Any recommendations for a low cost, mounted, basic VHF radio? The display has given out on my old radio. I am considering the Uniden Solara and would appreciate comments on this model or suggestions for others.
Dr. Jonathan Smithers 11 March 2005 17:36:21 [ permanent link ]
My marina neighbor had a Uniden (not sure of the model) and was never pleased with the sound quality. He compared it to the my Standard Eclipse and ended up replacing his.
I have always felt that Standard and Icon both made good products.
"Mark" <yesdear86@hotmail.com> wrote in message news:27729$42319809$40ebd43b$5700@ripnet.allthenewsgroups.com...> Any recommendations for a low cost, mounted, basic VHF radio? The display > has given out on my old radio. I am considering the Uniden Solara and > would appreciate comments on this model or suggestions for others.>
I use to have a radio mounted in the nav station and use a handheld in the cockpit. I now have a Standard mounted in the nav station and a RAM mic in the cockpit and am very pleased with this setup. MMC "Dr. Jonathan Smithers, MD Phd." <yahoo@yahoo.com> wrote in message news:LoydnbgcTtFSA6zfRVn-rg@comcast.com...> My marina neighbor had a Uniden (not sure of the model) and was never > pleased with the sound quality. He compared it to the my Standard Eclipse > and ended up replacing his.>
I have always felt that Standard and Icon both made good products.>
"Mark" <yesdear86@hotmail.com> wrote in message > news:27729$42319809$40ebd43b$5700@ripnet.allthenewsgroups.com...>> Any recommendations for a low cost, mounted, basic VHF radio? The >> display has given out on my old radio. I am considering the Uniden >> Solara and would appreciate comments on this model or suggestions for >> others.>>
"Dr. Jonathan Smithers, MD Phd." <yahoo@yahoo.com> wrote in message news:LoydnbgcTtFSA6zfRVn-rg@comcast.com...> My marina neighbor had a Uniden (not sure of the model) and was never > pleased with the sound quality. He compared it to the my Standard Eclipse > and ended up replacing his.>
I have always felt that Standard and Icon both made good products.>
You can always use a remote extension speaker. They are fairly cheap, directional (can be mounted anywhere) and vastly improve the sound quality.
I had a small 2 1/2" "Poly Planer" on mine and it was terrific. The speaker was waterproof and corrosion proof.
<gould0738@aol.com> wrote in message news:1110548159.718788.21030@g14g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...>I would suggest stepping up enough to get DSC.
I agree on the DSC capability. Some low to medium priced VHF units are capable of being interfaced with your fixed mount GPS. That is how I have mine set up. However, there are now VHF units that have their own GPS.
Even if you don't hook it up to your fixed mount GPS, you may want to in the future.
In my recent VHF upgrade, I went for the DSC, Hailer/with listen-back and programmable frog horn/siren.
A note of caution: when you program your vessel ID into the new VHF, read and follow the instruction carefully. In my Standard Horizon, I get only 2 tries and then it has to go back to Standard to erase the incorrect ID. This was a no cost service but require that I have West Marine return it and that took about a week.
Regarding my experience with Standard Horizon VHF. I have had 3 different models over the past 14 years. One had a bad mike cord which I paid for the repairs since it was out of warrantee, 2nd worked fine for 3 years until I upgraded to get the above mentioned features, while the 3rd (and present unit) failed last summer due to a heat related problem at the chart table. It was repaired under warrantee and would have been replaced by West Marine if that model had been current and available. Took about a week for repairs at no cost.
Also I recommend watching for mfg'ers rebates. I got a $30 rebate off the heavily discounted/sale price and ended up only paying about $180 for a $350 unit.
I now have my VHF mounted just inside the companionway and the mike is mounted to a clip within hands reach from my tiller station. I still have to leave the tiller for some features however my mike does have channel up/down, 16 and works (marginally) also as a remote speaker. I would like to add a cockpit speaker for next season.
Renewontime Dot Com 11 March 2005 19:59:59 [ permanent link ]
Mark wrote:> Any recommendations for a low cost, mounted, basic VHF radio? The display > has given out on my old radio. I am considering the Uniden Solara and would > appreciate comments on this model or suggestions for others.
