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:
  • 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.
  1. Press Menu softkey
  2. Press LCD softkey
  3. Press up and down softkeys to adjust contrast (from -7 to +8)
  4. 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.

  1. Press Menu softkey
  2. Press Posn softkey
  3. Press Posn softkey
  4. Enter Latitude and Longitude using keypad and N,S,E,W softkeys when available
  5. Press E key
  6. Enter UTC time (24-hour format) using keypad
  7. Press E key
  8. 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:
  1. Press Menu softkey
  2. Press More softkey
  3. Press MMSI softkey
  4. Press right softkey
  5. Enter Group MMSI using keypad
  6. Press E
  7. Press C softkey three times


Entering Group MMSI number


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:
  1. Press Menu softkey
  2. Press More softkey
  3. Press Dir softkey (the main directory screen shows the number of directory entries)
You can then just view entries from the directory, edit them, delete them or add new entries.

To add new entry to the directory:
  1. Press Add softkey
  2. Enter name of new entry using keypad
  3. Press E key
  4. Enter MMSI number using keypad
  5. Press E key
To view entries from the directory:
  1. Press View softkey
  2. Press Next or Back softkey to scroll through entries
To edit an entry from the directory:
  1. Press Edit softkey while viewing desired entry
  2. Press one of right softkeys indicating information to be re-entered (name or MMSI)
  3. Press E
To delete an entry from the directory:
  1. Press Edit softkey while viewing desired entry
  2. Press Del softkey
  3. 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.
  1. Press Menu softkey
  2. Press More softkey
  3. Press More softkey
  4. Press Beep softkey
  5. To re-enable a "beep" press Beep softkey again
  6. Press C softkey three times


Disabling the key beep

Last modified: Saturday, 25 April 2020, 7:50 PM