DSC and Raymarine - how does it work?

[rondds]

I have a Ray 220 VHF radio. Apparently, if someone else has set up DSC on this radio, I cannot override it -it has to go back to Raymarine to be reprogrammed or whatever it is they do. I am the 4th owner of this boat (and this VHF radio) so I'm sure someone else has set this up.

My question is, if the VHF is properly connected to the GPS via NMEA 0183 (which mine is) and I use the DSC function in a crisis situation, will they find me? I understand they may be expecting to meet the actual person who registered the MMSI number (?) but will that function still get coordinates to those who will send help?

Thanks.

 

[NotHerDecision]

I don't think the 220 has a distress button so it's my understanding it does not transmit your GPS coordinates. I think all that radio will do is allow you to be called via DSC which eliminates the the actual hailing call on 16 or 9 if someone has your mmsi number.

 

[ZZ13]

I have a Ray220. It does have a DSC mode that sends out your MMSI and your GPS coordinates. But as Josh wrote, it's not a simple one button push.

You must have your MMSI number programmed in and the NMEA0183 inputs connected to a master that can transmit GPS data. Then, read section 3.3.6 of the manual for the procedure (to involved to post here), which is done with the radio set on channel 70.

It's been written that there is a secret sequence on the Ray220 that you can use if you need to replace an already programmed MMSI. Here is a link to that sequence (post #6). I have not tried it.

http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?222124-Raymarine-VHF-218-mmsi-reset&p=2359747


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[Woody]

I have a Ray 220 VHF radio. Apparently, if someone else has set up DSC on this radio, I cannot override it -it has to go back to Raymarine to be reprogrammed or whatever it is they do. I am the 4th owner of this boat (and this VHF radio) so I'm sure someone else has set this up.

My question is, if the VHF is properly connected to the GPS via NMEA 0183 (which mine is) and I use the DSC function in a crisis situation, will they find me? I understand they may be expecting to meet the actual person who registered the MMSI number (?) but will that function still get coordinates to those who will send help?

Thanks.

If someone is there to receive the distress call it'll contain the Lat/Lon. The MMSI number is issued to the vessel, this should be no different than if you borrowed a buddies boat for the afternoon.

It is possible to transfer the number from the old owner to you. https://www.boatus.com/MMSI/MMSIAccount/MMSITransferRequest

 

[NotHerDecision]

This might be a stupid question but without the "button" how are the GPS coordinates transmitted?


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[Woody]

This might be a stupid question but without the "button" how are the GPS coordinates transmitted?


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I don't have a 220 but a quick look with google shows it does have a DSC button and a procedure to enter the Distress Call mode which then transmits the important info.

 

[NotHerDecision]

I see. That makes since.
I love this forum, learn something new everyday.


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[JVM225]

I just went through this with my Ray 240. I bought the boat in December and didn't have access to the previous owner since I bought from a dealer so I had to send it back to Raymarine to wipe out the old MMSI and enter mine. They charged me $75.00 which included return shipping. The good thing is that they go through the radio while they have it to make sure it is updated and working perfectly. The bad news is that although they say it's about a week turnaround the week doesn't start until they get around to opening up the package you sent them which in my case was about 3 weeks after I shipped it to them in late January so it was actually about a 4 week turnaround.
When I sold my old boat last summer I signed in to the MMSI on the Boat US website and put the new owner's info in for him and so the MMSI could stay with that radio. If you are in contact with the previous owner that would be the way to go.

 

[Fred]

My question is, if the VHF is properly connected to the GPS via NMEA 0183 (which mine is) and I use the DSC function in a crisis situation, will they find me? I understand they may be expecting to meet the actual person who registered the MMSI number (?) but will that function still get coordinates to those who will send help?

Thanks.

Ron,
The CG will get the message with your location, but would likely call the contact phone numbers linked to the account to verify. The question is, would they come looking for you in the absence of other verbal communication on channel 16.
If there is an mmsi in your radio you should be able to see it. With that number in hand you can contact boatus and see if they can do anything for you.

 

[rondds]

Thanks all. I have tried the procedure in the manual to enter an mmsi# but it beeps which, according to the manual, means theres already a # programmed in. I didn't see a procedure to display the mmsi#. If I could get that # I'd try BOAT/US.

Is there a "test mode" with these things? ie: how can you be sure it will work when you really need it?

 

[ZZ13]

Thanks all. I have tried the procedure in the manual to enter an mmsi# but it beeps which, according to the manual, means theres already a # programmed in. I didn't see a procedure to display the mmsi#. If I could get that # I'd try BOAT/US.

Is there a "test mode" with these things? ie: how can you be sure it will work when you really need it?

