DSC Distress Call Test

[hmason]

I often wondered if my DSC distress function of my VHF really worked. I went through the owners manual and discovered that there is a means of testing it. You can place a test call to a specific MMSI number that will give you an audible response indicating that the signal was received by the USCG. If you have never tested yours, check it out. It has given me a level of comfort that it will work in an emergency.

Howard

 

[LarryM]

Howard,

Like you, I was pleased to discover the Coast Guard MMSI test feature.

I also use Sea Tow's Automated Radio Check service, which is available in my area. This service actually re-transmits your radio check so you can hear your actual transmission. It is interesting to hear the difference at high and low power, or fixed vs. handheld.


I have both tests scheduled every 90 days on my maintenance calendar for all radios.

 

[SaltyDawg86]

I use other boats lol. "WAKE UP!"

 

[LarryM]

I use other boats lol. "WAKE UP!"

'Other boats' don't let you hear back what you actually transmit, the relative strength of the transmission or the quality.

These radio checks are not on hailing or busy working channels so they don't interfere with more important radio traffic.

Finally, 'other boats' certainly can't conduct a DSC Test Call.

BTW - been "AWAKE" for hours . . . . .

 

[SaltyDawg86]

Deeps breaths there pal, the "other boats" have friends of mine on there and I send them around 3am to mess with them. I know what it does and I know it works because they let me know.

 

[LarryM]

Deeps breaths there pal, the "other boats" have friends of mine on there and I send them around 3am to mess with them. I know what it does and I know it works because they let me know.

Sorry, too much caffeine I think.

I use known friends too whenever they are available or in range. It is of mutual benefit too.

Unfortunately, where I do most of my boating, you can get a lot of novice responses to radio checks that are, shall we say, less than usable. Other than the fact that your VHF just transmitted something, there is no indication of strength or their location. Or, on weekdays, silence.

When I found out about the automated system I figured it was a quick no-brainer, and thought I'd pass it along.

I think I need to find more of those friends with radios I can mess with like you do.

 

[Alaskan Sea-Duction]

OK so how do you find the USCG MMSI test is your area?

 

[psneeld]

For VHF DSC radios equipped with the Test Call feature, test transmissions should be made to the US Coast Guard MMSI 003669999 to receive an automated VHF DSC test response. You must use the “Test Call” category of your radio because “Individual” category ................


http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=DSCTesting

 

[Twilight time]

Salty Dawg 86 close by neighbor in Portsmouth let me know if you want to take a look at a SENATOR for space. kwon you said you were looking