Contents

Safety and operational information
- Important
  - Safety Information
Section 1 - General information
Section 2 - Controls and keys
- 2-1 Keys/Controls and functions
  - 2-1-1 Use of Softkeys in this radio
  - 2-1-2 DSC Softkeys
Section 3 - Operating the radio
- 3-1 Power On/Off
- 3-2 Adjusting the Squelch level
- 3-3 Volume control
- 3-4 Channel selection
- 3-5 Receiving and transmitting
- 3-6 Dual Watch operation
- 3-7 3CH operation (Favorite Channel)
  - 3-7-1 Add a favorite channel for the first time
  - 3-7-2 Modify or delete favorite channel
- 3-8 Scan Operation
- 3-9 Navigation mode
- 3-10 WP select mode
- 3-11 Plotter mode
- 3-12 GPS satellite mode
Section 4 - Advanced setup
- 4-1 Waypoint
  - 4-1-1 Add a new waypoint
  - 4-1-2 Edit a waypoint
  - 4-1-3 Delete a waypoint
  - 4-1-4 Set a route to a stored waypoint
- 4-2 Backlight adjustment
- 4-3 Lamp timer
- 4-4 Buddy list (Manage your buddy list)
  - 4-4-1 Add a new buddy name
  - 4-4-2 Edit a buddy name
  - 4-4-3 Delete a buddy name
- 4-5 Contrast adjustment
- 4-6 GPS/DATA
  - 4-6-1 Manual (Manually enter your position and UTC time)
  - 4-6-2 Settings: LL display (Show or hide your position)
  - 4-6-3 Settings: Time display (Show or hide the time)
  - 4-6-4 Time offset (Local time)
  - 4-6-5 Settings: Time format (12 or 24 hour clock)
  - 4-6-6 Settings: COG/SOG (Course & speed display options)
  - 4-6-7 GPS alert
  - 4-6-8 Turn GPS ENABLE on/off
  - 4-6-9 Set Magnetic Variation (MAG VAR)
- 4-7 Radio setup
  - 4-7-1 Channel Bank selection (UIC)
  - 4-7-2 Channel name editing (CH NAME)
  - 4-7-3 Ring volume adjustment (RING VOLUME)
  - 4-7-4 Beep volume adjustment (KEY BEEP)
  - 4-7-5 Select unit (UNITS)
  - 4-7-6 Set the Priority channel (WATCH MODE)
  - 4-7-7 Weather alerts (WX ALERT)
  - 4-7-8 Set NMEA output (NMEA OUT)
  - 4-7-9 Favorite Channel Setup (FAV CH SETUP)
- 4-8 DSC setup
  - 4-8-1 Enter or check your user MMSI (USER MMSI)
  - 4-8-2 Maintain groups (GROUP SETUP)
    - 4-8-2-1 Enter your groups
    - 4-8-2-2 Edit groups
    - 4-8-2-3 Delete a group
  - 4-8-3 Response to individual calls (INDIV REPLY)
  - 4-8-4 Enable DSC functionality (DSC SELECT)
  - 4-8-5 Response type to LL polling calls (LL REPLY)
  - 4-8-6 Automatic Channel switching (AUTO SWITCH)
  - 4-8-7 DSC Test Reply (TEST REPLY)
  - 4-8-8 Set the inactivity timer (TIMEOUT)
- 4-9 ATIS SETUP (EU only)
  - 4-9-1 Enter or check your ATIS MMSI (ATIS MMSI)
  - 4-9-2 Enable ATIS functionality (ATIS SELECT)
- 4-10 Get Buddy
- 4-11 Track log
- 4-12 Erase track
- 4-13 Reset (Reset to factory defaults)
Section 5 - Sending and Receiving DSC Calls
- 5-1 What is DSC?
  - 5-1-1 Maritime mobile service identity
  - 5-1-2 How can I obtain a MMSI number?
- 5-2 DSC call types
- 5-3 Send an Individual call (INDIVIDUAL)
  - 5-3-1 Call to a Buddy
  - 5-3-2 Call to others
- 5-4 Reply to the Last Call (LAST CALL)
- 5-5 Send a Group call (GROUP)
- 5-6 Send an All Ships call (ALL SHIPS)
- 5-7 Send using the Call Log (CALL LOG)
- 5-8 Send using the Distress Log (DISTRESS LOG)
- 5-9 Request the LL position of a buddy (LL REQUEST)
- 5-10 Track your buddy request (TRACK BUDDY)
  - 5-10-1 Add or delete a buddy (TRACKLIST)
  - 5-10-2 Select your TRACK BUDDY
  - 5-10-3 Set the time interval of tracking
  - 5-10-4 Start tracking
- 5-11 Make a DSC test call (DSC TEST)
  - 5-11-1 Send a DSC TEST call
  - 5-11-2 Receiving an incoming DSC TEST call reply (DSC TEST ACK)
  - 5-11-3 Acknowledging an incoming DSC TEST call
- 5-12 View User MMSI and GPS information
- 5-13 Receiving DSC Calls
- 5-14 Receiving an All Ships Call (ALL SHIPS)
- 5-15 Receiving an Individual Call (INDIV)
- 5-16 Receiving a Group Call (GROUP)
- 5-17 Receiving a Geographic Area Call (GEOGRAPH)
- 5-18 Receiving a Polled Position Call (POSITION)
Section 6 - Distress calls
- 6-1 Send a Distress call
- 6-2 Receiving a Distress Call (DISTRESS!)
- 6-3 Distress Acknowledgement (DISTRESS ACK) or Distress Relay All Ships (DISTRESS REL)
- 6-4 Distress Relay Individual (INDIV DISTR RELAY)
Section 7 - Installation Instructions
- 7-1 Batteries and charger
  - 7-1-1 Installing the battery pack
  - 7-1-2 Initial charge
  - 7-1-3 GPS connector
  - 7-1-4 Battery charger operation
  - 7-1-5 Mounting battery charger to flat surface
  - 7-1-6 Mounting battery charger and bracket onto wall
- 7-2 Installing the belt clip
- 7-3 Installing and removing the antenna
Appendix A - Technical specifications
Appendix B - US & ROW VHF Marine Channel Charts
- B-1 International Channel Chart
  - Special Notes on International Channel Usage
- B-2 USA Channel Chart
  - Special Notes on USA Channel Usage
- B-3 CANADA Channel Chart
  - Special Notes on Canada Channel Usage
- B-4 US & Canada WEATHER Channels
- B-5 EAS (Emergency Alert Systems) Alerts
Appendix C - EU VHF Marine Channel Charts
- C-1 EU International Channel Chart
  - Special Notes on EU International Channel Usage
- C-2 Inland Waterways Country Specific table - ATIS ON
- C-3 Special Channels
  - Countries of Intended use in the EU:

