Unlocking Locked VHF Channels

[bbhflts]

I'm looking to buy a Standard Horizon HX850S but all VHF radios sold here have all channels except 16 & 88 locked. I'm interested to hear how the channels are locked/unlocked. Is it only possible via the manufacturers software, or is it possible to use a hack or known key entries?

I fully understand the legal ramifications, however I want to know how I can unlock the channels for use when I leave the UAE.

Cheers.

Ben.

[Talbot]

Dont know about any magic key strokes. But some are sold with a changeover switch for use when International . IIRC even the USA sold ones have that facility. This is because different countries use duplex/simplex on the different channels, and thus the need to change over.

[goboatingnow]

Are you sure of your information, I am not aware of such "locking"

[bbhflts]

Absolutely. Ask any retailer or distributor in the United Arab Emirates. Perhaps you are thinking of another country.

[donradcliffe]

Because most people don't have your problem, maybe you had best ask standardhorizon.com

[fairbank56]

It is done with the manufacturers field programming software and computer interface cable. The software is only available to authorized dealers and/or licensed technicians. Once you leave the UAE you will need to find a dealer/tech who can do this for you.

Eric

[Beausoleil]

Of course, this begs the question: What does the UAE have to say about international vessels clearing in? Are they forbidden to use other internationally-recognized marine VHF channels?

Is the UAE not a signator of the UN ITU conventions on marine channel allocations? Do the use the normal channels for domestic, non-marine use?

[iona350]

Ben,

How do you know it is "locked"? Perhaps that is the only frequencies used where you are located.
The HX850S can be purchased for about $240 US dollars. With repair rates at about $75/hour, it might be a good time to purchase a new 850 with all the channels.

All marine VHF radios sold over the last 15-20 years come with a switch or button that says "INT/USA" International frequencies have some variations from the USA frequencies. Those differences are on only a very few channels. When outside the USA use the INT. When in USA waters use the USA side of the switch.
Good luck.

Jack KB8RJ
s/v Iona
Camper Nicholson 35

[Dixon Biff]

You can increase the scanning speed by locking out channels that have a
continuous transmission, such as a weather channel. To lock out a channel,
manually select the channel, then press L-OUT so L/O appears. You can
still manually select locked channels.

[richardhula]

Originally Posted by Dixon Biff

You can increase the scanning speed by locking out channels that have a
continuous transmission, such as a weather channel. To lock out a channel,
manually select the channel, then press L-OUT so L/O appears. You can
still manually select locked channels.

I think Dixon is right in assuming your problem is with channel scanning not manual selection. The UAE port of Jebel Ali refers to Terminal Emergency Ch 18A (Ch18 on USA channel set) as well as Ch 16 & mentions commercial vessel at least should carry VHF comms with "normal" channels.

Regards