Uniden Atlantis 155 Handheld Two-Way VHF Marine Radio Owner Manual

Uniden Atlantis 155 Handheld Two-Way VHF Marine Radio

About Uniden 
Uniden America Corporation, the North American subsidiary of Japan-based Uniden Corporation, manufactures and markets wireless consumer electronic products including home security and video security systems, Bearcat® scanners, FRS/GMRS radios, marine radios, radar detectors, dash cams, and other wireless personal communications products. Based in Irving, Texas, Uniden sells its products through retailers and distributors throughout North, Central, and South America.

MAKING A DISTRESS CALL

For future reference, write your boat’s name & call sign here:

Speak slowly – clearly – calmly.

1. Make sure your radio is on.
2. Press the 16/9 TRI button to switch to Channel 16 (156.8 MHz). (If the display does not show 16, press the 16/9 TRI button again until it does.)
3. Press the Push to Talk button and say: “MAYDAY — MAYDAY — MAYDAY.”
4. Say “THIS IS {name of your boat (three times) and call sign/ boat registration number (once)}.”
5. Repeat “MAYDAY {name of your boat}” once.
6. Tell where you are: (what navigational aids or landmarks are near, or read the latitude and longitude from your GPS).
7. State the nature of your distress (e.g. sinking, medical emergency, man overboard, on fire, adrift, etc.).
8. State the type of assistance you need (medical, towing, pumps, etc.).
9. Give the number of persons aboard and describe the condition of any injured persons.
10. Estimate the present seaworthiness of your ship (e.g. how immediate is the danger due to flooding or fire).
11. Briefly describe your ship, giving the ship name (i.e., “Blue Duck is 32-foot cabin cruiser, white hull, blue deck house”).
12. Say: “I WILL BE LISTENING ON CHANNEL 16.”
13. End the message by saying “THIS IS {name or call sign of your boat}, OVER.”
14. Release the Push to Talk button and listen.

If you do not get an answer after 30 seconds, repeat your call beginning at step 3 above.

ATLANTIS 155 INTRODUCTION

The Atlantis 155 is a floating, waterproof, portable 3 Watt two-way VHF marine transceiver. It is compact, lightweight, rugged, and fits easily in your hand. This handheld VHF marine radio will give you consistent, outstanding performance in virtually all conditions and situations. To ensure that you get the most from the Atlantis 155 features, please read this operating guide carefully before using the unit.

FEATURES

• US, Canadian, and International Marine Channels
• Built-in Precision Matched Antenna
• Floating / Waterproof to JIS7 
• Key Beep
• Emergency CH16/ CH9 Mode 
• 10 Weather Channel/Weather Alert 
• Battery Level Display
• Battery Low Alert sounds every 5 seconds at Level 1
• Boost capability 
• Battery Save
• Memory Scan 
• Triple Watch 
• TX Power Select 
• Channel Select 
• Volume Select
• 4-Level Digital Squelch 
• Keypad Lock On / Off
• Background color changes – 2 colors and 4 levels (Uniden recommends Day – White; Night – Amber).
• User-selectable LCD Contrast (32 levels from 0 to 31)
• Speaker Vibration Tone 
• DC Adapter 
• Detachable wrist strap
  
  • *Protected against the effects of continuous immersion in water. The Atlantis 155 can withstand immersion in water up to 3.5 feet depth for 30 minutes. The Atlantis 275 has a special tone that will vibrate the speaker to remove water inside the casing (see page E-18).

Note: This is not suitable for scuba diving.
Note: The Atlantis 155 will float when the battery cover is securely fastened.

GETTING STARTED

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• Atlantis 155 Radio
• DC Adapter 4 AAA Rechargeable
• Ni-MH Batteries
• Belt Clip
  Not Shown:
• Wrist Strap
• Owner’s Manual

Note: If any of these items are missing or damaged, contact Uniden Customer Service (see back cover for contact information). For information on available accessories, visit www.uniden.com.

CONTROLS AND INDICATORS

KEY OPERATION

ATLANTIS 155 LCD DISPLAY

CONNECTING POWER
The radio connects to power through a single DC adapter.

1. Connect the DC adapter to the DC 12V jack on the side of the radio.
2. Plug the other end of the adapter into the cigarette lighter.

