Standard Horizon Marine Tranciever GX1256S Operating Instructions

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7.3  USCG DSC WATCH
The USCG has plans to upgrade its VHF National Distress System (expected
by 2005), so at the time of printing only larger vessels that are required to
carry VHF DSC radios will be able to hear your distress transmission.
7.3.1  Maritime Mobile Service Identity (
MMSI)
What is an MMSI?
An MMSI is a nine digit number used on Marine Transceivers capable of
using Digital Selective Calling (DSC). This number is used like a telephone
number to selectively call other vessels.
NOTE
THIS NUMBER MUST BE PROGRAMMED INTO THE RADIO TO OP-
ERATE THE QUEST+ DSC FUCTIONS.
How can I obtain an MMSI assignment?
Boat US offers free MMSI numbers. Visit the following to register:
http://www.boatus.com/mmsi/.
7.3.2 Programming the MMSI
NOTE
User MMSI can be input only twice. If the user tries to input MMSI more
than twice, the radio will show the display on the right.
If the user needs to change the MMSI more than twice,
the transceiver will have to be sent to Factory Service.
Refer to the section 10.2 FACTORY SERVICE.
1. Press and hold down the [
CALL/SET(
MENU)]
 key until
“RADIO SETUP” appears.
2. Press the [
DOWN]
 key to select “DSC SET.”
3. Press the [
CALL/SET(
MENU)]
 key, then press the
[
DOWN]
 key to select “USER MMSI.”
4. Press the [
CALL/SET(
MENU)]
 key to enable setting this
item (The number in the display will flash).
5. Press the [
UP]
 or [
DOWN]
 key to select first number of
your MMSI, then press the [
CALL/SET(
MENU)]
 key to
define the setting.
6. Repeat above step to set your MMSI (up to 9 digits).
When the last number of your MMSI is in place, press
and hold the [
CALL/SET(
MENU)]
 key to store your MMSI. 
						

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7. Press the [
DOWN]
 key to select “EXIT,” then press the
[
CALL/SET(
MENU)]
 key.
8. Press the [
UP]
 or [
DOWN]
 key to select “EXIT,” then
press the [
CALL/SET(
MENU)]
 key to return to the nor-
mal operation.
7.4  ADDITIONAL DIGITAL SELECTIVE CALLING INFORMATION
For additional information the USCG has an excellent site that should be
visited at 
www.navcen.uscg.mil/marcoms/gmdss/dsc.html.
7.5  DSC DISTRESS CALL
The QUEST+ is capable of transmitting and receiving DSC Distress mes-
sages to all DSC radios. The QUEST+ may be connected to a GPS to also
transmit the Latitude, Longitude of the vessel.
7.5.1 Transmitting A DSC Distress Call
NOTE
To be able to transmit a DSC distress call a MMSI number must be
programmed, refer to section 7.3.2 Programming the MMSI
In order for your ships location to be transmitted a GPS must be connected
to the QUEST+, refer to section 4.4 CONNECTION OF GPS WITH NMEA
OUTPUT.
1. Lift the red spring loaded DISTRESS cover and press
the [
DISTRESS]
 key. The “DISTRESS” will appear on
the LCD.
2. Press and hold the [
DISTRESS]
 key. The LCD will count
down (3, 2, 1) following this the QUEST+ will transmit
the Distress Call.
3. When the distress signal is sent, the “TX” icon will ap-
pear on the LCD. After the message has been sent, the
Distress Alarm will sound.
4. The transceiver “shadow-watches” for a transmission
between CH16 and CH70 until an acknowledgment sig-
nal is received. “RECEIVED ACK” will scroll on the LCD. 
						

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5. If no acknowledgment is received, the distress call is repeated in 3.5 to
4.5 minute intervals until an acknowledgment is received.
6. To cancel a Distress Call
1) Press the [
16/9]
 key
2) Press the [
WX]
 key
3) Turn off the radio
4) Press the [
DISTRESS]
 key, then press the [
UP]
 or [
DOWN]
 key until
“CANCEL” is shown on the LCD. Press the [
CALL/SET(
MENU)]
 key.
7. When a distress acknowledgment is received, a distress alarm sounds
and channel 16 is automatically selected.
8. To cancel the alarm, press any key.
NOTE
If the radio is receiving on a working channel or transmitting on a work-
ing channel, DSC calls will not be received.
7.5.2  Receiving a distress call
1. A distress call is received. “RECEIVED DISTRESS” will
appear on the LCD, and an emergency alarm will be heard.
Channel 16 is automatically selected.
2. Press any key to stop the alarm.
3. Press the [
UP]
 or [
DOWN]
 key to select the receiving
distress data:
• MMSI or Station Name • TIME (UTC)
• Latitude • Longitude
NOTE
• If the received distress data does not include the position data, “NO
POSITION DATA” will scroll on the LCD.
• You must continue monitoring channel 16 as a coast station may re-
quire assistance in any rescue attempt. 
						

