West Marine Two Way Radio VHF200 User Manual

VHF200 VHF Radio  
Owner’s Manual  
Table of Contents  
Introduction........................................2  
Service...............................................2  
Licensing............................................2  
LCD Description.................................3  
Turning the Radio On ........................3  
Adjusting the Volume.........................3  
Receive Mode....................................4  
Changing Channels ...........................4  
Channel Descriptions.........................5  
Changing Between USA,  
International and Canadian Modes....5  
Adjusting the Squelch........................6  
Transmitting a Signal.........................6  
Selecting the Transmit Power............7  
Battery Level Display.........................8  
Weather Mode ...................................9  
Weather Alert...................................10  
16/9 Operation .................................11  
Triple Watch Mode...........................12  
Scanning Channels..........................12  
STEP Mode .....................................15  
Keypad Lock....................................16  
Restore Factory Settings.................16  
Time Out Transmit Setting...............17  
Display Back-Light...........................17  
Battery Options for the VHF200 ......17  
Maintenance ....................................18  
Troubleshooting Guide.....................19  
USA Frequency Chart......................20  
International Frequency Chart.........21  
Canadian Frequency Chart .............22  
WX Frequency Chart.......................23  
Accessories and Parts.....................24  
Specifications...................................24  
Warnings and Safety Precautions ...25  
Emergency Communications...........26  
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LCD Description  
USA/INTERNATION-  
AL/CANADIAN (UIC)  
Mode display (page 5)  
Channel Number  
display (page 4)  
Battery Level display  
indicator (page 8)  
LCD Display  
Radio Status Display; shows long and short channel  
descriptions, warnings, and radio information (page 5)  
Shown when channel is in scan  
memory (page 14)  
Shown when medium transmit  
power is selected (page 7)  
MEM  
STEP  
TRI  
M
Shown when radio is in STEP  
mode (page 15)  
Shown when low transmit  
power is selected (page 7)  
L
Shown when Triple Watch has  
been selected (Page 12)  
Shown when keypad is locked  
(page 16)  
LOCK  
TX  
Shown when radio is in Weather  
(WX) Mode (page 9)  
Shown when transmitting (page  
6)  
WX  
Shown when radio is in Weather  
Alert Mode (page 10)  
Shown when radio is receiving a  
signal (page 3)  
ALERT  
BUSY  
1. Turning the Radio On  
Turn the Power/Volume Knob clockwise  
until it clicks. The radio will power up in  
the same condition as it was last used.  
The last Channel Mode (USA/INT/CAN),  
Channel, TX Power, Key Lock, Squelch  
Level, etc. are restored. The Radio Status  
Display will show POWER ON. (Fig. 1)  
2. Adjusting the Volume  
Turn the Volume Knob clockwise to  
increase volume and counterclockwise to  
decrease volume.  
Fig. 1: Power On Display  
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3. Receive Mode  
When the radio receives a signal, the  
Radio Status Display will show the mes-  
sage RECEIVE (Fig. 3a) for three sec-  
onds before reverting to the channel  
description. The BUSY indicator will also  
be shown. This is an indication that you  
should not transmit until the BUSY indi-  
cator is not showing.  
When the signal ceases the radio will dis-  
Fig. 3a: Receive Display  
play STAND BY. (Fig. 3b)  
After three seconds, the display  
returns to the channel name.  
Fig. 3b: Stand By Display  
4. Changing Channels  
To change channels, press the or ▼  
keys.  
If the or key is pressed for  
more than one second, the channel  
will change rapidly.  
The radio displays memory status  
and TX Power status of the channel  
as you change the channels. (Fig. 4)  
Fig. 4: Channel number and memory status  
4
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5. Channel Descriptions  
The Radio Status Display indicates the  
type of channel you have selected with  
both a long and a short description. (Fig.  
5) The long description will scroll from  
right to left, and will be replaced by a  
shorter description that stays in the Radio  
Status Display. There is no universal  
agreement on how to describe each chan-  
nel, and some channels have different  
purposes depending on where you’re  
located in the US, but we’ve done our  
best to provide helpful information. See  
the appendix for a complete list of long  
and short channel descriptions (pp. 20-23)  
Fig. 5: Current Channel, MAR OPER Display  
Channels used by recreational boaters  
for ship to ship conversations are list-  
ed as NON-COMMERCIAL in the  
description. Examples are Channels  
68, 69, 71, and 72.  
6. Changing Between  
USA, International,  
and Canadian Modes  
Different areas of the world use different  
VHF frequencies, although the channel  
designation (1–88) may be the same.  
There are three modes: USA,  
International, and Canadian. Press and  
hold the UIC key for two seconds to  
change from USA to International to  
Canadian Modes in turn.  
Fig. 6a: Selecting USA Mode  
When Country Mode is changed,  
Channel 16 is automatically selected,  
not the last channel used. (Fig.  
6a–6c)  
The Radio Status Display will verify  
your selection with SEL USA, SEL  
INTERNATIONAL, and SEL  
CANADIAN.  
Fig. 6b: Select  
Fig. 6c: Select  
International Mode  
Canadian Mode  
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7. Adjusting the  
Squelch  
The Squelch Control reduces the static  
and noise heard on the radio, but allows  
strong signals to be heard clearly. To  
adjust the squelch setting, press the  
SQL/UIC key quickly. The Radio Status  
Display will show SQL - 0X, where X is  
the current squelch setting. (Fig. 7a) Press  
the or keys to adjust the squelch set-  
ting from 00 to 08. Higher settings allow  
only stronger signals will be heard, while  
lower settings allow weak signals to be  
received (and possibly annoying static).  
Generally, the squelch control should be  
set for the lowest setting that eliminates  
unwanted static.  
Fig. 7a: Squelch Level Setting Mode  
Level 00 allows all signals to be  
heard.  
After no buttons are pressed for 3  
seconds, the radio will return to nor-  
mal receiving mode and the Radio  
Status Display will show SQUELCH  
LEVEL CHANGED. (Fig. 7b)  
Fig. 7b: Squelch Level Changed display  
8. Transmitting a Signal  
To transmit a signal, press the Push-To-  
Talk (PTT) button on the left side of the  
radio. When PTT button is released, the  
radio returns to Receive Mode.  
As soon as the PTT key is pressed,  
the Radio Status Display will show  
the transmit power selected. (Fig. 8a)  
Fig. 8a: Transmitting at High Transmit Power  
6
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When the PTT key is released, the  
Radio Status Display will show TX  
END (Fig. 8b)  
You cannot transmit on receive-only  
channels like the weather channels or  
Channels 15 and 70. If you try, an  
error tone will sound, the channel  
number and TX indicator will blink  
three times and the Radio Status  
Display will show REC ONLY (Fig  
8c). After 3 seconds, the radio returns  
to the normal display, then goes back  
to the normal display.  
Fig. 8b: Transmission Ended Display  
Blinking  
If the PTT button is pressed when  
the battery condition is low, the radio  
will send one last transmission, then  
it will sound the Error Beep Tone  
with BAT LO display. No further  
transmission will be allowed. See  
page 8.  
9. Selecting the  
Transmit Power  
By law, Marine VHF radios must be able  
to transmit at 1 watt power as well as the  
radio’s maximum transmit power. The  
West Marine VHF200 radio actually has  
three transmit powers: 5 watts (HI), 1  
watt (MED), and 0.5 watts (LOW).  
