turned ON or whenever real GPS data is available  
through the COM port. However, if you want to test it, turn it on.  
1. Select GPS SIM, then select ON (on) or OFF (o) as desired.  
MENU SELECT  
Whenever the GPS Simulator is turned ON (on), simulated Speed Over Ground  
(SOG), Course Over Ground (COG), and LL position appear on the screen. This  
data is updated automatically during the simulation.  
DSC SETUP  
RADIO SETUP  
> GPS SIM  
It is not possible to send a DSC transmission when in Simulator mode.  
2-7 Reset to Factory Defaults (RESET)  
Use this to return every setting to the factory defaults except all MMSID settings and the entries in your  
buddy list.  
MENU SELECT  
RADIO SETUP  
GPS SIM  
RESET RADIO  
ARE YOU SURE  
> YES  
> RESET  
NO  
1. Select RESET. The radio asks for confirmation.  
2. Select YES to reset the radio and return to the menu.  
The Call Logs will be cleared but the BUDDY LIST will be saved. The receiver and transmitter factory  
settings are restored to default conditions.  
Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual  
17  
 
Section 3 - Radio Setup Menu (RADIO SETUP)  
3-1 Radio Setup Menu (RADIO SETUP)  
Edit or delete channel names.  
CH NAME  
See Section 3-2.  
Set the volume level of the incoming call notification beeps.  
RING VOLUME  
See section 3-3.  
Set the volume level of the beeps.  
BEEP VOLUME  
See section 3-3.  
Switch ON/OFF (on/o) the radio’s internal speakers.  
INT SPEAKER  
See section 3-4.  
Selects the operation of Dual or Tri watch scanning.  
WATCH MODE  
See section 3-5.  
(Selects if the WX Alert scanning mode is ON (on) or OFF (o). (VHF 710US only.)  
See section 3-6.  
WX ALERT  
COM PORT  
Select NMEA protocol for communications between the VHF radio and any other  
instruments.  
See section 3-7.  
Sections 1-3 and 1-4 explain how to navigate around the menu and enter, save and change data.  
3-2 Channel Names (CH NAME)  
The channel charts are listed in Appendix C with their default name tags. CH NAME gives you the option  
to edit or delete the channel name tags displayed on the screen.  
RADIO SETUP  
> CH NAME  
TELEPHONE  
> EDIT  
CH NAME  
01  
TELEPHONE  
RING VOLUME  
DELETE  
BEEP VOLUME  
EDIT CH NAME  
TELEPHONE  
SAVE CH NAME  
PHONE1  
> YES  
NO  
1. Select RADIO SETUP, then CH NAME.  
2. Use + or - to step through the channels with their name tags until you see the channel name tag you  
want to change, then press ENT. In this example, the channel nameTELEPHONE associated with channel  
01 is being changed to PHONE1.  
3. Select EDIT and press ENT to edit the existing name tag. Input the new name over the existing name.  
It can be a maximum of 12 characters.  
To delete the channel name, select DELETE and press ENT.  
4. Press ENT (repeatedly if necessary) to display the YES/NO confirmation.  
5. Press ENT to confirm the new channel name tag or the deletion, then press ESC to return to the menu.  
18  
Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual  
 
3-3 RING & BEEP Volume (RING VOL) and (BEEP VOL)  
Set the volume level of the incoming signal beeps (RING VOLUME) and/or the error and warning beeps (BEEP  
VOLUME) to HIGH (high) or LOW (low) as follows:  
RADIO SETUP  
> CH NAME  
RING VOLUME  
> HIGH  
BEEP VOLUME  
> HIGH  
LOW  
RING VOLUME  
BEEP VOLUME  
LOW  
OFF  
1. Select RADIO SETUP, then RING VOLUME or BEEP VOLUME as appropriate.  
2. Select a HIGH or LOW volume. (It is possible to turn the beeps off completely by selecting BEEP VOLUME  
then OFF.)  
3. Press ENT to enable the new volume setting and return to the menu.  
3-4 Internal Speaker Connections (INT SPEAKER)  
Switch the radio’s internal speaker ON (on) or OFF (o). The external speaker is always ON (on) if a speaker is  
plugged into the external speaker jack.  
1. Select RADIO SETUP, then INT SPEAKER.  
RADIO SETUP  
RING VOLUME  
INT SPEAKER  
> ON  
2. Select ON (on) or OFF (o) then press ENT to  
enable the setting and return to the menu.  
BEEP VOLUME  
> INT SPEAKER  
OFF  
3-5 Set the Priority Channel (WATCH MODE)  
If you have VHF 710EU, watch mode is similar to a dual watch, scanning between the priority channel and  
the working channel. CH16 is the priority channel.  
However, if you have a VHF 710US and are operating on USA or Canadian channel banks, you can set the  
priority channel to cover both CH16 and CH09 as well as the working channel, as follows:  
1. Select RADIO SETUP, then WATCH MODE.  
RADIO SETUP  
BEEP VOLUME  
WATCH MODE  
> ONLY 16CH  
16CH+9CH  
2. Select ONLY 16CH for dual watch mode, or  
16CH+9CH for tri watch mode.  
INT SPEAKER  
> WATCH MODE  
Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual  
19  
 
3-6 Weather Alert (Wx ALERT)  
VHF 710US only.  
The NOAA provides several weather forecast channels on USA and Canadian channel banks. If severe weather  
such as storms or hurricanes are forecast, the NOAA broadcasts a weather alert on 1050 Hz. You can set up  
the radio to pick up weather alerts, as follows:  
1. Select RADIO SETUP, then WX ALERT.  
RADIO SETUP  
INT SPEAKER  
WATCH MODE  
> WX ALERT  
WX ALERT  
ON  
2. Select ON (on) or OFF (o) then press ENT to  
enable the setting and return to the menu.  
> OFF  
When a weather alert is broadcast, the alarm will sound. Press any key to hear the weather alert voice  
message.  
3-7 NMEA protocol (COM PORT)  
The radio can be added to a group of instruments using NMEA protocol.  
1. Select RADIO SETUP, then COM PORT.  
RADIO SETUP  
WATCH MODE  
NMEA  
2. Select CHECKSUM ON (on) or OFF (o) then  
press ENT to enable the setting and return to  
the menu.  
CHECKSUM  
> ON  
WX ALERT  
> COM PORT  
OFF  
CHECKSUM ON is the usual setting.  
20  
Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual  
 
Section 4 - DSC Setup Menu (DSC SETUP)  
These DSC facilities are available only on the 710US and 710EU and a valid user MMSID must be  
entered to access the DSC functions.  
4-1 DSC Setup - Menu Options  
The following options are available:  
USER MMSID  
GROUP SETUP  
INDIV REPLY  
ATIS MMSID  
ATIS FUNC  
Enter your user MMSID. See section 4.2. (If you do not have a user MMSID, see  
Appendix D.)  
Enter or change the name and/or details of a group.  
See section 4.3.  
Choose an automatic or manual response to calls (VHF 710US only). See section  
4.4.  
Enter or change your ATIS MMSID (VHF 710EU only).  
See section 4.5.  
Enable/disable the ATIS function (VHF 710EU only).  
See section 4.5.  
Turn the DSC operation ON/OFF (on/o).  
See section 4.6.  
DSC FUNC  
Select the type of response to an LL polling request.  
See section 4.7.  
LL REPLY  
Sections 1.3 and 1.4 explain how to navigate around the menu and enter, save and change data.  
4-2 Enter Your USER MMSID (USER MMSID)  
This is a once-only operation. You must enter your user MMSID before you can access the DSC functions.  
DSC SETUP  
INPUT USER  
MMSID  
187654321  
MMSID  
USER MMSID  
INPUT AGAIN  
–––––––––  
> USER MMSID  
GROUP SETUP  
INDIV REPLY  
–––––––––  
> STORE  
CANCEL  
You can display and read your user MMSID at any time, but you get only one opportunity to enter your user  
MMSID.  
1. Select DSC SETUP, then USER MMSID.  
2. If this is the first time that you are entering your user MMSID, a dashed line appears.  
Enter your user MMSID along the dashed line. Press ENT to confirm each correct entry and to move to  
the next digit.  
If you make an error, press - until < appears, then press ENT to backup and correct the entry.  
3. Press ENT to store your user MMSID.  
4. Enter your user MMSID again as a password check, then press ENT to permanently store the user MMSID  
and return to the menu.  
You can view your stored user MMSID at anytime by selecting USER MMSID in the main menu.  
Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual  
21  
 
4-3 Maintain Your Groups (GROUP SETUP)  
Use GROUP SETUP to create, edit, or delete 1, 2, or 3 groups of frequently called people stored in alphanumeric  
order. A group MMSID always starts with 0.  
4-3-1 Create a Group (GROUP SETUP)  
DSC SETUP  
GROUP SETUP  
> MANUAL NEW  
000000000  
GROUP NAME  
––––––––––––  
GROUP MMSID  
0––––––––  
FISHER1  
USER MMSID  
> GROUP SETUP  
INDIV REPLY  
012345678  
> STORE  
CANCEL  
1. Select DSC SETUP, then GROUP SETUP.  
2. If this is the first time that you are entering a group name, a line of nine zeros appears. Otherwise, any  
existing group names are displayed. Press ENT to display the input screen.  
3. Enter the group name along the dashed line. It can be alphanumeric. Press ENT to confirm each correct  
entry and to move to the next digit. When you have finished, press ENT repeatedly until the cursor moves  
to the MMSID line.  
If you make an error, press - until < appears, then press ENT to backup and correct the entry.  
4. Enter the group MMSID. (Note that the first number is always 0.) Press ENT.  
5. The group name and group MMSID are shown in a confirmation screen. Press ENT to store the details  
and return to the GROUP SETUP screen.  
4-3-2 Edit Group Name Details  
GROUP SETUP  
MANUAL NEW  
> FISHER1  
FISHER1  
> EDIT  
EDIT NAME  
FISHER1  
FISHER2  
012345678  
> STORE  
CANCEL  
DELETE  
EDIT MMSID  
012345678  
FRIENDS1  
1. Select DSC SETUP, then GROUP SETUP. The existing group names are displayed. Press + or - to scroll to  
the incorrect entry then press ENT.  
2. Press ENT to edit. The group name details are displayed, with the cursor at the first character of the  
name.  
3. Edit the buddy name or, to edit only the MMSID, press ENT repeatedly until the cursor moves to the  
MMSID line.  
4. When you are finished, press ENT (repeatedly if necessary) to display the next screen.  
5. Press ENT to store the changes and return to the GROUP SETUP screen.  
22  
Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual  
 
