Section 7 - Sending and receiving DSC Calls

WARNING

A valid USER MMSI must be entered into this radio before these DSC functions can be used. See section 5-1.

7-1 What is DSC?

DSC (Digital Selective Calling) is a semi-automated method of establishing VHF, MF, and HF radio calls. It has been designated as an international standard by the IMO (International Maritime Organization) and is part of the GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System).

Currently, you are required to monitor Distress Channel 16, but DSC will eventually replace listening watches on distress frequencies and will be used to broadcast routine and urgent maritime safety information.

DSC enables you to send and receive calls from any vessel or coast station that is equipped with DSC functionality and within geographic range. Calls can be categorized as distress, urgency, safety, or routine, and DSC selects a working channel automatically.

7-2 Sending DSC Calls

You can call any other person that has another DSC equipped radio.

Quick press the CALL / MENU key to access the following DSC CALL menu options – select LAST CALL to quickly call back the person who called you.

Note that only four DSC CALL menu options can be shown on the LCD at any one time.

Press + or – on the microphone or turn the Channel Select knob on the base station to scroll up or down through the menu until the cursor is positioned at the desired option. Press ENT (the center of the Channel Select knob) to display that option.

The following options are available:

DSC CALL

INDIVIDUAL

Make a DSC Call

Section 7-3

 

LAST CALL

Repeat the last DSC Call

Section 7-5

 

GROUP

Make a Group DSC Call

Section 7-6

 

ALL SHIPS

Make an All Ships DSC Call

Section 7-7

 

CALL LOG

View DSC Call Log

Section 7-8

 

DISTR LOG

View DSC Distress Log

Section 7-9

 

SENT CALL

View DSC Sent Call Log

Section 7-10

 

LL REQUEST

Request a position report

Section 7-11

 

TRACK BUDDY

Automatically track Buddy’s

Section 7-12

 

DSC TEST

Make a DSC Test Call

Section 7-13

 

MMSI/GPS

View MMSI and GPS information

Section 7-14

Lowrance - Link-8 Operation Instructions

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