OPERATOR'S MANUAL

GMDSS Radio Station

Model RC-1800T
(FS-1575/FS-2575 installation in field specification)

This manual covers the general description of the GMDSS

Radio Station. Refer to the separate manuals for detailed
information on individual units mounted in the console.

www.furuno.com
IMPORTANT NOTICES
General
• This manual has been authored with simplified grammar, to meet the needs of international us-
ers.
• The operator of this equipment must read and follow the instructions in this manual. Wrong op-
eration or maintenance can void the warranty or cause injury.
• Do not copy any part of this manual without written permission from FURUNO.
• If this manual is lost or worn, contact your dealer about replacement.
• The contents of this manual and the equipment specifications can change without notice.
• The example screens (or illustrations) shown in this manual can be different from the screens
you see on your display. The screens you see depend on your system configuration and equip-
ment settings.
• Save this manual for future reference.
• Any modification of the equipment (including software) by persons not authorized by FURUNO
will void the warranty.
• All brand, product names, trademarks, registered trademarks and service marks belong to their
respective holders.

How to discard this product

Discard this product according to local regulations for the disposal of industrial waste. For disposal
in the USA, see the homepage of the Electronics Industries Alliance (http://www.eiae.org/) for the
correct method of disposal.

How to discard a used battery

Some FURUNO products have a battery(ies). To see if your product has a battery, see the chapter
on Maintenance. Follow the instructions below if a battery is used. Tape the + and - terminals of
battery before disposal to prevent fire, heat generation caused by short circuit.

In the European Union

The crossed-out trash can symbol indicates that all types of batteries
must not be discarded in standard trash, or at a trash site. Take the
used batteries to a battery collection site according to your national
legislation and the Batteries Directive 2006/66/EU.
Cd

In the USA
The Mobius loop symbol (three chasing arrows) indicates that Ni-Cd
and lead-acid rechargeable batteries must be recycled. Take the used
batteries to a battery collection site according to local laws.
Ni-Cd Pb
In the other countries
There are no international standards for the battery recycle symbol. The number of symbols can
increase when the other countries make their own recycle symbols in the future.

i
 SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
The operator must read the safety instructions before attempting to operate this equipment.

Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided,

DANGER will result in death or serious injury.

Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided,

WARNING could result in death or serious injury.

Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided,

CAUTION can result in minor or moderate injury.

Warning, Caution Prohibitive Action Mandatory Action

DANGER
Never touch the SSB antenna,
antenna coupler or lead-in insulator
when the SSB radotelephone is
transmitting.
High voltage which can cause death is
present at the above-mentioned
locations when the SSB radiotelephone
is transmitting. Turn off the power
before performing maintenance on the
SSB antenna.
Antenna
Indoor Wire
WARNING
Do not remove the equipment.
The equipment installed in the console
uses high voltage electricity which can
shock, burn or cause serious injury.
Only qualified personnel can work
inside the equipment.
Turn off the power immediately if
water leaks into the equipment or the
equipment is emitting smoke or fire.
Continued use of the equipment can
cause fire or electrical shock.

Antenna
coupler Lead-in
Antenna Wire Insulator
(High voltage)

ii
 SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING
(1)Keep sparks and lit smoking materials
away from the lead-acid battery. Make
sure the battery room is well
ventilated.
The battery emits hydrogen gas which
can cause explosion.

(2)The electrolyte in the lead-acid battery

contains sulfuric acid which can be
harmful to the human body,
particularly to the eyes.
If sulfuric acid contacts eyes, skin or
clothing, flush directly with water. For
eyes, contact a physician. Loss of
eyesight can result.

(3)The temperature of the electrolyte in

the lead-acid battery should not
exceed 45°C.
The electrolyte can cause explosion if it
becomes too hot.

iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FOREWORD ....................................................................................................................v
SYSTEM CONFIGURATION ..........................................................................................vi

1. INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................1
1.1 Operational Overview.................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Equipment Description .................................................................................................. 1
1.3 Mutual Operation of Equipment .................................................................................... 2
1.4 Power On/Off ................................................................................................................ 2
1.5 LED Flexible Light (Option) ........................................................................................... 3

2. MAINTENANCE ........................................................................................................4
2.1 Control Panel ................................................................................................................ 4
2.2 Maintenance.................................................................................................................. 8
2.3 Replacement of the Parts.............................................................................................. 8
2.4 Replacement of the Fuses ............................................................................................ 8

SPECIFICATIONS .....................................................................................................SP-1

iv
FOREWORD
Congratulations on your choice of the GMDSS Radio Station. We are confident you will see why
the FURUNO name has become synonymous with quality and reliability.

