VHF + DSC

[geronimo]

I understand that for a VHF radio to have DSC capability it has to be connected to GPS.

That connection seems to me to be a great weakness in case that GPS does not work any more in an emergency in which you are trying to use your VHF.

GPS receivers are small and cheap nowadays. Why are they not built in the VHF DSC radios

 

[MarkGrubb]

I don't think your definition is completely accurate.

A feature of a DSC VHF radio is that it will transmit information from your GPS, if the two are connected. It still has DCS capability even if your GPS is not connected, and will still work as a DCS radio.

However, your absoloutely right. One of the best features of a DCS VHF is its ability to transmit GPS information, especially if there is an emergency, so why don't they start putting GPS in VHF radios, or building combined VHF/GPS/Chart Plotter units.

 

[geronimo]

Thank you for the clarification. You have described it better.

 

[gardenshed]

Even if disconnected, the DSC radio will transmit the last known GPS position. On many sets, the position will flash if the GPS input has stopped to alert you that it isn't working. You can manually input your last known position (or current position).
Saves everyone a lot of hassle in the pressure of an emergency is the DSC set is used (currectly). If the GPS is connected & working, it also allows unskilled users to get assistance and accurately indicate the position of the vessel just by pressing and holding down the red button.
Unskilled users/non certificated users: If you are in a real emergency, breaking a few bureaucratic rules is the least of your worries and the coastguard won't mind either.
why aren't GPS's fitted as standard to VHF sets? Surely only a matter of time. It seems very logical especially for a RIB or other open craft or for handhelds ('specially in a liferaft)

 

[pvb]

Perhaps the ultimate solution...

Perhaps the ultimate solution would be the combined GPS/VHF/Chartplotter - take a look here at Standard Horizon's CPV350, with a brilliant 800x480 pixel screen, and fully waterproof. Is this the face of the future?

It's about $900 in the US. Say £475. Here in the UK we can't even get a plotter on its own with that sort of screen definition for that money! So can we buy the CPV350 here? No, it's not legal for us to own it.

 

[wooslehunter]

Re: Perhaps the ultimate solution...

Don't be confused here.

DSC = Digital Selective Calling.

In other words, if you have the number of the station you wish to call, you can call it digitally. You can receive safety and distress messages and get an alarm when they are received. etc etc.

Hence the radio doesn't have to be connected to a GPS to have DSC capability. On the other hand, if you want it to transmit position when asked, it helps to be connected. It's not necessarily required though. You can also enter the popsition manually although this would take quite a bit of time.

The idea is that once you send a digital distress call, you follow it up with a voice call as well. Of course, if time is critical, then it helps that the digital call contains the correct position info as well.

 

[Swagman]

Re: Perhaps the ultimate solution...

You could of course update the handheld position manually each hour when you update your log book. If you ever sent a DSC alert you may then be 3 miles out - but close enough to get the required assistance.
JOHN