Lowrance Link-2 VHF User Guide

Pages 86

Year 2013

Language(s)

of 86

Lowrance Link-2 VHF Radio Specification

The Lowrance Link-2 VHF Radio is a robust and versatile communication device designed for marine environments. This handheld radio features a fully waterproof, compact design, making it suitable for use in challenging conditions. It operates on VHF marine band frequencies, providing reliable communication over water. The Link-2 incorporates a built-in GPS receiver, allowing for precise location tracking and enabling the Digital Selective Calling (DSC) feature. This enhances safety by allowing users to send distress signals with their exact position.

The radio offers dual and tri-watch modes, enabling monitoring of multiple channels simultaneously, which is essential for staying informed of important communications. The device supports all USA, Canadian, and international marine channels, ensuring comprehensive coverage across different regions. The Link-2 is equipped with a high-contrast LCD screen, providing clear visibility of information and settings, even in bright sunlight.

For ease of use, the radio includes a simple interface with large, well-spaced buttons, facilitating operation even with gloved hands. The device boasts a powerful lithium-ion battery, offering extended operating times between charges, crucial for long trips. It also features a power output of 5 watts, ensuring strong signal transmission over significant distances.

The Lowrance Link-2 VHF Radio is designed with a rugged exterior to withstand the harsh marine environment. It includes additional features such as weather alerts, a man-overboard function, and a memory for storing frequently used channels. The radio's ergonomic design and lightweight build make it easy to carry and handle during use. Overall, the Lowrance Link-2 VHF Radio combines functionality, durability, and safety features, making it an essential tool for mariners seeking reliable communication on the water.

Lowrance Link-2 VHF Radio F.A.Q.

How do I perform a factory reset on the Lowrance Link-2 VHF Radio?

To perform a factory reset on the Lowrance Link-2 VHF Radio, turn off the device, then hold down the 'PWR' and 'WX' buttons simultaneously until the screen displays 'RESET'. Release the buttons to confirm the reset.

Why is my Lowrance Link-2 VHF Radio not transmitting?

If your radio is not transmitting, check the antenna connection and ensure it is properly secured. Verify that the radio is set to the correct frequency and that the power output is set appropriately. Also, check the battery charge level.

How can I update the MMSI number on my Lowrance Link-2 VHF Radio?

To update the MMSI number, access the menu, navigate to 'DSC Setup', select 'MMSI', then enter the new number. Note that the MMSI can only be entered once unless a factory reset is performed.

What should I do if the Lowrance Link-2 VHF Radio display is blank?

If the display is blank, check if the radio is turned on and the battery is charged. Also, ensure the contrast setting is not too low by adjusting it in the settings menu. If the issue persists, a reset may be needed.

How do I perform regular maintenance on my Lowrance Link-2 VHF Radio?

Regular maintenance includes checking the battery charge, cleaning the radio with a soft cloth, ensuring buttons and knobs are functional, and inspecting the antenna for any damage. Store the radio in a dry, cool place when not in use.

How can I improve the battery life of my Lowrance Link-2 VHF Radio?

To improve battery life, reduce screen brightness, turn off GPS when not needed, minimize the use of high-power settings, and ensure the radio is fully charged before use. Consider carrying a spare battery for extended usage.

What is the correct way to install the antenna on the Lowrance Link-2 VHF Radio?

To install the antenna, ensure that the radio is turned off. Attach the antenna to the antenna port and twist it clockwise until it is firmly secured. Avoid overtightening to prevent damage to the connector.

How do I enable weather alerts on the Lowrance Link-2 VHF Radio?

To enable weather alerts, access the menu, go to 'Weather', and select 'Weather Alert'. Toggle the setting to 'On'. The radio will now alert you to incoming weather broadcasts.

What could cause poor reception on my Lowrance Link-2 VHF Radio?

Poor reception can be caused by obstacles like tall buildings or hills, a damaged antenna, or low battery power. Ensure the antenna is intact and properly connected, and try moving to a different location.

How can I lock the keypad on my Lowrance Link-2 VHF Radio to prevent accidental changes?

To lock the keypad, press and hold the 'Lock' button for a few seconds until the lock icon appears on the display. Repeat the process to unlock the keypad.