Humminbird Two Way Radio VHF255S User Manual

Humminbird® VHF255S / VHF255SW  
Operations Manual  
531469-1_A  
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OPERATOR WARNINGS  
This radio will transmit/receive on channels that are restricted in the U.S. To  
operate on these channels you must have explicit permission from the proper  
governmental authority. Refer to the list of U.S. channels in this manual and look  
under the “Type of Traffic” column to find out whether a particular chosen channel  
has restricted use. For users that require a license, such as commercial users,  
please contact your nearest FCC field office to obtain a license. If you have  
questions as to whether or not your application requires a license you can contact  
NOTE: This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the  
following two conditions: 1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and 2) this  
device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause  
undesired operation.  
WARNING! Alterations and/or modifications to this product are NOT permitted as they may  
result in violations of FCC rules and regulations.  
WARNING! Disassembly and repair of this electronic unit should only be performed by  
authorized service personnel. Any modification of the serial number or attempt to repair the  
original equipment or accessories by unauthorized individuals will void the warranty.  
Handling and/or opening this unit may result in exposure to lead, in the form of solder.  
WARNING! This product contains lead, a chemical known to the state of California to cause  
cancer, birth defects and other reproductive harm.  
NOTE: You should record your VHF255S serial number here for future reference. The serial  
number is located on the left side panel of the radio base station.  
Serial Number: ________________________.  
NOTE: You should record your Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number here for future  
reference. You must obtain the MMSI from an official source of recreational MMSI numbers, either  
MMSI Number: ________________________  
Humminbird® is a registered trademark of Humminbird®.  
© 2005 Humminbird®, Eufaula AL, USA. All rights reserved.  
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2
TABLE OF CONTENTS  
VHF255S Introduction  
6
6
How VHF Radio Works  
Features Overview  
7
Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI)  
VHF255S Controls - Radio Base Station Front  
VHF255S Controls - Radio Base Station Rear  
VHF255S Controls - Microphone Handset  
What's On the Display  
9
11  
13  
14  
15  
17  
17  
20  
Installation Overview  
Parts Supplied  
Connections Overview  
1. Decide Where to Install the Radio Base Station. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21  
2. Install the Radio Base Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22  
3. Attach the Antenna Cable to the Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25  
4. Install the Microphone Mounting Bracket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25  
5. Attach a GPS Receiver (Optional-Purchase) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27  
Using Your VHF255S  
28  
Before You Use Your Radio: FCC Radio Frequency (RF) Compliance Requirements . . . . 29  
Before You Use Your Radio: FCC Licensing Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29  
Before You Use Your Radio: FCC Privacy and Priority Channel Requirements . . . . . . . . . 30  
1. Turning the Power On/Off. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30  
2. Adjusting Squelch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31  
3. Selecting a Channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31  
4. Selecting High/Low Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32  
5. Transmitting and Receiving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32  
6. Selecting the U.S./International/Canadian Bands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32  
7. Selecting a Weather Channel and Turning On Weather Alert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33  
8. Accessing the 16/9 Priority Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34  
9. Adding/Deleting Channels to/from Memory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34  
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3
10. Accessing Channels Saved to Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35  
11. Using the Transmit Time-Out Timer (TOT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35  
12. Scanning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35  
13. Using the Watch Monitor Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37  
14. Digital Selective Calling (DSC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38  
15. Making a Distress Call . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41  
16. Making Individual Routine Calls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43  
17. Receiving Calls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45  
18. Resetting the Radio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48  
19. Position Indication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48  
Setup Menu  
50  
Contact List. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51  
Local/Distant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53  
Backlight Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53  
Contrast Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54  
GPS/Time Submenu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55  
Manually Enter GPS Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56  
Settings Submenu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57  
Position Display On/Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57  
Time Display On/Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58  
Time Offset (Local Time). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58  
Time Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59  
Course/Speed Display Options (COG/SOG). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59  
Radio Setup Submenu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60  
Channel Name Display and Editing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61  
Ring Volume Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62  
Beep Volume Adjustment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63  
Turning the Internal Speaker On/Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63  
DSC Setup Submenu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64  
Enter Your User MMSI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65  
Create and Manage Group MMSIs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67  
Individual Reply. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69  
DSC Enable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69  
Position Reply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70  
Reset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70  
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Maintenance  
71  
71  
Troubleshooting  
VHF255S Doesn't Power Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71  
No Sound from the Speaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72  
Transmitting is Impossible, or High Power Can’t Be Selected. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72  
Low Receiver Sensitivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72  
3-Year Limited Warranty  
Humminbird® Service Policy  
Specifications  
73  
74  
76  
77  
84  
89  
Marine Channels  
Menu Tree  
Contact Humminbird®  
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5
VHF255S INTRODUCTION  
The Humminbird® VHF255S represents state-of-the-art high tech VHF radio engineering,  
and is skillfully designed and constructed with the finest components. It is constructed  
to commercial- grade standards to give you clear, reliable communication.  
HOW VHF RADIO WORKS  
The most popular method of communicating with other boats is via very high frequency  
(VHF) radio. In technical terms, this is similar to the way that commercial radio stations  
transmit. VHF equipment is relatively simple, and can therefore be compact and low cost.  
To ensure that maritime users do not cause interference for other radio users, a part of  
the radio spectrum has been allocated specifically to this group of users. These reserved  
frequencies have been numbered, for example, Channel 16 (usually abbreviated Ch16)  
actually refers to a frequency of 156.800 mHz.  
Because radio does not recognize geographic or political boundaries, and to make sure  
that boats traveling on international voyages can always communicate, the VHF marine  
band is the same worldwide. There are 55 international marine channels, a similar  
number of private channels (allocated on a local basis to commercial organizations) and  
some other unique national channels.  
The United States and Canada employ a slightly different application of marine  
channels, using the same frequency but allocating more simplex (one-way) rather than  
duplex (two-way) channels.  
National channels include WX (weather) channels in the U.S., fishing channels in  
Norway and the marina channels M and M2 in the U.K. To make sure that your radio is  
fitted with the correct local channels, be sure to purchase type-approved equipment for  
the country of intended use.  
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FEATURES OVERVIEW  
The Humminbird® VHF255S is a VHF Digital Selective Calling (DSC) Base Station marine  
band radio with the following features:  
• Access to all available U.S., International, and Canadian channels  
(currently allocated).  
• Allows unlimited memory channels for quick recall and memory scan.  
• Provides as many as 20 user-programmable names with MMSI, 10 distress  
calls and 20 individual calls for DSC communications. See the Maritime  
Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) section for more information about this  
important feature.  
• Rotary volume control with power on/off, rotary channel selector and rotary  
adjustable squelch knob provide convenient radio operation.  
• Exceptional waterproofing performance complies with Japanese Industry  
Standard Level 7.  
• High/Low Transmit Power Selection allows you to select either High Power  
Transmit (25 Watts) for long-range communications or Low Power Transmit (1  
Watt) for shorter-range communications to save battery power.  
• Separate Channel 16/9 Priority key provides quick emergency calling on  
channels 16 or 9. Emergency Channel 16 is the universal marine channel most  
frequently-used for distress or safety communications. In addition, you can  
use the 16/9 channel key to access Channel 9, an alternate frequency for  
distress or safety in some areas in the event Channel 16 is congested. Check  
with local authorities to see which channel is used in your area.  
• Adjustable brightness of backlight on the large LCD for good visibility in  
various conditions.  
• Built-in speaker provides clean, crisp audio performance.  
• External interface makes it easy to connect to an optional-purchase GPS  
Receiver and/or an optional-purchase external speaker, and supports  
the NMEA 0183 National Marine Electronics Association standard for  
data communication.  
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• Firm and reliable gimbal mounting bracket for the radio base station.  
• Large LCD (2“x 1.5”) is easy to read, with backlit display to allow operation in  
low light conditions.  
• Phase Lock Loop (PLL) controlled circuitry provides accurate and stable  
channel selection.  
• Memory Channels feature allows you to save channels so that they are easy  
to retrieve for future use.  
• SQUELCH Knob allows you to eliminate static and background noises during  
communications.  
• BAND/SAVE Key allows you to select between the U.S. Channel Band, the  
International Channel Band or the Canadian Channel Band.  
• SCAN Key allows you to scan all channels, to scan channels saved in memory  
or to conduct a priority scan. Normal Scan feature allows you to scan all  
available channels for active channels, while Memory Scan feature allows you  
to rapidly scan pre-programmed channels to locate active channels. Priority  
Scan feature allows you to include Channel 16 in the scan to make sure that  
you don’t miss distress or emergency calls.  
• Dual Watch feature allows you to scan alternately between your currently-  
selected channel and Channel 16 to make sure you don’t miss distress or  
emergency calls.  
• Tri Watch feature allows you to scan alternately between your currently  
selected channel, Channel 16, and Channel 9 to make sure you don’t miss  
distress or emergency calls.  
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MARITIME MOBILE SERVICE IDENTITY (MMSI)  
The Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number is the nine-digit number used  
on marine radios like your VHF255S that are capable of using Digital Selective Calling  
(DSC). This number is used like a telephone number to call other vessels individually  
and automatically.  
NOTE: You must get an MMSI assigned to you before you can perform this procedure, and  
you will ONLY be allowed to perform this operation once. You must enter your user MMSI  
before you can use the DSC functions. If there is no User MMSI stored and an attempt is  
made to use the DSC function of the radio, the LCD will display the following message:  
DSC IS NOT  
OPERATIONAL  
PLEASE ENTER  
MMSI  
If you are a non-commercial user in U.S. waters (e.g. a recreational boater),  
you must obtain an MMSI from either BOAT US or SEATOW. The official  
sources of recreational MMSI numbers are: http://www.boatus.com/mmsi/ and  
http://www.seatow.com/boatingsafety/mmsiinfo.htm. They are both sanctioned by  
the FCC and the U.S. Coast Guard and are therefore the official points of registration for  
recreational MMSI numbers in the U.S.  
NOTE: The following website is the official Coast Guard website that administers MMSIs.  
For full details of the rules and regulations of MMSI numbers, please visit:  
To obtain an MMSI assignment:  
1. Contact BOAT US or SEATOW to obtain a unique MMSI number  
for your VHF255S radio. Go to: http://www.boatus.com/mmsi/ or  
instructions.  
2. When you have obtained your unique MMSI number, write it down  
IMMEDIATELY in the space provided on the inside front cover of this manual.  
NOTE: You should also write down the serial number (found on the left panel of the radio  
base station) on the inside front cover of this manual, for future reference.  
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To enter your assigned MMSI into your radio:  
1. Press and hold the DSC/MENU key; the Text area on the LCD will display the  
Setup Menu list.  
2. Rotate the CH/ENTER knob to select DSC SETUP from the Setup Menu list, and  
push the CH/ENTER knob to display the DSC Setup Submenu.  
3. Rotate the CH/ENTER knob to select USER MMSI from the DSC Setup Submenu  
and push the CH/ENTER knob to display the USER MMSI entry screen.  
NOTE: If an existing User MMSI has already been stored, it will be displayed, stop here. You  
CANNOT edit the User MMSI once it has been entered and confirmed.  
4. If the User MMSI is blank, a dashed line will be displayed. Turn the CH/ENTER  
knob back and forth to enter the User MMSI along the dashed line. Press the  
CH/ENTER knob to confirm each correct entry and to be advanced  
automatically to the next digit.  
NOTE: If you make an error, turn CH/ENTER knob one click counter-clockwise until < appears,  
then press the CH/ENTER knob to back up and correct the error.  
5. When you have selected the desired numbers, press the CH/ENTER knob to  
store your User MMSI.  
6. You will be asked to re-enter your User MMSI again to confirm it; once you have  
re-entered your User MMSI, press and hold the CH/ENTER knob to  
permanently store your User MMSI and return to the DSC Setup Submenu.  
NOTE: To exit the DSC Setup Submenu or one of the further submenus under it, press the  
16/9 or CANCEL/WX keys until you have left the submenus. You will also exit the DSC Setup  
Submenu automatically by turning the unit off. All changes are saved in EEPROM (except for  
manually-entered GPS data).  
>USER MMSI  
GROUP MMSI  
INDIV REPLY  
DSC ENABLE  
POS REPLY  
INPUT MMSI  
NUMBER  
>- - - - - - - -  
HOLD ENTER  
USER MMSI  
INPUT AGAIN  
>- - - - - - - -  
HOLD ENTER  
USER MMSI  
ID 50000000  
>SAVE  
CANCEL  
7. You can view your stored User MMSI at any time by selecting user MMSI from  
the DSC SETUP menu.  
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10  
VHF255S CONTROLS - RADIO BASE STATION FRONT  
The following drawing shows the Humminbird® VHF255S controls on the front of the  
radio base station:  
Built-in Speaker  
LCD  
HI/LO/MEM key  
SQUELCH knob  
SCAN key  
16/9 key  
WATCH  
key  
CH/ENTER  
knob  
CANCEL/WX key  
DISTRESS key  
OFF/VOL knob  
DSC/MENU key  
BAND/SAVE key  
NOTE: On dual function keys, such as the BAND/SAVE key, a quick press and release will  
activate the first function on the key (to the left of the slash), in this case the BAND function.  
A press and a hold will activate the second function on the key (to the right of the slash), in  
this case the SAVE function.  
OFF/VOL: 0-270°rotary control knob. Turn clockwise to power on. Continue to turn until  
you reach a comfortable audio level.  
SQUELCH: Use this knob to eliminate static and background noises during  
communications.  
CH/ENTER: Rotate this knob to change the current number and change values in menu  
mode or during programming. Press this knob to enter values.  
BAND/SAVE: Use this dual function key to select a band (U.S., International or Canada)  
and to save channels to memory.  
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CANCEL/WX: Use this dual function key to cancel your last selection or change your  
selection without saving. This allows you to step back one level on the menu mode. Use  
this key to cancel DSC Distress calls and auto-retransmission of Distress calls. Press and  
hold this key to enter WX (Weather) mode.  
DSC/MENU: Use this dual function key to view the DSC Call List or enter the Setup  
Menu. The DSC Call List is used for making DSC Calls. The Setup Menu is used to  
change the radio settings.  
HI/LO/MEM: Press and release the HI/LO/MEM key to toggle between 25 Watt power  
output and 1 Watt output. “HI” or “LO” icon appears on LCD display to indicate setting.  
Press and hold the key to select Memory mode.  
SCAN: Use this key to start and stop normal and memory scans or to include priority  
channels into the current scan. If you have saved memory channels, then pressing the  
SCAN key will only scan the memory channels.  
WATCH: Use this key to start or stop Dual Watch or Tri Watch modes.  
16/9: Press and release the 16/9 key to select Channel 16 first; further presses of the  
16/9 key toggles between Channel 16 and the previous channel. Pressing and holding  
the 16/9 key will take you to Channel 9. Further presses will take you back to toggling  
between Channel 16 and the previous channel. Press the 16/9 key at any time as a  
quick way to exit all menus and return to Normal mode, Channel 16.  
DISTRESS: Use this key to send a distress signal in an emergency. See Using Your  
VHF255s, 14. Digital Selective Calling (DSC) for details of sending the call. This key  
is protected by a spring cover to prevent accidental presses. The DSC/Distress features  
function only after you have entered an MMSI.  
