Si-tex DSC-900 User's Manual
DSC-900
UIC
OWNER’S
HANDBOOK
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LICENSE IN FORMA TION...........................................................................................................3
FCC Radio Lise nce....................................................................................................................3
Radio Call Sig n...........................................................................................................................3
MMSI Number I nformat ion...................................................................................................3
FCC NOTICE.....................................................................................................................................3
FCC Digital D evise C ompli ance............................................................................................3
FCC Radio Frequency Compliance Re quirement s and Wa rnings...............................4
1. INTRODUCT ION........................................................................................................................5
1.1 Equipment Required..........................................................................................................5
1.2 Equipment Supplie d..........................................................................................................5
1.3 Optional Equipmen t...........................................................................................................5
2. BASIC RADI O COMMU NICATIO N PROCE DURES...................................................6
2.1 Using Channel 16................................................................................................................6
2.2 Calling Another Vessel......................................................................................................7
2.3 Prohibited Commu nicati on..............................................................................................7
3. INSTALLATION..........................................................................................................................8
3.1 Transceiver............................................................................................................................8
3.2 Antenna..................................................................................................................................8
3.3 Power Conn ection...............................................................................................................8
3.4 Rear Panel Cable s................................................................................................................9
3.5 Optional FM-02 Flush Mount K it Installat ion............................................................10
4. OPERATION...............................................................................................................................11
4.1 Power On/Off....................................................................................................................11
4.2 Volume and Squelc h........................................................................................................11
4.3 Keypad.................................................................................................................................12
4.4 Channel Selecti on..............................................................................................................12
4.5 Channel Banks...................................................................................................................13
4.6 Wx Channels......................................................................................................................13
4.7 Wx Alert..............................................................................................................................13
4.8 Priority Channel (16/09)..................................................................................................14
4.9 PTT........................................................................................................................................14
4.10 H/L.....................................................................................................................................14
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4.11 Channel Scanning...........................................................................................................14
Priority Scan.................................................................................................................14
All Scan..........................................................................................................................15
Memory Scan...............................................................................................................15
4.12 MMSI Set...........................................................................................................................17
4.13 Directory............................................................................................................................18
5. DSC OPERATI ON.....................................................................................................................21
5.1 DSC Monitor......................................................................................................................21
5.2 GPS Operat ion...................................................................................................................21
5.3 Sending a Distres s Call.....................................................................................................22
5.4 Receiving a Distres s Call..................................................................................................23
5.5 Normal DSC Calls.............................................................................................................24
All Ship's C all...................................................................................................................24
Directory C all...................................................................................................................25
New Call...........................................................................................................................26
Last Call.............................................................................................................................28
Po s i t i o n S e nd (P1)...........................................................................................................29
Position Reques t ( P 2)......................................................................................................29
5.6 Receiving DSC Call s..........................................................................................................31
All Ship's Ca ll Receiv ed.................................................................................................31
Individual Call Receiv ed...............................................................................................32
Geographic Call Recei ved.............................................................................................32
Position Send Receive d..................................................................................................32
Position Request Receive d............................................................................................33
6. SPECIFICATIONS.....................................................................................................................34
7. CHANNEL AS SIGNME NT....................................................................................................36
CERTIFICATE OF LIMITED WARRANTY..........................................................................39
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LICENSE INFORMATION
FCC Radio License
In U.S. waters, vessels which are not required to carry radio equipment are not
required to have an FCC (Federal Communications Commission) ship station license
for a VHF marine radio.
However, any vessel required to carry a marine radio on an international voyage,
carrying a HF single side band radio telephone or marine satellite terminal must have
an FCC license.
License application forms for ship and land stations can be downloaded free from the
FCC web site at this address: www.fcc.gov/formpage.html. You may also order
copies of these forms by calling the FCC Forms Distribution Center at 1-800-418-3676.
Radio Call Sign
At this time, the FCC does not require recreational boaters to have a ship radio station
call sign. The U.S. Coast Guard recommends using the boat's registration number and
state.
MMSI Number Information
The BoatU.S. MMSI Program has been certified by both the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) and the U.S. Coast Guard to assign MMSI numbers to vessels with
DSC capable radios. To obtain and register your free MMSI number, the Coast Guard
recommends logging onto http://www.boatus.com/mmsi/ and following the
instructions.
