Standard Horizon Marine Tranciever GX1256S Operating Instructions

							GX1256SPage 51
9  RAM+ MIC OPERATION
If the enhanced optional RAM+ Mic (CMP25) is connected to the remote
microphone connector on the transceiver’s rear panel, the transceiver can
use the remote control operation except for a few functions. The RAM+ Mic
supplied with 23 feet (7 m) of routing cable and can be extended up to 70
feet (21 m) using three 23 feet extension cables model CT-100. The inter-
com operation can be used between the RAM+ Mic and the transceiver.
9.1  RAM+ MIC CONTROLS
SQUELCH CONTROL (
SQL)
Activates the squelch adjusting mode.
Press this key to activate the squelch adjusting mode. Press the
microphone’s [

]
 or [
]
 key to adjust the squelch.
When [
]
 key is pressed and held down for 1 second or more, the squelch
is turned off.
SCAN DW
NAVWX
CALL
SETMEM IC
U.I.C
ME
N
U16
9 
						

							GX1256SPage 52
VOLUME KEY (
VOL)
Activates the volume adjusting mode.
Press this key to activate the volume adjusting mode. Press the
microphone’s [

]
 or [
]
 to adjust the volume.
POWER SWITCH (
PWR)
Press and hold down this key to turn to the transceiver and RAM+ Mic on
and off.
PTT (
Push-To-Talk)
 SWITCH
Activates transmission.
[
H/L]
 KEY
Toggles between high and low power. When the [
H/L]
 key is pressed
while the transceiver is on channel 13 or 67, the power will temporarily
switch from LO to HI power until the PTT is released. The [
H/L]
 key does
not function on transmit inhibited and low power only channels.
[

](
UP)
/[
](
DOWN)
 KEY
These keys are used to select channels, adjusts the volume and squelch
level, and to choose the item selection of different functions (such as the
DSC operation). In many ways, these keys emulate the function of the
transceiver’s CHANNEL selector knob.
[
16/9]
 KEY
Immediately recalls channel 16 from any channel location. Holding down
this key recalls channel 9. Pressing the [
16/9]
 key reverts to the previous
selected working channel.
Secondary use
Please see secondary use for the [
WX]
 and [
MEM]
 key.
KEY PAD
[
SCAN]
 Key
1. Starts and stops scanning of programmed channels.
2. If held while the [
UP(

)]
 or [
DOWN(
)]
 key on the microphone are
pressed, the radio will show the channels programmed in scan
memory. This function will not work if the unit is scanning.
NOTE: The priority channel is channel 16 only. 
						

							GX1256SPage 53
[
CALL/SET]
 Key
The [
CALL/SET]
 key functions as the enter key.
Secondary use
Press the [
CALL/SET]
 key to access the DSC OPERATION menu.
Press and hold the [
CALL/SET]
 key to access the SETUP menu.
[
DW]
 Key
Watches for a transmission on CH16 and another selected channel until
either signal is received. (Dual watch)
NOTE: When the DSC SCANNING feature is enabled (see section 7.15
DSC SCAN), the radio watches for a transmission on CH16, another
selected channel, and CH70 until either signal is received (Triple watch).
Secondary use
Press and hold [
DW]
 key, intercom operation will operate between radio
and RAM Mic.
[
NAV]
 Key
Press and hold this key, when connected to the GPS receiver, the LCD
displays Position Data from the GPS.
[
WX]
 Key
Immediately recalls the previously selected NOAA weather channel from
any channel location.
Secondary use
1. Holding down the [
16/9]
 key while pressing the [
WX]
 key changes
the mode from USA to International or Canadian.
NOTE: If position is displayed, this icon will be hidden.
2. Holding down the [
WX]
 and [
SCAN]
 key while turning the power on
resets the microprocessor and erases scan channels from memory.
This clears the memory and establishes the factory-set defaults. For
a list of these defaults, see the section on Resetting the Transceiver’s
Microprocessor.
[
DISTRESS]
 KEY
Used to send a DSC Distress Call. To send the distress call:
1. Lift the red rubber cover.
2. Press and hold the Red button. The RAM+ display will
count down (3-2-1) and then transmit the Distress call.
3. When the distress signal is sent, Ch70 and “TX” icon
will appear on the LCD. After the message has been 
						