INSTALL THE BATTERIES
Your radio uses the supplied 4 rechargeable AAA NiMH batteries. To install the batteries:

1. Make sure the radio is off.
2. Remove the belt clip if necessary.
3. Use a screwdriver or the screwdriver tip on the belt clip to turn the battery compartment screw counterclockwise and then lift and remove the battery cover.
4. Insert the batteries into the battery compartment.
5. Before placing the battery cover back on the radio, check the rubber seal around the battery compartment. Make sure that the seal is in good condition and that there is no foreign matter under the seal.
   If the rubber seal appears worn, nicked, or dried out, replace it. Visit www.uniden.com to order a replacement seal.

6. Replace the battery compartment door. Tighten the screw securely.

RECHARGING THE ATLANTIS 155

Your radio includes a DC adapter for charging. Follow these instructions to recharge the radio.

NOTE For the initial battery charge, make sure the radio is off for optimum charging.

1. Insert the adapter into the cigarette lighter. Refer to page 12.
2. Connect the other end of the adapter to the radio. Make sure that the battery icon animates.
3. Charge the radio for 13 hours then disconnect it from the adapter.

Battery Level Display
The battery icon at the bottom of the screen indicates the battery level (displayed as one of the following 5 levels) at all times except while charging.

NOTE When PTT is pressed when the battery icon indicates Empty, an error tone sounds and transmission is disabled. Once at Empty, the unit will shut down automatically after 60 seconds. Recharge the batteries at any time. From empty, the batteries require 13 hours to fully charge. For faster charging, turn off the radio.

• Battery Life: 10 Hours (Typical)

ATTACHING THE BELT CLIP

• To attach the belt clip: Slide the belt clip until it snaps into place.
• To remove the belt clip: Press and hold the belt clip lockdown while simultaneously sliding it upward until it releases.

OPERATION

To get the most out of your new radio, read this owner’s manual completely before attempting to operate the unit.

BASICS

Power On/Off

1. Press and hold to turn the radio ON. A channel number and battery level should appear on the display.
2. Press and hold to turn the radio OFF.

Volume
The volume level can be adjusted from 0 (no volume) to 15 (maximum volume). Press VOL  or VOL  to increase or decrease the volume level. The current volume level flashes.

• Select a Channel Press CH  or CH  to scroll through the channels individually. Press and hold CH  or CH  to scroll rapidly through the channel numbers. Refer to page 28 for a list of available channels and their corresponding frequencies and usage guidelines.
• Set Squelch Use squelch to eliminate any annoying background noise when there are no signals present.

1. Press SQL UIC. SQL displays and the current squelch level flashes.
2. Press SQL UIC while the squelch level displays to change the squelch level to the next step (0 – 3, then repeat from 0).
3. After 2 seconds the unit exits the squelch setting.

TRANSMITTING AND RECEIVING

Selecting Channel Modes
The radio uses U.S., Canadian, and International Marine channels (modes). Press and hold SQL UIC to change modes. Each time you press and hold SQL UIC, the mode indicator changes (US – United States; CAN – Canada; INT – International). Refer to page 28 for a list of the available channels and corresponding frequencies.

Note Each time you change the UIC mode, Triple Watch, EMG CH16/CH9, WX mode, and WX Alert mode are canceled. The system does not remember these settings between modes. Memory channels are saved to their specific UIC mode.

• Transmitting The radio can transmit for up to 3 minutes. TX displays when transmitting. After 3 minutes of continuous transmission, transmission is canceled and an error tone sounds. The radio transmits at 1W; press BOOST to transmit at 3W.

Boosting Transmission Power

1. Hold the radio approximately 2 inches in front of your mouth with the antenna at approximately 45º angle away from your head.
2. Press BOOST on the side of the radio to change the transmit power from Low (1W) to High (3W). Speak in a clear, normal, conversational voice.
3. When you have finished speaking, release PTT or BOOST to listen for a response. TX then disappears.
4. When the channel is clear, press and hold PTT or BOOST to transmit. TX displays again.

• Receiving Release PTT or BOOST to receive another party’s transmissions to you.

HOW IT WORKS

Your radio has three main operation modes: normal, scan, and weather.

