Is there a way to test to see if a VHF radio can properly send a Digital Selective Call (DSC) if the sending radio doesn't have the "Test" function?
What type of VHF do you have? What type of VHF does your friend have? What do the manuals say for the radio?To clarify my original question: If I place a DSC to a friend would my lat/lon show up on their radio? I want to test to make sure that my GPS data is being broadcast.
Yes, I want to try a test call to see if my system is transmitting an emergency signal. I have a Standard Horizon GX1260 VHF radio. It does not have a "Test" function like the newer radios have. I don't know the age but would guess it was purchased in the early 2000's.Oh. DSC Digital Selective Calling is just that, calling to another radio.
You want to try a test call to see if the system transmitted your emergency signal?
Here are the official instructions.
https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=DSCTesting
Or he does.Sure. Find a friend on his boat with a VHF radio that has DSC feature. Using his MMSI number you call the friend. If he answers it works. If not you have an issue to solve.
From the back of the radio I have a blue and green pair of wires that lead to my chart plotter to get Lat and Long. It displays on the Standard Horizon screen when I select it from the menu. I can send it to a friend in the DSC menu.Yes, I want to try a test call to see if my system is transmitting an emergency signal. I have a Standard Horizon GX1260 VHF radio. It does not have a "Test" function like the newer radios have. I don't know the age but would guess it was purchased in the early 2000's.
Thanks for that post, jssailem. I installed a Standard Horizon GX2200 just last month and it does have the DSC Test feature, yet nowhere in their documentation was this USCG test MMSI mentioned. My concern is the same as the original poster - when I send out an actual DSC distress call will my GPS coordinates be part of what USCG receives - i.e. how to not just program that, but also how to test/validate I did it right and everything works as expected?Oh. DSC Digital Selective Calling is just that, calling to another radio.
You want to try a test call to see if the system transmitted your emergency signal?
Here are the official instructions.
https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=DSCTesting
Let me add this to your problem is..lol I too ran DSC test to get looped back ok.. However, When I really needed it... IT FAILED to send an emergency to the USCG with any information. The DSC around New England works off of towers and not satellites unless you have that system installed. I was on rocks last season and had to use my DCS button and no contact with USCG. The coast guard called my cellphone and explained they did not get me DCS signal. So I pressed it while they were on the phone with me.. NO WORKIE... Just use CH16 for help and the DCS. IMOThanks for that post, jssailem. I installed a Standard Horizon GX2200 just last month and it does have the DSC Test feature, yet nowhere in their documentation was this USCG test MMSI mentioned. My concern is the same as the original poster - when I send out an actual DSC distress call will my GPS coordinates be part of what USCG receives - i.e. how to not just program that, but also how to test/validate I did it right and everything works as expected?
Does anyone know if the USCG automated response to a DCS Test call includes any indication that they received my position info? Is the USCG response simply the "ACK" that shows up on my VHF display? Is there a way to VHF or telephone call someone in the USCG Rescue 21 System after you get an "ACK" to find out what they saw in your DSC test transmission?
Good point there... I did reach out to the local CG station.. they can't help with any testing.. You just have to rely on IT JUST WORK'S right! My new Standard Horizon radio was shipped back and all they did was send me a refurb one.. The USCG station wanted to know what happened and all Standard Horizon could say "NO PROBLEM FOUND!" would you expect any other responses! LOL, No I guess not... I now have a new one and have actually tested it out for real. ICOM you the.... Capt. RobIsn’t that the procedure. Press the DSC Panic button and call CG on channel 16. Mayday Mayday, Mayday.
When you need urgent help use all the tools in the box.
Note that the Panic call on DSC goes out to all boats with a VHF radio turned on. Some will see it as an annoyance and press the clear button. Responsible boaters will listen and respond based on Radio traffic. If everyone responds at the same time no one will be able to communicate. You got to ask yourself this question. If a company can LIE to the public about it's FULL AIS release, What makes you think their radios are fully functional?
You might reach out to your CG Auxiliary and ask them how they suggest you test your radio.
And answer yes, you would under certain conditions here. Let say your the only one on your sailboat and your chart led you around. first thing is HIT that button, then get the sails down 2nd assess your situation and take actions based on the event. the vessel was flopping port to starboard back and forth on its sides. Needed to stop flopping. moved the dingy inflatable boat to one side causing it to come to rest on the under the vessel. Next, use an adjustable boat hook under the boat toe rail to keep the boat from flopping. lol and NOW deal with why no answer from the USCG or any boats. So you see its a matter of "blind trust" that you realize its wrong and will never use it again till the USCG allows an actual test.Isn’t that the procedure. Press the DSC Panic button and call CG on channel 16. Mayday Mayday, Mayday.
When you need urgent help use all the tools in the box.
Note that the Panic call on DSC goes out to all boats with a VHF radio turned on. Some will see it as an annoyance and press the clear button. Responsible boaters will listen and respond based on Radio traffic. If everyone responds at the same time no one will be able to communicate.
You might reach out to your CG Auxiliary and ask them how they suggest you test your radio.