Uniden DSC Series User manual

cover SOLARA 8/16/01 11:38 Page 1

Maritime Radio Services Operation

This transmitter will operate on channels/frequencies that have

restricted use in the United States. The channel assignments

include frequencies assigned for exclusive use of the U.S. Coast

Guard, use in Canada, and use in international waters. Operation

in these frequencies without proper authorization is strictly forbid-

den. For frequencies/channels that are currently for use in the

U.S. without an individual license, please contact the FCC Call

Center at 1-888-CALL-FCC.

Warning!

For individuals requiring a license, such as commercial users, you should obtain

a license application from your nearest FCC field office.

FRONT&BACK foldout 8/16/01 11:26 Page 1

Controls

1. ▲/▼CHANNEL Selectors - These controls are used to select the

desired communication channel.

2. LED Display - Indicators for Channel Number, 16, INT, 1W

and TX.

3. SQUELCH - Controls the background noise when a signal is

not received.

4. PTT (Push-to-Talk) Switch - Press to transmit and release

to receive.

5. CH16 - Controls instant access to Channel 16 communications.

6. INT (USA/International) - Switches operation between US and

International Channels.

7. HI/LO - Controls transmitter’s output power between 1 watt and

25 watt.

8. VOLUME/On/Off - Turns the SOLARA power on or off and

adjusts the volume.

123

5678

Controls and Indicators

FRONT&BACK foldout 8/16/01 11:26 Page 2

Indicators

9. 16 - Indicates that Channel 16 is selected.

10. INT - Indicates International Channel Mode.

11. LO - Indicates transmitted output is 1 Watt.

12. TX (Transmit) - Indicates PTT switch is pressed.

13. LED Numerical Channel Display - Indicates Channel Number in

use. Weather Channels are displayed as single digits (Example:

0, 1, 2, 3, etc.). Communication Channels are displayed as two

digits (Example: 01, 02, 03, etc.).

Rear Panel Connectors

14. ANT. (Antenna) Connector - Connect the antenna here using a

PL259 type connector.

15. REMOTE Speaker Connector - An external 4 ohm, 4 watt

speaker may be connected to this jack. The connecting wire must

use the included 3.5mm miniature plug.

16. DC Power Cord with In-line Fuse Holder - Connect red power

lead to positive power source.

17. DC Ground Cord - Connect black power lead to negative

power source.

1514 16

UT880ZL SOLARA 8/16/01 11:23 Page iii

Table of Contents

Controls and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Front Cover Foldout

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Included with your SOLARA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Selecting a Location. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Antenna Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Engine Noise Suppression . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Installing the SOLARA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Setting the Squelch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Selecting a Channel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Channel Auto Repeat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Instant Channel 16 Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

USA/INT Channels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Transmitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Care and Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Replacement Parts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

USA/INT Frequency Lists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rear Cover Foldout

UT880ZL SOLARA 8/16/01 11:23 Page 1

The Uniden SOLARA VHF marine radio transceiver is designed to

provide you with years of trouble-free service. It’s rugged components

and materials are easily capable of withstanding the harsh marine

environment. The transceiver has a splashproof housing to protect the

electronics, and the unit may be mounted in several convenient

locations on-board your vessel using the universal mounting bracket.

You can be confident in your choice of radio equipment because the

SOLARA offers Instant Channel 16 access, automatic transmitter time-

out, and coverage of the marine frequency band. It will meet your

communication needs by providing you with state-of-the-art radio

electronics that are easy to operate.

We are certain that you will enjoy your SOLARA. To ensure that you get

the most from its features, please read this operating guide carefully

before using the unit.

Features

• Receives 90 Marine Channels • Receives 10 Weather Channels

• HI(25W)/LO(1W) Transmitter • Transmits 54 Marine Channels

• Instant Channel 16 Button • External Speaker Jack

• 5 Minute Transmitter Time-Out • Splash Proof Chassis

• USA/INT Frequency Capable • Channel Auto Repeat

Specifications, features, and availability of optional accessories are all

subject to change without prior notice.

Introduction

UT880ZL SOLARA 8/16/01 11:23 Page 2

SOLARA Owner’s Manual Microphone Hanger

and Screws

Other Printed Material

Mounting Bracket

and Knobs

3.5mm Mini Plug

and Spare Fuse

Included with your SOLARA

UT880ZL SOLARA 8/16/01 11:23 Page 3

Caution: The SOLARA will operate only with nominal 12 volt negative

ground battery systems.

Selecting a Location

Before choosing a location for your new SOLARA, review these guidelines:

• Carefully consider the unit’s electrical and mechanical mounting

requirements, as well as your accessability needs.

• Select a location that allows free air flow around the heat sink in

the back of the radio.

• Select a location that is free from spray and splash and doesn’t

expose your radio to direct sunlight.

• Keep the battery leads as short as possible, and for best results

connect directly to the battery. If the supplied power lead isn’t

long enough to reach the battery, extensions should be made

with at least #10 AWG wire.

• Choose a location for the radio and auxiliary speaker (if

installed) that is away from the ship’s compass.

Antenna Considerations

Many different antennas are available for your radio. We recommend

that you consult with your Uniden dealer in determining a suitable

antenna for your vessel and range requirements.

In general when choosing or installing your antenna, consider

these guidelines:

• The range increases with the antenna placed as high as

possible above the water line.

• The antenna should not have an excessively long coaxial

feed cable.

• The antenna should be located away from metal objects.

Installation

UT880ZL SOLARA 8/16/01 11:23 Page 4

Engine Noise Suppression

The SOLARA has been designed to minimize ignition and alternator

noise. However, in some installations it may be necessary to take

additional steps to help eliminate noise interference. During installation,

try to direct the DC battery wires, the antenna lead, and accessory

cables away from the engine compartment or ignition and alternator

wiring.

If the noise continues, it may be necessary to install a noise suppression

kit. Contact your Uniden dealer for more information.

Installing the SOLARA

After choosing a location, position the radio (with the bracket,

microphone, power cord, antenna cable, and external speaker lead, if

installed) to make sure it fits. Then follow these steps:

1. Using the bracket as a template, mark the holes for the mounting

hardware.

2. Drill the holes and mount the

bracket with hardware

appropriate for the mounting

surface.

Note: This HEXAGON HEAD

BOLT is only for mounting the

bracket with hardware. Do not

use it for installing the radio in

the mounting bracket.

3. Connect the red power lead to

the positive (+) battery terminal

or to an accessory contact in

your vessel’s fuse box.

Note: The power cord is

equipped with a 6-ampere fast

blow fuse to protect your radio.

Use only a 6-ampere

replacement fuse.

UT880ZL SOLARA 8/16/01 11:23 Page 5

4. Connect the black wire of the power cord to the negative (–)

battery terminal or to a ground source in your vessel’s fuse box.

5. Install the radio in the mounting

bracket and connect the

antenna cable and accessories

to their appropriate jacks and

connectors.

Note: Do not use any other

mounting knobs than the ones

enclosed. Do not insert the

screw without attaching the

bracket.

UT880ZL SOLARA 8/16/01 11:23 Page 6

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