VHF50 VHF Radio
Owner’s Manual
Table of Contents
Introduction........................................2
Service...............................................2
Licensing............................................2
LCD Description.................................3
Turning the Radio On ........................3
Adjusting the Volume.........................3
Receive Mode....................................4
Squelch Control .................................4
Changing Channels ...........................4
Changing Between USA,
International and Canadian Modes....5
Transmitting a Signal.........................6
Selecting the Transmit Power............6
Battery Level Display.........................7
Listening to the Weather....................7
Channel 16/19 Key............................8
Dual Watch Mode ..............................8
Scanning Channels............................9
Auto Back-Light................................11
Keypad Lock ....................................11
Restoring Factory Settings ..............12
Battery Options for the VHF50 ........12
Maintenance ....................................12
Troubleshooting Guide.....................13
USA Frequency Chart......................14
International Frequency Chart.........15
Canadian Frequency Chart .............16
WX Frequency Chart.......................17
Accessories and Parts.....................17
Specifications...................................17
Warnings and Safety Precautions ...18
DW
SQL
MEM
UIC
MIC
LCD Description
HL
Transmit power indicator:
L=Low, H=High
SCAN Indicates that the radio is in
Memory Scan or Priority Scan
Mode
MEM Indicates that the channel is
entered into the Scan Memory
WX
DW
TX
Indicates that the radio is in
Weather Mode
USA/INTERNATIONAL/
CANADIAN (UIC) Mode
indicator
Current
channel
indicator
Indicates that the radio is in Dual
Watch Mode
Shown when transmitting
Volume
indicator
BUSY Shown when receiving
LOCK Shown when keypad is locked
Battery level indicator;
more bars indicate the bat-
tery is more fully charged
1. Turning the Radio On
Press and hold the PWR key for over two
seconds to turn the VHF50 on. The radio
will power up in the same condition as it
was last used. The last Channel Mode
(USA/INT/CAN), Channel, TX Power,
Key Lock, Squelch Level, Volume Level,
etc. are restored.
2. Adjusting the Volume
Press the VOL key briefly to enter the
Volume Control Mode. VOL will appear
on the display (Fig. 1). Press the ▲ or ▼
keys to increase or decrease the volume
level bar. Three seconds after the last key
stroke, the Volume Display will show the
volume. The radio will automatically
return to Channel Selection Mode. If the
VOL key is pressed and released when in
Volume Control Mode, the radio will
return to Channel Selection Mode.
Fig. 1: Volume Display
West Marine VHF50 Radio Owner’s Manual
3
3. Receive Mode
When the radio is receiving a signal, the
BUSY indicator will be displayed (Fig. 2).
This indicates that you should not trans-
mit until the BUSY indicator is no longer
displayed.
4. Squelch Control
The Squelch Control reduces the static
and noise heard on the radio, but allows
strong signals to be heard clearly. To
adjust the squelch setting, press the
Fig. 2: Busy Indicator
SQL/HL key briefly. The radio’s display
will show SQL (Fig. 3). Press the ▲ or ▼
keys to increase or decrease the squelch
level bar. Three seconds after the last key
stroke, the Squelch Display will show the
squelch. The radio will automatically
return to Channel Selection Mode. If the
VOL key is pressed and released when in
Squelch Control Mode, the radio will
return to Channel Selection Mode.
Fig. 3 Squelch Display
•
•
•
Higher settings allow only strong sig-
nals to be heard.
Lower settings allow weak signals to
be heard, and possibly static.
Generally, the squelch control should
be set for the lowest setting that elim-
inates unwanted static.
•
The lowest setting allows all signals
to be heard.
5. Changing Channels
To change channels, press the ▲ or ▼
keys.
•
If the ▲ or ▼ keys are pressed for
more than one second, the channel
will change rapidly.
•
The radio displays the channel num-
ber, memory status (MEM) and TX
power status of the channel as you
change the channels (Fig. 4).
Fig. 4 Channel Display
4
West Marine VHF50 Radio Owner’s Manual
6. Changing Between
USA, International,
and Canadian Modes
Different areas of the world use different
VHF frequencies, although the channel
designation (1–88) may be the same.
There are three modes: USA, Interna-
tional, and Canadian. Press and hold the
VOL/UIC key for two seconds change
from USA to International; to change
from International to Canadian; and to
change from Canadian to USA (Fig. 5a-
5c). Three seconds after the last key
stroke, the Country Mode Display will
stop blinking and show the Country
Mode. The radio will automatically return
to Channel Selection Mode. If the
VOL/UIC key is pressed and released
when in Country Selection Mode, the
radio will return to Channel Selection
Mode.
Fig. 5a: USA Mode Display
Fig. 5b: International Mode Display
•
When Country Mode is changed,
Channel 16 is automatically selected,
not the last channel used.
•
If for some reason you find that you
cannot communicate with another
radio on a predetermined channel,
insure that both radios are set the cor-
rect Channel Mode. This can be con-
fusing if different modes are being
used.
