Help with DSC/ MMSID

Vince_nj1

Vince_nj1

Active Member
TECHNICAL Contributor
Aug 25, 2008
1,819
North Barnegat Bay
Boat Info
2006 320 V-Drives 6.2s, Bow Thruster, Generator, Raymarine C80, Radar, Fish Finder
Engines
6.2 Horizons 320HP
You can tell its the middle of the winter. I am actually reading the manual for my VHF. ​

I have a NORTHSTAR NS100SS VHF RADIO. The manual indicates that the radio is able to send out a DSC transmission in the event I am in distress. ​

It says that I need to enter my MMSID number into the unit before I can use the DCS feature. So my question is where do I get an MMSID number? ​

This is what is in the manual:​


DSC (Digital Selective Calling) is a VHF radio transmission system that can transmit digital signals. DSC capability enables you to use the Global Maritime Distress Signalling System (GMDSS) to transmit a coded distress signal using the DISTRESS button. Any DSC radio within range of the distress signal will automatically register the distress signal and display the details on the LCD screen.​

Every DSC user has a unique identifier called an MMSID. You must enter your MMSID into the radio so that you can access the DSC functionality.​

If you don't have an MMSID, contact the appropriate athorities in your country. If you don't know who to contact, ask your dealer (or just ask your mensa friends on CSR)


OK.. Now I am really confused, I turned the page and read this...

WARNING!
This is once-only
operation. You can
display and read your
MMSID at any time,
but you get only one
opportunity to store
your MMSID in the
radio. You cannot
change it after you
have stored it.
​

 
Last edited:
If it is not already you should also hook up your GPS to the radio so it will have your GPS coordinates. All your information will be transmitter just by holding the "distress" button.
 
I bought my radio(StandardHorizon GSX1500S) from Jim here at BOE, programmed the MMSI I obtained from BoatUS and wired it to my GPS, works great and can see other's who I've programmed their MMSI's into the Radio on my GPS screen. The GPS can then Auto-plot a course to your friend you've done a Position request via the radio.

It's a great feature.
 
Just a word of caution on MMSI numbers:

Once you have a MMSI number assigned you will use this number for all radios, EPIRBs and AIS transceivers aboard the vessel. If you plan to ever take you boat outside the United States, you will need a ship's station license for the radios (and radar). AND, to get a license from the FCC you will not be able to use a MMSI number assigned by Boat/US - only one assigned to you by the FCC.

The hitch is that many DSC enabled VHF radios are set up in such a way that the MMSI number is not consumer resettable. In order to change the MMSI number once you enter it, you must send the unit back to the mfg.

Just something to keep in mind if there is ever a chance your cruising will take you to outside of US waters.
 
Great insight. But it raises some more questions.


First the GPS suggestion. I have a Raymarine E80. I removed it from the boat to replace the screen. I unplugged 4 plugs.
  • Power,
  • Radar,
  • Sea Talk
  • And either NMEA In/Out or the DSM
I don't have the a fish finder installed yet. So can anyone tell me by looking at these pictures if the VHF is interfaced?


P1020801.jpg

P1020800.jpg
 
Are you sure that is an E80? It looks more like a C80.

If so, the connector in the lower right (5 pin) is the NMEA connector. You need to look at the other end of the wire to see what is connected.
 
The NEMA 0183 Interface is the one that would go to your radio and maybe to the Smartcraft as well. You can not tell from the picture if it is indeed hooked to the Radio, but since you have the plug I would bet that it is.

That is the way I hooked mine up last season. Do you remember if when you had you VHF radio on last season if it would make a several beep sound every one in a while. If so that is the Radio saying it has lost GPS signal. Also the radio will display the GPS coordinates if it is hooked up. On your Smartcraft display the compass screen will work as well if it is hooked up to the GPS from the NEMA.
 
I'm pretty sure my Raymarine Radio is on the SeaTalk bus and not on an NMEA listener wire.
 
Four Suns said:
I'm pretty sure my Raymarine Radio is on the SeaTalk bus and not on an NMEA listener wire.
Click to expand...

