Is DSC worth fitting yet?

[Guest]

Our VHF set has just packed up and needs replacing.
At present we don't have the DSC licence so that could be a problem. Is it worth fitting a DSC set at present or would it be better to fit just a VHF set and worry about a DSC attachment some time in the future?

 

[alanhanson]

we have just had one fitted on ours it is the simrad &is all in one box .
but if you retro fit later you will end up with 2 boxes so space needs to be considered
the quality is good we regularly pick calls fron a greater distance than you would expect i think for the extra for me it was well worth the mney rather than messing later

 

[Twister_Ken]

If you don't do it now, you'll wish you had in a few year's time.

BTW, rec'd a GMDSS Mayday a couple of weeks back. The noise the box made would have woken me if I'd been battened into the forepeak. If it had been a spoken shout I'd probably have missed it.

So you don't just fit DSC for yourself, but for others.

 

[Twister_Ken]

PS

The test is a doddle if you know your 'old' VHF stuff. RYA do a booklet. Read it from cover to cover and book the test. No need to spend drinking/sailing vouchers on a day's training.

 

[AndrewD]

Same happened to me and I fitted a Simrad standard VHF that can take a retro-fit DSC controller. When I have to change, I will just add the DSC unit, and you can bet by then it will be a lot cheaper. Make sure you have space tho.

No sig is a good sig

 

[snowleopard]

try getting a non-dsc set!!

only dsc-compatible sets can be bought these days (apart from hand-helds) so your choice is limited: get dsc now or add it later.

 

[h4nym]

Re: PS

Just a little something on the test... please please please for your own sake read the book cover to cover. Then make sure you have the accompanying self-assessment test book. You'll find it invaluable for the exam! Trust me!