FCC NOTICE
FCC Digital Device Compliance
This device complies with Part 15 of the U.S. Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could
void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and complies with Part 15 of the FCC
Rules. This specification provides reasonable protection against harmful
DSC-900 3
interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and
can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance
with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more
of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to
which the receiver is connected.
• Consult your dealer or an experienced technician for help.
FCC Radio Frequency Compliance Requirements and Warnings
When operating your marine radio transceiver, you should know that the
antenna radiates radio frequency (RF) energy. This radio was designed to meet
the FCC’s rules and regulations for the maximum permissible exposure to
radio frequency energy. This design was tested and found to be compliant
with the strict requirements established by the FCC.
DO NOT operate the radio without a proper antenna attached, because this
may damage the radio and may also cause you to exceed FCC RF exposure
limits. Antenna types suited for this radio are described in the installation
section.
DO NOT transmit for more than 50% of the total radio use time. Transmitting
more than 50% of the time can cause FCC RF exposure compliance
requirements to be exceeded. The radio is transmitting when the “TX
indicator” is displayed on the screen. You can cause the radio to transmit by
pressing the "PTT" (Push To Talk) switch.
IMPORTANT: The antenna(s) used for this transmitter must be installed to
provide a separation distance of at least 91 cm (37 inches) from all persons
(including passengers). The antenna(s) must not exceed an antenna gain of 3
decibels (dB) and must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any
other antenna or transmitter.
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1. INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of the DSC-900. It is an advanced marine VHF
communication transceiver offering Digital Selective Calling. It is designed for
operation in the marine VHF FM frequency band. The operating frequency range is
156.025 to 163.275MHz which includes all USA, Int’l, Canada and Wx channels.
The transceiver has Digital Selective Calling (DSC) capabilities. Distress, All Ship’s and
Individual DSC call formats are supported.
Other features include Position Send/Request, all channel scanning, priority channel
scanning, memory channel scanning, one button instance access to channel 16/09,
large selector knob and microphone with UP/DOWN keys.
1.1 Equipment Required
The minimum equipment required for two way voice and DSC VHF radio
communication with vessels and shore stations includes:
• VHF radio communication transmitter and receiver designed and approved for
marine VHF communication use.
• VHF antenna and connecting cable. Use a good quality unity gain antenna for
best range performance.
• Power source suitable for the VHF transmitter and receiver.
• For Digital Selective Calling (DSC) VHF communication radios, connection to a
GPS receiver that provides latitude and longitude coordinates and UT C time for
distress messages.
1.2 Equipment Supplied
• DSC-900 Marine VHF Transceiver
• Microphone with UP/DOWN keys
• Mounting Bracket with knobs
• Microphone Hanger
• Power Cable with in-line fuse (6.3 Amp)
• Owner’s Handbook
1.3 Optional Equipment
• FM-02 Flush Mount Kit
DSC-900 5
2. BASIC RADIO COMMUNICATION PROCEDURES
Distress or emergency calls may be made either manually or automatically. Sending
distress calls automatically uses the Digital Selective Calling (DSC) functions of your
transceiver and requires as operating and properly connected navigation receiver. The
following procedures are for sending voice distress messages manually. Sending an
automatic distress call is described in the DSC section of this manual.
2.1 Using Channel 16
Channel 16 is the Calling and Distress channel. An emergency may be defined as a
situation that threatens human life or property. In such situations, make sure your
transceiver is turned On and set the channel selector to Channel 16. Then use the
following procedure to make a distress call. The total transmission should not exceed 1
minute.
1. Press the microphone Push To Talk button. Speak slowly and clearly into the
microphone: “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday, this is [your vessel’s name], [your
vessel’s name], [your vessel’s name]”.
2. Then repeat once: “Mayday, [your vessel’s name]”.
3. Continue by reporting your position in latitude and longitude or by reporting
your bearing (true or magnetic, specify which) and distance from a prominent or
well known landmark, geographic feature or aid to navigation.
4. Explain the nature of your emergency (fire, sinking, collision, grounding, health
condition, injury, etc.).
