1. Introduction
This manual provides essential instructions for the safe and effective operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your ACR SR203 VHF GMDSS Handheld Kit. The ACR SR203 is a robust and reliable VHF handheld radio designed for marine communication, offering GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System) compliance for critical situations. Please read this manual thoroughly before using the device.
2. Safety Information
- Radio License Requirement: Operation of this device requires a valid radio license. Ensure you possess the necessary license before use.
- Water Exposure: While the SR203 is waterproof, ensure all seals and covers are properly secured before exposure to water.
- Battery Safety: Use only approved batteries and chargers. Do not short-circuit, incinerate, or disassemble batteries.
- Antenna Care: Do not operate the radio without the antenna properly attached. Avoid touching the antenna during transmission.
- Electromagnetic Interference: Keep the radio away from sensitive electronic equipment to prevent interference.
3. Package Contents
Verify that all items listed below are present in your ACR SR203 VHF GMDSS Handheld Kit (Model 2828):
- ACR SR203 Radio Unit
- Antenna
- Lanyard (pre-attached)
- Replaceable Lithium Battery (GMDSS compliant)
- Rechargeable Lithium Polymer Battery (GMDSS non-compliant)
- Rapid Battery Charger
- Power Adaptors
4. Product Overview
Image 1: Front view of the ACR SR203 VHF GMDSS Handheld Radio. The radio is bright yellow with a black antenna. The display shows "16" and "INT". Below the display are control buttons for volume, squelch, channel 16 call, high/low power, scan, and dual watch. The ACR logo is visible at the bottom.
The ACR SR203 is a compact and durable handheld VHF radio. Key components and controls include:
- Antenna: For transmitting and receiving radio signals.
- Display: Shows channel number, battery status, signal strength, and other operational indicators.
- Power/Volume Knob: Turns the unit on/off and adjusts audio volume.
- Channel Up/Down Buttons: Selects desired channels.
- 16 CALL Button: Instantly accesses Channel 16 (distress and calling channel).
- Hi/Lo Button: Toggles between high and low transmit power.
- SQ/ENT Button: Adjusts squelch level and confirms selections.
- SCN/MEM Button: Initiates channel scanning or accesses memory channels.
- D/W T/W Button: Activates Dual Watch or Tri-Watch functions.
- PTT (Push-To-Talk) Button: Located on the side, used for transmitting.
5. Setup
5.1. Battery Installation
- Ensure the radio is powered off.
- Locate the battery compartment cover on the rear of the unit.
- Unscrew or unlatch the cover and remove it.
- Insert either the GMDSS compliant Lithium Battery or the rechargeable Lithium Polymer Battery, ensuring correct polarity.
- Replace the battery compartment cover and secure it firmly to maintain waterproofing.
5.2. Charging the Rechargeable Battery
Use the provided Rapid Battery Charger and Power Adaptors for the rechargeable Lithium Polymer Battery.
- Connect the power adaptor to the rapid charger.
- Plug the power adaptor into a suitable power outlet.
- Place the radio with the rechargeable battery installed into the charging cradle.
- Observe the charging indicator light (refer to charger manual for specific light indications).
- Charging typically takes several hours. Do not overcharge.
5.3. Antenna Attachment
- Screw the antenna clockwise onto the antenna connector at the top of the radio until it is finger-tight. Do not overtighten.
6. Operating Instructions
6.1. Power On/Off and Volume Adjustment
- To Power On: Rotate the Power/Volume knob clockwise until a click is heard and the display illuminates.
- To Adjust Volume: Continue rotating the Power/Volume knob clockwise to increase volume, counter-clockwise to decrease.
- To Power Off: Rotate the Power/Volume knob counter-clockwise until a click is heard and the display turns off.
6.2. Channel Selection
- Use the Up and Down arrow buttons to cycle through available VHF channels.
- Press the 16 CALL button to quickly switch to Channel 16. Press it again to return to the previous working channel.
6.3. Transmitting and Receiving
- Receiving: Ensure the radio is powered on and the volume is adjusted. The radio will automatically receive signals on the selected channel.
- Transmitting: Before transmitting, listen to ensure the channel is clear. Press and hold the PTT button on the side of the radio. Speak clearly into the microphone. Release the PTT button to listen.
6.4. Squelch Adjustment
Squelch eliminates background noise when no signal is being received.
- Press the SQ/ENT button.
- Use the Up and Down arrow buttons to adjust the squelch level. A higher number means stronger squelch (less noise, but potentially missed weak signals).
- Press SQ/ENT again to confirm and exit squelch adjustment.
6.5. High/Low Power Selection
Use high power for maximum range and low power for shorter distances to conserve battery life.
- Press the Hi/Lo button to toggle between high and low transmit power. The display will indicate the current power setting.
6.6. Scanning (SCN)
The scan function monitors multiple channels for activity.
- Press the SCN/MEM button to start scanning. The radio will cycle through programmed or all channels.
- When a signal is detected, the scan will pause on that channel.
- Press SCN/MEM again to stop scanning.
6.7. Dual Watch (D/W) / Tri-Watch (T/W)
These functions allow monitoring of Channel 16 and one or two other selected channels.
- Press the D/W T/W button to activate Dual Watch or Tri-Watch. Refer to the display for the active mode.
- The radio will periodically check Channel 16 and your selected channel(s) for activity.
- Press D/W T/W again to deactivate.
7. Maintenance
7.1. Cleaning
- Wipe the radio with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.
- Rinse with fresh water after exposure to saltwater and ensure it is thoroughly dry before charging or opening battery compartments.
7.2. Battery Care
- Store batteries in a cool, dry place when not in use.
- Periodically charge rechargeable batteries to maintain their capacity, even if not used frequently.
- Dispose of old batteries according to local regulations.
8. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Radio does not power on. | Battery is dead or incorrectly installed. | Charge the rechargeable battery or replace the GMDSS battery. Ensure battery is correctly seated. |
| No audio or very low audio. | Volume too low; squelch too high; speaker obstructed. | Increase volume. Decrease squelch. Check speaker for obstructions. |
| Cannot transmit. | PTT button not pressed; antenna not connected; low battery. | Ensure PTT is pressed firmly. Check antenna connection. Charge or replace battery. |
| Poor reception. | Antenna issue; out of range; interference. | Check antenna connection. Move to a location with better line of sight. Identify and remove sources of interference. |
9. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Number | 2828 |
| Product Dimensions | 12 x 6.5 x 3.5 inches |
| Item Weight | 2 pounds |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion (GMDSS compliant, included), 1 Lithium Polymer (rechargeable, included) |
| Special Features | Waterproof, Radio Frequency |
| Color | Yellow |
| Number of Channels | 21 |
| Frequency Range | 156-174 MHz |
| Talking Range Maximum | 5 Kilometer |
| Voltage | 3.7 Volts |
| Water Resistance Level | Waterproof |
| Manufacturer | ACR Electronics |
10. Warranty and Support
10.1. Warranty Information
The ACR SR203 VHF GMDSS Handheld Kit comes with a 1-year warranty from the date of purchase. This warranty covers manufacturing defects under normal use. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims. The warranty does not cover damage caused by misuse, accidents, unauthorized modifications, or improper maintenance.
10.2. Customer Support
For technical assistance, warranty service, or further inquiries, please contact ACR Electronics customer support. Refer to the official ACR Electronics website or product packaging for the most current contact information.
