What the h@ll causes this?

[Tally Ho]

My DSC, AIS, VHF radio (IComm I believe), starts making this strange noise all by itself. . If I key the mike it stops, or I can turn it off and turn it on and it stops.

Anyone know what causes it or what it means? Ruins the peace and quiet when it goes off.

Greg

 

[Gene S]

I think I had that happen once. Might be some kind of emergency alert. I forgot what I did. Maybe turn it off and on.

 

[justsomeguy]

Have you read the manual(s)?

 

[Tally Ho]

Happens every time I am on the boat. Sometimes more than once.

Very annoying, but if it is some sort of alert or signal, I guess I would like to know what it means.

Thanks,

Greg

 

[Tally Ho]

Have you read the manual(s)?

Nope. Did not get one from the PO.

Greg

 

[justsomeguy]

Nope. Did not get one from the PO.

Greg

Should be available online, I would think.

 

[Tally Ho]

Should be available online, I would think.

Thanks....that is helpful

 

[justsomeguy]

Have you checked online, at all, besides here? Do you know your model number, besides "IComm, I believe"?

 

[Hello Below]

My DSC, AIS, VHF radio (IComm I believe),

The video you posted does not show an ICOM VHF radio but rather a Lowrance Link 8. If this is your radio then here is a link to the manual:

https://www.lowrance.com/Root/Lowrance-Documents/US/Link-8_OM_EN_988-10254-001_w.pdf

 

[justsomeguy]

Give a man a fish...

 

[Alan Johnson]

I have a Standard Horizon 2150 and I get a beep to remind me that my GPS is off and it is not getting a position update. Update time is adjustable, see manual. Standard Horizon has told me that it is a LEGAL requirement and cannot be turned off. I also silence it by hitting up channel on the mike.

Alan Johnson C400

 

[woodster]

hummmm.....maybe George Lucas will know.......R2D2 maybe......that is weird

 

[Tally Ho]

The video you posted does not show an ICOM VHF radio but rather a Lowrance Link 8. If this is your radio then here is a link to the manual:

https://www.lowrance.com/Root/Lowrance-Documents/US/Link-8_OM_EN_988-10254-001_w.pdf

Thanks Hello....read through it, and see a few references to alarms and alerts, but still not sure what the sound is....an alarm, an alert of some kind? I will try to see the screen on the device when it happens next time and see if there are any clues.

I will add the manual to the list I am building for the boat.

Greg

 

[Skipper]

There's a text warning on the display. It wants position data. Your GPS is either off or not connected to the radio.
AIS only works if it knows its position.

 

[Chris & Lenore]

As someone mentioned earlier it's the alarm indicating lack of position data. Legal requirement - can't be turned off.

 

[marke14]

 

[Joe]

Yes.... Skipper is correct. The screen message is asking for GPS position info... if your device is connected to a network for the data, make sure the network has power. Go into the menu and select the gps source... most likely the gps/chartplotter. Neither the AIS function nor the DSC feature will work without GPS position data.

These types of VHF radios have many many features.. I have the Simrad version of your Lowrance Link 8. Needless to say, it behooves you to study the manual and experiment with the settings. In particular, the DSC (digital selective calling) has a bit of a learning curve in order to enjoy its benefits.
It is unusual for a boat owner not to have a "boat book" which includes all equipment manuals and maintenance records. Perhaps you just haven't stumbled across it yet... good luck on building a new one.... Take advantage fo Google Search whenever possible to find technical data.

 

[Benny17441]

"Legal Requirement" sounds like the NSA is not content with tracking your cell phone but now also wants to know where to find your boat if they needed to.

 

[agprice22]

I have a Standard Horizon 2150 and I get a beep to remind me that my GPS is off and it is not getting a position update. Update time is adjustable, see manual. Standard Horizon has told me that it is a LEGAL requirement and cannot be turned off. I also silence it by hitting up channel on the mike.

Alan Johnson C400

That seems sensible... The radio in question has "Please enter position" on the screen as the alert is sounding.

 

[YVRguy]

Further to Joe's point, your radio isn't getting the GPS info that it needs to operate AIS or DSC functions. Both of these things require a GPS fix to transmit the location of your boat to other boats (AIS) and/or potential rescuers (DSC). Either the built-in GPS isn't working or it has lost its connection to your chart plotter.