5. Report the kind of assistance you require (fire, medical aid, pumps, etc.).
6. State the number of people aboard and the condition of any injured.
7. Estimate the seaworthiness and condition of your vessel.
8. Describe your vessel: length, type, color and any distinguishing feature.
9. End the message by saying “Over”. Release the Push To Talk button and listen for
a reply.
10. If there is no reply, repeat the above message procedure. If there is still no
response, try another channel.
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2.2 Calling Another Vessel
Channel 16 may be used to establish initial contact with another vessel. Ho wever, its
most important use is for voice emergency messages. Channel 16 must be monitored
at all times except when engaged in actual communication on another channel.
Channel 16 is monitored by international search and rescue (SAR) authorities,
National Coast Guards and by other vessels. Use of Channel 16 for calling or hailing
must be limited to initial contact only. Calling should not exceed 30 seconds and may
be repeated 3 times at 2 minute intervals.
Prior to making contact with another vessel, determine which channel will be used for
continued communication after the initial contact. Monitor the desired channel for
traffic and, when clear, switch to Channel 16 to make initial contact.
Listen for traffic on the Calling Channel (16). If clear, press the Push To Talk (PTT)
button on the microphone. Speak the name of the vessel you are calling followed by
“this is” and the name of your vessel and your call sign. Release the PTT and listen for
a reply. When the other vessel returns your call, acknowledge the call with “go to”, the
number of the new channel and “over”. Switch to the new channel and listen for traffic.
If necessary, wait for traffic to clear, and then call the other vessel. As communication
proceeds, end each transmission with “over”. When communication with the other
vessel is completed, end the last transmission with your call sign and the word “out”.
It is not necessary to end each transmission with your call sign, just give your call sign
at the beginning and end of each contact.
Remember to switch to Channel 16 when not actively communicating on another
channel.
2.3 Prohibited Communication
The following communications are prohibited by regulations and violators are subject
to penalties.
• False distress or emergency messages (including false DSC distress).
• Messages to “any vessel” except in emergencies and radio tests.
• Messages to or from a vessel on land.
• Transmission while on land.
• Obscene, indecent, or profane language.
DSC-900 7
3. INSTALLATION
3.1 Transceiver
Your DSC-900 transceiver is designed to withstand the rigors of the marine
environment. However, selecting a mounting location affording some protection from
the elements will prolong the life of connectors, controls and the liquid crystal display
(LCD).
Select a location within easy reach and view of the operator and away from your
vessel’s compass. Locate the microphone to avoid entanglement with steering or
engine controls, both when in use and when stowed. Also, consider routing of antenna,
power and NMEA interface cables. Mount the transceiver securely to a solid surface.
3.2 Antenna
Proper installation of a quality VHF antenna is very important to reliable radio
communication. A good quality unity gain a ntenna is recommended for maximum
range performance. In general, antennas should be located as high as practical and
separated as much as possible from other antennas and structures. The minimum
distance to other objects is 1 meter. Route the antenna cable away from other electronic
equipment and do not bundle the antenna or power cable with other wiring,
especially transducer cables for depth sounders and fish finders. For cables longer than
10 meters, RG-8/U coaxial cable must be used. Mount the antenna and install the
connector(s) in accordance with manufactures instructions. Connect the antenna cable
to the RF output connector on the rear panel of the transceiver.
3.3 Power Connection
CAUTION
Reverse polarity connections can damage your transceiver
The power cable for your transceiver must be connected to the ship’s main power buss.
Connect the Red wire to the positive (+) terminal and the Black wire to the negative (-)
terminal. Connect the barrel terminals on the power cable to the matching color wires
and terminals extending from the rear panel of the transceiver.
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3.4 Rear Panel Cables
The white and black cables on the rear panel are provided for connecting an external
speaker. Use an 8 Ohm speaker rated for at least 3 Watts and suitable for the
environment at the chosen location.
Other cables are provided for connecting an operating GPS navigation receiver, in
order for the position reporting/transferring features of your transceiver to function.
Refer to your GPS navigation receiver manual for information about its NMEA
output/input settings and connectio ns.
