I need a new VHF, looking for advice..

[Old Salt]

Paul, Not sure thats quite right

At least the way you phrased it. I don't think owning a DSC radio is going be a "law". I think its a great idea to have DSC and I think all new versions of VHF radio's from the manufacturers have to be made with DSC, but I do not think they will be requiring YOU to have to have it by law.If they did then they'll be millions of VHF being thrown in the garbage soon.Also don't think the law is for VHF manufacturers with handhelds only fixed mounts

 

[Peter18012]

The rule now is

that, according to a change in FCC rules as of October 2003, even though not required to have a VHF, all recreational vessels which do have a non-DSC VHF aboard, MUST maintain a watch listening to ch. 9 or ch. 16 anytime the vessel is underway and the radio is not being used to communicate. If the vessel has a DSC-enabled VHF, it MUST be listening to either the DSC channel (ch 70), or to ch. 16. If you have VHF, it is now REQUIRED BY LAW that your VHF radio be listening anytime you're underway.I imagine, if your only VHF is a handheld, you'll be running thru batteries like crazy!And, if you plan to obey the law, having a DSC unit that automatically (and silently) listens to ch. 70 is the only way to go if you don't want to be forced to listen every call blabbering in on ch. 16 all day long.Don't we frequently go out sailing for enjoyment of the silence?The FCC rules are in 47 CFR 80.310, at the link below.

 

[mpaxman]

Handheld units will not have DSC

As I understand it, one of the main ideas/functions of DSC is to identify the vessel that the radio is installed on. Thus handheld radios are not suitable for DSC since they can be moved about and do not necessarily stay on one vessel.

 

[Rob]

Some handhelds have DSC

I know some hand held units are DSC capable if they are connected to a fixed-unit GPS via their craddle. Standard horizon is that I know of for sure as I almost bought one.Rob

 

[Old Salt]

Rob, You are not required to hook up to GPS

to have DSC functioning.The GPS is just added information that a DSC radio can utilize (which tells other boats your location).DSC is just the utilization of Ch 70 (digitally) to transmit important information to other DSC radios. If you sent a "mayday" out on a DSC radio and you didn't have GPS hooked up they would know its you (via your SSID) but they wouldn't know your location.

 

[Old Salt]

Standard Horizon has 2 handheld DSC VHF radios

One is the HX471S modelhttp://www.standardhorizon.com/indexVS.cfm?cmd=DisplayProducts&ProdCatID=85&encProdID=71726205E5C6EC181DE69A09BC8877EA&DivisionID=3&isArchived=0And the other is the the HX600Shttp://www.standardhorizon.com/indexVS.cfm?cmd=DisplayProducts&ProdCatID=85&encProdID=71726205E5C6EC181DE69A09BC8877EA&DivisionID=3&isArchived=0Also I incorrectly wrote SSID (Nomenclature for 802.11 WiFi Hotspots) when I meant to say MMSI. An MMSI is a nine digit number used on Marine Transceivers capable of using Digital Selective Calling (DSC). This number is registeredwith the USCG. To register for an MMSI or for more info go here http://www.boatus.com/mmsi/.This is the interesting part about the Standard Horizon VHF handheld DSC's --> NOTE: An MMSI must be programmed into the HX471S before the DSCDistress function will operate. If you have a fixed mounted DSC VHF andalready have a MMSI, this MMSI should be programmed into the HX471S.http://www.standardhorizon.com/downloadFile.cfm?FileID=1065&FileCatID=87&FileName=HX471S.pdf&FileContentType=application/pdfAs was mentioned before you don't need GPS hookup for DSC operation but it greatly helps find you (its automated) in case of triggering a "mayday"

 

[Old Salt]

Peter , that is interesting information

I never knew the new modification to the rule that essentially mandates that even recreational boaters should have their VHF on and listening to Ch 16 when not being used for conversations.http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/watch.htmFor the longest time only commercial vessels and those over 65' had to have their VHF on and monitored.The funny thing is they don't mandate recreational boaters to even have a VHF though *o

 

[Ross]

I have a VHF unit and turn it on when I need to

contact someone. During the day my boat is as primitive as a modern boat can be, I use a depth sounder while under way and sometimes I turn on the GPS. Most of the time the only way to contact me is to come within hailing distance and shout.

 

[sailaway78]

Radios

I have a fixed mount that I leave in the cockpit with me at all times when underway. I leave it on scan, and that way can monitor channels 16, 13 & 9. Also a fixed mount inside. My normal practice is to leave the squelch turned up almost all the way, so I don't hear every Joe Blow, discussing how big the fish is, or what time he will be back at the dock. Either I don't talk much, or there is some other thing going on, as mine will run like that all day on a battery charge. I do have a battery pack with rechargable Duracells,as a backup, but don't remember ever running the batteries down. The hand held is a Uniden Oceanis, and is about 4 years old.

 

[sailaway78]

Engage the brain

I guess I should have put my brain in gear, before I posted that last post. Meant to say I have a handheld I use in the cockpit, and a fixed mount inside.