Standard Horizon HX270S Handheld Tranciever Operating Instructions

							HX270SPage 19
5.6.2 NOAA WEATHER ALERT TESTING
In the event of a major storm or other appreciable weather condition requir-
ing vessels at sea or other bodies of water to be notified, the NOAA (Na-
tional Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration) broadcasts a 1050
Hz tone that the HX270S can detect. (Refer to section 5.6.1 “NOAA WEATER
ALERT” on how to use this feature.) This tone, when detected, will produce
a loud beep from the radio speaker to signal that a weather alert is being
broadcast.
In order to test this system, the NOAA broadcasts the 1050 Hz tone every
Wednesday, sometime between 11 AM and 1 PM. Any marine VHF radio
that can detect the weather alert tone, may use this test to verify that this
feature is functioning properly.
5.7 SCAN
This transceiver provides a special “Scanning Memory Bank” which allows
you to designate certain channels for inclusion in a “loop” which will be
scanned at high speed. If an incoming signal is detected on one of the chan-
nels in the scanning loop, the radio will pause on that channel, allowing you
to listen to the incoming transmission.
1. Select the desired channel to be included in the scanning loop using the
[

]
 or [
]
 key.
2. Press the MEM key to store the channel into the
transceiver’s scanning memory. “MEM” will be dis-
played on the LCD.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 for all the channels to be
scanned.
4. To delete a channel from the transceiver’s scan memory, press the MEM
key again while the memorized channel is displayed. “MEM” will disap-
pear from the display.
5. All channels programmed remain in the transceiver’s scan memory even
if the power is turned off.
6. Press the SQL key, then press the [

]
 or [
]
 key until background noise
is eliminated.
7. To start scanning, press the SCAN key. The scan proceeds from the
lowest to the highest programmed channel number and stops on chan-
nels when a transmission is received. Scanning will resume when the
squelch closes after the incoming signal disappears at the end of the
transmission.
8. To stop the scan, press the SCAN, 16/9, or WX key.   
						

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5.8 PROGRAMMABLE PRIORITY SCAN
The priority scanning feature allows the radio to scan while also keeping
watch on a particularly important “priority channel.” The following channels
can be set as the priority channel: 16, 09, and Preset Channels 1 through 8
(Preset Channels are described in section 5.14).
1. To set the priority channel, hold down the 16/9 key and press the MEM
key. The channel will change from 16 to 09 to Preset 1 to Preset 2 to
Preset 3 to Preset 4 to Preset 5 to Preset 6 to Preset 7 to Preset 8 with
each press of the MEM key. The displayed channel will be set as the
priority channel when the 16/9 key is released.
2. For priority scanning, hold down the SCAN key during normal scanning.
Scanning will proceed between the memorized channels and the priority
channel. The priority channel will be scanned after each programmed
channel. “P” is shown on the left side of the channel number during pri-
ority scanning.
3. As an example of priority scanning, let us say that channels 06, 07, and
08 are memorized in the transceiver’s scan memory. Priority scanning
will proceed in the following sequence:
[
CH06]
  [
Priority Channel]  [
CH07]  [
Priority Channel] 

 [
CH08]  [
Priority Channel]  [
CH06]  [
Priority Channel]
 ……
4. Even when the transceiver stops and listens to the signal of a programmed
channel, the transceiver will “dual watch” between this channel and the
priority channel. 
Therefore, your priority watching of the designated chan-
nel is not compromised when the scanner has paused on an active channel.
5.9 DUAL WATCH
The Dual Watch feature allows the radio to watch for a transmission on the
priority channel and another selected Marine channel until a signal is re-
ceived. The priority channel is determined per the discussion in section 5.8
“PROGRAMMABLE PRIORITY SCAN” as described previously.
1. To start the Dual Watch feature, select a channel to be dual watched
with the priority channel and press and hold in the
SCAN key. The radio checks the priority channel for
voice traffic every one second. A small “DW” icon will
be shown blinking on the left of the display during
scanning.
2. To cancel the Dual Watch feature, press the SCAN key.   
						

