DSE radio check

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John7

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I have Simrad RD68 VHF set; this has had a software update as it was emitting pips at intervals last year. Unfortunately Simrad have omitted to install a self test on the set so though I can do a VHV radio check via the coast guard I have no way of checking if the DSE element is OK. This is a major error on their part as you are unable to conduct a test as recommended each day.

Does any one have any experience in the procedure for a DSE radio check with the Coastguard and what is it?


<hr width=100% size=1><P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by John7 on 30/04/2003 15:38 (server time).</FONT></P>
 
The RD68 does a self-test of DSC functions every time you switch it on. This is why there's a delay whilst it displays the software version before it becomes useable.

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Thanks, there is nothing in the manual to say this and when I asked by phone at Simrad the suport persion also didn't know this as he told me there was no DSE self test.

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I believe all 'Voluntary Fit' DSC sets are required to do this whereas compulsory fit sets have a test button. It seems IMO regard this as too complex for us amateur users to master!

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It would help is set owners were told as the RA has sent out a news letter telling DSE owners to do a self test each day. But I'm not too convinced about the range of the self-test it does as last year we had no DSE calls though the first year we had a fare number from the Coastguard and others. This lack of calls was one reason I contacted Simrad and then returned the set for testing (and updating). After that I wanted to test if we were transmitting/receiving DSE OK. May be we were just using it at the wrong time to hear them; I will have to see this year and make more effort to locate some one else with a DSE set to test to exchange test transmitions with.

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You could program the DSC number of your local coastguard into the set and use the DSC to initiate a radio check. RA supply coastguard DSC numbers, though strangely I couldn't find them anywhere in MacMillans.

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Indeed this is what I was asking, what the procedure for a DSE radio check with them is? I have called Thames and the set switched to Ch 6 (not one they normally use in the Blackwater area) but had no call form them. I took it they would call me as normal when they switch to a working channel but maybe I was meant to call them?

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coastguard MMSI

these are in macmillan/reeds in the safety chapter under HM Coastguard, page 162 in my version (looseleaf)

you should be able to find someone who also has a dsc set so you can do a mutual check.

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Ch 6 is the primary ship to ship channel and probably the default setting for the radio when making a DSC call. You can edit the channel number and enter the working channel for Thames CG (here in Solent it's Ch 67). Thames CG won't respond on an inter-ship channel.

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As I understand it with a DSE call between ships the originating ship sets the Ch but with a ship to land/coastgard they switch the calling set to the Ch they wan't used.

<hr width=100% size=1><P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by John7 on 30/04/2003 16:52 (server time).</FONT></P>
 
I tested mine (Silva S15 which no has operator self test as well) by sending a routine call via DSC to the Solent C.G (MMSI 002320011) with a working channel designated as Ch67 (they will only respond to certain channels apparently).

The radio responded with an acknowledgment from the C.G via DSC and re-tuning to Ch67, I then followed this up with a voice call on Ch67 Advising the C.G of my MMSI to confirm my identity and requesting a voice check for new installation.

He responded with an ok voice check and confirmation of my MMSI.

It does not matter what channel the radio is set when the DSC message is sent as it is always sent on Ch70, the important bit is the working channel that you designate for acknowledgment.

Although I still feel that a test of the all important distress function should be incorporated somewhere in the sets that is visible.

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or you could get the MMSI of a mate and do the same -probably saves wasting the time of CG. All the digital part of DSC is transmitted on 70 so will prove the set. Not sure you need to check it everytime you go sailing though...

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I have had a reply from Simrad which says the self test does not test the DSE on the radio. They say " We do not feature a self test mode on the
RD68 this is because the VHF and DSC controller is all built in to one
unit . With separate units e.g. RT64 with DSC1400 it is essential to check
that the 2 units are talking with each other and that’s all a self test
mode checks .

With you RD68 if you have voice communication with other vessels or a
coast station then the Transmit and Receive circuit is fully working , and
to check the DSC circuit please either do a routine call to a known MMSI
number or with you local coast station . A self test mode will not check
the radio fully it only checks the software and connections"

It looks as if contrary to the RA saying not to use the coastguard for a DSE test that with this set you have little choice.

number or with you local coast station . A self test mode will not check
the radio fully it only checks the software and connections"

It looks as if contrary to the RA saying not to use the coastguard for a DSE test that with this set you have little choice.


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John

Interesting, this isn't what they told me nor what I was told on doing an SRC upgrade course a couple of weeks ago. It's an important issue and perhaps shows that there is some confusion ahead with the voluntary fit market.

By the way, it's DSC (Digital Selective Calling) not DSE!

Regards
Tom

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Sorry, yes its DSC, I keep calling it wrongly. I also agree there is a problem as another make of set above also has no self test. The only reliable thing to do is a DSC test with the CG at intervals. As it would appear to take longer than the VHF one I am not surprised they are not keen for that. But if the standards for the voluntary sets omitted self tests I don't see what else you can do. How often I don’t know. The RA said to do a self test each day and many VHF users currently will do a radio check each time they start to use their boat, for weekend or longer etc. If away for some weeks I will do a weekly one but only if I haven’t had to make a trasmition. In two years I have never made a call using DS, so the only way many like me with a voluntary fitted set will know its working is by a DSC test.

<hr width=100% size=1><P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by John7 on 01/05/2003 17:33 (server time).</FONT></P>
 
Calling your marina to tell them you're leaving your berth for 24 hours is as good as a radio check and you don't bother everyone else on channel 80. Or if you're that bothered about scientifically establishing does the wretched thing work everytime you step aboard you could buy a dummy load and SWR meter from a ham radio shop and connect it instead of the ariel. Then you can fire off your vhf radio to your heart's content, checking its output and all the rest without making work for the coasties and without driving everyone else bonkers with calls for radio checks - even dsc ones.

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