74BASIC OPERATION34 Channel selectionIMPORTANT!: Prior to using the transceiver for the firsttime, the battery pack must be fully charged for optimumlife and operation. To avoid damage to the transceiver, turnthe power OFF while charging.D Channel 16Channel 16 (Distress channel) is used for establishing initialcontact with another station and for emergency communica-tions. Channel 16 is automatically monitored during bothdualwatch and tri-watch. While standing by, you must monitorChannel 16.q Push [16•9] to select Channel 16.w Push [CH/WX•U/I/C/L] to return to the condition before se-lecting Channel 16, or push [Y]/[Z] to select the operatingchannel.D Channel 9 (Call channel)Channel 9 is the leisure-use call channel. Each regularchannel group has separate call channels. In addition, the callchannel is monitored during tri-watch. The call channels canbe re-programmed (p. 10) and may be used to store yourmost often used channels in each channel group for quick re-call.q Push [16•9] to select the call channel.• “CALL” and the call channel number appear.• Call channel can be re-programmed. See the “Call channelprogramming” on p. 10 for details.w Push [CH/WX•U/I/C/L] to return to the condition before se-lecting Channel 9 (call channel), or push [Y]/[Z] to selectthe operating channel.PushPush