Hi Mark,
DSC VHF is the way to go, and will become your only option in the not too distant future, but keep in mind you'll need to install and interface it with a GPS in order for it to work properly. You'll also have to register it so you can set up your MMSI.
If cruising and bluewater sailing aren't in your plans, maybe just a good, waterproof hand held VHF is all you'll need. Icom, Standard and Horizon are good names, but there are others equally good.
--
=-------------------------------------------------= Renewontime A FREE email reminder service for licensed mariners http://www.renewontime.com =-------------------------------------------------=
"Mark" <yesdear86@hotmail.com> wrote in news:27729$42319809$40ebd43b$5700@ripnet.allthenewsgroups.com:
Any recommendations for a low cost, mounted, basic VHF radio? The> display has given out on my old radio. I am considering the Uniden> Solara and would appreciate comments on this model or suggestions for> others. >
"Dr. Jonathan Smithers, MD Phd." <yahoo@yahoo.com> wrote in news:LoydnbgcTtFSA6zfRVn-rg@comcast.com:
My marina neighbor had a Uniden (not sure of the model) and was never > pleased with the sound quality. He compared it to the my Standard> Eclipse and ended up replacing his.>
I have always felt that Standard and Icon both made good products.>
I had a Standard Eclipse Plus destroy my battery in my jetboat. Seawater leaked in around the "sealed, waterproof" speaker...drizzle back along the main circuit board into the pins of the RF power amp brick which is ALWAYS powered up, even when the radio is off. The salt caused the brick to draw about 3A of current and killed the boat's battery REALLY dead. The radio was destroyed as the salt ate the components off the board.
In ANY of these little VHF radios, it's a good idea to disconnect the power from them any time you are not using them....breaker or disconnect switch. Their RF power amplifier ICs do NOT go through the "power switch", which only switches off the main radio. These ICs draw no idle current....unless what happened to me happens to you.
After losing two Standard Eclipse Plus radios to leakage, I got an Icom M59 for the boat and it worked fantastic for years. The guy who bought the jetboat is still using it.
Rodney Myrvaagnes 11 March 2005 22:07:20 [ permanent link ]
On Fri, 11 Mar 2005 09:13:09 -0500, "JimH" <Me@aol.com> wrote:
"Dr. Jonathan Smithers, MD Phd." <yahoo@yahoo.com> wrote in message >news:LoydnbgcTtFSA6zfRVn-rg@comcast.com...>> My marina neighbor had a Uniden (not sure of the model) and was never >> pleased with the sound quality. He compared it to the my Standard Eclipse >> and ended up replacing his.>>
I have always felt that Standard and Icon both made good products.>>
You can always use a remote extension speaker. They are fairly cheap, >directional (can be mounted anywhere) and vastly improve the sound quality.>
I had a small 2 1/2" "Poly Planer" on mine and it was terrific. The speaker >was waterproof and corrosion proof. >
Make sure you don't mount it near a compass.
Rodney Myrvaagnes J36 Gjo/a
For your upscale SUV: Dingle-balls hand knit of natural Icelandic yarn
On 11 Mar 2005 05:35:59 -0800, gould0738@aol.com wrote:
I would suggest stepping up enough to get DSC.
=============================
Is there a test process for VHF/DSC? My latest boat came with two DSC capable ICOMs but I have no idea if the feature is even hooked up, let alone working. Also, I have no idea what vessel ID is programmed, if any.
On Fri, 11 Mar 2005 12:35:27 -0500, Larry W4CSC <noone@home.com> wrote:>I had a Standard Eclipse Plus destroy my battery in my jetboat. Seawater >leaked in around the "sealed, waterproof" speaker...drizzle back along the >main circuit board into the pins of the RF power amp brick which is ALWAYS >powered up, even when the radio is off.
===========================
Larry, with all due respect, a real boat would have the radio wired through a circuit breaker and/or battery switch.
