Changing MMSI Number in Northstar??

H

hack4alivin

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Apr 18, 2008
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Joppa, Maryland
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Does anyone know how to reset you MMSI number in a Northstar NS100 radio? The manual states that once it is stored it “cannot be changed”, but mine has a “777777777” number stored and I can’t seem to change it to my correct MMSI number.
 
I went through this with my Raymarine...apparently, the MMSI numbers are so friggin' important to the orderly processing of the universe that they are supposed to be unchangeable at a user level. The manufacturers can change them (actually I think they can clear them and we can change them). I was having some other stuff fixed and Raymarine offered to clear mine gratis but told me it was a normally a regular charge repair and that they did a bunch of 'em.

This type of "stupid proofing" may make sense to someone, but I found it very frustrating.
 
Well I just found out that “I” cannot get the necessary information to reset it, but if I take it to an “authorized” Northstar dealer they can do it. Why can’t I do it?? “GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS”, imagine that!
 
I'm going through the same ordeal on my 2008 340 DA, which I bought in Sep, 2009. Somebody (???) loaded in a MMSI into the boat and then their financing fell through.

I inquired about this with the Dealer, and they said that either they (the Sea Ray Dealer) or Northstar would have to "clear" the radio. The Dealer has the ability to do this, but only them or the radio manufacturer as MMSI codes are regulated by the FCC.

I also have the same problem with my portable VHF, which I bought off of E-bay (Standard Horizon HX-850S) and it had the MMSI number pre-loaded. I had to actually send the radio back to Standard Horizon to have it reset (for the same reasons highlighted above).

You're right--this is painful.

BL: your Sea Ray Dealer or Northstar can clear the radio, but they MAY charge you for it. :smt013
 
My Standard Horizon says I have 2 shots at the number so I can change it once after that it has to go back to the manufacture. That number is not just for the US it is also for Canada. The information that that number contains is very important and needs to have the information changed as well as the number. Just changing the number could have the CG looking for the wrong boat. Your number gives them personal contact info shore and cell numbers, boat size colour and boat name. It's not just a number, it's a life line that needs to be protected and the information be correct.

Ken
 
I fully understand the “whys” it would be difficult to change, but when trying to enter a number I just received my radio has the number “777777777” in it already and I cannot it. I did not put that in there; in fact I just learned how to do it period so my real number with MY contact information and boat description cannot be entered. A lot of good that will do me.

It should not be that difficult to call tech support, have them issue me a “reset code” and then for me to do it myself without MORE government regulations in my way. :smt021
 
Iprof said:
My Standard Horizon says I have 2 shots at the number so I can change it once after that it has to go back to the manufacture. That number is not just for the US it is also for Canada. The information that that number contains is very important and needs to have the information changed as well as the number. Just changing the number could have the CG looking for the wrong boat. Your number gives them personal contact info shore and cell numbers, boat size colour and boat name. It's not just a number, it's a life line that needs to be protected and the information be correct.

Ken
Click to expand...

I also fully grasp the rationale, but once again we have tremendous nanny -statism at work. Your DSC will give the location, regardless of the MMSI number. Is the CG going to let the damn thing sink if its the wrong personal contact information? If your boat does sink, because you failed to give the right size boat and the CG sent out the wrong rescue equpment...isn't that sort of nautical Darwinism? Who checks that the information was accurate to begin with? (Rhetorical question..answer, nobody). We are capable of captaining our boats to foreign countries, or through thousands of miles of navigable waterways, with priceless cargo in the lives of our loved ones, but incapable of a level of responsibility sufficient to correct an incorrect MMSI number?
 
JediJD said:
I also fully grasp the rationale, but once again we have tremendous nanny -statism at work. Your DSC will give the location, regardless of the MMSI number. Is the CG going to let the damn thing sink if its the wrong personal contact information? If your boat does sink, because you failed to give the right size boat and the CG sent out the wrong rescue equpment...isn't that sort of nautical Darwinism? Who checks that the information was accurate to begin with? (Rhetorical question..answer, nobody). We are capable of captaining our boats to foreign countries, or through thousands of miles of navigable waterways, with priceless cargo in the lives of our loved ones, but incapable of a level of responsibility sufficient to correct an incorrect MMSI number?
Click to expand...

Yea.... What he said!
 
Would love to know how to change it:huh:
 

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I rember reading in rhe manual itcan only be changed by the manufacture.
 
There seems to be renewed interest in this on the forums lately, and this is the most specific thread. I'll post here and point the others to it.

To reset the MMSI in a Northstar NS100 radio (assuming you have the same firmware), here's the procedure. I rewrote the instructions to be a bit closer to English, so hopefully didn't screw them up.

0) Start with radio powered off (a step the instructions don't tell you, lol)

1) Press and hold simultaneously “Distress Key”, “0” key of Handset, while still holding turn the power on. It is helpful to have a third hand help you with this.

1.5) Release the keys, you'll be prompted "Service Mode, Enter ID"

2) Input ID “32123” (without the quotes, of course). “32123” will be displayed only as “-----”

4) Press “ENT” key after inputting above ID.

5) The radio will enter the Clear MMSI service mode. You will be prompted to press ENT to clear the MMSI, press ESC to abort clearing the MMSI.

Press ENT and you're done.

I'd send the illustration, but haven't figured out how to do that...

No idea why the Coast Guard rules say they can't hand out the clear codes, that's why they are so hard to get from the manufacturers. Initially, I was told I had to rip out the radio and send it in. Some sleuthing got around that.

Good luck,
Rich
 
tbirdvet said:
Did anyone try Rich's procedure and did it go OK?
Click to expand...

Yea, I did and it did not work.

I could not get past the "Distress Key" and "0" key at the same time while turning the radio on. I tried many times and I am sure I did this exactly as the instructions said. Never got to the "Service Mode".
 
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