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Author Topic: Need a Radio Check or a"Live" Test of Your New DSC Function?  (Read 1281 times)

December 13, 2010, 04:05:14 PM
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Capt. Bob

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Need a Radio Check or a"Live" Test of Your New DSC Function?
« on: December 13, 2010, 04:05:14 PM »
Every good skipper knows the value of a radio check not only at the dock but also at sea.

Here's a link that can help. It's not completely nationwide yet but......
http://www.seatow.com/boating_safety/ARC.asp
Link supplied by Forum member John Jones

SeaTow not in your area????
This could work. :idea:
viewtopic.php?p=44809#p44809

Edit: 23 January 2011 for DSC Check

 This doc was also supplied by Forum member John Jones


"You can also contact the coasties and tell them you are going to test your DSC, they should allow it..."


Actually you are not supposed to do a "live" test. Causes too much confusion. When you set off the DSC it not only alerts the CG but sets off an alarm on every DSC radio in range.

Here are a couple of ways to test the DSC function.

**************************************
Rescue Radio Rolls Out
BoatUS Magazine

September 2009 Update:

DSC Radio Automatic Test Feature Debuts

Since the lifesaving capabilities of VHF-Digital Selective Calling (DSC) marine radios have become more widely known,boaters with these radios have frequently asked how to place a “test” call — without setting off a false alarm or, worse, an unnecessaryrescue response from the U.S. Coast Guard.

Now that conundrum has been solved as many of the newer DSC radios have a “Test Call” feature that can provide automatic verification that the radio’s DSC hailing and communication functionsare operating. However, for the test call function to work, you also have to be boating in an area served by Rescue 21, the Coast Guard’s improved communications system that now covers about 28,000 miles of U.S. coastline. You also must register for your own Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number and encode it into your radio (see http://www.BoatUS.com/mmsi).

By entering the nationwide Coast Guard MMSI number,003669999, into your radio’s calling memory and selecting the “Test Call” option from the radio’s list of individual DSC calls, you can then press the “Call” or “Enter” key. Your radio will silently hail the Coast Guard with a digital signal on Channel 70. If everything is working properly, your radio will almost immediately receive the Coast Guard’s acknowledgement of your call, providing assurance that both your radio and the Rescue 21 system are operating properly.

The proper operation of all DSC radios, regardless of whether they’re operated in an area covered by Rescue 21, can be verified by hailing a friend’s boat or the local TowBoatU.S. service provider in your area using their MMSI. This summer, BoatU.S. and its towers launched a service of DSC radio checks for coastal boaters from Mobile, Alabama, to Sandy Hook, New Jersey. Their fleetnumber is 0-338-04000 and any TowBoatU.S. within radio rangecan verify that your VHF-DSC signal is working. (The service will be expanded as more TowBoatU.S. operators get DSC radios.)

No matter where you boat, in an emergency your DSC mayday signal will be received by every DSC-capable radio in rangeand will sound a distinctive audio alarm, regardless of the radio’s volume control. Connecting the radio to a GPS or Loran can be critically important as everyone receiving your call for assistance will know your precise location and may be able to assist long before the Coast Guard.

“The safety and convenience provided by the combination of VHF-DSC radios and the Rescue 21 system are, in a word, ‘awesome,’” says BoatU.S. Foundation President Ruth Wood. “Now it’s up to the boating community to make the best possible use of DSC, for both routine communication and emergency alerts.”

http://www.boatus.com/gov/rescue21_update0906.asp

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Capt. Bob
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December 13, 2010, 04:15:28 PM
Reply #1

seabob4

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Re: Need a Radio Check?
« Reply #1 on: December 13, 2010, 04:15:28 PM »
Well done Bob!  I DO use Seatow for RCs, now know to do it on Ch 27...


Corner of 520 and A1A...

December 13, 2010, 04:55:47 PM
Reply #2

seagate

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Re: Need a Radio Check?
« Reply #2 on: December 13, 2010, 04:55:47 PM »
Thats very helpful and great to know.

December 13, 2010, 05:34:59 PM
Reply #3

pete

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Re: Need a Radio Check?
« Reply #3 on: December 13, 2010, 05:34:59 PM »
thanks for the info...it works! :salut:
2003  Osprey 225
Palm Bay FL

December 13, 2010, 07:46:24 PM
Reply #4

flounderpounder225

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Re: Need a Radio Check?
« Reply #4 on: December 13, 2010, 07:46:24 PM »
Well I just went out and tried it, didn't work, but I'm thinking my radio is frozen... it is cold as ell out there.  I got a reply on 16 for a quick RC, so not sure what is happening.  

As I said, one of my projects is a new VHF, I think this one is all jacked up.
Marc
Marc
1997 245 Osprey, 250 HPDI.  SOLD

December 14, 2010, 12:10:10 AM
Reply #5

Hugh

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Re: Need a Radio Check?
« Reply #5 on: December 14, 2010, 12:10:10 AM »
You may be low on antenna fluid...and and don't forget to check the dynamo relay (just below the flux capacitor) for burnt contacts :geek:

But seriously...if your VHF is really old (think non-conformal coated boards, old electrolytic capacitors that have dried out), and/or your coax connectors weren't sealed...or if you've been transmitting with a horrible SWR for years...all these things can lead to a radio that still has ears, but no voice.

December 17, 2010, 12:27:10 AM
Reply #6

wingtime

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Re: Need a Radio Check?
« Reply #6 on: December 17, 2010, 12:27:10 AM »
I just tried the ARC from inside my house on my hand held VHF.  Worked great!  Played back my radio call nice and clear along with a message.  I think this is the best radio check you can get since you hear your radio call played back so you know exactly how your radio sounds.
1998 Explorer w/ Etec 250


1987 170 w/ Evinrude 90

 


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