Calling with a DSC VHF radio

[Sarnia]

I have recently purchased a secondhand Simrad RD68 radio had it checked out and my MMSI number put into it so I know it works ok.
It comes complete with instruction Manual, but maybe I am missing something so any advice to my questions would be most appreciated.
The manual covers how to make a DSC call, which seems to require a call type or to add a MMSI number to call to, which doesnt help when calling a marina (Iam in italy)
It has 2 modes DSC, and Radio, Radio allows access to standard VHF functions, dual and tri watch etc. but not much on how to call with VHF.
Most marinas here use channel 16 or 9 to call to.
The instructions say to make a DSC call press the DSC soft button, then the 'call, before I press call I get a message 'no position available' the list for the 4 soft buttons are Rad, Call, Log, Menu, if I select call it asks for a 'Routine to' where an MMSI number can be entered or 'Type' to scroll through different types of calls non of which are sutable to call an Italian marina.
Basically I need to know how to make the call using this radio (never had a problem with my old ICOM radio)
I need to be sure my calls are working, not easy here to get a check call as in the UK.

 

[cliff]

In Radio mode use it like a standard VHF ie select channel and talk (not forgetting to press the PPT button on the mic)

 

[Sarnia]

Thanks Cliff, When I click the DSC soft button it shows Rad ok, when i press the PPT it shows DSC again! is that normal, or how do I know I am in the Rad mode.

 

[TonyBuckley]

Thanks Cliff, When I click the DSC soft button it shows Rad ok, when i press the PPT it shows DSC again! is that normal, or how do I know I am in the Rad mode.

ppt? Does it have a powerpoint interface

 

[Danbury]

I think he meant PTT... he could be a member of DNA ?

 

[prv]

I guess the statistic in the other thread that only 142 Italians have bothered to gain a VHF operator's certificate is correct

( http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?397170-How-may-SRC-issued-to-date-in-UK )

You shouldn't have to mess with any menus to make a voice call. Just ensure it's on the correct channel for your marina and press the push-to-talk button on the mic.

Pete

 

[DanTribe]

If you don't already have it, it's worth downloading the instruction manual, readily available on line. It's easier to follow if you have the radio in front of you, not trying to understand from pictures.
In the UK, I had to take an additional test for DSC radios, is that not the case where you are?

 

[ProDave]

+1 to above.

Normal calls by voice.

Push the big red button in case of emergency, it will alert the CG of your MMSI number (and thus identify your boat) and your position (assuming you have a GPS linked to the radio) So they know who and where you are. follow that by a voice mayday to tell them what the problem is.

 

[Spirit of Glenans]

I guess the statistic in the other thread that only 142 Italians have bothered to gain a VHF operator's certificate is correct

( http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?397170-How-may-SRC-issued-to-date-in-UK )



Pete

And they would probably be Italians who have been required to hold this qualification in order to take instructor courses in other countries e.g. UK, France, Ireland.

 

[Spirit of Glenans]

+1 to above.

Normal calls by voice.

Push the big red button in case of emergency, it will alert the CG of your MMSI number (and thus identify your boat) and your position (assuming you have a GPS linked to the radio) So they know who and where you are. follow that by a voice mayday to tell them what the problem is.

Within 60 seconds.

 

[maby]

+1 to above.

Normal calls by voice.

Push the big red button in case of emergency, it will alert the CG of your MMSI number (and thus identify your boat) and your position (assuming you have a GPS linked to the radio) So they know who and where you are. follow that by a voice mayday to tell them what the problem is.

There's nothing wrong with using DSC to make non-emergency calls - it's my preferred method if I know the MMSI of the boat I'm calling. I have the MMSIs of all our friends programmed into the radio and use them wherever possible - it reduces the demand placed on the dual purpose calling and emergency channel.

 

[prv]

There's nothing wrong with using DSC to make non-emergency calls - it's my preferred method if I know the MMSI of the boat I'm calling. I have the MMSIs of all our friends programmed into the radio and use them wherever possible - it reduces the demand placed on the dual purpose calling and emergency channel.

Also reduces the number of nosey parkers following you to the working channel to listen in

Pete

 

[Momac]

As said the vhf should work just like a non dsc radio. In normal us there is no difference.
On my Raymarine radio you need to enter and save the mmsi numbers for other stations into the phone book of the radio before you can than make a DSC call to any of those stations.
To be honest I used the dsc call function only on one trip when travelling with another boat. Only because we thought we should test it out.

 

[maby]

I think all DSC radios will allow you to enter MMSI numbers ad-hoc for specific calls, but it can be quite tedious. I've always made sure that the radio I buy has a full numeric keypad to allow DSC calls to be made in the same way as dialing a telephone number.

 

[RAI]

Like most modern electronic tech., it's OK once you learn to use it and use it often. My Standard Horizon is a pain to program in all the ship's names and MMSI numbers into the directory but then has cute tricks like exchanging position information fairly automatically.

 

[prv]

I've always made sure that the radio I buy has a full numeric keypad to allow DSC calls to be made in the same way as dialing a telephone number.

I can't remember the last time I manually dialled a telephone number

Pete

 

[Sarnia]

Many thanks for all your replies, I have been without internet for a few weeks which explains the delay in my response. Thanks all