Wire Color Description Connection
White External speaker (+) Connect to external 8 Ohm audio speaker
Black External speaker (-) Connect to external 8 Ohm audio speaker
Brown NMEA Rx (+) Connect to NMEA Tx (+) of GPS
Red NMEA Rx (-) Connect to Ground/NMEA Tx (-) of GPS
Orange NMEA Tx (+) Connect to NMEA Rx (+) of GPS
Yellow Ground/NMEA Tx (-) Connect to Ground/NMEA Rx (-) of GPS
DSC-900 9
3.5 Optional FM-02 Flush Mount Kit Installation
1. Cut the dash board using a template sheet included in the kit.
2. Set the radio in the cut dash board.
3. Rotating the longer screw and set it to the hole of the plastic mount block. Firmly
attach the bolt foot rotating to the top of the screw. (See Fig. 1)
4. Firmly fix the plastic mount block on the either side of the radio using shorter
screw. Don’t forget to attach the washer. (See Fig. 2 and Fig. 3)
5. Fasten the longer screw to fix the radio to the dash board firmly. (Fig. 4)
6. The same works should be done to the other side too.
Plastic mount block
Fig.1
Fig.3
Longer screw
(+) screw driver
Bolt foot
Washer
Fig.2
Fig.4
Shorter screw
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4. OPERATION
4.1 Power On/Off
Power to the transceiver is controlled with the VOLume knob. When the VOL knob is
the full CCW position, the unit is turned Off.
To turn the transceiver On:
• Rotate the VOLume knob CW until it clicks over the detent. The LCD backlight
illuminates and the Power-On screen appears.
After approximately two seconds, the Normal Communication screen appears in
the display.
The default Priority channel (CH16 or 09) is displayed in the LCD. For the first
time Turn On, it is CH16. The radio’s Orange lighting is always On. There is no
contrast control.
DSC
MON
PRI
MEM
GPS
USA
To turn the transceiver Off:
• Rotate the VOL knob CCW until it clicks over the detent to the OFF position.
4.2 Volume and Squelch
The VOLume and SQuelch controls have each knob. They are independent controls
but work together to control audio output from th e speaker. The volume control set
the loudness of sound from the speaker and the squelch control is used to mute
background noise when no received signals are present.
To properly set the VOL and SQ controls:
• Rotate the SQ knob fully CCW.
• Rotate the VOL knob CW until background noise is plainly heard.
DSC-900 11
• Slowly rotate the SQ knob CW until the noise is muted (squelched). Then adjust
the control slightly more CW (approximately 1/8 turn). Use ca re not set to the
SQ control more CW than necessary or weak signals may be heard.
Some channels exhibit more background noise than others, so it may be necessary to
readjust the squelch setting when changing channels or when scanning.
4.3 Keypad
A tone is emitted when any of the 6 k eys are pr esse d. A 3-b eep err or to ne is emitt ed if
the key press is not allowed. Some functions require a holding down of a key. A single
beep is emitted, then after the hold down timeout, a second beep will be heard and the
mode entered. The basic purpose for each key is as follows:
Used for selecting channel and menu.
H/L Use to toggle transmitter power between 25 watts and 1 watt output.
Certain channels are restricted to 1 watt maximum power and will cause the
error beep if the HI/LO key is pressed.
WX Switches to the Wx channel mode. Also toggle Off/On the Wx Alert
function by pressing in Priority or Memory Scan modes.
16/9 Selects the Primary Calling 16/09 or the last channel used. Also cancels DSC
and Emergency /Distress calls.
SCAN Can be used alone or with the MEM key to select Priority Scan, Memory
Scan or All Scan.
MEM Stores MMSI numbers. Also stores channels in the scan memory bank, and
when used with the SCAN key, starts Memory Scan.
CALL Initiates DSC operation screens by pressing.
4.4 Channel Selection
There are two ways to change channels:
• Rotate the SELECTOR, or press the UP/DOWN keys on the MIC. The
UP/DOWN keys on the MIC will always change channels except when being
used in sub-modes.
Refer to the enclosed channel chart f or proper usage and understanding. In USA and
Canada, the Wx channels are available. Wx channels are not available for the
International Channel Bank.
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