4-3-3 Delete a Group  
GROUP SETUP  
MANUAL NEW  
> FISHER2  
FISHER2  
EDIT  
DELETE GROUP  
FISHER2  
> YES  
> DELETE  
FRIENDS1  
NO  
1. Select DSC SETUP, then GROUP SETUP. The existing group names are displayed.  
2. Press + or - to scroll to the incorrect entry then press ENT.  
3. Select DELETE and press ENT. The radio asks for confirmation.  
4. Press ENT to delete the group and return to the GROUP SETUP screen.  
4-4 Response to Individual Calls (INDIV REPLY)  
VHF 710US only. You can respond to incoming individual calls with an automatic response or with a manual  
response.  
An automatic response sends an acknowledgement and then sets the request link channel, ready for a  
conversation.  
A manual response asks if you want to acknowledge the call, and then asks if you want to converse with  
the caller.  
1. Select DSC SETUP, then INDIV REPLY.  
DSC SETUP  
USER MMSID  
INDIV REPLY  
> AUTO  
2. Select AUTO for an automatic response, or  
MANUAL for a manual response.  
GROUP SETUP  
> INDIV REPLY  
MANUAL  
3. Press ENT to confirm your choice and return to the menu.  
4-5 ATIS MMSID & ATIS Functionality  
VHF 710EU only. You must enter your ATIS MMSID to access ATIS functionality if you are navigating inland  
waterways within Europe.  
ATIS sends a digital message anytime that you release the PTT key. Inland waterways rules require 1 W Tx  
power on Channels 06, 08, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 71, 72, 74, and 77.  
4-5-1 Enter or Edit YOUR ATIS MMSID  
DSC SETUP  
GROUP SETUP  
INPUT ATIS  
MMSID  
INPUT ATIS  
MMSID  
INPUT AGAIN  
ATIS MMSID  
9––––––––  
INDIV REPLY  
9––––––––  
> STORE  
CANCEL  
> ATIS MMSID  
ATIS MMSID  
923456789  
> STORE  
CANCEL  
Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual  
23  
 
VHF 710EU only. An ATIS MMSID always starts with the number 9. To enter or edit your ATIS MMSID:  
1. Select DSC SETUP, then ATIS MMSID.  
2. If this is the first time that you are entering your ATIS MMSID, a dashed line appears. Enter your ATIS  
MMSID along the dashed line. The first number is always 9. Press ENT to confirm each correct entry and  
to move to the next digit.  
If you make an error, press - until < appears, then press ENT to backup and correct the entry.  
If you are editing an existing ATIS MMSID, this will be displayed. Make the required changes.  
3. Press ENT to store your user MMSID.  
4. Enter your ATIS MMSID again as a password check, then press ENT to permanently store the ATIS MMSID  
and return to the menu.  
You can view your stored ATIS MMSID at anytime by selecting ATIS MMSID in the main menu.  
4-5-2 Enable ATIS Functionality (ATIS FUNC)  
VHF 710EU only. ATIS functionality will operate only after the ATIS MMSID has been entered (see previous  
section).  
DSC SETUP  
INDIV REPLY  
ATIS FUNC  
> ON  
ATIS MMSID  
> ATIS FUNC  
OFF  
ATIS  
1. Select DSC SETUP, then ATIS FUNC.  
2. Select ON (on) to enable the ATIS functionality and automatically disable DSC functionality. The ATIS  
annunciator appears on the screen.  
It is not possible to have both ATIS ON (on) and DSC ON (on) simultaneously. When you enable one, the  
other will turn OFF (o). If DSC and ATIS are both OFF (o), DSC will have to be switched ON (on) for  
normal DSC operation.  
There are two annunciators in the screen to show you the current mode: if the DSC annunciator is shown,  
DSC is operational, if the ATIS annunciator is shown, ATIS is operational.  
4-6 DSC functionality options (DSC FUNC)  
DSC functionality can be disabled but this is not recommended.  
DSC SETUP  
GROUP SETUP  
DSC FUNC  
> ON  
INDIV REPLY  
> DSC FUNC  
OFF  
1. Select DSC SETUP, then DSC FUNC.  
2. Press ENT to select ON and to operate the DSC functionality. This will automatically disable ATIS func-  
tionality. The DSC annunciator appears on the screen.  
It is not possible to have both ATIS ON (on) and DSC ON (on) simultaneously. When you enable one, the  
other will turn OFF (o). If DSC and ATIS are both OFF (o), DSC will have to be switched ON (on) for normal  
DSC operation.  
24  
Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual  
 
There are two annunciators in the screen to show you the current mode: if the DSC annunciator is shown,  
DSC is operational. If the ATIS annunciator is shown, ATIS is operational.  
4-7 Response Type to LL Polling Calls (LL REPLY)  
You can set up the radio to respond to an LL polling request in one of three ways:  
AUTO  
MANUAL choose whether to reply automatically or manually to any incoming buddy polling requests.  
OFF ignores all incoming buddy LL polling requests.  
automatically replies to any incoming LL polling requests from any of your buddies.  
1. Select DSC SETUP, then LL REPLY.  
DSC SETUP  
LL REPLY  
> AUTO  
2. Select your response and press ENT to confirm  
and return to the menu.  
INDIV REPLY  
DSC FUNC  
MANUAL  
OFF  
> LL REPLY  
Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual  
25  
 
Section 5 - Sending and Receiving DSC Calls  
These DSC facilities are available only on the VHF 710US and VHF 710EU models, and a valid user  
MMSID must have been entered to access the DSC functions.  
5-1 WHAT IS DSC?  
DSC (Digital Selective Calling) is a semi-automated method of establishing VHF, MF, and HF radio calls. It has  
been designated as an international standard by the IMO (International Maritime Organization) and is part  
of the GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System).  
Currently, you are required to monitor Distress Channel 16, but DSC will eventually replace listening watches  
on distress frequencies and will be used to broadcast routine and urgent maritime safety information.  
DSC enables you to send and receive calls from any vessel or coast station that is equipped with DSC func-  
tionality, and within geographic range. Calls can be categorised as distress, urgency, safety, or routine, and  
DSC selects a working channel automatically.  
5-2 Sending DSC calls  
1. Press CALL MENU to show the types of DSC call that can be made.  
DSC CALL  
Note: Only four DSC call types can be shown at any one time on the screen.  
>INDIVIDUAL  
2. + or - to scroll up and down the DSC call types until the cursor is positioned  
LAST CALL  
at the desired option. then press ENT. the DSC call types are:  
GROUP  
Make a routine call or acknowledgement to a new caller or a buddy.  
See Section 5-2-1, 5-2-2, and 5-2-3.  
INDIVIDUAL  
Show the details of the most recent incoming call.  
See Section 5-2-4.  
LAST CALL  
Make a call to one of your three groups.  
See Section 5-2-5.  
GROUP  
Make an All Ships call.  
See Section 5-2-6.  
ALL SHIPS  
CALL LOG  
DIST LOG  
LL REQUEST  
Show the details of the 20 most recent incoming calls.  
See Section 5-2-7.  
Show the details of the 10 most recent distress calls.  
See Section 5-2-8.  
Request the LL position of a buddy.  
See Section 5-2-9.  
26  
Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual  
 
5-2-1 Make a Routine Call (Individual)  
DSC CALL  
> INDIVIDUAL  
LAST CALL  
GROUP  
INDIVIDUAL  
> MANUAL NEW  
BOBBY D  
MANUAL MMSID  
0––––––––  
012345678  
INDIVIDUAL  
ROUTINE  
REBECCA T  
> SET CHANNEL  
012345678  
INDIVIDUAL  
ROUTINE  
12345678  
INDIVIDUAL  
ROUTINE  
012345678  
INDIVIDUAL  
ROUTINE  
INDIV ACK  
012345678  
PRESS PTT  
ESC –> EXIT  
> SEND?  
CALLING...  
WAITING ACK  
You can call any other person that has another DSC equipped radio.  
1. Press CALL/MENU to enter DSC mode, then select INDIVIDUAL. This allows you to call another person.  
2. Select MANUAL NEW to call a person that is not in your buddy list, otherwise select the name of your  
buddy. Press ENT.  
If you selected MANUAL NEW, you need to enter the user MMSID and then press ENT.  
3. Select the working channel and press ENT. (Note: Duplex channels cannot usually be called and are  
automatically eliminated from the suggested call list. If the call is to a Coast Station, the radio will recognize  
this and select the correct channel.)  
4. The radio summarizes the call details and asks for confirmation to send the call (SEND?). Press ENT to  
send the call. The radio goes to CH70 and the TX annunciator is displayed on the screen while the DSC  
call is being sent.  
5. If the call is acknowledged (ACK), press PTT to talk. If there is no reply, retry making the call. See Section  
5-2-2.  
5-2-2 Retrying a Routine Call  
1. If there is no reply to your call after one minute (UNABLE TO ACKNOWLEDGE)  
VHF710  
the radio asks if you want to retry the call (SEND AGAIN?).  
SEND AGAIN?  
>YES  
2. Select YES and press ENT to retry the call.  
The radio will repeat this cycle twice. If the call still cannot be placed, the radio  
returns to normal operation.  
CANCEL  
5-2-3 Acknowledgement of an Individual Incoming Call (INDIV)  
The VHF 710EU requires the operator to manually send an acknowledgement to  
the requesting radio.  
RCV: INDIV  
012345678  
ENTER –> ACK  
ESC –> EXIT  
Press ENT to send an acknowledgement or ESC to cancel.  
The VHF 710US will automatically send an acknowledgement to the requesting  
radio within 10 seconds of receiving the call.  
Note: For some Countries in Europe it is possible to select ROUTINE, SAFETY, URGENCY, and DISTRESS as  
the call category for Individual call transmissions.  
Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual  
27  
 
