A 40 foot masttop has a LOS of 10 MILES, regardless of how low the other antenna is.
Dilemma: FCC and MMSI rules Jeopardize Safety
- Thread starter PGIJon
- Start date
Hi Billy.. it's the DSC that makes it attractive. As far as line of sight is concerned. All MOB devices that use DSC or AIS are equally limited. Only the satellite frequencies are of any use... and they are line of sight too... -Jon
Hi Jon,
At least the Sat based systems are LOS above you, completely different from radio to radio. Like I said previously I don't have a problem with handhelds, I use them myself. Its an extra bit of insurance when you need it. Just don't expect it to perform miracles as some people would suggest on this thread.
Happy Sailing!
Bill T
At least the Sat based systems are LOS above you, completely different from radio to radio. Like I said previously I don't have a problem with handhelds, I use them myself. Its an extra bit of insurance when you need it. Just don't expect it to perform miracles as some people would suggest on this thread.
Happy Sailing!
Bill T
A few years ago I thought about buying a used EPIRP that would require new batteries, re-programmed MMSI, etc. A friend who worked for decades in the marine electronics industry dissuaded me. His point was: "Look, this is a piece of life-saving equipment that you have to depend on. Get a fit-for-pupose unit with the best technology currently available; you don't want to die because of old or compromised technology". I listened. I am sure adding GPS and DSC to a handheld VHF is a good feature that may save a life, but if you are in trouble, would you rather rely on line-of-site VHF DSC technology or the right tool for the job? The right tool is a PLB that communicates directly with RCC through the COSPAS/SARSAT satellites. So, buy the handheld radio with DSC after you have a PLB and/or EPIRB. My $0.02.
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A lot of assumptions and reliance on a wonky technology (DSC). Don't assume that your MOB is conscious or in a thinking state of mind capable of executing a DSC drill. The AIS are automatic, and a PLB is global. I wear a VHF on a lanyard, but I wouldn't want it to be be my only option, just my voice communicator. FYI, I have an AIS on my helm chartplotter, but no DSC on the ship. So I would not be part of your DSC rescue mix.
ICOM instructions for retrieving MMSI:
MMSI code check The 9-digit MMSI (DSC self ID) code can be checked. q Push [DSC] to select the DSC menu. w Push[Y]/[Z] to select “MMSI” and push [DSC].
Check the 9-digit MMSI (DSC self ID) code. Push [DSC] to exit the condition.
Should be able to find for your radio. Then check FCC.
OK Dr Pedantic... ;^)
I was assuming that the other device was some distance above the water level, as it will not work under water. I didn't have to run to some online calculator to make that comment... that was talked about in the ISAF SAS class.
The point is that VHF technology (voice, DSC, AIS) better automatic but OK manual is a valid and key part of a quick rescue scenario. The Volvo guys use those rescusME AIS devices, for chrisakes.
I understand the point this conversation is addressing, however, notwithstanding all the emergency tech, it is imperative to have a handheld VHF aboard. In 2014, my daughter and I were sailing my new Hunter 33e from Annapolis to D.C. When we were dismasted due to poor assembly of the jib furler. It was a Tuesday afternoon in the widest part of the Chesapeake with no shipping or recreational boating around. All of the sudden, my main VHF radio antenna was 20 feet under water! Our DSC was not going to help. Thank God I had purchased a handheld VHS and it was fully charged. It was able to raise the nearest coast guard station with its limited range. It was a lifesaver that day. No matter the range or sea state ALWAYS have an alternative form of communication on your boat.
Fact checking is really in vogue these days. Every utterance or nuance, regardless of how mundane, is immediately pounced upon for its veracity and then telegraphed to the world to ridicule if even slightly inaccurate. The new America! In any event, I think we have the picture.
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LOL toche!Fact checking is really in vogue these days. Every utterance or nuance, regardless of how mundane, is immediately pounced on for it veracity and then telegraphed to the world to ridicule if even slightly inaccurate. The new America. In any event, I think we have the picture.
You don't need to lose your stick to have a VHF with a TX range of 12 feet, you just need a connector or wiring failure somewhere between the headset and the top of your mast. I sailed for a week one time unaware that while I was receiving radio comms, I was not sending.
Yeah, I finally figured out that the reason I wasn't getting a return on the Automatic Radio Check system was not because of some problem in the ionosphere, solar activity or some such but rather that the mast conduit had damaged my masthead wiring. In any case I sailed for 4 months with a handheld at the helm because the mast needed to come down to effect a repair.