Fig. 8c: Message shown when trying to transmit  
on a receive-only channel  
The general rule is to use the lowest  
transmit power that results in clear com-  
munications with whomever you are com-  
municating. At distances less than a mile,  
for example, 0.5 watts may result in clear  
and consistent communications, and will  
have the benefit of greatly extended bat-  
tery life.  
Pressing the H/L key will change the  
transmit power from 5 watts (HI) to 1  
watt (MED) to 0.5 watts (LOW) and back  
to 5 watts with each press. The Radio  
Status Display will indicate the newly  
selected transmit power as follows:  
When High Power is selected, the  
bottom of the screen will Radio  
Fig. 9a: High Power Display  
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Status Display will show XMIT HI  
for three seconds. (Fig. 9a)  
When Medium Power is selected, the  
Radio Status Display will show  
XMIT MED for three seconds and the  
M indicator will show. (Fig. 9b)  
When Low Power is selected, the  
Radio Status Display will show  
XMIT LOW for three seconds and  
the L indicator will show. (Fig. 9c)  
Certain channels are limited by law to 1  
watt transmit power: USA Mode Channel  
13, 17, 67, 77; INT Mode Channel 15, 17;  
CAN Mode Channel 13, 15, 17, 20, 66,  
77. Therefore, the radio will automatically  
select 1 watt power when operating on  
these channels, and efforts to change the  
transmit power will result in the error tone.  
Fig. 9b: Medium Power Display  
You cannot change the transmit  
power setting on channels which are  
receive-only channels: all weather  
channels; USA Mode Channel 15,  
70; INT Mode Channel 70; CAN  
Mode Channel 70.  
Fig. 9c: Low Power Display  
Pressing the H/L key while scanning  
or while in the Weather Mode will  
result in the error tone and transmit  
power will not change.  
10. Battery Level Display  
The battery level is checked periodically  
and is shown using the Battery Level  
Indicator (1–3 bars). More bars indicate  
more battery capacity is left.  
When the battery capacity is very  
low, the low battery warning alarm  
will sound every 10 seconds, the low  
battery message LOW BATT will be  
shown on the Radio Status Display,  
and the battery indicator will blink.  
(Fig. 10)  
Blinking  
Fig. 10: Low Battery Warning Display  
When the low battery warning mes-  
sage is displayed, the radio allows  
one final transmission but it will not  
allow further transmissions.  
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11. Weather Mode  
Virtually all areas of the US and many  
areas around the world are covered by  
VHF weather reports on one of 10 chan-  
nels. These reports provide current condi-  
tions, forecasts, and warnings of danger-  
ous weather 24 hours per day.  
Press and release the WX/ALERT key to  
toggle between Weather and Marine  
Modes. In Weather Mode the Radio  
Status Display will show WX MODE for  
three seconds and the WX indicator will  
be shown. (Fig. 11a) When switching  
back to Marine Mode, the Radio Status  
Display will show USA MODE or INT  
MODE or CAN MODE for three sec-  
onds. (Fig. 11b)  
Fig. 11a: Weather Mode Display  
While in Weather Mode, use the or  
keys to select from ten weather  
channels. Most areas of the US are  
covered by Weather Channels 01, 02,  
and 03. The Radio Status Display  
will verify which channel you’ve  
selected (WEATHER1) as you  
change channels.  
Fig. 11b: Marine Mode Display  
If you press the 16/9/TRI key while  
in weather Mode, the radio will  
change from the current weather  
channel to Channel 16, then to  
Channel 9, and then back to the  
weather channel. The WX indicator  
will flash, indicating that you are still  
in weather Mode, while listening to  
Channels 16 and 9.  
While in Weather Mode, the MEM,  
UIC, SCAN, H/L keys will not work.  
If they are pressed , the radio will  
sound an error tone.  
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12. Weather Alert  
Weather Alert is a safety function that  
allows the radio to monitor the local  
weather channel for NOAA Weather  
Alerts, while allowing you to listen to  
other channels.  
To set or cancel the Weather Alert func-  
tion, press and hold the WX/ALERT key.  
The display will switch from the current  
channel display (Fig. 12a) to the Weather  
Alert display for three seconds. The Radio  
Status Display will show WX ALERT  
ON. After three seconds, the display will  
switch back to the current channel dis-  
play. (Fig. 12b)  
Fig. 12a: Normal Channel Display  
While in Weather Alert Mode, the radio  
will check the last-used weather channel  
for alert tones every seven seconds. When  
an alert tone is detected, the radio will  
cancel the Alert option and change to the  
weather channel. It will also sound an  
alert detect alarm at maximum volume for  
10 seconds.  
If you’re using Weather Mode, and  
the Alert option is on, the radio will  
mute the speaker even though there is  
a signal, until an alert tone is detect-  
ed. This allows you to be aware of  
alerts, but without having to listen to  
the weather continuously. (Fig. 12c)  
Fig. 12b: Weather Alert On  
When an alert tone is detected, the  
Scan and Triple Watch functions are  
cancelled.  
Fig. 12c: Weather Alert Display in Weather  
Mode  
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13. 16/9 Operation  
By pressing the 16/9/TRI key briefly, the  
radio will change from Channel 16 to  
Channel 9 and back to the start channel.  
For example, if the start channel is  
Channel 24, pressing the 16/9/TRI will  
change the channel from 24 to 16 to 9 and  
back to 24. (Fig. 13a–13c)  
If the 16/9/TRI key is pressed in  
Weather Mode, Weather Mode is  
paused temporally and the radio will  
change from Channel 16 to Channel  
09 to Weather Mode in turn. While  
Channel 16 and 09 are displayed, the  
WX icon will blink to indicate that  
Weather Mode is temporally paused.  
Fig. 13a: Current Channel, MAR OPER Display  
If the 16/9/TRI key is pressed while  
scanning, scanning is paused tem-  
porarily and it changes from  
Scanning Mode to Channel 16 to  
Channel 09 to Scanning Mode in  
turn.  
Fig. 13b: Channel 16, DISTRESS Display  
If the 16/9/TRI key is pressed in  
Triple Watch, Triple Watch operation  
is paused temporarily and it changes  
from Triple Watch to Channel 16 to  
Channel 09 and back to Triple Watch  
in turn.  
Fig. 13c: Channel 9, NON COML Display  
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14. Triple Watch  
Triple Watch is a handy feature that lets  
you monitor a channel of interest to you,  
yet maintain a watch on Channels 9 and  
16. Let’s say you need to monitor  
Channel 15, the Environmental Channel,  
but don’t want to miss important safety or  
distress messages on Channel 16. Simply  
select Channel 15 with the or keys,  
then press and hold the 16/9/TRI key.  
The TRI icon will be displayed. Every  
two seconds, the radio will quickly moni-  
tor Channels 16 and 9 before returning to  
your selected channel. The Radio Status  
Display will show the three channels  
being monitored. (Fig. 14a)  
Fig. 14a: Triple Watch Display  
If there is traffic on Channel 9, the  
radio will monitor Channel 9 until  
the signal stops while checking  
Channel 16 every two seconds.  
