New DSC VHF - help!

[bob26]

I'm in the market for a new wireless set. I've read last year's PBO comparison of various sets and checked the previous stuff on this forum...which was helpful, if alarming!

I have the old VHF personal licence (circa 1979) and ship licence for standard VHF (though that document is on the boat and not in front of me now).

My queries are:

1. Several sets specify they work with an ordinary VHF aerial. Does that mean others need a different aerial (the manufacturers' websites do not seem to mention this fact). I realise those which give Navtex etc as well need additional aerials but for straight VHF and DSC functions does my existing VHF aerial and Garmin gps with its own aerial suffice for all DSC VHFs?

2. Am I required to take a new exam to qualify to use a DSC VHF set?

3. Several sets say the MMSI number is user programmable - again does than imply it may not be on sets which don't say this?

It all seemed a lot simpler when you just bought a new crystal to change channels... If the technology doesn't defeat you the bureaucracy will...

And of course I'd be interested if anyone recommends (or warns against) any particular set. For once affording the best is less difficult than working out what it might be...

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[Jools_of_Top_Cat]

My queries are:

1. Several sets specify they work with an ordinary VHF aerial. Does that mean others need a different aerial (the manufacturers' websites do not seem to mention this fact). I realise those which give Navtex etc as well need additional aerials but for straight VHF and DSC functions does my existing VHF aerial and Garmin gps with its own aerial suffice for all DSC VHFs?

VHF sets with built in DSC capability only require a single aerial, sets such as some ICOM and Simrad which are upgradable with a DSC controller unit 'bolted on' require a second aerial for the controller unit. But this does give a second VHF aerial which can be used in emergency if a fault develops on the primary aerial.

2. Am I required to take a new exam to qualify to use a DSC VHF set?

Yes, but only the DSC upgrade part of the training / exam is required. It only takes an hour or so and I guess much cheaper than the full SRC.

3. Several sets say the MMSI number is user programmable - again does than imply it may not be on sets which don't say this?

Don't know, but it appears to me, many are like coded stereos, you get a couple of attempts to program in your MMSI and then it locks you out. It appears the majority require a factory reset if you take the radio to your next vessel. I guess this must be good for security though!

all seemed a lot simpler when you just bought a new crystal to change channels... If the technology doesn't defeat you the bureaucracy will...

It also means they can remove the radio officer off ships thus saving even more money, one day the ships will all be driven from a room in Rochdale.

of course I'd be interested if anyone recommends (or warns against) any particular set. For once affording the best is less difficult than working out what it might be...

I am still waiting for my preferred set to be released, my first choice is the Navman 7200 after that the raymarine Ray54E, both of which appear to have ever increasing slip on their release dates. I really like the ICOM IC-M601 but it is out of my price range.

If it helps I have a few criteria for my fixed VHF, I have mentioned them on the forum before and am probably boring a lot of people.

The main criteria are chunky switches such as volume, channel select and squelch. The most important to me being channel select. If you cannot use these functions easily when scared, cold, shaky and wearing gloves then the radio to me becomes a waste of space on board. I understand to make sets cheaper and cheaper manufactures are using touch buttons for everything. I work with military avionics. Cockpit instruments have massive click switches and clunky rotaries. The marine industry could learn a lot from this.

Down the scale I do not want to have to scroll up and down for each number in an MMSI address, so a full numeric keypad is required, I do not mind this on the back of the mic as some do, but again, the cheaper sets limit the number of buttons. This means almost every advanced feature on the radio is only accessed through a menu system.

A problem I was unaware of until reading posts from people on here who have already DSC enabled sets is the inability to turn down the alarm volume. Apparently firing ranges and the like send out a SECURITÉ message every 15 minutes which you must manually reset or the alarm will continue.

The only way around this appears to be to keep your old vhf onboard for monitoring ch16 or buy a two part system as mentioned above, allowing you to disconnect the DSC function as necessary.

Hope this helps....

