Rgr that - didn't mean to include the E class comparison. Not sure if all or
many VHF radios sold in the US are D-class, since the capablities here for
distress messaging are not implemented yet. Maybe a dealer on the list can
verify whether radios for sale here are all D models yet...

Jack

"krj" wrote
Thanks Jack,
According to what you posted, "D" class is for VHF and "E" class is for
HF radios. The requirements you posted are otherwise identical.
krj

Jack Painter wrote:
"krj" wrote

Jack,
What is the difference between "D" class and "E" class DSC/GMDSS
krj


The differences listed below appear almost non-existent, but I believe
that
the "E" manufactured radios are intended to allow greater flexibility in
both distress and general messaging instructions sent via DSC. In other
words, the receiving radios "might" be allowed to be commanded to a
specific
frequency after DSC message on Ch-70.

Jack

http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/gmdss/dsc.htm
Classes of Digital Selective Calling

Class D:
Minimum DSC capability for VHF marine radios carried by recreational
boaters, commercial fishing vessels, and other non-SOLAS regulated
vessels.
Class D required capabilities include:

Distress call
All-ships call
Individual station call
Use of distress, urgency, safety and routine priorities
Nature of distress
Distress coordinates
Time for last (distress) position update
Type of subsequent communications
Radio VHF channel
Display
Receive distress relay and distress acknowledgment calls
Alarm

Class E:
Minimum DSC capability for HF marine radios carried by recreational
boaters,
commercial fishing vessels, and other non-SOLAS regulated vessels. Class
E
required capabilities include:

Distress call
All-ships call
Individual station call
Use of distress, urgency, safety and routine priorities
Nature of distress
Distress coordinates
Time for last (distress) position update
Type of subsequent communications
Radio channel or frequency
Display
Receive distress relay and distress acknowledgment calls
Alarm