Bruce in Alaska 11 March 2005 23:03:55 [ permanent link ]
In article <ubqdneKuuuqXMazfRVn-sg@whidbeytel.com>, "Steve" <estevew@hctc.com> wrote:
I now have my VHF mounted just inside the companionway and the mike is > mounted to a clip within hands reach from my tiller station. I still have to > leave the tiller for some features however my mike does have channel > up/down, 16 and works (marginally) also as a remote speaker. I would like to > add a cockpit speaker for next season.>
Larry W4CSC wrote:> "Dr. Jonathan Smithers, MD Phd." <yahoo@yahoo.com> wrote in> news:LoydnbgcTtFSA6zfRVn-rg@comcast.com: >
My marina neighbor had a Uniden (not sure of the model) and was never >>pleased with the sound quality. He compared it to the my Standard>>Eclipse and ended up replacing his.>>
I have always felt that Standard and Icon both made good products.>>
I had a Standard Eclipse Plus destroy my battery in my jetboat. Seawater > leaked in around the "sealed, waterproof" speaker...drizzle back along the > main circuit board into the pins of the RF power amp brick which is ALWAYS > powered up, even when the radio is off. The salt caused the brick to draw > about 3A of current and killed the boat's battery REALLY dead. The radio > was destroyed as the salt ate the components off the board.
Gee whiz, I know zip about electronics, but I know enough to wire a radio through a circuit breaker of some sort and the battery through an on-off switch.
Short Wave Sportfishing 11 March 2005 23:42:06 [ permanent link ]
On Fri, 11 Mar 2005 13:56:01 -0500, Wayne.B <waynebatrecdotboats@hotmail.com> wrote:
On 11 Mar 2005 05:35:59 -0800, gould0738@aol.com wrote:>
I would suggest stepping up enough to get DSC. >
=============================>
Is there a test process for VHF/DSC? My latest boat came with two DSC>capable ICOMs but I have no idea if the feature is even hooked up, let>alone working. Also, I have no idea what vessel ID is programmed, if>any.
Most likely not. DSC hasn't been widely used until last summer.
To test it, I believe you have to go to channel 9, but don't quote me on that. There's more information here.
Short Wave Sportfishing 11 March 2005 23:43:15 [ permanent link ]
On Fri, 11 Mar 2005 13:58:58 -0500, Wayne.B <waynebatrecdotboats@hotmail.com> wrote:
On Fri, 11 Mar 2005 12:35:27 -0500, Larry W4CSC <noone@home.com>>wrote:>>I had a Standard Eclipse Plus destroy my battery in my jetboat. Seawater >>leaked in around the "sealed, waterproof" speaker...drizzle back along the >>main circuit board into the pins of the RF power amp brick which is ALWAYS >>powered up, even when the radio is off. >
===========================>
Larry, with all due respect, a real boat would have the radio wired>through a circuit breaker and/or battery switch.
"Wayne.B" <waynebatrecdotboats@hotmail.com> wrote
On 11 Mar 2005 05:35:59 -0800, gould0738@aol.com wrote:>
I would suggest stepping up enough to get DSC.>
=============================>
Is there a test process for VHF/DSC? My latest boat came with two DSC> capable ICOMs but I have no idea if the feature is even hooked up, let> alone working. Also, I have no idea what vessel ID is programmed, if> any.>
There is no license or test required to be a voluntarily-equipped DSC-GMDSS vessel, the category which most recreational boaters fall into. But you must register an MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identifier) number to YOUR vessel. The number (if any) that was in the used radio is not valid any longer.
Also, a U.S. vessel that plans to dock (or communicate) at a non-US port of call, must have a restricted radiotelephone operators license. This good for life (of the vessel you own and operate) and also does not involve any exam. The license covers vhf, hf, gmdss and radars with no description of equipments required. It will include applying for an MMSI to be used internationally.
Changing the MMSI on a radio can be done by the owner, providing you have the owner's operation manual which provides these instructions. Many radio manufacturers provide manuals online. BOAT-US has an 800 # for you to call where an experienced associate can walk you through the procedures involved. That number is: 1-800-566-1536 (working hours). Or you can simply walk-in to any BOAT-US store with your radio(s) and do the same.
Also be advised that BOAT-US provided registration of MMSI (free to all who apply) does NOT register your MMSI for international voyages. Americans must apply to the FCC for an MMSI to be used in conjunction with a restricted operators license and international travel.
