Standard Horizon Marine Tranciever GX1256S Operating Instructions

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6  BASIC OPERATION
6.1  RECEPTION
1. After the transceiver has been installed, ensure that the power supply
and antenna are properly connected.
2. Press and hold the VOL/PWR knob until the radio turns on.
3. Turn the SQL knob fully counterclockwise. This state is known as “squelch
off”.
4. Turn up the VOL/PWR knob until noise or audio from the speaker is at a
comfortable level.
5. Turn the SQL knob clockwise until the random noise disappears. This
state is known as the “squelch...

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6.4  SIMPLEX/DUPLEX CHANNEL USE
Refer to the VHF MARINE CHANNEL CHART (page 60) for instructions on
use of simplex and duplex channels.
NOTE
All channels are factory-programmed in accordance with FCC (USA),
Industry Canada (Canada), and International regulations. Mode of op-
eration cannot be altered from simplex to duplex or vice-versa.
6.5  USA, CANADA, AND INTERNATIONAL MODE
1. To change the modes, hold the [
16/9]
 key and press the [
WX]
 key. The
mode changes from USA to...

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6.7  NOAA WEATHER ALERT
In the event of extreme weather disturbances, such as storms and hurri-
canes, the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) sends
a weather alert accompanied by a 1050 Hz tone and subsequent weather
report on one of the NOAA weather channels. When the Weater Aleart fea-
ture is enabled (see section 8.4 WEATER ALERT), the transceiver is ca-
pable of receiving this alert if the following is performed:
1. Program NOAA weather channels into the...

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6.9  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 procedure:
1. Press the microphone push-to-talk switch and say “Mayday, Mayday,
Mayday. This is 
      ,       ,       ” (your vessel’s name).
2. Then repeat once: “Mayday, 
      ” (your vessel’s name).
3. Now report your position in...

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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...

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radio is programmed to automatically reduce power to this limit on these
channels. However, in certain situations it may be necessary to temporarily
use a higher power. See page 18 ([
H/L(
POS)]
 key) for means to temporarily
override the low-power limit on these two channels.
6.13  PROHIBITED COMMUNICATIONS
The FCC prohibits the following communications:
• False distress or emergency messages:
• Messages to “any boat” except in emergencies and radio tests;
• Messages to or from a vessel...

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(Latitude) (Longitude)
(No GPS Signal)
6. The channel number will blink during reception.
7. To stop scanning, press the [
SCAN(
MEM)]
, [
16/9]
, [
WX]
, or PTT key.
6.16  PRIORITY SCANNING (
P-SCAN)
1. The priority channel is set to channel 16.
2. For priority scanning during M-SCAN, press and hold
the [
SCAN(
MEM)]
 key, until P-SCAN appears in the LCD.
Scanning will proceed between the memorized chan-
nels and the priority channel. The priority channel will
be scanned after each...

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6.18  TIME INDICATION
Press and hold the [
16/9]
 and [
H/L(
POS)]
 keys while turn-
ing the transceiver on, the transceiver will display the TIME
on the upper side, if connected to a GPS receiver.
NOTE
The TIME OFFSET should be set to local time in the DSC/RADIO setup
mode when the radio is connected the GPS navigation receiver. To ad-
just TIME OFFSET to your local time, refer to section 7.6 TIME OFF-
SET.
6.19  RESETTING THE TRANSCEIVER’S MICROPROCESSOR
Resetting the microprocessor...

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7  DIGITAL SELECTIVE CALLING
7.1  GENERAL
WARNING
This radio is designed to generate a digital maritime distress and safety
call to facilitate search and rescue. To be effective as a safety device,
this equipment must be used only within communication range of a shore-
based VHF marine channel 70 distress and safety watch system. The
range of signal may vary but under normal conditions should be ap-
proximately 20 nautical miles.
Digital Selective Calling is a semi-automated method of...

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7.2  DSC SCAN
When the radio is shipped from the factory it is programmed so CH70 (the
DSC channel) is scanned at all times. There is a selection in the SETUP
MENU to disable the DSC SCAN. However, turning off DSC SCAN will dis-
able the radio from receiving DSC calls i.e.: Individual Call, All Ships Call,
Distress Call and Position Requests. If you want to use any of the functions
the selection must be left ON.
To Change DSC SCAN Method:
1. Press and hold down the [
CALL/SET(
MENU)]
 key...