Since 1948, FURUNO Electric Company has enjoyed an enviable reputation for innovative and
dependable marine electronics equipment. This dedication to excellence is furthered by our ex-
tensive global network of agents and dealers.
This equipment is designed and constructed to meet the rigorous demands of the marine environ-
ment. However, no machine can perform its intended function unless installed, operated and
maintained properly. Please carefully read and follow the recommended procedures for operation
and maintenance.

Features
• The RC-1800T table-top radio rack console, which contains an MF/HF transceiver unit, con-
forms to the IMO regulations for GMDSS radio equipment.
• Contains an SSB radiotelephone w/DSC terminal, NBDP terminal and Inmarsat-C mobile earth
station.
• The RC-1800T is operated with the control panel and the dimmer knob (option).

v
SYSTEM CONFIGURATION

: Optional or local supply

Whip Antenna
(2.6 m)

Antenna Coupler Antenna Unit*2 Pre-Amp

AT-1575/5075 IC-118 FAX-5

• Distress Alert/Received
SSB Radiotelephone*1 SSB Radiotelephone*1
LED Flexible Call Unit IC-305 or
Handset Control Unit
Light Alarm Unit IC-350 (max. 2)
Printer*1 NLFL-03W-WB Printer*1 • Alarm Unit IC-306 (max. 3)
PP-520
(max. 2)
PP-520 • SSAS Alert Unit IC-307
(max. 3)

GMDSS Radio Station

RC-1800T

Terminal Unit*1 Terminal Unit*1

Fuse Box*4 Rectifier

24 VDC PR-850A
SB-180 *1: Equipment installed in the console
• SSB Transceiver Unit:
FS-1575T/FS-2575T
AC/DC • SSB Control Unit:
Charger Unit
Power Supply FS-2575C
BC-6158-SS/6200
Unit • Printer Interface:
PR-300 IF-8500
• Terminal Unit:
IC-218, IB-585*2
• Printer:
PP-520
Ship’s Mains
100/110/220 VAC,
*2: IB-585 not required for dual Inmarsat-C
1φ, 50/60 Hz
installation.
*3: Two antenna units required for dual
Inmarsat-C installation.
*4: SB-180 is required for proper operation.

vi
1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Operational Overview

The RC-1800T radio rack console conforms to the IMO regulations for GMDSS radio equipment.
The console minimally contains an SSB radiotelephone (w/ MF/HF DSC watch receiver), NBDP
terminal unit and Inmarsat-C mobile earth station.

Control Unit
for SSB radiotelephone
No.1 Printer No.2 Printer
LED Flexible Light
(option, max. 2)

Terminal Unit SSB Handset Control Panel Terminal Unit

1.2 Equipment Description

Regulations require that all equipment be powered while the vessel is underway.

SSB Radiotelephone
The SSB radiotelephone includes the DSC and watch receiver function.

Data is displayed on a large, easy-to-read color LCD. Operation is simplified by the use of few
keys and easy-to-follow menus. The built-in DSC/watch receiver produces and receives digital se-
lective callings for quick and efficient establishment of distress, urgency, safety and routine com-
munications with other ships and coast stations that install any MF/HF DSC facilities.

• Receiving/Transmitting voice communication

• Noise blanker, Noise reduction, Notch filter and Squelch provided.
• Simplified setting of channel and frequency

DSC/Watch Receiver
DSC/watch receiver function performs the following tasks.

• Distress alert:
Transmits the distress alert.

1
1. INTRODUCTION

• Watch Receiver:
Watches DSC distress and safety frequencies. Receives distress alert from vessel in distress
and all ships call (safety and urgent call) from ship or coast station.
• Individual Call:
Place a call to a specific ship or coast station.

NBDP Terminal
The NBDP terminal provides telex communications with coast stations over the MF/HF band via
the SSB radiotelephone. Furthermore, it can receive MSI (Maritime Safety Information) messages
via the SSB radiotelephone (Scan reception).

Note: The NBDP terminal is not incorporated in the dual Inmarsat-C type configuration.

Inmarsat-C Mobile Earth Station

Provides distress and general telex communications for mobile and fixed terrestrial subscribers in
the Inmarsat-C communications network. telex messages are processed by what is known as
store-and-forward telex. A telex message transmitted by you arrives at a coast station where it is
stored temporarily and then delivered to the subscriber specified. (Full duplex communications are
not possible.)

