DSC calls to coastguard

snowleopard

snowleopard

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thought i'd make my cg66 report to the coastguard by dsc for a change. only then did i discover that you can't set a working channel if the number being called starts with '00'.

i got a 'can compy' message on the dsc screen but the vhf stayed on 16 so i ended up making the call in the normal way.

nothing in the manual on the subject and it didn't come up on the course - what is the procedure, does the CG nominate the channel?



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Don't fully understand your meaning but:
DSC call is by default CH70. All you need is the station's NMSI number (sort of adres).

Would like to know if this is an acceptable procedure since I haven't been able to use my DSC unit in a sensible way (more than happy to never have to use it in a distress situation....)

Is this helpfull??

<hr width=100% size=1>Climate is what you expect, weather is what you get
 
no, when you make a dsc call it goes out on channel 70, that is automatic. the set switches from the current channel to 70 to transmit the digital call signal, then back to the original channel.

when you make an individual call you can nominate a working channel eg 72. when the called boat acknowledges the call, your set and his switch to that channel and you can talk immediately.

the problem i am raising is that when you call a coastguard (identified by an mmsi starting with '00') you don't have the option to nominate a working channel.

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Interesting question. I know that a DSC automatically sets Ch16 as the voice channel for a distress or urgency call, but I woud have thought that you could set Ch67, or whatever, for a routine call to CG. I'll have a look in my manual tonight.

I think the main problem at the moment is that we leisure sailors aren't getting enough chance to use them and we forget all that we have been taught.


<hr width=100% size=1>Think I'll draw some little rabbits on my head, from a distance they might be mistaken for hairs.
 
Indeed, it is the lack of practise that is causing the confushion. Hopefully I'll be able to do some useful practise myself, without being a pain in the a** for others.....

<hr width=100% size=1>Climate is what you expect, weather is what you get
 
I use my DSC radio to contact Brixham coastguard every time. when you first make the call it looks as if you are selecting the wrong channel but your set will automatically change to 67 prior to their response. When they reply if their computer is up and running they will come back with the boats name as well as its MMSI No. Give it a try next time its so much easier. for your info I have Simrad RD 68

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Just out of interest - what do you think of the RD 68?

<hr width=100% size=1><font color=blue>Gavin </font color=blue>
 
Great set, buttons a bit small. I have had a problem with the DSC button (not red distress button), which turned out to be a dry solder joint. Simrad fixed FOC ( out of warranty).

<hr width=100% size=1>Think I'll draw some little rabbits on my head, from a distance they might be mistaken for hairs.
 
Had mine for 3 years now, found it good value only gripe is that the 4 dsc/menu etc buttons to the right of the display are a bit small side. That apart it has been a great little set and I havent seen much to beat it for the price.

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The reason you can not select a working channel is that not all Coastguards use Channel 67 all of the time. You send a routine DSC alert to a MMSI starting 00 and the acknoledgment that comes back will automatically change your set onto the Channel that the CG selects.


<hr width=100% size=1>For RYA Courses, click
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.stormforce.biz> Stormforce Coaching </A>
 
that makes sense. i noticed that after the 'can comply' the set went back to 16. should i have waited till they switched me to 67 or whatever?

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Re: Good point!

The system is useless people know how to use its. The current voice system has the advantage that even in an emergency, most people will get their message across, even if they don't get the Mayday word perfect.

<hr width=100% size=1>Me transmitte sursum, caledoni
 
Re: Good point!

exactly. when i took my LRC there was virtually no mention of anything other than distress signalling in the DSC segment. has anyone who took it recently fared any better?

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Re: Good point!

Any system is useless unless you know how to use it! You should have heard one of our members wives trying to use the old style VHF last year. Had the rest of us in stitches since she seemed to think that it was press to listen, release to talk.

<hr width=100% size=1>this post is a personal opinion, and you should not base your actions on it.
 
Re: Good point!

There;s always the exception that prove the rule, and always plenty of dorks doing radion checks on Ch16 despite the Solent Coastguard redirecting routine traffic to Ch67. However, the general point still applies, people generally know how the voice vhf system works. On the otherhand, there have been many many questions on here and the other ybw forums about details of dsc usage, that even those who have been on the training course are struggling to answer

<hr width=100% size=1>Me transmitte sursum, caledoni
 
Re: Good point!

I took my SRC earlier this year, mostly distress with everything else mentioned as a side issue, some of us did play with routine messages on the simulator, but as most of us were radio beginners we were not looking at the finer points. So I understand about the distress bits, its the rest that I am still a bit confused about.

There is a lot of talk about the CG taking routine on 67 by default with disturbing 16, is this standard for all CG stations or just solent?

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Re: Good point!

The following may be of interest, it is taken from ALRS Vol 5 (GMDSS Handbook).

Transmission of a DSC call for public correspondence (or routine calls) to a Coast Station or another ship

A DSC call for public correspondence to a coast station or another ship is transmitted as follows:

• Tune the transmitter to relevant DSC Channel (If necessary)
• Select the format for calling a specific station on the DSC equipment
• Key in or select on the DSC equipment
o the 9 digit identity of the station to be called,
o the category of he call (routine)
o the type of of subsequent communications normally RT
o a proposed working channel if calling another ship. Proposal for working channel should not be included in calls to a coast station; the coast station will in its DSC acknowledgement indicate a vacant working channel.
• Transmit the DSC call

Repeating a call

A DSC call for public correspondence mey be repeated on the same or another DSC channel, if no acknowledgment is received within 5 minutes.

Further call attempts should be delayed at least 15 minutes, if acknowledgment is still not received

This book should be available in Club Libraries lots of info in it


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