Instruction Manual
11
E03912 Issue 2.0
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 are multi-
function keys whose function changes depending on which
menu is displayed. The label showing the current function for
each softkey appears on the right side of the display (see left).
5. There is also a Distress button under a sliding cover. This
must only be used in an emergency (see section 5.1).
The radio functions are split into two main modes:
• Radio mode allows access to the standard VHF radio func-
tions, such as Tri-Watch, scanning, etc.
• DSC mode covers the digital selective calling functions.
These modes are toggled by pressing softkey 1 (labeled DSC or
RAD).
At any stage of the DSC mode menu structure, pressing the DSC
softkey will return to the DSC mode main menu. At any stage
of the DSC mode menu structure, pressing the C key will can-
cel any unconfirmed action, or step back one level in the menu
structure.
Note Some menu options will only be displayed if the relevant infor-
mation is available.
If the radio is receiving NMEA GPS data, the current Lat/Long
will be displayed when in DSC mode, and the time will be dis-
played in both Radio and DSC modes in 24-hour UTC (GMT)
format (the local time can also be entered).
2.2 Rotary controls
Switch the radio on by turning the VOLUME knob clockwise.
To increase the volume, turn the knob further clockwise. Turn
the knob fully counterclockwise to switch off.
The SQUELCH knob is used to adjust the receiver muting
threshold (squelch) level. To cut out weaker signals, increase
the squelch until the background interference noise disappears.
To receive weaker signals, decrease the squelch.
SOFTKEY LABEL SC1
SOFTKEY LABEL SC2
SOFTKEY LABEL SC3
SOFTKEY LABEL SC4
1
2
3
4
Softkeys & labels
