The VHF DSC controller also has some support functions that are accessible through the Menu when VHF radio is in DSC mode. The pool of support functions varies on the 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

Practise on the VHF radio simulator

Adjusting the display contrast

In order to present the best possible display contrast for the ambient light conditions in which you are operating the radio and give you optimum display visibility, 16 levels of contrast are available.
  1. Press the Menu softkey
  2. Press the LCD softkey
  3. Press up and down softkeys to adjust contrast (from -7 to +8)
  4. Press the 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 no GPS available or if the interfaced GPS develops a fault, then it is necessary to update your position manually. Until it is entered manually, "No Position Available" is indicated on the display.

The recommended minimum period of time between updates is no more than 4 hours. Also, if time allows, when transmitting a Distress Alert the position should be checked and corrected to be as up to date as possible.

  1. Press the Menu softkey
  2. Press the Posn softkey
  3. Press the Posn softkey
  4. Enter Latitude and Longitude using the keypad and N,S,E,W softkeys when available
  5. Press the E key
  6. Enter UTC time (24-hour format) using the keypad
  7. Press the E key
  8. Press the 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 authority. 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 an 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, and this is why it is only possible for the radio user to see the MMSI number but not be able to change it.

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


Disabling the key beep
Last modified: Saturday, 25 April 2020, 7:50 PM