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12  
VHF255S CONTROLS - RADIO BASE STATION REAR  
The following drawing shows the Humminbird® VHF255S connections on the rear of  
the radio:  
Power Input  
External Speaker  
External GPS  
Antenna Jack  
Power Input: Allows you to connect the radio to the boat’s 12 VDC power system.  
External Speaker: Allows you to connect the radio to an optional-purchase external  
speaker.  
External GPS: Allows you to connect the radio to an optional-purchase GPS receiver to  
acquire the position of your vessel and the GMT time.  
Antenna Jack: Allows you to connect a suitable antenna to your marine VHF radio.  
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13  
VHF255S CONTROLS - MICROPHONE HANDSET  
The following drawing shows the Humminbird® VHF255S controls located on the  
microphone handset:  
PTT  
16/9  
HI/LO  
Channel Up/Down  
DSC/MENU  
Channel Up/Down: Use these keys to change channels, as well as to change values  
while editing settings.  
16/9: Press and release the 16/9 key to select Channel 16 first; further presses of the  
16/9 key toggles between Channel 16 and the previous channel. Pressing and holding  
the 16/9 key will take you to Channel 9. Further presses will take you back to toggling  
between Channel 16 and the previous channel. Press the 16/9 key at any time as a quick  
way to exit all menus and return to Normal mode, Channel 16.  
HI/LO: Use this dual function key to toggle between 25 Watt power output and 1 Watt  
output. “HI” or “LO” icon appears on LCD display to indicate setting.  
PTT (Push-To-Talk): Push and hold the Push To Talk (PTT) key while speaking and  
release this key to listen to incoming transmissions.  
DSC/MENU: Use this dual function key to view the DSC Call List or enter the Setup  
Menu. The DSC Call List is used for making DSC Calls. The Setup Menu is used to  
change the radio settings.  
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14  
WHAT'S ON THE DISPLAY  
The Humminbird® VHF255S uses an LCD display, together with keys and various control knobs on the  
typical view you might see on the display at initial power-up.  
10  
11  
12  
2
1
3
4
6
7
5
8
9
1
2
Transmission power mode High (HI) 25 W or Low (LO) 1 W.  
Indicates an incoming DSC call or, if blinking, to notify you of any  
unread Call Log messages.  
3
4
5
6
Indicates that the radio is transmitting a radio signal.  
Indicates that the radio is receiving a radio signal.  
Indicates that the radio is in Memory mode.  
Indicates that the current channel has been saved in memory.  
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15  
e radio base station and microphone handset, to provide access to user functions. The figure shows a  
7
8
Indicates current Watch mode, Dual or Tri Watch.  
Indicates that Weather Channel mode is active.  
U.S. and Canada only.  
13  
14  
15  
16  
9
Indicates that a weather alert is being received.  
U.S. and Canada only.  
10  
11  
Indicates current channel selected.  
Indicates which of the three available bands are  
selected: the U.S. band, the International band, or  
the Canadian band, respectively.  
18  
17  
12  
Indicates that the radio is in Local reception  
mode, which decreases receiver sensitivity in high  
traffic areas in order to decrease unwanted  
distant transmissions.  
19  
13  
14  
15  
16  
Indicates that the radio is in Priority Scan mode.  
Indicates that the radio is in Normal Scan mode.  
Indicates that DSC capability is available.  
Battery Low indicates vessel battery voltage is  
low.  
17  
18  
Channel suffix, if applicable.  
Indicates enabled for use in European inland  
waterways.  
19  
Dot Matrix Indicates special conditions or radio functions.  
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16  
INSTALLATION OVERVIEW  
Following are instructions for the installation of your radio. Before you start installation,  
we encourage you to read these instructions carefully in order to get the full benefit  
from your Humminbird® VHF255S radio.  
To install your VHF255S radio, you will perform the following steps:  
1. Decide where to install the radio base station.  
2. Install the radio base station.  
NOTE: You have the option of gimbal bracket mounting, which can either be mounted on the  
dash or overhead and allows rotation of the radio during operation, or recessed mounting into  
a dashboard or other appropriate surface.  
3. Attach the antenna cable to the radio.  
4. Install the microphone mounting bracket.  
5. Attach the radio to an optional-purchase GPS Receiver (strongly recommended).  
PARTS SUPPLIED  
Before installing your VHF255S, please make sure that the following parts are included  
in your installation kit:  
RADIO BASE STATION:  
• 25 Watt VHF255S Fixed Mount radio base station (1).  
Radio Base Station Gimbal Mounting Bracket Kit:  
• Gimbal mounting bracket (1).  
• Gimbal mounting knobs (2).  
• Self-tapping screws (4).  
• Flat screws (4).  
• Plain washers (4).  
• Spring washers (4).  
• Nuts (4).  
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17  
Radio Base Station Recessed Mounting Kit:  
NOTE: Use the recessed mounting bracket instead of the gimbal mounting bracket for  
recessed mounting applications.  
• Recessed mounting bracket (2).  
• Caps (4).  
• Nuts (4).  
• M5x10 Screws (2).  
• M5x32 Screws (4).  
MICROPHONE HANDSET:  
• Microphone handset (1).  
Microphone Handset Mounting Bracket:  
• Microphone mounting bracket (1).  
• Self-tapping screws (2).  
• Flat screws (2).  
• Plain washers (2).  
• Spring washers (2).  
• Nuts (2).  
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18  
CABLES:  
• 4.25 ft (1.30 m) power supply cable with fuse holder (1).  
• 2.0 ft (0.6 m) GPS NMEA connection cable (for optional-purchase GPS  
Receiver) (1).  
• 2.65 ft (0.8 m) external speaker connection cable (for optional-purchase  
external speaker) (1).  
NOTE: If you find that any items are missing from your installation kit, call our Customer  
Resource Center at 1-800-633-1468 or visit our website at www.humminbird.com.  
In addition to the hardware supplied with your VHF255S, you will need a powered hand  
drill and various drill bits, Phillips and flat head screwdrivers, a ruler or measuring tape,  
pen or pencil, and marine-grade silicone sealant.  
Gimbal Knobs  
Miscellaneous Mounting Hardware  
Gimbal Mounting Bracket  
Microphone  
Mounting Bracket  
Power Supply Cable  
External Speaker Connection Cable  
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19  
CONNECTIONS OVERVIEW  
In the following steps, you will be making at least one of the following connections:  
Power Supply: Your radio is powered by your boat’s 12 VDC power system.  
The solid red cable is positive and the black cable with the red stripe is  
negative.  
External Speaker (optional-purchase): If needed, you can connect your radio  
to an external speaker with the supplied connection cable. The white cable is  
positive and the thinner black cable is negative.  
GPS Receiver (optional-purchase): When your VHF255S marine radio is  
connected by the GPS cable to a GPS Receiver, it can obtain both its current  
location (longitude and latitude) and the time (GMT).  
External Speaker  
Antenna  
Red  
GPS Receiver  
Fuse  
Black  
Waterproof  
Deck Outlet  
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20  
1. DECIDE WHERE TO INSTALL THE RADIO BASE STATION  
Before you install the radio base station, you should find a mounting location for it that:  
• Does not allow the radio to interfere with, nor receive interference from,  
nearby equipment, such as other RF equipment and magnetic compasses;  
• Provides accessibility to the front panel controls;  
• Allows connection to a power supply and an antenna;  
• Has free space nearby for installing the microphone mounting bracket;  
• Is located so that the base of the antenna can be mounted at least 3.3 feet  
(1 meter) from where people will be when the radio is operating.  
WARNING: Failure to comply with the above requirement may expose those closer than the  
recommended boundaries to absorb enough RF radiation to exceed the Maximum Permissible  
Exposure (MPE) limit defined by the FCC. It is the responsibility of the radio operator to make  
sure that both the radio operator and any other people in the vicinity of the radio comply with  
MPE limits while the radio is transmitting.  
The supplied gimbal mounting bracket allows you to mount your radio base station on  
any near horizontal surface, from overhead to any console or countertop on your boat.  
30  
15  
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21  
2. INSTALL THE RADIO BASE STATION  
Mount the VHF255S radio base station on your vessel, using the mounting location  
determined in the previous procedure, and one of the two following procedures, gimbal  
mounting or recessed mounting.  
NOTE: You have the option of gimbal bracket mounting, which can either be mounted on the  
dash or overhead and allows rotation of the radio during operation, or recessed mounting into  
a dashboard or other appropriate surface.  
To install the radio base station using the regular gimbal mounting bracket:  
1. Place the mounting bracket on the mounting surface and use a pencil to mark  
the location of the four holes in the bracket where the fasteners will be attached.  
CAUTION: Before drilling, make sure that there is nothing behind the mounting surface that  
might be damaged while drilling the mounting holes.  
2. Set the bracket aside, then drill four mounting holes at the marked locations. If  
you plan to use the supplied mounting screws, make sure the drill bit you use  
is slightly smaller than the screw diameter of the mounting screw. If you plan  
to use the supplied mounting nuts and bolts, make sure the drill bit you use is  
slightly larger than the diameter of the supplied bolt. Next, align the mounting  
bracket with the drilled holes, making sure that it is oriented correctly.  
3. Insert each of the four supplied mounting fasteners through a spring washer,  
then through a flat washer, and then into the mounting holes. Secure the  
bracket to the mounting surface by tightening the mounting screws with a  
screwdriver or nutdriver, being careful not to overtighten the fasteners. If you  
are using the supplied mounting bolts, then you will need to hold the nuts on  
the backside of the mounting surface with a wrench while tightening the bolts  
with a screwdriver or nut driver, being careful not to overtighten the fasteners.  
4. Mount the radio base station onto the bracket, making sure to match the  
protrusions on the inside of the two arms of the bracket with the indentations  
on the two sides of the radio base station.  
5. Insert the supplied mounting knobs through the bracket arms and into the  
holes on each side of the radio. The gimbaled bracket allows you to loosen the  
knobs at each pivot in order to adjust the viewing angle of the radio and then  
to hold the selected viewing angle by tightening the knobs again.  
NOTE: You should only tighten the knobs by hand.  
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22  
Radio Base Station  
Mounting Screws  
Gimbal  
Mounting  
Knobs  
Gimbal  
Mounting  
Bracket  
Dash  
CAUTION: Keep the radio and microphone handset at least 3.3 feet (1 meter) away from  
any magnetic devices on your boat (such as a compass).  
To install the base station using the recessed mounting kit:  
1. Tape the Recessed Mounting installation template onto the chosen mounting  
location.  
CAUTION: If your dash exceeds 3/5" (15 mm) in thickness, you will not be able to recess  
mount the radio. Use the previous procedure for gimbal mounting the radio instead.  
CAUTION: Before drilling or cutting into the dash, make sure that there is nothing behind the  
mounting surface that might be damaged by performing these procedures.  
2. Drill a saw blade entry hole, as indicated on the mounting template.  
3. Cut out the area inside the dashed line.  
4. Remove the installation template and slide the radio into the cavity.  
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23  
5. Working from the rear of the dash, align the ratcheted mounting circles on each  
side of the radio with the central hole in each mounting bracket.  
6. Use the two short M5x10 screws to screw the mounting brackets to the sides  
of the radio.  
7. Slide two M5x32 screws through the screw hole in the mounting bracket, then  
attach the lock nut and the stopper. If your dash exceeds 1/2" (13 mm) in  
thickness, you have the option of discarding the stopper nut if necessary.  
8. Tighten the M5x32 screws until the radio is held against the rear of the dash.  
9. Tighten the lock nuts to secure the installation. Do not overtighten.  
Caps (4)  
M5x10 Screws (2)  
M5x32 Screws (4)  
Nuts (4)  
Recessed mounting brackets (2)  
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24  
3. ATTACH THE ANTENNA CABLE TO THE RADIO  
A suitable antenna must be mounted in a safe location and connected to the radio base  
station before turning on the radio. A very important factor affecting the performance  
of any radio communication system is the selection of a suitable antenna. Consult your  
dealer about antennas and ask them to help you select a suitable antenna for your  
radio. Refer to the following guidelines for best results.  
For optimal radio performance and to minimize human exposure to Radio Frequency (RF)  
and Electromagnetic Energy (EME), make sure the antenna is:  
• Connected to the radio before powering up the radio.  
• Properly mounted according to the antenna manufacturer’s recommendations.  
• Located at least three feet (one meter) from people while it is transmitting.  
• Located at least 3.3 feet (1 meter) from the radio base station transceiver and  
microphone handset.  
• Using a standard PL259-type (UHF-type) connector.  
WARNING: Failure to comply with the above requirement may expose those closer than the  
recommended boundaries to absorb enough RF radiation to exceed the Maximum Permissible  
Exposure (MPE) limit defined by the FCC. It is the responsibility of the radio operator to make  
sure that both the radio operator and any other people in the vicinity of the radio comply with  
MPE limits while the radio is transmitting.  
4. INSTALL THE MICROPHONE MOUNTING BRACKET  
Find a location near the base station for the microphone mounting bracket. The distance  
between the base station and the microphone mounting bracket should be shorter than  
the length of the microphone cable.  
CAUTION: Keep the radio base station and microphone at least 3.3 feet (1 meter) away from  
any magnetic devices on your boat (such as a compass).  
1. Place the microphone mounting bracket on the surface where you want to  
attach it, and use a pencil to mark the location of the two mounting holes on  
the mounting surface.  
CAUTION: Before drilling, make sure that there is nothing behind the mounting surface that  
might be damaged while drilling the mounting holes. Also, if the back side of the mounting  
surface is inaccessible or difficult to reach then you should probably use the supplied self-  
tapping screws instead of the supplied mounting nuts and bolts.  
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25  
CAUTION: If you cannot reach behind the mounting surface to attach the nuts to the bolts,  
use the supplied self-tapping screws to fasten the bracket instead.  
2. Set the bracket aside, then drill two mounting holes at the marked locations. If  
you plan to use the supplied mounting screws, make sure the drill bit you use  
is slightly smaller than the screw diameter of the mounting screw. If you plan  
to use the supplied mounting nuts and bolts, make sure the drill bit you use is  
slightly larger than the diameter of the supplied bolt. Next, align the mounting  
bracket with the drilled holes, making sure that it is oriented correctly.  
3a. Insert each of the two mounting screws and secure the bracket to the  
mounting surface.  
or  
3b. Use the supplied bolts, spring washers, plain washers and nuts to secure the  
bracket to the mounting surface.  
4. Insert the two mounting screws and fasten them with a suitable screwdriver or  
nut driver, making sure not to overtighten the screws.  
5. Mount the microphone onto the bracket.  
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26  
5. ATTACH A GPS RECEIVER (OPTIONAL-PURCHASE)  
It is strongly recommended that you use your Humminbird® VHF255S with an optional-  
purchase GPS Receiver. You will not be able to take full advantage of all of the Digital  
Signal Calling (DSC) features without connecting a GPS Receiver to the radio. Perform  
the following procedure to connect a GPS Receiver to your radio.  
