03/04 - 03/06 - St. John's River, Florida 2016

Tom, I don't know if I know it well enough to teach others. I'm still learning! I actually find it kind of fascinating as I learn more about it. Perhaps I can try and put together a "information sheet", just using the directions and information out of my GX2150 manual. No promises, but I'll see what I can do. That would be on using it to communicate with others, something I haven't even been able to do yet, as most just aren't familiar enough with their radios to respond. (I'm not even sure I am, and I've only been hailed once with DSC, and that was an all call by the Canadian Coast Guard looking for an overdue.) But the neat thing is, from what I've read, you can let it querry the position of other boats in your group, etc. Would be kind of nice just experimenting with it amongst our group of boats since we are all gathered in one place. However, the basic concept behind the DSC is the emergency "red" button that all one has to do is push to summon help. But if you don't have an internal GPS in your radio, or it hooked up properly to an external GPS, it will do you no good. 72 is still a good idea though! Colby :)
 
Colby,
Great ideas, this will be a good learning experiment that's harmless on low power as we all experiment with our DSC radios.
My take is that DSC is a digital VHF method to establish INITIAL...INITIAL...INITIAL....VHF radio contact with either a particular boat (using its unique MMSI) or GROUPS of boats (that you specify by inputting all their MMSI #, such as your fishing buds you don't want to have all over the VHF airways when you find fish) or ALL boats in VHF range with a call to ONE or ALL boats in range, which will ALARM all the radios in range with a CONSTANT ALARM TONE..WHAT DO YOU DO?
97% OF BOATERS ARE MYSTIFIED WHEN THIS HAPPENS...DON'T LET IT BE YOU.
PRESS ANY BUTTON ON YOUR DSC RADIO WHEN IT DSC ALARMS!!!!
(older radios may have any combination of WEIRD inputs, SEE YOUR ANTIQUE VHF RADIO MANUAL FOR THIS!)
YOUR MODERN RADIO WILL THEN AUTOMATICALLY SWITCH TO WHATEVER VOICE CHANNEL YOUR 'CALLER' SPECIFIED ON HER DSC RADIO WHEN SHE MADE THIS CALL.
(If you are planning on making a DSC VHF radio call, YOUR modern radio will ask YOU to specify which VOICE channel you want your responses on...advise 68, 70, 72, 13 etc).

Then talk over the radio as normally...who talks first? up to you two.

NEVER talk on channel 70, it is the DIGITAL VHF channel that magically does all this. If you have a AIS RECIEVE TRANSPONDER (I highly rec'd at $200 or so), it also shows on your plotter all other vessels broadcasting AIS info (ferries, towboats >5000HP, big ships, some fishing boats, any private boats who have a 'broadcast' AIS as opposed to 'receive only' AIS, ETC). That is all another Lecture.
VHF radio technology is like computer technology in that a 5 year old DSC radio may be hopelessly out of date in requiring a myriad of weird button pushes to make or answer a DSC VHF radio call, SEE AND MEMORIZE YOUR MANUAL.
YES, it is Pathetic how COMPLEX this all is compared to ANY CELLPHONE SOLD ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD INCLUDING ONE YOU PICK UP IN HONG KONG WITH ALL CHINESE CHARACTERS.
We haven't been to Hong Kong since 1983, and it was a blast!
Cheers, Colby!
John
 
John, you are absolutely correct in your post. I'm hoping to get a chance to use DSC at this gathering, and learn better how to use it myself. I remember trying to use it at the Alton Gathering this past September, with a large yacht at the end of our pier. She said their radio was going off, but they couldn't figure out how to work the DSC. You are correct. You simply silence the alert, and then the radio switches to the requested frequency automatically. So in that regard, the DSC simply acts as the initial ring to your radio, but switches to the frequency requested automatically. But from what I understand reading my manual, you can also querry or send position reports. You and your buddy want to keep secret where you just found fish while searching separately? Send a position report to him over DSC and nobody else will be privy. Want to know where all your C-brat buddies are on the lake, send a position querry to a group. Sure we'll all use 72, but if you are monitoring 16, rather than calling on 16 to switch, just use DSC.
Anyway, should be interesting and fun to see how it all works. My plan is too put all the MMSI's I've got for those going to the gathering in a group listing on my radio. And then play around with it a bit over the weekend. Colby
 
