Standard Horizon HX370S Handheld Tranciever Operating Instructions

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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 HX370S 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.
NOTICE
Take care not to damage your hearing when operating with the optional
VC-24 VOX Headset or Earpiece. The NOAA Weather Alert Tone will be
emitted at full volume, irrespective of the setting of the POWER/VOL-
UME CONTROL knob. 
						

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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
[
S]
 or [
T]
 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 [
S]
 or [
T]
 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]
 Æ
 [
Priority Channel] Æ
 [
CH07] Æ
 [
Priority Channel] Æ
    [
CH08] Æ
 [
Priority Channel] Æ
 [
CH06] Æ
 [
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 dur-
ing 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 microphone push-to-talk switch and say “Mayday, Mayday,
Mayday. This is       ,       ,       ” (your vessels name).
2. Then repeat once: “Mayday,       ” (your vessels 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 microphone button
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 microphones 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 Owners 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 [S] or [T] 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 Pre-
set Channel “1” position. Then the preset channel
number 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 [
S]
or [
T]
 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. 
						

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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.
5.16 ENABLING S.O.S STROBE OPERATION
The S.O.S. STROBE feature utilizes the high-intensity strobe LED on the
front of the HX370S as a visual distress beacon. When enabled, the LED
blinks the internationally-recognized Morse Code “S.O.S.” message
(
•••–––
•••)
 at a rate of 5 words per minute. This can be very useful in
summoning help from rescuers who may not be able to communicate with
you via radio.
1. Hold down the MEM key while turning the radio on to activate the emer-
gency S.O.S. Strobe. Once the radio comes on, the BUSY/TX LED will
flash the Morse Code S.O.S. message repeatedly.
2. The S.O.S strobe will not operate if the squelch is turned off (Squelch
must be set to threshold), the radio is receiving a transmission or trans-
mitting.
3. To disable the S.O.S. strobe function, turn the radio off and back on
again. 
						

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5.17 VOICE SCRAMBLER UNIT
The optional FVP-31 Voice Scrambler Unit permits secure voice communica-
tions with stations within your network, which prevents others from listening
using normal communication equipment.
To activate the Voice Scrambler:
1. Turn the radio off.
2. Hold down the SQL key, then turn on the transceiver while still holding
down the SQL key to enter the Setup Mode.
3. Press the SQL key momentarily to select the Menu item (
SCr SCrSCr SCr
SCr).
4. Press the [
S]
 or [
T]
 key momentarily select the scramble code (SC1,
SC2, SC3, or SC4).
5. When you have completed your selection, press the SQL key to save
the new setting, and then press the PTT switch to exit to normal operation.
6. To disable the Voice Scrambler, select “oFF” in step 4 above.
Installation of the FVP-31
1. Make sure that the transceiver is off. Remove the hard or soft case, if
used. Remove the battery pack.
2. Locate the connector for the FVP-31 under the seal in the battery
compartment on the back of the transceiver, just peel off the seal.
3. Align the connector on the FVP-31 with the transceiver’s connector
and gently press the unit into place.
4. Place the Sponge Sheet (supplied with the HX370S) on the FVP-31.
5. Affix the new (supplied with the FVP-31) seal, and replace the bat-
tery. Installation is now complete.
Figure 5
Peel off the Seal Locate Connector Affix the new Seal
¯¯¯
Sponge Sheet 
						

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5.18 SETUP MODE
The HX370S’s Setup Mode allows a number of the HX370S 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 [
S]
 or [
T]
 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
Channel Frequency
Channel Name
DW Display Lamp Mode Scan Lamp Scan Display Voice Scrambler
¯¯
¯¯
¯
¯
¯¯
¯
°“SQL” Key 
						

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5.18.1 bEP (
KEY BEEP)
Function: Enable/Disable the Keypad beeper.
Available Values: ON/OFF
Default: ON
5.18.2 CHF (
CHANNEL FREQUENCY)
Function: Enable/Disables the Channel Frequency display.
Available Values: ON/OFF
Default: OFF
5.18.3 CHn (
CHANNEL NAME)
Function: Changes the channel name shown on the display.
1. Select the channel on which you wish to change the name before recall-
ing this Menu item.
2. Turn the radio off.
3. Hold down the SQL key, then turn on the transceiver while still holding
down the SQL key.
4. “SEt” will appear on the display, indicating that the Setup Mode has been
activated.
5. Press the SQL key to select this Menu item “CHn.”
6. Press the [
S]
 or [
T]
 key to select the first character
(letter, number, or symbol) in the name you wish to
change, then press the MEM key to move to the next
character.
7. Repeat step 6 as many times as necessary to complete the name tag
(up to 12 characters).
8. After completing your adjustment, press the SQL key then PTT switch to
save the new setting and exit to normal operation.
5.18.4 dUL (
DW DISPLAY)
Function: Selects the Dual Watch scanning display mode.
Available Values: Normal/Special
Default: Special
When “Special” is selected, channel number which is the LCD shows re-
ceived channel.