To VHF255S DSC  
Yellow  
Green  
Orange  
Black  
1. Line up the arrow on the connector with the arrow on the GPS cable (supplied)  
and then plug together. Connect the yellow and the green wires from the GPS  
cable to the appropriate NMEA 0183-compatible GPS Receiver as indicated by  
the following pinouts and your GPS Receiver Operations Manual. The GPS  
cable has 8 pins with the following functions:  
Pin  
1
Wire  
Red  
Function  
Not used.  
2
3
4
5
6
7
Orange  
White  
Yellow  
Green  
Black  
Blue  
NMEA OUT (+)  
Not used  
NMEA IN (+) from GPS Receiver  
NMEA IN (-) from GPS Receiver  
NMEA OUT (-)  
Not used  
8
Grey  
Not used  
NMEA 0183 Version (1.5 to 3.0) sentence format: GLL, GGA, RMS, GNS, DSC, DSE.  
NOTE: Never short wires, as doing so may damage your radio or your boats power system.  
NOTE: The orange and black leads are the VHF255S radio’s NMEA 0183-compatible output.  
When a DSC call is received, these outputs will return the DSC and DSE sentences as per the  
NMEA 0183 standard. This connection is typically used with chartplotting or similar equipment.  
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27  
USING YOUR VHF255S  
Before you use your radio for the first time, you should make sure that you are familiar  
with the following FCC radio frequency (RF) and licensing requirements. See Before You  
Use Your Radio: FCC Radio Frequency (RF) Compliance Requirements, Before You  
Use Your Radio: FCC Licensing Requirements and Before You Use Your Radio: FCC  
Privacy and Priority Channel Requirements for more information.  
You should be familiar with the following operating procedures:  
1. Turning the power on/off.  
2. Adjusting Squelch.  
3. Selecting a channel.  
4. Selecting high/low power.  
5. Transmitting and receiving.  
6. Selecting the U.S./International/Canadian bands.  
7. Selecting a weather channel and turning on Weather Alert.  
8. Accessing the 16/9 priority channels.  
9. Adding/deleting channels to/from memory.  
10. Accessing channels saved to memory.  
11. Using the Transmit Time-Out Timer (TOT)  
12. Scanning.  
13. Using the Watch monitor modes.  
14. Digital Selective Calling (DSC), including distress, All Ships and Group calls.  
15. Making a distress call.  
16. Making individual routine calls.  
17. Receiving calls.  
18. Resetting the radio.  
19. Position and time indication.  
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28  
BEFORE YOU USE YOUR RADIO:  
FCC RADIO FREQUENCY (RF) COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS  
WARNING: The radio operator and any bystanders should be at least 3.3 feet (1 meter) from  
the base of the antenna when the radio is transmitting (whenever the PTT key is pressed and  
held or anytime the TX icon appears on the LCD) in order to avoid excessive radio frequency  
(RF) exposure (as defined by the FCC).  
WARNING: Hold the microphone handset no closer than 1 inch (2.5 cm) from your mouth  
when the radio is transmitting (whenever the PTT key is pressed and held or anytime the TX  
icon appears on the LCD) in order to avoid excessive radio frequency (RF) exposure (as defined  
by the FCC).  
WARNING: Do not operate the radio when the antenna is not attached, in order to avoid  
damaging the radio and in order to avoid excessive RF exposure (as defined by the FCC).  
BEFORE YOU USE YOUR RADIO: FCC LICENSING REQUIREMENTS  
Besides getting a Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number assigned (see  
Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) for more information), you may need to  
obtain a radio operator’s permit and/or station license from the FCC. You will NOT need  
to obtain an FCC license if:  
• You are a recreational boater who will NOT be traveling to a foreign country  
(foreign countries include Canada and Mexico) and will not be using your  
radio to communicate with foreign coast or ship stations. For more  
information, see http://wireless.fcc.gov/marine/.  
You WILL need to obtain an FCC license if:  
• You are a recreational boater who WILL be traveling to a foreign country  
(foreign countries include Canada and Mexico) or will be using your radio to  
communicate with foreign coast or ship stations or are required to carry  
a radio for safety purposes; in this case, you will need to obtain a  
Restricted Radiotelephone Operator’s Permit from the FCC (see  
http://wireless.fcc.gov/marine/ for more information). In this case, anyone  
may talk over the radio as long as the licensed operator initiates, supervises,  
and ends the call.  
• You are planning to operate a ship station; in this case, you will need to obtain  
a Ship Station License from the FCC (see http://wireless.fcc.gov/marine/ for  
more information).  
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29  
BEFORE YOU USE YOUR RADIO:  
FCC PRIVACY AND PRIORITY CHANNEL REQUIREMENTS  
WARNING: You must monitor Channel 16 (the main priority and distress channel) when you  
are not using any other channel on the radio. See 8. Accessing the Priority 16/9 Channels for  
more information.  
WARNING: Information overheard but not intended for the listener may NOT be used in any  
way, by law.  
WARNING: Making a false distress call using your radio is prohibited by law. Violators  
can face felony charges, prosecution, significant fines, and/or incarceration. See  
http://wireless.fcc.gov/marine/ for more information about privacy and priority channel  
usage requirements.  
WARNING: Using indecent or profane language during radio transmissions is  
prohibited by law, Violators could face prosecution and significant fines. See  
http://wireless.fcc.gov/marine/ for more information about privacy and priority channel  
usage requirements.  
1. TURNING THE POWER ON/OFF  
Use the PWR/VOL knob to turn the radio on, and once on, to adjust the volume as well.  
CAUTION: Transmitting without an antenna may damage the radio or pose a health hazard.  
After the radio has been installed, make sure the power supply and antenna are both properly  
connected before powering up the radio.  
To turn on the radio:  
1. Rotate the PWR/VOL knob to turn the radio on or off. The knob will make a  
clicking noise when you have turned the radio on (or off).  
2. Once on, rotate the PWR/VOL knob back and forth to adjust the volume.  
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30  
2. ADJUSTING SQUELCH  
Squelch is used to eliminate static and background noise between received  
transmissions. Squelch effectively mutes the radio speaker until it receives a  
transmission, thus sparing you from having to listen to static. If Squelch is set too high,  
only the strongest transmissions can be heard, and if it is set too low, intermittent static  
and noise may be annoying. Squelch is controlled by the SQUELCH knob located on the  
radio base station.  
To set Squelch:  
1. Turn the SQUELCH knob counter-clockwise as far as it will go. You will hear a  
lot of static.  
2. Then turn the SQUELCH knob clockwise until the static stops; this is the correct  
position for the SQUELCH knob.  
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 to re-adjust as necessary.  
3. SELECTING A CHANNEL  
Use the Up/Down key on the microphone handset or the CH/ENTER knob on the radio  
base station to scroll through the available channels. See Marine Channels for a list of  
channels and their frequencies.  
To select a channel:  
1. To select a channel, use the Up/Down key on the microphone handset or turn  
the CH/ENTER knob on the radio base station back and forth to find a channel.  
Stop when you find the desired channel.  
NOTE: The channels you see will depend on which band you are in and whether you are in  
Memory or Normal mode. In Memory mode (MEM), you will only see the saved channels. See  
10. Accessing Channels Saved to Memory for more information. If you wish to return to  
Normal Channel mode, press and hold the HI/LO/MEM key for 3 seconds, or press and  
release the CANCEL/WX key.  
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31  
4. SELECTING HIGH/LOW POWER  
You must press and release the HI/LO key on the microphone handset or the  
HI/LO/MEM key on the radio base station to toggle the transmit power between High  
and Low. Select HI (High Power Transmit) for long-range communications, and LO (Low  
Power Transmit) for shorter-range communications to save battery power.  
To change the transmit power:  
1. Press the HI/LO key on the microphone handset or the HI/LO/MEM key on the  
radio base station to toggle between High and Low transmit power. When the  
radio is operating at high power, the HI icon appears on the LCD, and when  
operating at low power, the LO icon appears on the LCD.  
5. TRANSMITTING AND RECEIVING  
Press and hold the Push-To-Talk (PTT) key on the microphone handset to transmit (speak)  
and release the PTT key to receive (listen) on the selected channel.  
To transmit and receive:  
1. Press and hold the PTT key, then speak into the microphone handset to  
transmit. The TX icon will appear on the LCD while you are transmitting.  
2. Release the PTT key to listen.  
NOTE: Before transmitting, make sure that the channel you have selected is not a receive-  
only channel.  
6. SELECTING U.S./INTERNATIONAL/CANADIAN BANDS  
When operating in U.S. waters, your radio should be set for the U.S. band; when  
operating in Canadian waters, the radio should be set for the Canadian band; when  
operating in International waters, the radio should be set for the International band.  
To select a band:  
1. To select a band, press the BAND/SAVE key. The LCD will display the U, I or C  
icon (for U.S., International, or Canadian bands, respectively). Press the  
BAND/SAVE key again to proceed to the next band, and repeat this until the  
desired band is displayed.  
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32  
7. SELECTING A WEATHER CHANNEL AND  
TURNING ON WEATHER ALERT  
The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) broadcasts  
continuous weather reports and severe weather alerts during severe weather events.  
Your Humminbird® VHF255S is programmed to receive all NOAA weather channels.  
If Weather Alert Mode is enabled, the ALT icon will appear on the display beside the  
WX icon, and then, if there is a weather emergency, your VHF255S radio will sound an  
alert and you should press any key to hear the Severe Weather Warning from NOAA.  
See U.S. Marine Channels for a list of NOAA channels and their frequencies.  
To enter Weather mode and select a weather channel:  
1. Press and hold the CANCEL/WX key for 3 seconds to enter Weather mode. The  
WX icon will appear on the LCD, and the channel will switch to the last  
selected weather channel.  
2. Press the Up or Down Channel keys on the microphone handset or rotate the  
CH/ENTER knob back and forth to change the WX channel from 1 through 10.  
3. Press and release the CANCEL/WX key again to exit Weather mode.  
To enable Weather Alert mode:  
1. While in Weather Mode, press and hold the CANCEL/WX key for 3 seconds to  
enter Weather Alert mode. The ALT icon will appear on the LCD to the right of  
the WX icon.  
2. While in Weather Mode, press and hold the CANCEL/WX key again for 3 seconds  
to turn off Weather Alert mode. The ALT icon will disappear from the LCD.  
3. If Weather Alert mode is turned on and a weather alert tone (1050 Hz) is  
broadcast from a NOAA weather station, your VHF255S will pick it up  
automatically and will sound an alert. Press any key to hear the weather alert  
voice message.  
4. Press and release the CANCEL/WX key again to return to normal operation.  
NOTE: Weather broadcasts originate only in the United States and can only be heard within  
and near the borders and territorial waters of the United States.  
NOTE: During Weather mode, the PTT, SCAN, HI/LO and HI/LO/MEM keys are disabled and  
an error beep will sound if they are pressed.  
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33  
8. ACCESSING THE 16/9 PRIORITY CHANNELS  
Channel 16 is the universal distress and emergency channel and Channel 9 is a  
secondary distress and emergency channel used by the U.S. Coast Guard. Use Channel  
16 to establish initial contact with another station for emergency communications. The  
FCC requires you to monitor Channel 16 even when you do not actively need to use it,  
and whenever you are not using another channel on the radio to transmit or receive.  
Dual Watch mode allows you to monitor Channel 16 while standing by. See section  
13. Using the Watch Monitor Modes to learn more about these features.  
To access the 16/9 channels:  
1. Press and release the Channel 16/9 Priority key to access Channel 16.  
2. To access the alternate Channel 9, which is monitored in some areas, press and  
hold the Channel 16/9 Priority key for 3 seconds, then release.  
3. To return to your previous channel from Channel 9, press the 16/9 key twice  
and release. To return to your previous channel from Channel 16, press and  
release the 16/9 key once.  
9. ADDING/DELETING CHANNELS TO/FROM MEMORY  
Your VHF255S can store any channel. The stored channels are the ones scanned in the  
Memory Scan mode.  
To add channels to memory:  
1. During normal operating mode, use the Up or Down Channel keys on the  
microphone handset or the CH/ENTER knob on the radio base station to select  
the desired channel.  
2. Press and hold the BAND/SAVE key for 3 seconds. The  
icon will appear,  
indicating that the current channel has been saved in memory. Any number of  
channels can be saved as memory channels by repeating steps 1 and 2.  
To delete channels from memory:  
1. During Normal or Memory mode, use the Up or Down Channel keys on the  
microphone handset or the CH/ENTER knob on the radio base station to select  
the saved channel you wish to delete.  
2. Press and hold the BAND/SAVE key for 3 seconds. The selected channel will be  
deleted from memory, and the  
icon will disappear from the LCD.  
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10. ACCESSING CHANNELS SAVED TO MEMORY  
Once channels have been saved, you can easily access them using the following  
procedure. Once in Memory mode, only the channels saved to memory will be  
accessible using the Up or Down Channel keys on the microphone handset or the  
CH/ENTER knob and the SCAN key on the radio base station.  
To access saved channels:  
1. Press and hold the HI/LOW/MEM key for 3 seconds, then release. The M icon  
will appear on the LCD to indicate that you are in Memory mode.  
2. To scroll through saved channels, use the Up or Down Channel keys on the  
microphone handset or the CH/ENTER knob on the radio base station. To scan  
saved channels, press and release the SCAN key on the radio base station. For  
more information, see 12.Scanning.  
3. Press the CANCEL/WX key or press and hold the HI/LOW/MEM key for 3  
seconds and release to exit Memory mode and regain access to all channels.  
11. USING THE TRANSMIT TIME-OUT TIMER (TOT)  
When the Push-to-Talk (PTT) key on the microphone handset is held down, transmit time  
is limited to 5 minutes. This feature helps you to avoid unintentional transmissions.  
About 10 seconds before automatic transmitter shutdown, you will hear a warning beep  
from the speaker(s). When the Transmit Time-Out Timer takes effect, the VHF255S will  
automatically go into receive mode. Before transmitting again, you must release and  
then press the PTT key once again.  
12. SCANNING  
Scanning is an efficient way to locate incoming transmissions quickly over a wide  
selection of channels or from all the channels in a frequency band. Your Humminbird®  
VHF255S comes with two basic scan options, Normal and Memory Scan, with the ability  
to add Priority Scan to each of those modes:  
Normal Scan: If there are no channels in memory, the default mode will be  
Normal Scan. In Normal Scan mode, all channels in the band are scanned in  
sequence (for instance, 1,2, 3, 4...). After the last channel number in the band  
has been scanned, the sequence repeats. Normal Scan automatically and  
continuously searches for transmissions on the selected band. Pressing the  
Up/Down Channel keys on the microphone handset or turning the CH/ENTER  
knob on the radio base station (clockwise = up, counterclockwise = down) will  
change the scan direction. If a transmission (TX icon) is received, the scan stops  
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35  
on the receiving channel as long as it is present. If the signal ceases or is lost  
for five seconds or more, the radio resumes the scanning sequence. You can  
only enter Normal Scan mode when there are no channels stored in memory.  
Memory Scan: In Memory Scan mode, which is the default mode if any  
channels are stored in memory, only the channels that have been saved in  
memory are scanned in sequence. After the last saved channel number has  
been scanned, the cycle repeats.  
