This subject has come up before but I was wondering if anyone is really using any this stuff yet. (Private calling, group calls, etc)

I have mine working but have never tested it...I don't think you can without triggering the calvery for a rescue. So I think it would work, I just don't know...All I know is that my radio knows its LAT and LON from the GPS and I have an MMSI # assigned to the radio.

There was talk about getting a group MMSI number for sb.com but I don't know if any of that has happend. I am still not exactly sure how to use this feature yet.

Sandy,
I too have one, but, like you, I havent even begun to explore the possibilites.

Like you - I have it hooked up to the GPS and the two are clearly talking to eachother (the VHF displays lat /lon) but i have never put in someone elses MMSI number to be able to communicate with them......Looks like a cool feature.

The previous thread is HERE (http://www.striped-bass.com/Stripertalk/showthread.php?t=13518&highlight=mmsi)

Jim

I have been out of the CG for two years after a 26 year career, and don't think the First Coast Guard district, which we are in is on line yet, Fla has it already. I'm sure you can set up user groups now, the only thing not working would be auto mayday.

Too much effort, we just use our cell phones.

But I will hook up the GPS for the distress option. That is useful.