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7.5.3  Receiving a distress relay call
1. A distress relay call is received. “RECEIVED RLY” will
appear on the LCD, and an emergency alarm will be
heard.
Channel 16 is automatically selected.
2. Press any key to stop the alarm.
3. Press the [
DOWN]
 key to appear the receiving distress
data (MMSI or Station Name).
NOTE
You must continue monitoring channel 16 as a coast station may re-
quire assistance in any rescue attempt.
7.6  ALL SHIPS CALL
The All Ships Call function allows contact to be established with other vessel
stations without having their ID in the individual calling directory.
Also, priority for the call can be designated as Urgency, Safety or Routine.
URGENCY Call: This type of call is used when a vessel may not truly be in
distress, but have a potential problem that may lead to a
distress situation (PAN, PAN,Call Type).
SAFETY Call: Used to transmit boating safety information to other ves-
sels (Security Call Type).
This message usually contains information about an overdue boat, debris in
the water. Loss of a navigation aid or an important meteorological message.
7.6.1 Transmitting An All Ships Call
1. Select the traffic channel (for voice communication).
2. Press the [
CALL/SET(
MENU)]
 key.
3. Press the [
DOWN]
 key to select “ALL SHIPS.”
4. Press the [
CALL/SET(
MENU)]
 key again.
5. Press the [
DOWN]
 key to select the nature of call (“UR-
GENCY,” or “SAFETY”).
6. Press the [
CALL/SET(
MENU)]
 key to transmit the se-
lected type of ALL SHIPS DSC call.
7. After the ALL SHIPS CALL is transmitted, the transceiver
will wait on CH16. Call has been transmited. 
						

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7.6.2  Receiving An All Ships Call
1. An all ships call is received. “RECEIVED ALL SHIPS”
will appear on the LCD, and an emergency alarm will be
heard.
Channel 16 is automatically selected.
2. Press any key to stop the alarm.
3. Press the [
UP]
 or [
DOWN]
 key to select the receiving
distress data:
• MMSI or Station Name
4. Monitor channel 16 or traffic channel until the communi-
cation is completed.
7.7  INDIVIDUAL CALL
This feature allows the user to contact another user vessel with a DSC radio
and automatically switch the receiving DSC radio to a desired working chan-
nel. This feature is similar to calling a vessel on CH16 and requesting to go
to a another channel.
7.7.1  Setting up the Individual / Position Call Directory
The QUEST+ has a DSC directory that allows you to store a vessel or per-
son names and the MMSI number associated with vessels you wish to trans-
mit Individual calls, Position Requests and Position Send transmissions.
To transmit an Individual call you must program this directory with informa-
tion of the persons you wish to call, similar to a cellular phones telephone
directory.
1. Press and hold down the [
CALL/
SET(
MENU)]
 key until “RADIO SETUP”
appears.
2. Press the [
DOWN]
 key to select “DSC
SETUP”.
3. Press the [
CALL/SET(
MENU)]
 key to
select “INDIVIDUAL DIRECTORY.”
4. Press the [
CALL/SET(
MENU)]
 key to
select “ADD.”
5. Press the [
CALL/SET(
MENU)]
 key to enable setting this
item.
6. Press the [
UP]
 or [
DOWN]
 key to select a first character
of the Station Name, then press the [
CALL/SET(
MENU)] 
						