My C80 has both the SeaTalk and the NMEA. I hooked up the NMEA to both my VHF and Smartcraft system last season, now both receive the GPS data. The SeaTalk bus is used for my SIRIUS Weather module. He is talking about a NorthStar NS100 radio here, the same one I have in mine.
 
hack4alivin said:
The NEMA 0183 Interface is the one that would go to your radio and maybe to the Smartcraft as well. You can not tell from the picture if it is indeed hooked to the Radio, but since you have the plug I would bet that it is.

That is the way I hooked mine up last season. Do you remember if when you had you VHF radio on last season if it would make a several beep sound every one in a while. If so that is the Radio saying it has lost GPS signal. Also the radio will display the GPS coordinates if it is hooked up. On your Smartcraft display the compass screen will work as well if it is hooked up to the GPS from the NEMA.
Click to expand...

First, it is a C80 not an E80, my mistake. (I was told the only difference was that the E80 can be networked with other "E" displays, is that correct?)

As for the other questions I didn't have an opportunity for the VHF to beep because it wasnt operational, but I believe compass screen worked on the Smartcraft display.

I used a handheld VHF to bring the boat back from Maryland when I bought it in Sept. The boat was missing the hand receiver for the Northstar so it wasn't operational for my one and only trip last year. I have since replaced all missing equipment and only turned the VHF on in the marina to test the handset. I am currently in the process of trying to learn how all the electronics work and how they are interfaced.

I never even heard of DCS or an MMSID until I started reading the Northstar manual. I was actually trying to learn how AIS works and came accross the DCS feature on the VHF. Do we have enough TLA's going on here? (Three letter acronyms)

I really do appreciate all of the feedback on this board. Great resource and great place to learn things. Lot of smart people. :thumbsup:
 
Last edited:
Nehalennia said:
I bought my radio(StandardHorizon GSX1500S) from Jim here at BOE, programmed the MMSI I obtained from BoatUS and wired it to my GPS, works great and can see other's who I've programmed their MMSI's into the Radio on my GPS screen. The GPS can then Auto-plot a course to your friend you've done a Position request via the radio.

It's a great feature.
Click to expand...

Todd- is this a function of the VHF or the GPS, I have the 545s wired to my Northstar 100s and will be getting an MMSI this spring?
 
I got my MMSID number from Boat US in the middle of the summer. I tried to put in my number and it said it already had number "123456789" in memory, and it could only be installed once. This is a new radio and boat, when I purchased it. It is a Northstar 100 SS. I contacted Northstar and they said I had to contact a local dealer to reset the unit. They can't give that information to the end user. I contacted Young Electronics in Hyannis and they were no help. Any ideas where to go?
 
drob said:
I got my MMSID number from Boat US in the middle of the summer. I tried to put in my number and it said it already had number "123456789" in memory, and it could only be installed once. This is a new radio and boat, when I purchased it. It is a Northstar 100 SS. I contacted Northstar and they said I had to contact a local dealer to reset the unit. They can't give that information to the end user. I contacted Young Electronics in Hyannis and they were no help. Any ideas where to go?
Click to expand...

Odd number to be programmed in. Did you go to the menu and the DSC submenu to try to see what was there? I would contact NAVICO (took over Northstar) and ask for dealer in your are that can reset the radio. The MMSI number is retained in the black box part of the NS100 radio and not the mike so that is the part they will need (plus possibly the mike to interface).
 
drob said:
I got my MMSID number from Boat US in the middle of the summer. I tried to put in my number and it said it already had number "123456789" in memory, and it could only be installed once. This is a new radio and boat, when I purchased it. It is a Northstar 100 SS. I contacted Northstar and they said I had to contact a local dealer to reset the unit. They can't give that information to the end user. I contacted Young Electronics in Hyannis and they were no help. Any ideas where to go?
Click to expand...

Dave, PM rwf on this site! He has the procedure to reset the unit. He did a reset for me in AC and it works!
 
Holy resurrection BatMan!

Jack F said:
Todd- is this a function of the VHF or the GPS, I have the 545s wired to my Northstar 100s and will be getting an MMSI this spring?
Click to expand...
It's a function of the GPS. It is receiving the info from the VHF and displaying it on the GPS.
 
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