Manual Simrad RD68 Fixed DSC VHF Radio
RD68 © 2000 Simrad Navico Ltd The technical data, information and illustrations contained in this publication were to the best of our knowledge correct at the time of going to print. We reserve the right to change specifications, equipment, installation and maintenance instructions without notice as part of our policy of continuous development and improvement.
Instruction Manual CONTENTS 1. GENERAL 1.1 1.2 1.3 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Licensing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Entering MMSI numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 2. MAIN FUNCTIONS 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 2.14 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RD68 1 GENERAL 1.1 Introduction The RD68 is a combined VHF radio and Class D Digital Selective Calling (DSC) unit. It supports the latest GMDSS requirements for non-SOLAS vessels from the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). It will enable you to make digitally selected calls, which are quicker and simpler to make than traditional voice calls using Channel 16.
Instruction Manual 1.2 Licensing NOTE Prior to use check the national licensing requirements for the operator. In the UK license applications and queries should be made to the following authority Ship Radio Licensing Radio Licensing Centre The Post Office PO Box 1495 Bristol BS99 3QS A set may only be operated by, or under the supervision of a holder of a Certificate of Competence and Authority to Operate. This involves a simple examination and an annual license renewal fee.
RD68 1.3 Entering MMSI numbers At the time of issue of your vessel’s radio license, an MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identifier) must be requested. This is a nine digit number which must be permanently entered into the RD68, otherwise the DSC functions cannot be accessed. NOTE If the boat or the RD68 are subsequently sold, the radio must be returned to an authorised Simrad agent for the MMSI number to be erased and the new owner’s MMSI number entered.
Instruction Manual 12:44 52o16N 001o23E Rx DSC MMSI Dir More 12:44 Ships MMSI ********* Group MMSI 000000000 DSC Press this key to enter the Group ID MMSI* 12:44 Enter the MMSI number using the keypad Press E to enter NOTE Ships MMSI 002325___ If an error is made, press DSC to move back and edit the number. You will be asked to confirm the number. Re-enter the MMSI and press E. WARNING It is important that the MMSI entered is checked carefully, as it can only be entered once.
RD68 2 OPERATION 2.1 General The RD68 VHF is very simple to operate, with the controls falling into five groups 1. The rotary Volume/On/Off & Squelch controls. 2. The alphanumeric keypad used to select the channel, MMSI number etc. 3. The dedicated controls, for commonly used functions such as output power, dual watch and channel 16 select etc. 4. The four softkeys to the right of the display change their function depending on what is displayed.
Instruction Manual 2.3 Backlighting ( ) 12:40 INT Hi Lite Rx DSC T/W M/S Scan There are five levels of brightness - press and hold the key to step through and release when the required level is shown. 2.4 Changing channel 2.4.
RD68 2.4.2 Auxiliary & Private channels NOTE Only available if channels are programmed into radio.
Instruction Manual 2.5 Transmit power Toggles transmit power between 25w (Hi) and 1w (Lo) for short range transmissions, for example when in a marina. This preserves battery power. 12:42 INT Hi Lite Rx DSC T/W M/S Scan 12:42 INT Lo Lite Rx NOTE DSC T/W M/S Scan Regulations restrict some channels, such as 15 and 17 to low power only, in which case this key will have no effect. 2.6 Making a DSC call Press the DSC softkey to enter DSC Mode.
