Specifications

Chapter 5: Digital Selective Calling (DSC)

The Ray218/Ray55 includes equipment for Class “D” Digital Selective Calling

(DSC). DSC protocol is a globally applied system used to send and receive digital

calls. DSC uses a unique Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number to

direct DSC calls directly to your radio, much like a telephone number.

Note:

An MMSI number is required to operate the DSC equipment in this radio. You can

obtain an MMSI from BoatUS (www.boatus.com). Once obtained, you can program the

MMSI number yourself one time only using the operation described in “My MMSI ID“ on

page 94. Otherwise, your Raymarine dealer can program or change the number for you.

The Ray218/Ray55 includes a separate dedicated receiver just for DSC

communications on channel 70. When a DSC call is received, the radio

automatically responds based on the type of call. When receiving a DSC call from

another vessel or a coast station, an alert sounds and DSC data appears in the

LCD–such as time of a call, the caller and the type and priority of a call.

5.1 DSC Call Menu

You access DSC functions via the DSC menu. Press and hold the MENU/DSC key

for 3 seconds to enter DSC call mode.

Note:

Distress calls are made using the DISTRESS key.

The Ray218/Ray55 can make the following type of DSC calls:

DSC Call

Type Description

DISTRESS Sends out your MMSI number and nature of your Distress along with

the position and time information from the input NMEA data. This dig-

ital information lets other ships and shore stations equipped with

appropriate DSC equipment know where you are and that you are in a

Distress situation. Distress Calls are made using the DISTRESS key.

INDIVIDUAL Makes a ROUTINE DSC call to a specific station identified by its MMSI

number.

CALLING

DSC MENU

SELECT

INDIVIDUAL

GROUP

ALL SHIPS

POS REQUEST

RECV’D CALLS

D9208-1

PRESS and HOLD for 3 secs