Standard Horizon Marine Tranciever GX1280S Operating Instructions

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[
DW] 
/ [
IC]
 Key
Scans for voice communications on CH16 and another selected chan-
nel until a signal is received on either channel. (Dual watch)
NOTE: When the DSC SCANNING feature is enabled (see section 7.2
DSC SCAN), the radio watches for a transmission on CH16, another
selected channel, and CH70 until a signal is received (Triple watch).
Secondary use
Press and hold [
DW]
 key, when the optional RAM+ Mic is connected,
intercom operation will operate between radio and RAM+ Mic.
[
CALL/SET] 
/ [
MENU]
 Key
The [
CALL/SET]
 key functions as the enter key.
Secondary use
Press the [
CALL/SET]
 key to access the DSC OPERATION menu. The
“INDIVIDUAL CALL,” “GROUP CALL,” “ALL SHIPS CALL,” “POSITION
REQUEST,” “POSITION SEND,” “STANDBY MODE,” and “CALL WAIT-
ING” functions can be accessed from the DSC OPERATION menu.
Press and hold the [
CALL/SET]
 key to access the RADIO SETUP or
DSC SETUP menu. The following functions can be accessed in the menu
(refer to Section7).
RADIO SETUP-menu DSC SETUP-menu
[
DISTRESS]
 Key
Used to send a DSC Distress Call. To send the distress call refer to
section 7.5.1 (Transmitting A DSC Distress Call).
RAM MIC CONNECTOR
Connects the MATRIX to the enhanced RAM+ MIC (Remote Access Mi-
crophone). Refer to section 9 RAM+ MIC OPERATION. 
						

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ACCESSORY CONNECTION CABLE
Connects the MATRIX to a GPS, and an external speaker. See section 3
OPTIONS for a list of speakers STANDARD HORIZON offers.
DC INPUT CABLE
Connects the radio to a DC power supply capable of delivering 12V DC.
ANTENNA JACK
Connects an antenna to the transceiver. Use a marine VHF antenna with
an impedance of 50 ohms.
PTT (Push-To-Talk) SWITCH
Keys the transmitter when the transceiver is in radio mode. If the trans-
ceiver is in the intercom operation mode (between the RAM+ and the
MATRIX), it activates the MATRIX microphone for voice communica-
tions.
MICROPHONE
Transmits the voice message with reduction of background noise.
MICROPHONE SPEAKER
The same audio heard through internal radio speaker is heard through
microphone speaker.
[
UP(

)]
 / [
DOWN(
)]
 KEYS
The [
UP(

)]
 and [
DOWN(
)]
 on the microphone function the same as
the CHANNEL selector knob on the front panel of the transceiver.
[
16/9]
 Key
Pressing the [
16/9]
 key immediately recalls channel 16 from any loca-
tion. Press and hold the [
16/9]
 key to recall channel 9. Pressing the
[
16/9]
 key again will revert the radio to the previous selected channel. 
						

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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 threshold.”
6. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob to select the desired channel. Refer
to the channel chart on page 62 for available channels.
7. When a message is received, adjust the volume to the desired listening
level. The “BUSY” indicator in the LCD is displayed indicating that the
channel is being used.
6.2  TRANSMISSION
1. Perform steps 1 through 6 of RECEPTION.
2. Before transmitting, monitor the channel to ensure it is clear.
THIS IS AN FCC REQUIREMENT!
3. Press the PTT (push-to-talk) switch. The “TX” indicator on the LCD is
displayed.
4. Speak slowly and clearly into the microphone.
5. When the transmission is finished, release the PTT switch.
NOTE
This is a noise-canceling microphone. The oval slot on the bottom of
microphone should be positioned within 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the mouth
for optimum performance.
6.3  TRANSMIT TIME - OUT TIMER (TOT)
When the PTT switch on the microphone is held down, transmit time is limited
to 5 minutes. This limits unintentional transmissions due to a stuck micro-
phone. About 10 seconds before automatic transmitter shutdown, a warning
beep will be heard from the speaker(s). The transceiver will automatically go
to receive mode, even if the PTT switch is continually held down. Before trans-
mitting again, the PTT switch must first be released and then pressed again. 
						