AC/DC Power Supply

The AC/DC power supply is installed externally. For the equipment mentioned below, in the event
of main AC power failure, auxiliary power (battery) provides power to the equipment, for the
amount of time stipulated by radio regulations.

• SSB Radiotelephone
• NBDP Terminal Unit
• Inmarsat-C
• VHF Communication Unit
• GPS Receiver (other than NAVTEX)

Printer
Two printers are supplied and one is dedicated to the Inmarsat-C. The other printer is shared by
up to two units: SSB radiotelephone, NBDP terminal*. It is automatically connected to one of those
equipment on a first-come-first-served basis.

*: Inmarsat-C instead of NBDP terminal when dual Inmarsat-C are installed

1.3 Mutual Operation of Equipment

The equipment in this radio console are interfaced by FURUNO’s MIF radio interface. For exam-
ple, to transmit a message over the SSB radiotelephone or NBDP terminal, the Tx and Rx frequen-
cies and class of emission are automatically set on the SSB radiotelephone and then the message
is transmitted.

1.4 Power On/Off

Turn on/off breakers and switches on the AC-DC Power Supply Unit.

2
 1. INTRODUCTION

1.5 LED Flexible Light (Option)

The optional LED flexible lights are attached on the top cover of the
console. Operate the dimmer knob to turn on/off or adjust the bril-
liance of the light. This light does not light during AC power failure;
use the emergency light (EMG LIGHT switch, see page 4) instead.

Dimmer
Knob

LED Flexible Light

3
2. MAINTENANCE
For maintenance of the units installed in the console and the connected units, refer to the respec-
tive operator’s manuals.

2.1 Control Panel

(3) Voltmeter and Ammeter

(4) [BUZZER STOP] switch RADIO 24V BATT RADIO 24V BATT
EMG BATTERY BATTERY
LIGHT MONITOR CHARGER
ON IN USE LOW VOLT OFF
BUZZER
STOP
OFF
TEST AUTO

TEST

(6) [BATTERY CHARGER] switch

(1) [EMG LIGHT] switch
BATTERY
(5) [TEST] switch/Volume CHARGER
AUTO
(2) [BATTERY MONITOR] lamp
OFF

MANUAL

For Flooded lead-acid battery

(1) EMG LIGHT switch

Turns the emergency lamps at the top of the console on/off.

(2) BATTERY MONITOR lamp

• IN USE lamp (AC power failure: orange):

Lights to alert that the AC power has failed and the radio equipment is being powered by the
radio battery (DC power) alone. When lit, only the equipment related to distress communication
are powered. (Power is not supplied to console lights.)
• LOW VOLT lamp (low battery voltage: red):
Lights to alert that the battery voltage is below 22 VDC. (The aural alarm sounds until the volt-
age becomes higher than 22 VDC.)

4
 2. MAINTENANCE

(3) Voltmeter (Left), Ammeter (Right)

Monitor battery voltage and electric current during charging of radio battery. The battery voltage
is kept between 25.0 VDC and 28.0 VDC in the flooded lead-acid battery, and 26.7 VDC in the
valve-regulated lead-acid battery.

(4) BUZZER STOP switch

This switch silences the buzzer. The buzzer sounds when the battery is abnormal or AC power
fails.

(5) TEST switch/Volume

This switch starts the voltage drop test. Do the test as follows:
1. Push the TEST switch to start the voltage drop test.
2. Rotate the encoder knob next to the TEST switch fully-clockwise.
3. Slowly rotate the encoder knob counterclockwise to swing the voltage pointer.
4. Confirm that the buzzer sounds when the pointer is lower than approx. 22 V.
5. Push the BUZZER STOP switch to silence the buzzer.
6. Push the TEST switch to finish the test.
(6) BATTERY CHARGER switch

<For Valve-regulated lead-acid battery (maintenance free battery)>

• [AUTO]: Set the switch to [AUTO] al-
ways. The battery voltage is kept be-
tween 26.5 VDC and 27.0 VDC. WARNING
• [OFF]: Disconnects the charger from the
radio battery. Do not remove or disassemble the safety
tap of the lead-acid battery.
Care of the battery Removal may cause the battery to explode,
The lead-acid battery powers the radio lower its performance or shorten its life.
console when the ship’s mains power and
emergency power fail, to enable communi- The temperature of the electrolyte in the
cation in the event of distress. Therefore, lead-acid battery should keep between
follow the points mentioned below to keep -15°C and 45°C.
the battery in good working order.
1) Confirming charging The electrolyte can cause explosion if it
becomes too hot.
Confirm that the BATTERY CHAR-
GER switch on the control panel is set
to [AUTO]. Further, confirm that the
voltage shown on the battery voltage meter on the control panel is normal (between 26.5
VDC and 27.0 VDC).
2) Cleaning
The battery and the area around it should always be clean and dry. Clean the battery case
with a water-moistened cloth. Do not use organic solvents, thinner, gasoline, benzine or al-
cohol to clean the battery. (They may crack the case.) For heavy dirt, clean the case with
white kerosene.
3) Environmental conditions
• Keep the battery out of direct sunlight.
• Coat the nuts and bolts which tighten the battery contacts with anticorrosive paint. Check
the battery once a year, retighten nuts and bolts if necessary.

