DSC Radio: Resetting the MMSI with unique key code
Posted: Sat Jun 22, 2024 11:36 am
Modern DSC radios require the user configure the radio with a maritime mobile service identity (MMSI) before the radio's DSC features can be enabled. Entry of the MMSI into a DSC radio is now typically a one-time operation, that is, once entered, the MMSI for the radio cannot be changed by the user, unless the user receives "advice from the manufacturer."
For most all DSC radios for the past decade, "advice from the manufacturer" meant physically taking the radio to an authorized repair shop or sending the radio to the manufacturer to have the MMSI reset. This awkward method was not very well conceived, and was not particularly a mandatory implementation required in the ITU recommendations for DSC radios.
A few years ago (about 2019) the Standard-Horizon company began implementing a much simpler and much more useful method of providing "advice" to the user of a DSC radio on how the MMSI could be reset: the newer Standard-Horizon radios implemented an MMSI reset function in the radio itself. The general method of the reset function was to provide the user with a unique code generated by the radio itself for the purpose of enabling resetting the MMSI. The user would then send this code (typically by email) to the manufacturer. The manufacturer would then return to the user (typically by email) a unique key code that when entered into the radio during the reset procedure would allow the MMSI to be reset.
I don't have authoritative sources for this, but Standard-Horizon radios as old as their c.2020 GX2150 are said to able to be reset by the user, but only if the firmware in the GX2150 is at revision 5.0 level. Also mentioned as able to perform MMSI reset with a code key from the factory are the model GX1800-series, GX2200-series, and GX1400, and the handheld DSC radios HX870 and newer models HX890.
Recently there was a mention that ICOM has also begun to implement a similar function on some of their radios, beginning with radios sold after December 2023. Unfortunately, not all radios will be included in this flight of new functions in the radio firmware, with the M330 and M424G series radios notably NOT included. (This seems unfortunate as those two model series are the least expensive and probably the best selling ICOM VHF Marine Band radios.)
I have not found any explicit announcement from ICOM confirming this, but a very well-informed adjunct to the Coast Guard has mentioned this is coming in a public forum.
Regarding the general topic of resetting the MMSI in a DSC radio, the FCC and U.S. Coast Guard have new resources on-line that deal specifically with this topic. See
What to do when Selling or Disposing of your Radio or Radio-equipped Vessel
Essential that you delete own ship MMSI, and cancel or transfer your MMSI and registration
https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/what-to-do-when-selling-or-disposing-your-radio-or-radio-equipped-vessel
For most all DSC radios for the past decade, "advice from the manufacturer" meant physically taking the radio to an authorized repair shop or sending the radio to the manufacturer to have the MMSI reset. This awkward method was not very well conceived, and was not particularly a mandatory implementation required in the ITU recommendations for DSC radios.
A few years ago (about 2019) the Standard-Horizon company began implementing a much simpler and much more useful method of providing "advice" to the user of a DSC radio on how the MMSI could be reset: the newer Standard-Horizon radios implemented an MMSI reset function in the radio itself. The general method of the reset function was to provide the user with a unique code generated by the radio itself for the purpose of enabling resetting the MMSI. The user would then send this code (typically by email) to the manufacturer. The manufacturer would then return to the user (typically by email) a unique key code that when entered into the radio during the reset procedure would allow the MMSI to be reset.
I don't have authoritative sources for this, but Standard-Horizon radios as old as their c.2020 GX2150 are said to able to be reset by the user, but only if the firmware in the GX2150 is at revision 5.0 level. Also mentioned as able to perform MMSI reset with a code key from the factory are the model GX1800-series, GX2200-series, and GX1400, and the handheld DSC radios HX870 and newer models HX890.
Recently there was a mention that ICOM has also begun to implement a similar function on some of their radios, beginning with radios sold after December 2023. Unfortunately, not all radios will be included in this flight of new functions in the radio firmware, with the M330 and M424G series radios notably NOT included. (This seems unfortunate as those two model series are the least expensive and probably the best selling ICOM VHF Marine Band radios.)
I have not found any explicit announcement from ICOM confirming this, but a very well-informed adjunct to the Coast Guard has mentioned this is coming in a public forum.
Regarding the general topic of resetting the MMSI in a DSC radio, the FCC and U.S. Coast Guard have new resources on-line that deal specifically with this topic. See
What to do when Selling or Disposing of your Radio or Radio-equipped Vessel
Essential that you delete own ship MMSI, and cancel or transfer your MMSI and registration
https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/what-to-do-when-selling-or-disposing-your-radio-or-radio-equipped-vessel