Page 2 - Important safety information; Please read carefully before installation and use.; DANGER
Copyright © 2008 Navico All rights reserved. Lowrance® is a registered trademark of Navico No part of this manual may be copied, reproduced, republished, transmitted or distributed for any purpose, without prior written consent of Lowrance Electronics. Any unauthorized commercial distribution of thi...
Page 3 - Table of Contents
Lowrance - LVR-250 Installation and Operation Instructions 3 Table of Contents Table of Contents Installation ........................................................................................................6 Installation Options ..................................................................
Page 5 - D-1 Special Channels
Lowrance - LVR-250 Installation and Operation Instructions 5 5-2-3 Acknowledgement of an Individual Incoming Call (INDIV ) ...............................................375-2-4 Recall the Most Recent Incoming Call (LAST ) ................................................................................
Page 6 - Installation; Installation Options; A deck or overhead mounted gimbal installation; Location Requirements; before
Lowrance - LVR-250 Installation and Operation Instructions 6 Installation This Lowrance radio is designed to generate a digital maritime distress call to facilitate search and rescue. To be effective as a safety device, this radio must be used only within the geo-graphic range of a shore-based VHF m...
Page 7 - Checklist; not
Lowrance - LVR-250 Installation and Operation Instructions 7 Mounting gimbal for the VHF radio 1. Power supply cable with in built 7 Amp 2. fuse External speaker connection cable with 3. white (+) wire and black (-) wire GPS connection cable 4. Two mounting knobs 5. Microphone bulkhead mount 6. Four...
Page 8 - Gimbal Installation
Lowrance - LVR-250 Installation and Operation Instructions 8 Gimbal Installation Hold the mounting gimbal at the chosen location and use a soft pencil to mark the 1. screw hole positions onto the mounting surface. If you can’t reach behind the mounting surface to attach the nuts, use the self-tappin...
Page 9 - Install the Microphone Bulkhead Mount; Ensure that the microphone curly cable will
Lowrance - LVR-250 Installation and Operation Instructions 9 that will be covered by the radio fascia after installation.) Drill the 4 mounting holes. Remove the installation template and slide the radio into the cavity. 3. Screw each M5x32 screw through the screw hole in the mounting bracket, then ...
Page 10 - Connect the Radio Cables; External Speaker connector.; CAUTION; Fix the DSC label
Lowrance - LVR-250 Installation and Operation Instructions 10 Connect the Radio Cables The connectors are on the rear of the base unit, as follows: GPS/COM connector. 1. For connection to GPS device via NMEA. See the following table for wiring and color codes. (If you’re not using this, be sure to p...
Page 11 - Set Up the Radio; Wiring for GPS/COM connector
Lowrance - LVR-250 Installation and Operation Instructions 11 CAUTION You can’t make any DSC transmissions until you’ve obtained a user MMSI and entered it into your LVR-250. Set Up the Radio The user MMSI is a unique nine digit number, similar to a personal telephone number. It is used on marine tr...
Page 12 - The Completed Installation
Lowrance - LVR-250 Installation and Operation Instructions 12 The Completed Installation Battery VHF Antenna GPS product Antenna connection cable External speaker Black power cable Fuse on Red power cable External speaker connection cable Base unit with microphone
Page 14 - Section 1 - General Information
Lowrance - LVR-250 Installation and Operation Instructions 14 Section 1 - General Information 1-1 Features Congratulations on your purchase of a Lowrance LVR-250 marine band VHF radio. It provides the following useful features: Prominent channel display • Adjustable contrast settings for the LCD • A...
Page 15 - -2 Customizing your Lowrance VHF Radio; Make any entries or changes as explained in the following section.; -4 How to Enter Alphanumeric Data
Lowrance - LVR-250 Installation and Operation Instructions 15 1-2 Customizing your Lowrance VHF Radio You can customize the radio to suit your individual preferences. Some preferences can be set directly through the keys as explained in this Section. Other preferences are set up through the built-in...
