Owner's Manual - West Marine

Using DSCThe DSC page of the Main Menu (sea modes only) allows you tocontrol and set up the Digital Selective Calling (DSC) features onthe 276C Plus. Digital Selective Calling (DSC) uses marine VHFradio and Global Positioning System (GPS) technologies to transmitand receive location information. DSC is used by mariners for twomajor operations: Distress Calls and Position Reporting.For more information about Digital Selective Calling and MaritimeMobile Service Identity (MMSI) numbers, refer to pages 118–119 inthe “Appendix.”DSC PageSEA MODES PAGES AND FEATURES > USING DSCUnderstanding Distress CallsWith your 276C Plus properly connected to a VHF radio with DSCoutput, you may receive any DSC Distress Call within range. Analert message appears and a tone sounds when a Distress Call isreceived. The alarm only sounds on a Distress Call; Position Reportsdo not sound the alarm. Distress Calls are broadcast to all DSC usersin radio range and appear with a blue and white checkered icon onthe DSC Call List and Log tabs.You can enter a caller’s name, if it is known. The caller’s namereplaces the MMSI number as a reference once entered.Understanding Position ReportsThe Position Report operates similarly to the Distress Call. Thistype of contact is like a phone call; no emergency alarms are set off.Position Reports are not broadcast to all DSC users and appear witha gold boat icon.Making a Distress CallTo make a Distress Call, press the MayDay button on your VHFradio. The call transmits on an emergency channel with the MMSInumber attached to the call, if you have DSC support. Any DSCequippedmariner (on sea or land) within range can receive the call.276C Plus Owner’s Manual 57190-00501-00_0A.indd 571/13/2005 10:43:45 AM