Priority Scan: In Priority Scan mode, which can be activated from either  
Normal or Memory Scan modes, you can scan all channels while alternately  
scanning Channel 16 to make sure that you don’t miss distress or emergency  
calls (for instance, 1,16, 2, 16, 3, 16, 4...).  
Pressing the CANCEL/WX key will terminate the scan function and stop at the last  
scanned channel. You can also cancel the scan by pressing the 16/9 or the PTT keys.  
To activate scan modes:  
1a. Press and release the SCAN key when no channels are stored in memory to  
activate the Normal Scan function. The SCAN icon will appear on the LCD.  
or...  
1b. Press and release the SCAN key when there is at least one channel in  
memory to activate the Memory Scan function. The  
and SCAN  
icons will appear on the LCD.  
or...  
1c. Press and release the SCAN key for 3 seconds to enter Priority Scan mode. The  
Priority Scan (P) icon will appear on the LCD just before the SCAN icon.  
2. During any scan, pressing the Up or Down Channel keys on the microphone  
handset changes the scan direction, where pressing Up increases the channel  
number while pressing Down decreases it. You can also turn the CH/ENTER  
knob on the radio base station either clockwise or counterclockwise, where  
clockwise will increase the channel number, while counterclockwise will  
decrease the channel number.  
3. Press and release the SCAN key to terminate the Scan mode. If you are in  
Priority Scan mode, you must press the SCAN key twice to exit scan mode, once  
to exit Priority Scan mode, and again to exit Normal Scan mode. You can also  
press the CANCEL/WX key to terminate Scan mode. Scan mode can also be  
terminated by pressing the 16/9 or the PTT keys.  
NOTE: During Scan mode, the BAND/SAVE, HI/LO/MEM, and Watch keys will not function  
and will sound an error beep if pressed.  
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13. USING THE WATCH MONITOR MODES  
The Humminbird® VHF255S is equipped with two types of monitor modes: Dual Watch  
and Tri Watch.  
Dual Watch monitors the current working channel and Channel 16 alternately. Tri Watch  
monitors Channel 16, Channel 9 and the current working channel. Both watch modes  
also monitor for weather alerts when Weather Alert mode has been enabled.  
To activate and terminate Dual Watch mode:  
1. Press and release the WATCH key to activate the Dual Watch mode. The DU  
icon will appear on the LCD.  
2a. Press and release the WATCH key again to terminate Dual Watch mode and  
return to the previous working channel. To quit Dual Watch mode, you can also  
press the 16/9, DSC/MENU/or the CANCEL/WX keys. Press the PTT key to enter  
transmit mode on the current channel.  
or...  
2b. Press and hold the WATCH key for 3 seconds to terminate Dual Watch mode  
and enter into Tri Watch mode. The TRI icon will appear on the LCD.  
NOTE: During Dual Watch mode, the SCAN, HI/LO/MEM, BAND/SAVE, and the Up and  
Down Channel keys are inactive and will sound an error beep if pressed.  
To activate and terminate Tri Watch mode:  
1. Press and hold the WATCH key for 3 seconds to activate the Tri Watch mode.  
The TRI icon will appear on the LCD.  
2a. Press and hold the WATCH key again for 3 seconds to terminate Tri Watch  
Mode and to return to the previous working channel. To quit Tri Watch mode,  
you can also press the 16/9, DSC/MENU or the CANCEL/WX keys. Press the  
PTT key to enter transmit mode on the current channel.  
or...  
2b. Press and release the WATCH key to terminate Tri Watch mode and enter into  
Dual Watch mode. The DU icon will appear on the LCD.  
NOTE: During Tri Watch mode, the SCAN, HI/LO/MEM, BAND/SAVE, and the Up or Down  
Channel keys are inactive and will sound an error beep if pressed.  
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14. DIGITAL SELECTIVE CALLING (DSC)  
DSC (Digital Selective Calling) is a semi-automated method of establishing a radio call  
that has been designated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) as an  
international standard for establishing VHF, MF and HF radio calls. It has also been  
designated part of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). This new  
service allows you to initiate or receive distress, urgency, safety and routine calls to or  
from another vessel equipped with a DSC transceiver.  
NOTE: You will need to have a Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) assigned to you  
and entered into the radio before Digital Selective Calling features will work. Refer to the  
Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) and the DSC Setup, Enter Your User MMSI  
sections for more information.  
NOTE: You will also need to have an optional-purchase GPS Receiver attached in order to  
take full advantage of the DSC features of your radio.  
WARNING: This radio is designed to generate a digital maritime distress and safety call to  
facilitate search and rescue. To be effective as a safety device, this equipment must be used  
only within communication range of a shore–based VHF marine Channel 70 distress and  
safety watch system. The range of signals may vary, but under normal conditions, should be  
approximately 20 nautical miles.  
To select a DSC call type:  
1. Press the DSC/MENU key to display the DSC Call Type List, which you will use to  
select the desired DSC call type by rotating the CH/ENTER knob until the desired  
call type is highlighted, then pressing the CH/ENTER to execute your selection.  
2. Only 4 calls can be displayed on the LCD at the same time; use the Up or Down  
Channel keys on the microphone handset or the CH/ENTER knob on the radio  
base station to view all the call types, until the desired call type is selected. Use  
the following table to make a specific type of DSC call. (DSC Call Type choices  
are: LAST CALL, NEW CALL, GROUP, ALL SHIPS, CALL LOG, DISTRESS LOG, POS  
REQUEST, EXIT.)  
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DSC Call Types  
LAST CALL:  
NEW CALL:  
Recalls last call regardless of which type of call was received last.  
Allows you to make a new call, either by entering an MMSI number  
or by selecting a number from the Contact List.  
GROUP:  
Sends transmissions that are only received by radios that share a  
common group MMSI number; up to 3 group MMSI numbers can  
be stored and called.  
ALL SHIPS:  
Make an Urgency, Safety, or Routine call to all DSC-enabled ships  
or ships within communication range. A re-confirmation screen will  
be displayed after you choose one of these three call types. You  
should send an All Ships call when assistance is needed but the  
situation is not serious enough for a Distress Call. An Urgency call  
is made when assistance is required but the situation is not life-  
threatening, while a Safety call is for an advisory alert.  
CALL LOG:  
Allows a review of the last 20 stored calls by number and time of  
call. An individual call type can be placed to the selected  
MMSI/NAME in the LOG. The LOG maintains all received call types  
except DISTRESS calls. The earliest call is stored at the end of the  
list (20 maximum), and is automatically erased when a new call  
comes in.  
DISTRESS LOG: Allows a review of the last 10 stored Distress calls by number and  
time of call. The earliest call is stored at the end of the list (10  
maximum), and is automatically erased when a new call comes in.  
POS REQUEST: Allows you to request GPS position information from any vessel for  
which an MMSI number is known; you can either pick the MMSI  
number of the vessel from the Contact List, which is a personal  
DSC directory of saved MMSIs, or by manual entry.  
EXIT:  
Quits the DSC Call Type menu mode.  
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To make an All Ships call:  
1. From the DSC Call Type List, select ALL SHIPS. The following choices will be  
displayed: Urgency, Safety, and Routine.  
2. Select one of those three choices to see another submenu that gives you the  
choice to Send or Cancel the All Ships call type. Press the CH/Enter knob again  
to send the call type selected, or press the 16/9 key to quit.  
3. Once the call is sent, the text area of the LCD will momentarily show the Calling  
All Ships message. The radio will then return to normal VHF operation on  
Channel 16 with high power, except ROUTINE. Press PTT to talk.  
To make a Group call:  
This feature allows you to contact a group of specific vessels using DSC and to switch  
to a desired channel automatically. Before sending a GROUP call, you must set the  
GROUP MMSI.  
1. From the DSC Call Type List, select GROUP. The names of your groups will  
be displayed.  
2. Select the group that you want to call, then select the channel Press the  
CH/ENTER knob to send the group call. Once the call is sent, the Text area of  
the LCD will momentarily show the Calling group message.  
3. Once the group call is sent, the radio will return to normal VHF with the  
designated channel. Press PTT to talk.  
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15. MAKING A DISTRESS CALL  
The DISTRESS key is used to make a Distress call. A Distress call will send out the position  
and time information from the input NMEA data along with your MMSI number. This  
digital information lets other ships and shore stations equipped with appropriate DSC  
equipment know where you are and that you are in a distress situation.  
WARNING: Unless you need immediate help, NEVER use the DISTRESS key. Making a false  
distress call using your radio is prohibited by law. Violators can face felony charges,  
prosecution, significant fines, and/or incarceration.  
NOTE: You can only initiate a Distress call when you have a MMSI assigned to your radio and  
you have DSC enabled. See the Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) section for more  
information.  
NOTE: Making one or more Distress calls creates a Distress Log. You can access the Distress  
Log through the DSC Call Type List.  
NOTE: For more information about using your radio in a distress situation and how to comply  
with Coast Guard regulations, refer to http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/. Refer to  
the FCC website: http://wireless.fcc.gov/marine/ for general and technical VHF Marine Radio  
license, specifications, and regulation information.  
1. Open the red cover over the DISTRESS key.  
2. Press the DISTRESS key momentarily. The text area of the LCD will reconfigure  
to show the Distress submenu, shown below:  
DISTRESS CALL  
>UNDESIG  
FIRE  
DISTRESS SENT  
AWAITING ACK  
AUTO  
DISTRESS CALL  
>UNDESIG  
COUNTING  
DOWN…  
FLOODING  
COLLISION  
GROUNDING  
LISTING  
RETRANSMIT  
SINKING  
ADRIFT  
ABANDONING  
PIRACY  
MANOVERBD  
EXIT  
3. If you have enough time, rotate the CH/ENTER knob to select the type of Distress  
call.  
4. Hold down the DISTRESS key for more than 3 seconds, until you see the  
DISTRESS CALL SENT message on the LCD. The entire LCD will flash and beep  
loudly.  
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41  
NOTE: If you release the DISTRESS key before 3 seconds have passed, the Distress call will not  
be sent; if you hold down the DISTRESS key for more than 3 seconds, the Distress call will be  
sent whether channel 70 is busy or not. When a Distress call is sent, the acoustic alert sounds  
as a continuous tone until acknowledgement is received or you cancel the Distress call.  
5. During the distress call sequence, the radio simultaneously watches Channel  
70 (for a DSC acknowledgement) and Channel 16.  
6. When the distress call is acknowledged, the acoustic alert will stop and the radio  
will return to normal operation on Channel 16, with high transmit power set.  
7. If no acknowledgement is received, the unit continues to transmit the distress  
call at random intervals of 3.5 to 4.5 minutes until a response is received or the  
call is manually cancelled (by pressing the CANCEL/WX key for two seconds).  
In an emergency situation, when there is no DSC response, you should make  
manual MAYDAY distress calls between the automatic DSC calls as described  
in the next step.  
8. Make sure that the radio’s transmit power is set to High by pressing the  
HI/LOW/MEM key if necessary.  
9. Press and hold the PTT key and speak slowly, clearly, and calmly into the  
microphone and communicate the following information:  
• MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY.  
• This is [name of your vessel, spoken three times and your call sign or boat  
registration number, spoken once].  
• Repeat MAYDAY and [your ship’s name], spoken once.  
• Describe where you are, providing latitude or longitude, or by bearing (true or  
magnetic, state which) and any information such as distance to nearby  
landmarks. Include any information on vessel’s course, speed and  
destination.  
• Describe the nature of your distress (FIRE, FLOODING, COLLISION,  
GROUNDING, LISTING, SINKING, ADRIFT, ABANDONING, PIRACY,  
MANOVERBD).  
• Describe the kind of assistance required.  
• Provide the number of people onboard.  
• Provide any additional information that may facilitate your rescue, such as the  
current condition of your vessel, your vessel’s size, color, hull type, number of  
people onboard needing medical attention.  
• Say that you will be monitoring Channel 16.  
• End your distress message by saying “This is [your ship’s name/call sign] OVER.”  
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10. Release the PTT key and listen for a response. If you do not get a response,  
repeat step 9 until you do.  
11. If you must abandon ship without receiving a response, and you have time, go  
back to step 1, and initiate an automatic distress call that will broadcast the  
ABANDONING message.  
16. MAKING INDIVIDUAL ROUTINE CALLS  
You can make an individual call, either to a ship or to a coast station.  
To send an individual, manual call:  
1. From the DSC Call Type List, select NEW CALL The New Call submenu will be  
displayed, and the arrow will point to MANUAL.  
2. Press the CH/ENTER knob again to display the ENTER MMSI screen. Enter the  
MMSI number using the CH/ENTER knob; when MMSI entry is complete, press  
the CH/ENTER knob to enter it.  
3. Then rotate the CH/ENTER knob to select the working channel (the channel on  
which you want to be called back) and press the CH/ENTER knob to enter it. The  
working channel will show up in the Acknowledge message of the called radio.  
4. The radio summarizes the call details and asks for confirmation to send the call  
by displaying >SEND on the LCD. (You must confirm many of the DSC  
commands before the radio will execute them.)  
5. Press the CH/ENTER knob again to send the call. The radio goes to Channel 70  
and the TX icon is displayed on the screen while the DSC call is being sent, then  
the LCD displays an awaiting acknowledgment message. If you wish to cancel  
the call, rotate the CH/ENTER knob until >CANCEL is highlighted, then press  
the CH/ENTER knob again to cancel the call or press and release the 16/9 key.  
6a. If the call is acknowledged, press PTT to talk.  
or...  
6b. If the call is not acknowledged within 16 seconds, the radio will prompt you to  
resend the call.  
7. If you do nothing for 5 minutes, the individual call will be cancelled and the  
radio will revert to the original channel selected before you started the  
individual call.  
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43  
To send an individual call using an MMSI stored in the Contact List:  
1. From the DSC Call Type List, select NEW CALL. The NEW CALL submenu will be  
displayed, and the cursor will point to MANUAL; any MMSI names stored in your  
Contact List will also appear. If you have no names stored in your Contact List, you  
will not be able to proceed. (See Setup Menu, Contact List for more information.)  
2. Rotate the CH/ENTER knob select the MMSI number of the person from the  
Contact List that you want to call, then press the CH/ENTER knob again to  
initiate the call.  
3. Then rotate the CH/ENTER knob to select the desired reply channel and press  
the CH/ENTER knob to enter it. The radio goes to CH 70 and the TX icon is  
displayed on the screen while the DSC call is being sent, then LCD displays an  
awaiting acknowledgment message.  
4a. If the call is acknowledged, press PTT to talk.  
or...  
4b. If the call is not acknowledged within 16 seconds, the radio will prompt you to  
resend the call.  
5. If you do nothing for 5 minutes, the individual call will be cancelled and the  
radio will revert to the original channel selected before you started the  
individual call.  
Sending an individual call using the Call Log:  
The Call Log contains the contact details for the 20 most recent incoming calls, so that  
you can call any of them again quickly.  
1. Press the DSC/MENU key to enter DSC mode, select CALL LOG, press the Up or  
Down Channel keys on the microphone handset or the CH/ENTER knob on the  
radio base station to scroll for previous calls. The END OF LOG message will  
indicate the end of the Call Log list.  
