Chartplotter and DSC interface

[valmorel]

I have a couple of questions about interfacing my chartplotter with my DSC VHF radio.
To begin with, I have a Garmin GPSMap 2110 Chartplotter and an Icom IC-M302 VHF Radio.
I connected the 2 wires from the VHF to the chartplotter and the VHF is receiving the LAT / LON data from the chartplotter. I entered a friends MMSI number and we tested the DSC calling feature with our radios and it appeared to be working properly.
My first question is, when someone that I have programmed their MMSI number into my VHF and chartplotter sends their LAT / LON position, aren't they supposed to show up on the screen of my chartplotter? I was under the impression that it was supposed to work that way.
Well, in my case, that feature is not working on my, or my friends equipment. Can someone verify if that is supposed to happen? If so, are there settings on the chartplotter and VHF that need to be set a certain way?
Thank you for any assistance.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Chartplotter and DSC interface

I have a Garmin 4208 linked to an ICOM 504 but the opertion should be similar I would think.

The position does not show up on the main screen. You have to go to the DSC log tab to view them.

If the data isn't there check to make sure you have the radio set to send the appropriate data to the chart plotter. The setup on the radio is under DSC Menu setup/NEMA output and make sure your sending the postioning information from the radio back to the chartplotter.

 

[valmorel]

Re: Chartplotter and DSC interface

Thank you for the reply Dingbat
I played around with the settings on the VHF radio and on my Garmin 2110 Chartplotter. The chartplotter log is not showing any incoming or outgoing DSC calls.
I tried changing the NMEA In / Out settings on Port 1 and 2. The DSC function of the VHF is working, it is just that the chartplotter is not receiving the info.
Do you have any suggestions, or do you think I should call Garmin tech support?

 

[dingbat]

Re: Chartplotter and DSC interface

Do you have the nema output on the DSC menu of the radio set to "all stations"?
How do you have the connections wired?

 

[valmorel]

Re: Chartplotter and DSC interface

Looking at the IC-M302 Instruction Manual, I don't see that option for this radio.
"Under DSC Operation", the manual discusses programming the MMSI number, adding individual MMSI IS's, sending Position ID's, transmitting distress calls, transmitting DSC calls, transmitting position requests, etc.
Under the "Set Mode" programming, the manual tells how to set the scan type, scan resume timer, weather alert, dual / tri watch, DSC watch (is set to "on"), beep tone (is set to "on"), and automatic acknowledgement (is set to "on").
I believe the unit is wired correctly because the VHF is receiving the lat / lon numbers from the chartplotter.
Is there something that I am missing?

 

[dingbat]

Re: Chartplotter and DSC interface

I downloaded your manual and found that your unit doesn't have the "Position Request and Position Report" feature. This option allows you to export the data back to your chartplotter.

The feature is only available on the IC 504 or better units.

 

[valmorel]

Re: Chartplotter and DSC interface

Thank you for the help Dingbat. I was about ready to pull my hair out trying to figure out what the problem was!
Thanks again.