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key to move to next character.
7. Repeat step 6 as many times as necessary to complete
the Station Name (up to 12 characters).
8. Press and hold the [
CALL/SET(
MENU)]
 key to store the
Station Name and enable setting the MMSI ID code.
9. Press the [
UP]
 or [
DOWN]
 key to select the first digit of
the MMSI ID code, the press the [
CALL/SET(
MENU)]
key to move to next character.
10. Repeat step 9 as many times as necessary to complete
the MMSI ID code (9 digits).
11. Press and hold the [
CALL/SET(
MENU)]
 key to store the
MMSI ID code.
12. Press the [
DOWN]
 key to select “EXIT,” then press the
[
CALL/SET(
MENU)]
 key.
13. Press the UP or [
DOWN]
 key to select “EXIT,” then press
the [
CALL/SET(
MENU)]
 key to return to the normal op-
eration.
7.7.2  Setting up Individual Reply
Allows setting up the radio to automatically (default setting) or manually
respond to a DSC Individual call requesting you to switch to a working chan-
nel for voice communications. When Manual is selected the MMSI of the
calling vessel is shown allowing you to see who is calling. This function is
similar to caller id on a cellular phone.
1. Press and hold down the [
CALL/SET(
MENU)]
 key until “RADIO SETUP”
appears.
2. Press the[
DOWN]
 key to select “DSC
SETUP.”
3. Press the [
CALL/SET(
MENU)]
 key, then
press the [
UP]
 or [
DOWN]
 key to select
“INDIVIDUAL REPLY.”
4. Press the [
CALL/SET(
MENU)]
 key to enable setting this
item.
5. Press the [
UP]
 or [
DOWN]
 key to select “AU (Automatic)”
or “oF (off).”
6. Press the [
CALL/SET(
MENU)]
 key to store the selected
setting.
7. Press the [
UP]
 or [
DOWN]
 key to select “EXIT,” then 
						

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press the [
CALL/SET(
MENU)]
 key.
8. Press the [
UP]
 or [
DOWN]
 key to select “EXIT,” then
press the [
CALL/SET(
MENU)]
 key to return to the nor-
mal operation.
7.7.3  Setting up Individual Call Ringer
When a Individual call is received the radio will produce a ringing tone for 3
minutes. This selection allows the Individual Call ringer time to be changed.
1. Press and hold down the [
CALL/SET(
MENU)]
 key until
“RADIO SETUP” appears.
2. Press the [
DOWN]
 key to select “DSC SETUP.”
3. Press the [
CALL/SET(
MENU)]
 key, then press the [
UP]
or [
DOWN]
 key to select “INDIVIDUAL RINGER.”
4. Press the [
CALL/SET(
MENU)]
 key to enable setting this
item.
5. Press the [
UP]
 or [
DOWN]
 key to select ringing time of a
INDIVIDUAL CALL.
4: 3 minutes continuously
3: 15 times
2: 10 times
1: 5 times
6. Press the [
CALL/SET(
MENU)]
 key to store the selected
ringing time.
7. Press the [
UP]
 or [
DOWN]
 key to select “EXIT,” then
press the [
CALL/SET(
MENU)]
 key.
8. Press the [
UP]
 or [
DOWN]
 key to select “EXIT,” then
press the [
CALL/SET(
MENU)]
 key to return to the nor-
mal operation.
7.7.4  Transmitting an Individual Call
This feature allows the user to contact another vessel with a DSC radio. This
feature is similar to calling a vessel on CH16 and requesting to go to an-
other channel. Select the traffic channel for voice communication.
1. Select the traffic channel for voice communication.
2. Press the [
CALL/SET(
MENU)]
 key.
3. Press the [
CALL/SET(
MENU)]
 key again. The individual
address will appear.
4. Press the [
UP]
 or [
DOWN]
 key to select the individual you want to con- 
						

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tact.
5. To cancel, if needed, press the [
UP]
 or [
DOWN]
 key un-
til the “EXIT” icon appear. Then press the [
CALL/
SET(
MENU)]
 key. This procedure can be also canceled
by pressing the WX or 16/9 key.
6. Press the [
CALL/SET(
MENU)]
 key to transmit the individual DSC signal.
7. After an INDIVIDUAL CALL is transmitted, the transceiver will wait 8 sec-
onds for the acknowledgment. If the reply signal is not received, the
transceiver will transmit again.
8. After the second INDIVIDUAL CALL is transmitted, if the
reply signal is not received, “NO REPLY” icon will ap-
pear on the LCD to prompt the user to send the call
again or exit the mode.
9. When an individual call acknowledgment “able to com-
ply” is received, the established channel is automatically selected and
an alarm sounds.
10. When an individual call acknowledgment with “unable to comply” is re-
ceived, the established channel is automatically selected.
7.7.5  Receiving an Individual Call
When receiving an individual call, an acknowledgment must be sent back to
the calling station. Please refer to a selection in the 7.2.2 “Setting up Indi-
vidual Reply” that allows the acknowledgment to be transmitted manually or
automatically.
Automatic Reply:
1. An individual call is received. “RECEIVED INDIVIDUAL” will appear on
the LCD, and an individual call alarm sounds. Then the
radio automatically switches to the requested channel.
2. Press any key to stop the alarm, then acknowledgment
is transmitted automatically.
3. Press the PTT on the microphone and talk to the calling ship.
Manual Reply:
1. An individual call is received. “RECEIVED INDIVIDUAL”
will appear on the LCD, and an individual call alarm
sounds. Then the radio automatically switches to the
requested channel.
2. Press any key to stop the alarm. 
						