RD68 12:43 52o16N 001o23E Rx Rad Call Menu Press Type to scroll through the different types of call Manual MMSI entry 12:43 12:43 Routine to Excalibur Rx Type Dir Ch26 Send Use key to correct any mistakes Routine to ________ Rx Use keypad to type in MMSI number and press E then Send 12:43 12:43 All Ships Safety Rx Type Routine to 002325567 On Ch26 Press E to send Ch16 Send 12:43 All Ships Urgency Rx 12:43 Type Waiting for acknowledge Ch16 Send Rx Stop Press Stop to cancel call 12:44
Instruction Manual 12:44 52o16N 001o23E Rx Rad Call Menu 12:44 Routine to Excalibur Rx Type Dir Ch06 Send Press Dir to scroll through directory entries 12:44 Routine to Hbrmaster Rx Type Dir Ch06 Send Press Send to transmit to selected destination Press ChXX key to specify voice channel 12:43 Routine to Hbrmaster On Ch26 Press E to send 12:45 Routine to Excalibur Rx 12:43 Waiting for acknowledge Rx Type Dir Ch26 Send Only Routine, Safety and Group calls allow voice channel to be specified
RD68 2.7 Making a distress alert call This call should only be made if the vessel is in a genuine distress situation. It is an offense to send a Distress Alert call if the vessel or crew are not in danger. Refer to section 5.1 for more details. WARNING The distress button is located under a protective cover that must be slid back before the button can be pressed.
Instruction Manual 12:47 DISTRESS ALERT Sending in 5 secs Press and hold the Distress key a second time for five seconds. A countdown to the transmission will be displayed. Release the key at any time during this countdown to abort the transmission and press C to return to the main menu.
RD68 2.8 Receiving a DSC call When a call is received, the RD68 will ring and the display will show the call information. Press Ack (for Individual calls requesting acknowledgement only) or OK to cancel ring and switch to the working channel. Press Stop to cancel ring only.
Instruction Manual 2.9 Dual watch Dual watch allows the radio to scan between the selected working channel and the priority channel (normally 16). 12:52 Select a working channel INT Hi Lite Rx Press the D/W key INT Hi Lite Rx DSC T/W M/S Scan 12:52 DSC T/W M/S Scan 12:52 12:52 INT DSC Hi Ch16 D/W INT DSC Hi Ch16 D/W The RD68 will monitor the working channel and the priority channel sequentially NOTE E03912 Normal VHF functions will not be available when in dual watch mode.
RD68 2.10 Tri watch Tri watch operates on the same principle as dual watch, however this function scans between the working channel, priority channel and the user channel. For more information on the user channel and how it is specified, please refer to section 2.13.
Instruction Manual 2.11 Scan mode The scan function cycles the RD68 sequentially through each enabled channel, pausing when a signal is detected. 12:54 INT Hi Lite Rx DSC T/W M/S Scan 12:54 Press Adv to manually advance to the next channel in the scan sequence NOTE INT DSC Hi Lite Inh Scan Adv While in scan mode, normal VHF functions are not available. To exit scan mode, press C or 16. 2.11.
RD68 To re-enable an inhibited channel into the scan cycle, repeat sequence 2 12:55 Select channel to be enabled then press and hold Scan (double beep) INT Scan Ena Rx DSC T/W M/S Scan Press and hold 2.12 Memory scan Like the scan function, memory scan will cycle sequentially through the channels, but only those which have been preselected (refer to the next subsection 2.12.1 for more information on preselecting memory scan channels).
Instruction Manual 2.12.1 Add / remove memory scan channels To add a channel to the memory scan cycle - 12:57 Select the required channel INT Hi Lite Rx DSC T/W M/S Scan 12:57 INT DSC M/S T/W Sel M/S Rx Scan Press and hold M/S (double beep) Press and hold To delete a pre-selected channel from the memory scan cycle 1. While in memory scan mode INT M/S Del M/S 2.
RD68 2.13 Priority & user channel select The priority channel (usually 16, depending on the configuration of the RD68) can be accessed immediately by pressing 16. This will cancel any function currently in operation. The user channel is a programmable priority channel, which is accessed by pressing 16 twice - 12:57 INT Hi Lite Rx DSC T/W M/S Scan Press 16 twice 12:58 INT Hi User Rx DSC T/W M/S Scan 2.13.
Instruction Manual 2.
RD68 3 MISCELLANEOUS FUNCTIONS 3.
Instruction Manual 3.2 Entering manual position & time The boat’s position and the time (which is transmitted as part of a Distress Alert call) would normally be from an interfaced GPS.