(Fig. 14a)  
If there is traffic on Channel 16, the  
radio will monitor Channel 16 until  
the signal stops. (Fig. 14b)  
Fig. 14b: Triple Watch Display  
Pressing the or keys in Triple  
Watch will increment or decrement  
the monitored channel.  
15. Scanning Channels  
Scanning allows you to monitor the traffic  
or conversations on several channels in  
quick succession. This can be helpful if  
you’re trying to listing to fishing traffic  
on several channels, or need to monitor  
Race Committee traffic on Channels 68,  
69, and 71.  
As the radio detects traffic on any channel  
in its scan list, it will pause until three  
seconds after the last transmission, then  
continue scanning.  
Before you can scan channels, you need  
to store two or more channels into the  
radio’s scan memory.  
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Entering and removing chan-  
nels from memory  
Use the or keys to select a channel  
to enter into scan memory. Pressing the  
MEM key will enter the channel into the  
scan memory (Fig 15a), and the Radio  
Status Display will show MEM SET. If  
the channel is currently in the scan mem-  
ory, pressing the MEM key will remove it  
from the scan memory. (Fig. 15b) and the  
Radio Status Display will show MEM  
DEL.  
Fig. 15a: Channel 16 added to scan memory  
Pressing MEM in WX Mode doesn’t  
store the Weather Channel in memory  
and will result in the error tone.  
Pressing the MEM key while scan-  
ning will result in the error tone.  
Memory Scan Mode  
Memory Scan Mode scans the memorized  
channels in ascending (or descending)  
order. To enter Memory Scan Mode, press  
the SCAN key briefly. (Fig. 15c) If  
Channels 6, 16, 22, 68, and 72 have been  
entered into memory, the scan sequence  
will go from Channel 6 to 16 to 22 to 68  
to 72 to 6 to 16 and so on.  
Fig. 15b: Channel 16 deleted from scan mem.  
The Radio Status Display will show  
MEMORY SCAN followed by the list of  
channels in memory (in this case,  
Channels 6, 16, 22, 68, and 72).  
Pressing the SCAN key briefly stops  
Memory Scan Mode, and returns the  
radio to the channel which was selected  
prior to Memory Scan. The Radio Status  
Display will show SCAN STOP.  
Fig. 15c: Memory Channel Scan Display  
Priority Scan Mode  
Priority Scan Mode scans the memorized  
channels in ascending (or descending)  
order, but checks for traffic on Channel  
16 between each memory channel. This  
makes it more likely that you’ll be aware  
of important traffic on Channel 16.  
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To enter Priority Scan Mode, press and  
hold the SCAN key for two seconds. If  
Channels 6, 22, and 68 are entered into  
memory, the scan sequence will go from  
Channel 6 to 16 to 22 to 16 to 68 to 16 to  
6 to 16 and so on.  
The Radio Status Display will show PRI-  
ORITY SCAN followed by the list of  
channels in memory; in this case,  
Channels 6, 16, 22, 68, and 72. (Fig. 15d)  
Pressing the SCAN key stops Priority  
Scan Mode, and returns the radio to the  
channel which was selected prior to  
Priority Scan Mode. The Radio Status  
Display will show SCAN STOP.  
Fig. 15d: Priority Channel Scan Display  
Notes on Scanning  
You cannot scan channels while in  
Weather Mode.  
If you have not entered any channels  
into memory, the radio will sound the  
error tone when the SCAN key is  
pressed.  
If there is only one channel in memo-  
ry, the radio will beep and change to  
the that channel.  
If the PTT key is pressed while in  
Scanning Mode, but while the radio  
is stopped to receive traffic, the radio  
will transmit on the current channel.  
If the PTT key is pressed while scan-  
ning and the radio is not stopped for  
traffic, the radio will transmit on the  
channel which was shown on the  
radio’s display prior to pressing the  
SCAN key.  
You can change the order in which  
the channels are scanned by pressing  
the or keys while scanning.  
If the 16/9/TRI key is pressed  
briefly, the radio will switch from  
Channel 16 to Channel 9 and back to  
Scan Mode in turn.  
Pressing the WX key while scanning  
will change to Weather Channel Mode.  
14  
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Pressing the SQL/UIC key briefly  
(less than one second) while scan-  
ning, will change to Squelch Change  
Mode. The LCD display will show  
the squelch level and will continue to  
scan.  
If SQL/UIC key is pressed for over  
two seconds while scanning, the  
radio will stop scanning and change  
to Change Country Mode. (page 5)  
If the MEM key or the H/L key is  
pressed while scanning, the radio will  
make an error tone and the key press  
will be ignored.  
16. Step Mode  
Marine radios offer a wide range of chan-  
nels, but frequently there are only 5 to 10  
of interest to most recreational boaters.  
Step Mode allows you to work with only  
those channels in scan memory while  
ignoring others.  
Press and hold the MEM/STEP key to  
toggle the Step Mode on or off.  
When Step Mode is on (STEP icon  
appears), press the or keys to select  
the scan memory channels.  
Fig. 16a: Step On Display  
When Step Mode is selected, the  
Radio Status Display will show  
STEP ON for three seconds. (Fig.  
16a)  
When the Step Mode is deselected,  
the Radio Status Display will show  
STEP OFF for three seconds. (Fig  
16b) and the STEP indicator will  
turn off.  
Note: Step Mode can be confusing if  
you’re unaware that it is selected. If you  
can’t seem to select the channels that you  
want, check for the STEP indicator on  
the display. Press and hold MEM/STEP  
to exit Step Mode.  
Fig. 16b: Step Off Display  
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17. Keypad Lock  
There may be times when you don’t want  
to inadvertently press a key on the radio’s  
keypad. In this case, you can select  
Keypad Lock by pressing the I key  
(below the PTT key on the left hand side)  
for two seconds. This will cause the key-  
pad lock indicator two be shown, and the  
Radio Status Display will show KEY  
LOCK ON. (Fig. 18) While the keypad is  
locked, the keypad will not respond to  
Fig. 18: Key Lock Display Display  
key presses. Press the I key for another  
two seconds to unlock the keypad. This  
will extinguish the Lock indicator, and  
show KEY LOCK OFF on the Radio  
Status Display.  
When keys are locked, only the PTT  
key and I key function.  
Locking the keypad can be confus-  
ing. When the radio doesn’t seem to  
be operating properly, see if the  
LOCK indicator is on.  
18. Restore Factory  
Settings  
To reset all of the customized settings to  
the original factory settings, hold the  
16/9/TRI key down while turning on the  
radio. Customized settings and channels  
stored in memory will be lost when facto-  
ry settings are restored.  
Factory Settings  
Country Mode ……………………USA  
Last Used Channel …………Channel 16  
WX Mode ……………………Disabled  
Last Used WX Channel ………………01  
Key Lock ……………………Disabled  
Triple Watch ……………………Disabled  
WX Alert  
……………………Disabled  
STEP …………………………Disabled  
TX Output Power  
All Channel MEM  
………………High  
…………Disabled  
Squelch Level …………………………4  
TOT time ……………………5 minutes  
16  
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19. Time out Transmit  
Setting  
Nothing is more disruptive to Marine  
VHF communications than when some  
boater has his or her microphone PTT  
key pressed accidentally. The problem is  
that there is no way to notify him that the  
problem exists since the radio cannot  
receive traffic.  
