MTX-103 VHF Marine Transceiver
(190-1004)                 Operation                  Faxback Doc. # 18753

1.  Turn SQUELCH fully counterclockwise.

2.  Turn on the radio by turning VOLUME clockwise.  Adjust VOLUME to the
    desired listening level.

3.  Adjust SQUELCH to eliminate background noise between transmissions. 
    Wait until there is no signal on the channel, then slowly turn SQUELCH
    clockwise until the background noise stops.

4.  Raise the protective cover.

5.  Use the channel thumbwheels to select the desired channel.  The left
    wheel selects the first digit of the channel number; the right wheel
    selects the second digit.

6.  Set 1W/5W to select the desired output power.

    Use 1W for normal communication.

    Use 5W for emergency or long distance communication.

    NOTE:  In a marina or harbor, try to establish communications using
           the 1-watt setting before switching to the 5-watt setting.

7.  The USA/INT'L switch must be set to USA if you are outside the USA,
    set the switch to INT'L.  Although the channel numbers are the same,
    the frequencies are different for USA and international channels. 
    See "Channel Assignments."

8.  Set the NORM/CH16/WX switch for the desired channel.

    Use NORM to go to the channel selected by the channel thumbwheels.

    Use CH16 to quickly select Channel 16 in an emergency, regardless
    of the channel thumbwheel setting.

    Use WX to monitor the available 24-hour weather channels.  Select
    the desired channel using the channel thumbwheels.  See "Channel
    Assignments" for the receive-only weather channels.

9.  To turn off the radio, turn VOLUME counterclockwise until it clicks.

NOTE:  To get the best communication range:

       Orient the antenna vertically.

       Move the transceiver away from shielding caused by nearby
       structures.

       Raise the transceiver as high as possible above the surrounding
       terrain.

       Try an external antenna.

CAUTIONS:  Receiving excessively strong signals might damage the
           transceiver.  Do not use the transceiver close to a base
           station antenna or within 20 inches of another unit.

           Transmission without an antenna connected might cause damage to
           the transmitter.

           If the MTX-103 is accidentally subjected to water spray,
           immediately wipe it with a soft cloth.  If the unit is
           contaminated with salt water, wipe it with a soft cloth
           moistened with fresh water.  Then dry the radio.

TRANSMITTING

When making a call using a marine transceiver, you must follow these
calling procedures.

    Channel 16 is the universal calling and safety channel.  Leave the
    radio set to Channel 16, unless a call is in progress on a different
    channel.

    Listen to Channel 16 for at least 2 minutes before making a call on
    it (to be sure the channel is not already in use).

    Press the push-to-talk button to talk; the TX indicator should light. 
    Release it to listen; the RX indicator should light when a trans-
    mission is received.

    When you are ready for the other party to talk, end your sentence by
    saying "over."

    When you are ready to end communication, say "(Your call sign or name
    of your boat), out."

    When in a marina or harbor, try first to make calls using the 1W (1- 
    watt) power setting.  If you do not receive a response, switch to the
    5-W (5-watt) setting.

    If you do not receive a response to a call after 30 seconds, wait at
    least 2 minutes before trying again.  If you receive no response
    after the second try, wait at least 15 minutes before trying again.

    After making contact on Channel 16, switch to a different channel to
    continue the call - Channel 16 must be left open for other calls. 
    See "Channel Assignments."

Calling Another Boat

1.  Turn on the radio, and select Channel 16.

2.  Hold the transceiver about 3 inches from your mouth, and press the
    push-to-talk button.

3.  Say "(Name of boat you are calling), this is (your call sign or name
    of your boat)."

4.  Release the push-to-talk button and listen for a response.

5.  After establishing communication, switch to a ship-to-ship channel. 
    See "Channel Assignments." 

6.  When the call is complete, say "(Your call sign or name of your
    boat), out."

7.  Switch back to channel 16.

Making a Ship-to-Shore Call

1.  Turn on the radio and select the channel used by the shore station.

2.  Hold the transceiver about 3 inches from your mouth, and press the
    push-to-talk button.

3.  Say "(Name of shore station), this is (Your call sign or name of your
    boat)."

4.  Release the push-to-talk button and listen.

5.  When the shore station answers, say "This is (your call sign or name
    of your boat), (your billing number) placing a call to (city),
    (telephone number)."  If you do not have a billing number, tel the
    operator how you want the call billed.

6.  When the call is complete, say "(Name of your boat), (Your call
    sign), out."

7.  Switch to Channel 16.

Making an Emergency Call

Emergency calls are made on Channel 16 because it is monitored by marine
radio owners.  In many areas, the Coast Guard monitors Channel 16 24-hours
a day.

There are three levels of emergency calls:

    The Mayday distress signal is for the most severe situations and is
    used when there is grave and imminent danger to people or vessels are
    in jeopardy.

    The Pan-Pan urgency signal is the second level of emergency and is
    used when people or vessels are in jeopardy.

    The Security safety signal is the third level of emergency and is
    used for messages about the safety of navigation or important weather
    warnings.

Follow these steps to make a distress call.

1.  Turn on the radio, and select Channel 16.

2.  Set the output power to 5W (5 watts).

3.  Hold the transceiver about 3 inches from your mouth, and press the
    push-to-talk button.

4.  Say,  "Mayday-Mayday-Mayday!  This is (your call sign and name of
    your boat), (your call sign and name of your boat), (Your call sign
    and name of your boat), Mayday (name of your boat)."

5.  Then give the following information:

    Your location, including any navigational aids or landmarks

    The nature of your emergency

    The number of people on the boat and the condition of any injured

    The estimated seaworthiness of your boat

    A brief description of your boat  length, type, color, and so forth

6.  To end the message, say "I will be listening on Channel 16.  This is
    (your call sign or name of your boat).  Over."

7.  Release the push-to-talk button and listen.

8.  Someone should answer.  If not, repeat the call beginning with
    Step 3.

Use this same basic procedure for transmitting urgent and safety signals,
substituting Pan-Pan and Security in place of Mayday, and providing
appropriate information.


(SP 1/22/96)