DIGITAL SELECTIVE CALLING412 GeneralWhen an optional UX-120 DSC UNIT is installed, digital selec-tive calling (or DSC) can be used via the IC-M59. DSC is amethod of radio communications involving digital signalsrather than the more conventional method of voice commu-nications. The advantage of using digital communicationsover voice communications is that information (especiallyuseful for distress calls and other urgent matters) can be pre-programmed into a radio and transmitted accurately.UX-120 requiredIn addition, when a GPS receiver (NMEA0183 ver. 1.5, 2.0 or2.1) is connected, your vessel’s position and the current UTCtime are transmitted together with the vessel’s identity whenmaking a distress call.See p. 27 for unit installation.DSC TYPE DESCRIPTION REF.Distress callThis sends distress information which includes your vessel’s ID (and position data/UTC timewhen a GPS receiver is connected). Send under emergency conditions only. DSC acknowl-edgement will be received from a coast station after making a distress call.pgs.13, 16Distress relay call This is used to alert Coast stations (or other ships) when a vessel in distress is unable to doso. The IC-M59 can only receive this type of signal; not transmit. p. 16All ships call This is used for non-emergency situations. This signal includes information which allows a re-ceiving transceiver to automatically select a specified channel for voice communication.pgs.14, 16Individual callThis allows you to send a signal to a specific vessel only. The vessel’s ID code must be pre-programmed in advance. Two kinds of acknowledgements (able to comply/unable to comply)are available (for sending or receiving) after an individual call.pgs.15, 17Geographical area call This is used for announcement to all ships in the specified area—when a GPS receiver isconnected calls directed to areas other than yours are rejected. Receive only for the IC-M59. p. 17

OPERATING RULES

I Front panel

I Microphone

I Function display

PANEL DESCRIPTION ............................................ 2

I Channel selection

weather channels

I Receiving

I Transmitting

I Scan function

BASIC OPERATION .............................................. 6

I General

I Distress call transmission

I All ships call transmission

I Individual call transmission

I Receiving DSC calls

receiving an individual call

digital selective calling

I Entering SET mode

set mode

I Additional requirements

I Connections

I Mounting the transceiver

I Dimensions

I Antenna

TROUBLESHOOTING

VHF MARINE CHANNEL LIST

SPECIFICATIONS

OPTIONS

Icom IC-M59 Instruction Manual

IC-M59