RD68 Press E or W for Longitude reference from meridian 52o16N 001o23 88:88 UTC Press E (enter) key to confirm position and select time 52o16N 001o23E -:-- UTC Enter UTC time (24 hour format) using keypad and press E to confirm DSC Posn 52o16N 001o23E 13:02 UTC 52o16N 001o23E 13:02 UTC NOTE E W DSC Posn UTC The display will now show the manual Lat and Long when in DSC mode, but the clock display will not be shown (this is only available if NMEA position and time data is being received).
Instruction Manual 3.3 Entering local time When a GPS is connected to the RD68 via the NMEA interface, the display will show the UTC (GMT) time in the top right corner.
RD68 18:03 Display will now show local time 52o16N 150o23E Rx Rad Call Log Menu 3.4 Viewing the directory The directory allows up to 16 MMSI numbers to be stored in the RD68’s memory.
Instruction Manual 18:04 Directory 01 Excalibur 002321167 DSC Next Edit 18:04 Directory 02 Saucy Sue 002320588 DSC Back Next Edit 3.4.
RD68 3.4.2 Editing / deleting entry To edit an existing entry 18:06 The main directory screen shows the number of entries Directory Used 05/16 DSC View Add 18:06 Directory 01 Excalibur 002321167 DSC Next Edit 18:06 Directory 01 Excalibur 002321167 DSC Del Edit MMSI Number 18:06 Re-enter the MMSI using the keypad. Press E to enter Name: Excalibur MMSI: 00 ______ DSC Edit Name 18:06 Re-enter the name using the keypad.
Instruction Manual To delete an entry from the directory 18:06 Directory Used 05/16 DSC View Add 18:07 Directory 01 Excalibur 002321167 DSC Next Edit 18:07 Directory 01 Excalibur 002321167 DSC Del 18:07 Directory Delete ? Excalibur 002321167 E03912 DSC No Yes 31
RD68 3.5 Disabling key beep All key presses on the RD68 are normally comfirmed by a “beep”, but this can be disabled 18:07 52o16N 150o23E Rx Rad Call Log Menu 18:07 52o16N 150o23E Rx DSC LCD Posn More 18:07 52o16N 150o23E Rx DSC MMSI Dir More 18:07 52o16N 150o23E Rx DSC Beep Time To re-enable the key beep, repeat the above key sequence. NOTE 32 This will disable the key beep on all first level functions.
Instruction Manual 3.6 Second channel mode In countries where it is permitted, the RD68 can operate on a secondary set of channels, such as the USA channels - Radio switched off Press and hold 18:07 Turn radio on USA DSC M/S T/W Sel M/S Rx Scan NOTE Channel sets available will depend on programming. Please enquire with your national licensing authority for details of permitted channel sets in your own country. NOTE The radio will revert to International channels if it is switched off. 3.
RD68 4 INSTALLATION 4.1 VHF installation The radio should be sited so that engine noise and vibration or other background noise do not make it difficult for the operator to hear. Although the RD68 radio is waterproof when flush mounted, it is recommended that it is not installed where it will be exposed to continuous direct sunlight, as this will eventually damage the LCD display.
Instruction Manual The radio is fixed to the bracket using a simple clamp arrangement. The peg on the left side of the radio is slotted into the hole in the bracket. The clamp on the right side of the radio can then be slid into the slotted aperture on the bracket and tightened to hold the radio firmly in place (Fig 4.3). The rake angle of the radio can be adjusted by slackening the clamp. 3 1 2 1. Fit locating peg (left side) into hole in bracket 2. Slide locking clamp (right) into slot in bracket 3.
RD68 The RD68 has five electrical connections - the handset/fistmike socket is on the front panel below the LCD display (Fig 4.4A). The other four are situated on the back of the case - the antenna socket is on the left (Fig 4.4B). DC power is supplied to the set via a two core flying lead (Fig 4.4C). The NMEA input connections (4.4D) allow a GPS to be interfaced, below which is a 3.5mm jack socket for an optional extension speaker (Fig 4.4E) this is covered by a weather plug when not in use.
