3.3 OPERATING PROCEDURES
Specific operating procedures for the 106 are presented in this section. General information
regarding correct marine channel usage may be found in the Appendix section. Refer to the
Control section 3.2.1 beginning on page 9 for a thorough description of all 106 functions.
3.3.1 Turning the Power On
1) Rotate the ON/OFF/Volume control clockwise to turn the radio on. Continue rotating the
knob clockwise and set it at approximately the midpoint of it's range.
2) Rotate the SQUELCH control fully counterclockwise. (Background noise will be heard.)
3) Set the VOLUME control to the desired listening level.
4) Rotate the SQUELCH control slowly clockwise until the background noise in the speaker
ceases.
5) When the power is initially turned on, the priority channel (16plus) will be selected. Press
the 5/6 channel keys to select the desired working channel. Refer to section 3.3.8 on
pages _ _ - _ _ for the available VHF Marine channels and their frequencies.
To Select A Weather Channel
1) Press the WX key, then the 5/6 channel keys to select your local NOAA weather channel
(0 to 9). When the WX mode is selected, the transmitter is inhibited.
To Transmit
1) To select or change the transmitter output power, press and hold the TX key for 1 second.
There are three output power settings; 5 Watts, 3 Watts, and 1 Watt. The appropriate
power setting depends on the distance the message is to be transmitted, transmitting
conditions, and desired battery life.
2) Press the Push-To Talk (PTT) switch and speak into the microphone using a clear normal
voice.
NOTES:
• Initial communication contacts are usually made over channel 16 as all ships and shore
stations monitor this channel, then a shift to a working channel will be necessary.
• In certain US harbors and on certain channels, the FCC requires the power to be limited to 1
watt. On these "required" channels, the radio automatically selects the 1 watt power output
setting when the channel is selected.
• The RAY106 is designed to meet the new FCC Rules Part 80.203, which states, if the Push-To
Talk (PTT) switch is pressed for over five minutes continuously, the transmitter will disengage.
If this occurs, audible beeps will sound continuously until the PTT switch is released. Upon
release of the PTT switch, normal radio operation will resume.