Standard Horizon HX600S User Manual

FCC ID: K6630193X20
IC ID: 511B-30193X20
Operating Manual
1/39
Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
Congratulations on your purchase of the HX600S! Whether this is your first portable marine
VHF transceiver, or if you have other STANDARD HORIZON equipment, the STANDARD
HORIZON organization is committed to ensuring your enjoyment of this high performance
transceiver, which should provide you with many years of satisfying communications even
in the harshest of environments. STANDARD HORIZON technical support personnel
stands behind every product sold, and we invite you to contact us should you require
technical advice or assistance.
We appreciate your purchase of the HX600S, and encourage you to read this manual
thoroughly, so as to learn and fully understand the capabilities of the HX600S.
WARNING
This radio is capable of transmitting on VHF Marine.
The FCC allows the use of VHF Marine band on water areas only. However the FCC does
not allow the use of the VHF Marine band when on land. If persons use the VHF Marine
Band on land and interfere with others communicating, the FCC will be notified and search
for the interference. Responsible parties found to be transmitting on the VHF Marine Band
on land could be fined up to $10,000 for the first offense.
The FCC does however prohibit the use in aircraft.

Standard Horizon HX600S Specifications

General

Brand	Standard Horizon
Model	HX600S
Category	Transceiver
Language	English

Summary

VHF Marine Band Land Use Warning

Safety and Training Information

RF Exposure Guidelines and Warnings

Details RF energy generation, occupational use classification, and safe transmission practices.

FCC and Canada Radio License Information

Maritime Station License Requirements

Details current FCC license requirements for vessels using VHF marine radio.

Marine Radio Call Sign Usage

Current FCC requirements for recreational boaters regarding call signs and registration numbers.

Electromagnetic Interference and Compatibility

Canadian Ship Station Licensing

FCC and Industry Canada Information

Provides technical data required for FCC/Industry Canada license applications.

General Information

HX600S Introduction

Details the HX600S features: submersible, 5-Watt, marine/broadcast/aircraft bands, DSC, scanning.

Accessories

HX600S Packing List

Itemized list of contents found in the HX600S transceiver package.

Optional Accessories for HX600S

Lists optional accessories available for the HX600S, such as speaker/microphones.

About This Radio

VHF Marine Band Overview

Explains VHF marine band frequencies, range, and warnings about land use.

Receive Channels and Frequencies

Details the AM/FM broadcast bands available on the HX600S.

AIR (Aircraft) Band Frequencies

Details the AM VHF aeronautical communication band and associated frequencies.

Getting Started

Batteries and Chargers

Information on the FNB-83 battery pack and charging methods.

Battery Safety Precautions

Critical safety warnings regarding handling, shorting, and disposal of Ni-MH batteries.

Battery Storage Recommendations

Advice on storing batteries to maximize their lifespan.

Battery Recycling Guidelines

Instructions for environmentally sound disposal and recycling of Ni-MH batteries.

Battery Charging Procedures

Details on charging the FNB-83 battery pack using various chargers.

Battery Installation and Removal

Step-by-step guide for installing and removing the battery pack from the transceiver.

Controls and Switches Overview

Power Switch and Volume Control

Function of the power switch and volume adjustment knob.

Microphone/Speaker Jack

Details the MIC/SP jack and its compatibility with optional accessories.

Push-To-Talk (PTT) Switch

Function of the PTT switch for transmitting.

[BAND] Key Function

How to use the BAND key to select different operating bands.

[16/9] Key Functionality

Recalls emergency channels 16 and 9 and switches between USA/Intl/CAN channels.

[WX] Key Functionality

Recalls the last used NOAA weather channel and toggles between channels.

Channel Up Key

Increases channel number with presses or holding down the key.

Channel Down Key

Decreases channel number with presses or holding down the key.

NMEA Terminal Connection

Connecting a GPS receiver via the NMEA terminal for data output.

[SCAN] Key Function

Initiates scanning of programmed channels.

Basic Operation

Initial Setup Procedures

Steps for setting up the transceiver for initial use.

[PRESET] Key for Instant Access

Activates user-assigned preset memory channels for quick access.

[H/L] Key for Power Control

Adjusts transmitter output power between High, Medium, and Low.

[MEM] Key for Scan Memory

Memorizes selected channels for scanning and deletes them.

Busy/Transmit (BUSY/TX) Indicator

Shows the status of the radio (receiving, transmitting) with different colors.

[DISTRESS] Key for DSC Calls

Initiates a DSC Distress Call when programmed with MMSI.

Receiving Signals

Steps for turning on the radio, adjusting volume, and selecting bands/channels.

Transmitting Signals

Procedures for transmitting, including monitoring channels and power levels.