2. Press the CH/ENTER key to initiate the call.  
3. Then rotate the CH/ENTER knob to select the desired reply channel and press  
the CH/ENTER knob to enter it. The radio goes to CH 70 and the TX icon is  
displayed on the screen while the DSC call is being sent, then LCD displays an  
awaiting acknowledgment message.  
4a. If the call is acknowledged, press PTT to talk.  
or...  
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44  
4b. If the call is not acknowledged within 16 seconds, the radio will prompt you to  
resend the call.  
5. If you do nothing for 5 minutes, the individual call will be cancelled and the  
radio will revert to the original channel selected before you started the  
individual call.  
NOTE: To save this Call Log entry in your Contact List, select SAVE, then press the CH/ENTER key  
and enter a screen name to represent how the logged MMSI is displayed on the LCD. Turn the  
CH/ENTER knob to find each character, then press the CH/ENTER knob to select each character.  
17. RECEIVING CALLS  
When you have an incoming call, the radio will ring to alert you to the call. If you miss  
a call, the blinking  
icon will appear on the LCD, and will remain until you read your  
missed message in the Call Log.  
To acknowledge an individual incoming call:  
The radio either automatically or manually sends an acknowledgement to the requesting  
radio, depending on its configuration settings, In the U.S. band, an acknowledgement  
will be sent to the requesting radio within 10 seconds of receiving the call.  
To recall the most recent incoming call (last call):  
1. From the DSC Call Type List, select LAST CALL. The details of the last call will  
be displayed.  
2. Select the working channel for an individual call and press the CH/ENTER key.  
The radio will summarize the call details and ask for confirmation to send the  
call. Press the CH/ENTER knob again to send the call.  
To receive a DSC call:  
1. When a DSC call is received, the radio automatically responds based on the  
type of call. The information displayed on the LCD varies depending upon the  
call type. See Section 14, Digital Selective Calling, for a list of Call Types.  
To receive a Distress call:  
1. When a distress call is received, the radio automatically tunes to Channel 16,  
and the Distress alert tone sounds. The call data is stored in the Distress Log.  
Pressing any key disables the alert.  
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2. When position data is included within the signal, it is displayed in the Text area  
of the LCD. When no position data is included within the signal, the message  
"99°„99.9999X, 999°„99.9999Y" is displayed in the Text area of the LCD.  
3. You must continue to monitor channel 16 as a coast station may require  
assistance in a rescue attempt.  
DISTRESS  
DISTRESS  
ID4050078964  
SINKING  
ID0450078964  
21’09.1011N  
120’20.0111E  
12: 45UTC  
To receive a Distress acknowledgement sent from a coast station:  
1. When a Distress Acknowledge Call is received, the radio automatically tunes to  
Channel 16, and the Distress Alert Tone sounds. Pressing any key disables the  
alert. When position data is included within the signal, it is displayed in the Text  
area of the LCD. The call data is stored in the Distress Log.  
2. You must continue to monitor Channel 16, as a coast station may require  
assistance in a rescue attempt.  
DISTRES ACK  
ID0084532178  
21’09.1011N  
DISTRES ACK  
ID0084532178  
SINKING  
120’20.0111E  
120’20.0111E  
To receive a Distress Relay call:  
1. When a Distress Relay call is received, the radio automatically tunes to Channel  
16, and the Distress alert tone sounds. Pressing any key disables the alert. The  
call data is stored in the Distress Log. When position data is included within the  
signal, it is displayed in the Text area of the LCD.  
2. You must continue to monitor Channel 16, as a coast station may require  
assistance in a rescue attempt.  
RCV:DSTRRLY  
ID0987654321  
21’09.1011N  
RCV:DSTR RLY  
ID987654321  
SINKING  
120’20.0111E  
12: 45UTC  
To receive an All Ships call:  
1. When an All Ships call is received, an alert sounds, and the radio automatically  
tunes to the designated channel. Press any key to disable the alert.  
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46  
2. You must continue to monitor the channel in order to receive the voice  
communication.  
3. The call data is stored in the Call Log.  
ALL SHIPS  
URGENCY  
ID0987654322  
ALL SHIPS  
SAFETY  
ID0987654322  
To receive a Group call:  
1. When a Group call is received, an alert sounds, and the radio automatically  
tunes to the designated channel. Press any key to disable the alert.  
2. Monitor the designated channel for an announcement from the calling ship.  
3. The call data is stored in the Call Log.  
RCV GROUP  
FINISHER  
ID0987654322  
To receive an Individual call:  
1. When an Individual call is received, an alert sounds. The radio automatically  
tunes to the channel designated in the DSC signal.  
2. The MMSI contained within the signal is displayed in the Text area of the  
display. If the MMSI matches an MMSI stored in the Contact List, the name  
associated with it is displayed in place of the MMSI.  
3. The DSC signal data is stored in the Call Log.  
To receive a Position Reply call:  
1. When Position Reply is received, the Alert tone will sound and the POS  
Received message and the sender GPS data will be displayed.  
2. Last received call information is stored in the LAST RX position in the Call Log.  
To receive a Geographic Area call:  
A Geographic Area call is received by vessels within a specific geographical area.  
1. When you receive notification of an incoming geographic area call, press any  
key to cancel the alert. The radio automatically selects the channel designated  
in the incoming call. The time and the user MMSI are displayed on the screen  
and the call data is stored in the Call Log.  
2. Monitor the working channel for an announcement from the calling vessel.  
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To acknowledge a missed call:  
1. If you miss a call, the blinking  
icon will appear on the LCD, and will remain  
until you go to the Call Log and scroll through all the messages to find the  
missed calls, which will have icons next to them. Scroll through all the  
messages with  
this, the blinking  
icons in order to acknowledge them. Once you have done  
icon will disappear from the LCD.  
18. RESETTING THE RADIO  
You can reset many radio settings, including almost all user settings, back to the factory  
default settings. Resetting the radio will:  
• Erase any channels stored in memory.  
• Turn Off the Weather Alert setting, if it is currently active.  
• Return power settings to their original state.  
NOTE: Resetting the radio will NOT erase the MMSI setting, nor will it delete your Contact  
List, and it will also keep you in the band (U, I, or C) that you had selected before reset.  
To reset the radio:  
1. Press and hold the DSC/MENU key to display the Setup Menu.  
2. Use the CH/ENTER knob on the radio base station or the Channel Up and Down  
keys on the microphone handset to select RESET, and then press the CH/ENTER  
knob. The radio will reset after 5 seconds.  
3. Select EXIT from the menu, or press either the CANCEL/WX or the 16/9 key to  
return to Normal mode.  
19. POSITION INDICATION  
Your VHF255S can display the position of the vessel (longitude and latitude) as well  
as time and date information, if connected to a GPS receiver; if no GPS receiver is  
connected, an alert tone of 1-minute duration (which can be cancelled by pressing  
any key) sounds at 4-hour intervals to encourage manual input of positional data.  
After no manual position input has been made for 24 hours, the NO POS DATA  
message is replaced with a NO GPS message, and the position and time data  
displayed changes to all 9s and all 8s, respectively.  
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48  
DISTRESS  
23’20.1234 N  
100’15.1002 E  
08:10PM UTC  
To request the Lat/Lon position of an MMSI (POS request):  
This option allows you to request GPS position information from any vessel for which an  
MMSI number is known.  
1. From the DSC Call Type List, select POS REQUEST, then select either LAST RX  
or CONTACTS.  
2a. If you selected LAST RX, pressing the CH/ENTER knob will allow you to send  
the call. Skip to step 3.  
or...  
2b. If you selected CONTACTS, the Contact List will be displayed. Select a contact  
for which you want position information. Rotate the CH/ENTER knob to select  
the MMSI number of the person from the Contact List for which you want  
position information, then press the CH/ENTER knob again to initiate the  
request.  
3. The radio switches to CH 70 and the TX icon is displayed while the position  
request is being sent, then the awaiting acknowledgment message will be  
displayed.  
4a. If the call is acknowledged, the position data is displayed, and an alert will sound.  
or...  
4b. If the call is not acknowledged within 16 seconds, the radio will prompt you to  
resend the call.  
5. If you do nothing for 5 minutes, the position request will be cancelled and the  
radio will revert to Normal mode.  
Position Reply: The position reply can be used to send your position to another radio  
when your radio has an operating GPS receiver connected. The position reply feature  
can either prompt you to send your position manually or do it automatically, depending  
on your DSC Setup configuration.  
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49  
SETUP MENU  
The radio’s setup functions are accessed through the Setup Menu. Setup Menu  
selections are as follows:  
CONTACTS  
LOCAL/DIST  
BACKLIGHT  
CONTRAST  
GPS/TIME  
RADIO SETUP  
DSC SETUP  
RESET  
EXIT  
CONTACTS: Selects the Contact List Entry routine to enter Names and MMSI numbers  
for frequently-called DSC stations. Up to 20 Contact Names can be stored.  
LOCAL/DIST: DIST (Distant) allows normal receive sensitivity, while LOCAL eliminates  
receiver noise, but degrades receiver sensitivity. Only Local mode has an icon, the  
LOCAL icon.  
BACKLIGHT: Sets the backlight level; 8 total levels are available.  
CONTRAST: Selects the display contrast setting; 8 levels of contrast are available.  
GPS/TIME: Allows you to manually set position and time data if no GPS is attached, and  
defines if and how position and time data, time offset, and COG/SOG settings are  
displayed.  
RADIO SETUP: There are 4 items that you can customize: CH Name, Ring Tone Volume,  
Beep Volume and Internal Speaker on/off.  
DSC SETUP: There are 5 functions that you are allowed to alter: User MMSI entry,  
Group MMSI entry, Individual Reply, DSC enable, and POS reply.  
RESET: This resets almost all settings to factory defaults.  
EXIT: This provides another way to exit the Setup Menu.  
NOTE: During Setup operation, TX and RX are disabled.  
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50  
To access the Setup Menu:  
1. Press and hold the DSC/MENU key for 3 seconds; the Text area on the LCD will  
display the Setup Menu list. (Setup Menu choices are: CONTACTS,  
LOCAL/DIST, BACKLIGHT, CONTRAST, GPS/TIME, RADIO SETUP, DSC SETUP,  
RESET, EXIT.)  
2. Rotate the CH/ENTER knob to select an Item within the Setup Menu list. To  
confirm a selected item, push the CH/ENTER knob. When you have selected  
the desired setting, press the CH/ENTER knob to enter it, and return to the  
Setup Menu list.  
NOTE: To exit the Setup Menu or one of the submenus, either press the 16/9 key or select  
the EXIT option from the menu (to exit out of all submenus) or press the CANCEL/WX key (to  
step back one menu level). You can also exit the Setup Menu by turning the unit off. All  
changes are saved in EEPROM (except for manually-entered GPS data).  
CONTACT LIST  
The Contact List can store up to 20 entries with Name and MMSI number. You can add,  
edit or delete the record from the list under this submenu.  
To add an entry to the Contact List:  
1. From the Setup Menu, select CONTACTS. Move the cursor to NEW and press  
the CH/ENTER knob to display an entry page which prompts you to enter the  
new Contact Name and MMSI.  
2. Rotate the CH/ENTER knob to select the first desired character (A-Z, 1-9, space  
and back arrow "<") for the name. When the desired character is shown, press  
the CH/ENTER knob to select it; continue to select characters for the Contact  
Name in this way; up to 11 characters in all may be selected. When the last  
digit is entered, you will be automatically advanced to the first MMSI digit.  
NOTE: You can enter alphanumeric and symbol characters for the Contact Name, but some  
may be spaces; turn the CH/ENTER knob one click counterclockwise to remove a _ and  
replace it with a blank space, then press the CH/ENTER knob once more to select it and move  
to the next character.  
3. Enter the MMSI number associated with that Contact Name. Once you have  
entered all 9 digits, a confirmation message will appear to ask you if you want  
to save the Contact.  
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51  
4a. Press the CH/ENTER knob to save the new Contact, which will be displayed at  
the top of the Contact List.  
or...  
4b. Press the CANCEL key to terminate the process without saving, then go back to  
the Contact List screen.  
5. When the Contact List is full (has 20 entries), you cannot add a new entry until  
you have deleted an existing entry.  
To edit an existing Contact List entry:  
1. From the Setup Menu, select CONTACTS. Rotate the CH/ENTER knob to  
highlight a specific Contact Name and press the CH/ENTER knob to see the  
EDIT and DELETE choices for the selected Contact Name and associated MMSI.  
Choose EDIT.  
2. When you are finished editing, press the CH/ENTER knob . You will be  
prompted to save your changes.  
3. Press the CH/ENTER knob again to save your edits. The Contact List is displayed  
again. If more changes are required, repeat steps 1 through 3; otherwise, press  
the CANCEL/WX key to exit.  
To delete an entry from the Contact List:  
1. From the Setup Menu, select CONTACTS. Rotate the CH/ENTER knob to  
highlight a specific Contact Name and press the CH/ENTER knob to see the  
EDIT and DELETE choices for the selected Contact Name and associated MMSI.  
Choose DELETE.  
2. Press and hold the CH/ENTER knob to confirm your changes. The Contact List  
will be displayed again.  
3. If you need to delete more Contact Names, repeat steps 1 through 2; otherwise,  
press the CANCEL/WX key to exit.  
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52  
LOCAL/DISTANT  
You can set the receiver to LOCAL to eliminate noise, as the LOCAL setting limits radio  
reception to strong signals only.  
To set the receiver to Local/Distant:  
1. From the Setup Menu, select LOCAL/DIST, then choose LOCAL and press the  
CH/ENTER knob to set the receiver to Local. The LOCAL icon will appear on the  
LCD.  
2. Select LOCAL/DIST from the Setup Menu list, then choose DISTANT and press  
the CH/ENTER knob to set the receiver to DISTANT.  
CONTACTS  
>LOCAL/DIST  
CALL LOG  
SENSITVITY  
>DISTANT  
LOCAL  
BACKLIGHT  
BACKLIGHT ADJUSTMENT  
You can adjust the backlight on the LCD to adapt to changing light conditions.  
To adjust the backlight:  
1. From the Setup Menu, select BACKLIGHT. There are 8 levels of control for the  
Backlight. The lower levels are for a dimmer backlight, while the higher levels  
are for a brighter backlight.  
2. Rotate the CH/ENTER knob to adjust the setting, Press the CH/ENTER knob to  
enter the setting and return to the Setup Menu.  
CONTACTS  
LOCAL/DIST  
>BACKLIGHT  
CONTRAST  
GPS/TIME  
RADIO SETUP  
DSC SETUP  
RESET  
BACKLIGHT  
OFF  
HI  
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _  
EXIT  
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53  
CONTRAST ADJUSTMENT  
You can adjust the contrast on the LCD to adapt to changing light conditions.  
To adjust the Contrast:  
1. From the Setup Menu, select CONTRAST. There are 8 levels of control for the  
Contrast. The higher numbers represent a higher-contrast setting, while the  
lower numbers represent a lower-contrast setting.  
2. Rotate the CH/ENTER knob to adjust the setting, Press the CH/ENTER knob to  
enter the setting and return to the Setup Menu List.  
