Garmin VHF 315 Owners Manual PDF - Page 8

1 Select MENU > SYSTEM > FOG FREQUENCY. 2 Turn the ENTER dial to adjust the frequency in 50 Hz increments. 3 Select ACCEPT. Entering Text You may need to enter a name, a number, or other text on the radio. 1 From a number or text field, turn the ENTER dial to change the number, letter, or character. 2 Press the ENTER dial to accept the number, letter, or character and move to the next space in the sequence. 3 Repeat this process for each number, letter, or character. NOTE: You can select to return to the previous entry in the sequence. 4 Select ACCEPT. NOAA® Weather Broadcasts and Alerts NOTE: This feature is not available on all radio models. NOAA weather broadcasts on the weather (WX) channels are available only in the USA and certain regions in Canada. Compatible radio models are programmed with 10 WX channels to monitor weather broadcasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Organization (NOAA). WX channels are listen-only channels that broadcast in a continuous loop and are updated regularly. NOAA broadcasting information is regional and relevant to your broadcast area. Tuning Weather Broadcasts 1 From the home screen, press the ENTER dial. WX appears on the screen. 2 Turn the ENTER dial to change the weather channel. Enabling and Disabling Weather Alerts You can enable weather (WX) alerts to sound when you are using standard radio channels. 1 When tuning weather broadcasts, select ALERT to enable or disable weather alerts. indicates that weather alerts are enabled. 2 Select EXIT. The radio returns to normal operation while continuing to monitor weather alerts. Digital Selective Calling Digital Selective Calling NOTE: Before you can use DSC capabilities, you must enter a Mobile Marine Safety Identity (MMSI) number (Entering Your MMSI Number, page 4). An MMSI number identifies each DSC radio, like a telephone number. Digital Selective Calling (DSC) is a key component of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). DSC enables VHF radios to place and receive digital calls directly with other vessels and shore stations, including the USA and Canadian Coast Guards. Your radio includes full Class-D DSC capabilities. If you have a GPS device connected to the transceiver, your latitude, longitude, and the current time are transmitted when you send a distress call or other type of DSC call. If you enter your position information manually, your latitude, longitude, and time of entry are transmitted with the call. Transmitting your location automatically speeds help in an emergency situation. Channel 70 is reserved exclusively for DSC calls, and your device uses a dedicated receiver to maintain a constant watch on Channel 70. You do not need to change the channel to make a DSC call. Your device changes to Channel 70 automatically to transmit a DSC call. Your radio sends the DSC data over Channel 70 in less than one second, and then tunes to an appropriate channel for voice communications. appears on the device screen when you have an incoming or missed DSC call. NOTE: The device disables DSC automatically when you turn on ATIS (Automatic Transmitter Identification System, page 8). Entering Your MMSI Number NOTICE You can enter your MMSI number only once. If you must change your MMSI number after entering it, you must take your radio to your Garmin® dealer for reprogramming. The Mobile Marine Safety Identity (MMSI) number is a nine-digit code that acts as a DSC self-identification number, and it is required to use the DSC capabilities of your radio. You can obtain an MMSI number from the telecommunications authority or ship registry for your country. In the USA, you can obtain an MMSI number from these sources: • Federal Communications Commission (FCC): assignments are recognized internationally • BoatU.S.®, Sea Tow®, or United States Power Squadrons®: assignments are for USA waters only. 1 Select MENU > DSC > MY MMSI. 2 Enter your MMSI number (Entering Text, page 4). 3 Select ACCEPT. The radio prompts you to confirm your identity. 4 Enter your MMSI number again, and select ACCEPT. If the MMSI numbers you entered do not match, a message appears. 5 If necessary, select RETRY, and enter the number again. Viewing Your MMSI Number Select MENU > DSC > MY MMSI. Distress Calls When you make a distress call, your call is transmitted to all DSC-capable radios within receiving range. Your current GPS position (latitude and longitude) and the current time are included in the transmission if you have a GPS device connected to your transceiver. If you manually entered your position information with the time, that data is transmitted with the call. NOTE: You should familiarize yourself with the standard distress-call format and protocol to ensure your calls are clear and effective. Sending an Undesignated Distress Call When you send an undesignated distress call, the nature of your emergency is not transmitted to the receiving stations. Sending an undesignated distress call is a faster procedure that can save you time during an emergency. 1 Lift the spring-loaded door, and hold DISTRESS for at least 3 seconds. The radio beeps and counts down the seconds. DISTRESS CALL COUNTING DOWN appears on the screen. The radio sounds an alarm, switches to channel 70, and transmits your call on high (25 W) power. 2 Press any key to silence the alarm sound. 4 NOAA® Weather Broadcasts and Alerts