In addition to the three operation modes, your radio provides two different watch modes which you can activate during any operation mode. In the watch modes, the radio briefly checks for activity on a specific channel, then returns to its previous operation.

Note: Private boats must monitor Channel 16 whenever they are underway. Water-going vessels should have Triple Watch on at all times.

NORMAL MODE OPERATION

• To transmit, remove the radio from the charger, then press and hold the PTT Release the key when you are finished talking.
• For the best sound quality, hold the microphone about two inches from your mouth while you’re talking.
• Press the CH key to move up one channel at a time. Press and hold the key to scroll quickly up the channels. x Press the CH key to move down one channel at a time.
• Press and hold the key to scroll quickly down the channels.
• To change the transmit power, press the H/L LOCK The transmit power switches to the next transmit power each time you press this key.

Normal mode with Weather Alert Watch
If you activate the Weather Alert Watch while operating in normal mode, the radio checks the most recently used weather channel every seven seconds. If it detects a weather or other hazard alert, it will switch to that weather channel. (If you are transmitting or receiving an active transmission, the radio waits until the channel is clear or you finish your transmission before checking the weather channel.)

Normal mode with Triple Watch
If you activate Triple Watch while operating in normal mode, the radio checks channels 9 and 16 every two seconds. The radio will not check channels 9 or 16 while you are actively transmitting; it waits until your transmission is finished and then checks the channels.

SCAN MODE OPERATION

You can save channels into memory and then use scan mode to monitor those channels from lowest to highest. If the radio detects a signal on a channel, it stays on that channel as long as the signal is received; when the signal stops, the radio continues scanning.

Using the radio in scan mode

• To activate scan mode, press SCAN MEM.
• You must have at least two channels in memory to start a scan.
• To save a channel into memory, select the channel, then press and hold the SCAN MEM The MEM icon displays whenever you tune to that channel.
• To remove a channel from memory, set the radio to that channel, then press and hold the SCAN MEM The MEM icon no longer displays.
• When the radio stays on a channel, press CH or CH to leave that channel and resume scanning.
• To end the scan, press the SCAN MEM key again; the radio remains on the last scanned channel.

Scan mode with Weather Alert Watch
If you activate Weather Alert Watch while in scan mode (press and hold WX ALERT), the radio checks the most recent weather channel every seven seconds, then continues scanning the next channel in memory:

Scan mode with Triple Watch
If you activate Triple Watch (press and hold 16/9 TRI) while operating in scan mode, the radio checks channels 9 and 16 every two seconds, then goes on to scan the next channel:

WEATHER MODE

The NOAA weather channels cooperate with the FCC to alert you of other hazards besides weather (child abduction alerts, nuclear, biological, etc.). In weather mode, the radio monitors one of the nine NOAA weather channels. If any type of alert is received, the radio sounds an alert tone and the display blinks.

Using the radio in weather mode

• You cannot transmit while in weather mode.
• To enter weather mode, press the WX ALERT
• If the radio sets a WX Alert signal, it sounds an alert tone 3 times.
• To turn off the radio’s alert tone, press any key.
• To cancel weather mode and return to the previous marine channel including emergency channels 16 and 9, press the WX ALERT key again.

Weather mode with Weather Alert Watch
Because weather mode already monitors the weather channels, you don’t need a Weather Alert Watch to check the weather channel every seven seconds. If you activate the Weather Alert Watch while operating in weather mode, it operates as a type of “sleep” mode; the radio stays on the weather channel and mutes the speaker. If an alert is detected, the radio sounds an alert tone and turns the speaker back on. This mode is very useful when you are anchoring for the night but want to keep informed of hazards.

Weather mode with Triple Watch
If you activate Triple Watch while operating in weather mode, the radio checks the current marine channel, channels 9 and 16
every two seconds, and the current WX channel about every nine seconds.

Triple Watch
Triple Watch mode monitors channels 16 and 9 for a signal while you listen to the currently selected channel. The marine radio checks channels 16 and 9 for activity every 2 seconds.

1. Press and hold 16/9 TRI to activate Triple Watch. TRI
2. Press and hold 16/9 TRI again to exit Triple Watch. TRI

DROP-OUT DELAY

While scanning, the radio stops on channels when it receives a signal. When the received signal is over, there is a drop-out delay of 2 seconds for the return of the signal. After 2 seconds, if the signal does not return, the radio resumes scanning.