CONTACTS  
LOCAL/DIST  
BACKLIGHT  
>CONTRAST  
GPS/TIME  
RADIO SETUP  
DSC SETUP  
RESET  
CONTRAST  
LO  
HI  
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _  
EXIT  
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54  
GPS/TIME SUBMENU  
The radio automatically detects NMEA strings and decodes the appropriate  
latitude/longitude position and time. If the GPS navigation receiver is not connected  
or is not functional, the radio will send an alert every 4 hours to request that you enter  
manual GPS coordinates and time data. If you do not enter this data manually for 24  
consecutive hours, the radio will stop sending the alert and will simply display NO  
GPS on the LCD.  
CONTACTS  
LOCAL/DIST  
BACKLIGHT  
CONTRAST  
>GPS/TIME  
RADIO SETUP  
DSC SETUP  
RESET  
MANUAL  
>SETTINGS  
POS DISPLAY  
TIME DISPLAY  
TIME OFFSET  
TIME FORMAT  
COG/SOG  
EXIT  
To access the GPS/Time Submenu:  
1. From the Setup Menu, select GPS/TIME.  
2. Rotate the CH/ENTER knob to select Items within the GPS/Time Submenu. To  
confirm a selected item, push the CH/ENTER knob to see more Submenus.  
When you have selected the desired setting, press the CH/ENTER knob to  
enter it, and return to the GPS/Time Submenu. (GPS/Time Submenu choices  
include MANUAL and SETTINGS. There are additional submenu choices  
under SETTINGS.)  
NOTE: To exit the GPS/TIME submenu or one of the submenus under it, press the 16/9 key  
(to exit out of all submenus, including the Setup Menu) or press the CANCEL/WX key (to step  
back one menu level). You can also exit the GPS/Time Submenu by turning the unit off. All  
changes are saved in EEPROM (except for manually-entered GPS data).  
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55  
GPS/TIME SUBMENU: MANUALLY ENTER GPS DATA  
If no GPS data is available, the NO GPS icon appears, and POS DATA REQ is displayed  
with NO GPS. An alert will sound for 5 seconds or until any key is pressed. The manual  
entry function is valid if and only if no GPS Receiver is connected.  
CONTACTS  
LOCAL/DIST  
BACKLIGHT  
CONTRAST  
>GPS/TIME  
RADIO SETUP  
DSC SETUP  
RESET  
>MANUAL  
SETTINGS  
MANUAL POS  
_ _ . _ _ . _ _ _ _ N  
_ _ _ . _ _ . _ _ _ _ E  
_ _ . _ _ UTC  
EXIT  
To manually enter GPS Data:  
1. From the GPS/Time Submenu, select MANUAL to see the Manual Position  
display.  
2. Enter the latitude, then the longitude, then the UTC time.  
3. Press the CH/ENTER knob when all the information is correct. The boat’s lat/lon  
with the UTC time will be shown on the LCD.  
GPS / TIME  
>MANUAL  
SETTINGS  
MANUAL POS  
DISTRSS  
_ _ . _ _ . _ _ _ _ N  
_ _ _ . _ _ . _ _ _ _ E  
_ _ . _ _ UTC  
22.28.1111 N  
112 0.11.0011 W  
08.25 UTC  
NOTE: The manual entries will be overwritten automatically if the radio is connected to an  
optional-purchase GPS Receiver and a new GPS position is received.  
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56  
GPS/TIME SUBMENU: SETTINGS SUBMENU  
The Settings Submenu under the GPS/TIME Submenu allows you to set the following  
information:  
• Whether Position data is displayed.  
• Whether the Time is displayed.  
• Whether a Time Zone Offset is used.  
• How the Time data is formatted.  
• Whether COG/SOG data is displayed.  
NOTE: If the TIME DISPLAY is turned on, COG/SOG will be turned off automatically, and vice  
versa, since they use the same line on the LCD.  
CONTACTS  
LOCAL/DIST  
BACKLIGHT  
CONTRAST  
>GPS/TIME  
RADIO SETUP  
DSC SETUP  
RESET  
MANUAL  
>SETTINGS  
POS DISPLAY  
TIME DISPLAY  
TIME OFFSET  
TIME FORMAT  
COG/SOG  
EXIT  
GPS/TIME SETTINGS SUBMENU: POSITION DISPLAY ON/OFF  
You can choose whether or not the boat’s position is displayed in Normal mode.  
1. From the GPS/Time Submenu, select SETTINGS, then select POS DISPLAY to  
turn the Position Display ON or OFF.  
2. Select ON to make the LCD display the boat’s position.  
>POS DISPLAY  
TIME DISPLAY  
TIME OFFSET  
TIME FORMAT  
COG/SOG  
POS DISPLAY  
>ON  
OFF  
DISTRSS  
27π34.1268 N  
82π55.5587 W  
356π 12.6Kts  
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57  
GPS/TIME SETTINGS SUBMENU: TIME DISPLAY ON/OFF  
You can choose whether or not the time is displayed in Normal mode.  
1. From the GPS/Time Submenu, select SETTINGS, then select TIME DISPLAY to  
turn the Time Display ON or OFF.  
2. Select ON to make the LCD display the time, and OFF to suppress the time. In  
the following example, OFF is selected and the LCD no longer shows the time.  
POS DISPLAY  
>TIME DISPLAY  
TIME OFFSET  
TIME FORMAT  
COG/SOG  
TIME DISPLAY  
ON  
>OFF  
COAST GUARD  
27045.1234N  
112036.5678W  
GPS/TIME SETTINGS SUBMENU: TIME OFFSET (LOCAL TIME)  
You can set the time offset add/subtract value from UTC time to equal local time. When  
this offset value is added, the time will be displayed as LOC instead of UTC.  
1. From the GPS/Time Submenu, select SETTINGS, then select TIME OFFSET to set  
a time offset.  
2. Use the CH/ENTER knob to set the offset direction to be + or –.  
3. Then use the CH/ENTER knob to set the number of hours of the offset in .5  
(1/2) hour increments. The time will be updated immediately to reflect the  
new time offset.  
POS DISPLAY  
TIME DISPLAY  
>TIME OFFSET  
TIME FORMAT  
COG/SOG  
TIME OFFSET  
>+1.5 HRS  
12:56 AM LOC  
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58  
GPS/TIME SETTINGS SUBMENU: TIME FORMAT  
You can choose the time display to be in either 12 hour or 24 hour format.  
1. From the GPS/Time Submenu, select SETTINGS, then select TIME FORMAT to  
change the time format.  
2. Use the CH/ENTER knob to choose either 12 HR or 24 HR, and press the  
CH/ENTER knob again to enter the selected time format.  
NOTE: If the TIME DISPLAY is turned on, COG/SOG will be turned off automatically, and vice  
versa, since they use the same line on the LCD.  
POS DISPLAY  
TIME DISPLAY  
TIME OFFSET  
>TIME FORMAT  
COG/SOG  
TIME FORMAT  
>12 HR  
24 HR  
PS/TIME SETTINGS SUBMENU: COURSE/SPEED DISPLAY  
OPTIONS (COG/SOG)  
You can enable COG (Course Over Ground) and SOG (Speed Over Ground) to be  
displayed in Normal mode.  
1. From the GPS/Time Submenu, select SETTINGS, then select COG/SOG to turn  
either COG or SOG ON or OFF using the CH/ENTER knob.  
NOTE: If the TIME DISPLAY is turned on, COG/SOG will be turned off automatically, and vice  
versa, since they use the same line on the LCD.  
COG/SOG?  
>ON  
OFF  
DISTRESS  
27π34.1268 N  
82π55.5587 W  
356π 12.6Kts  
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59  
RADIO SETUP SUBMENU  
The Radio Setup submenu under the Setup Menu allows you to set the  
following information:  
• The name of a channel.  
• Ring volume for incoming calls.  
• Beep volume for alerts.  
• Whether the internal speaker is turned on or off.  
CONTACTS  
LOCAL/DIST  
BACKLIGHT  
CONTRAST  
GPS/TIME  
>RADIO SETUP  
DSC SETUP  
RESET  
CH NAME  
RING VOLUME  
BEEP VOLUME  
INT SPEAKER  
EXIT  
To access the Radio Setup Submenu:  
1. From the Setup Menu, select RADIO SETUP to display the Radio Setup  
Submenu. (Radio Setup Submenu choices are: CH NAME, RING VOLUME,  
BEEP VOLUME, INT SPEAKER.)  
2. Rotate the CH/ENTER knob to select Items within the Radio Setup Submenu.  
To confirm a selected item, push the CH/ENTER knob to see more submenus.  
When you have selected the desired setting, press the CH/ENTER knob to  
enter it, and return to the Radio Setup Submenu.  
NOTE: To exit the Radio Setup submenu or one of the submenus under it, press the 16/9 key  
(to exit out of all submenus, including the Setup Menu) or press the CANCEL/WX key (to step  
back one menu level). You can also exit the Radio Setup Submenu by turning the unit off.  
All changes are saved in EEPROM (except for manually-entered GPS data).  
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60  
RADIO SETUP: CHANNEL NAME DISPLAY AND EDITING  
You can associate a text name with a channel, and display the name on the LCD below  
the channel number, or suppress the display of the name; you can also delete an  
existing text name.  
>CH NAME  
CH NAME  
>DISPLAY  
CH INFO  
DISPLAY  
>ON  
OFF  
RING VOLUME  
BEEP VOLUME  
INT SPEAKER  
To display an existing channel name:  
1. From the Radio Setup Submenu, select CH NAME, then DISPLAY to turn the  
display ON or OFF using the CH/ENTER knob.  
To edit an existing channel name entry:  
1. From the Radio Setup Submenu, select CH NAME, then CH INFO, then press  
the CH/ENTER knob. The screen will display the channel number and the name  
associated with that channel. You can then use the CH/ENTER knob to scroll  
through any other channel on the band, and press the CH/ENTER knob again  
to edit or delete that channel name.  
2. Select EDIT and press the CH/ENTER knob to edit the existing name tag, then  
enter the new name over the existing name and press the CH/ENTER knob to  
display the YES/NO confirmation message.  
3. Press the CH/ENTER knob to confirm the new channel name, then press the  
CANCEL key to return to the previous screen.  
>CH NAME  
RING  
CH NAME  
DISPLAY  
>CH INFO  
CH INFO  
>EDIT  
DELETE  
[Channel Label]  
VOLUME  
BEEP  
VOLUME  
INT SPEAKER  
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61  
To delete a name tag from a saved channel:  
1. From the Radio Setup Submenu, select CH NAME, then CH INFO, then press  
the CH/ENTER knob. The screen will display the channel name associated with  
that channel.  
2. Select DELETE and press the CH/ENTER knob to see the YES/NO confirmation  
message. Choose YES to delete the existing channel name tag.  
>CH NAME  
CH NAME  
DISPLAY  
>CH INFO  
CH INFO  
EDIT  
>DELETE  
RING VOLUME  
BEEP VOLUME  
INT SPEAKER  
RADIO SETUP: RING VOLUME ADJUSTMENT  
1. From the Radio Setup Submenu, select RING VOLUME to display the ringer  
tone option settings, and choose either LOUD or SOFT.  
CH NAME  
RING VOLUME  
>LOUD  
SOFT  
>RING VOLUME  
BEEP VOLUME  
INT SPEAKER  
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62  
RADIO SETUP: BEEP VOLUME ADJUSTMENT  
This setting allows you to set the key beep tone volume level.  
1. From the Radio Setup Submenu, select BEEP VOL to display the beep volume  
setting choices, and choose either HIGH, LOW or OFF using the CH/ENTER knob.  
CH NAME  
BEEP VOLUME  
>HIGH  
RING VOLUME  
>BEEP VOLUME  
INT SPEAKER  
LOW  
OFF  
RADIO SETUP: TURNING THE INTERNAL SPEAKER ON/OFF  
This setting allows you to turn the internal speaker on or off in case you are using an  
external speaker instead.  
1. From the Radio Setup Submenu, select INT SPEAKER, and choose either ON or  
OFF using the CH/ENTER knob.  
CH NAME  
INT SPEAKER  
>ON  
OFF  
RING VOLUME  
BEEP VOLUME  
>INT SPEAKER  
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63  
DSC SETUP SUBMENU  
The DSC Setup submenu under the Setup Menu allows you to set the following  
information for the DSC/ATIS function:  
• The User MMSI assigned to your radio (can ONLY be set once).  
• Up to three Group Names and associated MMSIs.  
• Automatic or manual individual reply.  
• Whether DSC is enabled or temporarily disabled.  
• Automatic, manual or off position request reponse.  
CONTACTS  
LOCAL/DIST  
BACKLIGHT  
CONTRAST  
GPS/TIME  
RADIO SETUP  
>DSC SETUP  
RESET  
USER MMSI  
GROUP MMSI  
INDIV REPLY  
DSC ENABLE  
POS REPLY  
EXIT  
To access the DSC Setup Submenu:  
1. From the Setup Menu, select DSC SETUP to display the DSC Setup Submenu.  
(DSC Setup Submenu choices are: USER MMSI, GROUP MMSI, INDIV REPLY,  
DSC ENABLE, POS REPLY.)  
2. Rotate the CH/ENTER knob to select Items within the DSC Setup Submenu. To  
confirm a selected item, push the CH/ENTER knob to see more submenus.  
When you have selected the desired setting, press the CH/ENTER knob to enter  
it, and return to the DSC Setup Submenu.  
NOTE: To exit the DSC Setup submenu or one of the submenus under it, press the 16/9 key  
(to exit out of all submenus, including the Setup Menu) or press the CANCEL/WX key (to step  
back one menu level). You can also exit the DSC Setup Submenu by turning the unit off. All  
changes are saved in EEPROM (except for manually-entered GPS data).  
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64  
DSC SETUP: ENTER YOUR USER MMSI  
NOTE: You must get an MMSI assigned to you before you can perform this procedure, and  
you will ONLY be allowed to perform this operation once. You must enter your user MMSI  
before you can use the DSC functions. If there is no User MMSI stored and an attempt is  
made to use the DSC function of the radio, the LCD will display the following message:  
DSC IS NOT  
OPERATIONAL  
PLEASE ENTER  
MMSI  
The Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number is the nine-digit number used on  
marine radios like your VHF255S that are capable of using Digital Selective Calling  
(DSC). This number is used like a telephone number to call other vessels individually and  
automatically. For more information on MMSIs, please see the Maritime Mobile  
Service Identity (MMSI) section.  
To obtain an MMSI assignment:  
1. Contact BOAT US or SEATOW to obtain a unique MMSI number for  
your VHF255S radio. Go to: http://www.boatus.com/mmsi/ or  
instructions.  
2. When you have obtained your unique MMSI number, write it down  
IMMEDIATELY in the space provided on the inside front cover of this manual.  
NOTE: You should also write down the serial number (found on the left panel of the radio  
base station) on the inside front cover of this manual, for future reference.  
To enter your assigned MMSI into your radio:  
1. Press and hold the DSC/MENU key; the Text area on the LCD will display the  
Setup Menu list.  