							GX1256SPage 54
sent, the radio will sound a Distress Alarm.
4. The transceiver “shadow-watches” for a transmission
on CH16 or CH70 until an acknowledgment signal is
received. “DISTRESS” and “WAITING” will appear on
the LCD.
5. If an acknowledgement is received, select channel 16
and advise your distress situation.
6. If no acknowledgment is received, the distress call is repeated in 4
minute intervals until an acknowledgment is received.
7. When a DSC Distress acknowledgment is received, a distress alarm
sounds and channel 16 is automatically selected. The LCD shows
the MMSI of the ship responding to your distress.
RECEIVED ACK:acknowledgment signal is received.
RECEIVED RLY:relay signal is received from another vessel or coast
station.
8. To cancel the DSC distress alarm signal from the speaker, press any
key.
9.2  INTERCOM OPERATION
9.2.1  Communication
1. Press and hold the [
DW]
 key while in the “RADIO” mode, the mode is
changed to “INTERCOM” mode. If the [
DW]
 key pressed and held again
the QUEST+ will revert to “RADIO” mode.
2. When the “INTERCOM” operation is activated, “IC” is dis-
played on the LCD.
3. Press the PTT switch. The “TALK” is displayed.
NOTE: A warning beep is emitted when the RAM+ Mic
PTT switch is pressed while the transceiver microphone’s
PTT switch is pressed.
4. Speak slowly and clearly into the microphone, hold the
microphone about 1/2 inch away from your mouth.
5. When finished, release the PTT switch.
9.2.2  Calling
Hold down the [
DW]
 key for 1 second or more, when the “INTERCOM” op-
eration is activated. A calling beep is emitted twice from the transceiver
speaker. 
						

							GX1256SPage 55
9.3  DSC/RADIO SETUP MODE
The  CMP25 can access the DSC / RADIO setup menu (refer to section 7
“DIGITAL SELECTIVE CALLING” and section 8 “RADIO SETUP MODE” for
details). However, the LAMP, CONTRAST, and KEY BEEP menu item which
is accessed from the CMP25 only controls the CMP25’s display and speaker.
DSC/RADIO Setup mode from the CMP25:
1. Press and hold down the [
CALL/SET]
 key until “RADIO SETUP” menu
appears.
2. Press the [

]
/[
]
 key to select “RADIO SET” or “DSC SETUP” menu.
3. Press the [
CALL/SET]
 key, then select the menu item you wish to work
on by pressing the [

]
/[
]
 key.
4. Press the [
CALL/SET]
 key.
5. Press the [

]
/[
]
 key to change the value or condition for the menu
item, then press the [CALL/SET] key to save the new setting.
6. Press the [

]
/[
]
 key to select “EXIT,” then press the [
CALL/SET]
 key
to return to the normal operation.
RADIO SETUP-menu DSC SETUP-menu 
						