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6.4  SIMPLEX/DUPLEX CHANNEL USE
Refer to the VHF MARINE CHANNEL CHART (page 63) 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 International to Canadian with each press of
the [
WX]
 key.
2. “USA” will be displayed on the LCD for USA mode, “INTL” will be dis-
played for International mode, and “CAN” will be displayed for Canadian
mode.
3. Refer to the VHF MARINE CHANNEL CHART (page 63) for allocated
channels in each mode.
6.6  NOAA WEATHER CHANNELS
1. To receive a NOAA weather channel, press the [
WX]
 key from any chan-
nel. The transceiver will go to the last selected weather channel.
2. Turn the CHANNEL selector knob on the radio or [
UP(

)]
 / [
DOWN(
)]
keys on the microphone to select a different NOAA weather channel.
3. To exit from the NOAA weather channels, press the [
WX]
 key. The trans-
ceiver returns to the channel it was on prior to a weather channel. 
						

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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 Weather Alert fea-
ture is enabled (see section 8.5 WX ALERT), the transceiver is capable of
receiving this alert if the following is performed:
1. Program NOAA weather channels into the transceiver’s memory for scan-
ning. Follow the same procedure as for regular channels under section
6.15.
2. Press the [
SCAN]
 key once to start memory scanning or hold down the
[
SCAN]
 key during memory scanning to start priority scanning.
3. The programmed NOAA weather channels will be scanned along with
the regular-programmed channels. However, scanning will not stop on a
normal weather broadcast unless a NOAA alert is received.
4. When an alert is received on a NOAA weather channel, scanning will
stop and the transceiver will emit a loud beep to alert the user of a NOAA
broadcast.
5. Press the [
WX]
 key to stop the alert tone and receive the weather report.
NOTE
If the [
WX]
 key is not pressed the alert tone will be emitted for 5 minutes
and then the weather report will be received.
NOTE
The Weather Alert feature is also engaged while the transceiver is re-
ceiving on one of the NOAA weather channels.
6.8  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 some marine VHF radios can detect. (Refer to Section 6.7
“NOAA WEATER ALERT” on how to use this feature.) This tone, when de-
tected, 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. 
						

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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 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.
6.10  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.
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 
						

							GX1280SPage 27
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.
6.11  MAKING TELEPHONE CALLS
To make a radiotelephone call, use a channel designated for this purpose,
The fastest way to learn which channels are used for radiotelephone traffic
is to ask at a local marina. Channels available for such traffic are designated
Public Correspondence channels on the channel charts in this manual.
Some examples for USA use are Channels 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 84, 85, 86,
and 87. Call the marine operator and identify yourself by your vessel’s name,
The marine operator will then ask you how you will pay for the call (tele-
phone credit card, collect, etc.) and then link your radio transmission to the
telephone lines.
The marine telephone company managing the VHF channel you are using
may charge a link-up fee in addition to the cost of the call.
6.12  OPERATING ON CHANNELS 13 AND 67
Channel 13 is used at docks and bridges and by vessels maneuvering in
port. Messages on this channel must concern navigation only, such as meet-
ing and passing in restricted waters.
Channel 67 is used for navigational traffic between vessels. 
						