Got on the boat today, pulled out my GX2150 manual, and did some more reading on my radio's DSC. Tom, I don't really see a need for a seminar on DSC, as I think it's just as easy to somewhat hijack the event thread here and continue discussing it as we have. John gave some very good advice. And I learned today that setting up a group listing is a lot easier than I thought it would be. (Originally I thought I'd have to enter everyone's boat name and MMSI into my radio's directory. Yes, if you plan on calling other boats separately you have to do that, and yes it is time consuming.)

For those others that are interesting in using their newer DSC radios, if your radio is capable of group listing, you only have to input one MMSI number. The first numeral is going to be 0, and the 2150 defaults to that (and it can not be changed.) Pull out your operating manual to learn how to input the number, but my radio it's simply entered in the DSC setup under group. I named my group STJOHNCBRAT. My manual suggests using the MID for the next 3 numbers after the 0, which are the numbers 338 for the USA. For the last 5 numbers, I just chose the Hontoon State Park zip code: 32720. So, if you desire to use the group call at Hontoon, you should enter the MMSI in the group list as 033832720. All boats that have this MMSI number in their group calling list will get the signal. (Which means if for some reason some other group also thought the same way I did, we just simply have to change one number and we're back in business.)

Very simply, the DSC can be used to "page" others in the group, rather than making a call out on the radio. Once a group call is made, all boat radios that have that MMSI number inserted will alert. Just hit any key to silence the alert and your radio will automatically change to the frequency the sender is requesting. In our case, Tom has already said we'll use 72, so that is the frequency to enter in your radio when asked, if you are doing the transmission.

Why would anybody want to use DSC this way? Well it allows you to tell your buddy or group to go to another chosen channel, without announcing it to everyone else listening. You want to tell your buddy where the hot fishing is without letting anyone else in on the secret? Want to have a conversation without everyone else tuning into that channel to listen? Send the channel request via DSC and no one else will know unless they are in your group, or you send it to their MMSI.

I think this would be a great tool for gatherings like ours, or yacht clubs, etc. Maybe I don't want to constantly monitor 72? No need to if we used DSC. If somebody wanted to transmit to the group, just do a group call with your DSC, wait shortly for folks to acknowledge so their radios make the automatic channel change, then transmit over the radio as you normally would. Of course, this only works if you have one of the newer DSC VHF radios that has the group list function, and have the group MMSI entered in your radio's directory.

BTW, Don't confuse this with your radio's assigned MMSI number. The entry that you can only do once, and then it's permanent in your radio!!!! The Group MMSI, is entered into the directory. Kind of like your phone has it's own phone number, but then you have a directory with other phone numbers. But the cool thing about the DSC group listing, is it's like giving your phone a temporary phone number that it can also ring from! IN this way, think of the old Party Lines!

Colby
 
To all....the countdown is well underway for our St. Johns River Gathering at Hontoon Island. This will most certainly be our biggest gathering ever. The storage tubs of supplies are filling up and the shopping list is becoming shorter. Now all we need is someone to take charge of supplying good weather!

On a sadder note its come to my attention that Bruce Cassal of the "Carpy" passed on a short time ago of cancer. Bruce and his soul mate Joyce attended the first two gatherings here on the St. Johns. Always ready to help with a great attitude and winning smile. He and Joyce always spent extra time before and after the gathering exploring the St. Johns. On the radio it was always...I saw the Carpy here or I saw the Carpy there. We knew that Bruce was fighting a battle and that he would not attend this year but hoped for the next. Bruce left us with fond memories and will be missed.
 