2. Rotate the CH/ENTER knob to select DSC SETUP from the Setup Menu list, and  
push the CH/ENTER knob to display the DSC Setup Submenu.  
3. Rotate the CH/ENTER knob to select USER MMSI from the DSC Setup Submenu  
and push the CH/ENTER knob to display the USER MMSI entry screen.  
NOTE: If an existing User MMSI has already been stored, it will be displayed, stop here. You  
CANNOT edit the User MMSI once it has been entered and confirmed.  
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65  
4. If the User MMSI is blank, a dashed line will be displayed. Turn the CH/ENTER  
knob back and forth to enter the User MMSI along the dashed line. Press the  
CH/ENTER knob to confirm each correct entry and to be advanced  
automatically to the next digit.  
NOTE: If your make an error, press the CANCEL/WX key until < appears, then press the  
CH/ENTER knob to back up and correct the error.  
5. When you have selected the desired numbers, press the CH/ENTER knob to  
store your User MMSI.  
6. You will be asked to re-enter your User MMSI again to confirm it; once you  
have re-entered your User MMSI, press and hold the CH/ENTER knob to  
permanently store the your User MMSI and return to the DSC Setup Submenu.  
NOTE: To exit the DSC Setup Submenu or one of the further submenus under it, press the  
16/9 or CANCEL/WX keys until you have left the submenus. You will also exit the DSC Setup  
Submenu automatically by turning the unit off. All changes are saved in EEPROM (except for  
manually-entered GPS data).  
>USER MMSI  
GROUP MMSI  
INDIV REPLY  
DSC ENABLE  
POS REPLY  
INPUT MMSI  
NUMBER  
>- - - - - - - -  
HOLD ENTER  
USER MMSI  
INPUT AGAIN  
>- - - - - - - -  
HOLD ENTER  
USER MMSI  
ID 50000000  
>SAVE  
CANCEL  
7. You can view your stored User MMSI at any time by selecting user MMSI from  
the DSC SETUP menu.  
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66  
DSC SETUP: CREATE AND MANAGE GROUP MMSIS  
You can save up to three Group MMSI numbers and associated Group names. Group  
MMSI numbers always begin with a zero (0). You will only enter the last 8 digits of the  
Group MMSI, as the intial “0” is entered automatically.  
To enter Group MMSIs:  
1. From the DSC Setup Submenu, select GROUP MMSI. If existing Group Names  
and Group MMSIs are stored, they will be displayed. If there are no existing  
names, dashed lines will appear on the LCD instead.  
2. To enter a Group Name and MMSI into a blank line, rotate the CH/ENTER knob  
to select the first desired character (A-Z, 1-9, space and back arrow "<") for the  
name. When the desired character is shown, press the CH/ENTER knob to select  
it; continue to select characters for the Group Name in this way. When the last  
digit is entered, you will be automatically advanced to the first MMSI digit.  
NOTE: Some characters may be spaces; turn the CH/ENTER knob one click counterclockwise  
to remove a _ and replace it with a blank space, then press the CH/ENTER knob once more  
to select it and move to the next character.  
3. Enter the MMSI number associated with that Group Name . The first digit is  
required to be a “0” (zero), and is entered automatically, so you only need to  
enter 8 digits to complete the 9 digit MMSI. A confirmation message will  
appear to ask you if you want to save the Group Name.  
4a. Press the CH/ENTER knob to save the new entry.  
or  
4b. Press the CANCEL/WX key to terminate the process without saving; you will be  
taken back to the Group MMSI screen.  
USER MMSID  
>GROUP MMSID  
INDIV REPLY  
DSC ENABLE  
POS REPLY  
USER GROUP  
> - - - - - - - -  
- - - - - - - - -  
- - - - - - - -  
GROUP NAME  
> - - - - - - - - - -  
GROUP MMSID  
ID O - - - - - - - -  
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67  
To edit an existing Group MMSI entry:  
1. From the DSC Setup Submenu, select GROUP MMSI, then select an existing  
Group Name and press the CH/ENTER knob to see the EDIT and DELETE  
choices for the selected Group Name and associated MMSI. Select the Group  
Name or only the desired MMSI. Choose EDIT.  
2. When you are finished editing, press the CH/ENTER knob. You will be prompted  
to save your changes.  
3. Press the CH/ENTER knob again to save your edits. The Group MMSIs are  
displayed again. If more changes are required, repeat steps 1 through 3;  
otherwise, press the CANCEL/WX key to exit.  
USERGROUP  
>GROUPA  
GROUPB  
GROUPA  
>EDIT  
DELETE  
EDIT NAME  
>GROUPA  
MMSID:  
GROUPC  
ID053421608  
To delete a Group MMSI:  
1. From the DSC Setup Submenu, select GROUP MMSI, then select an existing  
Group Name and press the CH/ENTER knob to see the EDIT and DELETE  
choices for the selected Group Name and associated MMSI. Choose DELETE.  
2. The DELETE GROUP menu will be displayed for that particular group name. An  
arrow will point to YES; press the CH/ENTER knob to empty the group and return  
to the USER GROUP screen. The LCD displays the group for >_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.  
3. If you need to delete more Group Names, repeat steps 1 through 2; otherwise,  
press the CANCEL/WX key to exit.  
GROUPA  
EDIT  
>DELETE  
DELETEGROUP  
GROUPA  
>YES  
USER GROUP  
> - - - - - - -  
GROUPB  
NO  
GROUPC  
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68  
DSC SETUP: INDIVIDUAL REPLY  
You can set up your radio to respond to incoming individual calls with either an  
automatic response or to wait for you to reply manually.  
1. From the DSC Setup Submenu, select INDIV REPLY to display the INDIV REPLY  
MANUAL or AUTOMATIC choices.  
2. Select AUTOMATIC for an automatic response, or MANUAL for a manual  
response using the CH/ENTER knob.  
USER MMSI  
GROUP MMSI  
>INDIV REPLY  
DSC ENABLE  
POS REPLY  
INDIV REPLY  
>MANUAL  
AUTOMATIC  
DSC SETUP: DSC ENABLE  
Use this feature to turn off the DSC function temporarily, such as when you are sailing  
to inland water or entering a No DSC region where DSC cannot be used.  
1. From the DSC Setup Submenu, select DSC ENABLE to display DSC ENABLE  
ON/OFF.  
2. Select OFF to disable the DSC function using the CH/ENTER knob.  
USER MMSI  
GROUP MMSI  
INDIV REPLY  
>DSC ENABLE  
POS REPLY  
DSC ENABLE  
>ON  
OFF  
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69  
DSC SETUP: POSITION REPLY  
You can set the radio to respond to a Position Request in one of three ways: Automatic,  
Manual, or Off (no response).  
1. From the DSC Setup Submenu, select POS REPLY, then choose either  
AUTOMATIC, MANUAL, and OFF using the CH/ENTER knob.  
USER MMSI  
GROUP MMSI  
INDIV REPLY  
DSC ENABLE  
>POS REPLY  
POS REPLY  
>AUTOMATIC  
MANUAL  
OFF  
DSC SETUP: RESET  
This feature resets most settings to the factory defaults, except for the USER MMSI and  
the Contact List.  
1. From the DSC Setup Submenu, select RESET; the radio will ask for  
confirmation.  
2. Select YES, then press the CH/ENTER knob to reset the radio.  
CONTACTS  
LOCAL/DIST  
BACKLIGHT  
CONTRAST  
GPS/TIME  
RADIO SETUP  
DSC SETUP  
RESET  
RESET  
ARE YOU  
SURE?  
NO  
ALL USER  
SETTINGS  
RESTORED  
TO DEFAULT  
>YES  
EXIT  
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70  
MAINTENANCE  
To keep your Humminbird® VHF255S working properly, perform the following  
maintenance as needed.  
If your unit comes into contact with salt spray, simply wipe the affected surfaces with a  
cloth dampened in fresh water. Do not use a chemical glass cleaner on the lens, as  
chemicals in the solution may cause cracking in the lens. When cleaning the LCD  
protective lens, use a chamois and non-abrasive, mild cleaner. Do not wipe while dirt or  
grease is on the lens. Be careful to avoid scratching the lens.  
WARNING: Never leave your VHF255S in a closed car or trunk; the extremely high  
temperatures generated in hot weather can damage the electronics.  
TROUBLESHOOTING  
Before contacting the Humminbird® Customer Resource Center, please read the  
following section. Taking the time to review these troubleshooting guidelines may allow  
you to solve a performance problem yourself, and therefore avoid sending your unit back  
for repair.  
NOTE: Do not attempt to repair the VHF255S yourself, as there are no user serviceable parts  
inside, and special tools and techniques are required for reassembly in order to maintain the  
waterproof integrity of the housing. Repairs should be performed only by authorized  
Humminbird® technicians.  
VHF255S DOESN'T POWER UP  
If your VHF255S doesn't power up, refer to the Installation section, and make sure that:  
• The power connection to the radio base station is correct.  
• The volume control is turned up high enough for you to hear.  
Correct any problems discovered.  
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71  
NO SOUND FROM THE SPEAKER  
If your VHF255S speaker is not emitting sound, refer to the Installation section, and  
make sure that:  
• The volume control is turned up high enough for you to hear.  
• SQUELCH is set to the threshold point.  
• The internal speaker is turned on (see Radio Setup: Turning the Internal  
Speaker On/Off for more information).  
Correct any problems discovered.  
TRANSMITTING IS IMPOSSIBLE,  
OR HIGH POWER CAN’T BE SELECTED  
If your VHF255S cannot transmit, or you cannot select high power, refer to the  
Installation section, and make sure that:  
• Sufficient power is being supplied to the radio (12 Volts @ 7 Amps).  
• The PTT key is operating correctly.  
• The microphone or MIC jack are operating correctly.  
• Change to another channel, as some channels are for low power or are  
receive only.  
• Press the HI/LOW/MEM key to select high power.  
Correct any problems discovered.  
LOW RECEIVER SENSITIVITY  
If your VHF255S either has low receiver sensitivity (has difficulty receiving faint signals),  
refer to the Installation section, and make sure that:  
• The antenna is connected correctly.  
• The connection between the coaxial cable and the radio base station is  
correct and securely-fastened.  
Correct any problems discovered.  
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72  
3-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY  
We warrant the original retail purchaser that products made by Humminbird® have been  
manufactured free from defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty for the  
VHF255S radio is effective for three years from the date of original retail purchase.  
Humminbird® products found to be defective and covered by this warranty will be  
replaced or repaired free of charge at Humminbird's option and returned to the customer  
freight prepaid. Humminbird's sole responsibility under this warranty is limited to the  
repair or replacement of a product that has been deemed defective by Humminbird®.  
Humminbird® is not responsible for charges connected with the removal of such product  
or reinstallation of replaced or repaired parts.  
This warranty does not apply to a product that has been:  
• Improperly installed;  
• Used in an installation other than that recommended in the product  
installation and operation instructions;  
• Damaged or has failed because of an accident or abnormal operation;  
• Repaired or modified by entities other than Humminbird®.  
Please retain your original receipt as a proof of the purchase date. This will be required  
for in-warranty service.  
THIS WARRANTY IS EXPRESSLY IN LIEU OF ANY OTHER WARRANTIES, OBLIGATIONS  
OR LIABILITIES ON THE PART OF HUMMINBIRD® AND WILL BE THE CUSTOMER'S  
EXCLUSIVE REMEDY, EXCEPT FOR ANY APPLICABLE IMPLIED WARRANTIES UNDER  
STATE LAW WHICH ARE HEREBY LIMITED IN DURATION TO THREE YEARS FROM THE  
DATE OF ORIGINAL PURCHASE. IN NO EVENT WILL HUMMINBIRD® BE LIABLE FOR  
ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES FOR BREACH OF ANY EXPRESS OR  
IMPLIED WARRANTY RELATING TO THE PRODUCTS.  
Some states do not allow limitations on an implied warranty, or the exclusion of  
incidental or consequential damages, so the above exclusions may not apply to you. You  
may also have other rights, which vary from state to state.  
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73  
HUMMINBIRD® SERVICE POLICY  
Even though you'll probably never need to take advantage of our incredible service  
policy, it's good to know that we back our products this confidently. We do it because  
you deserve the best. We will make every effort to repair your unit within three business  
days from the receipt of your unit at our factory. This does not include shipping time to  
and from our factory. Units received on Friday are typically shipped by the following  
Wednesday, units received Monday are typically shipped by Thursday, etc.  
All repair work is performed by factory-trained technicians to meet exacting factory  
specifications. Factory-serviced units go through the same rigorous testing and quality  
control inspections as new production units.  
After the original warranty period, a standard flat rate service charge will be assessed  
for each repair (physical damage and missing parts are not included). Any repairs made  
after the original warranty will be warranted for an additional 90 days after service has  
been performed by our factory technicians. You can contact our Customer Resource  
Center or visit our website to verify the flat rate repair fee for your product (visit the  
Product Support section):  
We reserve the right to deem any product unserviceable when replacement parts are  
no longer available or impossible to obtain. This Service Policy is valid in the United  
States only. This applies only to Humminbird® products returned to our factory in  
Eufaula, Alabama. This Service Policy is subject to change without notice.  
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74  
RETURNING YOUR UNIT FOR SERVICE  
Before sending your unit in for repair, please contact the factory, either by phone or by  
email, to obtain a Repair Authorization Number for your unit. Please have your product  
model name and serial number available before calling the factory. If you contact the  
factory by e-mail, please include your product model name and serial number in the  
e-mail, and use Request for Repair Authorization Number for your e-mail subject  
header. You should include your Repair Authorization Number in all subsequent  
communications about your unit.  
For IN-WARRANTY service, complete the following steps:  
• Obtain a Repair Authorization Number from the Humminbird® Customer  
Resource Center.  
• Tag product with your name, street address, phone number and your  
assigned Repair Authorization Number.  
• Include a brief written description of the problem.  
• Include a copy of your receipt (to show proof and date of purchase).  
• Return product freight prepaid to Humminbird®, using an insured carrier with  
delivery confirmation.  
For OUT-OF-WARRANTY service, complete the following steps:  
• Obtain a Repair Authorization Number from the Humminbird® Customer  
Resource Center.  
• Include payment in the form of credit card number and expiration date,  
money order or personal check. Please do not send cash.  
• Tag product with your name, street address, phone number and your  
assigned Repair Authorization Number.  
• Include a brief written description of the problem.  
• Return product freight prepaid to Humminbird®, using an insured carrier with  
delivery confirmation.  
