Electronics...

[Joey]

I have been looking around, reading, watching videos, etc.

I think I have settled on a Lowrance Elite 5 DSI Gold Chartplotter/Fishfinder combo and connecting it to my DSC VHF Radio.

Anyone have anything I should know about this?

Joe

[wingtime]

Does the Elite 5 have NMMA 0183 networking?

Edit:  I just looked it up.  Yes it does have 0183.   That should be a sweet set up.  I have my Standard Horizon DSC connected up to my Lowrance HDS-7.  I love it.  The SH model radio I have has a large screen and it always shows my Lat-Lon right on the display.  So anyone on my boat making an emergency radio call doesn't have to try and find our position on the chart plotter.

[seabob4]

The PRIMARY reason for the DSC interface is that, in a TRUE emergency when time is of the ABSOLUTE essence, a simple push of the red button not only initiates the distress call to the Coasties, but also displays your coordinates on THEIR equipment.  Don't have to tell them a thing!

Now if the manufacturers of the equipment could just get their chit together and standardize the wiring between all makes, I'd be a happy boy!

Keep in mind, you HAVE to register your MMSI number (assign it to the vessel) for the DSC function to work.  The VHF manual tells you how to do this...

[Joey]

I didn't know about the registration part.  See, I learned something new.  Great stuff here.

Joe

[pzart]

I didn't know about the registration part.  See, I learned something new.  Great stuff here.

Joe

If your a Boat US member you can do it from there website, then you can download Boat Beacon (not associated with Boat US) to your phone and transmit your position and info when your on the boat.....cheaper than a MMSI transmitter for us recreational pirates :pirat: and the little woman always knows where I'm at  

[wingtime]

Mmsi registration is free through boat US even for nonmembers.

A MMSI number is like a telephone number that can be used for much more than just rescue. You can hail a buddy privately just by entering his number. Most new vhf radios have a memory for favorite MMSI numbers.  Also with some chartplotters you can track a buddies location. Etc.

That boat beacon is cool but it won't do you much help 30 miles offshore when your taking on water!  

I was out on the boat on mothers day when I overheard a mayday call to the coast guard from a boat that reported he was taking on water. When he was trying to relay his position his signal kept giving out. After several tries the coast guard was unable to get his full lat lon. This resulted in the CG issuing a pan-pan call to be on the lookout for this guy. If he had a dsc radio all he had to do was push a button for one second. This would notify not only the coast guard but ALL DSC equipped boats nearby. This boat had several people including children on board. Luckily he was assisted by other boaters and he made it in safe. Overhearing that made me feel much better I went ahead and upgraded to a DSC radio.

[pzart]

the only thing I havn't bought yet is the new style VHF radio with all the bells and whistles. I have been waiting for the prices to go down.....which I see is already starting to happen. I want to get one of those that has DSC (which I think is mandatory on new units now) hailer with fog horn and a MMSI screen.

The Boat Beacon is a  8) toy to play with, you can set up groups (like fellow AS owners) and know when they are in the area....or turn it off and on as you desire.

30 miles....don't go that far out very often, but when I have nothing worked ... but my gps, horn, flag and flare gun

[icemanbryan]

The PRIMARY reason for the DSC interface is that, in a TRUE emergency when time is of the ABSOLUTE essence, a simple push of the red button not only initiates the distress call to the Coasties, but also displays your coordinates on THEIR equipment.  Don't have to tell them a thing!

Now if the manufacturers of the equipment could just get their chit together and standardize the wiring between all makes, I'd be a happy boy!

Keep in mind, you HAVE to register your MMSI number (assign it to the vessel) for the DSC function to work.  The VHF manual tells you how to do this...

Yes, we did that with my Furuno radio.
It is an awesome feature.

[wingtime]

This is the model Standard Horizon I went with:  http://www.thegpsstore.com/Standard-Horizon-Matrix-GX2000-VHF-Radio-P2281.aspx