VHF DSC Radio Check
 

"Scott Standard Horizon"
wrote in message ...

Have you tried to contact the USCG office to see it they have a DSC
radio up and running? In some locations the USCG do not have DSC setup
for VHF yet.

Another way to test the HX850S is to program a MMSI of a radio that you
know has DSC into the individual directory of the HX850S. Next, set a
time when the user will be on the boat and test the HX850S by
transmitting an Individual call to the other vessel.

I am quite sure the HX850S is working as not only have we confirmed
operation before shipping, but also this morning I pulled a new radio
from inventory and confirmed it is able to transmit and receive DSC
calls.

I invite you to contact me at 800/767-2450 if you need further
assistance.

Best regards,

Scott Iverson
Product Manager
Standard Horizon

claus;631657 Wrote:
I just installed a Standard Horizon HX850S handheld VHF radio (with GPS)
as
a backup for our 25 watt fixed VHF. I checked out the VHF transmit and

receive function with a couple of radio check calls to local boaters
and
reception was 5 by 5. (Actually the reception was better than that on
my
fixed VHF).

Additionally, I wanted to check the DSC functionality of the radio by
placing a ROUTINE call to the local Coast Guard's MMSI number. However,

after transmitting the signal, there was no "acknowledgement" for 5
minutes
and I then cancelled the call. Tried it again later with a routine
transmission to the "Rescue 21" MMSI number - again no
acknowledgement.

I was transmitting on the HI setting (6 watts) and was in sight of the
local
CG building - so the transmission "should have" triggered the automatic

response. The HX850S is brand new out of a sealed box so I doubt it is

defective... but one never knows.

I really would like to be sure that I can rely on the unit for a
distress
call - but of course I won't know that until I am in an distress
situation
and push "the red button"!

Any ideas or suggestions on how to check the DSC funtionality?

As it turned out, the HX850S radio was defective and the local dealer
replaced it with the last unit he had in stock. They are currently in very
short supply so I lucked out!

I then checked the DSC functionality with Coast Guard Rescue 21 and the new
radio worked perfectly. The Seattle Coast Guard "Command Center" received
the signal and sent the "acknowledge" reply back to me. Cool technology!

Rescue 21 is now fully operational along the WA coast and in the entire
Puget Sound area with some 30
radio towers monitoring DSC channel 70 for distress signals from DSC
equipped boats.

I am very pleased with my new 6 Watt VHF Horizon Standard handheld radio,
which is a good backup to my fixed 25Watt VHF radio.