Wally wrote:
Hello all - finally caught up with the list, thank you Ron!
I'm looking for information on SSB as I'll need it for this winter's
cruise. I've got only a very basic understanding of this subject, so
you hams here, be gentle! In other words, light on the jargon.
What equipment should I be looking for? What are some acceptable brand
names? I know I need the transceiver, but do I also need a tuner or
other equipment?
See below.
Antenna? Ground?
Almost a religious discussion. The only thing that most people agree on
is you need both. What the best solution for achiving success here is
widely debated, especially the grounding issue.
I know I want the marine freqs, but I also know that they are
(sometimes?) blocked. What's with this? How do I know a specific radio
will have the bands I want or need?
All of the marine SSB radios I've ever seen cover the frequencies you
will most likely need. The M802 covers them all. All of the modern ham
radios (of any merit) will receive all of the hf bands, but only
transmit in the ham bands.
I've seen some radios online that appear only to have one band, such
as the 6m band. I presume that doesn't work for a boater's needs, right?
I've never heard of anyone using 6 meters for marine communications.
You are right, that's not a radio you'd probably want.
A license for SSB is only a matter of signing the forms, right? And as
a Canadian, I don't believe there is a minimum Morse requirement for
me to get a ham license any longer?
Right, the SSB marine license is a form and a few $$$. It's that way in
the US so I'm guessing if I know the Canadian government, they probably
will be the same.
Lots of questions I know, but on a delivery from Puerto Rico last
year, we had a brand new Yaesu that was essentially useless because
the owner had no knowledge of the thing, it wasn't open to the marine
freqs (despite having being sold on that basis) - I wasn't able to
communicate with either Chris or Herb.
So - anyone want to educate me here?
Thanks,
Wally
The hours spent sailing are not deducted from your time on earth...
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BIG subject.
I suggest the following book as a start.
*Marine SSB Radio For "Idi-Yachts."^® A Guide For Using Marine Single
Sideband Radio, by Captain Marti Brown. $24.95 *
Learn how to use your Marine SSB radio the easy way! Now 172 pages with
revised and expanded sections on Digital Selective Calling, Weather &
Traffic Nets for the East coast, Eastern & NW Caribbean, Pacific coast &
Mexico, Emergency Hailing Frequencies, Weather Routing, SSB Radio
Installation & Troubleshooting. The book will be available in all of the
major online retailers and major retail chains in the U.S. and
throughout the Bahamas. *Click Here
<http://www.idiyachts.com/MarineSSBRadio.html>* *to preview the book.*
*/ To Purchase The Book Click Here! <http://www.idiyachts.com/buybooks.html>
/*
*/
/*
*/
/*I think the Canadians will want to answer the question about getting
licensed on amateur radio in Canada. In the states you don't have a
morse requirement any longer for HF access. It is better from a legal
standpoint to buy a marine ssb radio that covers the ham bands, than to
"unlock" a ham radio to cover the marine bands. While chances are
fairly slim that you'd ever get caught, I'd not recommend it.
A great marine ssb radio and ok ham radio is the Icom M802. Most
mariners use the SGC antenna coupler but I've personally had good luck
with the LDG line of tuners. On advantage of the SGC units is that it
is sealed and can be installed outside if necessary.
Since I already have multiple ham radios for hf use, I'm probably going
to one day purchase a used marine ssb. The M802 is a big ticket item.
Visit this site for a quick overview:
http://hamradio.arc.nasa.gov/meetings/HFradioatsea.html
This site too:
http://www.hfradio.com/Information/ssbham.html
Here's a forum that might include something of interest:
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f13/ham-marine-ssb-other-6951.html
Google for marine ssb and you'll probably find lots of other sites of
interest.
Jim.
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