Dsc Reset Master Code

For some time now the resetting of the maritime mobile service identity (MMSI) in a digital selective calling (DSC) radio by the end-user of the radio has been more or less impossible, and to perform a reset of a DSC radio's MMSI the owner typically had to ship the radio back to the manufacturer for him to perform the reset. This situation appears to have recently changed.

You might also want to change the master code if you suspect it is known by someone outside your family or business. Step 1 Press the '.' (asterisk) key on the main control unit and tap the ' button until 'Access Codes' appears on the display. Enter 25 (this is the location of the master code) it desplays the first digit in binary using the first 4 leds on the keypad (1=1, 2=2, 3=4, 4=8) which you add together to get the digit. Press the F key to advance to the next digit until you get all 4.

There is at least one manufacturer (Standard-Horizon) and one radio model (HX870 handheld DSC radio) in which the end user can perform the MMSI reset himself, with the 'advice of the manufacturer' as is specified in FCC regulations adopted from ITU recommendations. This option appears to have been enabled by three elements:

If you do not have any codes to access your DSC panel, or just want to start from scratch with the programming you can do a hardware reset on the panel. If the installer did not lockout the panel then this will reset it to factory defaults. Note that this is not something we typically recommend for an end user to perform, except as a last resort. To change the Master Code: 1. Enter the number 40 on your keypad followed by the new four-digit Master Code. Wait for the confirmation beep. To change a User Code: 1. Enter the slot number (01-94) of the user code you’d like to overwrite. Press the new user code. Wait for the confirmation beep. For some, repeat.

--the radio has a user-interface with a graphical display which can inform the user of certain embedded parameters
--the radio has a user-interface that allows entry of text and numerical data by the user into the radio
--the radio contains some sort of processor and firmware to operate on coded keys that are unique to its embedded hardware identity
In the specific instance of the Standard-Horizon HX870 DSC handheld radio, the MMSI reset process works as follows:
--the radio must have a recent version of firmware; firmware version v2.03 or higher will allow the user to perform the rest of the procedure
--the user extracts from the radio's user interface a value for a key called the USER MMSI RESET CODE
--the user sends an email to the manufacturer's technical support with the following information: user's full name; radio serial number; present MMSI; new MMSI to be installed; and USER MMSI RESET CODE

Dsc Alarm Reset Master Code

--the manufacturer replies by providing the user with a PASSWORD key
--using the supplied PASSWORD key, the user can then change the MMSI to the new value
If the HX870 radio firmware is not at the required revision level, the user can obtain newer firmware from a link:
http://standardhorizon.com/downloadFile ... compressed
Instructions for the installation of the firmware into the HX870 radio are provided in a PDF document; see hyperlink below
http://continuouswave.com/whaler/refere ... 1702-B.pdf

Dsc Lcd5501z Reset Master Code

The screen captures below illustrate the user interface screens that select the option, generate the MMSI reset code, and provide for password entry:

Dsc Change Master Code

While the procedure described above is specific to one manufacturer and one particular model, it is hoped that more manufacturers will adopt similar procedures for more DSC radios, permitting the end user of the radio to perform an MMSI reset procedure 'with advice from the manufacturer' and without resorting to physically sending the radio to the manufacturer.