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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

General Sailing Forum

DSC function on new radios

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Jack Schafer
Navigator

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USA
112 Posts

Initially Posted - 06/22/2009 : 08:35:23

I saw this question on another forum "does anyone use the DSC function on their new radio, and is it convenient?"
I have a new VHF and was wondering how and when you would use this.

Jack Schafer, previous owner of 2ndWind 250WB #106,

2nd Wind

Edited by - on

Prospector
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
3159 Posts

Response Posted - 06/22/2009 : 09:17:17

This is actually a very important topic.

Q1. Are you licensed to use your radio, and have you taken a refresher course that covers DSC capabilities? If not you should think about it.

DSC enables your radio and GPS to "talk" to each other so that if you are ever in distress, your radio can give out your exact position, vessel type, and contact info for next of kin at the push of a button. The DSC button is the equivalent of putting out a MAYDAY. You should never push it until you are actually having an emergency.

The DSC also enables other features. You can poll the position of other DSC enabled boats who have been kind enough to give you their MMSI, you can hail boats through the DSSC without anyone else knowing you are calling them, and sometimes even reset their radios so they don't have to swich channels when you hail.

Say you are in a race, and want to talk to a friend in another class without sharing info with the rest of the fleet, you can call them on DSC, move it to another channel, tell them that the RC boat is moving the finish line, and go back to 16 without anyone else knowing you have shared inside info.

Or, if you see a buddy out sailing and want to share a great anchorage without having the entire fleet know you have a secret hideaway, same deal.

In order to used DSC, you need to apply for a MMSI number, and program it into the radio. This is free (at least for now it is). You also need to hook up a GPS to your radio. with some this is easier than others.

If your radio has the capability, you have nothing to lose in hooking up the DSC.

Edited by - Prospector on 06/22/2009 09:18:14

delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 06/22/2009 : 09:41:26

A couple of clarifications:

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Are you licensed to use your radio, and have you taken a refresher course that covers DSC capabilities? If not you should think about it.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></font id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

This only applies to our friends to the north, you don't need a license to operate a VHF here in the US.

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">In order to used DSC, you need to apply for a MMSI number, and program it into the radio. This is free (at least for now it is). You also need to hook up a GPS to your radio. with some this is easier than others.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></font id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

The MMSI numbers are indeed free if you get them through BoatUS, however, if you sail in international waters like north Puget Sound between the US & Canada, you'll want to get your number through the FCC which costs roughly $200 for first time registration and then $60 a year (I think?) thereafter. That way international search and rescue will respond to any distress signal.

Edited by - on

Prospector
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
3159 Posts

Response Posted - 06/22/2009 : 10:50:50

Thanks David!

Edited by - on

Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 06/22/2009 : 12:46:41

We have our VHF and GPS connected to enable the DSC function. We don't use it to hail other boats but simply have it as an emergency system for our boat or to be able to help someone else out who is in trouble. Once the proper connection is made it is super easy from then on. Just turn on the devices and it works.

Those FCC prices are outrageous. At $200 to register and then $60/yr it would be more cost effective to get a personal EPIRB which can now be had for under $300.

Edited by - on

Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5408 Posts

Response Posted - 06/22/2009 : 21:41:35

Chris - I've got my DSC hooked up with the GPS and programmed my MMSI into the radio.

Do you have a web-link explaining the "covert signaling" feature using this technology?

I'm not sure I'll ever use the capabilities, but you never know . . .

Edited by - on

Prospector
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
3159 Posts

Response Posted - 06/23/2009 : 06:33:48

bruce what model do you have? Its all detailed in the Standard Horizon owners manual.

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Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5408 Posts

Response Posted - 06/23/2009 : 21:33:17

I have the Standard Horizon Eclipse DSC GX1000S, but I'm not sure I can put my finger on the owner's manual at the moment. But , wouldn't you know it, the website has a copy as a PDF.

Edited by - on

Prospector
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
3159 Posts

Response Posted - 06/24/2009 : 06:59:12

Let me know if you can't find it in the manuals. I think I actually have it in the trunk of my car right now...

Edited by - on

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.