West Marine VHF155, VHF460 manual Advanced DSC features, Mmsi Numbers, Feature Menu Item Function

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transmit your MMSI number to the other station along with the voice channel you requested. If the other station accepts your call, both radios automatically switch to the requested voice channel so you can talk to the other station.

DSC provides a system for automated distress calls. At the touch of a button, the radio can transmit your MMSI number, the nature of your distress, and your current position based on data from your GPS receiver. The radio repeats the distress call every few minutes until it receives an acknowledgement.

The DSC standard dedicates a VHF channel—channel 70—to digital transmissions only. Since digital transmissions require less bandwidth voice transmissions, channel 70 avoids the problems of busy voice channels.

Advanced DSC features

Your radio supports the following DSC features:

Feature

Menu Item

Function

 

 

 

Individual Call

Individual

Contact another vessel from your directory.

 

 

 

Group Call

Group

Contact all vessels that share your group MMSI code.

 

 

 

All Ships Call

All Ships

Broadcast to all vessels within range (used for Safety or Urgency

 

 

messages).

 

 

 

Position Request

POS Request

Request the current location of another vessel.

 

 

 

Position Send

Position Send

Transmit your current location to another vessel.

 

 

 

Test Call

Test

Make sure your radio is working and configured correctly.

 

 

 

Standby Mode

Standby

Automatically respond to all DSC calls with “Unavailable” status.

 

 

 

Receive Log

Receive Log

Displays last 10 distress calls and last 50 general calls the radio

 

 

received.

 

 

 

DSC Setup

DSC Setup

Accesses DSC menus.

 

 

-- Directory

 

 

-- Auto CH SW

 

 

-- POS Reply

 

 

-- Test Reply

 

 

-- Group MMSI

 

 

-- User MMSI

 

 

 

MMSI Numbers

In order to use DSC features, you must be assigned a User MMSI number and program that number into your radio. There are two kinds of MMSI numbers: individual numbers for use by single boats and group numbers for use by fleets, boating organizations, event coordinators, etc.

You can get more information on MMSI numbers at these resources:

xx The dealer where you purchased the radio

xx Recreational boaters can obtain an MMSI number from the Boat Owner’s Association

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West Marine VHF460 Radio Owner’s Manual

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Contents VHF460155 Making a Distress Call Faire UN Appel DE Détresse Table of Contents Features IntroductionXx Battery level display and low battery alert Getting Started What’s includedParts of the VHF460 Front viewBack view Button Press to Press and hold toHow It Works Reading the displayMenus Display icons and what they meanDSC Setup Menu Call MenuMenu Option What it does Menu Option What it does DirectoryGPS Setup Menu Mode What it does Use it when you want to To turn it on/offOperation Modes GPS MenusNormal Mode with Weather Alert Watch Normal Mode with Triple Watch or Dual WatchWatch mode What it does To turn it on/off NormalUsing the Radio in Scan Mode Scan Mode with Weather Alert WatchScan Memory Channel ScanWeather Setting Up the Hardware Installing the BatteryUsing Rechargeable Batteries Attaching the AntennaSetting Up Your Radio Charging the BatteryInstalling the External Speaker/Mic Turning It OnSetting It Up Operating the Radio Digital Selective Calling Features What is DSC?Using the Strobe/Flashlight Changing the ChannelMmsi Numbers Advanced DSC featuresFeature Menu Item Function Entering a group Mmsi number Entering Mmsi numbersEntering Your User Mmsi Number Using the Directory Entering an individual Mmsi numberCall type What it does When to use it Making DSC CallsSelect Individual Calling a single station Individual CallAll ships call Calling all stations All-Ships Call Making an automatic distress callCalling a particular group of stations Group Call Canceling an automatic distress call Receiving a DSC callReceive log Select Receive LogTest Calls Returning a call from the Receive LogMaking Test Calls Test DSC Call Type Receive Log InformationReceiving Test Call Setup Select DSC Setup and then Test ReplyAcknowledging Test Call Receipt If Test Reply is set to AutoSelect DSC Setup and then Position Reply Position Request and ReplyEnabling Automatic Position Reply POS RequestPosition Send Disabling automatic channel switchingPutting the radio into standby GPS Features Select DSC Setup, then Auto CH SWGPS Operation Overview Goto MenuTo select a Goto entry Nmea FeaturesTo input coordinates Maintenance and Troubleshooting Renaming ChannelsSpecifications Problem Things to TryCommon Questions GeneralChannels and Frequencies MHz US channel frequencies and namesTransmitter ReceiverUS Marine Channels RX Freq TX Freq Status NameCanadian Marine Channels RX Freq TX Freq Status Name Canadian channel frequencies and namesSimplex Commercial Ship-Ship International channel frequencies and names RX Freq TX Freq Status Name on display156.5750 Simplex Non commercial Regulations and Safety Warnings Maritime Radio Services OperationWeather channel frequencies and names ChannelBasic Radio Guidelines FCC/Industry Canada InformationLithium Ion Battery Warning What Must I Do To Keep the Warranty in Effect? What Will West Marine Do? Page Boating

VHF460, VHF155 specifications

West Marine VHF155 and VHF460 are two prominent marine VHF radios designed to enhance communication for boaters and ensure safety on the water. These devices come packed with features that cater to both recreational and commercial vessel operators, making them invaluable tools for any maritime adventure.

The West Marine VHF155 is a compact and cost-effective model that provides essential communication capabilities. One of its main features is a built-in DSC (Digital Selective Calling) functionality, which allows users to send distress signals directly to the Coast Guard or nearby vessels with just a push of a button. This feature significantly improves safety, as it can alert others of emergencies without needing to communicate verbally.

The VHF155 offers a user-friendly interface with a large, easy-to-read LCD display, making it simple to navigate through channels and settings. It operates on the international VHF marine band and has access to all US, Canadian, and international channels, ensuring that users can communicate effectively regardless of their location. Additionally, the VHF155 is rated IPX7 for water resistance, meaning it can withstand splashes and brief submersion, providing peace of mind in challenging weather conditions.

On the other hand, the West Marine VHF460 boasts advanced features that appeal to professional mariners and avid boaters alike. It includes an integrated GPS receiver, allowing users to send their position during a distress call accurately. This feature is crucial for ensuring rapid assistance from search and rescue teams. The VHF460 supports both analog and digital communication, offering versatility in transmission methods.

Another notable characteristic of the VHF460 is its powerful built-in speaker, which delivers clear audio even in noisy marine environments. The radio also supports multiple scanning features, including Priority Scan, enabling users to monitor various channels effectively. This ensures that operators never miss important communications while engaged in other tasks on board.

Both models supportNMEA0183, which facilitates interoperability with other marine electronics, allowing for seamless integration with plotters and other navigational devices. The devices are designed for easy installation, with intuitive mounting options and clear instructions.

In summary, West Marine VHF155 and VHF460 marine radios bring crucial communication technology to boaters. Whether prioritizing essential safety features or seeking advanced capabilities, these radios provide reliability, ease of use, and enhanced safety, making them go-to choices for anyone who spends time on the water.
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