Best Ham Radio Options

[conachair]

So regarding the marine ssb/ham thing, just what are the differences in the real world? If I was to transmit whilst offshore on marine frequencies using an icom 706 would be that bad? I'm a novice so really have no idea.

Also, downloading live satellite images never seems to get mentioned much, I'd love some of that offshore, if I can get recognizable images here in London surrounded by tall buildings then hopefully offshore there reception would be much better - does anyone else use weathersats offshore?

ta

[btrayfors]

Originally Posted by conachair

So regarding the marine ssb/ham thing, just what are the differences in the real world? If I was to transmit whilst offshore on marine frequencies using an icom 706 would be that bad? I'm a novice so really have no idea.
.......
ta

Bad? Maybe, but it would be ILLEGAL. Under international law, as well as UK, US, and every other nation's laws.

To transmit on the marine frequencies you need a radio which was designed for marine HF operation, and has the necessary government approvals. In the US, it's "type acceptance" certification by the FCC. There are good and valid reasons for this, though many sailors choose to ignore or downplay them.

The 706 series is a ham radio design. It is for operation on the ham bands, with a proper ham license. Period.

In a bona fide emergency, you can transmit on ANY frequency to attract attention and get help. At least that's the rule, though you might well have to deal with the various authorities afterwards.

Bill

[goboatingnow]

I recently got my ham ticket, and now I'm researching the best option for an onboard radio.

my instructor says that the best option is to just go straight for the icom m-802, just bite the bullet and pay for it.

Id ignore the instructor for a start.

I have a ICOM 7000 unit, really good on the boat.

Dave

[conachair]

Originally Posted by btrayfors

There are good and valid reasons for this,

That was the question - what are they????

[btrayfors]

Originally Posted by conachair

That was the question - what are they????

- lower spurious emissions (which can create interference with other stations)
- ability to operate at lower voltages (often found on boats)
- ITU marine channels in ROM
- 2182 alarm
- better frequency stability
- generally, better build quality more suited to marine environment
- easier to operate (for non-hams, other crew members)
- generally, overall better voice quality, both on receive and transmit

Bill

[conachair]

Originally Posted by btrayfors

- lower .....

thanks

i did google but nothing obvious & concise came up, ta.

[Auspicious]

Originally Posted by fairbank56

Dave, do you know your transmitting AIS from dry land down there?

*&^%%&*)$$#

Should be back on silent now.

I'm working on integrating an ACR Nauticast B AIS through a serial-to-Ethernet converter to SeaTalkhs and on to E-series chartplotters in my lab.

The AIS is mine from my own boat and I am close to the water. *grin* Actually based on the sump pumps running I AM on the water.

Seriously, apologies to all. AIS on land should only come from a licensed shore station and I'm not one.

I've got the AIS sentences on the network and it works fine with the ACR software. I'm still working on getting it into Raytech on the laptop (should be okay with a virtual com port) and onto my E80 (which is the trick). Raymarine has not been terribly helpful so far. We'll see. If I can get this working it will make integration on other boats one heck of a lot easier.

[John Drake]

If you would consider the ICOM M802, I would suggest getting the ICOM M700Pro marine SSB and an all band ham rig, such as the Yaesu FT-857D.

Bill mentioned this above, but to reiterate, some cheap ham radios can have poor frequency stability and bleed over onto the next SSB channel. This is incredibly annoying to others using the SSB bands.

But...more than that....once you begin using marine and ham radios, I think you will find you never want to be without. So, having a back up is a great idea.

By getting the M700Pro, you have a 150W radio, vs a 100W ham rig. It has excellent rx and tx characteristics and a very nice low noise floor. It can make the difference in long DX contacts.

Getting an all band ham rig such as the Icom 706, Yaesu 857, gives you access to VHF and UHF bands that you can use with local repeaters and Echolink. This is a great advantage...especially if you sail through the FL keys were the 2m repeaters are linked. We have been going through a pretty bad space weather period and so using VHF and UHF ham bands has been a relief.

For less than the price of a new M802, you could easily buy a new 700Pro and a good used all band ham rig.

One last comment: get a REALLY good tuner. The SGC-230. It is well worth it.

Hope this helps

Best

John

[category4jay]

btrayfors,
Great advice coming from a wealth of experience! Thanks for the info.

[matauwhi]

G'day, mates. I saw this for sale in this month's Latitude 38. I'm sure at this price it won't last long. Cheers.

ICOM M710 MARINE S.S.B.
Grass Valley, CA $1,100

M710 Icom, 130 tuner, Pactor Pro. With 3 software, HF radio on board set up. All you need is power antenna, ground.
Email (530) 432-1234
04/14/2011