5-2-4 Recall the Most Recent Incoming Call (LAST)  
DSC CALL  
INDIVIDUAL  
VHF710 USA  
INDIVIDUAL  
ROUTINE  
VHF710 USA  
INDIVIDUAL  
ROUTINE  
VHF710 USA  
INDIVIDUAL  
ROUTINE  
> LAST CALL  
GROUP  
10:22AM LOC  
> SET CHANNEL  
> SEND?  
This facility is useful and used frequently.  
1. Press CALL/MENU to enter DSC mode. LAST CALL is automatically selected. Press ENT to display the  
contact details of the most recent incoming call.  
2. Select the working channel and press ENT. (Note: Duplex channels cannot usually be called and are  
automatically eliminated from the suggested call list. If the call is to a Coast Station, the radio will recognize  
this and select the correct channel.)  
3. The radio summarizes the call details and asks for confirmation to send the call (SEND?). Press ENT to  
send the call, and continue as explained in Section 5-2-1.  
5-2-5 Call a Group (GROUP)  
DSC CALL  
INDIVIDUAL  
SELECT GROUP  
> RD GROUP  
GROUP #2  
RD GROUP  
VHF710 USA  
INDIVIDUAL  
ROUTINE  
055554444  
ROUTINE  
LAST CALL  
> GROUP  
GROUP#3  
> SET CHANNEL  
> SEND?  
1. Press CALL MENU to enter DSC mode, then select GROUP. The radio displays the names of your  
groups.  
2. Select the group that you want to call (the Group MMSID must be set before making the call). Then set  
the channel and continue as explained in Section 5-2-1.  
5-2-6 Call All Ships (ALL SHIPS)  
DSC CALL  
LAST CALL  
ALL SHIPS  
> URGENCY  
SAFETY  
ALL SHIPS  
URGENCY  
> YES  
GROUP  
> ALL SHIPS  
ROUTINE  
NO  
The ALL SHIPS ROUTINE call option is shown only on the VHF 710US.  
1. Press CALL MENU to enter DSC mode, then select ALL SHIPS.  
2. The priority is set automatically to URGENCY. However, you can select one of the following call priori-  
ties:  
URGENCY  
SAFETY  
For use when a serious situation or problem arises that could lead to a distress situation  
To send safety information to all other vessels in range;  
Routine call (VHF 710US only).  
ROUTINE  
DISTRESS  
Used in some countries in Europe  
3. CH16 is selected automatically as the working channel and the radio asks for confirmation of the ALL  
SHIPS call. Press ENT to select YES and send the call. Continue as explained in Section 5-2-1.  
28  
Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual  
 
5-2-7 Call using the Call Log (CALL LOG)  
DSC CALL  
GROUP  
11 VHF710  
INDIVIDUAL  
ROUTINE  
VHF710  
> CALL BACK  
DELETE  
VHF710  
INDIVIDUAL  
ROUTINE  
ALL SHIPS  
> CALL LOG  
10:45PM LOC  
SAVE  
> SET CHANNEL  
VHF710  
INDIVIDUAL  
ROUTINE  
> SEND?  
The Call Log contains the contact details for the 20 most recent incoming calls, so that you call any of them  
again quickly.  
1. Press CALL MENU to enter DSC mode, then select CALL LOG.  
Scroll down to the desired contact details.  
The radio displays the contact details for the most recent incoming call as the first entry (01) in the call  
log. In the example, the contact details for the 11th most recent call are displayed.  
2. Press ENT to confirm the call back, then set the working channel and press ENT to send the call. Continue  
as explained in Section 5-2-1.  
3. To save this log entry in your Buddy list, select SAVE and press ENT. Then enter the Name. The logged  
MMSID is automatically displayed.  
5-2-8 Call using the Distress Log (DIST LOG)  
DSC CALL  
ALL SHIPS  
02 10:03 UTC  
VHF710 (xxx)  
82º50. N  
DISTRESS  
RELAY  
VHF710  
> CALL BACK  
DELETE  
CALL LOG  
PIRACY  
> DIST LOG  
27º45. W  
987654321  
VHF710  
VHF710  
INDIVIDUAL  
ROUTINE  
INDIVIDUAL  
ROUTINE  
> SEND?  
> SET CHANNEL  
Note: DISTRESS RELAY calls can be sent in some countries.  
The Distress Log contains the Distress Log data for the 10 most recent relayed Distress Calls, so that you can  
call any of them quickly. LL position is received to 3 decimal places, if the sending radio is qualified. Always  
try to make voice contact on CH16 first, as follows:  
1. Press CALL/MENU to enter DSC mode, then select DIST LOG.  
2. The most recently received Distress Call Is the first entry (01) in the Distress Log. Select the entry that  
you want to call and press ENT.  
The details are displayed over two screens that alternate every 1.5 seconds; the first screen shows the  
location and name or MMSID of the vessel in Distress, the second screen shows the nature of the emer-  
gency (if specified) and the MMSID of the vessel that relayed the Distress Call.  
3. Set the channel and continue as explained in Section 5-2-1.  
Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual  
29  
 
5-2-9 Request the LL Position of a Buddy (LL REQUEST)  
DSC CALL  
CALL LOG  
LL REQUEST  
> SAM  
SAM  
SAM  
LL REQUEST  
> SEND?  
LL REQUEST  
DIST LOG  
VHF710  
> LL REQUEST  
BUDDY #3  
CALLING...  
channel name  
SAM  
LL REQUEST  
AWAITING ACK  
1. Press CALL/MENU to enter DSC mode, then select LL REQUEST.  
2. Select the buddy whose LL position you want to request then press ENT to send the request. (See Section  
5-3-5 for the acknowledgement.)  
3. The working channel name is displayed while the radio waits for an acknowledgement from your buddy.  
If there is no reply after 1 minute the radio asks if you want to retry. Continue as explained in Section  
5-2-2.  
5-3 Receiving DSC Calls  
Several types of DSC calls can be received from vessels within range at various priority levels:  
DISTRESS  
ALL SHIPS  
See Section 6.  
Urgency or Safety priority (see Section 5-3-1)  
Note: In some countries, ALL SHIP DISTRESS calls are received.  
Urgency, Safety, or Routine priority (see Section 5-3-2)  
Note: In some countries, INDIVIDUAL DISTRESS RELAY calls are received.  
Routine priority only (see Section 5-3-3)  
INDIVIDUAL  
GROUP  
GEOGRAPHIC  
POLLED POSITION  
Routine priority only (see Section 5-3-4)  
Routine priority only (see Section 5-3-5)  
In addition to the audible alert, the telephone icon will flash on the screen.  
5-3-1 Receiving an All Ships Call (ALL SHIPS)  
1. When you receive notification of an ALL SHIP call, press any key to  
RCV: ALL SHIP  
priority  
cancel the alert. The radio automatically selects CH16.  
The priority level and the user MMSID are displayed on the screen. If the  
radio recognises the user MMSID as one of your buddies, the buddy’s  
name is displayed in place of the user MMSID.  
VHF710  
ESC –> EXIT  
2. No acknowledgement is required. Press PTT to initiate voice contact on CH16 and then switch to a  
working channel.  
The call data is stored in the Call Log (see Section 5-2-7).  
30  
Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual  
 
5-3-2 Receiving an Individual Call (INDIV)  
1. When you receive notification of an INDIV  
call, press any key to cancel the alert. The  
radio automatically selects the channel  
designated in the incoming call. INDIV  
calls are almost always Routine priority.  
RCV: INDIV  
VHF710  
INDIV ACK  
VHF710  
ENTER –> ACK  
ESC –> EXIT  
PRESS PTT  
ESC –> EXIT  
If the radio recognises the user MMSID as one of your buddies, the buddy’s name is displayed in  
place of the user MMSID.  
2. The VHF 710US responds automatically but the VHF 710EU prompts you to press ENT to  
acknowledge the incoming call.  
3. The caller should respond to your acknowledgement by making voice contact on the designated  
channel. If this does not happen, you can press PTT to initiate voice contact instead.  
The call data is stored in the Call Log (see Section 5-2-7).  
5-3-3 Receiving a Group Call (GROUP)  
1. When you receive notification of a GROUP call, press any key to cancel  
RCV: GROUP  
the alert. The radio automatically selects the channel designated in the  
incoming call.  
GP: RD GROUP  
VHF710  
The priority level is always routine, and the group is identified on the  
ROUTINE  
screen. The group will be one of the three groups of frequently called  
people that you set up earlier (see Section 4-3).  
2. You do not need to send an acknowledgement. If desired, press PTT to initiate voice contact on the  
designated channel.  
The call data is stored in the Call Log (see Section 5-2-7).  
5-3-4 Receiving a Geographic Call (GEOGRAPH)  
A geographic call is received by vessels within a specific geographic  
RCV: GEOGRAPH  
boundary area.  
VHF710  
1. When you receive notification of a GEOGRAPH call, press any key to  
10:34 UTC  
cancel the alert. The radio automatically selects the channel designated  
in the incoming call.  
ESC –> EXIT  
The time and the user MMSID or name are displayed on the screen. If the radio recognises the user  
MMSID as one of your buddies, the buddy’s name is displayed in place of the user MMSID.  
2. Monitor the working channel for an announcement from the calling vessel.  
5-3-5 Receiving a Polled Position Call (POSITION)  
1. When you receive GPS position data from a buddy in response to your  
RCV: POSITION  
LL request (see Section 5-2-9), you are recommended to make a written  
note of the position, especially if it is a good fishing position.  
SAM  
82º50.003'N  
If enhanced LL position information is available from your buddy, this is  
shown on the screen until the screen display changes.  
27º45.543'W  
Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual  
31  
 
