Ladies and Gents, I bought a Unidon Oceanus VHF DSC radio, and I'd like to get some thoughts on what GPS options are available to me. I already have a Garmin handheld GPS, but what I am looking for is a dedicated GPS for the radio, that is one that's just a GPS and antenna all in one, that I can mount on top of the coach roof, or on a spreader but will also connect with the accessory port on the Unidon Oceanus VHF DSC.
connecting GPS to Unidon Oceanus VHF DSC
- Thread starter dwayne13628
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I think you mean Uniden right?
Most new GPS units have the DSC function already installed (not sure about on handhelds). The instruction manuals that come with the unit have fairly lengthy instructions on the set up and use of the system. Don't forget you have to apply for a MMSI (identity) before you can use the system. You apply to Industry Canada for license etc. Here is a great site to check out GPS information.
Most new GPS units have the DSC function already installed (not sure about on handhelds). The instruction manuals that come with the unit have fairly lengthy instructions on the set up and use of the system. Don't forget you have to apply for a MMSI (identity) before you can use the system. You apply to Industry Canada for license etc. Here is a great site to check out GPS information.
NMEA IN and OUT
Dwayne, all you need is a GPS with a NMEA OUT so you can connect it to your NMEA IN at your VHF. We have a Uniden UM525 with DSC (Digital Selective Calling)and we connected it to our Garmin's NMEA OUT, one wire for positive and the other for negative (ground). These connect to the corresponding (NMEA IN) pos. and neg. on your Uniden VHF. Once connected the GPS will send date, heading,speed lat.and lon., to your VHF to be used in case of an emergency DISTRESS. If you want to communicate with other boats, etc . for direct conversation then you should assign your own MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Indentity), you can do this right on your Uniden VHF. If you make this number available to your friends,etc. and they give you their MMSI, then you can contact each other's boat directly. In the attached photo you should be able to see the date, heading, speed, lat., lon. on the screen. This is obtained from the Garmin GPS. Hope this helps Rich
Dwayne, all you need is a GPS with a NMEA OUT so you can connect it to your NMEA IN at your VHF. We have a Uniden UM525 with DSC (Digital Selective Calling)and we connected it to our Garmin's NMEA OUT, one wire for positive and the other for negative (ground). These connect to the corresponding (NMEA IN) pos. and neg. on your Uniden VHF. Once connected the GPS will send date, heading,speed lat.and lon., to your VHF to be used in case of an emergency DISTRESS. If you want to communicate with other boats, etc . for direct conversation then you should assign your own MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Indentity), you can do this right on your Uniden VHF. If you make this number available to your friends,etc. and they give you their MMSI, then you can contact each other's boat directly. In the attached photo you should be able to see the date, heading, speed, lat., lon. on the screen. This is obtained from the Garmin GPS. Hope this helps Rich
Not in Canada eh?
Nice set-up Rich. In Canada, anyone who operates a VHF radio on a vessel must hold a valid Restricted Operator's Certificate. That means anyone using the radio, not just the vessel owner. The study documents and testing is available from the Canadian Power Squadron (www.cps-ecp.ca/english/VHF). You cannot assign your own MMSI in Canada - you must contact Industry Canada and fill out an application for the permit. Pretty serious stuff, and it is all closely monitored.
Nice set-up Rich. In Canada, anyone who operates a VHF radio on a vessel must hold a valid Restricted Operator's Certificate. That means anyone using the radio, not just the vessel owner. The study documents and testing is available from the Canadian Power Squadron (www.cps-ecp.ca/english/VHF). You cannot assign your own MMSI in Canada - you must contact Industry Canada and fill out an application for the permit. Pretty serious stuff, and it is all closely monitored.
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