Contacting Coastguard by DSC?

jools · 11 December 2004, 12:56

One for Gingercoastie and John (Icom).......

I just had a go at entering the MMSI for Swansea CG on my new Raymarine 240E (Sorry John

)

It won't seem to let me enter it as it starts 00 - full list of CG MMSI's here

http://www.coastalradio.greater-pete...h.com/mmsi.htm

Now on RIB-Panther I had a nice ICOM, amd all the CG stations were pre-programed - I also remeber that when calling a CG by DSC you did not have to set the working channel as this is set by the CG.

Gingercoastie - How many people (comercial or leisure) call CG by DSC? (not many Raymarine users I suspect!)

John - is there a DSC spec that has specific bits about MMSI's starting 00? - Like they can not be user programed - or don't have to set the working channel?

Cheers
Jools

ps - I've also asked Raymarine support - I'll post what they say

gingercoastie · 11 December 2004, 15:39

jools,

I haven't come across this one before. Definatly something to raise with Raymarine.

codprawn · 11 December 2004, 15:55

It does say when setting up a group mmsi the number must be prefixed by a zero - try putting an extra zero or maybe leaving one off??? Dunno just been reading the pdf manual.

jools · 11 December 2004, 16:12

Thats the problem - The Raymarine won't let me enter one that starts 00. The first 0 is OK, but then it wants 1-9 and wont let me enter another 0

Just found this table :-

First Digit(s) Meaning

"0" The MMSI will call a group of ships
"00" The MMSI will call a group of coast stations
"1" Reserved for INMARSAT "A" satellite terminals
"2"-"7" The MMSI will call an individual vessel
"8" Reserved for groups among neighboring nations
"9" Reserved for groups within an individual nation

So the RibNet "group" MMSI 023200057 - ie starts with a single 0
Individual MMSI start with 2 + country code I think
Coat Guards start 00

codprawn · 11 December 2004, 16:43

clutching at straws but what about entering a hash # or * or similar in place of a zero?

I am one of those people who never reads a manual - just have to sit and fiddle

tim griffin · 11 December 2004, 16:47

Hi Jools quick question
do you enter the first 0 or do you move the cursor over to the next space and then enter the second 0 followed by 2320018 if not i am at a loss as you should be able to put it straight into your dirctory contact Raymarine if still no luck as could be a glitch

tim griffin · 11 December 2004, 17:02

Another question are you trying to enter Swansea CG in the group directory
or just in the main directory. It should be entered in the main directory you are only allowed to enter 1 group MMSI and they only have a single 0 .So maybe you are trying to put it in the wrong directory just a thought hope it helps

Charles · 11 December 2004, 20:15

I don't say much on this forum anymore .... but this post by Jools (whom I've met at Cardiff before) is exactly the reason I thought (then) this forum was so fantastic. This is indeed an interesting problem and by utilising this wonderful tool (Internet/Forum) hopefully Jools will get this resolved. I have asked my electronics friend - who happens to be a Raymarine Agent- this question and he will try and find the answer, which, if not already resolved, I will post here.

jools · 12 December 2004, 17:23

Still not resolved, but to answer the questions so far....

Yes - I am trying to enter it into the main "phonebook"

It allows the first 0 - I've then tried * and # - no luck it will only accept a digit 1-9

Interesting problem this - as I'm not sure how Raymarine will update the software if it is a "software" bug (Programing error)!

Cheers
Jools

Jon Brooks · 13 December 2004, 08:14

Jools,

Serves you right for buying Raymarine!!

Only joking.

You should be able to enter coast station MMSI, both for and individaul call and in your memory.
If you can't contact Raymarine and rant.
If you can't do it the radio would seem not to be up to spec.

we do enter all the coast station MMSI's in to the memory.
We flet it was a helpful thing to do.
They can be change by the end user at any time.

I found another radio last that did not allow you to select the type of distress you are in, very iffy IMHO.

Not sure I have been much help but well worth a call to Raymarine to ask how and why.

For any one looking for a new radio LIBS will be well worth a visit!!!

Regards

Mike Martin · 13 December 2004, 08:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by jools

So the RibNet "group" MMSI 023200057 - ie starts with a single 0 Individual MMSI start with 2 + country code I think
Coat Guards start 00

Oops naughty! Individual MMSI number's MID (or Administration ID) is the first 3 digits ie 232, 234, 235 etc. The leading zero is just put in front of the MID and a digit is lost off the end.