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10  MAINTENANCE
The inherent quality of the solid-state components used in this transceiver
will provide many years of continuous use. Taking the following precautions
will prevent damage to the transceiver.
• Keep the microphone connected or the jack covered at all times to pre-
vent corrosion of electrical contacts;
• Never key the microphone unless an antenna or suitable dummy load is
connected to the transceiver.
• Ensure that the supply voltage to the transceiver does not exceed 16
VDC or fall below 11 VDC.
• Use only STANDARD HORIZON-approved accessories and replacement
parts.
In the unlikely event of serious problems, please contact your Dealer or our
repair facility. Address and phone numbers for this facility, as well as war-
ranty information, are contained in section 11 WARRANTY.
10.1  REPLACEMENT PARTS
Occasionally an owner needs a replacement mounting bracket or knob.
These can be ordered from our Parts Department by writing or calling:
Marine Division of Vertex Standard
US Headquarters
10900 Walker Street, Cypress, CA 90630, U.S.A.
Telephone (714) 827-7600
Commonly requested parts, and their part numbers are listed below.
•Power Cord: T9023306
•Dust Cover: RA0437900
•VOL/SQL Knob Assy: RA0422200
•Mounting Braket (White): RA0448900
•Mounting Braket (Black): RA0459200
•Mounting Braket Knob (White): RA043770A
•Mounting Braket Knob (Black): RA045910A
•Microphone Hanger (White): RA0436000
•Microphone Hanger (Black): RA0458800
•RAM+ Routing Cable: S8101512
•RAM+ Panel Mount Cap: RA0525200
•RAM+ Rubber DSC Distress Cover: RA0523200 
						

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10.2  FACTORY SERVICE
In the unlikely event that the radio fails to perform or needs servicing, please
contact your Dealer or Marine Division of Vertex Standard.
An “RA” Return Authorization number is not necessary to send a product in
for service. Include a brief note describing the problem along with your name,
return address, phone number, and proof of purchase. 
						

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10.3  TROUBLESHOOTING CHART
PROBABLE CAUSE
No DC voltage to the
transceiver, or blown
fuse.
Reversed power
wires.
Engine noise.
External cable.
Antenna.
The power supply volt-
age is too high or too
low.
External cable.
Setting of the GPS
navigation receiver.
REMEDY
a. Check the 12 VDC battery con-
nections and the fuse.
b. The VOL/PWR knob needs to be
pressed and held to turn the ra-
dio on.
Check the power cable for DC volt-
age, or replace the fuse (6A 250V).
Make sure the red wire is con-
nected to the positive (+) battery
post, and the black wire is con-
nected to the negative (-) battery
post. If the fuse still blows, con-
tact your Dealer.
Reroute the DC power cables
away from the engine. Add noise
suppressor on power cable.
Change to resistive spark plug
wires and/or add an alternator
whine filter.
Check the polarity of the con-
nected external cable.
Have the antenna checked or test
the transceiver with another an-
tenna. If the problem persists, con-
tact your Dealer for servicing.
Confirm that the connected power
supply voltage is not 17 volts or
lower than 10 volts. Confirm that
the generator has not malfunc-
tioned.
Check the polarity of the con-
nected external cable.
Some GPS use the battery ground
line for NMEA connection.
Check the output signal format of
the GPS navigation receiver. This
radio requires NMEA0183 format
with GLL sentence as an output
signal. If the GPS has a baud rate
setting make sure to select 4800
and parity to NONE.
TROBLESHOOTING CHART
SYMPTON
Transceiver fails to
power up.
Transceiver blows
fuse when connected
to power supply.
Popping or whining
noise from the
speaker while engine
runs.
Sound is not emitted
from the external
speaker.
Receiving station re-
port low transmit
power, even with
transceiver set to HI
power.
“HI BATTERY” or
“LOW BATTERY”
message is scrolled
when the power is
turned on.
Your position is not
displayed. 
						

