Ian Waugh - A Mariner\'s Guide to Marine Communications

Author's explanation & communication procedures:

(i) -SENDING message to telex number 234567 in England, telex country

code 51 - making direct telex connection (DIRTLX) with the office in

England through OST Radio Telex service):

;, Activate TOR software on the computer attached to your Marine SSB Radio;

~. type-up and save your message;

* Select a suitable 'free' channel (OST sends a continuous 'channel free' signal on

Ch477, 839, and 72722; and on Ch 7835 between 0700-7900UTC; (not when

engaged in traffic). The 'channel free' signal consists of telex 'chirp, chirp, chirp ... OST'

(i.e., telex 'chirping' (20 bursts) and the callsign 'OST' in slow mOl·se}. If you hear

'chirping' without the morse callsign, the channel is occupied and calls should not be

made}.

Call OST using ~RQ Call' and his 'Selcall' Number 0480, or his MMSI

002050480;

:;. When your system synchronises with the OST automatic telex system, OST will

exchange ~nswer Backs' with you and will send the command GA+?

:;. Send 'DIRTLX057234567+' [i.e -zero country code telex number ... +J

* When connected, OST will send 'MSG+?'

* Request the office ~nswer Back' (to prove you've made the correct contact);

'I-Send your own ~nswer Back';

* Send your message;

" Send your Answer Back;

;< Request the office ~nswer Back' (using the 'WRU -Who Are You 'function on your

telex software -this demands the office back and provides you with proof of delivery);

>I-Send 'KKKK' (to break the landline between OST and the office);

* Receive DatelTimelDurationfrom OST (jor chargingpurposes);

:;. Send 'BRK +' (to BReaK the radio connection with OST).

Instead of Direct Telex connection (DIRTLX051234567+) you could

have used:

• TLX051234567+ (OST would have accepted your message for
  'store-and-forward' delivery without waiting for a direct
  connection between ship and office).


• FAX0044xxxxxxxx+ (OST would have accepted your message
  for 'store-and-forward' delivery to the office fax number).


• RTL+ (to send a 'Radio Telex Message' - your typed message
  posted, by OST, to the 'birthday boy' back home).


• OBS+ (to deliver your 'weather OBServation' message to the
  'metea' office in Brussels.


• INF+ (to receive up-to-date service INFormation from Oostende
  Radio).

56 THE NAUTICAL INSTITUTE