Fig. 5c: Canadian Mode Display
West Marine VHF50 Radio Owner’s Manual
5
7. Transmitting a Signal
To transmit a signal, press the Push-To-
Talk (PTT) key on the side of the radio.
While transmitting, the TX indicator will
appear (Fig. 6a). When the PTT key is
released, the radio will return to Receive
Mode.
•
You cannot transmit on receive-only
channels like the Weather Channels
or Channels 15 and 70. If you try, an
error tone will sound, the Channel
Number and TX indicators will blink
three times, and then go back to the
normal display (Fig. 6b).
Fig. 6a: TX indicator
•
If the PTT key is pressed when the
battery condition is low, one last
transmission will be allowed, then an
error tone will sound with BAT LO
displayed. No further transmission
will be allowed.
Blinking
Fig. 6b: Receive-Only Channel Display
Fig. 7a: Hi Transmit Power Display
Fig. 7b: Lo Transmit Power Display
8. Selecting the Transmit
Power
To change the transmit power, press and
hold the H/L key for over two seconds
(Fig. 7a, 7b).
Restricted Channels
Certain channels are limited by law to 1
watt transmit power (USA Mode Channel
12, 17, 67, 77; INT Mode Channel 15, 17,
CAN Mode Channel 12, 15, 17, 20, 66,
77). These channels will always transmit
on low (1 watt) power.
•
You cannot change the transmit
power setting on receive-only chan-
nels (all weather channels, USA
Mode Channel 15, 70, INT Mode
Channel 70, CAN Mode Channel 70)
•
If you press the H/L key while scan-
ning or while on a receive-only chan-
nel, the error tone will sound and the
transmit power setting will not
change.
6
West Marine VHF50 Radio Owner’s Manual
9. Battery Level and Low
Battery Displays
The Battery Level is shown using the
Battery Level Indicator (1–3 bars). More
bars mean more battery capacity is left.
When the battery condition is very low,
the entire Battery Level Indicator will
blink.
•
The BAT LO message will show when
the battery condition is very low (Fig.
8).
Fig. 8: Low Battery Display
•
If the battery condition is very low
and the PTT key is pressed, the radio
will sound the error tone and allow
one final transmission.
10. Listening to the
Weather
To listen to the weather channels, press
the Weather (WX) key. Press the ▲ or ▼
keys to select the weather channel of
interest for your area (generally Channel
01, 02, or 03) (Fig. 9a). To return to
Marine Channel (normal) Mode, press the
WX key again.
Fig. 9a: Weather Mode Display
•
Pressing several keys (SCAN, MEM,
H/L, and UIC) while in the Weather
Mode won’t have any effect, but will
cause the error tone to sound.
•
Pressing the 16 key will cause the
radio to monitor Channel 16 and the
WX indicator will blink (Fig. 9b, 9c).
A second press will monitor Channel
9. A third press will return to Weather
Mode.
Fig. 9b: Marine Mode Display
Blinking
Fig. 9c: WX Mode Temporarily Stopped Display
West Marine VHF50 Radio Owner’s Manual
7
11. Channel 16/9 Key
Each time the 16/9 key is briefly pressed,
the radio will change from Channel 16 to
Channel 9 and back to the starting chan-
nel (Fig. 10a, 10b). For example, if the
starting channel is Channel 61, pressing
the 16/9 key will change the channel from
61 to 16 to 9 and back to 61.
•
If the radio is scanning, it will change
to Channel 16 after the first press,
Channel 9 after the second press, and
will continue scanning after the third
press.
Fig. 10a: Channel 16 Display
•
If the radio is in Dual Watch Mode, it
will switch to Channel 16, then
Channel 9, then return to Dual Watch
after the third press.
12. Dual Watch Mode
Dual Watch Mode allows you to monitor
a desired channel (e.g. Channel 61) as
well as Channel 16. To activate Dual
Watch Mode, first select the channel
you’d like to monitor using the ▲ or ▼
keys, and then press and hold WX/DW
key for two seconds. The DW indicator
will be displayed (Fig. 11a, 11b). Every
two seconds, the radio will check Channel
16 for traffic. If the radio detects traffic, it
will remain on Channel 16 for three sec-
onds after the last transmission (called the
Dual Watch Delay), then return to
Channel 61.
Fig. 10b: Channel 9 Display
Fig. 11a: Main Channel Display
Dual Watch Mode also operates when
you’re listening to a weather channel.
Every two seconds, the radio will briefly
check Channel 16 for traffic, then return
to the Weather Channel (Fig. 11c).
Fig. 11b: Dual Watch Channel 16 Display
8
West Marine VHF50 Radio Owner’s Manual
13. Scanning Channels
Scanning allows you to monitor the traffic
or conversations on several channels in
quick succession. This can be helpful if
you’re trying to listen to fishing traffic on
several channels, or need to monitor Race
Committee traffic on Channels 68, 69,
and 71.
