Simrad RD 68 DSC VHF Radio With Fist Mike
The future of marine communication... Simrad RD68 - the new
compact VHF with built in DSC
VHF has been the principal form of ship to ship and ship to
shore communication for many years with clarity, range and ease of use generally
improving as the technology progressed. Now major advances have created the
Digital Selective Calling system (DSC), part of the Global Maritime Distress and
Safety System (GMDSS) which was devised for the world's Merchant Shipping fleets
and will have a considerable impact on the way safety at sea is co-ordinated in
the future. the simplicity of the DSC system is intended to make distress
calling faster and more accurate and allow the user to call up individual ships
and coast stations.
As with most new technology, initial systems were costly and
large, with two units needed to handle the VHF and DSC functions. Simrad was one
of the world's first marine electronics companies to develop type approved VHF
DSC radios and gave an early commitment to drive costs down and make the safety
of GMDSS available to everyone.
This has now been achieved with the new Simrad RD68, a single
unit, purpose built VHF with DSC controller built in. An economical compact
package.
Features:
Dual Watch
Tri Watch
All Channel
Scan
Memory Scan
Programmable User Channel
High and Low Transmit
Power
Variable Backlighting
Individual Routine Calls
All Ships
Safety Call
Group Call
MMSI Number Directory
Built-in CH70 Class D
Receiver
Call Logging
Direct NMEA input for Position and Time
Information
Dimensions
Water Resistant when Flush Mounted
The strong die cast aluminum housing is water-resistant when
flush-mounted, meets IP66 specifications.
Using the RD68
Considerable effort has been made to ensure the new radio is
easy to use. Simple menu structures direct the operation in both radio and DSC
modes. Using the radio, the channel number is displayed in large digits, while
soft keys give quick access to all scan modes. Dedicated keys are provided for
the commonly used radio functions. A single key press gives immediate access to
the DSC mode. Again soft keys give access to all the calling modes, the call log
and other utilities. The clearly marked Distress key is protected from
accidental operation by a spring loaded cover.
Full Functions
The RD68 is a powerful VHF, with 54 international channels, up
to 10 private channels plus national channels, where allowed. Dual and tri watch
functions are included. The full range of DSC calls can be made including group
calls for flotilla or sailing club use. A directory allows storage of up to 16
commonly used call numbers (MMSI's) which can be edited to allow call selection
by name.
The Benefits of DSC
DSC can be considered in much the same way as dialing a
telephone. It allows the user to contact a specific vessel, coast guard station
or all ships. Most importantly, it also transmits other information including
the category and voice channel to use for further communications.
When a GPS is connected the distress message will automatically
include your position, making it easier for rescuers to find you and eliminating
erroneous positions which may be given accidentally in times of
stress.
VHF stations which are capable of receiving a DSC distress call
now cover the majority of the world. Pressing the distress button will alert
ships and coastations of your position, information about your vessel and your
selected channel for return communication.
For general use the DSC group call feature allows clubs, sailing
flotillas, and other group passage makers to easily contact all other
participants.
Technical Summary of the RD68
General
Power
Supply 10.8 - 15.6 Vdc
Power Drain RX 0.18 A, TX 5.5 A max
Modes
Simplex/Semi Duplex
Channels All international or US
WX channels in
USA
Special regional channels
Type Approval EN301 025
Class D (Europe)
Transmitter
Power Output High 25 W / Low 1 W max.
Spurious Emissions
<-80dBc (25W)
Deviation ±5kHz
Receiver
Sensitivity 0.5µEMF / 20
dB SINAD
AF Output 4W (8 ohms/10% distortion)
Adjacent Channel
Selectivity >70dB
Intermodulation Rejection >68dB
Hum and Noise
<-40dB
Second Receiver
Frequency 156.525MHz (Channel 70)
Sensitivity <1µV for 1% bit error rate
Construction
Main Unit
Robust aluminum diecast
Dimensions/Weight 7.3"X3.5X6.6" / 3.1 lbs
Environmental 5° to 131° F (-15°C to +55°C) / 95% rel. hum.
EMC EN60945
GPS Interface NMEA0183
Protection IP66 when flush mounted
IP67 - Fistmike