Colby: Rather than a "seminar" we can ask those that are interested in"experimenting" to get together, share and test. Would that work for you?
Tom
 
Tom, I think that would be a great idea. We can talk all about it, but until folks get at the radio and actually play with it, well that's when we'll really learn! Colby
 
I was just taking a refresher powerboat Squadron course and MMSI came up . My radio must be an antique it does not have the DSC or MMSI capability .Another thing to buy for the Boat . I have been neglecting my boat and putting energy into RVing it hard to keep both up .It will be interesting to find out more info on the MMSI phone up friends feature . I'm hoping to have a new radio by the Gathering . BTW my wife joined me in that class and said why don't we have that kind of Radio ? I think thats a get it permission slip .
 
I just checked trailer wiring and its a go and put on two new tires last year put on 2 new ones in rear .So we should be good to go Hopefully leaving weds morning and launching thur AM Jim
 
Anyone wanting help on getting their DSC set up should be sure to obtain an MMSI number, program it into their VHF radio before the gathering, and post the number to the c-brats web site so that others can program it into their call directories. Also, be sure to bring your VHF and chartplotter owner manuals. If you are having difficulty figuring out how to program the MMSI number into your VHF radio, just bring the number and owner manuals along, and someone can help you with the programming. If your VHF or chartplotter came with data cables that you haven’t already connected, bring those along too.
You can get a free MMSI number from Boat U.S., which is valid for operation in U.S. waters, as follows:

1) Assemble emergency contact names and numbers, and vessel registration info.
2) Go to the Boatus.com website (you don’t have to be a boatus member)
3) Click on the “Membership”, “MMSI”, and “get new MMSI number” tabs
4) Enter your information and answer the questions
5) Write down your new MMSI number

It's that easy.
 
One word of caution. When you enter your assigned MMSI number into your radio, make sure you get it right the first time. Most radios only allow you to input it once. If you make a mistake, you'll have to send the radio back to the manufacturer to reset it. The MMSI number I mentioned as a group number is not the one to enter as your own MMSI. It is only to be used in the group directory function of your radio! Colby
 
Some of you may have seen the post about Bruce Cassal passing away Feb. 5th. We had hoped to make it to this gathering. Our wedding reception was scheduled for March 12. Now instead, we'll have his "Celebration of Life" on March 12. He was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer last April & didn't live near as long as we had hoped. We were married Nov. 28, 2015.

Bruce's request to me was that some of his ashes be scattered on the St. Johns River. I'm seriously thinking about coming this year. I'll try to get a cabin on the island & then join you for activities & boat rides.
 
Just got off the phone with Joyce. She is going to try to join us on for the St. John's gathering. The campground is full but we have plenty of room on the C-otter for a guest so she can stay with us. I'll not be leaving the dock till the gathering is over. But I know many others will be available to take Joyce out for some boat rides. Bruce and the Carpy will be with us in spirit!

More later.....Tom and "the other Joyce"
 
To all......it will not be long till we gather at Hontoon Island State Park for our third gathering. We already have C-Brats cruising up and down river on the St. Johns. Just a few notes.

1)If you will NOT be attending and you have signed up please let me know by PM or here. We will be working hard to be sure that everyone gets a spot. You will surely want to arrive no later than Friday AM..... but Thursday would be better. Dock helpers will help direct boats to slips. Use "72". If you have special needs let them know. (don't worry James we will make every effort to save you the dog walking slip :dog )

2)No open alcohol on the docks or in the park during the day. Easy Fix....use a cup. After the last park boat leaves its OK at the camp fire.

3)No anchors over the dock! Most of us will back in. Bring extra fenders. If you need help (like I do!) when backing into an occupied double slip wait till dock helpers are in position. We all love our boats!