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5.10 EMERGENCY (CHANNEL 16 USE)
Channel 16 is known as the Hail and Distress Channel. An emergency may
be defined as a threat to life or property. In such instances, be sure the
transceiver is on and set to CHANNEL 16. Then use the following proce-
dure:
1. Press the PTT (push-to-talk) switch and say “Mayday, Mayday, May-
day. This is       ,       ,       ” (your vessel’s name).
2. Then repeat once: “Mayday,       ” (your vessel’s name).
3. Now report your position in latitude/longitude, or by giving a true or mag-
netic bearing (state which) to a well-known landmark such as a naviga-
tion aid or geographic feature such as an island or harbor entry.
4. Explain the nature of your distress (sinking, collision, aground, fire, heart
attack, life-threatening injury, etc.).
5. State the kind of assistance your desire (pumps, medical aid, etc.).
6. Report the number of persons aboard and condition of any injured.
7. Estimate the present seaworthiness and condition of your vessel.
8. Give your vessel’s description: length, design (power or sail), color and
other distinguishing marks. The total transmission should not exceed 1
minute.
9. End the message by saying “OVER”. Release the PTT (push-to-talk)
switch and listen.
10. If there is no answer, repeat the above procedure. If there is still no
response, try another channel.
11. To recall the previously-selected channel, press the 16/9 key again.
5.11 CALLING ANOTHER VESSEL (CHANNEL 16 OR 9)
Channel 16 may be used for initial contact (hailing) with another vessel.
However, its most important use is for emergency messages. This channel
must be monitored at all times except when actually using another channel.
It is monitored by the U.S. and Canadian Coast Guards and by other ves-
sels. Use of channel 16 for hailing must be limited to initial contact only.
Calling should not exceed 30 seconds, but may be repeated 3 times at 2-
minute intervals. In areas of heavy radio traffic, congestion on channel 16
resulting from its use as a hailing channel can be reduced significantly in
U.S. waters by using Channel 9 as the initial contact (hailing) channel for
non-emergency communications. Here, also, calling time should not exceed
30 seconds but may be repeated 3 times at 2-minute intervals. 
						

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Prior to making contact with another vessel, refer to the channel charts in
this manual, and select an appropriate channel for communications after
initial contact. For example, Channels 68 and 69 of the U.S. VHF Charts are
some of the channels available to non-commercial (recreational) boaters.
Monitor your desired channel in advance to make sure you will not be inter-
rupting other traffic, and then go back to either channel 16 or 9 for your initial
contact.
When the hailing channel (16 or 9) is clear, state the name of the other
vessel you wish to call and then “this is” followed by the name of your
vessel and your Station License (Call Sign). When the other vessel returns
your call, immediately request another channel by saying “go to,” the num-
ber of the other channel, and “over.” Then switch to the new channel. When
the new channel is not busy, call the other vessel.
After a transmission, say “over,” and release the microphone’s push-to-talk
(PTT) switch. When all communication with the other vessel is completed,
end the last transmission by stating your Call Sign and the word “out.” Note
that it is not necessary to state your Call Sign with each transmission, only
at the beginning and end of the contact.
Remember to return to Channel 16 when not using another channel. Some
radios automatically monitor Channel 16 even when set to other channels
or when scanning; see your Owner's Manual.
5.12 OPERATING ON CHANNEL 13
Channel 13 is used at docks, bridges and for maneuvering in port. Mes-
sages on this channel must concern navigation only, such as meeting and
passing in restricted waters. In emergencies and when approaching blind
river bends, High power is allowed. Pressing the H/L key will change the
power output from 1 Watt (
)
 to 5 Watts ()
; if pressed again, 2.5 Watts
(
)
 will be selected. When the PTT switch is released, the transceiver will
revert to Low power. Press the H/L key again if you need High power on a
subsequent transmission.
5.13 OPERATING ON CHANNEL 67
When channel 67 is used for navigational bridge-to-bridge traffic between
ships, High or Medium power may be used temporarily (in the USA band) by
pressing the H/L key. When the PTT switch released, the transceiver will
revert to low power. 
						

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5.14 PRESET CHANNELS (1 ~ 8): INSTANT ACCESS
Eight user-assigned channels can be programmed for instant access.
5.14.1 Programming
1. Hold down the PRESET key, and press the [
] or [] key (repeatedly, if
necessary) until the desired channel number (from among the regular
operating channels) is displayed.
2. With the desired channel number displayed, release the PRESET key.
The “1” notation will appear on the LCD display for 1 second, indicating
that the displayed channel is now saved in the Preset
Channel “1” position. Then the preset channel num-
ber will disappear and the display comes back to the
normal channel display.
Repeat steps 1 and 2 to program the desired channels into Preset Channels
1 ~ 8.
To delete a Preset Channel, hold down the PRESET key and press the [

]
or [
]
 key until the Preset Channel number to be deleted is displayed, then
release the PRESET key.
5.14.2 Operation
Pressing the PRESET key toggles between Preset Channel 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,
7, 8 and the last selected “regular” channel. Preset Channel 1 is repre-
sented by “1” to the right of the channel number on the LCD for 1 second,
and channel 2 is represented by “2,” and so forth. Then the preset channel
numberr will disappear and the display comes back to the normal channel
display.
5.15 SIMPLEX/DUPLEX CHANNEL USE
All channels are factory-programmed in accordance with FCC (USA), In-
dustry Canada and International regulations. The mode of operation cannot
be altered from simplex to duplex or vice-versa. Simplex or duplex mode is
automatically activated, depending on the channel and whether the USA,
International or Canadian operating band is selected.   
						