Section 6 - Distress Calls  
This DSC function is available only on the 710US and 710EU models, and a valid user MMSID must have been  
entered to access this DSC function.  
6-1 Sending a Distress Call  
DISTRESS CALL  
> PIRACY  
DISTRESS CALL  
> PIRACY  
DISTRESS CALL  
SENT! WAIT..  
PRESS ESC  
OVER BOARD  
UNDEFINED  
HOLD DISTRESS  
2 SECONDS..  
TO CANCEL...  
1. Open the red cover labelled DISTRESS.  
If time is available to specify the nature of the distress, go to step 2. Otherwise, go directly to step 3.  
2. Press the DISTRESS key to display the following categories. Scroll to the category that describes your  
situation, then press ENT:  
UNDEFINED  
FIRE  
FLOODING  
COLLISION  
GROUNDING  
LISTING  
SINKING  
ADRIFT  
ABANDONING  
PIRACY  
OVER BOARD  
3. Hold down the DISTRESS key for about 3 seconds, until you see the distress call sent message (DISTRESS  
CALL SENT!) on the screen. The whole display starts to flash and beep loudly.  
The distress call repeats five times continuously. It then repeats randomly every 3.5 to 4.5 minutes until  
a distress acknowledgement (DISTRESS ACK) is received from a search and rescue authority or until you  
cancel the distress call manually.  
The radio selects CH16 automatically so that you can hear any incoming voice contacts from search and  
rescue authorities or other vessels within range.  
Press ESC if you need to cancel the distress call. This is the only key that operates in distress mode.  
Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual  
32  
 
6-2 Receiving a Distress Call (DISTRESS!)  
1. An alert sounds when a distress call (DISTRESS!)  
is received. Press any key to cancel the alert.You  
do not need to send an acknowledgement.  
RCV: DISTRESS  
123456789  
FLOODING  
RCV: DISTRESS  
10:34 UTC  
82º50.003'N  
27º45.543'W  
ESC –> EXIT  
2. The radio automatically selects CH16 and displays the details of the distress call on the screen. Press PTT  
to establish voice contact.  
The details are displayed over two screens that alternate every 1.5 seconds; the first screen shows the user  
MMSID and nature of the emergency (if specified), the second screen shows the time and the location  
(if specified). If the location and time are not specified, these are replaced with sequences of 9s and 8s  
respectively.  
The VHF710 is capable of receiving enhanced LL position data if the vessel transmitting the Distress Call  
is sending this. This provides the position of the distressed vessel to within 20 m (60ft).  
6-3 Distress Acknowledgement (distress ack) or Relay  
An alert sounds when a Distress Relay (DISTRESS RELAY) is received. Press any key  
RCV: DISTRESS  
RELAY  
to cancel the alert.  
Try to make voice contact with the calling vessel. Maintain a listening watch on  
CH16 and standby to lend assistance.  
123456789  
ESC –> EXIT  
For a Distress Acknowledgement (DISTRESS ACK) sent from the Coast Guard, your radio automatically cancels  
Distress Mode transmissions and CH16 appears. Press PTT to establish voice contact with the Coast Guard.  
The Coast Guard is the only agency allowed to send a Distress Acknowledgement (DISTRESS ACK).  
33  
Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual  
 
Appendix A - Technical Specifications  
Northstar VHF 710 US.EU  
GENERAL  
Power Supply:  
Current drain:  
Transmit  
13.6V DC.  
6 A at 25 W Tx / 1.5A at 1W Tx  
Receive  
Less than 250mA in standby  
Useable channels:  
Mode:  
International, USA, Canada, Weather (country specific)  
16K0G3E (FM) / 16K0G2B (DSC)  
PHYSICAL  
LCD display (viewing): 26 mm (H) x 46 mm (W)  
FSTN 4 x 12 character matrix with big CH digits/icons  
Contrast and  
Dimming control:  
Antenna connector:  
Temperature Range:  
Waterproof:  
Yes  
SO-239 (50 ohm)  
-15ºC to +50ºC  
JIS-7  
Dimensions:  
161(W) x 75(H) x 147(D) mm - without bracket  
Weight:  
1.29 kg (2.8 lbs) - without microphone  
Frequency stability:  
Frequency control:  
GPS/NMEA input:  
Comm. port:  
+/- 10ppm  
PLL  
Yes  
4800 baud NMEA  
Yes  
DSC:  
FEATURES  
Flush Mount kit and  
dust cover:  
Yes  
Local/Distant control:  
Position polling:  
Group Call:  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Call logs:  
Yes - 20 individual and 10 distress  
DSC (USCG SC101  
and Class D):  
Yes (VHF 710US, Class D 710EU)  
Yes  
Channel Naming:  
Tri watch, Favourite  
channel scan, All scan: Yes  
User programmable  
MMSID:  
Yes, User MMSID and ATIS (710EU)  
MMSID and NAME  
directory:  
Yes - 20 numbers & group  
Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual  
34  
 
TRANSMITTER  
Frequency:  
156.025 - 157.425 MHz  
25 W / 1 W selectable  
Output power:  
Transmitter protection: Open / short circuit of antenna  
Max Freq deviation: +/- 5 kHz  
Spurious & harmonics: better than 2.5 μ W  
Modulation distortion: Less than 4%@ 1 kHz for a +/-3 kHz deviation  
RECEIVER  
Frequency:  
156.025 - 163.275 MHz  
12 dB SINAD sensitivity: 0.25 uV (distant) / 2.5 uV (local)  
20 db SINAD sensitivity: 0.35 uV  
Adjacent CH selectivity:more than 70 db (VHF 710US)  
more than 70 db (VHF 710EU)  
Spurious response:  
more than 70 db (VHF 710US)  
more than 70 db (VHF 710EU)  
Intermodulation  
Rejection ratio:  
more than 68 db (VHF 710US)  
more than 68 db (VHF 710EU)  
more than -40 db unsquelched  
2 W (with 8 ohm at 10% distortion)  
4 W with 4 ohm external speaker  
Residual Noise level:  
Audio output power:  
Compass safe distance: 0.5 m (1.5')  
Specifications are subject to change without notice.  
35  
Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual  
 
Appendix B - Troubleshooting  
1. The transceiver will not power up.  
A fuse may have blown OR there is no voltage getting to the transceiver.  
a) Check the power cable for cuts, breaks, or squashed sections.  
b) After checking the wiring, replace the 7 Amp fuse (2 spare fuses are supplied).  
c) Check the battery voltage. This must be greater than 10.5 V.  
2. The transceiver blows the fuse when the power is switched on.  
The power wires may have been reversed.  
a) Check that the red wire is connected to the positive battery terminal, and the black wire is connected  
to the negative battery terminal.  
3. The speaker makes popping or whining noises when the engine is running.  
Electrical noise may be interfering with the transceiver.  
a) Re-route the power cables away from the engine.  
b) Add a noise suppressor to the power cable.  
c) Use resistive spark plug wires and/or use an alternator whine filter.  
4. No sound from the external speaker.  
a) Check that the external speaker cable is physically connected.  
b) Check the soldering of the external speaker cable.  
5. Transmissions are always on low power, even when high (HI) power is selected.  
The antenna may be faulty.  
a) Test the transceiver with a different antenna.  
b) Have the antenna checked out.  
6. Battery symbol is displayed.  
The power supply is too low.  
a) Check the battery voltage. This should be at least 10.5 V 0.5 V DC.  
b) Check the alternator on the vessel.  
7. No position information is displayed.  
The GPS cable may faulty or the GPS setting may be incorrect.  
a) Check that the GPS cable is physically connected.  
b) Check the polarity of the GPS cable.  
c) Check the baud rate setting of the GPS if applicable. The baud rate setting should be 4800 and parity  
should be set to NONE.  
36  
Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual  
 
Appendix C - VHF Marine Channel Charts  
C.1 International (EU-DSC ON)  
NOTE For assistance in understanding the Table, see notes a) to o) below. (WRC-2000)  
Transmitting  
Port operations  
and ship movement  
frequencies  
Public  
corres-  
Channel  
Inter-  
ship  
MHz  
Notes  
designator  
pondence  
Ship  
stations  
Coast  
Single  
Two  
stations  
frequency  
frequency  
60  
01  
61  
02  
62  
03  
63  
04  
64  
05  
65  
06  
66  
07  
67  
08  
68  
09  
69  
10  
70  
11  
71  
12  
72  
13  
73  
14  
74  
15  
75  
156,025  
160,625  
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
156,050  
156,075  
156,100  
156,125  
156,150  
156,175  
156,200  
156,225  
156,250  
156,275  
156,300  
156,325  
156,350  
156,375  
156,400  
156,425  
156,450  
156,475  
156,500  
156,525  
156,550  
156,575  
156,600  
156,625  
156,650  
156,675  
156,700  
156,725  
156,750  
156,775  
160,650  
160,675  
160,700  
160,725  
160,750  
160,775  
160,800  
160,825  
160,850  
160,875  
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
m), o)  
x
m), o)  
m), o)  
m), o)  
m), o)  
m), o)  
m), o)  
m), o)  
m), o)  
f)  
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
160,925  
160,950  
156,375  
x
x
x
x
h)  
i)  
x
x
x
156,425  
156,450  
156,475  
156,500  
156,525  
156,550  
156,575  
156,600  
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
h)  
j)  
Digital selective calling for distress, safety and calling  
x
x
x
i)  
x
k)  
156,650  
156,675  
156,700  
156,725  
156,750  
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
h), i)  
g)  
n)  
x
37  
Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual  
 