As the radio detects traffic on any channel
in its scan list, it will pause until three
seconds after the last transmission, then
continue scanning.
Fig. 11c: Dual Watch/Weather Mode Display
Before you can scan channels, you need
to place two or more channels into the
radio’s scan memory.
Adding and removing chan-
nels from memory
To enter the displayed channel into Scan
Memory, press and hold the SCAN/MEM
key for two seconds. To remove the dis-
played channel from Scan Memory, press
and hold the SCAN/MEM key for two
seconds. If the displayed channel is in
scan memory, the MEM indicator will be
shown (Fig. 12a, 12b).
Fig. 12a: Channel in Scan Memory
•
Pressing the SCAN/MEM key in WX
Mode doesn’t store the Weather
Channel in memory and will result in
the error tone.
•
Pressing the SCAN/MEM key while
scanning will stop scanning.
Fig. 12b: Channel not in Scan Memory
Scan Mode
Scan Mode scans the memorized chan-
nels in ascending (or descending) order.
Press andrelease the SCAN key. If
Channels 6, 12,68, 69 and 72 have been
entered intomemory, the scan sequence
will go from Channel 6 to 12 to 68 to 69
to 72 to 6 to 12 and so on. The SCAN
indicator will be shown (Fig 12c).
Notes on Scanning
Fig. 12c: Normal Scan Display
West Marine VHF50 Radio Owner’s Manual
9
•
Pressing the SCAN/MEM key while
scanning will stop scanning and
revert to the Start Channel. This is
defined as the channel which was
shown on the radio’s display prior to
pressing the SCAN/MEM key.
•
•
You cannot scan channels while in
Weather Mode.
If you have not entered any channels
into scan memory, the radio will
sound the error tome when the
SCAN/MEM key is pressed.
•
•
If there is only one channel in scan
memory, the radio will sound the
error tone and change to that channel.
If the PTT key is pressed while in
Scanning Mode and while the radio
is stopped to receive traffic, the radio
will transmit on the current channel
before continuing to scan.
•
•
•
•
If the PTT key is pressed while scan-
ning and the radio is not stopped for
traffic, the radio will transmit on the
Start Channel.
The SCAN indicator will blink when
the radio is either receiving or paus-
ing before continuing to scan
(Fig. 12d).
You can change the order in which
the channels are scanned (increasing
or decreasing) by pressing the ▲ or
▼ keys.
Blinking
If the 16/9 key is pressed briefly (less
than one second), the radio will
switch from Channel 16 to Channel 9
and back to Scan Mode in turn. If the
▲ or ▼ keys are pressed while on
Channel 16 or Channel 9, the radio
will continue to scan in ascending or
descending order.
Fig. 12d: Normal Scan Display
•
•
Pressing the WX key while scanning
will change to Weather Mode.
Pressing the SQL/HL key briefly
(less than one second) while scan-
ning, will change to Squelch Change
10
West Marine VHF50 Radio Owner’s Manual
Mode. The LCD display will show
the squelch level (which can be
changed with the ▲ or ▼ keys) and
the radio will continue to scan.
•
•
If VOL/UIC key is pressed for over
two seconds while scanning, the
radio will stop scanning and change
to Country Selection Mode.
If the SQL/HL key is pressed and
held for two seconds while scanning,
the radio will make an error tone.
14. Auto Back-Light
If any key is pressed, the display and key-
pad light will turn on and remain on for
10 seconds after the last key press.
15. Keypad Lock
If the I key (located below the PTT key)
is pressed and held for two seconds, LOCK
will show on the display, and the keypad
will not respond to key presses (Fig. 13).
Press the I key for another two seconds
to unlock the keypad.
•
•
When keys are locked, only the PTT
key and the I key function.
Locking the keypad can cause confu-
sion. If the radio doesn’t seem to be
operating properly, look to see if the
LOCK indicator is on.
Fig. 13: Keypad Lock Display
West Marine VHF50 Radio Owner’s Manual
11
When the radio is placed in the SC50
charger base and power is present, the
LED on the front of the charger base will
be red.
16. Restoring Factory
Settings
If you wish to reset all of the customized
settings to the original factory settings,
hold the WX/DW key down while turning
on the radio. Please note that the your
customized settings and channels stored
in memory will be lost when factory set-
tings are restored.
The VHF50 can use the optional DC200
Cigarette Lighter Cord. The DC200 can
power the SC50 charger base from any
cigarette lighter socket. The DC200 plugs
into the charger base in the same socket
as the AC power supply.
Factory Settings
18. Maintenance
Country Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . USA
Last Used Channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
WX Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Disabled
WX Last Used Channel. . . . . . . . . . . . . 01
Key Lock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Disabled
Dual Watch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Disabled
Scan Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Disabled
Squelch Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Volume Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
The VHF50 is designed to provide years
of trouble free operation with virtually no
maintenance. Follow these simple proce-
dures to ensure that the VHF50 continues
to deliver top performance.