Blinking  
The VHF200 has a Time Out Transmit  
feature that allows you to set a maximum  
period of PTT key press time before the  
radio will revert to Receive Mode. This is  
set at the factory at five minutes, but you  
can enter any value from one to twenty  
minutes, or turn off the feature entirely.  
Fig. 19a: TOT Set Display  
To change the Time Out Transmit setting,  
press and hold the MEM key and turn the  
power on. Set the TOT time by pressing  
the or keys. (Fig. 20a)  
The TOT Range is 00, 01–20.  
00=TOT off  
01=1 minute  
Fig. 19b: Transmit Time Exceeded display  
20=20 minutes  
After setting the TOT, press the PTT but-  
ton to save and exit to Receive Mode.  
If a transmission exceeds the TOT  
time, the radio will stop the transmis-  
sion and return to Receive Mode. The  
message TRANSMIT TIME  
EXCEEDED will show in the Radio  
Status Display at the bottom of the  
screen. (Fig. 20b)  
20. Display Back-Light  
If any key is pressed, the display and key-  
pad light will turn on and remain on for  
ten seconds after the last key press.  
21. Battery Options for  
the VHF200  
The VHF200 comes with both the BP200  
NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) recharge-  
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17  
able battery back as well as an BT200  
alkaline battery tray. For most use, the  
BP200 battery pack will provide conven-  
ient, long life service, and will operate  
your radio for approximately 12 hours on  
a charge. The length of service depends  
largely on how much time you spend  
transmitting, and what transmit power  
you use.  
When the radio and BP200 are placed in  
the RSC200 charger base and power is  
present, the LED on the front of the  
charger base will be red if the power is on  
but the radio is being charged, or green if  
the radio is fully charged.  
BT200 Alkaline Battery Pack  
The BT200 alkaline battery pack can be  
used as a backup to the BP200 battery  
pack when charging may not be possible  
or convenient. It holds 6 AA batteries.  
When the alkaline batteries have dis-  
charged, dispose of them safely. They  
cannot be recharged using the supplied  
chargers.  
Charging the BP200  
A feature of the NiMH pack is that you  
can recharge at any time. The standard  
charger SC200 will completely recharge  
the BP200 battery pack in approximately  
12 hours. If you need the radio prior to a  
full charge, you can remove it from the  
charger base at any state of charge. The  
BP200 will not be damaged by extended  
charge time.The best way to use the bat-  
tery pack is to detach the battery pack  
after full charge  
Make sure to observe the polarity shown  
on the inside of the alkaline battery tray  
when installing the batteries.  
Alkaline batteries have excellent shelf life  
when kept in a cool environment, but they  
can leak under certain circumstances. If  
you store your radio for extended periods,  
we recommend that you remove the alka-  
line battery tray from the radio.  
In SC200, when the radio and BP200 are  
placed in the SC200 charger base and  
power is present, the LED on the front of  
the charger base will be red.  
22. Maintenance  
The VHF200 also includes the DC200  
Cigarette Lighter Cord. The DC200 can  
power the SC200 charger base from any  
cigarette lighter socket. The DC200 plugs  
into the charger base in the same socket  
as the AC power supply.  
The VHF200 is designed to provide  
years of trouble free operation with  
virtually no maintenance. Follow  
these simple procedures to ensure  
that the VHF200 continues to deliver  
top performance.  
Use of the Optional RSC200  
Rapid Smart Charger  
Rinse the VHF200 thoroughly with  
fresh water after exposure to salt  
water. Otherwise the radio’s keys,  
switches, and controllers may  
become inoperable due to salt crys-  
tallization.  
For faster charging of the BP200 battery  
pack, the optional RSC200 Rapid Smart  
Charger can be used. It will completely  
recharge the BP200 in 90 minutes or less,  
depending on state of discharge. The  
RSC200 is a “smart charger” and will not  
damage the BP200 even if the radio is left  
in the charger base for long periods. The  
best way to use the battery pack is to  
detach the battery pack after full charge.  
The RSC200 can only be powered by AC  
current.  
Be Careful! The VHF200 employs  
JIS 7 waterproof construction (sub-  
mersion to 1 m. depth for 30 min.).  
However, waterproofness cannot be  
guaranteed over time. Extreme shock  
(dropping, etc.) may crack the case or  
dislodge or damage the seals.  
18  
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Additionally, wear or improper bat-  
tery pack installation can damage the  
battery compartment seal.  
Never transmit without an antenna  
attached to avoid damage to the radio.  
Avoid using or placing the VHF200  
in areas with temperatures below -  
20ºC (-4ºF) or above +60ºC  
(+140ºF). Do not place in wind-  
shields, etc.  
Keep your battery contacts clean!  
Wipe frequently. If visible corrosion  
appears, polish with an emery cloth  
or similar fine abrasive.  
23. Troubleshooting Guide  
Symptom:  
The radio does not respond to key presses. The channel cannot be  
changed.  
Probable Cause:  
Remedy:  
Key Lock is on.  
Press the I key (on the left side of the case, below the PTT key) for  
three seconds to unlock the key pad.  
Symptom:  
You have arranged to communicate with another VHF radio user on a  
specific channel, and you can’t hear them.  
Probable Cause:  
Remedy:  
You and the other user are using different Country Codes.  
Make sure that you are both using the same Country Mode (USA,  
International, or Canadian). Several channels have the same numeric  
designation, but are either on different frequencies or the channels are  
used for different purposes. Channel 16, the Distress, Safety, and  
Calling channel, is the same on all three bands.  
Symptom:  
You cannot change the transmit power setting.  
Probable Cause:  
You are on a channel which is limited to 1 watt transmit power (e.g. Ch.  
13) or you are on a “receive only” channel (e.g. WX ).  
Remedy:  
Change to an unrestricted TX/RX channel.  
Symptom:  
The SCAN key does not start the scan function.  
Probable Cause 1: No channels are in the scan memory.  
Remedy 1:  
Use the MEM key to enter desired channels into the scan memory.  
Probable Cause 2: Squelch is not adjusted correctly.  
Remedy 2:  
Symptom:  
Adjust the squelch to the point that background noise just disappears.  
Radio just does not seem to be operating correctly.  
Probable Cause:  
Remedy:  
The radio has become “confused” by an unusual pattern of key presses.  
Turn off the radio. Hold down the 16/9/TRI key while turning the radio  
on. This process will reset the radio to the original factory settings.  
Symptom:  
Radio will not power up.  
The battery is exhausted.  
Probable Cause:  
Remedy:  
Recharge the battery pack or use the BT200 alkaline battery tray with  
fresh alkaline batteries.  
Symptom:  
You can hear transmissions, but the other radio cannot hear you.  
The transmit power is set to low.  
Probable Cause:  
Remedy:  
Use the H/L key to select a higher transmit power setting.  
