LightMaster VHF DSC Radio Tutorial

Pass your Short Range Certificate course or exam more easily.

Learn step-by-step how to carry out each procedure on DSC radios

Experience audio examples of using the ‘Procedural Words’ used to clarify radio communications.

Unscramble the acronyms of GMDSS, VHF, DSC, SRC, MMSI, MID and many more.

Understand the different types of marine radio channel and how they are allocated to particular uses.

The LightMaster VHF DSC Tutorial provides an ideal introduction to marine radio on small craft. It uses a wide range of multimedia techniques to provide clear, straightforward explanations of all VHF operations and the new Digital Selective Calling procedures.

Anyone taking responsibility for the operation of a marine radio must hold the appropriate operator’s licence. For small craft in the UK, this is the Short Range Certificate (SRC). It is one of the requirements for this licence that the user is fully conversant with the operation of a modern radio including DSC.

The VHF DSC Tutorial is designed to provide step-by-step interactive teaching of the principles and practice of marine radio operation. Ideally every student enrolling on a VHF DSC Radio course should work through the Tutorial in advance of the course. Then instructors can concentrate on teaching effective communication, without the distraction of teaching the associated button-pressing. Anyone who decides to bypass the course, and take a VHF exam directly, will find the program invaluable.

The Tutorial starts by explaining the abilities and limitations of VHF radio; how the sometimes-confusing allocation of channels has come about and the different types of channel available. Extensive use of animation brings the subjects to life.

You can learn the correct use of the ‘Pro Words’ to improve and clarify communications, with audio examples which put them into context.

The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System introduced Digital Selective Calling. In the Tutor, GMDSS and DSC are explained, along with the many other confusing acronyms. All the different types of alert, and their uses, are illustrated.

A major section of the Tutorial uses interactive, hands-on, examples to show step by step how to carry out all the operations on a typical DSC radio. You send each type of alert, learn how to handle incoming alerts, and practice all the other functions such as making and editing entries in the directory; reviewing the log of recent calls; setting up alarm tones; pre-selecting channels and many more.

This Tutorial is much more involving than the video-based alternatives on the market. You do not just select a chapter and watch: instead you operate the knobs and buttons of simulated equipment under the expert guidance of the tutorial.

Prices

Individual student licence £19.95 – for personal study by one, named, individual only.

Professional licence for School or Club - £59.95 per PC.

For installations of more than 5 PCs, contact LightMaster to discuss licence options

See also – VHF DSC Simulator and bargain TutorPlus pack

Minimum System Requirements

A PC running Windows 98, 2000, XP or Vista. CPU Pentium III or equivalent

CD drive for software installation

Specifications

• Interactive multimedia presentation, using text, audio, illustrations, animations and hands-on operation of simulated radio.
• VHF radio limitations –Straight line propagation, horizon, capture effect.
• Channel allocations
• Channel types - Simplex, duplex, semi-duplex
• Operation of basic radio controls - Volume, Squelch, Channel, Dual Watch, Transmission Power
• Audio examples of pro-words in context
• The Digital Selective Calling System – Types of alert, MMSIs, MIDs
• Step-by-step instructions in operation, with guided hands-on practice.