<hr width=100% size=1>Julian

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[philip_stevens]

I'm also awaiting a Navman 7200, that, as I have been told from knowledgeable contacts, is awaiting a software upgrade.

At least I may have it for next year summer season.

<hr width=100% size=1>regards,
Philip

 

[Jools_of_Top_Cat]

I spoke to the nice lady at Gael Force who telephoned her reliable contact. She had heard the same thing. She called me back after her conversation with expert and told me the timescale has slipped to September, maybe for the boat show.

Apparently it is not a software upgrade as first leaked to the press. Navman rushed production to show the set at LIBS and take orders. When they came to build the sets they were unable to source the processors for the barometers at the right price for the quantity they required. They are now desperately trying to find or implement another chip and make it work in the set as promised.

Apparently this is quite normal behaviour in the industry. The Raymarine is due at the end of this month, thing is, I prefer to look of the NAVMAN and like the 24hr barometer trend built in. I also like the track a buddy function, should I ever sail with another yacht with a NAVMAN fitted.

<hr width=100% size=1>Julian

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[bob26]

Thanks for these v clear and helpful replies.

"It also means they can remove the radio officer off ships thus saving even more money, one day the ships will all be driven from a room in Rochdale."

Rawalpindi more likely than Rochdale I'd have thought.

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[gjgm]

I got the navman 7100 as i couldnt be bothered to wait for the 7200, and the additional features were only nice to have rather than anything more. Some sets have full control on the mike, as well as on the unit. Others have limited controls on the phone only. Main diffeence is full number pad, but i reckon thats only a benefit when entring other MMSI numbers, not something you do every day. Namvan is dead easy to wire into your gps, the two wires are already marked.There s a pre wired lead for adding an extra speaker. I just needed a small second one (£5 from maplin); 30 seconds to fit. Lastly there is a "buddy search", where you scroll through your MMSI numbers, and when selected, gives you the location of that ship. Cool, eh! Mind you, you could just call and ask !!
I d recommend the navman-£180 for dcs vhf.. veritable bargain...

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[Marsupial]

Hi I ve had three of these, RD68 Icom and RS86/87.

The RD68 has only one aerial for VHF and channel 70, the screen is small as are the buttons.

The Icom has a separate aerial for channel 70, but is not as user friendly as the RD68, mine required 5 key presses to answer a DSC call, the RD68 is one.


The RS86/87 combination is superb, friendly software and easy to use, one key press to receive a call.

Yes the alarms are loud - except fro the Icom which we often did n't hear with the engine on or in a gale! all in all it looks flash buts its not a friendly set - lacks synergy, and the active areial is another thing to get a warp round.

A failing of all these sets is that they only store 20 mmsi numbers, once you have put all the coastguard numbers in there is little room for "important stuff".

My advice is go a boat show and try them, for me the Simrad kit feels solid and dependable, icom looks good but fails to deliver as a usable device, Ray marine stuff is always a bit Walt Disney, designed by someone who has never seen a boat.

Hope this helps


David

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[dralex]

Depends how much you want to spend and also how often you're going to use it. If it's a VHF which is going to get heavy use, then invest in a heavier duty set- if not, why spend the money? I've just got a Silva S10 which are now about £170- this is not the one with Navtex etc. Veyr easier to use- my only gripe is that I'd prefer a rotary squelch control. On this one you have to press a Sq button, then use the same controlls as for volume and scrolling. It also has a full keypad on the fist mike which makes number entry very easy. the Simrads/ Icom etc are lovely, but a fair bit of cash.

Alex

<hr width=100% size=1>Life's too short- do it now.

 

[Talbot]

Radio officers were removed from a lot of the modern ships years ago. Those few that remain are mainly responsible for other things as well (all the electronics etc).

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[bob26]

So I don't have to have new radio, MMSI, new licence and a radio officer then?

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[Soong]

I Agree

Nice unit, very pleasing to use. Have not needed the manual yet!

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