West Marine VHF200 Owner’s Manual  
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19  
USA Mode Frequency Chart  
Ch. Rx Freq  
Tx Freq  
156.0500  
156.1500  
156.2500  
156.3000  
156.3500  
156.4000  
156.4500  
156.5000  
156.5500  
156.6000  
156.6500  
156.7000  
Inhibit  
Status  
Name  
Full Name  
1
156.0500  
156.1500  
156.2500  
156.3000  
156.3500  
156.4000  
156.4500  
156.5000  
156.5500  
156.6000  
156.6500  
156.7000  
156.7500  
156.8000  
156.8500  
156.9000  
156.9500  
157.0000  
157.0500  
157.1000  
157.1500  
161.8000  
161.8500  
161.9000  
161.9500  
162.0000  
156.0750  
156.1750  
156.2250  
156.2750  
156.3250  
156.3750  
156.4250  
156.4750  
156.5250  
156.5750  
156.6250  
156.6750  
156.7250  
156.8750  
156.9250  
156.9750  
157.0250  
157.0750  
157.1250  
157.1750  
161.8250  
161.8750  
161.9250  
161.9750  
157.4250  
Simplex  
Simplex  
Simplex  
Simplex  
Simplex  
Simplex  
Simplex  
Simplex  
Simplex  
Simplex  
Simplex, 1 W  
Simplex  
Receive Only  
Simplex  
Simplex, 1 W  
Simplex  
Simplex  
Simplex  
Simplex  
Simplex  
Simplex  
Duplex  
VTS/COML  
CG ONLY  
VTS/COML  
SAFETY  
COMMERCL  
COMMERCL  
NON COML  
COMMERCL  
VTS  
VTS  
BRG-BRG  
VTS  
ENVIRON  
DISTRESS  
GOVT  
VESSEL TRAFFIC SYSTEM/COMMERCIAL  
COAST GUARD,GOVT ONLY  
VESSEL TRAFFIC SYSTEM/COMMERCIAL  
INTER-SHIP SAFETY  
COMMERCIAL  
COMMERCIAL  
NON COMMERCIAL  
COMMERCIAL  
VESSEL TRAFFIC SYSTEM  
VESSEL TRAFFIC SYSTEM  
BRIDGE TO BRIDGE  
VESSEL TRAFFIC SYSTEM  
ENVIRONMENTAL  
DISTRESS,SAFETY,CALLING  
GOVT MARITIME CONTROL  
COMMERCIAL  
3
5
6
7
8
9
10  
11  
12  
13  
14  
15  
16  
17  
18  
19  
20  
21  
22  
23  
24  
25  
26  
27  
28  
61  
63  
64  
65  
66  
67  
68  
69  
70  
71  
72  
73  
74  
77  
78  
79  
80  
81  
82  
83  
84  
85  
86  
87  
88  
156.8000  
156.8500  
156.9000  
156.9500  
157.0000  
157.0500  
157.1000  
157.1500  
157.2000  
157.2500  
157.3000  
157.3500  
157.4000  
156.0750  
156.1750  
156.2250  
156.2750  
156.3250  
156.3750  
156.4250  
156.4750  
Inhibit  
156.5750  
156.6250  
156.6750  
156.7250  
156.8750  
156.9250  
156.9750  
157.0250  
157.0750  
157.1250  
157.1750  
157.2250  
157.2750  
157.3250  
157.3750  
157.4250  
COMMERCL  
COMMERCL  
PORT OPR  
CG ONLY  
CG  
CG ONLY  
MAR OPER  
MAR OPER  
MAR OPER  
MAR OPER  
MAR OPER  
CG  
COMMERCIAL  
PORT OPERATION  
COAST GUARD ONLY  
COAST GUARD  
COAST GUARD ONLY  
MARINE OPERATOR  
MARINE OPERATOR  
MARINE OPERATOR  
MARINE OPERATOR  
MARINE OPERATOR  
COAST GUARD  
VESSEL TRAFFIC SYSTEM  
COMMERCIAL  
PORT OPERATION  
Duplex  
Duplex  
Duplex  
Duplex  
Simplex  
Simplex  
Simplex  
Simplex  
Simplex  
Simplex, 1 W  
Simplex  
Simplex  
Receive Only  
Simplex  
Simplex  
Simplex  
Simplex  
Simplex, 1 W  
Simplex  
Simplex  
Simplex  
Simplex  
Simplex  
Simplex  
Duplex  
VTS  
COMMERCL  
PORT OPR  
PORT OPR  
BRG-BRG  
NON COML  
NON COML  
DSC  
NON COML  
NON COML  
PORT OPR  
PORT OPR  
PORT OPR  
NON COML  
COMMERCL  
COMMERCL  
USCG  
PORT OPERATION  
BRIDGE TO BRIDGE  
NON COMMERCIAL  
NON COMMERCIAL  
DIGITAL SELECTIVE CALLING  
NON COMMERCIAL  
NON COMMERCIAL (SHIP-SHIP)  
PORT OPERATION  
PORT OPERATION  
PORT OPERATION (SHIP-SHIP)  
NON COMMERCIAL  
COMMERCIAL  
COMMERCIAL  
COAST GUARD  
USCG  
USCG  
COAST GUARD  
GOVERNMENT  
MAR OPER  
MAR OPER  
MAR OPER  
MAR OPER  
COMMERCL  
MARINE OPERATOR  
MARINE OPERATOR  
MARINE OPERATOR  
MARINE OPERATOR  
COMMERCIAL (SHIP-SHIP)  
Duplex  
Duplex  
Duplex  
Simplex  
20  
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International Mode Frequency Chart  
Ch. Rx Freq  
Tx Freq  
156.0500  
156.1000  
156.1500  
156.2000  
156.2500  
156.3000  
156.3500  
156.4000  
156.4500  
156.5000  
156.5500  
156.6000  
156.6500  
156.7000  
156.7500  
156.8000  
156.8500  
156.9000  
156.9500  
157.0000  
157.0500  
157.1000  
157.1500  
157.2000  
157.2500  
157.3000  
157.3500  
157.4000  
156.0250  
156.0750  
156.1250  
156.1750  
156.2250  
156.2750  
156.3250  
156.3750  
156.4250  
156.4750  
Inhibit  
Status  
Duplex  
Duplex  
Duplex  
Duplex  
Duplex  
Simplex  
Duplex  
Simplex  
Simplex  
Simplex  
Simplex  
Simplex  
Simplex  
Simplex  
Simplex, 1 W  
Simplex  
Simplex, 1 W  
Duplex  
Duplex  
Duplex  
Duplex  
Duplex  
Duplex  
Duplex  
Duplex  
Duplex  
Duplex  
Duplex  
Duplex  
Duplex  
Duplex  
Duplex  
Duplex  
Duplex  
Duplex  
Simplex  
Simplex  
Simplex  
Receive Only  
Simplex  
Simplex  
Simplex  
Simplex  
Simplex  
Duplex  
Duplex  
Duplex  
Duplex  
Duplex  
Duplex  
Duplex  
Duplex  
Duplex  
Duplex  
Duplex  
Name  
Full Name  
1
160.6500  
160.7000  
160.7500  
160.8000  
160.8500  
156.3000  
160.9500  
156.4000  
156.4500  
156.5000  
156.5500  
156.6000  
156.6500  
156.7000  
156.7500  
156.8000  
156.8500  
161.5000  
161.5500  
161.6000  
161.6500  
161.7000  
161.7500  
161.8000  
161.8500  
161.9000  
161.9500  
162.0000  
160.6250  
160.6750  
160.7250  
160.7750  
160.8250  
160.8750  
160.9250  
156.3750  
156.4250  
156.4750  
156.5250  
156.5750  
156.6250  
156.6750  
156.7250  
156.8750  
161.5250  
161.5750  
161.6250  
161.6750  
161.7250  
161.7750  
161.8250  
161.8750  
161.9250  
161.9750  
162.0250  
MAR OPER  
MAR OPER  
MAR OPER  
MAR OPER  
MAR OPER  
SAFETY  
MAR OPER  
COMMERCL  
CALLING  
COMMERCL  
VTS  
VTS  
BRG-BRG  
VTS  
ENVIRON  
DISTRESS  
GOVT  
PORT OPR  
COMMERCL  
PORT OPR  
PORT OPR  
PORT OPR  
MAR OPER  
MAR OPER  
MAR OPER  
MAR OPER  
MAR OPER  