Transmitting  
frequencies  
MHz  
Port operations  
and ship movement  
Public  
corres-  
Channel  
Inter-  
ship  
Notes  
designator  
pondence  
Ship  
stations  
Coast  
Single  
Two  
stations  
frequency  
frequency  
16  
76  
17  
77  
18  
78  
19  
79  
20  
80  
21  
81  
22  
82  
23  
83  
24  
84  
25  
85  
26  
86  
27  
87  
28  
88  
AIS 1  
AIS 2  
156,800  
156,800  
DISTRESS, SAFETY AND CALLING  
x
n)  
g)  
156,825  
156,850  
156,875  
156,900  
156,925  
156,950  
156,975  
157,000  
157,025  
157,050  
157,075  
157,100  
157,125  
157,150  
157,175  
157,200  
157,225  
157,250  
157,275  
157,300  
157,325  
157,350  
157,375  
157,400  
157,425  
161,975  
162,025  
156,850  
x
x
x
m)  
161,500  
161,525  
161,550  
161,575  
161,600  
161,625  
161,650  
161,675  
161,700  
161,725  
161,750  
161,775  
161,800  
161,825  
161,850  
161,875  
161,900  
161,925  
161,950  
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
m)  
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
m), o)  
m), o)  
m), o)  
m), o)  
m), o)  
m), o)  
m), o)  
m), o)  
m), o)  
x
x
162,000  
x
x
l)  
l)  
161,975  
162,025  
SPECIAL NOTES ON INTERNATIONAL CHANNEL USEAGE  
Notes referring to the Table  
General notes  
The International mode is not legal for use in US or Canada Waters  
a. Administrations may designate frequencies in the inter-ship, port operations and ship movement services  
for use by light aircraft and helicopters to communicate with ships or participating coast stations in pre-  
dominantly maritime support operations under the conditions specified in Nos. 51.69, 51.73, 51.74, 51.75,  
51.76, 51.77 and 51.78. However, the use of the channels which are shared with public correspondence  
shall be subject to prior agreement between interested and affected administrations.  
b. The channels of the present Annex, with the exception of channels 06, 13, 15, 16, 17, 70, 75 and 76, may  
also be used for high-speed data and facsimile transmissions, subject to special arrangement between  
interested and affected administrations.  
c. The channels of the present Annex, but preferably channel 28 and with the exception of channels 06,  
13, 15, 16, 17, 70, 75 and 76, may be used for direct-printing telegraphy and data transmission, subject  
to special arrangement between interested and affected administrations.  
38  
Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual  
 
d. The frequencies in thisTable may also be used for radiocommunications on inland waterways in accord-  
ance with the conditions specified in No. 5.226. – 56 – 62238 IEC:2003(E)  
e. Administrations having an urgent need to reduce local congestion may apply 12,5 kHz channel interleav-  
ing on a non-interference basis to 25 kHz channels, provided:  
– Recommendation ITU-R M.1084-2 shall be taken into account when changing to 12,5 kHz channels;  
– it shall not affect the 25 kHz channels of the present Annex maritime mobile distress and safety fre-  
quencies, especially the channels 06, 13, 15, 16, 17, and 70, nor the technical characteristics mentioned  
in Recommendation ITU-R M.489-2 for those channels;  
– implementation of 12,5 kHz channel interleaving and consequential national requirements shall be  
subject to prior agreement between the implementing administrations and administrations whose ship  
stations or services may be affected.  
Specific notes  
f.  
The frequency 156,300 MHz (channel 06) (see No. 51.79 and Appendices 13 and 15) may also be used for  
communication between ship stations and aircraft stations engaged in coordinated search and rescue  
operations. Ship stations shall 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.  
g. Channels 15 and 17 may also be used for on-board communications provided the effective radiated  
power does not exceed 1 W, and subject to the national regulations of the administration concerned  
when these channels are used in its territorial waters.  
h. Within the European Maritime Area and in Canada, these frequencies (channels 10, 67, 73) may also  
be used, if so required, 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, under the conditions specified in Nos. 51.69, 51.73, 51.74, 51.75,  
51.76, 51.77 and 51.78.  
i.  
The preferred first three frequencies for the purpose indicated in Note a) are 156,450 MHz (channel  
09),156,625 MHz (channel 72) and 156,675 MHz (channel 73).  
j.  
Channel 70 is to be used exclusively for digital selective calling for distress, safety and calling.  
k. Channel 13 is designated for use on a worldwide basis as a navigation safety communication channel,  
primarily for intership navigation safety communications. It may also be used for the ship movement  
and port operations service subject to the national regulations of the administrations concerned.  
l.  
These channels (AIS 1 and AIS 2) will be used for an automatic ship identification and surveillance system  
capable of providing worldwide operation on high seas, unless other frequencies are designated on a  
regional basis for this purpose.  
m. These channels may be operated as single frequency channels, subject to special arrangement between  
interested or affected administrations. (WRC-2000)  
n. The use of these channels (75 and 76) should be restricted to navigation-related communications only  
and all precautions should be taken to avoid harmful interference to channel 16, e.g. by limiting the  
output power to 1 W or by means of geographical separation.  
o. These channels may be used to provide bands for initial testing and the possible future introduction  
of new technologies, subject to special arrangement between interested or affected administrations.  
Stations using these channels or bands for the testing and the possible future introduction of new  
technologies shall not cause harmful interference to, and shall not claim protection from, other stations  
operating in accordance with Article 5. (WRC-2000)  
39  
Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual  
 
C.2 USA Channel Chart  
CH  
SEND  
(MHz)  
RECEIVE TRAFFIC TYPE  
(MHz)  
SHIP SHIP NAME TAG  
TO TO  
SHIP SHORE  
01A 156.050 156.050  
03A 4 156.150 156.150  
05A 156.250 156.250  
Port Operations, Selected VTS Areas  
US Government, Coast Guard  
Port Operations, Selected VTS Areas  
Inter-ship Safety  
Yes Yes  
PORT OPS/VTS  
UNAUTHORIZED  
PORT OPS/VTS  
SAFETY  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes Yes  
Yes No  
Yes Yes  
Yes No  
Yes Yes  
Yes Yes  
Yes Yes  
Yes Yes  
06  
156.300 156.300  
07A 156.350 156.350  
Commercial  
COMMERCIAL  
COMMERCIAL  
CALLING  
08  
09  
10  
11  
12  
156.400 156.400  
156.450 156.450  
156.500 156.500  
156.550 156.550  
156.600 156.600  
Commercial (inter-ship only)  
Recreational Calling Channel  
Commercial  
COMMERCIAL  
VTS  
Commercial, VTS in Selected Areas  
Port Operations, Selected VTS Areas  
PORT OPS/VTS  
BRIDGE COM  
13 3 156.650 156.650  
Intership Navigation Safety (bridge- Yes No  
to-bridge), 1W with Power-up  
14  
15 2 RX Only 156.750  
16 156.800 156.800  
156.700 156.700  
Port Operations, Selected VTS Areas  
Environmental, RX Only  
Yes Yes  
PORT OPS/VTS  
------ ------ ENVIROMENTAL  
International Distress, Safety, and  
Calling  
Yes Yes  
DISTRESS  
17 1 156.850 156.850  
18A 156.900 156.900  
19A 156.950 156.950  
State Controlled – 1W Only  
Commercial  
Yes Yes  
Yes Yes  
Yes Yes  
SAR  
COMMERCIAL  
COMMERCIAL  
PORT OPS  
Commercial  
20  
157.000 161.600  
Port Operations, Canadian Coast  
Guard, Duplex  
No  
Yes  
20A 157.000 157.000  
21A 4 157.050 157.050  
Port Operations  
Yes Yes  
Yes Yes  
PORT OPS  
U.S. Government, Canadian Coast  
Guard  
UNAUTHORIZED  
22A 157.100 157.100  
23A 4 157.150 157.150  
Coast Guard Liaison  
Yes Yes  
COAST GUARD  
UNAUTHORIZED  
TELEPHONE  
U.S. Government, Coast Guard  
Yes  
Yes  
24  
25  
26  
27  
28  
157.200 161.800  
157.250 161.850  
157.300 161.900  
157.350 161.950  
157.400 162.000  
Public Correspondence, Marine  
Operator  
No  
Yes  
Public Correspondence, Marine  
Operator  
No  
No  
No  
No  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
TELEPHONE  
TELEPHONE  
TELEPHONE  
TELEPHONE  
Public Correspondence, Marine  
Operator  
Public Correspondence, Marine  
Operator  
Public Correspondence, Marine  
Operator  
40  
Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual  
 
