I am connecting my new DSC VHF to my GPS. I know which wires go where but I'm wondering what the best way to connect the wires would be. All wires are already tined. Should I solder them together and use heat shrink? Or, should I use crimp connections?

Either solder or crimp will work fine in your situation.

The real issue here is corrosion. Since tinning is pretty close metal-wise to solder, there won't be much of a dissimilar metal issue.

However, if you go with crimps, make sure you are using tin-plated connectors (not gold). I also would probably wrap the connections in tape or heat-shrink.

What you don't want to do is to connect dis-similar metals in a wet or humid environment, because that will promote corrosion.

Yep, (in a wet/humid environment) those folks that swear by gold-plated audio connectors, if used to connect audio equipment that has tin-plated connectors, are not only wasting money, they are promoting the possibility of corrosion.

You should use gold-plated connectors only if the terminals are also gold-plated. In other words, match metal-to-metal. Remember, corrosion comes from contact of dissimilar metals in water. The further the two metals are on the nobility scale, the greater the corrosion will be.

If anyone wants further information, I have a reference attrributed to a researcher at one of the manufacturers of military spec connectors. Whether or not this reference is valid, I agree with the researcher's statement.

Al pretty much sums it up

Neat.

This is so you can quickly send your gps coordinate through the vhf in case of emergency right?

When you press the red button on the VHF it relays your position and a distress signal to the CG.

It also sends your MMSI number, which you need to obtain to get the unit setup.

There is a nation-wide database that ties your MMSI number to information in the database, including the boat owner information, boat description, next of kin, and all other useful information.

So if you keep that information current, the USCG can retrieve that info in the database using the MMSI number that you broadcast.

The name of the system is Rescue21.

http://www.uscg.mil/rescue21/default.asp

Anyone know if the Canadian Coast Guard uses this system and has access to the MMSI data base?

Looks like they too use MMSI, but do not have a shared database. This source says you need to change your MMSI number if you cruise internationally:

http://www.navagear.com/2007/10/mmsi-confusion-boatus-mmsi-numbers/

Maybe they have their own database?

I know that when I set the MMSI numbers in both of the DSC radios I had (one in 2002 and one in 2006), even different brands, that you could enter two numbers before having to return it to the factory to have it reset.

I have no idea for sure, but I would suspect this might be a regulatory requirement.

And you are supposed to leave the MMSI number in the radio if you sell the boat to another - and they are supposed to start using that number.

So I think it would not be practical to change the MMSI number often.