MAR OPER  
MAR OPER  
MAR OPER  
MAR OPER  
MAR OPER  
MAR OPER  
MAR OPER  
MAR OPER  
BRG-BRG  
NON COML  
NON COML  
DSC  
NON COML  
NON COML  
PORT OPR  
PORT OPR  
PORT OPR  
PORT OPR  
PORT OPR  
PORT OPR  
PORT OPR  
PORT OPR  
PORT OPR  
MAR OPER  
MAR OPER  
MAR OPER  
MAR OPER  
MAR OPER  
MARINE OPERATOR  
MARINE OPERATOR  
MARINE OPERATOR  
MARINE OPERATOR  
MARINE OPERATOR  
INTER-SHIP SAFETY  
MARINE OPERATOR  
COMMERCIAL (SHIP-SHIP)  
BOATER CALLING CHANNEL  
COMMERCIAL  
VESSEL TRAFFIC SYSTEM  
VESSEL TRAFFIC SYSTEM  
BRIDGE TO BRIDGE  
VESSEL TRAFFIC SYSTEM  
ENVIRONMENTAL  
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10  
11  
12  
13  
14  
15  
16  
17  
18  
19  
20  
21  
22  
23  
24  
25  
26  
27  
28  
60  
61  
62  
63  
64  
65  
66  
67  
68  
69  
70  
71  
72  
73  
74  
77  
78  
79  
80  
81  
82  
83  
84  
85  
86  
87  
88  
DISTRESS,SAFETY,CALLING  
GOVT MARITIME CONTROL  
PORT OPERATION  
COMMERCIAL  
PORT OPERATION  
PORT OPERATION  
PORT OPERATION  
MARINE OPERATOR  
MARINE OPERATOR  
MARINE OPERATOR  
MARINE OPERATOR  
MARINE OPERATOR  
MARINE OPERATOR  
MARINE OPERATOR  
MARINE OPERATOR  
MARINE OPERATOR  
MARINE OPERATOR  
MARINE OPERATOR  
MARINE OPERATOR  
MARINE OPERATOR  
BRIDGE TO BRIDGE  
NON COMMERCIAL  
NON COMMERCIAL  
DIGITAL SELECTIVE CALLING  
NON COMMERCIAL  
NON COMMERCIAL  
PORT OPERATION  
PORT OPERATION  
PORT OPERATION (SHIP-SHIP)  
PORT OPERATION  
PORT OPERATION  
PORT OPERATION  
PORT OPERATION  
PORT OPERATION  
PORT OPERATION  
MARINE OPERATOR  
MARINE OPERATOR  
MARINE OPERATOR  
MARINE OPERATOR  
MARINE OPERATOR  
156.5750  
156.6250  
156.6750  
156.7250  
156.8750  
156.9250  
156.9750  
157.0250  
157.0750  
157.1250  
157.1750  
157.2250  
157.2750  
157.3250  
157.3750  
157.4250  
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21  
Canadian Mode Frequency Chart  
Ch. Rx Freq  
Tx Freq  
156.0500  
156.1000  
156.1500  
156.2000  
156.2500  
156.3000  
156.3500  
156.4000  
156.4500  
156.5000  
156.5500  
156.6000  
156.6500  
156.7000  
156.7500  
156.8000  
156.8500  
156.9000  
156.9500  
157.0000  
157.0500  
157.1000  
157.1500  
157.2000  
157.2500  
157.3000  
157.3500  
157.4000  
156.0250  
156.0750  
156.1250  
156.2250  
156.2750  
156.3250  
156.3750  
156.4250  
156.4750  
Inhibit  
156.5750  
156.6250  
156.6750  
156.7250  
156.8750  
156.9250  
156.9750  
157.0250  
157.0750  
157.1250  
157.1750  
157.2250  
157.2750  
157.3250  
157.3750  
157.4250  
Status  
Name  
Full Name  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
160.6500  
160.7000  
160.7500  
156.2000  
156.2500  
156.3000  
156.3500  
156.4000  
156.4500  
156.5000  
156.5500  
156.6000  
156.6500  
156.7000  
156.7500  
156.8000  
156.8500  
156.9000  
156.9500  
161.6000  
157.0500  
157.1000  
161.7500  
161.8000  
161.8500  
161.9000  
161.9500  
162.0000  
160.6250  
156.0750  
156.1250  
156.2250  
156.2750  
156.3250  
156.3750  
156.4250  
156.4750  
156.5250  
156.5750  
156.6250  
156.6750  
156.7250  
156.8750  
156.9250  
156.9750  
157.0250  
157.0750  
157.1250  
157.1750  
161.8250  
161.8750  
161.9250  
161.9750  
162.0250  
Duplex  
Duplex  
Duplex  
MAR OPER  
MAR OPER  
MAR OPER  
CCG  
MARINE OPERATOR  
MARINE OPERATOR  
MARINE OPERATOR  
COAST GUARD  
VESSEL TRAFFIC SYSTEM  
INTER-SHIP SAFETY  
COMMERCIAL  
COMMERCIAL  
BOATER CALLING CHANNEL  
COMMERCIAL  
VESSEL TRAFFIC SYSTEM  
VESSEL TRAFFIC SYSTEM  
BRIDGE TO BRIDGE  
VESSEL TRAFFIC SYSTEM  
ENVIRONMENTAL  
DISTRESS,SAFETY,CALLING  
STATE CONTROL  
Simplex  
Simplex  
Simplex  
Simplex  
Simplex  
Simplex  
Simplex  
Simplex  
Simplex  
Simplex, 1 W  
Simplex  
Simplex, 1 W  
Simplex  
Simplex, 1 W  
Simplex  
Simplex  
Duplex, 1 W  
Simplex  
Simplex  
Duplex  
VTS  
SAFETY  
COMMERCL  
COMMERCL  
CALLING  
COMMERCL  
VTS  
VTS  
BRG-BRG  
VTS  
ENVIRON  
DISTRESS  
SAR  
COMMERCL  
CCG  
PORT OPR  
CCG  
CCG  
9
10  
11  
12  
13  
14  
15  
16  
17  
18  
19  
20  
21  
22  
23  
24  
25  
26  
27  
28  
60  
61  
62  
64  
65  
66  
67  
68  
69  
70  
71  
72  
73  
74  
77  
78  
79  
80  
81  
82  
83  
84  
85  
86  
87  
88  
COMMERCIAL  
CANADIAN COAST GUARD  
PORT OPERATION  
COAST GUARD  
COAST GUARD  
COAST GUARD  
MARINE OPERATOR  
MARINE OPERATOR  
MARINE OPERATOR  
MARINE OPERATOR  
MARINE OPERATOR  
MARINE OPERATOR  
COAST GUARD  
CCG  
Duplex  
Duplex  
Duplex  
Duplex  
Duplex  
Duplex  
MAR OPER  
MAR OPER  
MAR OPER  
MAR OPER  
MAR OPER  
MAR OPER  
CCG  
Simplex  
Simplex  
Simplex  
Simplex  
Simplex, 1 W  
Simplex  
Simplex  
Simplex  
Receive Only  
Simplex  
Simplex  
Simplex  
Simplex  
Simplex, 1 W  
Simplex  
Simplex  
Simplex  
Simplex  
Simplex  
Simplex  
Duplex  
CCG  
COAST GUARD  
MAR OPER  
RESCUE  
PORT OPR  
BRG-BRG  
NON COML  
NON COML  
DSC  
NON COML  
NON COML  
PORT OPR  
PORT OPR  
PORT OPR  
SHP-SHP  
SHP-SHP  
SHP-SHP  
CCG  
MARINE OPERATOR  
SEARCH AND RESCUE  
PORT OPERATION  
BRIDGE TO BRIDGE  
NON COMMERCIAL  
NON COMMERCIAL  
DIGITAL SELECTIVE CALLING  
NON COMMERCIAL  
NON COMMERCIAL  
PORT OPERATION  
PORT OPERATION  
PORT OPERATION  
INTER SHIP  
INTER SHIP  
INTER SHIP  
COAST GUARD  
COAST GUARD  
CCG  
CCG  
COAST GUARD  
MAR OPER  
MAR OPER  
MAR OPER  
MAR OPER  
MAR OPER  
MARINE OPERATOR  
MARINE OPERATOR  
MARINE OPERATOR  
MARINE OPERATOR  
MARINE OPERATOR  
Duplex  
Duplex  
Duplex  
Duplex  
22  
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WX Frequency Chart  
Channel No.  