Transmit Time-Out Timer (TOT)

Explains the TOT feature that limits continuous transmission time.

NOAA Weather Channels

How to access and listen to NOAA weather broadcasts.

NOAA Weather Alert Feature

How to configure the radio to receive weather alerts.

Preset Channels (P0-P9) for Instant Access

Programming and operating user-assigned preset channels.

Enabling SOS Strobe Operation

How to activate the SOS strobe feature for distress signaling.

Advanced Marine Band Operation

USA, Canadian, and International Channels

How to switch between different channel sets (USA, Canada, International).

Memory Scan Functionality

Programming and initiating memory scans of selected channels.

Priority Scan Operation

Setting and using priority channels while scanning other channels.

Emergency Channel 16

How to select and use emergency channel 16.

Channel 9 for Hailing

Using channel 9 for initial, non-emergency contacts with other vessels.

Channels 13 and 67 Operation

Usage of channels 13 and 67 for navigation and maneuvering.

USA Channel 67 Operation Details

Specific use of USA Channel 67 for bridge-to-bridge traffic.

Digital Selective Calling (DSC)

Introduction to DSC, its purpose, and the HX600S DSC Distress feature.

DSC General Information

Explains DSC as an international standard for maritime communication.

Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI)

Explains MMSI, how to obtain one, and its importance for DSC calls.

Sending a Distress Call

Step-by-step guide to initiating a DSC distress call with GPS position.

Simplex and Duplex Channel Use

How marine channels operate in simplex or duplex modes automatically.

Emergency Procedures (Channel 16)

Detailed procedure for making Mayday calls and reporting distress situations.

Calling Another Vessel (Channels 16 or 9)

Procedures for making initial contact with other vessels on channels 16 and 9.

Operating on Channels 13 and 67

Specific guidelines for using channels 13 and 67 for navigation.

Prohibited Communications

Lists communications explicitly forbidden by the FCC.

NOAA Weather Alert Testing

How to test the NOAA Weather Alert feature using the Wednesday broadcast.

Scrambler Operation

Voice Scrambler Unit Activation

Steps to activate the FVP-31 Voice Scrambler for secure communication.

Operating Practices

Operating on Channels 13 and 67

Specific guidelines for using channels 13 and 67 for navigation.

Prohibited Communications

Lists communications explicitly forbidden by the FCC.

NOAA Weather Alert Testing

How to test the NOAA Weather Alert feature using the Wednesday broadcast.

Resetting the Transceiver's Microprocessor

Menu ('SET') Mode

Beep Function Configuration

Enabling or disabling the keypad beeper function.

Channel Name Set Function

Customizing channel names displayed on the LCD.

Display Mode Settings

Selecting information to be displayed on the LCD screen.

Distress Ring Duration

Configuring the duration or number of times the DSC Distress alarm rings.

Dual Watch (DW) Display Mode

Selecting the display mode for Dual Watch scanning.

Band Icon Display Setting

Enabling or disabling the BAND icon display on the LCD.

Lamp Mode Configuration

Selecting the illumination method for the LCD and keypad.

MMSI Registration

Stores the MMSI ID code required for DSC functions.

Mute Function Control

Enabling or disabling audio muting on the FM Broadcast Band.

Scan Display Mode Selection

Choosing between Normal and Special display modes for scanning.

Scan Lamp Illumination

Enabling/disabling automatic lamp illumination during scanning.

Scrambler Function Enable/Disable

Enabling or disabling the voice scrambler function.

AM Band Frequency Step Size

Selecting the frequency step size for the AM band.

Strobe Illumination Control

Selecting DSC Distress Call strobe illumination modes.

Time Offset Setting

Adjusting time display for GPS connection based on location.

Weather Alert Feature Enable/Disable

Enabling or disabling the Weather Alert feature.

Maintenance

General Maintenance

General precautions to prevent damage and ensure longevity.

Replacement Parts

Information on ordering replacement parts for the transceiver.

Troubleshooting Chart

Identifies common problems, probable causes, and remedies.

Installation of Optional Equipment

FVP-31 Voice Scrambler Unit Installation

Step-by-step instructions for installing the voice scrambler unit.

FBA-25A Battery Case Installation

Instructions for installing the alkaline battery case.

VHF Marine Channel Assignments

VHF Marine Channel Chart Overview

Explains the structure and use of the VHF Marine Channel Assignment charts.

Warranty Information

Marine Products Limited Warranty Details

Specific warranty periods for transceivers, loud hailers, chargers, batteries, and accessories.

On-Line Warranty Registration

Instructions for registering the product online for warranty purposes.

Product Support Inquiries

Contact information and procedures for product support and service.