Page 16 - Symbol
Lowrance - LVR-250 Installation and Operation Instructions 16 This simulation shows the locations of all the following information symbols: Symbol Meaning TX Transmitting. HI LO Transmission power. High (HI) 25W or Low (LO) 1W. WX Weather channel. LVR-250 US only. WX ALT Weather Alert. Alarm beeps w...
Page 17 - -6 Basic Operation and Key Functions; not be available depending on your Lowrance VHF radio model.; SQL; Squelch or Threshold Level.; Sets the threshold level for the minimum
Lowrance - LVR-250 Installation and Operation Instructions 17 1-6 Basic Operation and Key Functions All possible keys and their functions are listed here. Note that some of the keys may not be available depending on your Lowrance VHF radio model. Key Function VOL/PWR Volume and Power. Turn clockwise...
Page 18 - WX; Three Favourite Channels.; Also on the microphone. Press to toggle
Lowrance - LVR-250 Installation and Operation Instructions 18 WX Weather Channel. LVR-250 US only. In USA and Canadian waters, press to hear the most recently selected weather station. The WX symbol is displayed on the LCD. Rotate the dial or + / - on the microphone to change to a different weather ...
Page 19 - Radio and DSC Call Menu.
Lowrance - LVR-250 Installation and Operation Instructions 19 designate a skipped channel. Note that it is not possible to skip over the priority channel. Press SCAN to stop at the current channel. PUSH TO SELECT Enter (ENT) . Use ENT when navigating menus, to confirm entries and edits. EXIT Escape ...
Page 24 - increments can be used with a maximum offset of ±13 hours.
Lowrance - LVR-250 Installation and Operation Instructions 24 2-5-2 Local Time (TIME OFFSET) The local time can be set by entering the time offset between UTC and local time as follows. Select GPS/DATA, then SETTING. 1. Select TIME OFFSET to enter the difference between UTC and local time. Half hour...
Page 26 - Select RESET. The radio asks for confirmation.
Lowrance - LVR-250 Installation and Operation Instructions 26 2-5-7 GPS Alert Options (ALERT) The GPS alert is usually set to ON (on) so that if the GPS navigation receiver is disconnected, the alarm sounds. Select GPS/DATA, then SETTING. 1. Select GPS ALERT. 2. Select ON (on) or OFF (off ) as 3. de...
Page 27 - The following options are available through MENU key:
Lowrance - LVR-250 Installation and Operation Instructions 27 Section 3 - Radio Setup Menu (RADIO SETUP) 3-1 Radio Setup Menu (RADIO SETUP) The following options are available through MENU key: Sections 1-3 and 1-4 explain how to navigate around the menu and enter, save and change data. 3-2 Channel ...
Page 28 - existing name. It can be a maximum of 12 characters.
Lowrance - LVR-250 Installation and Operation Instructions 28 3-3 Channel Names (CH NAME) The channel charts are listed in Appendix C with their default name tags. CH NAME gives you the option to edit or delete the channel name tags displayed on the screen. Select RADIO SETUP, then CH NAME. 1. Use +...
Page 30 - WARNING
Lowrance - LVR-250 Installation and Operation Instructions 30 Section 4 - DSC Setup Menu (DSC SETUP) 4-1 DSC Setup - Menu Options The following options are available through MENU key: Sections 1-3 and 1-4 explain how to navigate around the menu and enter, save and change data. 4-2 Enter Your USER MM...
Page 31 - first time
Lowrance - LVR-250 Installation and Operation Instructions 31 Press ENT to store your user MMSI. 3. Enter your user MMSI again as a password check, then press ENT to permanently store 4. the user MMSI and return to the menu. You can view your stored user MMSI at anytime by selecting USER MMSI in the...
Page 32 - FISHER2
Lowrance - LVR-250 Installation and Operation Instructions 32 Edit the buddy name or, to edit only the MMSI, press ENT repeatedly until the cursor 3. moves to the MMSI line.When you are finished, press ENT (repeatedly if necessary) to display the next screen. 4. Press ENT to store the changes and re...
