DSC Radios

[totopalm]

Thanks Solitaire for the info.When i took my radio test it
was on a simulator, with what appeared to have many
options, maybe i was'nt concentrating enough, but that
was several years ago, and i never bought a DSC set.
To be quite honest i have forgotten what i was taught
re DSC operation, never having one to use i spose.
What you suggest a half day refresher course is a good
idea.I can retrain locally.
The Aussie site is very informative
Oh! well more expense better get a DSC set
Cheers Tony

 

[D3B]

there are four of us going to holland later this year
i thought we could use the "group" call to keep contact but it looks like you need a seperate "group" MMSI number.
or have i got that wrong?
how do i get a "group" MMSI number

Doug

 

[Solitaire]

You have to apply to Ofcom for a Group MMSI number. You will only be issued it for the duration of your event/trip. You then enter that in your set/sets and to make a call you do so via the Group call on the main menu. Only one Group MMSI number can be entered in the set, unlike your directory or buddy list where a lot of numbers can be entered similar to your mobile phone directory.

Oh, and it will start with a single "0" - i.e 0232.....

 

[D3B]

Thanks i hoped it would be that simple.

RAY45E suggests 3 group numbers can be stored. is that for US and canada only?

 

[Solitaire]

[ QUOTE ]


RAY45E suggests 3 group numbers can be stored. is that for US and canada only?

[/ QUOTE ]

May well be. All the sets I've used only take 1, I've not used Raymarine kit. Just reinforces my suggestion that you read the manual. I doubt it will be for only US and Canada though.

 

[D3B]

Manual says three and they are available on the set.
I spent ages reading yesterday and looked today.
what i couldnt find on OFCOM site was info on group MMSI numbers.
couldnt see where i could e-mail them to ask either
search on the site didnt show anything
even googled it without success

I should only need one at a time so not really relevant
but thanks for info

 

[Solitaire]

Best thing to do is ring them. Also try the radio licensing centre in Bristol - web page

 

[D3B]

.

 

[Hurricane]

Doug

I dont want to be a "kill joy" and I'm always in favour of the latest technology but ....
Wouldn't it be easier to have all of you monitor the same channel for a voice call - perhaps dual watching 16????

 

[D3B]

DSC would be in addition to ch16 or dual watch on another working channel.
at least with the DSC we would know who was calling and automatically switch to that working channel

 

[Solitaire]

[ QUOTE ]
DSC would be in addition to ch16 or dual watch on another working channel.
at least with the DSC we would know who was calling and automatically switch to that working channel

[/ QUOTE ]

The practical application of DSC in my view. Keep listening watch on 16 and maybe 67, switching to Dutch coastguard when in range. Use Group MMSI to contact individually.

 

[trev]

Perhaps thats too obvious and simple for some folks ! Personally I find the whole DSC/GMDSS thing a total obsolete load of nonesense. I sat through five days of blurb from otherwise out of work ROs for a useless bit of paper without which I couldn't revalidate my ticket.
If your boat has a name, and a call sign, and a telphone number - why do you want a MMSI number ? And we had an auto distress alarm fifty years ago ! All that was really needed was to upgrade the old system with GPS added in.

 

[Hurricane]

I agree.
When they put the current DSC system together they missed a great opportunity IMHO.
We should have had a clean sweep of the whole system.
All those unused duplex channels for example each tieing up two precious frequencies.
Using modern technology, the digital bit could have been more sophisticated as well whilst still keeping the old system running alongside.
Obviously designed by a committee.

 

[aviator]

How can DSC have a greater range than VHF?

Well it can't since it uses the same transmission and receiver VHF which is line of sight near as damn it.

DSC is the telephone number side of things with the bolt on of the auto send of distress fix and if you have time select the problem.

Should be a nice way of preventing people calling on Ch 16 and asking another boat to go to channel nn but how much is it used?

Even MBM on their cruises nevers uses MMSI numbers and most people have no idea of what happens if called and what to do.

Missed opportunity really on cruises so maybe they will do some practice this year - NEALE!!!!!