CH  
SEND  
(MHz)  
RECEIVE TRAFFIC TYPE  
(MHz)  
SHIP SHIP NAME TAG  
TO TO  
SHIP SHORE  
61A 4 156.075 156.075  
63A 156.175 156.175  
64A 4 156.225 156.225  
U.S. Government, Canadian Coast  
Guard  
Yes Yes  
UNAUTHORIZED  
PORT OPS/VTS  
UNAUTHORIZED  
Port Operations, VTS in Selected  
Areas  
Yes Yes  
Yes Yes  
U.S. Government, Canadian  
Commercial Fishing  
65A 156.275 156.275  
66A 156.325 156.325  
67 3 156.375 156.375  
Port Operations  
Port Operations  
Yes Yes  
Yes Yes  
Yes No  
PORT OPS  
PORT OPS  
BRIDGE COM  
Commercial, bridge-to-bridge, 1W  
with Power-up  
68  
69  
156.425 156.425  
156.475 156.475  
Boat Operations, Recreational  
Boat Operations, Recreational  
Digital Selective Calling - DSC  
Boat Operations, Recreational  
Boat Operations, Recreational  
Port Operations  
Yes No  
Yes Yes  
------ ------  
Yes Yes  
Yes No  
Yes Yes  
Yes Yes  
Yes Yes  
Yes No  
Yes Yes  
Yes Yes  
SHIP - SHIP  
PLEASURE  
DSC  
70 6 156.525 156.525  
71  
72  
73  
74  
156.575 156.575  
156.625 156.625  
156.675 156.675  
156.725 156.725  
PLEASURE  
SHIP - SHIP  
PORT OPS  
PORT OPS  
PORT OPS  
SHIP - SHIP  
COMMERCIAL  
COMMERCIAL  
UNAUTHORIZED  
Port Operations  
77 1 156.875 156.875  
78A 156.925 156.925  
79A 156.975 156.975  
80A 157.025 157.025  
81A 4 157.075 157.075  
Port Operations –1W Only  
Boat Operations, Recreational  
Commercial  
Commercial  
U.S. Government, Environmental  
Protection Agency Operations  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
No  
No  
No  
No  
No  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
82A 4 157.125 157.125  
U.S. Government, Canadian Coast  
Guard  
UNAUTHORIZED  
UNAUTHORIZED  
TELEPHONE  
83A 4 157.175 157.175  
U.S. Government, Canadian Coast  
Guard  
84  
85  
86  
87  
88  
157.225 161.825  
157.275 161.875  
157.325 161.925  
157.375 161.975  
157.425 162.025  
Public Correspondence, Marine  
Operator  
Public Correspondence, Marine  
Operator  
TELEPHONE  
Public Correspondence, Marine  
Operator  
TELEPHONE  
Public Correspondence, Marine  
Operator  
TELEPHONE  
Public Correspondence, Marine  
Operator  
TELEPHONE  
88A 157.425 157.425  
Commercial, Intership Only  
Yes No  
COMMERCIAL  
Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual  
41  
 
WEATHER  
Wx01  
Wx02  
Wx03  
Wx04  
Wx05  
Wx06  
Wx07  
Wx08  
Wx09  
Wx10  
MHz  
TRAFFIC TYPE  
NAME TAG  
------ ------ NOAA WX  
------ ------ NOAA WX  
------ ------ NOAA WX  
------ ------ NOAA WX  
------ ------ NOAA WX  
------ ------ NOAA WX  
------ ------ NOAA WX  
------ ------ CANADA WX  
------ ------ CANADA WX  
------ ------ NOAA WX  
RX Only 162.550 NOAA WEATHER CHANNEL  
RX Only 162.400 NOAA WEATHER CHANNEL  
RX Only 162.475 NOAA WEATHER CHANNEL  
RX Only 162.425 NOAA WEATHER CHANNEL  
RX Only 162.450 NOAA WEATHER CHANNEL  
RX Only 162.500 NOAA WEATHER CHANNEL  
RX Only 162.525 NOAA WEATHER CHANNEL  
RX Only 161.650 CANADIAN WEATHER CHANNEL  
RX Only 161.775 CANADIAN WEATHER CHANNEL  
RX Only 163.275 NOAA WEATHER CHANNEL  
SPECIAL NOTES ON USA CHANNEL USAGE  
1. LOW POWER (1 W) only.  
2. Receive Only.  
3. LOW POWER (1W) initially. Override to HIGH POWER by holding down H/L key before transmitting. Used  
normally in bridge-to-bridge communications.  
4. Lightly Shaded Simplex channels 03A, 21A, 23A, 61A, 64A, 81A, 82A, and 83A cannot be lawfully used in  
U.S. waters unless special authorization is obtained from the U.S. Coast Guard. Not for use by the general  
public.  
5. The letter“A”illuminated by the channel number indicates the USA channel is simplex.This same channel  
is always duplex when selecting International. There is no “A” reference for International channels. The  
letterBis only used for some CanadianReceive Onlychannels.  
6. Channel 70 is designated for use exclusively for Digital Selective Calling (DSC), such as Distress, Safety,  
and Ship Calls. No voice communication is allowed on CH70.  
42  
Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual  
 
C-3 CANADA Channel CHART  
CH SEND  
(MHz)  
RECEIVE TRAFFIC TYPE  
(MHz)  
SHIP SHIP TO NAME TAG  
TO  
SHORE  
SHIP  
01  
02  
03  
156.050 160.650  
156.100 160.700  
156.150 160.750  
Public Correspondence, Duplex  
Public Correspondence, Duplex  
Public Correspondence, Duplex  
Canadian Coast Guard, SAR  
No  
No  
No  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
TELEPHONE  
TELEPHONE  
TELEPHONE  
CANADIAN CG  
PORT OPS/VTS  
04A 156.200 156.200  
05A 156.250 156.250  
Port Operations, VTS in Selected  
Areas  
06  
156.300 156.300  
Inter-ship Safety  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
No  
Yes  
No  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
SAFETY  
07A 156.350 156.350  
Commercial  
COMMERCIAL  
COMMERCIAL  
CALLING  
08  
09  
10  
11  
12  
156.400 156.400  
156.450 156.450  
156.500 156.500  
156.550 156.550  
156.600 156.600  
Commercial (inter-ship only)  
Recreational Calling Channel  
Commercial  
COMMERCIAL  
VTS  
Commercial, VTS in Selected Areas Yes  
Port Operations, VTS in Selected  
Areas  
Yes  
PORT OPS/VTS  
13 3 156.650 156.650  
14 156.700 156.700  
Intership Navigation Safety (bridge- Yes  
to-bridge) 1W with power-up  
No  
BRIDGE COM  
Port Operations, VTS in Selected  
Areas  
Yes  
Yes  
PORT OPS/VTS  
15 1 156.750 156.750  
16 156.800 156.800  
Commercial – 1W Only  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
COMMERCIAL  
DISTRESS  
International Distress, Safety, and Yes  
Calling  
17 1 156.850 156.850  
18A 156.900 156.900  
19A 156.950 156.950  
20 1 157.000 161.600  
State Controlled – 1W Only  
Commercial  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
SAR  
COMMERCIAL  
CANADIAN CG  
CANADIAN CG  
Canadian Coast Guard  
Canadian Coast Guard, Duplex– 1W No  
Only  
21  
157.050 161.650  
Port Operations, Duplex  
No  
Yes  
Yes  
PORT OPS  
21A 157.050 157.050  
U.S. Government, Canadian Coast Yes  
Guard  
UNAUTHORIZED  
21B RX Only 161.650  
22A 157.100 157.100  
Port Operations, RX Only  
------ ------  
PORT OPS  
Canadian Coast Guard Liaison  
Public Correspondence, Duplex  
Public Correspondence, Duplex  
Public Correspondence, Duplex  
Public Correspondence, RX Only  
Public Correspondence, Duplex  
Public Correspondence, Duplex  
Public Correspondence, Duplex  
Yes  
No  
No  
No  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
CANADIAN CG  
TELEPHONE  
TELEPHONE  
TELEPHONE  
TELEPHONE  
TELEPHONE  
TELEPHONE  
TELEPHONE  
23  
24  
25  
157.150 161.750  
157.200 161.800  
157.250 161.850  
25B RX Only 161.850  
------ ------  
26  
27  
28  
157.300 161.900  
157.350 161.950  
157.400 162.000  
No  
No  
No  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual  
43  
 
CH SEND  
(MHz)  
RECEIVE TRAFFIC TYPE  
(MHz)  
SHIP SHIP TO NAME TAG  
TO  
SHORE  
SHIP  
28B RX Only 162.000  
60 156.025 160.625  
Public Correspondence, RX Only  
Public Correspondence, Duplex  
------ ------  
TELEPHONE  
No  
Yes  
TELEPHONE  
61A 4 156.075 156.075  
U.S. Government, Canadian Coast  
Guard  
Yes  
Yes  
UNAUTHORIZED  
62A 156.125 156.125  
Canadian Coast Guard  
Yes  
No  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
CANADIAN CG  
TELEPHONE  
64  
156.225 160.825  
Public Correspondence, Duplex  
64A 4 156.225 156.225  
U.S. Government, Canadian  
Commercial Fishing  
UNAUTHORIZED  
65A 156.275 156.275  
66A 1 156.325 156.325  
Port Operations  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
No  
No  
Yes  
PORT OPS  
Port Operations – 1W Only  
Commercial, SAR  
PORT OPS  
67  
68  
69  
156.375 156.375  
156.425 156.425  
156.475 156.475  
COMMERCIAL  
SHIP - SHIP  
COMMERCIAL  
DSC  
Boat Operations, Recreational  
Commercial Fishing Only  
Digital Selective Calling - DSC  
Boat Operations, Recreational  
Intership  
70 6 156.525 156.525  
------ ------  
71  
72  
73  
74  
156.575 156.575  
156.625 156.625  
156.675 156.675  
156.725 156.725  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
No  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
No  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
PLEASURE  
SHIP - SHIP  
COMMERCIAL  
COMMERCIAL  
PORT OPS  
Commercial Fishing Only  
Commercial Fishing Only  
Port Operations –1W Only  
Boat Operations, Recreational  
Commercial  
77 1 156.875 156.875  
78A 156.925 156.925  
79A 156.975 156.975  
80A 157.025 157.025  
81A 4 157.075 157.075  
82A 4 157.125 157.125  
SHIP - SHIP  
COMMERCIAL  
COMMERCIAL  
UNAUTHORIZED  
UNAUTHORIZED  
Commercial  
U.S. Government Operations  
U.S. Government, Canadian Coast  
Guard  
83  
157.175 161.775  
Canadian Coast Guard  
Yes  
Yes  
CANADIAN CG  
83A 4 157.175 157.175  
U.S. Government, Canadian Coast  
Guard  
Yes  
Yes  
UNAUTHORIZED  
83B RX Only 161.775  
Canadian Coast Guard, RX Only  
------ ------  
CANADIAN CG  
TELEPHONE  
84  
85  
86  
87  
88  
157.225 161.825  
157.275 161.875  
157.325 161.925  
157.375 161.975  
157.425 162.025  
Public Correspondence, Marine  
Operator  
No  
No  
No  
No  
No  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Public Correspondence, Marine  
Operator  
TELEPHONE  
TELEPHONE  
TELEPHONE  
TELEPHONE  
Public Correspondence, Marine  
Operator  
Public Correspondence, Marine  
Operator  
Public Correspondence, Marine  
Operator  
44  
Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual  
 