BATTERY SAVE

This feature extends the battery life by switching the receiver circuit power on and off. Battery Save automatically activates during standby mode (RX mode without signal).

BACKLIGHTING

The Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) is backlit for easy viewing at night or in low-light situations. Backlighting automatically switches on every time a key is pressed (except PTT and BOOST) and off 10 seconds after the last key is pressed.

1. Press the Backlight icon ( ) and the current backlight level/color displays.
2. Press the icon again and the backlight level/color changes in the following order:

• • White High (default) – White Medium – White Low – Amber High – Amber Medium – Amber Low – White High, etc.

ADJUST LCD CONTRAST

Adjust the LCD contrast to make the images on the LCD clearer and easier to see. You must first enter LCD contrast adjustment mode.

1. Turn off the radio, and then turn it on again while pressing and holding 16/9 TRI and WX ALERT.
2. Press VOL and VOL  to change the levels (0 – 31). The contrast level displays and blinks.

KEYPAD LOCK

To prevent accidental entries, you can lock the keypad. Press and hold the H/L LOCK until it beeps to activate the Keypad Lock. LOCK displays on the LCD. When the Keypad Lock is active, a warning beep sounds, and LOCK blinks if you try to press any keys other than PTT, BOOST, or power. The radio retains Keypad Lock status even when you cycle power on/off. To unlock the keypad, press and hold H/L LOCK again. LOCK disappears.

KEY BEEP

Key Beep is the tone that sounds when you press a key. To turn the Key Beep on or off, press and hold the CH   or CH   key while turning the radio on. When the Key Beep is on, all key beeps are enabled. When the Key Beep is off, all key beeps are disabled except WX Alert Tone.

SPEAKER VIBRATION TONE

If the radio falls overboard into the water, you can trigger a tone to help remove water through the speaker. This tone vibrates the speaker and helps push water out of the drain hole and speaker openings.

1. Press both VOL  and VOL  to activate this feature. The speaker vibrates and a tone sounds.
2. Press any key to turn off the tone.

MAINTENANCE & TROUBLESHOOTING

Due to its rugged design, your radio requires very little maintenance. However, it is a precision electronic instrument, so you should follow a few precautions:

• If the antenna has been damaged, do not transmit except in an emergency. Transmitting with a defective antenna may cause further radio damage.
• You are responsible for continued FCC technical compliance of your radio.
• You should arrange for periodic performance checks with your Uniden dealer

COMMON QUESTIONS

SPECIFICATIONS

Weather Channels and Frequencies (US and CAN)

REGULATIONS AND SAFETY WARNINGS

WARNING! Read this information before using the radio.

RBRC Information
As part of our commitment to protect the environment and conserve natural resources, Uniden voluntarily participates in an RBRC^® industry program to collect and recycle used Ni-MH batteries within the US. Please call 1-800-8-BATTERY for information on Ni-MH battery recycling in your area. (RBRC^® is a registered trademark of the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation.)

MARITIME RADIO SERVICES OPERATION

Warning! 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 on these frequencies without proper authorization is strictly forbidden. See page 28 for tables of the available channels and their uses. If you are still not certain which channels to use, see the

FCC maritime radio page at the FCC website  (http://wireless.fcc.gov/marine/) or contact the FCC Call Center at 1-888-CALL-FCC. For individuals requiring a license, such as commercial users, you should obtain a license application from your nearest FCC field office (for US users) or Industry Canada (for Canadian users).

BASIC RADIO GUIDELINES

You should familiarize yourself with the rules on marine radios and be aware of which rules apply to your boat. Complete guidelines for all ship and marine radio types can be found at the US Coast Guard website under the topic Radio Info for Boaters (the direct link is:  http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/boater.htm). Here are a few guidelines that affect nearly all boaters:

• If you have a VHF radio on your boat, you must maintain a watch on channel 16 (156.800 MHz) whenever the radio is not being used to communicate. Starting in 2004, if a radio is carried, it must be on and set to channel 16 whenever your boat is underway.
• If you hear a distress call, wait a few minutes to let a shore station or Coast Guard vessel respond. If no other station has responded after 5 minutes, you must respond to the distress call.
• Do not make false mayday or distress calls as a prank or to test your radio. (This is essentially like making a false 9-1-1 call; you may be subject to fines.)