Instruction Manual The antenna is connected to the radio using a standard PL259 type connector as fitted to most marine antennae. If fitting to an existing antenna, check that the contacts are not corroded before connecting, as this will affect the quality of the signal. Ensure that the retaining collar of the antenna plug is securely tightened to prevent accidental disconnection.
RD68 The most popular antennae for marine use are 1m (3ft 3in) long. On sail boats these are usually mounted on the masthead, where the length of the antenna keeps it clear from the navigation lights and windvanes etc. This type of antenna can also be mounted on the cockpit roof or garage of power boats.
Instruction Manual The quality of any connections and integrity of the cable (without breaks in the sheathing) will directly affect the performance of the radio. Poor soldering or corrosion of the terminals can impair performance. We recommend that screw or crimp terminal type connectors are not used for any through deck fittings a good quality waterproof solder terminal connector will be less susceptible to poor connection due to corrosion of the contacts.
RD68 5 APPENDIX 5.1 Operating procedures The following operating procedure summary has been proposed by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency. It is not exhaustive and should not be regarded as a replacement for information provided by the proper two day VHF/DSC training course required for all VHF license holders. Sending a distress alert 1. Send a distress alert call (see section 2.7) 2. Wait approx 15 seconds for a DSC acknowledgement from the Coastguard or a ship station. 3.
Instruction Manual Cancelling a distress alert If a DSC distress alert is sent accidentally, cancel it immediately on the RD68 by pressing the C button to prevent repeats, then make the following announcement on channel 16 “This is (name of vessel, callsign, MMSI)” “Cancel DSC Alert sent (date & time UTC)” Do not simply cancel the DSC alert without verbally cancelling it as well, otherwise the rescue authorities will not be aware that this is a false alarm.
RD68 5.2 Transmission range Because VHF signals travel in a straight line and are not reflected back off the ionosphere as lower frequency signals are, the range of VHF signals is limited to ‘line of sight’, beyond which the other vessel passes behind the curve of the Earth. Therefore, the range will increase greatly the higher above sea level the antenna is, as Fig 5.
Instruction Manual 5.3 Frequency of channels NOTE Ch 0 will only be made available in the UK to Coastguard users with written authorisation. Channel 70 is the designated Digital Selected Calling (DSC) channel and may not be used for voice transmissions.
RD68 5.4 Fault finding Symptom Possible Cause Remedy Unit will not switch on * Faulty connection to power * Fuse has blown * Check power connection * Replace fuse and check power supply current Scan or Memory Scan is locking on a channel without a signal * Noise on the channel is holding the scan * Increase squelch level * Inhibit channel from scan (see section 2.11.
Instruction Manual 5.5 Optional accessories The following accessories are available from your nearest Simrad agent.
RD68 5.6 Technical specification Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12v DC (10.8v - 15.5v DC) Channel Capability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 international channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-28, 60-88 simplex & semi-duplex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . UK : includes M (previously 37) and M2 . . . . . . . . . USA : includes 0, 29, 89, 75, 76, Wx1-10 receive only. . . . . . . Scandinavia : leisure or fishing channels as appropriate. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instruction Manual 5.7 Dimensions 66mm (2.6in) 158mm (6.2in) 185mm (7.4in) 22mm (0.9in) RD68 Unit - FTM5 Fistmike 55mm (2.2in) 79mm (3.1in) 47mm (1.8in) 54mm (2.2in) 70mm (2.8in) THS4 Telephone handset - 213mm (8.
RD68 5.8 Service & warranty Your radio should seldom need servicing, although it will benefit from an application of silicone or Teflon grease to the antenna and mic sockets each season. The equipment should be regularly checked by making routine calls to other stations. On an annual basis, test the Distress Alert button by pressing it ONCE. This will display the Distress Alert screen and ensure that the button is functioning. Press C to return to the main screen - DO NOT HOLD DOWN THE DISTRESS BUTTON.
Manufacturer: Simrad Navico Star Lane, Margate Kent CT9 4NP United Kingdom Telephone: +44 (0) 1843 290290 Telefax: +44 (0) 1843 290471 E-Mail: sales@simrad-navico.co.
