VHF DSC controller has also some support functions that can be accessible through the Menu when VHF radio is in DSC mode. The pool of support functions is various on different VHF radio models. Three of them are available on all VHF radios:
Adjusting the display contrast
If there is not a GPS available or if the interfaced GPS develops a fault, then it is necessary to update your position manually. Until it is not entered manually, "No Position Available" is indicated on the display.
The recommended minimum time period between updates is no more than 4 hours. Also, if time allows, when transmitting a Distress Alert that the position is checked and corrected to be as up to date as possible.
Entering position and time manually
Entering MMSI number - The unique MMSI number assigned to the vessel must be programmed by the VHF DSC radio supplier. A password or special procedure is normally required to do this, this is why it is only possible for the radio user to see the MMSI number but not be able to change it.
Entering Group MMSI number - This can be entered or amended by the following procedure:
Editing the MMSI directory
The MMSI directory is designed for saving important or most often used MMSI numbers, as you would in the memory of your mobile phone. It is used for all Routine Alerts with entries in the MMSI directory listed by name and MMSI number.
The directory allows up to 16 MMSI numbers to be stored in
the VHF radio simulator memory.
To enter the directory:
To add new entry to the directory:
Adding a new entry, editing an entry and deleting an entry in the directory
Disabling the key beep
- Entering position and time manually
- Entering MMSI numbers (MMSI and Group MMSI - MMSI number must be programmed by a VHF DSC radio supplier)
- Editing the MMSI directory
Practice on VHF radio simulator
Adjusting the display contrast
16 levels of contrast, to present the best possible display contrast for the ambient light conditions in which you are operating the radio to give you optimum display visibility, are available.- Press Menu softkey
- Press LCD softkey
- Press
and
softkeys to adjust contrast (from -7 to +8)
- Press C softkey twice
Adjusting the display contrast
Entering position and time manually
The position indicated on the display is in Latitude and Longitude and the VHF DSC Controller can normally be interfaced with a GPS satellite navigation system, for example 45036N 013032E at 1615 UTC.If there is not a GPS available or if the interfaced GPS develops a fault, then it is necessary to update your position manually. Until it is not entered manually, "No Position Available" is indicated on the display.
The recommended minimum time period between updates is no more than 4 hours. Also, if time allows, when transmitting a Distress Alert that the position is checked and corrected to be as up to date as possible.
- Press Menu softkey
- Press Posn softkey
- Press Posn softkey
- Enter Latitude and Longitude using keypad and N,S,E,W softkeys when available
- Press E key
- Enter UTC time (24-hour format) using keypad
- Press E key
- Press C softkey twice
Entering position and time manually
Entering MMSI numbers
The VHF DSC radio is uniquely identified by an individual MMSI number, which is assigned to the vessel by the national administration. The MMSI number is programmed into the VHF DSC radio. If the radio falls within “a group” which also has a unique Group MMSI number available, then this can also be programmed into the VHF DSC radio.Entering MMSI number - The unique MMSI number assigned to the vessel must be programmed by the VHF DSC radio supplier. A password or special procedure is normally required to do this, this is why it is only possible for the radio user to see the MMSI number but not be able to change it.
Entering Group MMSI number - This can be entered or amended by the following procedure:
- Press Menu softkey
- Press More softkey
- Press MMSI softkey
- Press
softkey
- Enter Group MMSI using keypad
- Press E
- Press C softkey three times
Editing the MMSI directory
The MMSI directory is designed for saving important or most often used MMSI numbers, as you would in the memory of your mobile phone. It is used for all Routine Alerts with entries in the MMSI directory listed by name and MMSI number.The directory allows up to 16 MMSI numbers to be stored in
the VHF radio simulator memory.
To enter the directory:
- Press Menu softkey
- Press More softkey
- Press Dir softkey (the main directory screen shows the number of directory entries)
To add new entry to the directory:
- Press Add softkey
- Enter name of new entry using keypad
- Press E key
- Enter MMSI number using keypad
- Press E key
- Press View softkey
- Press Next or Back softkey to scroll through entries
- Press Edit softkey while viewing desired entry
- Press one of
softkeys indicating information to be re-entered (name or MMSI)
- Press E
- Press Edit softkey while viewing desired entry
- Press Del softkey
- Press Yes softkey
Adding a new entry, editing an entry and deleting an entry in the directory
Enabling/disabling the key beep
All key presses on the VHF radio simulator are normally confirmed by a "beep" that could be disabled. The key beep could be disabled on all first level functions. Second level functions which are accessed by pressing and holding a key, for example setting the User channel, will still be audibly confirmed by a "double beep" that cannot be disabled.- Press Menu softkey
- Press More softkey
- Press More softkey
- Press Beep softkey
- To re-enable a "beep" press Beep softkey again
- Press C softkey three times
Disabling the key beep
Last modified: Saturday, 25 April 2020, 7:50 PM