I see the Standard radio is mentioned here often, so I would like to add a little plug. I got a Standard Horizon about 29 years ago when the AM radios became obsolete. Its been in constant service ever since. I do a radio check with someone in the marina a few times a year to be sure its still working OK. I have a severe hearing loss, so I only keep it for emergencies. The only service that has been perfomed was to add 2 new crystals. (Yeah, its a crystal controlled radio, only 10 channels)
Wayne.B <waynebatrecdotboats@hotmail.com> wrote in news:9gq331h74rsvvenhnvargt80t9jstm1c98@4ax.com:
Larry, with all due respect, a real boat would have the radio wired> through a circuit breaker and/or battery switch.>
Whoa! The radio WAS wired through a fuse panel! 3 amps doesn't blow a 10A fuse and the 3A gave no indication (smoke, fire, etc.) that it was happening until I turned my key to be met with total silence.
I plugged it into 12v again and measured the drain....nearly 3A dead on the nose. The salt shorting out the pins on the power amp IC had changed the bias on the IC between pins from class C (no current with no RF drive) to sort of class A (always conducting, even with the power switch off!)
It just sat there converting my 115AH deep cycle/starting battery into a hot heat sink.....dammit.
"John R. Campbell" <soup@bogus.tamponstrings.com> wrote in news:slrnd33mn4.bnu.soup@soup2nets.darktech.org:
If travelling in a group of boats, consider some> FRS radios which don't have much reach but don't> need much when travelling close enough together.> Less interference on the marine channels and the> like... but it'd be *real* nice if some of the> bridges down here were monitoring something other> than VHF ch9. (These FRS rigs are very handy at> other times, too, like w/ multiple cars, visiting> Home Depot or Lowes and the like.)>
The best feature of FRS radios is you can say whatever you like without some kilocycle cop/boater or CG guy bitching at you to get the hell off his channel....(c;
On Fri, 11 Mar 2005 08:07:23 -0500, "Mark" <yesdear86@hotmail.com> wrote:
Any recommendations for a low cost, mounted, basic VHF radio? The display >has given out on my old radio. I am considering the Uniden Solara and would >appreciate comments on this model or suggestions for others.>
On Sat, 12 Mar 2005 18:23:07 -0500, "Jack Painter" <223bthp@cox.net> wrote:
"Gary Schafer" <gaschafer@comcast.net> wrote>> Bruce is 100% correct on all he posted. Jack has a habit of becoming>> an expert every time he reads a blurb of something whether he>> understands it or not.>>
A restricted operators license has nothing to do with a vessel at all.>> It only has to do with an individual. The holder of that restricted>> license can operate a radio on any vessel that qualifies. It is a>> lifetime permit for the individual.>>
The ship license is only good for the ship and the owner it was issued>> to. It is not a lifetime license and needs to be renewed every 10>> years, unless that has recently changed.>> If the vessel is sold to a new owner the ship license becomes invalid.>> It does not stay with the vessel or the old owner.>> The new owner must obtain a new ship license if he is to operate the>> radios with a need.>>
Regards>> Gary>
Gary, perhaps you want to weigh-in on the new Restricted Operators Permit>application. It>requires a STATED vessel or aircraft name and ID. If that changes, an>amended license (but with no additional fee) must be filed, resulting in a>new license according to the instructions on the application.>
Read the heading on form 605. It is a multiple use form. It is used for several different type license.
For the restricted radiotelephone license you also need schedule E.
The only time a restricted license is tied to a ship is if you are an alien applying for a restricted operator license. It is good for only the ship you applied for and or for a specific voyage.
That is entirely different from the regular restricted radiotelephone permit, which has nothing to do with any ship, aircraft or call sign.
On Sat, 12 Mar 2005 14:14:04 -0500, "Jack Painter" <223bthp@cox.net> wrote:
The information I posted is current, accurate, and applies to the questions>posted by Wayne B.
=================================
Actually not. My question was, "How can I ensure that my DSC radio is actually hooked up and working, i.e, is the position information and identifier being sent correctly?"
The licensing information and issuance of an identifier is an entirely different topic.
