Radio checks

[Barnacle Bill]

I use DSC whenever possible and have the MMSIs of all friends and local coast guard stations programmed in. When we chose the electronics for the new boat, I selected a radio with a full numeric keypad so that I can make an ad-hoc DSC call in pretty much the same way you can dial a phone number.

Good - you're the first! I wonder how many others there are? (and I agree about the full keypad - other methods of entry are a real wind-up).

 

[johnalison]

My Skanti, now 14 yrs old and expensive at the time, has a fairly simple to use DSC function and I use it regularly, Both with friends and Coastguards. Unfortunately, it shows its age in a few ways. Calling via the address book will only bring up the default channel 06 and the address book has a limited capacity. It also lacks the facility for me to programme group MMSIs, but these seem to be hardly used.

Generally, I use calls to the marina and friends as radio checks, but my set has a self-test function, both internal and external, but I have no idea how effective this is.

 

[maby]

The DSC test function is also useful to judge range - you address a specific remote station, so I can sit in the Thames Estuary and check if Dover Coast Guard or Oostend can hear me.

 

[prv]

Good - you're the first! I wonder how many others there are? (and I agree about the full keypad - other methods of entry are a real wind-up).

I'm the second, then. Although I rarely call other boats, so "whenever possible" is not that often. I have nearby coastguards programmed in, and a handful of Solent forumites whose numbers I've taken from the "spotter's guides" at Scuttlebutt events. My otherwise-excellent Standard Horizon GX2100 has a ridiculously small phonebook though.

Pete

 

[haydude]

It is disappointing that they still advertise only 999 for emergencies.

112 Is the European standard number for emergency calls and of course it works also in the UK both from mobile phones and land lines. It has been so since I believe 1996 or before.

It would be to the advantage of the UK citizens to be educated to use 112 instead of or at least alongside 999.
This is only to their detriment because when travelling to Europe they will be wondering what is the emergency call for that country when 112 is the standard for everyone when instead other EU citizens, who are educated to use 112, coming to the UK will be able to reach the emergency services with that number.

 

[Salty John]

Interesting initiative in the USA, where calling the coastguard for a radio check is prohibited in most states, started by SeaTow - automated radio checks. You call the nominated channel for your area, ask for a radio check and your transmission is automatically played back to you so you can tell if it's loud and clear.
Apparently it's really taken off.

 

[ballyabroad]

I had all this soul searching yesterday as to whether to call Humber CG for a radio check.
New VHF/DSC but didn't want to program the MMSI for the DSC in until I knew the thing actually worked-thought it might have been an aerial issue prior to changing the head unit. No other stations anywhere near me, even checked the AIS for ships nearby. None within 12 miles!

Rattled my brain as to who else to call, even dug the local coastwatch number out of the Almanac to see if I could call them on a working channel- turns out shut down due to lease/funding issues. So CH16 and Humber CG radio check it was! They seemed quite happy for somebody to actually talk to!

 

[RAI]

They seemed quite happy for somebody to actually talk to!

That was my impression sailing around the UK in 2009. Only the Solent CG seemed to be hassled by the number of low priority calls it was getting. I never use the CG for radio checks, there is usually another yachtie who is willing to provide that service.

 

[FishyInverness]

That was my impression sailing around the UK in 2009. .

Ditto, Aberdeen always sound chipper and enthusiastic to confirm that they're hearing me fine....