							GX1256SPage 59
11.  CHANNEL ASSIGNMENTS
Tables on the following columns list the VHF Marine Channel assignments
for U.S.A. and International use. Below are listed some data about the charts.
1. VTS. Where indicated, these channels are part of the U.S. Coast Guard’s
Vessel Traffic System.
2. Alpha channel numbers, that is, channel numbers followed by the letter
A (such as Channel 07A) are simplex channels on the U.S.A. or Cana-
dian channel assignments whose counterparts in the International as-
signments are duplex channels. International channels do not use “al-
pha” numbers. If you call the Coast Guard on Channel 16, they will some-
times ask you to “go to channel 22 Alpha.” This is a channel assigned
to U.S.A, and Canadian Coast Guards for handling distress and other
calls. If your radio is set for International operation you will go to Chan-
nel 22 instead of 22A, and will not be able to communicate with the
Coast Guard. To use Channel 22A, your radio must be set for USA or
Canada operation, usually by a U/I/C (USA/International/Canada) con-
trol or combination of controls. Channel 22 (without an “A”) is an Inter-
national duplex channel for port operations. Some radios indicate an
“A” adjacent to the alpha channels on the display; on others “alpha” is
not indicated but the proper channel is selected based on the U/I/C set-
ting.
3. Bridge-to-Bridge channels (for example, Channel 13) are for use by bridge
operators on intercoastal waterways and rivers. It is also used by marine
vessels in the vicinity of these bridges for navigation and for communi-
cating with the bridge operators. Note that a limit of 1 Watt is specified
for these channels. See page 25 for additional information.
4. The S/D column on the chart indicates either S (simplex) or D (duplex).
Simplex means transmitting and receiving on the same frequency. Only
one party at a time can talk, unlike a telephone. Be sure to say “over”
and release your microphone push-to-talk switch at the end of each trans-
mission. Duplex operation involves the use of one frequency for trans-
mitting and a separate frequency for receiving. On channels specified
as duplex on the charts, correct mode of operation is established auto-
matically by your radio when you select a channel; you cannot change
the mode. And you still must release the push-to-talk switch after each
transmission in order to listen to the radio. 
						

							GX1256SPage 60
5. Channels normally used by recreational boaters are those that include
the term “non-commercial” in the Channel Use column of the chart. Some
of these are shared with other users and some are used only in certain
geographic regions.
6. Marine vessels equipped with VHF radios are required to monitor
Channel 16.
VHF MARINE CHANNEL CHARTCH U C I S/D TX RX CHANNEL USE01 X X D 156.050 160.650 Public Correspondence (
Marine Operator)01A X S 156.050 Port Operation and Commercial. VTS in selected areas02 X X D 156.100 160.700 Public Correspondence (
Marine Operator)03 X X D 156.150 160.750 Public Correspondence (
Marine Operator)03A X S 156.150 US Government only, Coast Guard
04 X D 156.200 160.800 Public Correspondence (
Marine Operator)
,
Port operation, ship movement
04A X S 156.200 Pacific coast: Coast Guard, East Coast:
Commercial fishing
05 X D 156.250 160.850 Public Correspondence (
Marine Operator)
,
Port operation, ship movement05A X X S 156.250 Port operation. VTS in Seattle06 X X X S 156.300 Inter-ship Sefety
07 X D 156.350 160.950 Public Correspondence (
Marine Operator)
,
Port operation, ship movement07A X X S156.350Commercial08 X X X S 156.400 Commercial (
Inter-ship only)
09 X X X S 156.450 Boater Calling channel, Commercial & Non-commercial
(
Recreational)10 X X X S156.500Commercial11 X X X S156.550Commercial. VTS in selected areas.12 X X X S 156.600 Port operation. VTS in selected areas.13 X X X S 156.650 Inter-ship Navigation Safety (
Bridge-to-bridge)14 X X X S 156.700 Port operation. VTS in selected areas.15 X S - - - 156.750 Environmental (
Receive only)15 X X S 156.750Commercial, non-commercial, ship movement (
1 W)16 X X X S 156.800 International Distress, Safety and Calling17 X X X S 156.850State Controlled (
1 W)18 X D 156.900 161.500 Port operation, ship movement18A X X S156.900Commercial19 X D 156.950 161.550 Port operation, ship movement19A X S 156.950US: Commercial19A X S 156.950 Coast Guard
20 X X X D 157.000 161.600 Canadian Coast Guard Only,
International: port operations and shipment20A X S 157.000 Port operation21 X D 157.050 161.650 Port operation, ship movement21A X X S 157.050 U.S. Government Only, Canadian Coast Guard22 X D 157.100 161.700 Port operation, ship movement
22A X X S 157.100 US and Canadian Coast Guard Liaison and Maritime
Safety Information Broadcasts announced on channel 16