•
Rinse the VHF50 thoroughly with
fresh water after exposure to salt
water. Otherwise the radio’s keys,
switches, and controllers may
become inoperable due to salt crys-
tallization.
17. Battery Options for
the VHF50
•
Be Careful! The VHF50 employs JIS
7 waterproof construction (submer-
sion to 1 m. depth for 30 min.).
However, waterproofness can deteri-
orate over time. Extreme shock
(dropping, etc.) may crack the case or
dislodge or damage the seals.
The VHF50 comes with both the BP50
LiIon (Lithium Ion) rechargeable battery.
For most use, the BP50 battery pack will
provide convenient, long life service, and
will operate your radio for approximately
12 hours on a charge. The length of serv-
ice depends largely on how much time
you spend transmitting, and what transmit
power you use.
Additionally, wear or improper bat-
tery pack installation can damage the
battery compartment seal.
•
Keep your battery clean! Wipe fre-
quently. If visible corrosion appears,
remove and replace connector several
times to improve the connection.
Charging the BP50
A feature of the LiIon pack is that you
can recharge at any time. The standard
charger BC50 will completely recharge
the BP50 battery pack in approximately
12 hours. If you need the radio prior to a
full charge, you can remove it from the
charger base at any state of charge. The
BP50 will not be damaged by extended
charge time.
•
•
Never transmit without an antenna
attached to avoid damage to the radio.
Avoid using or placing the VHF50 in
areas with temperatures below -20ºC
(-4ºF) or above +60ºC (+140ºF). Do
not place in windshields, etc.
12
West Marine VHF50 Radio Owner’s Manual
19. Troubleshooting Guide
Symptom:
The radio does not respond to key presses. The channel cannot be
changed.
Probable Cause:
Remedy:
Key Lock is on.
Press the I key (on the left side of the case, below the PTT key) for
three seconds to unlock the key pad.
Symptom:
You have arranged to communicate with another VHF radio user on a
specific channel, and you can’t hear them.
Probable Cause:
Remedy:
You and the other user are on different Country Codes.
Make sure that you are both using the same Country Mode (USA,
International, or Canadian). Several channels have the same numeric
designation, but are either on different frequencies or the channels are
used for different purposes. Channel 16, the Distress, Safety, and
Calling channel, is the same on all three bands.
Symptom:
You cannot change the transmit power setting.
Probable Cause:
You are on a channel which is limited to 1 watt transmit power (e.g. Ch.
13) or you are on a “receive only” channel (e.g. WX ).
Remedy:
Change to an unrestricted TX/RX channel.
Symptom:
The SCAN key does not start the scan function.
Probable Cause 1: No channels or one channel are in the SCAN memory.
Remedy 1: Use the MEM key to enter desired channels into the SCAN memory.
Probable Cause 2: Squelch is not adjusted correctly.
Remedy 2:
Symptom:
Adjust the squelch to the point that background noise just disappears.
Radio just does not seem to be operating correctly.
Probable Cause:
Remedy:
The radio has become “confused” by an unusual pattern of key presses.
Turn off the radio. Hold down the WX/DW key while turning the radio
on. This process will reset the radio to the original factory settings.
Symptom:
Radio will not power up.
Probable Cause:
Remedy:
The battery is exhausted.
Recharge the battery pack.
Symptom:
You can hear transmissions, but the other radio cannot hear you.
The transmit power is set to low.
Probable Cause:
Remedy:
Use the H/L key to select a higher transmit power setting.
West Marine VHF50 Radio Owner’s Manual
13
USA Mode Frequency Chart
Ch. Rx Freq
Tx Freq
Status
Name
Full Name
1
3
5
6
7
8
9
156.0500
156.1500
156.2500
156.3000
156.3500
156.4000
156.4500
156.5000
156.5500
156.6000
156.6500
156.7000
156.7500
156.8000
156.8500
156.9000
156.9500
157.0000
157.0500
157.1000
157.1500
161.8000
161.8500
161.9000
161.9500
162.0000
156.0750
156.1750
156.2250
156.2750
156.3250
156.3750
156.4250
156.4750
156.5250
156.5750
156.6250
156.6750
156.7250
156.8750
156.9250
156.9750
157.0250
157.0750
157.1250
157.1750
161.8250
161.8750
161.9250
161.9750
157.4250
156.0500
156.1500
156.2500
156.3000
156.3500
156.4000
156.4500
156.5000
156.5500
156.6000
156.6500
156.7000
Inhibit
156.8000
156.8500
156.9000
156.9500
157.0000
157.0500
157.1000
157.1500
157.2000
157.2500
157.3000
157.3500
157.4000
156.0750
156.1750
156.2250
156.2750
156.3250
156.3750
156.4250
156.4750
Inhibit
156.5750
156.6250
156.6750
156.7250
156.8750
156.9250
156.9750
157.0250
157.0750
157.1250
157.1750
157.2250
157.2750
157.3250
157.3750
157.4250
Simplex
Simplex
Simplex
Simplex
Simplex
Simplex
Simplex
Simplex
Simplex
Simplex
Simplex, 1 W
Simplex
Receive Only
Simplex
Simplex, 1 W
Simplex
Simplex
Simplex
Simplex
Simplex
Simplex
Duplex
VTS/COML
CG ONLY
VTS/COML
SAFETY
COMMERCL
COMMERCL
NON COML
COMMERCL
VTS
VESSEL TRAFFIC SYSTEM/COMMERCIAL
COAST GUARD,GOVT ONLY
VESSEL TRAFFIC SYSTEM/COMMERCIAL
INTER-SHIP SAFETY
COMMERCIAL
COMMERCIAL
NON COMMERCIAL
COMMERCIAL
VESSEL TRAFFIC SYSTEM
VESSEL TRAFFIC SYSTEM
BRIDGE TO BRIDGE
VESSEL TRAFFIC SYSTEM
ENVIRONMENTAL
DISTRESS,SAFETY,CALLING
GOVT MARITIME CONTROL
COMMERCIAL
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
61
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
VTS
BRG-BRG
VTS
ENVIRON
DISTRESS
GOVT
COMMERCL
COMMERCL
PORT OPR
CG ONLY
CG
CG ONLY
MAR OPER
MAR OPER
MAR OPER
MAR OPER
MAR OPER
CG
COMMERCIAL
PORT OPERATION
COAST GUARD ONLY
COAST GUARD
COAST GUARD ONLY
MARINE OPERATOR
MARINE OPERATOR
MARINE OPERATOR
MARINE OPERATOR
MARINE OPERATOR
COAST GUARD
VESSEL TRAFFIC SYSTEM
COMMERCIAL
PORT OPERATION
Duplex
Duplex
Duplex
Duplex
Simplex
Simplex
Simplex
Simplex
Simplex
Simplex, 1 W
Simplex
Simplex
Receive Only
Simplex
Simplex
Simplex
Simplex
Simplex, 1 W
Simplex
Simplex
Simplex
Simplex
Simplex
Simplex
Duplex
VTS
COMMERCL
PORT OPR
PORT OPR
BRG-BRG
NON COML
NON COML
DSC
NON COML
NON COML
PORT OPR
PORT OPR
PORT OPR
NON COML
COMMERCL
COMMERCL
USCG
PORT OPERATION
BRIDGE TO BRIDGE
NON COMMERCIAL
NON COMMERCIAL
DIGITAL SELECTIVE CALLING
NON COMMERCIAL
NON COMMERCIAL (SHIP-SHIP)
PORT OPERATION
PORT OPERATION
PORT OPERATION (SHIP-SHIP)
NON COMMERCIAL
COMMERCIAL
COMMERCIAL
COAST GUARD
USCG
USCG
COAST GUARD
GOVERNMENT
MAR OPER
MAR OPER
MAR OPER
MAR OPER
COMMERCL
MARINE OPERATOR
MARINE OPERATOR
MARINE OPERATOR
MARINE OPERATOR
COMMERCIAL (SHIP-SHIP)
Duplex
Duplex
Duplex
Simplex
14
West Marine VHF50 Radio Owner’s Manual
International Mode Frequency Chart
Ch. Rx Freq
Tx Freq
156.0500
156.1000
156.1500
156.2000
156.2500
156.3000
156.3500
156.4000
156.4500
156.5000
156.5500
156.6000
156.6500
156.7000
156.7500
156.8000
156.8500
156.9000
156.9500
157.0000
157.0500
157.1000
157.1500
157.2000
157.2500
157.3000
157.3500
157.4000
156.0250
156.0750
156.1250
156.1750
156.2250
156.2750
156.3250
156.3750
156.4250
156.4750
Inhibit
Status
Duplex
Duplex
Duplex
Duplex
Duplex
Simplex
Duplex
Simplex
Simplex
Simplex
Simplex
Simplex
Simplex
Simplex
Simplex, 1 W
Simplex
Simplex, 1 W
Duplex
Duplex
Duplex
Duplex
Duplex
Duplex
Duplex
Duplex
Duplex
Duplex
Duplex
Duplex
