Uniden Solara Dsc Vhf Marine Radio Owners Manual

							This transmitter will operate on channels/frequencies that have
restricted use in the United States.  The channel assignments
include frequencies assigned for exclusive use of the U.S.
Coast Guard, use in Canada, and use in international waters.
Operation in these frequencies without proper authorization is
strictly forbidden.  For frequencies/channels that are currently
for use in the U.S. without an individual license, please contact
the FCC Call Center at 1-888-CALL-FCC.
Maritime Radio Services Operation
Warning!
For individuals requiring a license, such as commercial users, you should obtain
a license application from your nearest FCC field office.
Uniden works to reduce lead content in our PVC coated cords in our products
and accessories.
WARNING:The cords on this product and/or accessories contain lead, a
chemical known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other
reproductive harm. 
Wash hands after handling. 
						

							Uniden SOLARA DSC ............................................................................2
Included with your SOLARA DSC ..........................................................3
Controls and Indicators...........................................................................4
Installation...............................................................................................7
Choosing a Location..........................................................................7
Engine Noise Suppression ................................................................8
Antenna Considerations ....................................................................8
Antenna Selection and Installation ....................................................8
Installing the SOLARA DSC ..............................................................9
Operation ..............................................................................................10
Power On/Off ...................................................................................10
Last Channel Memory .....................................................................10
Squelch ............................................................................................11
Coast Guard Channel 16/Channel 9 Communications ...................12
Selecting a Channel ........................................................................12
Weather Channels  ..........................................................................12
All Channel Scan .............................................................................13
Weather Alert ...................................................................................13
Setting the Transmit (TX) Power .....................................................14
Recommended Emergency Broadcast Instructions ........................15
Distress............................................................................................16
Digital Selective Calling (DSC) ........................................................17
Individual ....................................................................................17
All Ships .....................................................................................18
User MMSI.......................................................................................20
NMEA Technical Setup .........................................................................21
Optional Accessories ............................................................................21
VHF FM Marine Radio Telephone
Channel and Functions (USA Channels) ........................................22
Channel and Functions (International Channels) ...........................23
Channel and Functions (Canadian Channels) ................................24
Specification .........................................................................................25
Troubleshooting ....................................................................................26
Care and Maintenance .........................................................................27
Three Years Limited Warranty ..............................................................29
Contents 
						

							2
The UnidenSOLARA DSCVHF marine radio has been designed to give
you a rugged, reliable instrument that will provide you with years of
trouble-free service.
With proper care and maintenance, your marine radio could outlast your
present vessel and serve you well on-board.  The full features and
flexibility designed into this quality transceiver will prevent it from
becoming obsolete regardless of changes in craft or geographic
locations.
The technical excellence of this marine radio is demonstrated by the
multiplicity of uses for which it has been found acceptable by the U.S.
Federal Communications Commission.  It is acceptable for compulsory
use on party boats, for use on vessels subject to the Great Lakes
Radio Agreement or bridge-to-bridge requirements, for general pleasure
and commercial vessels, and certain land stations in marine service.
The 
SOLARA DSCis of all solid-state design with conservatively rated,
rugged components and materials compatible with the marine
environment.  The transceiver utilizes a number of gaskets, sealing
rings, waterproof membranes, and other sealants to effect a waterproof
housing for protection of the electronics.  It meets the most stringent
JIS7 waterproof specification.  The unit may be mounted in any number
of convenient locations on your vessel by utilizing the optional flash
mount bracket (White - FMB322W, Black - FMB322B).
You are encouraged to thoroughly read the rest of this Operating Guide
to acquaint yourself with the characteristics and operation of your
transceiver so that you can contribute to the longevity of your
investment.  
Keep your receipt as proof-of-purchase in case warranty service is
required.
Features, specifications, and availability of optional accessories are all
subject to change without notice.
Note:SOLARA DSCmeets JIS7 requirements.
The color of your SOLARA DSCmay vary.
Uniden SOLARA DSC 
						

							3
Included with your SOLARA DSC
SOLARA DSC
Owner
s ManualSOLARA DSC Radio Microphone Hanger
and Screws
Mounting Bracket
and KnobsSpare Fuse
250V 6A Mounting Hardware 
						

