Clearing MMSI on a Link-8

[Da Nag]

I stumbled upon this "hack" a while back, but didn't have need to use it until today. I'm glad to report - it works!

As many of you are aware, once you program your MMSI into your VHF - there's usually no way for you as the owner to change or delete it. Sending it back to the manufacturer is your only option for almost every VHF out there. Not so with the Lowrance Link-8, as well as some of its B&G related units.

To clear the MMSI on a Link-8:

- Hold the Exit and Scan buttons while turning on the radio.

- Enter the code 7100 when prompted (turn dial to change digits, press dial to select)

- A reset menu appears that includes the option to reset the MMSI

You can reset other options from this menu as well, including a complete factory reset - but be aware this might have unintended consequences. For example, on my configuration - there were tweaks necessary from the factory defaults to enable AIS communication over the N2K bus.