Short Wave Sportfishing 14 March 2005 15:04:03 [ permanent link ]
On Mon, 14 Mar 2005 03:28:21 -0500, Wayne.B <waynebatrecdotboats@hotmail.com> wrote:
On Sat, 12 Mar 2005 14:14:04 -0500, "Jack Painter" <223bthp@cox.net>>wrote:>
The information I posted is current, accurate, and applies to the questions>>posted by Wayne B.>
=================================>
Actually not. My question was, "How can I ensure that my DSC radio is>actually hooked up and working, i.e, is the position information and>identifier being sent correctly?" >
The licensing information and issuance of an identifier is an entirely>different topic.
As I understand it, and this could be wrong, the GPS information is sent via the radio to the coast station which verifies the receipt of the information. Accuracy of the information is strictly up to the operator to verify using charts I would think.
I believe the procedure is to call USCG, ask to test, they confirm the test, you press the magic button, they confirm receipt and the data and it's over with.
I haven't heard that done and I have never received a DSC call on my radios. It's my understanding that 1st District hasn't implemented it yet, but I could be wrong.
Or perhaps a lot of people haven't hooked up their units yet - I don't know.
"Wayne.B" <waynebatrecdotboats@hotmail.com> wrote
Actually not. My question was, "How can I ensure that my DSC radio is> actually hooked up and working, i.e, is the position information and> identifier being sent correctly?">
The licensing information and issuance of an identifier is an entirely> different topic.>
You posted these questions: "Is there a test process for VHF/DSC? My latest boat came with two DSC capable ICOMs but I have no idea if the feature is even hooked up, let alone working. Also, I have no idea what vessel ID is programmed, if any." -- Testing the distress-signal feature of a vhf radio with the "Distress" button on front panel is never permitted. The radio has other dsc features which your owner's manual will describe, and vary from model to model.
You can operate your dsc-capable radio according to it's individual capabilities with other dsc-capable radios, according to their capabilities. Several different versions of dsc are on the water. All this is covered in the owner's manual. -- I did remind you that " you must register an MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identifier) number to YOUR vessel. The number (if any) that was in the used radio is not valid any longer."
and
"Changing the MMSI on a radio can be done by the owner, providing you have the owner's operation manual which provides these instructions. Many radio manufacturers provide manuals online. BOAT-US has an 800 # for you to call where an experienced associate can walk you through the procedures involved. That number is: 1-800-566-1536 (working hours). Or you can simply walk-in to any BOAT-US store with your radio(s) and do the same" --
Is this clear what your first steps should be, ie: obtaining an owner's manual, determining what your radio is capable of, then registering an MMSI via phone and programming or letting a BOAT-US associate do it for you, then hooking up your GPS according to the instruction manuals, and operating your radio in accordance with it's instruction manuals?
In article <m0jZd.63327$7z6.25479@lakeread04>, "Jack Painter" <223bthp@cox.net> wrote:
You posted these questions:> "Is there a test process for VHF/DSC? My latest boat came with two DSC> capable ICOMs but I have no idea if the feature is even hooked up, let> alone working. Also, I have no idea what vessel ID is programmed, if> any."> --> Testing the distress-signal feature of a vhf radio with the "Distress"> button on front panel is never permitted. The radio has other dsc features> which your owner's manual will describe, and vary from model to model.>
You can operate your dsc-capable radio according to it's individual> capabilities with other dsc-capable radios, according to their capabilities.> Several different versions of dsc are on the water. All this is covered in> the owner's manual.> --> I did remind you that " you must> register an MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identifier) number to YOUR vessel.> The number (if any) that was in the used radio is not valid any longer.">
"Changing the MMSI on a radio can be done by the owner, providing you have> the owner's operation manual which provides these instructions. Many radio> manufacturers provide manuals online. BOAT-US has an 800 # for you to call> where an experienced associate can walk you through the procedures involved.> That number is: 1-800-566-1536 (working hours). Or you can simply walk-in to> any BOAT-US store with your radio(s) and do the same"> -->
Is this clear what your first steps should be, ie: obtaining an owner's> manual, determining what your radio is capable of, then registering an MMSI> via phone and programming or letting a BOAT-US associate do it for you, then> hooking up your GPS according to the instruction manuals, and operating your> radio in accordance with it's instruction manuals?>
Jack
What Jack really meant is: "Read your Radio's Manual" Brevity is not Jacks strong suite, and he still doesn't 'Get" what you really wanted in your original question. Oh well, there are a lot of things that Jack doesn't "Get"........
