2 Standard Horizon radios on same MMSI

[Marc_H]

I have 2 HX870 portable radios that I haven't programmed the MMSI numbers into yet.

I would like to be able to request via DSC the position of one radio via the other. The manual explains how to do this to other vessels but I'm sure this assumes that the other vessel has a different MMSI number than the one doing the polling.

If I program both radios with the same MMSI numbers (as I plan on doing) can I request a position from one radio using this common MMSI number?

Any insight will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Marc

[mrichmon]

No information about how Standard Horizon radios will work.

However, this thread on the SailBoatOwners forum has some relevant information about the implementation of MMSI in the USA. These posts suggest that your Standard Horizon radios will be fine programmed with the same MMSI number. The posts also indicate that if you plan to use your radios with the same boat, it is expected that you will use the same MMSI on both radios. (MMSI is intended to identify a boat, not a radio.)

https://forums.sailboatowners.com/in...number.173275/

[smac999]

I would doubt the location finding would work with same mmsi. but that is just a guess.

[SteveInMD]

I'm pretty sure you will need to register one as a mobile station and get a separate MMSI number. The other can be the same as the boat, but you won't know if you are talking to the boat or second handheld. Mine are setup with one same as the boat and one as a mobile radio and I can get the position info.

[continuouswave]

Originally Posted by Marc_H

...If I program both radios with the same MMSI numbers (as I plan on doing) can I request a position from one radio using this common MMSI number?

Since both radios have the same identity, when some other vessel request a position from your vessel with the MMSI you have entered into the two radios on your vessel, both radios will receive the message and try to respond. Typically you can choose the method of replying to be automatic or manual, If your vessel has two DSC radios, I would not set both radios to automatically reply to position poll requests.

If you poll the position of your own vessel with one of the radios on your vessel, the other radios on your vessel should reply. An MMSI identifies a vessel, not a radio.

Exactly how the particular radios you have will operate in the situation of receiving a position poll request from another radio with the same MMSI will be hard to predict. Perhaps you can call the manufacturer of the radios and ask their advice. Standard-Horizon generally has excellent customer support for their radio products.