Proper install of DSC radios

[Akyla]

Came across this short article and had me thinking about several of the alerts I heard the CG trying to figure out this summer. They had no info on the user other than the alert being broadcast so it did not help out the boat that actually had a problem. Every newer VHF radio has the ability to be programed and interfaced with GPS for position out info for the DSC feature. If you have not properly installed your radios to use this feature, you should think about getting it right.


Coast Guard warns of problems with VHF DSC distress alerts

"However, approximately 90 percent of VHF DSC distress alerts received by the Coast Guard do not contain position information, and approximately 60 percent do not contain a registered identity. The Coast Guard cannot effectively respond to a DSC distress alert sent from such a radio.

This means that search and rescue efforts may normally be suspended when:

no communications with the distressed vessel can be established,
no further information or means of contacting the vessel can be obtained from other sources, and
no position information is known."

 

[ComputerJoe]

I thought that there was a fee to get a MSI. Being a 6 pack no FCC VHF liscense is required so it appears one can now get a MSI for free! Suprising.

Been working on a good way to wire the chart plotter, radar, depth finder, and radar together. Been looking at using berg strips or maybe RJ45 jacks. It takes more than a little head scratching to get the most out of NEMA devices. It appears that the Chart Plotter has the most NEMA buses so it will be the hub. Now to get all the listeners and talkers communicating on the proper buses. I'm uncertain if their signal grounds can be made common and save a lot of extra connections.

 

[Akyla]

You can go to the Boat US web site and get the MMSI number there for free or use the FCC site and pay the fee for a radio license if that is what you need. The FCC site works well and is easy to do your business on. They did a good job with it.

To make all the required NEMA connections I used a multi postion terminal block under the console so it is all out of the weather. You will need to look thru all of your owners manuels on the electronics you have to determine which wires need connected to what outputs to exchange the data amoung your devices. If you have newer NEMA 2000 units or they are all by the same manufactor it may be even easier to do. Joe, with your sign on name, it should not be too much trouble for you to figure out. Once you have all your electronics sharing data, you will wonder why it took you so long to do it.

 

[Dr Dive]

I've been researching Ship Station Licenses, and having a problem sorting through the double talk. It is in the context of MMSI, so there is a thread connection. The FCC info clearly states who MUST have a license, but no who CAN have one. My question: I don't technically have to have one, but would prefer to have one for future opportunities and for MMSI purposes, so I can hook up my DSC capability. Can I apply and receive a Ship Station License along with the MMSI number, or do I HAVE to have it in order to apply?
Thanks for your input.
Dr Dive

You can go to the Boat US web site and get the MMSI number there for free or use the FCC site and pay the fee for a radio license if that is what you need. The FCC site works well and is easy to do your business on. They did a good job with it.

To make all the required NEMA connections I used a multi postion terminal block under the console so it is all out of the weather. You will need to look thru all of your owners manuels on the electronics you have to determine which wires need connected to what outputs to exchange the data amoung your devices. If you have newer NEMA 2000 units or they are all by the same manufactor it may be even easier to do. Joe, with your sign on name, it should not be too much trouble for you to figure out. Once you have all your electronics sharing data, you will wonder why it took you so long to do it.

 

[Akyla]

No Doc, you can get an FCC radio license for your boat even if you are not required one by the rules. They have a catagory for voluntary license on the forms and I do remember that on their web info it is explained, you just have to look for it a bit. If you apply for the station license you can get the MMSI at the same time on the FCC site. The MMSI is easy to get for nothing just by itself through the Boat US site.

I did not have to get the full license for my boat but did so anyway as I am still looking into re-certifying it and then it would be required. If I remember it is around $35 for the permits, then you get cool call sign numbers to say on the radio too... Which I have not heard anyone use on the VHF in a long time, me included.

 

[Dr Dive]

Many Thanks Capt. Dave. I appreciate your first hand perspective. Sounds like we are in similar circumstances, preparing for future opportunities. Best of luck with your endeavors.

Capt. Jim
Dr Dive.
Dr Dive Pensacola, FL - Home of the USS Oriskany
drdive@drdive.com

No Doc, you can get an FCC radio license for your boat even if you are not required one by the rules. They have a catagory for voluntary license on the forms and I do remember that on their web info it is explained, you just have to look for it a bit. If you apply for the station license you can get the MMSI at the same time on the FCC site. The MMSI is easy to get for nothing just by itself through the Boat US site.

I did not have to get the full license for my boat but did so anyway as I am still looking into re-certifying it and then it would be required. If I remember it is around $35 for the permits, then you get cool call sign numbers to say on the radio too... Which I have not heard anyone use on the VHF in a long time, me included.

 

[ComputerJoe]

I would not have bothered about $35 the but I remember the fee being $100-$200 when I checked years ago.
now I have to slog thru another government web site. Maybe it's this new droid but a FCC search for "MSI application" did not turn up the link needed. I used to go by WAW5612 until they illiminated them, now we need to get them again...but at a cost.

Is the $35 a yearly fee?

I'm going to be using a rj45 bus for the NEMA connections. I commonalty remove my VHF and chart plotter when leaving my boat at a launch and each winter so they don't have to endure sub-zero temps...too much valuable info on that plotter. Trying to figure out where the wires go is a pita so leaving a permanent adapter cable on each device's octopus makes more sense.