WEATHER  
Wx01  
Wx02  
Wx03  
Wx04  
Wx05  
Wx06  
Wx07  
Wx08  
Wx09  
Wx10  
MHz  
TRAFFIC TYPE  
NAME TAG  
------ ------ NOAA WX  
------ ------ NOAA WX  
------ ------ NOAA WX  
------ ------ NOAA WX  
------ ------ NOAA WX  
------ ------ NOAA WX  
------ ------ NOAA WX  
------ ------ CANADA WX  
------ ------ CANADA WX  
------ ------ NOAA WX  
RX Only 162.550 NOAA WEATHER CHANNEL  
RX Only 162.400 NOAA WEATHER CHANNEL  
RX Only 162.475 NOAA WEATHER CHANNEL  
RX Only 162.425 NOAA WEATHER CHANNEL  
RX Only 162.450 NOAA WEATHER CHANNEL  
RX Only 162.500 NOAA WEATHER CHANNEL  
RX Only 162.525 NOAA WEATHER CHANNEL  
RX Only 161.650 CANADIAN WEATHER CHANNEL  
RX Only 161.775 CANADIAN WEATHER CHANNEL  
RX Only 163.275 NOAA WEATHER CHANNEL  
SPECIAL NOTES ON CANADA CHANNEL USAGE  
1. LOW POWER (1 W) only.  
2. Receive Only.  
3. LOW POWER (1W) initially. Override to HIGH POWER by holding down H/L key before transmitting. Used  
normally in bridge-to-bridge communications.  
4. Lightly Shaded Simplex channels 21A, 23A, 61A, 64A, 81A, 82A, and 83A cannot be lawfully used in  
Canada waters unless special authorization is obtained from the Canadian Coast Guard. Not for use by  
the general public.  
5. The letter “A” illuminated by the channel number indicates the Canada channel is simplex. This same  
channel is always duplex when selecting International.There is no“A”reference for International channels.  
The letterBis only used for some CanadianReceive Onlychannels.  
6. Channel 70 is designated for use exclusively for Digital Selective Calling (DSC), such as Distress, Safety,  
and Ship Calls. No voice communication is allowed on CH70.  
7. The CANADA mode is not legal to use in U.S. waters.  
Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual  
45  
 
C-4 EU INLAND WATERWAY CHANNELS Country Specific  
For specific channel information for your country, please refer to local authorities.  
CH  
SPECIFIC  
FOOTNOTES  
T
RANSMITTING  
SHIP-TO-SHIP SHIP-TOPORT NAUT.INFORM  
FREQUENCY (MHZ)  
SHIP  
156.025  
156.05  
156.075  
156.1  
LAND  
160.625  
160.65  
160.675  
160.7  
60  
1
a)  
a)  
x
x
61  
2
a)  
x
a)  
x
62  
3
a)  
156.125  
156.15  
156.175  
156.2  
160.725  
160.75  
160.775  
160.8  
x
a)  
x
63  
4
a)  
x
a)  
x
64  
5
a)  
156.225  
156.25  
156.275  
156.3  
160.825  
160.85  
160.875  
156.3  
x
a)  
x
65  
6
a)  
x
a) b)  
a)  
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
66  
7
156.325  
156.35  
156.375  
156.4  
160.925  
160.95  
156.375  
156.4  
a)  
67  
8
a) c)  
a) q)  
a)  
68  
9
156.425  
156.45  
156.475  
156.5  
156.425  
156.45  
156.475  
156.5  
a) b) c)  
a)  
69  
10  
70  
e)  
a)  
156.525  
156.525  
Digital selective calling for distress,  
saftey and calling  
11  
71  
12  
72  
13  
73  
14  
74  
15  
75  
16  
76  
156.55  
156.575  
156.6  
156.55  
156.575  
156.6  
x
x
x
a) r)  
f)  
156.625  
156.65  
156.675  
156.7  
156.625  
156.65  
156.675  
156.7  
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
f) g)  
q)  
a)  
156.725  
156.75  
156.775  
156.8  
156.725  
156.75  
156.775  
156.8  
h)  
o)  
i)  
j) d) o)  
156.825  
156.825  
46  
Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual  
 
17  
77  
18  
78  
19  
79  
20  
80  
21  
81  
22  
82  
23  
83  
24  
84  
25  
85  
26  
86  
27  
87  
28  
88  
AIS 1  
AIS 2  
h)  
156.85  
156.875  
156.9  
156.85  
156.875  
161.5  
x
a) k)  
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
156.925  
156.95  
156.975  
157  
161.525  
161.55  
161.575  
161.6  
a)  
157.025  
157.05  
157.075  
157.1  
161.625  
161.65  
161.675  
161.7  
a)  
a)  
l) m)  
m)  
157.125  
157.15  
157.175  
157.2  
161.725  
161.75  
161.775  
161.8  
a) m)  
m)  
m)  
157.225  
157.25  
157.275  
157.3  
161.825  
161.85  
161.875  
161.9  
m)  
a) m)  
m)  
a) m)  
m)  
157.325  
157.35  
157.375  
157.4  
161.925  
161.95  
157.375  
162  
a) d)  
m)  
a) p)  
a) n)  
a) n)  
157.425  
161.975  
162.025  
157.425  
161.975  
162.025  
Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual  
47  
 
1.1 General remarks to frequency table 1  
1.1.1 The channels for service categories ship-to-ship and nautical information may also be used for vessel  
traffic -systems by traffic centres.  
1.1.2 In some countries, frequencies certain channels are used for an other service category or other radio  
services. These countries are Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia,, the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Hungary,  
Moldova, Romania, the Russian Federation, the Slovak Republic, the Czech Republic (with exemption  
of channels 08, 09, 72, 74 and 86), Ukraine and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The Administrations  
concerned should make any possible attempt to make these frequencies channels as soon as possible  
available for the radiotelephone service on Inland Waterways and/or the required service category.  
1.2 Explanation of specific footnotes in frequency table 1  
a. In the countries mentioned under 1.1.2, it is strictly prohibited to use this channel.  
b. This channel is not allowed to be used between Rhine km 150 and km 350.  
c. In the Netherlands, this channel is used by for its on-scene communications during safety operations  
on the North Sea, IJsselmeer, Waddenzee, Ooster- and Westerschelde.  
d. This channel may also be used for piloting, mooring, tugging and for other nautical purposes.  
e. This channel is the first ship-to-ship channel, unless the competent authority has designated an other  
channel.  
In the countries mentioned under 1.1.2, it is allowed that the output power is set to a value between 6  
and 25 W until 1 January 2005.  
f.  
In the countries mentioned under 1.1.2, this channel is used for service category ship-to-port authori-  
ties.  
g. In the Netherlands, this channel is used by its national coastguard for communications during oil pollu-  
tion operations on the North Sea and for safety messages for the North Sea, Waddenzee, IJsselmeer,  
Ooster- and Westerschelde.  
h. This channel may be used only for service category on-boardon board communications.  
i. This channel may be used only for communications between seagoing vessels and participating land sta-  
tions in case of distress and safety communications within the maritime sea-areas.  
In the countries mentioned under 1.1.2, this channel may be used only for distress, safety and calling.  
j.  
k. This channel may be used for communications with a social character.  
l. In the Netherlands and Belgium, this channel may be used for transmitting messages  
The output power shall be reduced automatically to a value between 0.5 and 1 W.  
concerning  
bunkering and victualling. The output power has to be reduced manually to a value between 0.5 and- 1  
W.  
m. This channel may also be used for public correspondence.  
n. This channel will be used for an automatic ship identification and surveillance system (AIS) capable of  
providing worldwide operating on seas and Inland Waterways.  
o. The availability of this channel is on a voluntary basis. All existing equipment shall be capable to of  
operatinge on this channel within a ten-year period after the entry into force of this Arrangement.  
p. After permission of the competent authority, this channel may be used only for special events on a  
temporary basis.  
q. In the Czech Republic this channel is used for service category nautical information.  
r.  
In the Czech Republic this channel is used for service category ship-to-port authorities.  
48  
Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual  
 
