Reset Garmin VHF 200i MMSI, without a €120/$140 Garmin robbery?

[earbuilder]

Bought a new used boat, Garmin VHF 200i included, MMSI from another country. My registry demands I program a new MMSI in. My local chandler can send it to Garmin to have it reprogrammed. First they quoted €45, but later found out Garmin has raised the bill to €120/$140.



I do not particularly like being robbed so I am trying myself. So far I have googled, tried to find the button presses and opened it without finding any reset button. Quite old threads on various forums claims there are no solutions but the Garmin way. There were rumours of reset-devices from ebay, but I can not find those either. There is a button combo* that takes one to a program mode for private channels and ATIS configuration, with the passcode "GARMINVHF". My suspicion is that with another passcode there is a menu to re-program MMSI and possibly other settings.



Has anyone found out how to to reset a Garmin VHF by now? Button presses, passcode or some other method?



* How to enter user-program-mode: Turn VHF off. Hold left soft-key under the display while simultaneously pressing power. Release when presented with "enter passcode"-display. Passcode "GARMINVHF"

[smac999]

garmin makes a programming box that only dealers can buy. I think it costs more $$ then a new radio does....

those passwords connect it to the programming box.

[Wotname]

AFAIK, it is by international agreement that a MMSI can't be user programmed. The MMSI resides with the vessel not the owner and should only need changing when there is a change of registry (as in the OPs situation).

Just consider the reprogramming fee as part of the cost buying/re-registing a boat; it isn't robbery!

Or buy a new radio!

[earbuilder]

Raising the price by 166% and charging somewhere between 100-200% more than other brands because you have a monopoly is against the law where I live. So technically not robbery, but similar.

But, lets stay on topic. User changing of MMSI is perfectly fine by my registrar.

Question is how?

Originally Posted by smac999

garmin makes a programming box that only dealers can buy. I think it costs more $$ then a new radio does....

Smac999, do you know which port the box attaches to? NMEA2k? 0183? Any more technical details like a spec or even schematics?

[meirriba]

Originally Posted by earbuilder

Raising the price by 166% and charging somewhere between 100-200% more than other brands because you have a monopoly is against the law where I live. So technically not robbery, but similar.

But, lets stay on topic. User changing of MMSI is perfectly fine by my registrar.

Question is how?




Smac999, do you know which port the box attaches to? NMEA2k? 0183? Any more technical details like a spec or even schematics?

All VHF radios allow MMSI to be programmed only once (I think in the past it was twice). The next change/amendment of the MMSI number needs to be done by an authorised tecnician. It is not Garmin specific issue.

[fatherchronica]

I like Garmin products and have several on Mana, bought new and installed by me. But their money grubbing control of their products after they are yours has soured me and if, God forbid, I ever outfit another boat I will not have Garmin aboard.

[SV Bacchus]

I like Garmin's stuff but I don't like their company policies..

[Handsoff]

Hello,
I had the same problem with a Standard Horizon VHF. I contacted several marine electronics dealers but nobody wanted to or could reset the MMSI. They would all happily sell me a new radio. I finally found one dealer who could do it. I had to remove the VHF though and take it to their shop. Maybe you could check several dealers to see if they someone can help.

Marshall

[Alita49DS]

The same principle applies to transmit AIS sets. Only one chance for the user to program from new.

Personally I think that is a good thing.

First, it stops some fiddlers changing the critical ID

Second, if stolen it renders the set effectively useless

That Garmin charge more than the "fell off the back of a lorry" price to reset has my vote in that it makes it nearly pointless to nick the kit. You may not like it in your situation but I do in mine as the person who forked out for the thing in the first place.

[jewt]

Check with Dockside Radio on line. I bought a 'new to me " boat and through them was able to change the vessel's name to match the MMSI number. I believe the charge was $50.00 US. They are worth talking to at least.


jewt S/V Bifrost

89 Morgan 44 CC

[smac999]

Originally Posted by earbuilder

Smac999, do you know which port the box attaches to? NMEA2k? 0183? Any more technical details like a spec or even schematics?

it goes into the mic port. and then it connects to your computer. so you also need the garmin programing software. it's basically just a USB to VHF converter box.

[Handsoff]

Originally Posted by Alita49DS

The same principle applies to transmit AIS sets. Only one chance for the user to program from new.

Personally I think that is a good thing.

First, it stops some fiddlers changing the critical ID

Second, if stolen it renders the set effectively useless

That Garmin charge more than the "fell off the back of a lorry" price to reset has my vote in that it makes it nearly pointless to nick the kit. You may not like it in your situation but I do in mine as the person who forked out for the thing in the first place.

I disagree.
Firstly, the VHF should work perfectly with or without the correct MMSI. It is not useless. You can still send a Mayday. With an incorrect MMSI the wrong emergency contacts will be used but help should come.
Secondly, there should be a better way to guarantee the ownership of the VHF. I can think of some but the idea that if you have to reset the MMSI the unit may be stolen and therefore the excessive charge to reset is wrong. Once again the innocent have to pay for the crooks.
Thirdly, there is potentially a solution. If you can find the previous owner of the VHF, they can contact the FCC or whomever, to release the MMSI. They have to logon to their account to do this. Once the MMSI is released you can claim it and then change the user information. Et puis voila, bob's your uncle. Problem solved.

[hoolie]

Won't work for the OP though as his current MMSI is the wrong country!

[Opie91]

Originally Posted by smac999

it goes into the mic port. and then it connects to your computer. so you also need the garmin programing software. it's basically just a USB to VHF converter box.

You also need an FCC license to do it legally in the US after the first initial programing.

[guyrj33]

Originally Posted by Wotname

AFAIK, it is by international agreement that a MMSI can't be user programmed. The MMSI resides with the vessel not the owner and should only need changing when there is a change of registry (as in the OPs situation).

Just consider the reprogramming fee as part of the cost buying/re-registing a boat; it isn't robbery!

Or buy a new radio!

User can enter the initial MMSI#, to change it requires a trip to the factory or dealer.
I suspect the locked down identification number is an anti-terrorism measure.