5
2. MAINTENANCE

<For Flooded lead-acid battery (traditional battery)>

Turns the battery charger on/off.
• [AUTO]: Automatically turns on the battery when the battery voltage is below 25.0 VDC and
turns it off when the voltage exceeds 28.0 VDC. While the vessel is underway, set the switch
in this position.
• [OFF]: Disconnects the charger from the radio battery.
• [MANUAL]: Charges the battery manually.

Note: When the charging current falls below 2A, wait for about 10 hours and then turn off the
switch. For details, see the manual for the lead-acid battery.

Charging the battery

Before operating the radio, check the voltage and current of the battery. When the BATTERY
CHARGER on the control panel is set to [AUTO], the battery voltage is kept between 25.0 VDC
and 28.0 VDC. If the BATTERY CHARGER switch is kept in the [OFF] position for a long time
the voltage may fall below 24 VDC. In this case, charge the battery as follows.

1) Set the BATTERY CHARGER switch to [MANUAL].

The charging current is around 20 A at the start, and is reduced gradually as charging pro-
ceeds.
2) When the charging current goes below 2 A, wait for about 10 hours and then turn the BAT-
TERY CHARGER switch off or set it to [AUTO].
Note: When the AC power fails, the radio battery automatically supplies power to the radio
regardless of BATTERY CHARGER switch position. The battery will not discharge as long
as the AC power is alive.

6
 2. MAINTENANCE

Care of the battery

The lead-acid battery powers the radio console when the ship’s main power and emergen-
cy power fail, to enable communication in the event of distress. Therefore, follow the points
mentioned below to keep the battery in good working order.

WARNING
Keep sparks and lit smoking materials away from the lead-acid battery. Make sure
the battery room is well ventilated.
The battery emits hydrogen gas which can cause explosion.

The electrolyte in the lead-acid battery contains sulfuric acid, which can be
harmful to the human body, particularly to the eyes.
If sulfuric acid contacts eyes, skin or clothing, flush directly with water. For eyes, contact
a physician. Loss of eyesight can result.
The temperature of the electrolyte in the lead-acid battery should keep between
-15°C and 45°C.
The electrolyte can cause explosion if it becomes too hot.

1) Confirming charging
Confirm that the BATTERY CHARGER switch on the control panel is set to [AUTO]. Fur-
ther, confirm that the voltage shown battery voltage meter on the control panel shows is nor-
mal (between 25.0 VDC and 28.0 VDC).
2) Check the specific gravity of electrolyte
Keep the specific gravity of electrolyte within 1.240 ±0.010 (20°C).
3) Water supply
The optimum electrolyte level is such that water fills to the highest graduation on the scale
at the side of the battery case. When the electrolyte level falls below the highest graduation,
fill to the highest graduation with distilled water. Do not use diluted sulfuric acid or tap water;
they will shorten battery life.
4) Cleaning
The battery and the area around it should always be clean and dry. Clean the battery case
with a water-moistened cloth. Do not use organic solvents, thinner, gasoline, benzine or al-
cohol to clean the battery. (They may crack the case.) For heavy dirt, clean the case with
white kerosene.
5) Environmental condition
• Keep the battery out of direct sunlight.
• Coat the nuts and bolts which tighten the battery contacts with anticorrosive paint. Check
the battery once a year, retighten nuts and bolts if necessary.

7
2. MAINTENANCE

2.2 Maintenance

NOTICE
Do not apply paint, anti-corrosive sealant or contact spray to coating or plastic
parts of the equipment.
Those items contain organic solvents that can damage coating and plastic parts,
especially plastic connectors.

Do not use chemical cleaners.

Remove dust and dirt from the monitor unit with a dry, soft cloth. Do not use chemical
cleaners to clean any part of any unit. They can remove paint and markings.

