Howdy,
Have just installed the Standard Horizon GX2150.
Question: If you have registered your MMSI #, a DSC call will include transmitting your MMSI to the recipient. However, if it is only a standard VHF transmission from a registered DSC radio, does it still transmit your MMSI #?
Next, the DSC Distress function with GPS interface is fabulous for safety, especially considering the confusion and stress that can occur during an emergency. Next question: What happens if you use the Distress button and you have not registered your MMSI #? Can it still transmit your position and other GPS data?
Last: Other than the aforementioned safety usage, I view the DSC function as somewhat useless. I mean, who are you going to call? How do you get their MMSI#? Of course, there are people who like the gadgetry (including me) and invent neat things to do to play with their sailing mates, but in the real world is it genuinely usefull? I mean, If I could choose the option of transmitting my position, SOG, COG, boat name, etc, to other DSC radios automatically, without the need for their MMSI#, then that would be a fabulous safety usage during limited visibility situations, especially since so many boats don't have radar, yet DSC radios are plentyfull. When connected to a chart plotter, or even a rudamntary dot matrix on the radio itself, you could then see drastically more boats on the water than with only AIS.
Speaking of AIS, my radio has the rcvr built in, and I can see AIS boats on the chartplotter. If I were worried about proximity, I could then DSC call an AIS ship (as the ship's MMSI # is transmitted via AIS), which would then ring an alarm on their bridge, and instantly give them my position, SOG, COG, boat name, etc. It simultaneously gives me the ability to avoid them, and allow them to know I'm there, even if their radar can't see my fiberglass boat or that might be below their radar. I only wish I could do this type of transmission without the need for the AIS data, as mentioned previously.
Have just installed the Standard Horizon GX2150.
Question: If you have registered your MMSI #, a DSC call will include transmitting your MMSI to the recipient. However, if it is only a standard VHF transmission from a registered DSC radio, does it still transmit your MMSI #?
Next, the DSC Distress function with GPS interface is fabulous for safety, especially considering the confusion and stress that can occur during an emergency. Next question: What happens if you use the Distress button and you have not registered your MMSI #? Can it still transmit your position and other GPS data?
Last: Other than the aforementioned safety usage, I view the DSC function as somewhat useless. I mean, who are you going to call? How do you get their MMSI#? Of course, there are people who like the gadgetry (including me) and invent neat things to do to play with their sailing mates, but in the real world is it genuinely usefull? I mean, If I could choose the option of transmitting my position, SOG, COG, boat name, etc, to other DSC radios automatically, without the need for their MMSI#, then that would be a fabulous safety usage during limited visibility situations, especially since so many boats don't have radar, yet DSC radios are plentyfull. When connected to a chart plotter, or even a rudamntary dot matrix on the radio itself, you could then see drastically more boats on the water than with only AIS.
Speaking of AIS, my radio has the rcvr built in, and I can see AIS boats on the chartplotter. If I were worried about proximity, I could then DSC call an AIS ship (as the ship's MMSI # is transmitted via AIS), which would then ring an alarm on their bridge, and instantly give them my position, SOG, COG, boat name, etc. It simultaneously gives me the ability to avoid them, and allow them to know I'm there, even if their radar can't see my fiberglass boat or that might be below their radar. I only wish I could do this type of transmission without the need for the AIS data, as mentioned previously.