On Sat, 12 Mar 2005 14:14:04 -0500, "Jack Painter"
wrote:

The information I posted is current, accurate, and applies to the questions
posted by Wayne B.

=================================

Actually not. My question was, "How can I ensure that my DSC radio is
actually hooked up and working, i.e, is the position information and
identifier being sent correctly?"

The licensing information and issuance of an identifier is an entirely
different topic.

On Mon, 14 Mar 2005 03:28:21 -0500, Wayne.B
wrote:

On Sat, 12 Mar 2005 14:14:04 -0500, "Jack Painter"
wrote:

The information I posted is current, accurate, and applies to the questions
posted by Wayne B.

=================================

Actually not. My question was, "How can I ensure that my DSC radio is
actually hooked up and working, i.e, is the position information and
identifier being sent correctly?"

The licensing information and issuance of an identifier is an entirely
different topic.

As I understand it, and this could be wrong, the GPS information is
sent via the radio to the coast station which verifies the receipt of
the information. Accuracy of the information is strictly up to the
operator to verify using charts I would think.

I believe the procedure is to call USCG, ask to test, they confirm the
test, you press the magic button, they confirm receipt and the data
and it's over with.

I haven't heard that done and I have never received a DSC call on my
radios. It's my understanding that 1st District hasn't implemented
it yet, but I could be wrong.

Or perhaps a lot of people haven't hooked up their units yet - I don't
know.

Later,

Tom

"Wayne.B" wrote

Actually not. My question was, "How can I ensure that my DSC radio is
actually hooked up and working, i.e, is the position information and
identifier being sent correctly?"

The licensing information and issuance of an identifier is an entirely
different topic.


You posted these questions:
"Is there a test process for VHF/DSC? My latest boat came with two DSC
capable ICOMs but I have no idea if the feature is even hooked up, let
alone working. Also, I have no idea what vessel ID is programmed, if
any."
--
Testing the distress-signal feature of a vhf radio with the "Distress"
button on front panel is never permitted. The radio has other dsc features
which your owner's manual will describe, and vary from model to model.

You can operate your dsc-capable radio according to it's individual
capabilities with other dsc-capable radios, according to their capabilities.
Several different versions of dsc are on the water. All this is covered in
the owner's manual.
--
I did remind you that " you must
register an MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identifier) number to YOUR vessel.
The number (if any) that was in the used radio is not valid any longer."

and

"Changing the MMSI on a radio can be done by the owner, providing you have
the owner's operation manual which provides these instructions. Many radio
manufacturers provide manuals online. BOAT-US has an 800 # for you to call
where an experienced associate can walk you through the procedures involved.
That number is: 1-800-566-1536 (working hours). Or you can simply walk-in to
any BOAT-US store with your radio(s) and do the same"
--

Is this clear what your first steps should be, ie: obtaining an owner's
manual, determining what your radio is capable of, then registering an MMSI
via phone and programming or letting a BOAT-US associate do it for you, then
hooking up your GPS according to the instruction manuals, and operating your
radio in accordance with it's instruction manuals?

Jack

In article ,
Wayne.B wrote:

Actually not. My question was, "How can I ensure that my DSC radio is
actually hooked up and working, i.e, is the position information and
identifier being sent correctly?"

The licensing information and issuance of an identifier is an entirely
different topic.

If you knew someone with a ROSS DSC Vhf from a few years back, it will
display the data transmitted from a DSC Radio. This could be done with
the test radio on a "Dummy Load" so as to not radiate a False Distress
Signal. Or, just about any full GMDSS Suite could display the data
transmitted.

Bruce in alaska
--
add a 2 before @

In article m0jZd.63327$7z6.25479@lakeread04,
"Jack Painter" wrote:

You posted these questions:
"Is there a test process for VHF/DSC? My latest boat came with two DSC
capable ICOMs but I have no idea if the feature is even hooked up, let
alone working. Also, I have no idea what vessel ID is programmed, if
any."
--
Testing the distress-signal feature of a vhf radio with the "Distress"
button on front panel is never permitted. The radio has other dsc features
which your owner's manual will describe, and vary from model to model.