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5.16 SETUP MODE
The HX270S’s Setup Mode allows a number of the HX270S operating pa-
rameters to be custom-configured for your operating requirements.
The Setup Mode is easy to activate and set, using the following procedure:
1. Turn the radio off.
2. Hold down the SQL key, then turn on the transceiver while still holding
down the SQL key.
3. “SEt” will appear on the display, indicating that the Setup Mode has been
activated.
4. Press the SQL key to select the Menu item to be adjusted (see below).
5. Press the [

]
 or [
]
 key select the status or value of the Menu item.
6. After completing your adjustment, press the SQL key to save the new
setting, and then press the PTT switch to exit to normal operation.
Key Beep
DW Display
Lamp Mode Scan Lamp Scan Display












“SQL” Key             
						

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Key Continue Off
Normal Special
5.16.1 bEP (KEY BEEP)
Function: Enable/Disable the Keypad beeper.
Available Values: ON/OFF
Default: ON
5.16.2 dUL (
DW DISPLAY)
Function: Selects the Dual Watch scanning display mode.
Available Values: nor (Normal)/SPL (Special)
Default: SPL (Special)
When “Special” is selected, channel number which is the LCD shows re-
ceived channel.
5.16.3 LP (
LAMP MODE)
Function: Select the LCD/Keypad Lamp mode.
Available Values: kEy (KEY)/Cnt (Continue)/oFf
Default: kEy (KEY)
kEy: Illuminates the LCD/Keypad for 5 seconds when any key is pressed.
Cnt: Illuminates the LCD/Keypad continuously.
oFf: Disables the LCD/Keypad illumination.
5.16.4 SnL (
SCAN LAMP)
Function: Enable/Disable the Scan lamp while scanning is paused.
Available Values: ON/OFF
Default: ON
5.16.5 SCn (
SCAN DISPLAY)
Function: Select the display mode while scanning.
Available Values: nor (Normal)/SPL (Special)
Default: nor (Normal)
nor: The channel number changes when scanning.
SPL: The channel number only changes when the radio receives a trans-
mission. This lets you see the last channel on which someone called.           
						

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TROUBLESHOOTING CHART
6. MAINTENANCE
To receive warranty service, the purchaser must deliver the Product, trans-
portation and insurance prepaid, to STANDARD HORIZON Marine Repair
Department (a division of VERTEX STANDARD), 10900 Walker Street Cy-
press, CA 90630. Include proof of purchase indicating model. serial num-
ber, and date of purchase. STANDARD HORIZON will return the Product to
the purchaser freight prepaid. For general troubleshooting, refer to this
Troubleshooting Chart.
SYMPTOM
The SCAN key
does not start the
scan.
The USA/INTL/
CAN modes do not
function.
Press and holding
the SQL key does
not eliminate back-
ground noise.
Cannot change
any function.
Key Lock does not
function.
Indicator does not
light when charg-
ing a battery.
PROBABLE
CAUSE
No channels
memorized.
Squelch is not ad-
justed.
Proper operation
not followed.
Low battery.
Key Lock is on.
Proper operation
not followed.
Defective battery
FNB-83 or cor-
roded contacts on
battery or  charger.REMEDY
Use the MEM key to enter
desired channels into the
transceiver’s memory.
Adjust the squelch to thresh-
old or to the point where noise
just disappears. Further ad-
justment of the squelch con-
trol may eliminate incoming
signals.
HOLD down the 16/9 key and
press the WX key.
Charge battery. Refer to sec-
tion 3 of this manual.
Turn Key Lock off. Refer to
section 4.1..
Hold down the H/L key for 1
second.
Contact your Standard
Horizon dealer. 
						

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7. PRODUCT SUPPORT INQUIRIES
If you have any questions or comments regarding the use of the HX270S,
you can visit the STANDARD HORIZON Web site (www.standardhorizon.com),
send an E-mail [email protected], or contact the Product Support
team at (800)767-2450 M-F 7:00-5:00PST.
8. 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 Interna-
tional 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 setting.
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 22 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 
						

							HX270SPage 28
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
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.
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