User's Manual

Lowrance - Link-2 Installation and Operation Instructions 47Lowrance - Link-2 Installation and Operation Instructions46
Section 5 - Sending and Receiving DSC Calls
5-1 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 categorised
as distress, urgency, safety, or routine, and DSC selects a working channel automatically.
CAUTION
Due to EU regulations, DSC may not be available in the Link-2 (EU) model.
5-1-1 Maritime mobile service identity
An MMSI is a nine-digit number used on Marine Transceiver capable of using Digital
Selective Calling (DSC). This number is used like a telephone number to selectively call
other vessels.
5-1-2 How can I obtain a MMSI number?
Contact your local dealer.
WARNING
This radio is designed to generate a digital maritime distress and safety call to
facilitate search and rescue. To be eective as a safety device, this equipment must
be used only within communication range of a shore – based VHF marine channel
70 distress and safety watch system. The range of signal may vary but under normal
conditions should be approximately 10 nautical miles.
Quickly press the DSC/MENU key to pop up the DSC menu. Users can then select
the DSC call type to send. The channel remains unchanged and allows normal Tx
operation.
5-2 DSC call types
Quick press the CALL/MENU key to select DSC call type to send.
Note: Only 4 calls can be shown at any one time on the screen.
Press CH / to scroll up and down the call types until the cursor is positioned at the
desired option. Press ENTER.
The call types are:
Call Type Description
INDIVIDUAL Make a new call, by inputting the MMSI or pick up from the list max 20.
LAST CALL Recalls last call no matter what type of call it is.
GROUP Sends transmissions that are only received by radios that share a common
group MMSI number, there is up to 3 group MMSI numbers can be stored
and called.
ALL SHIPS Makes an Urgency, Safety or Routine call to all ships. A confirmation screen
follows the priority selection of these options. The Safety call is for advisory
alert only.
CALL LOG Allows a review of all stored calls by number and time of call. An individual
call type can be placed to the selected MMSI/NAME in the LOG. The LOG
contains all received call types except DISTRESS calls. The call at the end of
the list is automatically erased. The earliest call is stored at the end of the
list.
Note: Only 20 calls can be stored at one time.
DISTRESS LOG Allows a review of all stored Distress calls by number and time of call. An
individual call type can be placed to the selected MMSI / NAME in the LOG.
The call at the end of the list is automatically erased. This means the earliest
call is stored at the end of the list. There are only 10 calls that can be stored.
SEND CALL
LL REQUEST Enables you to request GPS position information from any vessel that has
a known MMSI number. The request can be picked up through the buddy
list or manual entry.
TRACK BUDDY Track the GPS position information from up to three vessels that have a
known MMSI number.
DSC TEST You can test your radio’s DSC operation by sending a DSC TEST CALL to a
Buddy or other station equipped with a DSC radio.
MMSI/GPS The radio’s MMSI can be viewed as well as the current position.