You can operate your dsc-capable radio according to it's individual
capabilities with other dsc-capable radios, according to their capabilities.
Several different versions of dsc are on the water. All this is covered in
the owner's manual.
--
I did remind you that " you must
register an MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identifier) number to YOUR vessel.
The number (if any) that was in the used radio is not valid any longer."

and

"Changing the MMSI on a radio can be done by the owner, providing you have
the owner's operation manual which provides these instructions. Many radio
manufacturers provide manuals online. BOAT-US has an 800 # for you to call
where an experienced associate can walk you through the procedures involved.
That number is: 1-800-566-1536 (working hours). Or you can simply walk-in to
any BOAT-US store with your radio(s) and do the same"
--

Is this clear what your first steps should be, ie: obtaining an owner's
manual, determining what your radio is capable of, then registering an MMSI
via phone and programming or letting a BOAT-US associate do it for you, then
hooking up your GPS according to the instruction manuals, and operating your
radio in accordance with it's instruction manuals?

Jack

What Jack really meant is: "Read your Radio's Manual" Brevity is not
Jacks strong suite, and he still doesn't 'Get" what you really wanted
in your original question. Oh well, there are a lot of things that Jack
doesn't "Get"........


Me one wonders if Jack actually "Gets" anything.......

In article re4Zd.62623$7z6.38138@lakeread04,
"Jack Painter" wrote:


Allright Bruce, if that is so, then please explain why the FCC requires
specific ship information on the application form (605 main) for an RR
license, and why same instructions include use of the same form for later
modifying ships (or aircraft) information (no fee required for the mod) ?
Sure looks like the "operator" is tied to a specific vessel.. The 605 form
is not a ship's license application form, so what possible reason could
there be for including the vessel data (and requiring it's modification if
changed) on the RR application, if the RR permit was not tied to a
particular vessel?

And why in the supplemental information forms required with 605,, there is
included a temporary restricted radiotelephone operator permit that uses the
vessels documentation number as the callsign? If the vessel changes (sold,
replaced with new boat, etc), do these instructions not specifically require
amending the restricted radiotelephone operators permit? I read that they
do, and it looks plain to me that if you applied for an RR for international
voyages (the only reason for having it on a pleasure/voluntary vessel per
the form itself), then you must maintain current vessel information related
to that RR permit, and file a modification when the vessel changes..


Temporary permit: http://www.fcc.gov/Forms/Form605/605f.pdf

Instructions for Temporary Operator Permit for the
Ship, Aircraft, Restricted Radiotelephone,
Restricted Radiotelephone-Limited Use, and GMRS Radio Services
Do Not Use if Applying for Ship Exemption
DO NOT MAIL THIS SCHEDULE TO THE FCC - KEEP IT FOR YOUR RECORDS
Form FCC 605, Schedule F, is a supplementary schedule for use with the FCC
Quick-Form Application for Authorization in the Ship,
Aircraft, Amateur, Restricted and Commercial Operator, and the General
Mobile Radio Services, FCC 605 Main Form. This schedule is
to be used as a Temporary Operator Permit for the Ship, Aircraft, Restricted
Radiotelephone, Restricted Radiotelephone-Limited Use,
and GMRS Radio Services while your application is being processed by the
FCC. In order for this Temporary Operator Permit to be
valid, you must complete the FCC 605 Main Form and the appropriate
Additional Data Schedule and submit them to the FCC.

Main form-605 for Restricted Operator
http://www.fcc.gov/Forms/Form605/605main.pdf

Best regards,

Jack



You know Jackieboy, if you could actually read, it would save you,
from folks hanging the "Dufus Lable" on you, so often.........

See Gary S's post..... He explains it to you in "Small Words" that you
MAY be able to comprehend.

Yes, I acknowledge that the FCC Form 605 is a monsterious cludge of a
form, and beyond what meer mortals can decphyer, but Jeeeze Louise,
Jack they write the instructions for 6th Graders.......