Page 33 - DSC SETUP
Lowrance - LVR-250 Installation and Operation Instructions 33 4-5-1 Enter or Edit YOUR ATIS MMSI An ATIS MMSI always starts with the number 9. To enter or edit your ATIS MMSI: Select DSC SETUP, the ATIS MMSI. 1. If this is the first time that you are entering your ATIS MMSI, a dashed line appears. 2...
Page 34 - DSC functionality can be disabled but this is not recommended.; AUTO; Ignores all incoming buddy LL polling requests.
Lowrance - LVR-250 Installation and Operation Instructions 34 4-6 DSC functionality options (DSC FUNC) DSC functionality can be disabled but this is not recommended. Select DSC SETUP, then DSC FUNC. 1. Press ENT to select ON and to operate the DSC functionality. This will automatically disable ATIS ...
Page 35 - Section 5 - Sending and Receiving DSC Calls; -2 Sending DSC calls; DSC CALL
Lowrance - LVR-250 Installation and Operation Instructions 35 Section 5 - Sending and Receiving DSC Calls 5-1 What is DSC? DSC (Digital Selective Calling) is a semi-automated method of establishing VHF, MF, and HF radio calls. It has been designated as an international standard by the IMO (Internati...
Page 36 - You can call any other person that has another DSC equipped radio.
Lowrance - LVR-250 Installation and Operation Instructions 36 5-2-1 Make a Routine Call (Individual) You can call any other person that has another DSC equipped radio. Press CALL to enter DSC mode, then select INDIVIDUAL. This allows you to call another 1. person. Press ENT, the arrow is pointing to...
Page 37 - Press ENT to send an acknowledgement or EXIT to cancel.
Lowrance - LVR-250 Installation and Operation Instructions 37 5-2-3 Acknowledgement of an Individual Incoming Call (INDIV) The LVR-250 EU requires the operator to manually send an acknowledgement to the request-ing radio. Press ENT to send an acknowledgement or EXIT to cancel. The LVR-250 US will au...
Page 38 - The ALL SHIPS ROUTINE call option is shown on the LVR-250 US.; URGENCY; To send safety information to all other vessels in range; ROUTINE; Press CALL to enter DSC mode, then select CALL LOG.
Lowrance - LVR-250 Installation and Operation Instructions 38 5-2-6 Call All Ships (ALL SHIPS) The ALL SHIPS ROUTINE call option is shown on the LVR-250 US. Press CALL to enter DSC mode, then select ALL SHIPS. 1. The priority is set automatically to URGENCY. However, you can select one of the 2. fol...
Page 39 - Press CALL to enter DSC mode, then select DIST LOG.; -2-9-1 Call distress relay to individual using the Distress Log; You can make a distress relay to an individual in the log.
Lowrance - LVR-250 Installation and Operation Instructions 39 5-2-8 Call using the Distress Log (DIST LOG) The Distress Log contains the Distress Log data for the 10 most recent relayed Distress Calls, so that you can call any of them quickly. Always try to make voice contact on CH16 first, as follo...
Page 40 - -2-9-2 Call distress relay to all ship using the Distress Log
Lowrance - LVR-250 Installation and Operation Instructions 40 Again press, ENT, then select RELAY. 3. Press ENT, the arrow is printing <INDIV RELAY>. 4. Press ENT, the INDIV RELAY menu appears, which displays the buddy entries you have 5. saved and <MANUAL NEW> for manual number entry. S...
Page 41 - -3 Receiving DSC Calls
Lowrance - LVR-250 Installation and Operation Instructions 41 5-3 Receiving DSC Calls Several types of DSC calls can be received from vessels within range at various priority levels: DISTRESS See Section 6. ALL SHIPS Urgency, Safety, Routine or Distress priority (see Section 5-3-1) INDIVIDUAL Urgenc...
