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QUEST+ GX1256S
25 Watt VHF/FM
Marine Transceiver
Owner's Manual
Compact and Simple Operation
Capable of connecting an optional enhanced RAM+ second sta-
tion remote microphone
RTCM SC-101 DSC Distress call with your exact position
DSC position request/send function and NMEA data input/out-
put to connect to GPS Plotter
DSC Group call feature included
Backlit Keypad and LCD
Channel Name, GPS Time or GPS Position Repeating shown on
the display
One-button access to Channel 16 an
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TABLE OF CONTENTS SAFETY/WARNING INFORMATION ..........................................................4 FCC RADIO LICENSE INFORMATION ......................................................5 STATION LICENSE ............................................................................................................................ 5 RADIO CALL SIGN ............................................................................................................................ 5 CANADIAN SHIP STAT
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TABLE OF CONTENTS 7 DIGITAL SELECTIVE CALLING ........................................................ 29 7.1 GENERAL .................................................................................................................................. 29 7.2 DSC SCAN ............................................................................................................................... 30 7.3 USCG DSC WATCH ...............................................................................
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SAFETY / WARNING INFORMATION This radio is restricted to occupational use, work related operations only where the radio operator must have the knowledge to control the exposure conditions of its passengers and bystanders by maintaining the minimum separation distance of 0.6 m (2 feet). Failure to observe these restrictions will result in exceeding the FCC RF exposure limits. Antenna Installation: The antenna must be located at least 0.6 m (2 feet) away from passengers in order to comply with the
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FCC RADIO LICENSE INFORMATION Standard Horizon radios comply with the Federal Communication Commis- sion (FCC) requirements that regulate the Maritime Radio Service. STATION LICENSE An FCC ship station license is no longer required for any vessel traveling in U.S. waters which is under 20 meters in length. However, any vessel re- quired to carry a marine radio on an international voyage, carrying a HF single side band radiotelephone or marine satellite terminal is required to have a ship station
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FCC NOTICE NOTICE Unauthorized changes or modifications to this equipment may void com- pliance with FCC Rules. Any change or modification must be approved in writing by STANDARD HORIZON. NOTICE This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radi
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GETTING STARTED ABOUT VHF RADIO The radio frequencies used in the VHF marine band lie between 156 and 158 MHz with some shore stations available between 161 and 163 MHz. The marine VHF band provides communications over distances that are essentially “line of sight” (VHF signals do not travel well through objects such as buildings, hills or trees). Actual transmission range depends much more on antenna type, gain and height than on the power output of the transmitter. On a fixed mount 25W radio t
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COAXIAL CABLE VHF antennas are connected to the transceiver by means of a coaxial cable – a shielded transmission line. Coaxial cable is specified by it’s diameter and construction. For runs less than 20 feet, RG-58/U, about 1/4 inch in diameter is a good choice. For runs over 20 feet but less than 50 feet, the larger RG-8X or RG- 213/U should be used for cable runs over 50 feet RG-8U should be used. For installation of the connector onto the coaxial cable refer to the figure below. Adapter 1/16
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1 GENERAL INFORMATION The STANDARD HORIZON QUEST+ is a VHF/FM transceiver designed for use in the frequency range of 156.025 to 163.275 MHz. The GX1256S re- quires 13.8V for operation and has a switchable RF output power of 1 watt or 25 watts. The transceiver is capable of RTCM SC101 DSC (Digital Selective Calling) operation. The transceiver operates on all currently-allocated marine channels which are switchable for use with either USA, International, or Canadian regula- tions. It has an emerg
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2 PACKING LIST When the package containing the transceiver is first opened, please check it for the following contents: • GX1256S QUEST+ Transceiver (with White/Black Microphone) • Mounting Bracket (with attaching hardware and hanger kit) • Owner’s Manual • Quick-Reference Card • Power Cord • Dust Cover 3 OPTIONS MMB-84 ........................................................................Flush-Mount Bracket CMP25B/W ............ Remote-Access Microphone (RAM+ Mic, Black/White) CT-100 ......