I get paid lots of money to help folks find their way through the FCC
Licensing System, but not ususally for Resrticted Radiotelephone
Operator Permits. If you really can't make your way thru that filing,
I guess I could actully entertain the idea of doing one for you Pro Bono,
seeing as you are "Intelectually challenged", and since it is a Lifetime
Permit I would only have to do it once.

Bruce in alaska
--
add a 2 before @

Bruce,

We both made errors in interpreting the law here, as described on the FCC
website and the CFR. to wit:

"Bruce Gordon" wrote
"Jack Painter" wrote:

Here you go mixing up licenses again, forgetting the title and topic of
this newsgroup is RECREATIONAL boating. Only a Restricted Operators
permit is required for a recreational boater who wants to visit a
foreign port. His boat can remain "covered by the rule" which means no
station license for VHF-only, and the ROP covers his carriage of the
radio, whether he uses it OR NOT, in a foreign port.

(I was wrong, the Station license is indeed also required)

Jackie, you need a bit of a refresher in your International Radio Law,
son..
If a US Flagged vessel is fitted with a VHF radio, and Licensed under
the Blanket License Rule, and leaves US Waters and enters a foreign
port, it is as if he had NO Authorization for the fitted Radio. Said
radio would not be covered under International Law to transmit under any
circiumstance, baring a Distress Transmission.

(You were wrong, according to the rules, voluntary equipped or not, vessels
with radios may not enter or dock foreign port w/o RO & SL.)
---------------------------

That's called being "covered by the rule" and does not permit a vessel
to dock in a foreign port

This has absolutly nothing to do with "dock in a foreign port" in anyway.
A US Flagged vessel may certainly "dock in a foreign port" with a fitted
VHF Radio that would be Licensed in US waters under the Blanket License
Rule, the Operator just could not legally make any Transmissions from
inside the waters of another country, or communicate with any station,
once he entered the waters of another country.


(You were wrong, the rules clearly describe "dock in foreign port" and
"enter foreign port" as the requirement for a RO in addition to SL. Only
"sailing in international waters and not comunicating with a foreign
station" are exempt.)

Shown he http://wireless.fcc.gov/marine/fctsht14.html#SEC2

WHO NEEDS A SHIP STATION LICENSE?

You do not need a license to operate a marine VHF radio, radar, or EPIRBs
aboard voluntary ships operating domestically. The terms "voluntary" and
"domestic" are defined below.

WHAT IS DOMESTIC OPERATION?

Ships are considered as operating domestically when they do not travel to
foreign ports or do not transmit radio communications to foreign stations.
Sailing in international waters is permitted, so long as the previous
conditions are met. If you travel to a foreign port (e.g., Canada, Mexico,
Bahamas, British Virgin Islands) a license is required. Additionally, if you
travel to a foreign port, you are required to have an operator permit as
described in Section III.

DO I NEED A RESTRICTED RADIOTELEPHONE OPERATOR PERMIT?

If you plan to dock in a foreign port (e.g., Canada or the Bahamas) or if
you communicate with foreign coast or ship stations, you must have a
RESTRICTED RADIOTELEPHONE OPERATOR PERMIT (sometimes referred to by boaters
as an "individual license") in addition to your ship radio station license.
Section IV outlines the procedure for obtaining a permit. However, if (1)
you merely plan to sail in domestic or international waters without docking
in any foreign ports and without communicating with foreign coast stations,
and (2) your radio operates only on VHF frequencies, you do not need an
operator permit.

** note the multiple references to
"travel to foreign port", and
"dock in foreign port".

And the form-605 instructions insists that all fields under "ship" be
completed, with no written exemption (or "N/A") for the vessel
name/documentation if application for an RO only. While that may be allowed
from your experience, the form does not leave that option to the applicant.

I would be happy to have your help when I need an FCC license.

Jack

Go with the ICOM radio. Have one for about 4 years now and
it is good and reliable.
wrote in message
ups.com...
I would suggest stepping up enough to get DSC. They may not
even offer
VHF without digital select calling anymore, I haven't
checked recently.
My VHF is 15-20 years old and still going strong, as are a
probable
majority of units from the same era. My next VHF will have
DSC, and
maybe one of the microphones that can change channels etc.

