Another Dumb DSC VHF Question

[AD 2]

New sailor here, just picked up a DSC VHF radio, and I don't have an MMSI number as yet. The dumb question is, can I use it as a simple VHF without the MMSI, or does it need the number to be input before it will function?

Thanks

[cal40john]

It will work, at least the ones I've seen do. RTFM.

[AD 2]

Originally Posted by cal40john

It will work, at least the ones I've seen do. RTFM.

Thanks, IFW!

[mikepmtl]

It will work just fine without one.

But selective calling aside, my guess is you have a "SOS" button. Nice idea to have you MMSI number programmed in, just in case you ever need it. You also want to add a NMEA GPS feed from your plotter or gps.

That way one push of a button will send your coordinates and MMSI number so CG can get a description of the boat, phone numbers etc. while you are dealing with whatever emergency you are having.

It no a big deal to get a MMSI.

[goboatingnow]

Yes it will just fine, you may find that it gives you annoying missing GPS or MMSi alarms , beeps or messages. I like SH radios as they can turn off DSC and hence operate as normal without beeps etc. SO if you have that feature ( usually buried in some obscure menu) activate it until in the future you want to upgrade to DSC

dave

[AD 2]

Thanks Mike, I'm actually applying for the MMSI today, and will program it in as soon as it's issued. I do;t know how long it will take to come through, so that's why I was asking.

Originally Posted by mikepmtl

It will work just fine without one.

But selective calling aside, my guess is you have a "SOS" button. Nice idea to have you MMSI number programmed in, just in case you ever need it. You also want to add a NMEA GPS feed from your plotter or gps.

That way one push of a button will send your coordinates and MMSI number so CG can get a description of the boat, phone numbers etc. while you are dealing with whatever emergency you are having.

It no a big deal to get a MMSI.

[AD 2]

Cheers Dave,
The radio in question is a shiny new SH GX1700. I have skimmed the FM, and you're right, there could be just about anything buried in there.

Originally Posted by goboatingnow

Yes it will just fine, you may find that it gives you annoying missing GPS or MMSi alarms , beeps or messages. I like SH radios as they can turn off DSC and hence operate as normal without beeps etc. SO if you have that feature ( usually buried in some obscure menu) activate it until in the future you want to upgrade to DSC

dave

[mikepmtl]

Originally Posted by AD 2

Thanks Mike, I'm actually applying for the MMSI today, and will program it in as soon as it's issued. I do;t know how long it will take to come through, so that's why I was asking.

I dealt with Industry Canada and not the FCC, but they gave me mine over the phone right away and then put the docs in the mail later.

Scan the docs when you get them for safe keeping, you will need them if you ever decide to add AIS to your boat. AIS transponders need to be programmed in with you MMSI and often must be programmed before shipping.

[goboatingnow]

becuase the 1700 has a built in GPS, I dont think it can be DSC disabled!

[S/V Alchemy]

Originally Posted by AD 2

New sailor here, just picked up a DSC VHF radio, and I don't have an MMSI number as yet. The dumb question is, can I use it as a simple VHF without the MMSI, or does it need the number to be input before it will function?

Thanks

It will work just fine. Do read the manual, however; when you do get an MMSI number, you need to input it carefully as some radios, for whatever reason, only allow a couple of attempts. No clue as to why that is, but I've heard some cursing on the topic!

[AD 2]

That's good news. I'm dealing with Industry Canada too. And AIS is something we'll be looking at down the road, as we get more adventurous, so that's good to know too.

Originally Posted by mikepmtl

I dealt with Industry Canada and not the FCC, but they gave me mine over the phone right away and then put the docs in the mail later.

Scan the docs when you get them for safe keeping, you will need them if you ever decide to add AIS to your boat. AIS transponders need to be programmed in with you MMSI and often must be programmed before shipping.

[goboatingnow]

No clue as to why that is, but I've heard some cursing on the topic!

to prevent MMSI spoofing, thats why , ITU says 3 goes max, some have less.

[mikepmtl]

For my AIS I just sent them the web link to my registration and they accepted that.
(For future reference)

https://sd.ic.gc.ca/pls/engdoc_anon/...d=&ininmarsat=

[AD 2]

Thanks. I've been skimming the manual, and will go into it more when I get back down to the boat tomorrow. It's a real eye closer, though...

Whereabouts in Toronto are you? We're at MMC.

Originally Posted by S/V Alchemy

It will work just fine. Do read the manual, however; when you do get an MMSI number, you need to input it carefully as some radios, for whatever reason, only allow a couple of attempts. No clue as to why that is, but I've heard some cursing on the topic!

[S/V Alchemy]

Originally Posted by goboatingnow

to prevent MMSI spoofing, thats why , ITU says 3 goes max, some have less.

Ah, yes, thanks. Now I remember from my ROC class. I guess the key is "don't screw up on attempt 1".