Poll - Do you turn your VHF off because DSC alerts are too intrusive?

[Anonymous]

I thought a quick poll might be interesting to see how widely this is seen to be a problem.

Wording on any poll is very difficult and contentious. I have done my best.

 

[cliff]

You missed the option "ALWAYS" /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
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"Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity"
sailroom <span style="color:red">The place to auction your previously loved boatie bits</span>

 

[michael_w]

Re: Poll - Do you turn your VHF off because DSC alerts are too intrusi

Never use the DSC, rely on the handheld, on the basis that if they are within range, we're close enough to assist if there is a problem.

Cross channel I turn on the curse of the off watch crew.

 

[Anonymous]

Re: Poll - Do you turn your VHF off because DSC alerts are too intrusi

[ QUOTE ]
Cross channel I turn on the curse of the off watch crew.

[/ QUOTE ]

Out of curiosity, what is it in particular about crossing the Channel that makes you turn the VHF on? Is it because there is something intrinsically different about that stretch of water or is it that since you do it fairly infrequently you are prepared to put up with the disturbance of unwarranted DSC alerts?

 

[jonjo]

DSC has changed the way I use the vhf set. I used to always switch on the vhf at the same time as the general navigation intruments and autopilot.

Now the vhf is only powered up when I think there is a need, e.g. the coastguard weather forecast. As a result I doubt vhf hours equate to more than 30% of total hours at sea.

 

[shmoo]

Re: Poll - Do you turn your VHF off because DSC alerts are too intrusi

You have also missed the option: "that's why I don't have one"

 

[StugeronSteve]

I may be lucky, or have a faulty set, but the frequency of DSC alerts does seem to have decreased this year. As already mentioned CROSS Joburg appear to have dispensed with this annoying precurser to their routine broadcasts. I do keep the VHF on at all times, when at sea. I don't think I would ever forgive myself if it was switched off and I missed a distress shout that I could have helped with.

 

[michael_w]

Re: Poll - Do you turn your VHF off because DSC alerts are too intrusi

The reason the main VHF set gets turned on for longer passages, is the increase in available range and power.

On the next boat I have, I'm planning on having two permanently installed VHFs. A DSC and non-DSC; unless someone comes up with a means of turning the DSC receive function off.

 

[jimg]

Re: Poll - Do you turn your VHF off because DSC alerts are too intrusi

Can you still buy a non-DSC vhf?

 

[ccscott49]

Re: Poll - Do you turn your VHF off because DSC alerts are too intrusi

Can you still buy legally fixed VHF's without DSC? I thought they all had to be DSC now.

 

[CPD]

Re: Poll - Do you turn your VHF off because DSC alerts are too intrusi

Oh God, I fear I may have just created a problem for myself. I have a cobra VHF which doesnt announce DSC calls until you have lugged in your MMSI number, which I have had for a while but only last week typed into the set. I fear I shall be enetring my view on the poll soon /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[KenMcCulloch]

Re: Poll - Do you turn your VHF off because DSC alerts are too intrusi

[ QUOTE ]
Can you still buy legally fixed VHF's without DSC? I thought they all had to be DSC now.

[/ QUOTE ]
No, they just have to have a facility for a separate DSC controller to be connected.

 

[RivalRedwing]

Re: Poll - Do you turn your VHF off because DSC alerts are too intrusi

Might be useful to add a regional perspective - very few DSC alerts on the E coast (Thames) so not intrusive.

 

[Brian_B]

No, it's usually turned off because somebody has the transmit button pressed, or there's children singing nursery rhymes all over Ch16.

 

[jerryat]

[ QUOTE ]
You missed the option "ALWAYS" /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
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Exactly! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[oldsaltoz]

Lifted this from http://www.gmdss.com.au/flaws2.htm

A new DSC standard is coming
After seven years of effort, ITU and IEC are at long last finishing the final standards defining a simplified DSC radio, with a standardized software interface, free of most of the unnecessary alarms and strange operation that has plagued the system since its inception.

The new standard is designed to radically simplify the man-machine interface, and automate most functions.

A draft copy of the new IMO requirements may be viewed in the following link

http://www.gmdss.com.au/new%20draft%20dsc%20spec.htm

Avagoodweekend......

 

[Malcb]

I've had a DSC set for about 2 years now (in the Solent) and very rarely get annoying DSC calls, maybe the odd one from France when the 'winds in the right direction' /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Sailed down to Falmouth this year (and back) and probably got 4 DCS alerts in 3 weeks, mostly Nav warnings. No problem, just mildly irritating as I'm not used to identifying the source of the sound. First reaction, is that an engine warning, second reaction is that a Chart Plotter warning, then Third reaction, "Oh sod it" it's the DSC.

 

[ebbtide]

Re: Poll - Do you turn your VHF off because DSC alerts are too intrusi

You missed the option "Off then back on immediately".
I get those darn hoots even tho haven't entered my DSC identity - it seemed a good idea to have gps inputting lat/long in case am incapable of giving position.
So can you turn the facility off but keep the radio on?
Or must I reinstall that old set I've just taken out?

 

[cloud]

Re: Poll - Do you turn your VHF off because DSC alerts are too intrusi

Regrettably my VHF is almost always turned off to avoid the endless calling and inane chatter. Are people so afraid to be out on the water that they have to keep trying to make contact with other boats ? Social arrangements etc. are much better made by mobile phone, ditto berthing arrangements with marinas. Why do south coast marinas insist on using 25 watts ? They are talking to people who are very close to them ! I hope you never need to make a distress call on a busy day on the south coast.

 

[30boat]

I have a non DSC Sailor as well as a DSC Raymarine set.I always use the former and the reason why I have the latter is that the authorities wanted me to.