							4
Front panel/Microphone
1.PTT Switch- Press to transmit and release to receive.
2.CHANNEL//- These keys are used to change the channel number
up/down. These buttons are also used to move the cursor in DSC Menu
mode.
3.
SELECT- In the DSC Menu mode this is used to select the DSC menu
options.
4.
PWR/VOL(On/Off/Volume) - Turns the unit On or Off and adjusts the
speaker volume.
5.
DSC- Press this key to activate DSC Menu mode.
6.16/9- Press this key instantly change to Channel 16, Channel 9 or current
channel.
7.
HI/LO/SCAN/UIC- Press this key to change the transmit power to either
High or Low. Press and hold this key for 2 seconds to place the radio into
the Scan mode. Press both HI/LO/SCAN/UIC and WX/ALERT/UIC at the
same time to change channel modes from USA to INTERNATIONAL to
CANADIAN.
8.
WX/ALERT/UIC- Press this key to listen to active NOAA Weather channels.
Press and hold this key for 2 seconds to place the radio into the Weather
Alert mode. Press both HI/LO/SCAN/UIC and WX/ALERT/UIC at the same
time to change channel modes from USA to INTERNATIONAL to
CANADIAN.
9.
DISTRESS- Press this key to send a signal of distress in case of
emergency.
10.
SQUELCH- Rotate this knob eliminate background noise when a signal is
not being received.
Controls and Indicators 
						

							5
Rear Panel Connectors
3 1
ACC Cable
1. DC Cord
2. ACC Cable
3. Antenna Connector
Thick Black : DC GND
Orange : External Speaker (+)
Black : External Speaker (—) GND
Green : GPS DATA IN
Brown : GPS GND
Yellow : NC
2 
						

							6
1.TX(Transmit) - Indicates transmitting.
2.
HI(High) - Indicates transmit output is 25 Watts.
3.
LO(Low) - Indicates transmit output is 1 Watt.
4.
SCAN- Indicates Scan Mode has been activated.
5.
ALERT- Indicates Weather Alert Mode has been activated.
6.
WX- Indicate Weather Channel Mode has been activated.
7.
USA- Indicates US Channel Mode.
8.
CAN- Indicates Canada Channel Mode.
9.
INT- Indicates International Channel Mode.
10.
DSC- Indicators the radio is in the DSC mode.
11 .
(GPS Icon)- It appears while GPS module is receiving the
data.
12.
Channel Display- Indicates Channel Number in use. 
						

							7
Installation
Caution: The SOLARA DSCwill only operate with a nominal 13.8 volt
negative ground battery system.
It is important to carefully determine the most suitable location for your
radio on your vessel.  Electrical, mechanical, and environmental
considerations must all be taken into account.  You should select the
optimum relationship among these considerations.
Keep in mind the flexibility designed into the 
SOLARA DSCso that you
can most conveniently use it.  Features which should be considered are:
1. The universal mounting bracket may be installed on either the top
or bottom of a shelf, on a bulkhead, or for overhead mounting.
2. The REMOTE speaker wires can be used with an auxiliary
speaker.
3. Front fire internal speaker allows convenient in-dash mounting
using the optional bracket.
Choosing a Location
Some important factors to consider in selecting the location for your
SOLARA DSC.
1. Select a location that is free from spray and splash.
2. Keep the battery leads as short as possible.  Direct connection to
the battery is most desirable.  If direct connection can not be
made with the supplied power lead, any extension should be
made with #10 AWG wire.  Long extensions should use larger
gauge wire.
3. Keep the antenna lead as short as possible.  Long antenna leads
can cause substantial loss of performance for both receiving and
transmitting.
4. Locate your antenna as high as possible and clear from metal
objects.  The reliable range of coverage is a direct function of the
antenna height.
5. Select a location that allows free air flow around the heat sink on
the rear of the radio.
6. Select a location well away from the ship’s compass.  Auxiliary
speakers also should be located away from the compass. 
						

							8
Engine Noise Suppression
Interference from the noise generated by the electrical systems of
engines is sometimes a problem with radios.  The 
SOLARA DSChas
been designed to be essentially impervious to ignition noise and
alternator noise.  However, in some installations it may be necessary to
take measures to further reduce the effect of noise interference.  All DC
battery wires, antenna lead, and accessory cables should be routed
away from the engine and engine compartment, and from power cabling
carrying high currents.
In severe cases of noise interference, it may be necessary to install a
noise suppression kit.  Contact your Uniden Dealer for more information.
Antenna Considerations
A variety of antennas are available from a number of quality suppliers.  
It is recommended you draw upon the advice of your Uniden dealer in
determining a suitable antenna for your vessel and range requirements.
In general, communication range is increased by using a high-gain
antenna placed as high as possible above the water line.  Antennas
should be located away from metal objects.  Antennas should not have
excessively long coaxial feed cables.
Antenna Selection and Installation
SOLARA DSChas been designed to accomodate all of the popular
marine VHF antennas.  However, the selection and the installation of the
antenna is the responsibility of the user or installer.
The FCC has determined that excessive radiation poses a health risk to
people near radio transmitting antennas.  Therefore, the antenna used
with this radio should be installed using the following guidelines to insure
a suitable distance between the antenna and persons close by.
Small whip antennas (3 dB) or smaller should be installed keeping at
least three feet separation distance between the radiating element and
people.
Larger antennas (6 dB or 9 dB) should be installed keeping at least a six
feet separation distance.
No person should touch the antenna or come into the separation
distance when the radio is transmitting.