Digital
selective calling otherwise known simply as DSC is a fairly new
technology. It is a medium frequency/ High frequency service offered to
vessel navigators in conjunction with the global maritime distress and
safety system. It allows maritime navigators to instantly send
predefined 'may day' alerts to immediate search and rescue authorities
within the jurisdiction of the maritime vessel that requested for
assistance. As an added enhancement VHF radios with DSC support can
also receive distress signals sent by other vessels, which can prompt
them to help fellow navigators. The DSC feature has been incorporated in the design of new models of marine radio.
There
are still many limitations of DSC VHF radios, such as the fact that
there is sometimes no follow up after a DSC transmission. The dangers
of this in times of an emergency can be a huge problem. Also, although
DSC supports the ability to send fast alerts to all devices and
operators, the network can be spammed at times with unnecessary and
redundant alerts. There still is non-standardized software menu across
manufactured models; this can be confusing for maritime operators. The
information that can be passed through DSC includes the maritime mobile
service identity unique to the caller and the recipients, the time the
call is made and the caller's location, the priority of the call safety, urgent, distress or routine. You can learn more about the latest technologies incorporated in today's frequency radios by pointing your browser to www.SailRadios.com.
The
Standard Horizon HX471S Silver handheld VHF radio with DSC support is
apparently an industry first. This marine radio can be plugged direct
to a GPS such that in the even of an emergency, you can immediately
send out your location. It does this by recording your positions at any
moment and by the press of the DISTRESS button, will send out a DSC
signal. The HX471 is different from other marine VHF radio with an
inclusion a high intensity strobe light to make it easier to locate
you; I wondered why no other manufacturer ever thought of this. Battery life is long at a maximum of 12 hours, though some users claim to have used it well over that mark.
It
also allows you to not only monitor but listen in on several frequency
bands including AM, FM and FRS (Family Radio Service) bands.
Waterproofing this device and making it whole submersible was a good
touch to an already great marine radio. This VHF will stay under 3 feet
of water for about 30 minutes without drowning. The
chassis is also very rugged and will withstand all sorts of physical
abuse from being dropped, drowned, banged on the deck of the boat, and
being left in out in tropical monsoons. Standard horizon are so sure
about this marine radio VHF that the placed a 3 year part warranty on
it and will gladly replace it should it fault before 3 years elapses.
With that kind of confidence, and a price of 230 dollars, I think this
handheld radio is worth a look even for those married to certain
brands.
Learn more about frequency radios at SailRadios.com