All of these VHF radios are relatively inexpensive, as
boating gear
goes, as long as you stick to the basic functions.

It would be hard to wrong with ICOM, Uniden, Raymarine, or
other major
brands. VHF (thankfully) is
usually trouble free.

If your boat is a single helm model, save enough money for a
decent
hand held VHF to go into the spares locker.
The odds of both radios crapping out at the same time
are almost zero, but you will have more limited range on the
hand held.

On Mon, 14 Mar 2005 11:32:18 -0500, "Jack Painter"
wrote:

Is this clear what your first steps should be, ie: obtaining an owner's
manual, determining what your radio is capable of, then registering an MMSI
via phone and programming or letting a BOAT-US associate do it for you, then
hooking up your GPS according to the instruction manuals, and operating your
radio in accordance with it's instruction manuals?

===========================

It's very clear thanks, but it doesn't really address my concern.

My concern is that there doesn't seem to be anyway to test it and see
if it's actually working as intended. My 40+ years of experience with
things electronic has lead me to believe that nothing should be
assumed to work unless it gets tested periodically.

Jack you are not correct. A third Class is for the person
and it is good for any radio use. I had to have one when I
was on a Police Dept. before I could use either the station
radio or the radios in the patrol cars and it go where ever
I go. All it is is a license that says you are familial with
the rules on talking on a radio as to language as to what
you can say and what you can not.
"Jack Painter" wrote in message
news:1cHYd.62360$7z6.6536@lakeread04...

"Bruce in Alaska" slid off his stool and
shouted:

"Jack Painter" wrote:

Also, a U.S. vessel that plans to dock (or communicate)
at a non-US port
of
call, must have a restricted radiotelephone operators
license. This good
for
life (of the vessel you own and operate) and also does
not involve any
exam.
The license covers vhf, hf, gmdss and radars with no
description of
equipments required. It will include applying for an
MMSI to be used
internationally.

Again, jackie is extending information that he doesn't
understand.......

HEY JACK, How about you "GET A CLUE before you confuse
folks with your
uninformed information.

First: A Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit is
for a PERSON
not a vessel. It is an "OPERATORs" and a vessel
can't be
an operator.

I know that Bruce. I mentioned the "vessel" because it is
for the owner of A
VESSEL, and cannot be transferred or used when the licensee
goes to another
vessel. So it is "for life" only if it remains ON THAT
VESSEL. Please grow
up or go back to your barstool.



Second: A US Flagged vessel, if it is to operate outside
US Territorial
Waters, AND communicate with non-US Coast
Stations, must have
a valid Ship Radio Station License issued by the
FCC.


Here you go mixing up licenses again, forgetting the title
and topic of this
newsgroup is RECREATIONAL boating. Only a Restricted
Operators permit is
required for a recreational boater who wants to visit a
foreign port. His
boat can remain "covered by the rule" which means no station
license for
VHF-only, and the ROP covers his carriage of the radio,
whether he uses it
OR NOT, in a foreign port.




Third: If, and only if, the vessel has fitted, only VHF
Radios and,
or, a Marine S or Xband Radar, and does not
communicated with
non-US Coast Stations, it MAY be covered by the
Blanket License
issued by the FCC, which covers all such vessels
in perpituity,
and does not require any action on the owners, or
operators
parts as far as licensing is concerened.

That's called being "covered by the rule" and does not
permit a vessel to
dock in a foreign port, which is why it's another of your
useless comments
that serves only the interests of your strange ego.


Fourth:
/snipped unadulterated blabber
..
Fifth:
/snipped unadulterated blabber

Sixth:
/snipped unadulterated blabber


Now that we got that straight....... Carry on.......


Bruce in alaska who wishes that USCG would refrain
from distributing
uninformed information.......

"Straight" is a concept difficult to apply to your posts.

The information I posted is current, accurate, and applies
to the questions
posted by Wayne B. The rules have changed since the time
you claimed to
have once been a field-rep for the FCC. Try to remember the
"recreational"
concept of the newsgroup, please.

Best regards,

Jack Painter
Virginia Beach, Virginia