Looking to purchase a VHF marine radio

[CraigBarnard]

Looking to purchase a VHF marine radio.

I have seen many decently priced older used radios but they dont have that new "Distress Button" function.
My understanding is that soon the monitoring of channel 16 is no longer go to be in effect.
Is buying an older radio that does not have the "Distress Button" a mistake or will an older one be a reasonable purchase?

Thanks

 

[Georgesalmon]

Re: Looking to purchase a VHF marine radio

I don't even know what a "distress" button is. Both of my radios don't have it and apparently I never needed it.

 

[r.j.dawg]

Re: Looking to purchase a VHF marine radio

The distress button, or "DSC" equipped radios are becoming the norm now. But for the DSC function to operate properly it must be connected to a GPS so that your position coordinates can be transmitted. Here is a little info on DSC. http://www.boatingsafety.com/vhf3.htm

 

[Ernest T]

Re: Looking to purchase a VHF marine radio

Some of the newer fixed mount models actually have the GPS built in to the radio if you don't have a separate system to tie into and you want the DSC feature. Built in GPS with the DSC feature is also available on a number of handheld models: http://www.standardhorizon.com/inde...5A9C52CA71AA33BA6F5&DivisionID=3&isArchived=0..............not that expensive either.

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Looking to purchase a VHF marine radio

Looking to purchase a VHF marine radio.

I have seen many decently priced older used radios but they dont have that new "Distress Button" function.
My understanding is that soon the monitoring of channel 16 is no longer go to be in effect.[/B]
Is buying an older radio that does not have the "Distress Button" a mistake or will an older one be a reasonable purchase?

Thanks

Where did you get this info?

 

[r.j.dawg]

Re: Looking to purchase a VHF marine radio

Some of the newer fixed mount models actually have the GPS built in to the radio if you don't have a separate system to tie into and you want the DSC feature. Built in GPS with the DSC feature is also available on a number of handheld models: http://www.standardhorizon.com/inde...5A9C52CA71AA33BA6F5&DivisionID=3&isArchived=0..............not that expensive either.

Thanks for that Ernest. I have been looking for a new radio and saw this one but didn't really read the specs. I always thought you still needed a separate GPS but I see the hassle of wiring isn't needed with this unit. I should pay more attention.:facepalm:

Where did you get this info?

It could be just a misunderstanding as was stated in the article I linked to. "The downside is that, in the future, DSC equipped vessels will not be required to monitor channel 16. Therefore, that big commercial ship passing nearby may not be able to hear your oral MAYDAY call."
Channel 16 will always be the distress channel but with more vessels being equipped with DSC sets it may not be as widely monitored as it is now.
However, as I read more about DSC I have learned that the dedicated DSC channel is 70. So does that mean that if a distress call is sent out through DSC, none DSC radios won't receive it?

 

[NYBo]

Re: Looking to purchase a VHF marine radio

However, as I read more about DSC I have learned that the dedicated DSC channel is 70. So does that mean that if a distress call is sent out through DSC, none DSC radios won't receive it?

That is correct.

 

[r.j.dawg]

Re: Looking to purchase a VHF marine radio

That is correct.

Well then I don't get it. Is there a point to this transition??

 

[Boatist]

Re: Looking to purchase a VHF marine radio

The point is when you send a DSC Mayday call it goes out in about 1/3 of a Second.
If the Coast Guard recieves it they have a discription of your boat and your exact Position.
The Coast Guard will call you back on channel 16 and find out how many on board and more details.
If Coast Guard or another land based station does not recieve your call the radio will continue
to send out the call until a land based station responds.
Also other boats will relay your call if no land based station responds.
Every DSC equiped boat in range of your boat will also get your position.
Most DSC radios you can also include the nature of your distress.

So it much faster getting your information to the Coast Guard or another boat in your area.

To me Radio and DSC is the most important safety iteam on my boat.
As important as a fire extinguser to me.

It can also be used to fine where your buddy is fishing. So when he calls you and tells you
fishing is red hot where he is he does not have to tell you where he is at on the radio and have the
entire fleet show up if he also has DSC.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Looking to purchase a VHF marine radio

A DSC distress call can also be made without a GPS attached. As long as the radio has a properly registered MMSI, all the info about the boat will be transmitted, except for position. But having a hookup to a GPS (or an internal GPS) is the way to go, IMO.

 

[sschefer]

Re: Looking to purchase a VHF marine radio

I have the Lowrance LVR880. I like it because it is expandable depending how much money you want to spend. This unit has the NEMA 2000 network interface, DSC and can be setup with buddy lists so if you're out fishing and you need to find someone in your group you can. They also need to have DSC equipped radios or that doesn't work. Mine also interfaces with my HDS-8 head unit. I could be wrong but I think all the VHF radios being made now must have DSC. As a side bonus it can also serve as an FM Radio and loud hailer with an assortment of navigation signals. I've used the fog horn function several times. If you buy a radio with DSC it should include the instructions for getting your MMSI number.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Looking to purchase a VHF marine radio

I could be wrong but I think all the VHF radios being made now must have DSC.

Not only must they have DSC, they must have Class D DSC, which means they have a dedicated receiver for channel 70. This went into effect in March 2011.

To obtain a free MMSI: MMSI registration