Erasing MMSI number from DSC vhf

[Poignard]

The Manual for a DSC vhf set I am thinking of buying states that once an MMSI number has been programmed into it, it cannot afterwards be erased. (I mean the MMSI number assigned to the yacht in which the set is installed).

This would seem to suggest that the set could not be sold on afterwards because the new owner would not be able to enter his MMSI number into it. In other words, once it has been set up in a particular boat, the vhf set has no resale value (except as spare parts).

Have I understood that properly?

 

[mikemanor]

MMSI Reset

Normally the set needs to be returned to an approved retailer to get the MMSI reset - but they can do it.

There are one or two sets that have "hidden menus" allowing a user to reset the MMSI but most do not.

 

[Simes]

Mike is correct, This feature has stopped what was a very lucrative market in stealing and selling on VHF radios.

Given that the radio set usually stays with the boat and so does the MMSI no, what is the point in trying to sell it. Nes VHF set can be had for as little os £90.00.

Simes

 

[Billjratt]

You need to access the "service" menu, a bit like being administrator on your computer. There is some information on the net depending on the radio in question, although it is bad form, as the scrotes can access it and make yours more attractive to a potential buyer.
Your local competent boat electronics repair man should have access to the info required to reset the existing number.
Out of interest what make/model is it ? (just in case it's the same as mine!)

 

[elton]

I don't know why you'd want to remove the VHF from a boat you're selling, but if that's your intention why don't you buy one that you know can easily have the MMSI reset?

 

[Bilgediver]

The Manual for a DSC vhf set I am thinking of buying states that once an MMSI number has been programmed into it, it cannot afterwards be erased. (I mean the MMSI number assigned to the yacht in which the set is installed).

This would seem to suggest that the set could not be sold on afterwards because the new owner would not be able to enter his MMSI number into it. In other words, once it has been set up in a particular boat, the vhf set has no resale value (except as spare parts).

Have I understood that properly?

It is possible to zero the MMSI number in most VHF radios if you have the know how , software and connection cables. The manufacturers DO!!

This is a commonsense security issue though there are some radios where the facility is just a button push away.

Usually the radio/MMSI number should stay with the boat and then this is not an issue.

 

[Robin]

I was talked through over the phone doing a master reset By NASA a few years back to try and solve a connecting problem with the GPS, after which I had to re-enter the MMSI number. As others have said there was a hidden menu or code entry to do this and the dealers will be able to do it, probably for a greater cost than a used set is worth!

 

[prv]

As others have said there was a hidden menu or code entry to do this and the dealers will be able to do it

Some do apparently require a special piece of kit to be plugged in to reset them; I assume it's probably a lightly-modified PIC programmer. Perhaps less common with newer designs as it must be a hassle to organise.

Pete

 

[oldgit]

Icom dealers will reset your MMSI for nominal sum providing they have the software and leads for your particular model in the workshop.

 

[Heckler]

Some do apparently require a special piece of kit to be plugged in to reset them; I assume it's probably a lightly-modified PIC programmer. Perhaps less common with newer designs as it must be a hassle to organise.

Pete

My Silva is easy to do, a few button presses, you can even program your own channels in to two private slots, 0 springs to mind.
Stu

 

[emandvee44]

"......and the dealers will be able to do it, probably for a greater cost than a used set is worth! "

No - when we bought our yacht she had been sailing around for several years with the wrong MMSI encoded into the vhf. We had it corrected by the local Icom dealer (Waypoint 1 in Plymouth) for £45 IIRC.

In my opinion the ability to change the MMSI no. should be restricted, from the theft/resale point of view, and the danger of incorrect MMSI entry by the owner. As an aside, I am amazed by the number of yachts I "see" on AIS with incorrect static data entered, which can only be achieved by an incompetent installer and/or owner.

Michael.

 

[Solitaire]

The Manual for a DSC vhf set I am thinking of buying states that once an MMSI number has been programmed into it, it cannot afterwards be erased. (I mean the MMSI number assigned to the yacht in which the set is installed).

This would seem to suggest that the set could not be sold on afterwards because the new owner would not be able to enter his MMSI number into it. In other words, once it has been set up in a particular boat, the vhf set has no resale value (except as spare parts).

Have I understood that properly?

Regard the ships radio licence as you would a car registration number (assuming of course you don't have a personal plate). The call sign and MMSI number stays with the vessel throughout change of name or ownership. You should have been taught this when you did your operators certificate!

So the new owner does not transport the MMSI from his/her boat or apply for a new one if he/she is new to boating.




Do you take the radio out of your car when you sell it?

 

[prv]

Do you take the radio out of your car when you sell it?

No, but I might take it out to install a better one (I did) and then sell the old one (I didn't bother, but I might have done).

Pete

 

[Bosun Higgs]

the vhf set has no resale value (except as spare parts).

Have I understood that properly?

Yes. But what resale value would an old VHF set have anyway? I expect to sell my boat with radio fitted and to buy my next one in the same way. In the context of the cost of a boat and its running costs, the value of a second hand VHF set is trivial.

 

[duncan99210]

Try going on ebay and looking at the price of second hand sets - often not far off the cost of a new one!

Some (not all) radios allow you to reset the MMSI a certain number of time, beyond which it has to go back to either the retailer or factory for reset.

 

[theoldsalt]

I bought a non-DSC radio to avoid all this hassle. No MMSI and no anoying alarms every few minutes.

 

[Bosun Higgs]

Try going on ebay and looking at the price of second hand sets - often not far off the cost of a new one!

Some (not all) radios allow you to reset the MMSI a certain number of time, beyond which it has to go back to either the retailer or factory for reset.

Couldnt see any second hand on ebay but interestingly there were new sets there at 50% more than the chandleries are asking! Weird.

 

[Poignard]

Regard the ships radio licence as you would a car registration number (assuming of course you don't have a personal plate). The call sign and MMSI number stays with the vessel throughout change of name or ownership. . . .
So the new owner does not transport the MMSI from his/her boat or apply for a new one if he/she is new to boating.

Obviously, but that was not what I was posting about. I wanted to know if I was correct in assuming that a used DSC vhf set was valueless. Other posters have answered that it depends on the make and model. Some sets can easily and cheaply have a new MMSI number put in, some can't.

You should have been taught this when you did your operators certificate!

A silly remark.

Do you take the radio out of your car when you sell it?

I have several times fitted better radios to cars I have owned. But there was been nothing to prevent me selling on the old radio. The old radios did not become worthless when they were taken out of my car.

 

[ditchcrawler]

I took out a 3 year old Icom DSC radio and sold it as I was upgrading to the Horizon DSC with AIS with a cockpit mike.The dealer I bought both radios from deleted the MMSI number as a part of the deal to enable me to sell it.The guy who bought it was pleased he was getting a current radio at about half price.

 

[neale]

I bought a non-DSC radio to avoid all this hassle. No MMSI and no anoying alarms every few minutes.

And no benefit of DSC should you have an emergency