Using DSC

[jakeroyd]

We have just installed a DSC set (Navman 7100) in our boat in preperation for the headset watch by the coastgaurd to finish in Feb 05.
Could anybody help with some questions please.
1) When turned on and on Ch16 if the plotter is off and there is no lat/long signal to the radio it emits a load 'telephone like' alert. If the plotter is on this does not happen. Is it trying to make an all ships call or something or is it requesting acknowledgement of an incoming call ?
2) We have not made any DSC calls yet , we have our MMSI set up and are ready to go. we have read the manual but are still unsure or this point. I know the DSC bit calls up the receivers MMSI , they acknowledge then the set is tuned to a suitable channel. My question is having got to this point do you then make an entirely normal call ? How do you verbally acknowledge you are making a DSC call etc.
3) Do you need an extended license etc. for DSC ? We all have our standard licenses , are these sufficient ?

Thanks and regards to all..................... Jakeroyd

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[StugeronSteve]

Hi.

When the set is on, but the gps is off, the set will inform you that its last known position is more than so many hours old (4 on my set).

Once a DSC call has been acknowledged the set retunes to the channel you have pre-set for reply (automatically 16 for distress etc.) The station that you have called will then respond by voice as a normal call.

Yes you need an additional module to your competence certificate. Your ships radio licence will also need to be updated in order to register your mmsi and safety details.

Sorry if the answer to question 2 is a bit vague, I have owned a set for two years now and never had to use the system in anger. Being sad and having no mates with dsc sets I've got nobody to practise on!

<hr width=100% size=1>Think I might draw some little rabbits on my head, from a distance they might be mistaken for hairs.

 

[whisper]

Hi and welcome,
Can't answer 1 & 2 but sure someone will do so soon.
Re. 3 - I'm afraid that you have to obtain a new licence that includes DSC. Think this can be done as a half day upgrade course/exam.

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[Soong]

Hi, lovely set the 7100 - good choice.

The telephone-like alert is to tell you to manually input your positiion, or to turn on your plotter so it can pass on your position. DSC sets need to know your position or last position.

Any probs feel free to PM me.

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[ex-Gladys]

Making a DSC call... (Used it to the CG). Go through your call set up routine, which will include a working channel selection and press send or whatever to actually initiate the call. You will get at some point soon after a DSC ACK. At that point make a normal voice call but add your MMSI. So ours was "ThamesCG, ThamesCG, Thames CG this is Amber, Amber, AMber MMSI12345678".



<hr width=100% size=1>Larry Botheras

Anderson 26 "Amber"

 

[StugeronSteve]

Thanks for that. It was my understanding that, having acknowledged the dsc, the receiving station would respond verbally. In this way the CG, or other station, can reply to a routine call at a convenient time. Of course, I wouldn't hang around for ever waiting for a response.

<hr width=100% size=1>Think I might draw some little rabbits on my head, from a distance they might be mistaken for hairs.

 

[Oldhand]

As whisper states you need to take a half day DSC course and upgrade your operator's license. The course should provide the answers to your operational questions.

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[jakeroyd]

Thanks eveybody , I think things are a little clearer now.
I too have no mates to practice on.
I guess I will have to steel myself and call Brixham CG and see if I get on OK with the impeccably professional lady that is usually on duty.

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[Cantata]

Actually the headset watch has already finished.........

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[ex-Gladys]

The point is that they have already said they are ready for your call by initiating the ACK...

<hr width=100% size=1>Larry Botheras

Anderson 26 "Amber"

 

[Mike_Martin]

Quite right and you will have been put into the Q, your wait will depend on how busy they are.

Mike

<hr width=100% size=1>Team Executive,
Maritime & Aeronautical Team, Ofcom

 

[Mike_Martin]

Half day upgrade from Restricted VHF Certificate to Short Range Certificate. For information about the Short Range Certificate (VHF only), call the Royal Yachting Association on 0845 345 0400 or visit www.rya.org.uk

Mike

<hr width=100% size=1>Team Executive,
Maritime & Aeronautical Team, Ofcom