Me one wonders if Jack actually "Gets" anything.......
Bruce in Alaska 14 March 2005 23:01:03 [ permanent link ]
In article <3fl9315jt0j19ucv3v2r60f8ohfcqiou84@4ax.com>, Gary Schafer <gaschafer@comcast.net> wrote:
Read the heading on form 605. It is a multiple use form. It is used> for several different type license.>
For the restricted radiotelephone license you also need schedule E. >
The only time a restricted license is tied to a ship is if you are an> alien applying for a restricted operator license. It is good for only> the ship you applied for and or for a specific voyage.>
That is entirely different from the regular restricted radiotelephone> permit, which has nothing to do with any ship, aircraft or call sign.>
Regards> Gary
Hi, again Gary,
I just finished a post to jackieboy, refering him to your above post, which sets out in "Small Words", the answer to his Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit question. I hope that he will be able to comprehend the answer, and let this thread die a fast death. It seems that navigating FCC Form 605 is just beyond his abilities, and from past cases it would seem that the 605 can be confusing to alot of the boating world. I appreciate you efforts to interpret form 605 to those folks.
We both made errors in interpreting the law here, as described on the FCC website and the CFR. to wit:
"Bruce Gordon" <bruceg@btpost.net> wrote > "Jack Painter" <223bthp@cox.net> wrote:>
Here you go mixing up licenses again, forgetting the title and topic of> >this newsgroup is RECREATIONAL boating. Only a Restricted Operators> >permit is required for a recreational boater who wants to visit a> >foreign port. His boat can remain "covered by the rule" which means no> >station license for VHF-only, and the ROP covers his carriage of the> >radio, whether he uses it OR NOT, in a foreign port.
(I was wrong, the Station license is indeed also required)
Jackie, you need a bit of a refresher in your International Radio Law,> son..> If a US Flagged vessel is fitted with a VHF radio, and Licensed under> the Blanket License Rule, and leaves US Waters and enters a foreign> port, it is as if he had NO Authorization for the fitted Radio. Said> radio would not be covered under International Law to transmit under any> circiumstance, baring a Distress Transmission.
(You were wrong, according to the rules, voluntary equipped or not, vessels with radios may not enter or dock foreign port w/o RO & SL.) ---------------------------
That's called being "covered by the rule" and does not permit a vessel> >to dock in a foreign port>
This has absolutly nothing to do with "dock in a foreign port" in anyway.> A US Flagged vessel may certainly "dock in a foreign port" with a fitted> VHF Radio that would be Licensed in US waters under the Blanket License> Rule, the Operator just could not legally make any Transmissions from> inside the waters of another country, or communicate with any station,> once he entered the waters of another country.
(You were wrong, the rules clearly describe "dock in foreign port" and "enter foreign port" as the requirement for a RO in addition to SL. Only "sailing in international waters and not comunicating with a foreign station" are exempt.)
You do not need a license to operate a marine VHF radio, radar, or EPIRBs aboard voluntary ships operating domestically. The terms "voluntary" and "domestic" are defined below.
WHAT IS DOMESTIC OPERATION?
Ships are considered as operating domestically when they do not travel to foreign ports or do not transmit radio communications to foreign stations. Sailing in international waters is permitted, so long as the previous conditions are met. If you travel to a foreign port (e.g., Canada, Mexico, Bahamas, British Virgin Islands) a license is required. Additionally, if you travel to a foreign port, you are required to have an operator permit as described in Section III.
DO I NEED A RESTRICTED RADIOTELEPHONE OPERATOR PERMIT?
If you plan to dock in a foreign port (e.g., Canada or the Bahamas) or if you communicate with foreign coast or ship stations, you must have a RESTRICTED RADIOTELEPHONE OPERATOR PERMIT (sometimes referred to by boaters as an "individual license") in addition to your ship radio station license. Section IV outlines the procedure for obtaining a permit. However, if (1) you merely plan to sail in domestic or international waters without docking in any foreign ports and without communicating with foreign coast stations, and (2) your radio operates only on VHF frequencies, you do not need an operator permit.