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3. Select type of reply function “ABLE” or “UNABLE” by
using the [
UP]
 or [
DOWN]
 key. In the Automatic mode,
the acknowledgment is transmitted automatically.
4. Press the PTT on the microphone and talk to the calling
ship.
7.7.6  Setting Up the Call Waiting Function
Allows the QUEST+ to be setup to reply (ABLE) or set the radio so it trans-
mits a call that advises to the vessel the person is UNABLE to reply to the
call at this time. This function is similar to a answering machine. When set
up in UNABLE  and a individual call is received the Individual call from the
other vessel is logged in the CALL WAITING directory for you to review and
call back at a later time.
1. Press and hold down the [
CALL/SET(
MENU)]
 key until
“RADIO SETUP” appears.
2. Press the [
DOWN]
 key to select “DSC SETUP.”
3. Press the [
CALL/SET(
MENU)]
 key, then press the [
UP]
or [
DOWN]
 key to select “INDIVIDUAL ACK.”
4. Press the [
CALL/SET(
MENU)]
 key to enable setting this
item.
5. Press the [
UP]
 or [
DOWN]
 key to select “Ab (Able)” or
“Un (Unable).”
6. Press the [
CALL/SET(
MENU)]
 key to store the selected
setting.
7. Press the [
UP]
 or [
DOWN]
 key to select “EXIT,” then
press the [
CALL/SET(
MENU)]
 key.
8. Press the [
UP]
 or [
DOWN]
 key to select “EXIT,” then
press the [
CALL/SET(
MENU)]
 key to return to the nor-
mal operation. 
						

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7.8  ADVANCED DSC CALLS
7.8.1  Group Call
This feature allows the user to contact a group of specific vessels (example
members of a yacht club) using DSC radios with Group call function to auto-
matically switch to a desired channel for voice communications.
7.8.1.1 Setup a Group Call
For this function to operate the same Group MMSI must be programmed
into all the DSC VHF radios within the group of vessels that will be using this
feature. The group MMSI is a 9 digit (first digit permanently set to “0”) that
will allow other radios to call your vessel along with others to automatically
switch to a working channel for voice communications. This function is very
useful for yacht clubs and vessels traveling together that want to collectively
make announcements on a predetermined channel.
1. Press and hold down the [
CALL/SET(
MENU)]
 key until
“RADIO SETUP” appears.
2. Press the [
DOWN]
 key to select “DSC SETUP.”
3. Press the [
CALL/SET(
MENU)]
 key, then press the
[
DOWN]
 key to select “GROUP DIR.”
4. Press the [
CALL/SET(
MENU)]
 key to enable setting this
item.
5. Press the [
UP]
 or [
DOWN]
 key to select “ADD,” then
press the [
CALL/SET(
MENU)]
 key.
6. Press the [
UP]
 or [
DOWN]
 key to select the first letter of
the name of the group you want to reference in the di-
rectory.
7. Press the [
CALL/SET(
MENU)]
 key to store the first let-
ter in the name. Press the [
CALL/SET(
MENU)]
 key to
move the cursor one space to the right.
8. Repeat step 6 and 7 until the name is complete. The
name can consist of up to eleven characters, if you do
not use all eleven characters press the [
CALL/
SET(
MENU)]
 key to move to the next space. This method
can also be used to enter a blank space in the name. To
clear the previous letter, press the [
H/L(
POS)]
 key.
9. After the eleventh letter or space has been entered, press
and hold the [
CALL/SET(
MENU)]
 key to advance to the
GROUP MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity Num-