Duplex
Duplex
Duplex
Duplex
Duplex
Duplex
Simplex
Simplex
Simplex
Receive Only
Simplex
Simplex
Simplex
Simplex
Simplex
Duplex
Duplex
Duplex
Duplex
Duplex
Duplex
Duplex
Duplex
Duplex
Duplex
Duplex
Name
Full Name
1
160.6500
160.7000
160.7500
160.8000
160.8500
156.3000
160.9500
156.4000
156.4500
156.5000
156.5500
156.6000
156.6500
156.7000
156.7500
156.8000
156.8500
161.5000
161.5500
161.6000
161.6500
161.7000
161.7500
161.8000
161.8500
161.9000
161.9500
162.0000
160.6250
160.6750
160.7250
160.7750
160.8250
160.8750
160.9250
156.3750
156.4250
156.4750
156.5250
156.5750
156.6250
156.6750
156.7250
156.8750
161.5250
161.5750
161.6250
161.6750
161.7250
161.7750
161.8250
161.8750
161.9250
161.9750
162.0250
MAR OPER
MAR OPER
MAR OPER
MAR OPER
MAR OPER
SAFETY
MAR OPER
COMMERCL
CALLING
COMMERCL
VTS
VTS
BRG-BRG
VTS
ENVIRON
DISTRESS
GOVT
PORT OPR
COMMERCL
PORT OPR
PORT OPR
PORT OPR
MAR OPER
MAR OPER
MAR OPER
MAR OPER
MAR OPER
MAR OPER
MAR OPER
MAR OPER
MAR OPER
MAR OPER
MAR OPER
MAR OPER
MAR OPER
BRG-BRG
NON COML
NON COML
DSC
NON COML
NON COML
PORT OPR
PORT OPR
PORT OPR
PORT OPR
PORT OPR
PORT OPR
PORT OPR
PORT OPR
PORT OPR
MAR OPER
MAR OPER
MAR OPER
MAR OPER
MAR OPER
MARINE OPERATOR
MARINE OPERATOR
MARINE OPERATOR
MARINE OPERATOR
MARINE OPERATOR
INTER-SHIP SAFETY
MARINE OPERATOR
COMMERCIAL (SHIP-SHIP)
BOATER CALLING CHANNEL
COMMERCIAL
VESSEL TRAFFIC SYSTEM
VESSEL TRAFFIC SYSTEM
BRIDGE TO BRIDGE
VESSEL TRAFFIC SYSTEM
ENVIRONMENTAL
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
DISTRESS,SAFETY,CALLING
GOVT MARITIME CONTROL
PORT OPERATION
COMMERCIAL
PORT OPERATION
PORT OPERATION
PORT OPERATION
MARINE OPERATOR
MARINE OPERATOR
MARINE OPERATOR
MARINE OPERATOR
MARINE OPERATOR
MARINE OPERATOR
MARINE OPERATOR
MARINE OPERATOR
MARINE OPERATOR
MARINE OPERATOR
MARINE OPERATOR
MARINE OPERATOR
MARINE OPERATOR
BRIDGE TO BRIDGE
NON COMMERCIAL
NON COMMERCIAL
DIGITAL SELECTIVE CALLING
NON COMMERCIAL
NON COMMERCIAL
PORT OPERATION
PORT OPERATION
PORT OPERATION (SHIP-SHIP)
PORT OPERATION
PORT OPERATION
PORT OPERATION
PORT OPERATION
PORT OPERATION
PORT OPERATION
MARINE OPERATOR
MARINE OPERATOR
MARINE OPERATOR
MARINE OPERATOR
MARINE OPERATOR
156.5750
156.6250
156.6750
156.7250
156.8750
156.9250
156.9750
157.0250
157.0750
157.1250
157.1750
157.2250
157.2750
157.3250
157.3750
157.4250
West Marine VHF50 Radio Owner’s Manual
15
Canadian Mode Frequency Chart
Ch. Rx Freq
Tx Freq
156.0500
156.1000
156.1500
156.2000
156.2500
156.3000
156.3500
156.4000
156.4500
156.5000
156.5500
156.6000
156.6500
156.7000
156.7500
156.8000
156.8500
156.9000
156.9500
157.0000
157.0500
157.1000
157.1500
157.2000
157.2500
157.3000
157.3500
157.4000
156.0250
156.0750
156.1250
156.2250
156.2750
156.3250
156.3750
156.4250
156.4750
Inhibit
156.5750
156.6250
156.6750
156.7250
156.8750
156.9250
156.9750
157.0250
157.0750
157.1250
157.1750
157.2250
157.2750
157.3250
157.3750
157.4250
Status
Duplex
Duplex
Duplex
Name
Full Name
1
160.6500
160.7000
160.7500
156.2000
156.2500
156.3000
156.3500
156.4000
156.4500
156.5000
156.5500
156.6000
156.6500
156.7000
156.7500
156.8000
156.8500
156.9000
156.9500
161.6000
157.0500
157.1000
161.7500
161.8000
161.8500
161.9000
161.9500
162.0000
160.6250
156.0750
156.1250
156.2250
156.2750
156.3250
156.3750
156.4250
156.4750
156.5250
156.5750
156.6250
156.6750
156.7250
156.8750
156.9250
156.9750
157.0250
157.0750
157.1250
157.1750
161.8250
161.8750
161.9250
161.9750
162.0250
MAR OPER
MAR OPER
MAR OPER
CCG
MARINE OPERATOR
MARINE OPERATOR
MARINE OPERATOR
COAST GUARD
VESSEL TRAFFIC SYSTEM
INTER-SHIP SAFETY
COMMERCIAL
COMMERCIAL
