Older DSC class radios not adequate.

[thataway]

It was brought to my attention on another forum, that Marine VHF radios sold prior to 2011, and manufactured prior to 2007, have an older protocol for DSC distress. They do not give an accurate position (only to one minute, and in some cases no position at all.)

If your radio is a class D radio, then it is fine, and will receive and send DSC distress calls properly.

If your radio is older and a DSC Format of "RTCMSC101" It should be replaced.

The radio manual in its specs will say either" DSC Format RTCMSC101" Or " DSC format Class D radio"

If you have the older radio, to be fully safe and participate in the DSC distress scheme, you should also buy a newer radio. All radios after 2011 had to be DSC class D.

For example my Standard Horizon GX 2150 description says:

ITU Class D DSC (Independent Channel 70 receiver built in)

I have an older Uniden which states

DSC Format of RTCMSC101

The second radio I am only using for monitoring of channels other than 16, and have the MMSI number only in my class D radio (and a Class D hand held). [/quote]

Remember to get full function of the VHF radio the MMSI number must be programed in.

 

[Aurelia]

Thanks for this Bob, I have swapped out radios in the last few years due to boat swaps so I am luckily all set.

Greg

 

[Peter & Judy]

Good information. I just purchased a Standard Horizon GX2200 to replace my Raymarine Ray 54, which came with the boat. What prompted this was I had planned to have my new Canadian DSC number programmed into the radio to replace the US DSC that was programmed into it. To do this I would have to ship the radio to Raymarine in the US for factory reprogramming. Raymarine informed me that the Ray 54 is no longer supported for servicing as it is an obsolete model. They might be able to service it for me to change the DSC number, but no guarantees. I debated this and then researched my options and decided on a new radio. The Standard Horizon GX2200 suited my needs with both DSC and AIS. I am considering keeping the Ray 54 as a second radio, but my wife wants me to sell it as we have handheld VHF radios onboard as well.

 

[thataway]

Peter,
Although the hand held VHF does give second radio capability, I like having a second fixed radio to monitor traffic schemes, commercial operations, (such as bridge to bridge 13 or other channels tug, fishing vessels or large ships may useI). The amount you might get for a used radio is generally very little. It is already set up, and ready to use in your boat.

 

[hardee]

Peter, Don't take out and/or sell the old Ray54. Yup, it is old but it will give you better range that a handheld and it is already there, installed and functional. You will be able to monitor 16 and still have a conversation on another channel, or listen to Vessel Traffic and 16 at the same time without missing pieces of (possibly) important info.

You are going to like the new SH 2200 for a bunch of reasons. It will give you AIS receive, and can send that to your plotter. That AIS capability will give you easy contacting AID targets via DSC MMSI function, AND it has an Auto Fog Horn and hailer capability. Also, the mike acts as a remote speaker, so you can listen to the mike by your ear if it helps make the sound clearer, (noisy cabin etc.), or volume down on the radio.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

 

[localboy]

Good info. Thanks. 8)

 

[little wing]

Thanks Bob. I needed an excuse to replace my radio.

Do you have a link to more information? I'd like to pound the final nail into my old Uniden Oceanus radio's coffin. The manual says nothing about DSC format.

Bruce