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4 INSTALLATION 4.1 LOCATION The radio can be mounted at any angle. Choose a mounting location that: • is far enough from any compass to avoid any deviation in compass reading due to the speaker magnet • provides accessibility to the front panel controls • allows connection to a power source and an antenna • has nearby space for installation of a microphone hanger • the antenna must be mounted at least 3 feet from radio 4.2 ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS CAUTION Reverse polarity connections will damag
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4.3 ACCESSORY CABLE White: External speaker (+) Shield: External speaker (–) Blue: NMEA IN (+) from GPS navigation receiver Green: NMEA common Gray: NMEA OUT (+) to GPS navigation receiver Brown: Test port (for the Service Technican) When connecting the external speaker or GPS navigation receiver, strip off about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of the specified wire’s insulation, then splice the ends together. Gray Blue Green Green Blue Brown Shield White External Speaker Wire Color/Description Connection Exam
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4.4 CONNECTION OF GPS WITH NMEA OUTPUT Manufacturer/Model Wires QUEST+ Manufacturer/Model Wires QUEST+ Green Green Lowrance Portable Orange Blue STANDARD HORIZON Blue Gray Black (GND) Green Brown Blue Magellan Fixed Mount Gray Blue Furuno GP30, 36 White Blue Black (GND) Green Blue Green Magellan Portable Orange Blue Furuno GP1650, 1850 White Blue Black (GND) Green Black Green Northstar Yellow Blue Garmin Fixed Mounts Blue Blue Black (GND) Green Black (GND) Green Raytheon 420 Yellow Blue Garmin
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4.6 OPTIONAL MMB-84 FLUSH MOUNT INSTALLATION 1. Make a rectangular template for the flush mount measuring 2” H x 5-5/16” W. 2. Use the template to mark the location where the rectangular hole is to be cut. Confirm the space behind the dash or panel is deep enough to ac- commodate the transceiver (at least 6 inches deep). There should be at least 1/2 inch between the transceiver’s heatsink and any wiring, cables or structures. 3. Cut out the rectangular hole and insert the transceiver. 4. Fasten
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4.7 OPTIONAL CMP25 RAM+ MIC INSTALLATION 1. Connect the RAM+ MIC Cable to the RAM MIC CONNECTOR on the rear panel, then tighten the Cable Nut (See Figure 3). 2. Referring to Figure 3, make a 1.2” (30 mm) hole in the wall, then insert the RAM+ MIC Cable into this hole. Connect the Gasket and Mount Base to the RAM+ MIC Cable Connector using the Nut. 3. Drill the four Screw holes (approx. 2 mm) on the wall, then install the Mounting Base to the wall using four screws. 4. Put the Rubber Cap on to t
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5 CONTROLS AND INDICATORS NOTE This section defines each control of the transceiver. See Figure 4 for location of controls. For detailed operating instructions refer to chapter 6 of this manual. 5.1 CONTROLS AND CONNECTIONS POWER SWITCH/VOLUME CONTROL Turns the transceiver on and off as well as adjusts the audio volume. To turn the transceiver on press and hold this knob until the LCD turns on. To turn it off, press and hold this knob until the LCD turns off. When the power is turned on, the
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Figure 4. Controls and Connectors GX1256S Page 17
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[ ] WX Key Immediately recalls the previously selected NOAA weather channel from any channel location. Secondary use [ ] [ ] 1. Holding down the 16/9 key while pressing the WX key changes the mode from USA to International or Canadian. [ ] [ ( )] 2. Holding down the WX and SCAN MEM key while turning the power on resets the microprocessor and erases scan channels from memory. This clears the memory and establishes the factory-set defaults. For a list of these defaults, see the section on Resettin
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[ ( )] CALL/SET MENU Key [ ( )] The CALL/SET MENU key functions as the enter key. Secondary use [ ( )] Press the CALL/SET MENU key to access the DSC OPERATION menu. The INDIVIDUAL and ALL SHIPS CALLS functions can be ac- cessed from the DSC OPERATION menu. [ ( )] Press and hold the CALL/SET MENU key to access the RADIO or DSC setup menu. The following functions can be accessed in the menu. RADIO SETUP MENU DSC SETUP MENU [ ] DISTRESS Key Used to send a DSC Distress Call. To send the distress cal
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RAM MIC CONNECTOR Connects the QUEST+ to the enhanced RAM+ MIC (Remote Access Microphone). Refer to section 9 RAM+ MIC OPERATION. ACCESSORY CONNECTION CABLE Connects the radio to a GPS, and an external speaker. DC INPUT CABLE Connects the radio to a DC power supply of 13.8V ANTENNA JACK Connects an antenna to the transceiver. Use a marine VHF antenna with an impedance of 50 ohms. PTT (Push-To-Talk) SWITCH Keys the transmitter. MICROPHONE Transmits the voice message with reduction of background n
