Gene Kearns wrote:
On Sat, 12 May 2007 16:21:14 -0400, Larry Weiss penned the following
well considered thoughts to the readers of rec.boats:

Digital Selective Calling.

Anyone try using it yet? Anyone using it regularly. Anyone have their
MMSI? How many people have connected their VHF-DSC radio to their GPS
to broadcast position? How many people even know what DSC is, let alone
how to use it?

I've had my MMSI installed for a few years now, but I have yet to make
or receive a DSC call, nor have I yet heard a DSC emergency distress
call - which should signal every DSC radio in range. I don't know
anybody else's MMSI, although I do know one person in our boating group
who says he has his (and no, its not because I don't have any friends,
wise guys).

USPS has a nifty DSC simulator you can load onto your computer and I've
been playing with it (as well as teaching their new VHF-DSC how-to
seminar). DSC is pretty cool, but I can see how it could be a bit
complicated or cumbersome for some.

I'm just wondering how people feel about DSC, and if this is going to
catch on at all.

I've had my MMSI for a while, but have had no call to use it.

Me too. That's why I was wondering.

initially got it so that I could use my VHF-DSC/GPS combination
to broadcast my position in case of emergency.

I wonder if it would even work.

IMHO, the future of DSC is tied to GMDSS... and, hence, larger ships.
We may as well piggyback along and accept the new technology as a
helper.

Got a link to the simulator?

The USPS Simulator is given out on CD along with other materials as part
of the USPS VHF-DSC seminar. It is not available on-line. However you
can download a different simulator he
http://www.yachtcom.co.uk/download/ Its not as thorough as the USPS
simulator, but its enough to give you a basic idea.

Larry Weiss
"...Ever After!"