Second-hand VHF with DSC - Do I need an MMSI reset??

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orbitals

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I'm embarrassed to say the VHF course I did a few months ago has escaped my mind! :confused:

I've recently bought a second hand VHF with DSC. I'm guessing that i'll need to get a new MMSI assigned and registered to my vessel? Has any other forum member had to do this? Or am I missing something obvious?
 
Before you do anything have you checked to see if a MMSI number has been stored in your VHF. In not then you will only have to enter the new number you will get when registering on line. However if a MMSI number has already been input into the VHF you may have to send the handset back to the manufacturer for a factory reset - This is also dependent on the make model number etc of your vhf - Trust this helps
 
Simply go to the Direct Gov website and then onto the Offcom part of the site.

Applying on line for an MMSi and callsign is straightforward and free. The licence is valid as long as you own the set and boat, you simply print off the licicne they issue.

However, you will then need to programme the number into the VHF set.

My last boat came with a Simrad DSC set, and I had to send it off to be re-programmed. Most OEs charge nearly as much as a new set. But PRS Comms (google or find them on Ebay) did it for about £30. They also found the set was tuned for German Canal frequencies and they contacted me to see if I wanted it changed to international frequencies, which they did for me at no extra charge. They also properly test the set.
 
orbitals said:
I'm embarrassed to say the VHF course I did a few months ago has escaped my mind! :confused:

I've recently bought a second hand VHF with DSC. I'm guessing that i'll need to get a new MMSI assigned and registered to my vessel? Has any other forum member had to do this? Or am I missing something obvious?
Click to expand...

if I remember correctly the MMSI stays with the vessel (I did have to get a new one for mine though because I didn't know it and the powers that be had lost the original), you program your MMSI into the radio (if it says its full they tell you to send it off to do a factory reset but just google your radio make and you will find out how to do it for free (did both mine in a couple of minutes)
hope this helps
Nick Heath
 
Thanks for the help!

Thanks both!

They didn't explain this at the VHF course... You'd think that would be an important part?

Anyway, i've registered with ofcom and have my new MMSI issued. Great stuff! Now I just need to understand how to program my vhf. Has anyone done this to an Icom fixed unit before?

If anyone else is interested the ofcom link needed, is below:
http://licensing.ofcom.org.uk/radiocommunication-licences/ships-radio/faq/759544

It's really simple to do...
 
orbitals said:
I'm embarrassed to say the VHF course I did a few months ago has escaped my mind! :confused:

I've recently bought a second hand VHF with DSC. I'm guessing that i'll need to get a new MMSI assigned and registered to my vessel? Has any other forum member had to do this? Or am I missing something obvious?
Click to expand...

If you dont already have a DSC radio on your Ship's licence then go to the ofcom site https://services.ofcom.org.uk/ log on and click on "amend licence details"

Delete your old non-DSC radio and add a DSC radio
Ensure all the mandatory fields are completed as you go through it.

Save the new details then "View and print" the new licence ... it should now have an MMSI number.

As said you now have to program the number into the radio. If you can find out how to do it all well and good but you may have to return it to an authorised service centre.
 
DSC VHF's can only have the MMSI put in once by the operator. If you have bought a second hand set (as I did a few weeks back), firstly check it actually has been set by the previous owner (mine had never been programmed). If it has been previously programmed, you will need to return the VHF to the manufacturer to have the memory wiped so you can re-programme it.

I had this done on a previous second hand set I had, and it cost about £30 from memory.

You could also try Yachbits, as I know they can enable ATIS on VHF sets, so they may also be able to wipe the MMSI.
 
neale said:
Some radios can be re-set by the user. They are few and far between but worth mentioning what make and model you have got.
Click to expand...

I think my Icom allows me to change the number once.

Of course that may not help the OP as the 'once' may have already been used.
 
ICOM reset

Just type in ICOM RESET in google and you will find several pages on how to do the factory reset on loads of radios, just look up your model number.
Did both my Radios in no time :eek:
hope this helps
Nick Heath
there is a way round everything, some things just take longer to fathom out
 
mbird said:
DSC VHF's can only have the MMSI put in once by the operator. If you have bought a second hand set (as I did a few weeks back), firstly check it actually has been set by the previous owner (mine had never been programmed). If it has been previously programmed, you will need to return the VHF to the manufacturer to have the memory wiped so you can re-programme it.

I had this done on a previous second hand set I had, and it cost about £30 from memory.

You could also try Yachbits, as I know they can enable ATIS on VHF sets, so they may also be able to wipe the MMSI.
Click to expand...


I haven't gotten around to installing mine yet but I'm assured by the previous owner that the MMSI has been deleted!!? Interesting. I shall let you know how I get on!
 
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