(MHz)  
Name  
WX01  
WX02  
WX03  
WX04  
WX05  
WX06  
WX07  
WX08  
WX09  
WX10  
162.5500  
162.4000  
162.4750  
162.4250  
162.4500  
162.5000  
162.5250  
161.6500  
161.7750  
163.2750  
WEATHER1  
WEATHER2  
WEATHER3  
WEATHER4  
WEATHER5  
WEATHER6  
WEATHER7  
WEATHER8  
WEATHER9  
WEATHR10  
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23  
Accessories  
Model  
Description  
Order #  
SWIV200 Swivel Belt Clip with Button and Mounting Screw  
3895638  
SC200  
12 Hr. Std. Charger with Bucket and AC power supply 3895463  
DC200  
CLIP200  
BT200  
DC Cigarette Lighter power supply for Std. Charger  
Fixed Belt Clip with Mounting Screws  
Alkaline Battery Tray  
3895554  
3895687  
3895562  
3895497  
3895547  
BP200  
Nickel Metal Hydride Rechargeable Battery Pack  
Flexible Rubber Antenna  
ANT200  
Optional Rapid Smart Charger:  
RSC200  
90 Min. Rapid Smart Charger with AC power supply  
3895489  
West Marine VHF 200 Radio Specifications  
Dimensions  
Operating Voltage  
Battery Capacity  
7.2Vdc  
1350mAH Ni-mH  
Transmitter  
Frequency Range  
Output Power  
156.025-157.425  
5W /1W/ 0.5  
65@5W/ 55@1W  
< 5%  
Spurious Emission  
AF Distortion  
Max Deviation  
< 5KHz  
Frequency Stability  
FM Hum & Noise  
Microphone Type  
Adjacent Channel Power  
Current Drain  
< 5ppm  
> 40dB  
Condenser  
> 70dBc  
1.5A / 0.7A  
Receiver  
Frequency Range  
Sensitivity  
56.050-163.275  
0.2uV  
Adjacent Channel Selectivity  
Intermodulation Distortion  
Spurious Response  
AF Output  
> 70dBc  
> 65dBc  
> 70dBc  
0.5W  
Speaker Impedance  
8 Ohm  
Performance specifications are nominal value, unless otherwise indicated, and  
are subject to change without notice.  
24  
West Marine VHF200 Owner’s Manual  
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radio to transmit by pressing the  
“PTT” switch.  
Warning: Your West Marine VHF200  
generates RF electromagnetic energy  
when transmitting. This radio was  
designed to meet the FCC’s rules and reg-  
ulations for the maximum permissible  
exposure to radio frequency energy. This  
design was tested and found to be compli-  
ant to the strict requirements established  
by the FCC.  
ALWAYS maintain at least a 1-inch  
(2.5 cm) separation distance between  
your body (including the face and  
eyes) and any surface of the radio.  
NEVER allow the antenna to touch  
the human body or to come within 1  
inch when the transmitter is active.  
NEVER allow children to operate the  
radio without adult supervision and  
the knowledge of the following safe-  
ty guidelines.  
This radio was designed for and is classi-  
fied as “Occupational Use Only”, mean-  
ing it must be used only during the course  
of employment by individuals aware of  
the hazards, and the ways to minimize  
such hazards. This radio is not intended  
for use by the “General Population” in an  
uncontrolled environment. It’s use is  
restricted to work related operations only  
where the radio operator must have the  
knowledge to control his or her exposure  
conditions for satisfying the higher expo-  
sure limit allowed for Occupational  
Users.  
This radio is approved for use with the  
specific belt-clip tested for body-worn  
SAR compliance. Other belt clips or  
body-worn accessories may not comply  
and should be avoided.  
Notice: This equipment has been tested  
and found to comply with the limits for a  
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15  
of the FCC Rules. These limits are  
designed to provide reasonable protection  
against harmful interference in a residen-  
tial installation. This equipment generates,  
uses and can radiate radio frequency ener-  
gy and, if not installed and used in accor-  
dance with the instructions, may cause  
harmful interference to radio communica-  
tions. However, there is no guarantee that  
interference will not occur in a particular  
installation. If this equipment does cause  
harmful interference to radio or television  
reception, which can be determined by  
turning the equipment off and on, the user  
is encouraged to try to correct the inter-  
ference by one or more of the following  
measures:  
Caution: It is up to the user to properly  
operate this transmitter to ensure safe  
operation. Please adhere to the following  
to ensure that your exposure to RF elec-  
tromagnetic energy is within the FCC  
allowable limits:  
DO NOT operate the radio without a  
proper antenna attached, as this may  
damage the radio and may also cause  
you to exceed FCC RF exposure lim-  
its. A proper antenna is the antenna  
supplied with this radio by the manu-  
facturer or an antenna specifically  
authorized by the manufacturer to use  
with this radio.  
DO NOT transmit for more than 50%  
of the total radio use time.  
— Increase the separation between the  
equipment and receiver.  
Transmitting more than 50% of the  
time can cause FCC RF exposure  
compliance requirements to be  
exceeded. The radio is transmitting  
when the “TX indicator” is displayed  
on the screen. You can cause the  
— Connect the equipment into an outlet  
on a circuit different from that to  
which the receiver is connected.  
— Consult the dealer or an experienced  
marine electronics technician for  
help.  
West Marine VHF200 Owner’s Manual  
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25  
Mayday for Distress  
Communications  
Mayday calls are only for when your ves-  
sel or crew face “grave and imminent  
danger, and immediate help is required”.  