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75  
SPECIFICATIONS  
Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . All U.S., Canadian and International Channels  
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . All NOAA Weather Channels  
Frequency Method. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Phase Lock Loop  
Frequency Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TX 156.050 ~ 157.425 MHz  
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RX 156.025 ~163.275 MHz  
Antenna Impedance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Ohm  
Microphone. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Condensor Type  
Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.8 VDC (Nominal Voltage for a 12 Volt Marine Power System)  
Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Backlit Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)  
Operating Temperatures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -4° F to 140° F (-20° C to 60° C)  
Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.80 in (71 mm) [H] x 6.30 in (161 mm) [W] x 5.80 in (147 mm) [D]  
Weight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.20 lbs (545 grams)  
Waterproof Rating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Meets JIS Level 7 Standard  
TRANSMITTER:  
Power Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 or 25 Watts (Selectable)  
Modulation Type. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FM  
S/N at 3 KHz Dev. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 dB  
<
Modulation Distortion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +/- 3 kHz, 7%  
>
Spurious/Harmonic Emissions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . High/Low, 70/60 dB  
>
Modulation Sensitivity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 µV  
RECEIVER:  
<
Sensitivity at 12 dB SINAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -6 (EMF) dBµV  
>
Spurious Response Rejection Ratio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 dB  
>
Adjacent Channel Selectivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 dB  
>
S/N at 3 kHz Dev. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 dB  
<
Audio Distortion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10%  
NOTE: Product specifications and features are subject to change without notice.  
FCCID:KLLTM-366  
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76  
MARINE CHANNELS  
Refer to the following Marine Channels tables, depending on your location.  
NOAA* Weather Radio Frequencies  
Channel  
WX0  
WX1  
WX2  
WX3  
WX4  
WX5  
WX6  
WX7  
WX8  
WX9  
Frequency (MHz)  
163.275  
Use  
NOAA Weather.  
NOAA Weather.  
NOAA Weather.  
NOAA Weather.  
NOAA Weather.  
NOAA Weather.  
NOAA Weather.  
NOAA Weather.  
Canadian Weather.  
Canadian Weather.  
162.550  
162.400  
162.475  
162.425  
162.450  
162.500  
162.525  
161.650  
161.775  
* NOAA stands for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.  
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77  
U.S. Marine Channels  
Channel Ship Transmit Ship Receive  
Use  
No.  
MHz  
MHz  
01A  
156.050  
156.050  
Port Operations and Commercial, VTS*.  
Available Only in New Orleans / Lower  
Mississippi area.  
05A  
156.250  
156.250  
Port Operations or VTS in the Houston, New  
Orleans and Seattle areas.  
06  
07A  
08  
156.300  
156.350  
156.400  
156.450  
156.500  
156.550  
156.600  
156.650  
156.300  
156.350  
156.400  
156.450  
156.500  
156.550  
156.600  
156.650  
Intership Safety.  
Commercial.  
Commercial (Intership Only).  
Boater Calling. Commercial and Non-Commercial.  
Commercial.  
09  
10  
11  
Commercial. VTS in Selected Areas.  
Port Operations. VTS in Selected Areas.  
12  
13  
Intership Navigation Safety (Bridge to Bridge).  
Ships >20 m in Length Maintain a Listening  
Watch on this Channel in U.S. Waters.  
14  
15  
156.700  
--  
156.700  
156.750  
Port Operations. VTS in Selected Areas.  
Environmental (Receive Only).  
Used by Class C EPIRBs.  
16  
156.800  
156.800  
International Distress, Safety and Calling. Ships  
Required to Carry Radio, USCG, and Most Coast  
Stations Maintain a Listening Watch on this Channel.  
17  
156.850  
156.900  
156.950  
157.000  
157.000  
157.050  
157.100  
156.850  
156.900  
156.950  
161.600  
157.000  
157.050  
157.100  
State Control.  
18A  
19A  
20  
Commercial.  
Commercial.  
Port Operations (duplex).  
Port Operations.  
U.S. Coast Guard only.  
20A  
21A  
22A  
Coast Guard Liaison and Maritime Safety  
Information Broadcasts. Broadcasts  
Announced on Channel 16.  
23A  
24  
157.150  
157.200  
157.250  
157.300  
157.150  
161.800  
161.850  
161.900  
U.S. Coast Guard Only.  
Public Correspondence (Marine Operator).  
Public Correspondence (Marine Operator).  
Public Correspondence (Marine Operator).  
25  
26  
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U.S. Marine Channels  
Channel Ship Transmit Ship Receive  
Use  
No.  
MHz  
MHz  
27  
157.350  
157.400  
156.175  
161.950  
162.000  
156.175  
Public Correspondence (Marine Operator).  
Public Correspondence (Marine Operator).  
28  
63A  
Port Operations and Commercial, VTS.  
Available Only in New Orleans / Lower  
Mississippi area.  
65A  
66A  
67  
156.275  
156.325  
156.375  
156.275  
156.325  
156.375  
Port Operations.  
Port Operations.  
Commercial. Used for Bridge to Bridge  
Communications in Lower Mississippi River.  
Intership Only.  
68  
69  
70  
156.425  
156.475  
156.525  
156.425  
156.475  
156.525  
Non-Commercial.  
Non-Commercial.  
Digital Selective Calling (Voice Communications  
Not Allowed).  
71  
72  
156.575  
156.625  
156.675  
156.725  
156.875  
156.925  
156.975  
157.025  
157.075  
156.575  
156.625  
156.675  
156.725  
156.875  
156.925  
156.975  
157.025  
157.075  
Non-Commercial.  
Non-Commercial (Intership Only).  
Port Operations.  
73  
74  
Port Operations.  
77  
Port Operations (Intership Only).  
Non-Commercial.  
78A  
79A  
80A  
81A  
Commercial. Non-Commercial in Great Lakes Only.  
Commercial. Non-Commercial in Great Lakes Only.  
U.S. Government Only - Environmental Protection  
Operations.  
82A  
83A  
84  
157.125  
157.175  
157.225  
157.275  
157.325  
157.425  
157.125  
157.175  
161.825  
161.875  
161.925  
157.425  
U.S. Government Only.  
U.S. Coast Guard Only.  
Public Correspondence (Marine Operator).  
Public Correspondence (Marine Operator).  
Public Correspondence (Marine Operator).  
Commercial, Intership Only.  
85  
86  
88A  
* VTS stands for Vessel Traffic Service, and is a system that provides active monitoring and navigational  
advice for vessels in particularly confined and busy waterways.  
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79  
International Marine Channels  
Channel Ship Transmit Ship Receive  
Use  
No.  
MHz  
MHz  
01  
02  
03  
04  
05  
156.050  
156.100  
156.150  
156.200  
156.250  
160.650  
160.700  
160.750  
160.800  
160.850  
Public Correspondence (Marine Operator).  
Public Correspondence (Marine Operator).  
Public Correspondence (Marine Operator).  
Public Correspondence (Marine Operator).  
Public Correspondence (Marine Operator),  
Port Operations, Ship Movement.  
06  
07  
156.300  
156.350  
156.300  
160.950  
Intership Safety.  
Public Correspondence (Marine Operator),  
Port Operations, Ship Movement.  
08  
09  
156.400  
156.450  
156.500  
156.550  
156.600  
156.650  
156.700  
156.750  
156.800  
156.850  
156.900  
156.400  
156.450  
156.500  
156.550  
156.600  
156.650  
156.700  
156.750  
156.800  
156.850  
161.500  
Intership.  
Intership, Port Operations, Ship Movement.  
Intership.  
10  
11  
Port Operations, Ship Movement.  
Port Operations, Ship Movement.  
Intership Navigation, Safety.  
Port Operations, Ship Movement.  
On Board Communications, Intership.  
International Distress, Safety.  
On Board Communications, Intership.  
12  
13  
14  
15 (1)  
16  
17 (1)  
18  
Public Correspondence (Marine Operator),  
Port Operations, Ship Movement.  
19  
20  
21  
22  
156.950  
157.000  
157.050  
157.100  
161.550  
161.600  
161.650  
161.700  
Public Correspondence (Marine Operator),  
Port Operations, Ship Movement.  
Public Correspondence (Marine Operator),  
Port Operations, Ship Movement.  
Public Correspondence (Marine Operator),  
Port Operations, Ship Movement.  
Public Correspondence (Marine Operator),  
Port Operations, Ship Movement.  
23  
24  
25  
26  
27  
28  
60  
157.150  
157.200  
157.250  
157.300  
157.350  
157.400  
156.025  
161.750  
161.800  
161.850  
161.900  
161.950  
162.000  
160.625  
Public Correspondence (Marine Operator).  
Public Correspondence (Marine Operator).  
Public Correspondence (Marine Operator).  
Public Correspondence (Marine Operator).  
Public Correspondence (Marine Operator).  
Public Correspondence (Marine Operator).  
Public Correspondence (Marine Operator).  
Port Operations, Ship Movement.  
61  
156.075  
160.675  
Public Correspondence (Marine Operator).  
Port Operations, Ship Movement.  
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80  
International Marine Channels  
Channel Ship Transmit Ship Receive  
Use  
No.  
MHz  
MHz  
62  
156.125  
160.725  
Public Correspondence (Marine Operator).  
Port Operations, Ship Movement.  
63  
64  
65  
66  
156.175  
156.225  
156.275  
156.325  
160.775  
160.825  
160.875  
160.925  
Public Correspondence (Marine Operator).  
Port Operations, Ship Movement.  
Public Correspondence (Marine Operator).  
Port Operations, Ship Movement.  
Public Correspondence (Marine Operator).  
Port Operations, Ship Movement.  
Public Correspondence (Marine Operator).  
Port Operations, Ship Movement.  
67  
68  
69  
71  
72  
73  
74  
77  
78  
79  
80  
81  
82  
83  
84  
85  
86  
87A  
88A  
156.375  
156.425  
156.475  
156.575  
156.625  
156.675  
156.725  
156.875  
156.925  
156.975  
157.025  
157.075  
157.125  
157.175  
157.225  
157.275  
157.325  
157.375  
157.425  
156.375  
156.425  
156.475  
156.575  
156.625  
156.675  
156.725  
156.875  
161.525  
161.575  
161.625  
161.675  
161.725  
161.775  
161.825  
161.875  
161.925  
157.375  
157.425  
Intership, Port Operations.  
Port Operations, Ship Movement.  
Intership, Port Operations, Ship Movement.  
Port Operations, Ship Movement.  
Intership, Port Operations, Ship Movement.  
Intership, Port Operations, Ship Movement.  
Port Operations, Ship Movement.  
Intership.  
Public Correspondence, Port Operations.  
Public Correspondence, Port Operations.  
Public Correspondence, Port Operations.  
Public Correspondence, Port Operations.  
Public Correspondence, Port Operations.  
Public Correspondence, Port Operations.  
Public Correspondence, Port Operations.  
Public Correspondence, Port Operations.  
Public Correspondence, Port Operations.  
Public Correspondence, Port Operations.  
Public Correspondence, Port Operations.  
1. For channels 15 and 17, output power is fixed at 1 Watt only. Transmission at high power is not  
permitted.  
2. Channel 70 is used for Digital Selective Calling (DSC) only and is not available for voice transmissions.  
Channel 70 does not appear on the display.  
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The International frequency mode is not legal for use while operating in U.S. waters.  
The TX/RX frequencies available in International frequency mode were agreed upon by the attending  
countries at the 1968 ITU-International Telecommunication Union meeting in Geneva, and are legal for use  
in International waters only.  
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81  
Canadian Marine Channels  
Channel Ship Transmit Ship Receive  
Use  
No.  
MHz  
MHz  
160.650  
160.700  
160.750  
156.200  
01  
156.050  
156.100  
156.150  
156.200  
Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)  
Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)  
Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)  
02  
03  
04A  
Pacific Coast: Coast Guard, East Coast:  
Commercial Fishing  
05A  
06  
156.250  
156.300  
156.350  
156.400  
156.450  
156.250  
156.300  
156.350  
156.400  
156.450  
Port Operation, VTS in Seattle.  
Intership Safety  
07A  
08  
Commercial  
Commercial Intership only.  
09  
Boater Calling Channel, Commercial and  
Noncommercial (Recreational).  
10  
11  
12  
13  
14  
15  
156.500  
156.550  
156.600  
156.650  
156.700  
156.750  
156.500  
156.550  
156.600  
156.650  
156.700  
156.750  
Commercial.  
Commercial. VTS in Selected Areas.  
Port Operations. VTS in Selected Areas.  
Intership Navigation Safety (Bridge to Bridge)  
Port Operations. VTS in Selected Areas.  
Commercial, Noncommercial, Ship Movement  
(1 Watt only)  
16  
17  
156.800  
156.850  
156.900  
156.950  
157.000  
157.050  
157.100  
156.800  
156.850  
161.500  
156.950  
161.600  
157.050  
157.100  
International Distress, Safety and Calling  
State Controlled (1 Watt only).  
Commercial  
18A  
19A  
20  
Coast Guard  
Coast Guard  
21A  
22A  
Coast Guard  
U.S. And Canadian Coast Guard Liaison And  
Maritime Safety Info. Broadcasts Announced  
On Ch. 16  
23  
24  
25  
26  
27  
28  
157.150  
157.200  
157.250  
157.300  
157.350  
157.400  
161.750  
161.800  
161.850  
161.900  
161.950  
162.000  
Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)  
Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)  
Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)  
Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)  
Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)  
Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)  
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82  
Canadian Marine Channels  
Channel Ship Transmit Ship Receive  
Use  
No.  
MHz  
MHz  
60  
156.025  
156.075  
160.625  
156.075  
Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)  
61A  
Pacific Coast: Coast Guard East Coast:  
Commercial Fishing Only.  
62A  
63A  
156.125  
156.175  
156.125  
156.175  
Pacific Coast: Coast Guard East Coast:  
Commercial Fishing Only.  
Port Operation and Commercial. VTS in  
Selected Areas.  
64A  
65A  
66A  
67  
156.225  
156.275  
156.325  
156.375  
156.425  
156.475  
156.575  
156.625  
156.975  
157.025  
157.075  
156.225  
156.275  
156.325  
156.375  
156.425  
156.475  
156.575  
156.625  
156.975  
157.025  
157.075  
Commercial Fishing  
Port Operations  
Port Operations  
Commercial Fishing  
Noncommercial (Recreational)  
Commercial Fishing Only  
Noncommercial (Recreational)  
Noncommercial (Intership Only)  
Commercial  
68  
69  
71  
72  
79A  
80A  
81A  
Commercial  
U.S. Government Only, Environmental  
Protection Operations  
82A  
84  
157.125  
157.225  
157.275  
157.325  
157.375  
157.425  
157.125  
161.825  
161.875  
161.925  
161.975  
162.025  
Coast Guard Only  
Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)  
Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)  
Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)  
Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)  
Public Correspondence (Ship to Coast)  
85  
86  
87  
88  
* VTS stands for Vessel Traffic Service, and is a system that provides active monitoring and navigational  
advice for vessels in particularly confined and busy waterways.  
VHF CHANNELS.  
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83  
MENU TREE  
The following schematic shows the relationship between the various menu choices  
that may be displayed on the LCD.  
DSC CALL TYPE LIST  
These menu choices appear when you press the DSC/MENU key.  
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84  
SETUP MENU  
These menu choices appear when you press and hold the DSC/MENU key.  
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85  
NOTES  
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86  
NOTES  
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87  
NOTES  
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88  
Contact Humminbird®  
Contact the Humminbird® Customer Resource Center  
in any of the following ways:  
By Telephone:  
(Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Standard Time):  
1-800-633-1468  
By e-mail:  
(typically we respond to your e-mail within three business days):  
For direct shipping, our address is:  
Humminbird  
Service Department  
678 Humminbird Lane  
Eufaula, AL 36027 USA  
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89  

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