vhf radio

[SDGANDER]

There is a downloadable one on my website that you can print and alter to suit and then laminate.

SDG

[ashbypower]

Originally Posted by SDGANDER

There is a downloadable one on my website that you can print and alter to suit and then laminate.

SDG

Very usefull, however not all Radios do you press the red button once to gain access to the Distress menu, !! some you have to go into Menu select distress select nature the Press The RED distress button

[Copinsay]

Hello al_typeR

Many thanks for this - really helpful.

One thing you may be able to help with. When you send a DSC test message, does the coastguard send the acknowledgement automatically, or is it screened/reviewed etc?

I ask because I did that with out local coastguards (but phoned first to check it was OK), as I'd just installed two new units. Thus I'm curious if doing that simple but useful test at other times involves your colleagues in extra work, or not.

I have to say Shetland coastguard were very helpful when I called to test the DSC and voice... I'm surprised to find how few people seem to do a test from time to time, and just rely on the radios being fine all the time.

Agree about having a handheld with DSC too. I keep a HX581E on me for emergencies. Great to have a backup that's not dependant on the boat supply, and with built in GPS and the "red button", albeit with lower power.

Many thanks for your help

Steve

[Peter_C]

Testing the DSC function is easy without going to the Coast Guard. Just take a buddies MMSI number program it in and send a position request to them. They can then ping you back with their location. Checks everything both directions. At least it is easy with a radio that has a few features.

[Copinsay]

Originally Posted by Peter_C

Testing the DSC function is easy without going to the Coast Guard. Just take a buddies MMSI number program it in and send a position request to them. They can then ping you back with their location. Checks everything both directions. At least it is easy with a radio that has a few features.

Hi there Peter

Thanks for your contribution

A buddy's unit is a good thing to do for sure and indeed I did that between my boat unit and the handheld when setting up.

However, it doesn't give you any idea of coverage over distance to the Coastguard masts in an area of at times poor coverage, so unless someone else puts me right, it seems sensible to use the test facility as the final check.

I also like the idea as it checks that you've put the Coastguard MMSIs in correctly... And makes you do so before you need it :o)

So I'd still welcome the CG angle on the test calls.

Best wishes

Steve

[9D280]

Originally Posted by al_typeR

Addition to my above. If you look here Navigation and communication*: Publications - MCA the Third item down is the sticker. Hope that helps.

Is there a smaller version?

To put this Q in perspective, the oldschool Humber console (and Avon too, if I remember rightly) barely has space for a tacho - an A5 sticker ain't going to fit......

[SDGANDER]

Originally Posted by ashbypower

Very usefull, however not all Radios do you press the red button once to gain access to the Distress menu, !! some you have to go into Menu select distress select nature the Press The RED distress button

Hence the comment that you can ALTER TO SUIT!

SDG

[ashbypower]

Originally Posted by SDGANDER

Hence the comment that you can ALTER TO SUIT!

SDG

Thats fine IF YOU READ YOUR INPUT HERE
but NOT ON THE DOWNLOAD IS IT !!!

[SDGANDER]

Originally Posted by ashbypower

Thats fine IF YOU READ YOUR INPUT HERE
but NOT ON THE DOWNLOAD IS IT !!!

You really do have a problem with people helping others free of charge don't you?

Perhaps it's the comment on my site that I offer
(limited) free help and advice you don't like given previous posts?

I'm guessing that you have no reason to download it anyway so simply looked to see if you could something to find fault with?

SDG

[9D280]

Chldren, children......

For what it's worth the good old Icom 421 is either a case of "lift flap, press & hold" for a generic "help", or:

<menu>
(scroll down 4 options)
<ok>
<scroll to find nature of distress>
<ok>
then hit & hold red button.......

So yes, if I felt I had tome to tell the CG that I was on fire, I could, but it's not the quickest set of menu selections to get to the setting, and with all the scrolling, during a real life a situation I could see an overshoot on the scroll being a realistic possibility.


And before anyone moans at me for loosing them training business, the manual is avaialble for all to read on the Icom website....

[SPR]

Giving advice does not stop people going on training courses - it might be the thing that makes them choose you....

good videos can be found on YouTube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03DYQVUzg84&sns=em

one of many examples

S.

[Copinsay]

Originally Posted by SPR

Giving advice does not stop people going on training courses - it might be the thing that makes them choose you....

S.

Well said - certainly when I'm looking around to buy products or training, I'm always more attracted to people giving positive and supportive advice. Certainly that was the case when choosing my PB2 course the other week.

As a newbie on here, I've been generally impressed with the really helpful advice I've been given, and gladly helped others on that basis where I can.

Better to be remembered as someone who makes you feel good and help with your problems, than someone who just reinforces the problems or highlights any lack of understanding.

IMHO of course

Steve