Plastimo’s AdvanSea compact VHF radio
FX-400 VHF radio: the latest from the AdvanSea range
Plastimo has launched a new compact waterproof FX-400 VHF radio developed to complement its growing range of AdvanSea marine electronics. The fixed set provides Digital Selective Calling (DSC) capabilities when interfaced with a compatible GPS.
With the DSC-capable FX-400 VHF radio, a distress call is initiated by pressing a button which sounds an alarm on all DSC-equipped vessels in range. Even untrained crew members can send a Mayday using DSC as it requires no skill to send a distress message that identifies the boat and gives its precise position.
For those venturing further afield, being fully automatic the FX-400 VHF radio avoids any possible language barriers in an emergency.
The FX-400 VHF radio provides all international channels and three authorised local channels in addition to a selectable ATIS mode for inland waters in Holland, Belgium, Germany and France. The set comes with 12 pre-programmed ASN distress messages and a directory for 32 names and MMSI numbers.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency advises owners of leisure craft to carry VHF DSC radio whenever possible as ships are no longer required to monitor channel 16 and coastguard rescue stations may not have a dedicated headset listening watch either.
In addition to providing the vessel’s identity, position and the nature of an emergency, DSC also enables a vessel to call another specific vessel without using channel 16 and without alerting other vessels in the area.
Plastimo/Navimo
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