30
MT-550
7. DSC OPERATION
The Digital Selective Calling (DSC) functions of your
MT-550
transceiver add
convenience and safety to your VHF communication capability. DSC allows you to
contact other DSC equipped vessels and shore stations by selecting their names
from your personal call directory, choosing a call type, and pressing a key. In an
emergency, pressing one button will send your vessel ID and current position to
search and rescue (SAR) authorities and other DSC equipped vessels. Distress
calls are covered first. Then, normal calling procedures are described.
Position reporting requires connection to an operating GPS navigation receiver or
manually entered Lat/Lon coordinates. If data from your GPS is lost, 3 quick error
beeps are sounded and the following warning screen appears in the display every 4
hours.
INT
16 PRI. HI
MEM CHANNEL
SET GPS
DATA NOW!
Set Manual Lat/Lon
This warning screen reminds you to manually enter Lat/Lon coordinates. See the
MANUAL LL
item of the
DATA SET
topic of the
6.7 Main Menu Topics
. If Lat/Lon
coordinates are entered manually but have not been updated for 23.5 hours, the
position fields are set to the repeated “9” and time field is set to the repeated “8”.
7.1 MMSID
SPECIAL NOTE
In order to use DSC functions, you must obtain a nine-digit maritime mobile service
identity (MMSI) and program it into your transceiver before you transmit.
Prior to obtaining an MMSI, you will be asked to provide certain information about
your vessel and communication equipment. Contact the government radio
communication authorities of your country for licensing and MMSI information. It
is important that you obtain an MMSI, because National Coast Guard authorities use
this information to help speed search and rescue operations.
The procedure for entering your MMSI is described in the
MMSID SET
topic of the
6.7 Main Menu Topics
.
7.2 Sending a Distress Call
To make a distress call:
•
Lift the red protective cover, then press and release the red button. The
distress alert screen appears.
USA
INT
DISTRESS!
Undesign-
ated.
HOLD 3 SEC.
Distress Alert Screen
•
If time permits, use the
SELECT/ENT
knob to select the nature of distress.