As to the problem and PROBLEM it is I would suggest that you write (email) to Raymarine rather than telephone. When you have a response copy it to me and Mr J Collins Hd of Navigation and Safety at the MCA.

Mike

Jon Brooks · 13 December 2004, 11:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Martin

As to the problem and PROBLEM it is I would suggest that you write (email) to Raymarine rather than telephone. When you have a response copy it to me and Mr J Collins Hd of Navigation and Safety at the MCA.

Mike

As always a better answer from young Mike! git!

Regards

jools · 13 December 2004, 20:13

Still waiting to hear from Raymarine - I have submitted a "customer support query" from their web site - they say they will reply in 3 days

Anyway..... I think I can be a little more specific. I think the problem is only with storing numbers in the "phone book"

It seems to let you enter 00xxxxx as a direct call - but will not let you store a 00xxxxxx number in the "phone book"

Not really usefull!!!!

Just for interest - my idea was to store Swansea CG in the phone book, and then next time I was out I was going to call them on DSC as a DSC test on my way from Portishead to Penarth

Mike Martin · 13 December 2004, 23:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by jools

Just for interest - my idea was to store Swansea CG in the phone book, and then next time I was out I was going to call them on DSC as a DSC test on my way from Portishead to Penarth

Go to the top of the class!

In the last edition of the Airwaves newsletter that was exactly how the MCA wanted people to test Class D DSC equipment, by making passage reports.
Mike

jools · 02 January 2005, 20:31

Just been checking on the progress of my "support request" with Raymarine.
Helpfully the website says that my problem is "Solved"...... they just havn't told me how yet!!!!

I have raised another "ticket" and suggested that they read this thread - hopefully they will post the solution here

Cheers
Jools

ps - see you at the boat show Jon!

Mike Martin · 04 January 2005, 13:06

Are you going to be at London Boatshow?

If yes you should visit the Raymarine stand and have a chat with some of their techies!! In fact if you can PM some details no guarantees but I'll try and get the time to have a chat with them myself.

Mike

jools · 06 February 2005, 19:10

Hi Everyone... thought I would provide an update.

I have now identified two problems on the Raymarine 240e :-

1) You cannot store a Coast Station MMSI into the "Phonebook" (these start 00)

2) If you make a DSC call manualy to a coast station (Coastguard) the following message is displayed
"SHIP-SHORE CALL NOT AVAILABLE"

This I found when tring to file a passage plan with Swansea Coastguard.

Raymarine have now realised the seriousness of these problems (after I contacted MCGA) and plan to realease a new version of software to resolve the issues within 2-3 after the radio has been tested again to gain type approval (I don't know how it got it with the current software)

Raymarine are then going to come and fit an updated radio to my vessel and check that all functions are working with my C80 - I've asked them to demonstrate the DSC location request feature that should display on the plotter.

I would assume that after this updates/swap outs would be available to other 240e owners so that they too can contact the CG via DSC!!

I'll keep you informed...

Cheers
Jools

Brian · 07 February 2005, 08:57

Well done Jools.

Amazing how it passed approvals though??

jools · 22 April 2005, 18:09

Great News!!!!!

My new Raymarine Radio has turned up (partly my fault for being away recently) and I installed and tested it last night. The software now seems to have been corrected and all DSC functions now are working

I Can now

1) Store the CG MMSI's in the "Phonebook"
2) make a ship to shore call (ie to the CG) via the phonebook or direct MMSI entery
3) Select a vessel from to the Phonebook and select "Position request"

I made a DSC call to Swansea CG last night - and it all worked well!!

To check your radio to see if you have old software Select Menu - System Information - Software

Old Version = v1.15, 12 Aug 2004
Can't make DSC Calls to shore stations, Can't store CG stations in phonebook

New Version = v1.17, 15 Feb 2005
All DSC functions now seem to function

Cheers
Jools

Jon Brooks · 24 April 2005, 06:37

Hi Jools

Am glad it is all sorted for you.

Funny thing happened the other week.
I was in a bar with a rep from Raymarine.
He stated that someone from MCA was a tad upset with me for offering the advice I did on this thread!!!

Maybe other manufactures should take Icom's lead and get their staff on here to help thier customers!!!

On wards and up wards!!

And in the words of Kevin B Wilson DILLIGAF!!

Regards