FCC/IC Information

• Certification: FCC Part 15 or I.C. RSS
• Output Power: 3W
• Emission: 16K0F3E
• Transmitter Frequency Range: 156.05 ~161.6 MHz This device complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
  1. this device may not cause harmful interference, and
  2. this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Unauthorized changes or modifications to this equipment may void compliance with I.C. Rules. Any change or modification must be approved in writing by Uniden. Changes or modifications not approved by Uniden could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

FCC RF Exposure Information

In August 1996 the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of the United States with its action in Report and Order FCC 96-326 adopted an updated safety standard for human exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic energy emitted by FCC-regulated transmitters. Those guidelines are consistent with the safety standards previously set by both U.S. and international standards bodies. The design of the radio complies with the FCC guidelines and these international standards. Never allow children to operate the radio without adult supervision and the knowledge of the following guidelines.

WARNING! It is up to the user to properly operate this radio transmitter to ensure safe operation. Do not exceed 50% PTT Duty Factor. Do not use the radio with a damaged antenna. If a damaged antenna comes into contact with the skin, a minor burn may result. Please contact your local dealer for a replacement antenna.

Body-Worn Operation

This device was evaluated for body-worn operations with the supplied belt-clip accessory.  (All necessary accessories are included in the package; any additional or optional accessories are not required for compliance with the guidelines.)  Third-party accessories (unless approved by the manufacturer) should be avoided as these might not comply with FCC RF exposure guidelines. For hand-held operation, the radio should be held 1 inch from the user’s face. The use of accessories that do not satisfy these requirements may not comply with FCC RF exposure requirements and should be avoided. For more information about RF exposure, please visit the FCC website at www.fcc.gov.

Avoid exposing the batteries (whether attached to the radio or not) to direct sunlight, heated cars, or temperatures below -4°F (-20°C) or above +122°F (+50°C). Exposing the chemical contained within the batteries to temperatures above +122°F (+50°C) may cause the batteries to rupture, fail, or reduce performance. In case of exposure to the battery contents, wash the affected area thoroughly, and seek medical attention

Three-Year Limited Warranty

• WARRANTOR: UNIDEN AMERICA CORP. (“Uniden”)
• ELEMENTS OF WARRANTY: Uniden warrants, for three years, to the original retail owner, this Uniden Product is to be free from defects in materials and craftsmanship with only the limitations or exclusions set out below.
• WARRANTY DURATION: This warranty to the original user shall terminate and be of no further effect 36 months after the date of the original retail sale. The warranty is invalid if the Product is (A) damaged or not maintained as reasonable or necessary, (B) modified, altered, or used as part of any conversion kits, subassemblies, or any configurations not sold by Uniden, (C) improperly installed, (D) serviced or repaired by someone other than an authorized Uniden service center for a defect or malfunction covered by this warranty, (E) used in any conjunction with equipment or parts or as part of any system not manufactured by Uniden, or (F) installed or programmed by anyone other than as detailed by the Operating Guide for this product.
• STATEMENT OF REMEDY: If the product does not conform to this warranty at any time while this warranty is in effect, the warrantor will repair the defect and return it to you without charge for parts, service, or any other cost (except shipping and handling) incurred by the warrantor or its representatives in connection with the performance of this warranty.
• LEGAL REMEDIES: This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights that vary from state to state. This warranty is void outside the United States of America.
• PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING PERFORMANCE OF WARRANTY: If, after following the instructions in this Operating Guide you are certain that the Product is defective, pack the Product carefully (preferably in its original packaging). Include evidence of the original purchase and a note describing the defect that has caused you to return it. The Product should be shipped freight prepaid, by traceable means, or delivered,
•  to warrantor at: 
  • Uniden America Corporation
    C/O Saddle Creek
    743 Henrietta Creek, Suite 100
    Roanoke, TX, 76262

Faqs About Uniden Atlantis 155 Handheld Two-Way VHF Marine Radio

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