Page 43 - Section 6 - Distress Calls; -1 Sending a Distress Call; Open the red cover labelled DISTRESS.
Lowrance - LVR-250 Installation and Operation Instructions 43 Section 6 - Distress Calls 6-1 Sending a Distress Call Open the red cover labelled DISTRESS. 1. If time is available to specify the nature of the distress, go to step 2. Otherwise, go directly to step 3.Press the DISTRESS key to display t...
Page 44 - alert. You do not need to send an acknowledgement.
Lowrance - LVR-250 Installation and Operation Instructions 44 The radio selects CH16 automatically so that you can hear any incoming voice contacts from search and rescue authorities or other vessels within range. Press EXIT if you need to cancel the distress call. This is the only key that operates...
Page 45 - Appendix A - Technical Specifications; PHYSICAL
Lowrance - LVR-250 Installation and Operation Instructions 45 Appendix A - Technical Specifications LOWRANCE LVR-250 GENERAL Power Supply: 13.6V DC. Current drain:Transmit 6 A at 25 W Tx / 1.5A at 1W Tx Receive Less than 250mA in standby Usable channels: International, USA, Canada, Weather (country ...
Page 46 - TRANSMITTER
Lowrance - LVR-250 Installation and Operation Instructions 46 Local/Distant control: Yes Position polling: Yes Group Call: Yes Call logs: Yes - 20 individual and 10 distress DSC mode: SC101 (USA) Class D (Europe) Channel Naming: Yes Tri watch, Favourite channel scan, All scan: Yes User programmable ...
Page 47 - Appendix B - Troubleshooting; The transceiver will not power up.
Lowrance - LVR-250 Installation and Operation Instructions 47 Appendix B - Troubleshooting The transceiver will not power up. 1. A fuse may have blown OR there is no voltage getting to the transceiver. Check the power cable for cuts, breaks, or squashed sections. a. After checking the wiring, replac...
Page 48 - Appendix C - VHF Marine Channel Charts; C-1 International Channel Chart
Lowrance - LVR-250 Installation and Operation Instructions 48 Appendix C - VHF Marine Channel Charts C-1 International Channel Chart CH TX (MHz) RX (MHz) MODE TRAFFIC TYPE SHIP TO SHIP SHIP TO SHORE NAME TAG REMARK 01 156.050 160.650 D Public Correspondence No Yes TELEPHONE 02 156.100 160.700 D Publ...
Page 49 - Special Notes on International Channel Usage; This channel is only available on DSC enabled radios.
Lowrance - LVR-250 Installation and Operation Instructions 49 Special Notes on International Channel Usage 1 . LOW POWER (1W ) only. 2 . LOW POWER (1W ) initially. Override to HIGH POWER by holding down H/L key before transmitting. Used normally in bridge-to-bridge communications. 3 . Channel 70 is ...
Page 50 - C-2 USA Channel Chart
Lowrance - LVR-250 Installation and Operation Instructions 50 C-2 USA Channel Chart CH TX (MHz) RX (MHz) MODE TRAFFIC TYPE SHIP TO SHIP SHIP TO SHORE NAME TAG REMARK 01A 156.050 156.050 S Port Operations, Selected VTS Areas Yes Yes PORT OPS/VTS 03A 156.150 156.150 S US Government, Coast Guard Yes Ye...
Page 51 - Special Notes on USA Channel Usage; Guard. Not for use by the general public.
Lowrance - LVR-250 Installation and Operation Instructions 51 Special Notes on USA Channel Usage 1 . LOW POWER (1 W ) only. 2 . Receive Only. 3 . LOW POWER (1 W ) initially. Override to HIGH POWER by holding down H/L key before transmitting. Used normally in bridge-to-bridge communications. 4 . Ligh...
