VHF and DCS

[Nemo]

Hi Folks

Ive just been given a DCS equipped VHF Now i need to do the training course(Yes your right i have not had a radio before). The question is where in the Portsmouth can it be done?

Thanks

Graham.

[Louise]

Lucky you! Take your pick from these!

HTH

[Bollyfish]

Have 'they' invented handheld DSC radios yet? We don't want a permanent unit, so that when we upgrade to our much more expensive and faster RIB (chance would be a fine thing) we can take it with us without too much bother.

If they already have, I'm thinking....Happy Christmas Izzyfish!!!!

[Louise]

I think I remember reading somewhere that they are available but you can only make distress calls with the DSC function??? I'll see if I can find where I read it! Superradioman (Jon Brooks) will be able to give the definitive answer!

Edit: this is where I read it: http://www.yachtcom.co.uk/comms/

[Jimbob]

They do make DSC and held VHF i have on as a back-up to my fixed unit. Simrad HD52, it is a good unit and can be interfaced to GSP e.g to get the position, GGL i think NMEA "Word". I know they interface as i connected to my Garmin. I am currently in the process of connecting to my chart plotter of the new boat, e.g output from the Chartplotter to both fixed and hand held.

Tip for interfacing

1) MMSI need to be programmed in by Simrad or distributor
2) Wiring is easy NMEA + and -, somethimes to manufactures use different wording but its still easy if you read the books

You know if its working as a PS comes up on the handheld radio, i am sure now other people make them

[Simon Hawkins]

Originally Posted by Bollyfish

Have 'they' invented handheld DSC radios yet? We don't want a permanent unit, so that when we upgrade to our much more expensive and faster RIB (chance would be a fine thing) we can take it with us without too much bother.

Raymarine do a handhled DSC, but it is not cheap. Problem is as well is that it wont transmit your position as it will not be connected to your GPS.

Hope this helps.

[Simon Hawkins]

Correction, I meant to say Simrad.

[Jimbo]

It might be an idea to give Alison Noice a ring; she is the regional VHF SRC Assessor, and is based in portsmouth. Her number is 023 9237 9626, and she should be able to tell you when the courses are being done.

Also, I'm fairly sure the Portsmouth Outdoor centre do them, www.portsmouthoutdoor.co.uk.

I'm at uni in portsmouth, and give it a couple of months, hopefully I'll be a SRC Assessor by then!

[Mark Halliday]

Nemo

I did my SRC at Havant College. £52 inc fees. Trouble is it looks like the next one is at the end of Feb. It may be worth calling them to see if any others are on the cards.

www.havant.ac.uk/adultlearning/course.asp?varCourseID=1116&varSubjectID=28

[Mike Martin]

Originally Posted by Bollyfish

Have 'they' invented handheld DSC radios yet? We don't

The hand-held DSC was intorduced onto the UK market a couple of years ago, we are actually the ONLY administration that has allowed its use.

So here follows the health warning! No other Administration allows use of the Simrad product as it is not a proper DSC radio and in fact it is now to be withdrawn from the market totally due to a European decision. So if you buy one be aware of its limits.

Mike