Special Channels 2  
CH  
SEND  
(MHz)  
RECEIVE  
(MHz)  
TRAFFIC TYPE  
SHIP TO SHIP TO  
NAME TAG  
SHIP  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
No  
SHORE  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
No  
00 1 156.000 156.000  
M1 157.425 157.850  
M2 161.425 161.425  
UK Coast Guard Users  
UK Marina Channel M1  
UK Marina Channel M2  
INT’L, Duplex (Holland)  
INT’L (Belgium)  
UK COAST GRD  
UK MARINA  
UK MARINA  
NL MARINA  
BEL G MARINA  
LEISURE 1  
31  
157.550 162.150  
96H 162.425 162.425  
No  
L1  
L2  
L3  
155.500 155.500  
155.525 155.525  
155.650 155.650  
INT’L (Skandinavia)  
INT’L (Skandinavia)  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
No  
LEISURE 2  
INT’L (Skandinavia– not in  
Denmark)  
No  
LE ISURE3  
F1  
F2  
F3  
155.625 155.625  
155.775 155.775  
155.825 155.825  
INT’L (Skandinavia)  
INT’L (Skandinavia)  
INT’L (Skandinavia) call back  
AIS1  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
-----  
-----  
No  
FISHING 1  
FISHING 2  
FISHING 3  
-----  
No  
No  
AIS1 161.975 161.975  
AIS2 162.025 162.025  
-----  
-----  
AIS2  
-----  
Note:  
1. Lightly Shaded Simplex channel CH00 is only available in the UK to Coast Guard users with written  
authorization.  
2. The special channels above maybe fitted to your radio. These are only licensed for use in the country  
indicated. No atttempt should be made to use them in any other country.  
Appendix D - MMSID and License Information  
You must obtain a user MMSID (Marine Mobile Service Identity) and enter it into your 710 in order to use  
the DSC functions. Contact the appropriate authorities in your country. If you are unsure who to contact,  
consult your Northstar dealer.  
The user MMSID is a unique nine digit number, similar to a personal telephone number. It is used on marine  
transceivers that are capable of using DSC (Digital Select Calling).  
Depending upon your location, you may need a radio station license for the VHF 710. You may also need an  
individual operator’s license.  
Copyright © 2005 Brunswick NewTechnologies Inc. Northstar™ recommends that you check the require-  
ments of your national radio communications authorities before operating DSC functions.  
Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual  
49  
 
Section 7 - Installation Section  
2 x FUSES  
RED  
EXTERNAL SPEAKER  
BLACK  
2
3
BATTERY  
4
GPS NAVIGATION RECEIVER  
1
VHF ANTENNA  
Waterproof  
deck outlet  
This Northstar radio is designed to generate a digital maritime distress call to facilitate search and rescue. To be  
effective as a safety device, this radio must be used only within the geographic range of a shore-based VHF marine  
Channel 70 distress and safety watch system. The geographic range may vary but under normal conditions is ap-  
proximately 20 nautical miles.  
50  
Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual  
 
Checklist (pictured over)  
The following items should be supplied in the box. Check before starting the installation and contact your  
dealer if an item is missing. Note that an antenna is not provided with the VHF Radio. Consult your Northstar  
dealer for advice if necessary.  
1. Mounting gimbal for the VHF radio  
2. Power supply cable and external speaker connection cable  
3. Two mounting knobs  
4. Microphone bulkhead mount  
5. GPS connection cable  
6. Four self-tapping screws for the mounting gimbal  
7. Four flat screws for the mounting gimbal  
8. Four plain washers for the mounting gimbal  
9. Four spring washers for the mounting gimbal  
10. Four nuts for the mounting gimbal  
11. Two self-tapping screws for the microphone bulkhead mount  
12. Two flat screws for the microphone bulkhead mount  
13. Two plain washers for the microphone bulkhead mount  
14. Two spring washers for the microphone bulkhead mount  
15. Two nuts for the microphone bulkhead mount.  
Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual  
51  
 
Checklist (middle picture opposite)  
16. Two flush mount kit brackets  
17. Two M5x32 screws  
18. Two M5x10 screws  
19. Two lock nuts  
20. Two plastic bulkhead bushings.  
21. Installation template (not pictured)  
22. One 7 Amp spare fuse (not pictured) in case of accidental reverse of the battery polarity  
Installation Options  
There are two ways to install the radio. You can choose:  
a deck or overhead mounted gimbal installation. The reversible mounting gimbal is fixed to to a suitable  
site and the radio is placed into it. The radio can be removed for storage and the viewing angle can be  
adjusted.  
a recessed installation. The radio is recessed into a cavity cut into a bulkhead. The radio fixture is perma-  
nent and the viewing angle cannot be adjusted.  
Location Requirements - Please check these before doing any cutting or drilling.  
Whichever installation method you choose, ensure that the chosen location:  
is at least one metre (3') from the antenna  
allows easy connection to (at least) a 10 Amp fused 13.6V DC electrical source and the antenna  
is at least 45cms (1.5') from the compass to avoid creating magnetic deviation of the compass during  
radio operation  
has a suitable space close by for installing the microphone bulkhead mount  
provides easy access to the front panel controls  
provides reasonable access to the wiring at the back of the radio  
provides enough room to fix the DSC warning label (710US and 720US).  
52  
Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual  
 
Gimbal Installation  
1. Hold the mounting gimbal at the chosen location and use a soft pencil to mark the screw hole positions  
onto the mounting surface.  
2. If you cannot reach behind the mounting surface to attach the nuts, use the 5mm self-tapping screws  
instead of the flat screws shown in the picture. If you are drilling into fiberglass, use a drill bit smaller  
than 5mm to drill the pilot holes.  
Otherwise, drill the four screw holes where marked, using a 5mm (3/16”) drill bit. Drill completely through  
the mounting surface.  
3. Use a Philips screwdriver and the set of four flat screws, spring washers, plain washers, and nuts to attach  
the mounting gimbal to the location site.  
4. Slide the radio into the mounting gimbal.  
5. Insert the two mounting knobs through the holes and tighten them sufficiently to hold the radio at the  
desired viewing angle.  
Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual  
53  
 
Changing the Viewing Angle  
The viewing angle has a 20º tilt range. To change the current viewing angle on a gimbal mount:  
1. Support the radio then loosen the mounting knobs until the radio can be moved.  
2. Re-position the radio then tighten the mounting knobs again.  
Recessed Installation (picture below)  
1. Tape the installation template onto the chosen location site.  
2. Cut out the area marked by the solid dark line. (The dashed line indicates the total area that will be  
covered by the radio fascia after installation.)  
3. Remove the installation template and slide the radio into the cavity.  
4. Working from the rear of the bulkhead, align the racheted outstand on each side of the radio with the  
central hole in each mounting bracket.  
5. Use the two short M5x10 screws to screw the mounting brackets to the sides of the radio.  
6. Slide each M5x32 screw through the screw hole in the mounting bracket, then attach the lock nut and  
the stopper. If your bulkhead exceeds 13mm, the stopper nut can be discarded if necessary.  
7. Tighten the M5x32 screws until the radio is held against the rear of the bulkhead.  
8. Tighten up the lock nuts to secure the installation.  
Connecting the Radio  
There are three sockets at the rear of the radio, as shown. The combined power & speaker socket and the  
GPS socket have short connectors already in place but further electrical wiring is required at the rear of the  
radio.  
54  
Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual  
 
Connect the Radio Cables - Rear view of base unit  
2
3
1
4
1. VHF Antenna connection. (Antenna is not supplied.)  
2. Combined power and speaker cable. The end of the power cable splits in two:  
BLACK. Earth. Connect to the (-) NEGATIVE battery terminal.  
RED. Power. Connect to the (+) POSITIVE battery terminal. Check that a 10A fuse is installed on this  
power cable, close to the battery.  
3. External speaker cable.  
4. GPS connector cable.  
Wiring Details  
In case a cable is cut accidentally the pinouts are shown here for information only.  
Do not cut cables intentionally.  
Cable  
Pinout  
Color  
1
2
VHF Antenna  
Power  
1. 13.6V DC +  
Red (thick cable)  
Black (thick cable)  
White (thin cable)  
Black (thin cable)  
Yellow  
2. 13.6V DC -  
3
4
External speaker  
1. EXTERNAL SPK +  
2. EXTERNAL SPK -  
4. NMEA IN +  
GPS connector (pins used)  
5. NMEA IN -  
Green  
2. NMEA OUT +  
6. NMEA OUT -  
Orange  
Black  
Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual  
55  
 
User MMSID  
You must obtain a user MMSID (Marine Mobile Service Identity) and enter it into your 710 or 720 in order to  
use the DSC functions. Contact the appropriate authorities in your country. If you are unsure who to contact,  
consult your Northstar dealer. The user MMSID is a unique nine digit number, similiar to a personal telephone  
number. It is used on marine transceivers that are capable of using DSC (Digital Select Calling).  
You cannot make any DSC transmissions until you have obtained an MMSID and entered it into your 710  
or 720.  
Entering your user MMSID is ONCE ONLY operation.  
1. Press and hold CALL/MENU to display the menu.  
2. Press +CH- or rotate the knob to select DSC SETUP, then press ENT.  
3. Press ENT to select USER MMSID. A dashed line appears.  
4. Enter your user MMSID along the dashed line. Use an alphanumeric microphone or the +CH- key. Press  
ENT to confirm each correct entry.  
If you make an error, press - until < is displayed, then press ENT to backup and correct the entry.  
5. When your MMSID number is entered correctly, press ENT to store it.  
6. You must re-enter your MMSID again as a password check, then press ENT to store it permanently.  
You can view your stored MMSID anytime in the DSC SETUP screen.  
56  
Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual  
 
AMERICAS  
30 Sudbury Road,  
EUROPE  
Unit 2, Ocean Quay,  
Belvidere Rd, Southampton,  
SO14 5QY, ENGLAND  
Ph: +44 2380 339922  
Fax: +44 2380 330345  
Acton, MA 01720, USA  
Ph: +1 978.897.6600  
Ph: +1 800.628.4487  
Fax: +1 978.897.7241  
AUSTRALIA  
PO Box 479,  
NEW ZEALAND  
PO Box 68 155,  
Gladesville, NSW 2111,  
AUSTRALIA  
Newton, Auckland  
Auckland, NEW ZEALAND  
Ph: +64 9 481 0509  
Fax: +64 9 481 0590  
Ph: +61 2 9879 9060  
Fax: +61 2 9879 9009  
0560  
Designed in New Zealand  
Made in China  
MN000599A-G  
 

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