Page 52 - C-3 CANADA Channel Chart
Lowrance - LVR-250 Installation and Operation Instructions 52 C-3 CANADA Channel Chart CH TX (MHz) RX (MHz) MODE TRAFFIC TYPE SHIP TO SHIP SHIP TO SHORE NAME TAG REMARK 01 156.050 160.650 D Public Correspondence No Yes TELEPHONE 02 156.100 160.700 D Public Correspondence No Yes TELEPHONE 03 156.150 ...
Page 53 - Special Notes on Canada Channel Usage; Canadian Coast Guard. Not for use by the general public.
Lowrance - LVR-250 Installation and Operation Instructions 53 Special Notes on Canada Channel Usage 1 . LOW POWER (1 W ) only. 2 . Receive Only. 3 . LOW POWER (1 W ) initially. Override to HIGH POWER by holding down H/L key before transmitting. Used normally in bridge-to-bridge communications. 4 . L...
Page 54 - Canadian “Receive only” channels.; CH
Lowrance - LVR-250 Installation and Operation Instructions 54 5 . The letter “A” illuminated by the channel number indicates the Canada channel is simplex. This same channel is always duplex when selecting International. There is no “A” reference for International channels. The letter “B” is only us...
Page 55 - Appendix D - EU Inland Waterway Channels; Country Specific table
Lowrance - LVR-250 Installation and Operation Instructions 55 Appendix D - EU Inland Waterway Channels Country Specific table For specific channel information for your country, please refer to local authorities. CH SPECIFIC FOOT- NOTES TRANSMITTING FREQUENCY (MHZ) SHIP-TO-SHIP SHIP-TO PORT NAUTICAL ...
Page 56 - General remarks to Country Specific table:
Lowrance - LVR-250 Installation and Operation Instructions 56 General remarks to Country Specific table: 1 The channels for service categories ship-to-ship and nautical information may also be used for vessel traffic -sys tems by traffic centres. 2 In some countries, frequencies certain channels are...
Page 57 - Explanation of specific footnotes in Country Specific table:; force of this Arrangement.
Lowrance - LVR-250 Installation and Operation Instructions 57 Explanation of specific footnotes in Country Specific table: a. In the countries mentioned under remark 2, it is strictly prohibited to use this channel. b. This channel is not allowed to be used between Rhine km 150 and km 350. c. In the...
Page 58 - with written authorization.
Lowrance - LVR-250 Installation and Operation Instructions 58 Note: Lightly Shaded Simplex channel CH00 is only available in the UK to Coast Guard users 1. with written authorization. The special channels above maybe fitted to your radio. These are only licensed for use in 2. the country indicated. ...
Page 59 - Appendix E - MMSI and License Information; munications authorities before operating DSC functions.; FCC Compliance; Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Lowrance - LVR-250 Installation and Operation Instructions 59 Appendix E - MMSI and License Information You must obtain a user MMSI (Marine Mobile Service Identity) and enter it into your LVR-250 in order to use the DSC functions. Contact the appropriate authorities in your country. If you are unsur...
Page 60 - Navico Full Two-Year Lowrance VHF Warranty
Lowrance - LVR-250 Installation and Operation Instructions 60 Navico Full Two-Year Lowrance VHF Warranty “We,” “our,” or “us” refers to NAVICO, the manufacturer of this Lowrance VHF product. “You” or “your” refers to the first person who purchases this product as a consumer item for personal, family...
Page 61 - How to Obtain Service; In the USA
Lowrance - LVR-250 Installation and Operation Instructions 61 How to Obtain Service In the USA We back your investment in quality products with quick, expert service and genuine Low-rance replacement parts. If you’re in the United States and you have technical, return or repair questions, please con...
Page 62 - Accessory Ordering Information for all countries; To order Lowrance accessories, please contact:; Shipping Information; Please do not ship the knobs or mounting bracket with your unit.
Lowrance - LVR-250 Installation and Operation Instructions 62 Accessory Ordering Information for all countries To order Lowrance accessories, please contact: Your local marine dealer or consumer electronics store. Most quality dealers that handle 1. marine electronic equipment or other consumer elec...