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By regulation, power is normally limited to 1 Watt on these channels. Your
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 20 (H/L key) for means to temporarily over-
ride 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 on land;
• Transmission while on land;
• Obscene, indecent, or profane language (potential fine of $10,000).
6.14  DUAL WATCH (TO CH16)
1. Adjust the SQL knob until the background noise disappears.
2. Select the channel you wish to dual watch to Ch16.
3. Press the [
DW]
 key. The display will scan between CH16 and the chan-
nel that was selected in step 2.
If a transmission is received on the channel se-
lected in step 2, the MATRIX will dual watch to
Ch16.
4. To stop Dual Watch press the [
DW]
 key again.
6.15  MEMORY SCANNING (
M-SCAN)
NOTE
During scanning, the dot matrix area of the LCD will show “M-SCAN” or
“P-SCAN” depending on the scan mode selected.
1. Adjust the SQL knob until background noise disappears.
2. Select a desired channel to be scanned using the
CHANNEL selector knob. Press and hold the
[
SCAN]
 key, “MEM” will appear on the LCD which
indicates the channel has been programmed into
the transceivers memory.
3. Repeat step 2 for all the desired channels to be scanned.
4. To DELETE a channel from the transceiver’s memory, select the chan-
nel then press and hold the [
SCAN]
 key, “MEM” will disappear in the
LCD. 
						

							GX1280SPage 29
5. To start scanning, press the [
SCAN]
 key. Scan-
ning will proceed from the lowest to the highest
programmed channel number and will stop on a
channel when a transmission is received.
6. The channel number will blink during reception.
7. To stop scanning, press the [
SCAN]
, [
16/9]
, [
WX]
, [
CALL/SET]
, or PTT
key.
6.16  PRIORITY SCANNING (
P-SCAN)
1. Channel 16 is set as the priority channel and cannot be changed.
2. To select priority scanning, press the [
SCAN]
 key
to start memory scanning (“M-SCAN” will appears),
then press and hold down the [
SCAN]
 key until
“P-SCAN” appears on the LCD. Scanning will pro-
ceed between the memorized channels and the priority channel. CH 16
the priority channel will be scanned after each programmed channel.
MEM CH.CH. 16
CH. 70MEM CH.CH. 16
CH. 70
3. To stop scanning, press the [
SCAN]
, [
16/9]
, [
WX]
,
[
CALL/SET]
, or PTT key.
NOTE
Triple watch (T/W) means the radio is watching CH70 for DSC Calls.
Dual watch (D/W) means the radio is not watching CH70 for DSC Calls.
6.17  NAVIGATION INDICATION
The transceiver has the ability to display the time, SOG and COG date, as
well as the vessel’s position (LAT/LON), when connected to a GPS receiver.
1. Press and hold the [
H/L]
 key to display position
information. If the GPS receiver is not receiving a
fix, the display will be as shown in the illustration
on the right.
2. To hide the position information, press the [
H/L]
key. 
						

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6.18  VOICE SCRAMBLER
If privacy of communications is desired, a CVS2500 voice scrambler (VS)
can be installed in the transceiver. Contact your Dealer to have a CVS2500
installed. Refer to the section 8.9 VOICE SCRAMBLER to program the voice
scrambler.
1. Turn on the transceiver.
2. Select a channel that was programmed for scram-
bler mode (“VS” will appear on the LCD).

If a channel is not set for the voice scrambler,
the display will be as shown in the illustration at
the right (“VS” will disappear from the LCD).

If a voice scrambler is canceled temporarily in
the “SETUP” menu, the display will be as shown
in the illustration at the right.
3. Monitor the channel before transmitting.
4. Transmit the voice message. The signal sent will
be scrambled.
6.19  RESETTING THE TRANSCEIVER’S MICROPROCESSOR
Resetting the microprocessor restores the initial, factory supplied conditions
in the transceiver.  These are called the default conditions.
To reset the microprocessor, first turn the transceiver off. Then while press-
ing the [
WX]
 and [
SCAN]
 keys, turn the transceiver on. The default condi-
tions are:

No channels in the SCAN memory.

Channel 16 will be selected when the transceiver is turned on.

WX channel 01 will be recalled when the [
WX]
 key is pressed.

Key beep will be on.
NOTE
Resetting the microprocessor will not erase DSC MMSI and Directory
Call Waiting information.