4)Silent auction is new this year.....find something on the boat or bring along items that you have not used in a long time to auction off at the Gathering. Proceeds will be donated to the park. Thanks

5)Saturday morning we have three...yes thats right....three incredibly talented speakers. First at 9am: Cliff Harbin will give us some history of the Ocklawaha river that joins into the St. Johns. Than at 10am: John Highsmith is going to share information on bottom painting your boat. Finally at 11am Bob Austin will be answering some popular C-Dory questions. Its going to be a great morning!

6)Maps of the St. Johns are availiable at the camp store on Hontoon Island.

Till next time....Tom and Joyce
 
I'm excited and chomping at the bit to get down there. Midnight Flyer is out of it's back yard storage place, sitting next to the driveway ready to be hooked up. Ran the motor Thursday, and everything seems to be working fine. Loading it up with stuff that doesn't freeze! (While we had a heat spell go thru here yesterday with 50 degree temps, the week will see normals back in the 20's and 30's! Praying for no ice storms or major weather along the route down and back. My plans are to leave next Sunday and arrive late Tuesday or sometime first half of Wednesday. I have an old 3' SS whip VHF antenna I replaced a few months ago that I will be donating to the auction. It comes with at least 5' of cable and it's own rail mount.

For anyone that would like to experiment with their newer VHF-DSC radios, I am using MMSI 033832720 as the group code.

Please note that is NOT the number to enter into your own MMSI spot, but rather in the group listing. Please pull out your instruction manual before inserting it. As you only get one chance to enter your own boat's MMSI into your radio, and then would have to send the radio back to the manufacturer to reset that. Colby
 
Tom....Had to chuckle at your comment about the slip, you must have been talking to Bill and Becky. We all know and agree that it's best the crew of the Molly Brown stays way, way over there, out of the way ! :)

Colby....I see that BJ28 is a ham radio operator. Maybe since he is the only non Brat boat we can convince him to impart some knowledge and experience. How 'bout it Henry ? My vintage 2001 radio is now programmed with our MMSI. It only took a decade and a half !

This should be an interesting gathering. We have some "famous" people attending and I'm looking forward to meeting the "real" folks behind all the posts. Been a Brat since the Dogs days and I count 19,000 posts by all the attendees. I suspect I've read most, if not all over the years.

To the group.....I'm looking for anyone that has ventured up the Econlockhatchee River. Econ for short. It's just off Puzzle Lake on the southern end of the St.Johns in an area most don't venture to because of depth and lack of charts, not to mention airboats. Please find me at the gathering if you have any useful information.

I never had a name badge made, and regret it already, again. Sure looks like we going to need them!! Out of state boats look to outnumber Florida boats again too. Tom and Joyce have become "over achievers". Lucky for me I'm married to one as well. Proof positive that opposites attract.
:oops:

James
 
James.....I can still get you some badges and you can pay me for them at the gathering. Just need the information on the order blank in the C-otter album. You can email me a copy....or give me a call. I have a bunch to deliver.
Henry on the Bj28 sent me a PM this AM that his wife Diane had an injury but while she is recovering it's difficult for her to get around the boat. They will not be attending this year but plan for next year.
No information from me on anything south of HW 46 but the water is high on the St. John's so who knows.
MMSI? It took me four years to find "72"...........

The number still grows....two more boats want to sign up since 7am today......

Tom
 
We have some of the plastic holders for temporary hand made "badges", and will bring those.

Looking forward to being there and meeting all!

Bob and Marie
 
Bob ....we have purchased temporary name tag holders for anyone who needs one at the gathering but thanks for thinking of us. Some of us just like the permanent ones. See you soon. Tom
 
Just wondering, how's fishing on the St. Johns, particularly in the Hontoon Park area. I have some fishing gear on my boat, but if I don't need it, I'll just take if off to give myself a little more "kitchen" space under the sink. Not even sure what a Fl License cost anyways. Colby
 
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