DSC VHF Replacement for old VHF?

[prv]

At risk of being picky, there's a bit more to it than just 'pressing the red button' - that just sends the distress alert, it needs to be followed up by a proper Mayday call.

"Is supposed to be", not "needs to be". If I've lost someone overboard, you can be sure I won't be spending the time to recite the spiel verbally, because I'm probably the only one still aboard and I have more important things to be doing. Alright for a racing boat with half a dozen crew on board that can detail one person as radio operator.

Pete

 

[greenalien]

'needs to be' if following the correct procedure - the more information you can give, the better your chances of assistance/rescue - but of course, the great benefit of DSC distress working is that you can just 'push the button' and something will happen, and losing someone overboard when shorthanded is a perfect example, in which case keeping in touch with the casualty is more important than having a long radio conversation.
On the course I've just finished, one of the main points raised was that each boat skipper should prepare a 'script card' with the full distress message on it so that the necessary information, with all the boat details, MMSI number, callsign, etc can easily be passed to the coastguard or whoever acknowledges your call, even by an inexperienced crew member - after all, your DSC set should automatically switch to channel 16 as soon as the automated message has been sent, so all you have to do is grab the mic and read from the card, shouldn't take more than a minute.
Incidentally, for anyone who still has the old pre-DSC short range vhf certificate, you should note that the format of both 'Mayday' and 'Pan Pan' calls has changed, 'Pan Pan Medico' no longer being used - another good reason to update your licence!

 

[Seadog17]

I have been considering the SH1600 with the command mike for my boat. The only difference I can see is that the 2000 series has inbuilt AIS, which I already have on the Garmin plotter.

Is there any other reason, that I can't see, to get the 2000 series.?

Thanks for any help.

 

[ostell]

The value of the red button can't be under estimated. Couple of years ago heard "HELP!" on Ch16, nothing else. Shortly afterwards the DSC alarm went off. CG called the boat, by name, but could only elicit the position of "Outside Chichester" in voice communication.

Another boat heard the alarm, picked up the position from the DSC log, and went to assist, at the same time as the lifeboat.

It transpired that it was a lady (seemingly reluctant crew) whose husband had gone over, though still attached by safety line but couldn't get back on board. She had no knowledge at all of mayday voice procedure but realised that the red button may help.

 

[greenalien]

Is there any other reason, that I can't see, to get the 2000 series.?

The SH 2000 doesn't have AIS built-in but is designed to interface with an existing AIS receiver - it's the SH 2100 model that has AIS built in. In either case, well worth having, as it lets you access the target vessel's MMSI number directly, so you can make a DSC call to them without having to type in their 9-digit MMSI number. Whether or not it's worth the extra £100 cost is up to you...

 

[testmonkey]

SH2000/SH2100 in addition to AIS display / receiver, remote mic option, also has loudhailer and type-approved whistle (foghorn) - which is a solas requirement for pleasure craft over 12meters length...

If you ever wanted to call that ship which is about to run you over - with this kit would be so easy through AIS integration, with that DSC routine call beep even the sleeping officer on watch would wake up... AIS menu gives you list of ships with one button push to call - organised by who'se closest to you..

 

[greenalien]

If you ever wanted to call that ship which is about to run you over

...better to make the call before you're at such close quarters

Incredibly useful when crossing shipping lanes though, particularly in bad visibility...

 

[Seadog17]

SH2000/SH2100 in addition to AIS display / receiver, remote mic option, also has loudhailer and type-approved whistle (foghorn) - which is a solas requirement for pleasure craft over 12meters length...

If you ever wanted to call that ship which is about to run you over - with this kit would be so easy through AIS integration, with that DSC routine call beep even the sleeping officer on watch would wake up... AIS menu gives you list of ships with one button push to call - organised by who'se closest to you..

Thank you, (and TestMonkey), big help. 2100 it is then.

 

[Scillyboy]

My boat had a Cobra F55 fitted when I bought it. It does everything asked of it. I managed to get the NMEA0183 cable, and it talks (or, rather, listens) to my GPS perfectly. The only problem is that in my installation, I sometimes find the speaker hard to hear over ambient noise, and could do with a repeater - but then, SWMBO says that I'm getting deaf these days.