V8V2222 - HF voice and e-mail

Selcall and Beacon Test calls

Selcall is available in Australian made Codan and Barrett radios, the new ICOM IC-F700 radio, and Jenal Selcall mics - which attach to most popular HF radios.

Selcall permits the radio to be standing bye for calls by scanning a range of channels/frequencies in speaker mute mode (thereby consuming less power and minimising the temptation for crew to turn down the volume) until a Selcall alert for that specific radio is received.

Brunei Bay Radio’s SelCall ID is 2222.

Brunei Bay Radio monitors Scan Group 1 (see the section on HF voice service) for Selcall alerts and Beacon Test calls.

When a Selcall alert is received:

1. The called radio sounds an alert tone; some radios ring similar to a phone. Details of the caller (ie: their Selcall identity), the frequency/channel used and time are recorded. This makes it easy to call back if busy when the call arrives. 

2. The called radio transmits a revertive tone, which is heard by the calling radio. This confirms to the caller they made contact with the radio they want. This removes the major uncertainties when making HF radio calls ie: have I used the right channel/frequency for the time of day and propagation, and is the other radio turned on?  When a revertive tone is received the only remaining question is are they busy or away from the radio?

3. If the called radio is not used to respond (ie: the PTT button pressed) within the radio's alert period (usually 1 minute), the radio switches back to scanning mode and sounds a called tone at regular intervals to notify a returning operator (eg: crew busy on deck when the call was received) that a Selcall has been received. The operator  can retrieve details of the received Selcall alert(s) and reply by initiating a Selcall to the radio(s) that called. 
 

Selcall is similar to the new GMDSS - DSC system, but with four significant differences.

1. It does not require a seperate receiver and separate receive antenna to hear the response signal (revertive tone) from the called coast station.

2. It can be used for calling coast stations and vessels without risk of creating an unintended emergency alarm.

3. It is far simpler, works with minimum effort, does not require a major training course and/or certification, and is cheaper. 

4. It has proven extremely reliable over the last thirty years. Major international groups such as the UN and Red Cross use this system extensively for remote sites and vehicles - hence ICOM's recent entry into this market of Selcall equipped HF radios.

Note: International Maritime Regulations only require GMDSS/DSC radio capability in vessels over 300 tonnes. 

Beacon Test Calls:

Coast station radios (and some ship station radios) fitted with Selcall also respond to Beacon Test calls. When triggered by a Beacon Test alert, the radio responds with a revertive tone without setting off the local alarms. This allows the intending caller to check which frequency/channel is working best, prior to initiating a Selcall, voice call or data call.   

To contact a Selcall equipped radio you need to know:

1. Their 4 or 6 digit Selcall ID

2. The channels/frequencies they are scanning

Brunei Bay Radio’s Selcall ID is 2222.

Brunei Bay Radio monitors Scan Group 1 (see the section on HF voice service) for Selcall alerts and Beacon Test calls.

To send Beacon Test and

Selcall Alerts to Brunei Bay Radio 

 Using a Barrett HF radio:

To send a Beacon Test call to BBR:

1. Press SEL/Tel to enter the ID 2222

2. Press PWR to send it.

You should receive 4 x long beeps if you have chosen the right frequency and connected.

To send a Selcall Alert to BBR :

1. Press SEL/Tel to enter the ID 2222

2. Press CHN/Send to send it.

You should receive 6 x short beeps if you have chosen the right frequency and connected.

 
Using a Codan HF radio:

 To send a Beacon Test call to BBR: 

1. Press Beacon to enter the ID 2222

2. Press Call to send it.

You should receive 4 x long beeps if you have chosen the right frequency and connected.

 To send a Selcall Alert to BBR :

1. Press Call to enter the ID 2222

2. Press Call to send it.

You should receive 6 x short beeps if you have chosen the right frequency and connected.

Using a Jenal microphone on other HF radios: 

 To send a Beacon Test call to BBR: 

1. Press Beacon to enter the ID 2222

2. Press Call to send it.

You should receive 4 x long beeps if you have chosen the right frequency and connected.

 To send a Selcall Alert to BBR :

1. Press Call to enter the ID 2222

2. Press Call to send it.

You should receive 6 x short beeps if you have chosen the right frequency and connected.

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Call-sign: V8V2222    SelCall ID: 2222

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Brunei Bay Radio 
PO Box 2234
Bandar Seri Begawan  BS8674
BRUNEI DARUSSALAM

Phn: 673 2 262676     Fax: 673 2 262675

Unit 105, 1st Floor, PGGMB Building
Jalan Sungai Kianggeh
Bandar Seri Begawan BS8111
BRUNEI DARUSSALAM
 

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