Therefore, you should not transmit a  
Mayday call unless you’re likely to lose a  
life or your boat.  
24. Emergency  
Communications  
One of the most important reasons to  
have a VHF radio on board your boat is  
so you can make distress calls to rescue  
agencies like the US Coast Guard, State  
Boating Authorities, County Sheriffs, and  
towing organizations. There are three  
acknowledged levels of severity when  
making an emergency call, and it’s impor-  
tant to know what to do if you should  
have to make an emergency call, and  
what to do if you hear one.  
Procedure for making a Distress  
Call:  
Select Channel 16 and high transmit  
power.  
Transmit as follows:  
An excellent source for information on  
marine communications is Chapman  
Piloting, Seamanship, and Small Boat  
Handling. We recommend that you con-  
sult Chapman’s for more information, and  
also consult the web at one of the follow-  
ing web sites:  
1. “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday”.  
2. “This is (Name of Vessel)”. Repeat  
three times.  
3. “(Your call sign or other indication of  
the vessel)”. Repeat three times.  
4. “Located at (your position)”. The  
position can be in latitude and longi-  
tude, or can be in reference to a  
known object. Be specific. “Near a  
Red buoy” or “South of the  
Lighthouse” is too easy to misinter-  
pret.  
o.htm  
5. State “(The nature of the distress and  
assistance required.)”. Examples: tak-  
ing on water, medical emergency,  
fire, dismasting, aground in surf.  
6. State “(Any other information which  
might facilitate the rescue)”.  
Examples: # of adults and children on  
board, other communications devices,  
life raft on board, color of vessel,  
size of vessel, # of injuries, type of  
help or equipment needed.  
After making a Mayday call, allow the  
Coast Guard, other rescue agencies, or  
other boaters to contact you. If you don’t  
hear from anyone in a minute, repeat your  
message.  
26  
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Pan Pan for Urgency  
Messages  
Since Mayday calls are only for “grave  
and imminent danger”, what should you  
say if you’re aground, or lost, or running  
low on fuel? Ordinary calls for assistance  
can use the urgency signal “Pan Pan”  
(pronounced pon pon).  
Boat to Boat Calls  
When calling another boater, here are  
some tips to keep in mind:  
1. Monitor Channel 16 for traffic before  
you begin to transmit. This is espe-  
cially important if there is an emer-  
gency in your area, and Channel 16 is  
being used for emergency communi-  
cations.  
Procedure for making an Urgency  
Call:  
Select Channel 16 and high transmit  
power.  
2. Keep your communication on  
Channel 16 as brief as possible. It’s a  
party line; only one boat in your area  
can use it at a time.  
Transmit as follows:  
3. If Channel 16 is clear, say “Osprey”  
(Name of other vessel), “this is  
Mildew (name of your vessel).  
Over.” First say their boat name, then  
say your boat name.  
1. “Pan-Pan, Pan-Pan, Pan-Pan”.  
2. “This is (Name of Vessel)”.  
3. “(Your call sign or other indication of  
the vessel)”.  
4. “Located at (your position)”. The  
position can be in latitude and longi-  
tude, or can be in reference to a  
known object. Be specific. “Near a  
Red buoy” or “South of the  
Lighthouse” is too easy to misinter-  
pret.  
4. They should respond “Mildew, this is  
Osprey. Switch to Channel 68. Over.”  
5. You respond “This is Mildew, switch-  
ing to Channel 68. Out.”  
Both operators would then change to  
Channel 68 (or one of the other ship to  
ship channels like 9, 69, 71, 72, or 78)  
and continue their conversation, assuming  
the channel was free. When the conversa-  
tion is complete, both boats would switch  
back to monitoring Channel 16.  
5. State “(The nature of the distress and  
assistance required.)”. Examples:  
aground, require medical assistance,  
lost, out of fuel, engine problems.  
Since these calls do not normally require  
immediate response, it’s common to make  
contact with a rescue agency or another  
boat and shift to a working frequency like  
Channel 6 (Intership Safety Channel) or  
Channel 22 (Coast Guard Working  
Channel).  
You can also monitor a channel other than  
Channel 16 for traffic related to fishing, a  
boat regatta, or other event. Dual or Triple  
Watch will be helpful, since they allow  
you to hear hailing calls on Channel 16,  
while listening to conversations that inter-  
est you.  
West Marine VHF200 Owner’s Manual  
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27  
Three-Year Limited Warranty  
IMPORTANT: Evidence of original purchase, such as the original receipt, a cancelled check, or a  
credit card receipt is required for warranty service.  
WARRANTOR: WEST MARINE PRODUCTS, INC. (“WEST MARINE”)  
ELEMENTS OF WARRANTY: WEST MARINE warrants for three years, to the original retail  
owner and user, this product to be free from defects in materials and craftsmanship with only the  
limitations or exclusions set out below.  
WARRANTY DURATION: This warranty to the original retail owner and user shall terminate  
and be of no further effect 36 months after the date of original retail sale (battery pack warranty  
duration is 12 months or one year). The warranty is invalid if the Product is (A) damaged or not  
maintained as reasonable or necessary, (B) modified, altered, or used as part of any conversion  
kits, subassemblies, or any configurations not sold by WEST MARINE, (C) improperly installed  
or programmed, (D) serviced or repaired by someone other than an authorized WEST MARINE  
service center, as provided below, for a defect or malfunction covered by this warranty, (E) used in  
any conjunction with equipment or parts or as part of any system or subsystem not manufactured  
by WEST MARINE, or (F) installed or programmed by anyone other than as detailed by the  
Owner’s Manual for this product. THIS WARRANTY IS NON-TRANSFERRABLE.  
STATEMENT OF REMEDY: In the event that the product does not conform to this warranty at  
any time while this warranty is in effect, warrantor will either, at its option, repair or replace the  
defective unit and return it to you without charge for parts, service, or any other cost (except ship-  
ping and handling) incurred by warrantor or its representatives in connection with the performance  
of this warranty. Warrantor, at its option, may replace the unit with a new or refurbished unit. THE  
LIMITED WARRANTY SET FORTH ABOVE IS THE SOLE AND ENTIRE WARRANTY PER-  
TAINING TO THE PRODUCT AND IS IN LIEU OF AND EXCLUDES ALL OTHER WAR-  
RANTIES OF ANY NATURE WHATSOEVER, WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR ARISING  
BY OPERATION OF LAW, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WAR-  
RANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THIS  
WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER OR PROVIDE FOR THE REIMBURSEMENT OR PAY-  
MENT OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. Some states do not allow this  
exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages so the above limitation or exclusion  
may not apply to you.  
LEGAL REMEDIES: This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other  
rights, which vary form state to state. This warranty is void outside the United States of America.  
PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING PERFORMANCE OF WARRANTY: If, after following the  
instructions in Owner’s Manual you are certain that the Product is defective, pack the Product  
carefully (preferably in its original packaging). The product should include all parts and acces-  
sories originally packaged with the Product, include evidence of original purchase and a note  
describing the defect that has caused you to return it. The Product should be shipped freight pre-  
paid, by traceable means, to WEST MARINE’s Authorized Service Center at:  
West Marine Authorized Service Center  
2395 Bert Court  
Hollister, CA 95023  
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