BOATER CALLING CHANNEL
COMMERCIAL
VESSEL TRAFFIC SYSTEM
VESSEL TRAFFIC SYSTEM
BRIDGE TO BRIDGE
VESSEL TRAFFIC SYSTEM
ENVIRONMENTAL
DISTRESS,SAFETY,CALLING
STATE CONTROL
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Simplex
Simplex
Simplex
Simplex
Simplex
Simplex
Simplex
Simplex
Simplex
Simplex, 1 W
Simplex
Simplex, 1 W
Simplex
Simplex, 1 W
Simplex
Simplex
Duplex, 1 W
Simplex
Simplex
Duplex
VTS
SAFETY
COMMERCL
COMMERCL
CALLING
COMMERCL
VTS
VTS
BRG-BRG
VTS
ENVIRON
DISTRESS
SAR
COMMERCL
CCG
PORT OPR
CCG
CCG
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
60
61
62
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
COMMERCIAL
CANADIAN COAST GUARD
PORT OPERATION
COAST GUARD
COAST GUARD
COAST GUARD
MARINE OPERATOR
MARINE OPERATOR
MARINE OPERATOR
MARINE OPERATOR
MARINE OPERATOR
MARINE OPERATOR
COAST GUARD
CCG
Duplex
Duplex
Duplex
Duplex
Duplex
Duplex
MAR OPER
MAR OPER
MAR OPER
MAR OPER
MAR OPER
MAR OPER
CCG
Simplex
Simplex
Simplex
Simplex
Simplex, 1 W
Simplex
Simplex
Simplex
Receive Only
Simplex
Simplex
Simplex
Simplex
Simplex, 1 W
Simplex
Simplex
Simplex
Simplex
Simplex
Simplex
Duplex
CCG
COAST GUARD
MAR OPER
RESCUE
PORT OPR
BRG-BRG
NON COML
NON COML
DSC
NON COML
NON COML
PORT OPR
PORT OPR
PORT OPR
SHP-SHP
SHP-SHP
SHP-SHP
CCG
MARINE OPERATOR
SEARCH AND RESCUE
PORT OPERATION
BRIDGE TO BRIDGE
NON COMMERCIAL
NON COMMERCIAL
DIGITAL SELECTIVE CALLING
NON COMMERCIAL
NON COMMERCIAL
PORT OPERATION
PORT OPERATION
PORT OPERATION
INTER SHIP
INTER SHIP
INTER SHIP
COAST GUARD
COAST GUARD
CCG
CCG
COAST GUARD
MAR OPER
MAR OPER
MAR OPER
MAR OPER
MAR OPER
MARINE OPERATOR
MARINE OPERATOR
MARINE OPERATOR
MARINE OPERATOR
MARINE OPERATOR
Duplex
Duplex
Duplex
Duplex
16
West Marine VHF50 Radio Owner’s Manual
WX Frequency Chart
Channel No.
(MHz)
Name
WX01
WX02
WX03
WX04
WX05
WX06
WX07
WX08
WX09
WX10
162.5500
162.4000
162.4750
162.4250
162.4500
162.5000
162.5250
161.6500
161.7750
163.2750
WEATHER1
WEATHER2
WEATHER3
WEATHER4
WEATHER5
WEATHER6
WEATHER7
WEATHER8
WEATHER9
WEATHR10
Accessories
Model
Description
Order #
SWIV200 Swivel Belt Clip with Button and Mounting Screw
3895638
5471495
3895554
5531538
3895547
BC50
DC200
BP50
12 Hr. Std. Charger with Cradle and AC power supply
DC Cigarette Lighter power supply for Std. Charger
Lithium Ion Rechargeable Battery Pack
Flexible Rubber Antenna
ANT50
West Marine VHF50 Radio Specifications
Dimensions
Operating Voltage
Battery Capacity
Transmitter
7.2Vdc
1200mAH Li-Ion
Frequency Range
Output Power
156.025-157.425
5W /1W
Spurious Emission
AF Distortion
65@5W/ 55@1W
< 5%
Max Deviation
< 5KHz
Frequency Stability
FM Hum & Noise
Microphone Type
Adjacent Channel Power
Current Drain
< 5ppm
> 40dB
Condenser
> 70dBc
1.5A / 0.7A
Receiver
Frequency Range
Sensitivity
156.050-163.275
0.2uV
Adjacent Channel Selectivity
Intermodulation Distortion
Spurious Response
AF Output
> 70dBc
> 65dBc
> 70dBc
0.5W
Speaker Impedance
8 Ohm
NOTE: Performance specifications are nominal value, unless otherwise indicated,
and are subject to change without notice.
West Marine VHF50 Radio Owner’s Manual
17
radio to transmit by pressing the
“PTT” switch.
Warning: Your West Marine VHF50
generates RF electromagnetic energy
when transmitting. This radio was
designed to meet the FCC’s rules and reg-
ulations for the maximum permissible
exposure to radio frequency energy. This
design was tested and found to be compli-
ant to the strict requirements established
by the FCC.
•
ALWAYS maintain at least a 1-inch
(2.5 cm) separation distance between
your body (including the face and
eyes) and any surface of the radio.