Did you try the MMSI reset sequence posted in post #3 above?


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[Fred]

Is there a "test mode" with these things? ie: how can you be sure it will work when you really need it?

You can call a friend to test. They will see your mmsi # and your GPS location if you allow it.
My mmsi# is 338021028.

 

[rondds]

I did try the process in the manual to re-program and it beeped, which signals that it is already programmed and it would have to go back to Ray for reprogramming (as per the manual).

I have not tried the double-secret key sequence to un-program the existing MMSI but I printed out the instructions and will try. Hopefully it isn't some sort malicious self-destruct code.

Whoever the guy was that posted that sequence never posted again and no one on that thread ever followed up with a success story.

Fred, I'd have to figure out how to call you and coordinate with you so that your radio is on. Do you need my MMSI number to "allow" me to page you? If yes, I don't know how to figure out what that number is. If NO, will my number display on your radio when I page you - if it does, then you can tell me the number.

 

[RollerCoastr]

This was on my MMSI registration form as a method to test:

Do not test the red button as this will send out an illegal false alarm and cause an unnecessary rescue response! Instead, you may run a test call to the nationwide Coast Guard MMSI number, 003669999. Enter this number into your radio's calling memory and select the "Test Call" option from the radio's list of individual DSC calls. You can then press the "call" or "enter" key. Your radio will silently hail the Coast Guard with a digital signal on channel 70. If everything is working properly, your radio will almost immediately receive the Coast Guard's acknowledgement of your call, providing assurance that both your radio and the Rescue21 system are operating properly. You must be boating in an area served by Rescue2l to use this test.

 

[Fred]

Fred, I'd have to figure out how to call you and coordinate with you so that your radio is on. Do you need my MMSI number to "allow" me to page you? If yes, I don't know how to figure out what that number is. If NO, will my number display on your radio when I page you - if it does, then you can tell me the number.

Your mmsi # will automatically show up on my radio. At that point you will be good to go.
I'm launching this Thursday so keep in touch.
I will pm you my cell phone number.

 

[rondds]

Got it Fred. I'm going in Sat the 29th but of course we can do this at any time (land or sea). Thanks!

 

[Fred]

I got this from the official Raymarine site. This was an official reply to a customer's question.

Raymarine FAQ Knowledge Base
The Raymarine Knowledge Base provides answers to frequently asked questions.

Enter the term(s) you'd like to search for in the Knowledge Base (e.g. "GPS sensor").You can use AND, OR, NOT, and parentheses. Surround an exact phrase with quotation marks.

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I have got Ray220 VHF/Hailer.I want erase the old wrong DSC ID number.In Croa...
I have a RAY220 VHF/Hailer and want erase the old MMSI number. Can I do this without sending the radio in?
To erase the existing MMSI number, start with the radio turned off and press and hold down the "FUNC", "16/9", and "D/L DSC" buttons all at the same time. While keeping them held down, turn the RAY220 on. When you see "Cl" on the LCD screen, you can let go of all of the keys and then turn the radio off. The MMSI number has now been cleared which will allow you to enter a new 9 digit MMSI using the procedure outlined in the User Manual.

 

[rondds]

^^ so noted. Thanks Fred!

 

[Joel_MD]

I just went through this with my Ray 240. I bought the boat in December and didn't have access to the previous owner since I bought from a dealer so I had to send it back to Raymarine to wipe out the old MMSI and enter mine. They charged me $75.00 which included return shipping. The good thing is that they go through the radio while they have it to make sure it is updated and working perfectly. The bad news is that although they say it's about a week turnaround the week doesn't start until they get around to opening up the package you sent them which in my case was about 3 weeks after I shipped it to them in late January so it was actually about a 4 week turnaround.
When I sold my old boat last summer I signed in to the MMSI on the Boat US website and put the new owner's info in for him and so the MMSI could stay with that radio. If you are in contact with the previous owner that would be the way to go.

I had a similar experience with the RAY240 on my 2005 Sea Ray that I purchased last year. I removed the black box and shipped it to FLIR/Raymarine in NH. They tested it and found the transmitter wasn't up to spec so they replaced a couple of components as well as lobotomized it to erase the old MMSI number. It took about 12 days to get it back and cost about $130. Then I programmed it with my new MMSI. I went directly through the FCC to get a new MMSI and linked it to a radio station license and call sign in case I ever want to go outside the US.

 

[rondds]

Tried the technique posted by Fred and ZZ13 and it worked. Well, at least it did produce the "Cl" as it is supposed to on the LCD screen. Now I have to get an MMSI# for myself.


30 minutes later: got an MMSI number from BOAT/US website. Will try to enter it tomorrow on the 220.

Thanks to all for your help!