Wipe the LCD carefully to prevent scratching, using an LCD cleaning cloth
(supplied as accessory).
To remove dirt or salt deposits, use an LCD cleaner, wiping slowly with tissue paper so
as to dissolve the dirt or salt. Change paper frequently so the salt or dirt will not scratch
the LCD. Do not use solvents such as thinner, acetone or benzene for cleaning. Also,
do not use degreaser or antifog solution, as they can strip the coating from the LCD.

2.3 Replacement of the Parts

The parts listed in the table below should be replaced before the expected expiration date. The
period of expiration begins from the date of installation. Record the date of replacement. For re-
placement, request service.

Part Type Code No. Life

Distributor PCB 05P0606(LF) 001-046-600 4 years

2.4 Replacement of the Fuses

The fuses in the fuse box protect units from overvoltage (overcurrent) and internal fault. If a unit
cannot be turned on, check if the fuses have blown. If the fuses have blown, find out the cause
before replacing the fuses. If the fuses blow again replacement, contact your dealer for advice.

Power
Unit Type Code no. Remarks
supply
Main frame 24 VDC FGBO 125V 7A PBF 000-155-831-10 for IC-218
MA-1800T-75 24 VDC FGBO 125V 3A PBF 000-155-850-10 for IB-585

Unit Name Type Code no. Remarks

Fuse box Fuse FGBO-A 250V 1A PBF 000-155-828-10
SB-180
Cellolite- NC-2 60A 000-169-740-10 with case
fuse
NC-2 60A 000-169-741-10 w/o case

8
FURUNO RC-1800T (MA1800T-75)

SPECIFICATIONS OF GMDSS RADIO STATION

RC-1800T (MA1800T-75)

1 RACK CONFIGURATION
1.1 SSB radiotelephone FS-1575 (150 W) or FS-2575 (250 W)
1.2 Inmarsat C MES FELCOM 18
1.3 NBDP terminal IB-585 (Inmarsat duplex: no required)
1.4 Printer PP-520 (2 sets)
1.5 Power supply unit (option)
Battery charger BC-6158-SS/6200
AC/DC power supply unit PR-850A (for standard)
Rectifier PR-300 (for duplex)

2 POWER SUPPLY
24 VDC: 51.2 A max.

3 ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
3.1 Ambient temperature
Below deck equipments 0°C to +40°C
Printer -15°C to +55°C
Antenna unit -35°C to +55°C (storage: -35°C to +70°C)
3.2 Relative humidity 93% or less at +40°C
3.3 Degree of protection
Below deck equipments IP20
Antenna unit IP56
3.4 Vibration IEC 60945 Ed.4

4 UNIT COLOR
4.1 Cabinet 2.5GY5/1.5 (standard)
4.2 Front panel N2.5 (fixed)
4.3 Unit panel See respective specifications

SP - 1 E5633S01C
150528
FURUNO RC-1800T (MA1800T-75)

SPECIFICATIONS OF POWER SUPPLY UNIT (OPTION)

1 BATTERY CHARGER (BC-6158/6200)

1.1 Applicable battery 200AH nominal ship battery
1.2 Power source 100/110/200/220 VAC, 1 phase, 50/60Hz
1.3 Output for battery 28 VDC nominal
1.4 Output current 20 A nominal (30 A max.)
1.5 Insulation resistance 500 VAC, 10 M ohm or more between AC input and chassis
1.6 Control panel Built-in the radio console
1.7 Built-in meters Battery voltage, Charge/discharge current, Battery monitor

2 AC/DC POWER SUPPLY UNIT (PR-850A)

2.1 Power source 100/110/120/200/220/240 VAC, 1 phase, 50/60Hz and 24 VDC
2.2 Input current 15 A max. (100VAC input, 30 A output)
30 A max. (100VAC input, 60 A output)
2.3 Output voltage 24 VDC±10%, 30 A
2.4 Peak output current 60 A (within 1 min. at AC supply)
40 A (within 1 min. at DC supply)
2.5 Ripple voltage 200 mVp-p or less
2.6 Insulation resistance 500 VDC, 10 M ohm or more between AC input and chassis

3 RECTIFIER (PR-300)
3.1 Power source 100/110/200/220 VAC, 1 phase, 50/60Hz or 24 VDC
3.2 Input current 4.1 A max. (100VAC input)
7.5 A max. (24VDC input)
3.3 Output voltage 24 VDC (-10/+30%), 7.5 A
3.4 Peak output current 20 A (continuous operation at 15A output, 250 ms duty of 50%)
3.5 Ripple voltage 100 mVp-p or less
3.6 Insulation resistance 500 VDC, 50 M ohm or more between AC input and chassis

SP - 2 E5633S01C
150528
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