NEVER allow the antenna to touch
the human body or to come within 1
inch when the transmitter is active.
NEVER allow children to operate the
radio without adult supervision and
the knowledge of the following safe-
ty guidelines.
•
•
This radio was designed for and is classi-
fied as “Occupational Use Only”, mean-
ing it must be used only during the course
of employment by individuals aware of
the hazards, and the ways to minimize
such hazards. This radio is not intended
for use by the “General Population” in an
uncontrolled environment. It’s use is
restricted to work related operations only
where the radio operator must have the
knowledge to control his or her exposure
conditions for satisfying the higher expo-
sure limit allowed for Occupational
Users.
This radio is approved for use with the
specific belt-clip tested for body-worn
SAR compliance. Other belt clips or
body-worn accessories may not comply
and should be avoided.
Notice: This equipment has been tested
and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15
of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residen-
tial installation. This equipment generates,
uses and can radiate radio frequency ener-
gy and, if not installed and used in accor-
dance with the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communica-
tions. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user
is encouraged to try to correct the inter-
ference by one or more of the following
measures:
Caution: It is up to the user to properly
operate this transmitter to ensure safe
operation. Please adhere to the following
to ensure that your exposure to RF elec-
tromagnetic energy is within the FCC
allowable limits:
•
DO NOT operate the radio without a
proper antenna attached, as this may
damage the radio and may also cause
you to exceed FCC RF exposure lim-
its. A proper antenna is the antenna
supplied with this radio by the manu-
facturer or an antenna specifically
authorized by the manufacturer to use
with this radio.
•
DO NOT transmit for more than 50%
of the total radio use time.
— Increase the separation between the
equipment and receiver.
Transmitting more than 50% of the
time can cause FCC RF exposure
compliance requirements to be
exceeded. The radio is transmitting
when the “TX indicator” is displayed
on the screen. You can cause the
— Connect the equipment into an outlet
on a circuit different from that to
which the receiver is connected.
— Consult the dealer or an experienced
marine electronics technician for
help.
18
West Marine VHF50 Radio Owner’s Manual
West Marine VHF50 Radio Owner’s Manual
19
Three-Year Limited Warranty
IMPORTANT: Evidence of original purchase, such as the original receipt, a cancelled check, or a
credit card receipt is required for warranty service.
WARRANTOR: WEST MARINE PRODUCTS, INC. (“WEST MARINE”)
ELEMENTS OF WARRANTY: WEST MARINE warrants for three years, to the original retail
owner and user, this product to be free from defects in materials and craftsmanship with only the
limitations or exclusions set out below.
WARRANTY DURATION: This warranty to the original retail owner and user shall terminate
and be of no further effect 36 months after the date of original retail sale (battery pack warranty
duration is 12 months or one year). The warranty is invalid if the Product is (A) damaged or not
maintained as reasonable or necessary, (B) modified, altered, or used as part of any conversion
kits, subassemblies, or any configurations not sold by WEST MARINE, (C) improperly installed
or programmed, (D) serviced or repaired by someone other than an authorized WEST MARINE
service center, as provided below, for a defect or malfunction covered by this warranty, (E) used in
any conjunction with equipment or parts or as part of any system or subsystem not manufactured
by WEST MARINE, or (F) installed or programmed by anyone other than as detailed by the
Owner’s Manual for this product. THIS WARRANTY IS NON-TRANSFERRABLE.
STATEMENT OF REMEDY: In the event that the product does not conform to this warranty at
any time while this warranty is in effect, warrantor will either, at its option, repair or replace the
defective unit and return it to you without charge for parts, service, or any other cost (except ship-
ping and handling) incurred by warrantor or its representatives in connection with the performance
of this warranty. Warrantor, at its option, may replace the unit with a new or refurbished unit. THE
LIMITED WARRANTY SET FORTH ABOVE IS THE SOLE AND ENTIRE WARRANTY PER-
TAINING TO THE PRODUCT AND IS IN LIEU OF AND EXCLUDES ALL OTHER WAR-
RANTIES OF ANY NATURE WHATSOEVER, WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR ARISING
BY OPERATION OF LAW, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WAR-
RANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THIS
WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER OR PROVIDE FOR THE REIMBURSEMENT OR PAY-
MENT OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. Some states do not allow this
exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages so the above limitation or exclusion
may not apply to you.
LEGAL REMEDIES: This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other
rights, which vary form state to state. This warranty is void outside the United States of America.
PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING PERFORMANCE OF WARRANTY: If, after following the
instructions in Owner’s Manual you are certain that the Product is defective, pack the Product
carefully (preferably in its original packaging). The product should include all parts and acces-
sories originally packaged with the Product, include evidence of original purchase and a note
describing the defect that has caused you to return it. The Product should be shipped freight pre-
paid, by traceable means, to WEST MARINE’s Authorized Service Center at:
West Marine Authorized Service Center
2395 Bert Court
Hollister, CA 95023
|