** note the multiple references to "travel to foreign port", and "dock in foreign port".
And the form-605 instructions insists that all fields under "ship" be completed, with no written exemption (or "N/A") for the vessel name/documentation if application for an RO only. While that may be allowed from your experience, the form does not leave that option to the applicant.
I would be happy to have your help when I need an FCC license.
On Mon, 14 Mar 2005 11:32:18 -0500, "Jack Painter" <223bthp@cox.net> wrote:
Is this clear what your first steps should be, ie: obtaining an owner's>manual, determining what your radio is capable of, then registering an MMSI>via phone and programming or letting a BOAT-US associate do it for you, then>hooking up your GPS according to the instruction manuals, and operating your>radio in accordance with it's instruction manuals?
===========================
It's very clear thanks, but it doesn't really address my concern.
My concern is that there doesn't seem to be anyway to test it and see if it's actually working as intended. My 40+ years of experience with things electronic has lead me to believe that nothing should be assumed to work unless it gets tested periodically.
It's very clear thanks, but it doesn't really address my concern.>>
My concern is that there doesn't seem to be anyway to test it and see>> if it's actually working as intended. My 40+ years of experience with>> things electronic has lead me to believe that nothing should be>> assumed to work unless it gets tested periodically.>>
Understandably. And aside from finding equipment such as Bruce mentioned>that could "read" the output sent to a dummy-load, there is no way to know>if your distress button will really take a valid output from your GPS, add>it to the programmed MMSI, and transmit it on Ch-70. That's the way it is,>and if you can come up with a convincing argument to change that, which>won't overload the whole system, by all means do so.
Most VHF DSC radios will show the position received from the local GPS if they have not received a DSC call, so that will check that the GPS is correctly connected to the radio.
If you have friends with a DSC radio, you can exchange routine DSC calls and position requests, which should test most functions, without needing to send an actual distress alert.
Bruce in Alaska 17 March 2005 22:59:24 [ permanent link ]
In article <B%%Zd.12414$cN6.1533@newsread1.news.pas.earthlink.net>, "Doug" <dougm@rodgersmarine.com> wrote:
"Bruce in Alaska" <bruceg@btpost.net> wrote in message> news:bruceg-188574.09344114032005@netnews.worldnet.att.net...> > In article <khia31tdbt29396q3idopk178bimmq01oc@4ax.com>,> > Wayne.B <waynebatrecdotboats@hotmail.com> wrote:> >
Actually not. My question was, "How can I ensure that my DSC radio is> > > actually hooked up and working, i.e, is the position information and> > > identifier being sent correctly?"> > >
The licensing information and issuance of an identifier is an entirely> > > different topic.> >
If you knew someone with a ROSS DSC Vhf from a few years back, it will> > display the data transmitted from a DSC Radio. This could be done with> > the test radio on a "Dummy Load" so as to not radiate a False Distress> > Signal. Or, just about any full GMDSS Suite could display the data> > transmitted.> >
Bruce in alaska> > -- > > add a <2> before @>
I spent a lot of time about a year ago calling the various technical support> people at Standard Horizon, ICOM, SEA, etc., about proper service shop> testing of DSC. What I found out was the "factory" service guys use two> radios, dummy loaded, to talk to each other, just as an on the air chat> between two DSC radios would do. The Distress function may not be done dummy> loaded only. The USCG has issued direction that a shield room or shield box> be used in addition to the dummy load for the recreational type radios.> Remember, dummy loads are not perfect and plastic box radios do radiate> also. The bottom line...there is not proper way for a recreational boat> owner to test the Distress button function, other than built in self test> non-radiating functions some radios have built in. The DSC function itself> can be tested by talking to another DSC, MMSI registered station. The GPS> location shows on the display of modern DSC radio. The GPS location received> from another vessel can be shown on a chart plotter that have the NMEA> OUTPUT from the DSC radio connected to a plotter input (only top of the line> recreational radios have that feature).> I have no actual experience with the $25K full GMDSS test sets used on the> commercial high seas equipment.> 73> Doug K7ABX>
Very good post Doug....
I would add, that part of the SOLAS Inspoection of any GMDSS Suite is the testing of the Distree Signal Transmitter RF Output Data Stream to prove that the required data is correct and encoded correctly. this happens into a Dummy Load, and NOT during Silent Periods.
