SSB; Icom 802 to PC hookup and KISS ground

[ka4wja]

Geoff,
Good news!
(please see #3, as this is the primary reason I'm posting!!)

1) It looks like you've got the computer and PACTOR sorted out!!

2) And, please read what SoonerSailor wrote, and understand that while the KISS isn't a bad product, it doesn't really do what the manufacturer says!!!
It won't be (or better to say, it shouldn't be) detrimental to your system's operation, and while doubtful it will make any difference at all, it is worth connecting if you have it...
Commenting further usually just breeds more controversy, but just an FYI....your radio will work even without any "ground" / "counterpoise", of course it will work better with one, and better still with a well-designed and installed Antenna Ground, etc...but, it is all a matter of degree!!

If anyone is curious...have a look here...
Re: KISS-SSB Counterpoise


3) Everyone that is new to HF radio communications really needs to learn about how all of this works, just like you learned how to sail, how to navigate, how to repair your head, etc. etc...
And, the best way to learn (almost exclusively, the only way!) is to learn by using Voice communications....you use your ears and brain to hear/listen/understand and your voice/brain to send and make others understand....
Humans hear, see, and speak analog (not digital) and no matter what modems we attach to our radios, the HF radio waves we use travel across the world in an analog fashion...(purists, please forgive me!)
But, not only these facts, but also that if you learn how to use an HF radio in Voice communications (such as SSB Voice, whether ham or maritime), you will quickly / easily understand both radiowave propagation and more importantly what noises you are hearing / what "interference" sounds like versus what "natural noise" sounds like!!
If you are trying to make a digital communications path work, and all you are doing is using Airmail and their "propagation tables" and have little knowledge of noises / static / RFI / etc., it is not surprising that your connection speeds are so slow...
You should learn how HF comms work, using SSB voice, and then attempt to use some digital comms....and then you will understand that using stations further away, and/or on different freqs, etc. can many times result in better/faster connections...
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...tc-133496.html

Geoff, when you write this, I'm immediately thinking this is very strange and you should absolutely be talking to lots of folks (especially on the ham radio bands!!), and shouldn't have any trouble at all connecting!

Originally Posted by Geoff H.

Just tried the radio and the pactor/laptop both for email and voice. Everything still "works" as in it's all clicking and whirring and such, but still can't hear anybody, nor actually can I successfully send anything out via email.
It is the middle of the day here. I'll try again tonight.

So, usually this means two things:
a) lack of understanding of radiowave propagation....
b) too much receive RFI...whether on-board, or from shore (if you're in marina or close to shore)

{Also, you mentioned earlier creating some GRIB requests, so I'm assuming that your primary reason for e-mail connectivity when away from shore-side cellular, etc. is for weather??? If this is so, please note there are other (better) sources, that are free and require no PACTOR modem, nor e-mail connectivity at all...}


I don't want to drift this thread here (about your PC hook-up) off into the weeds of HF Radiowave Propagation, etc...
But, do want you to be aware of a few things and where to find some good info...
So...

So, please read over this thread here...
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...tc-133496.html

And, here...
Offshore / Hi-Seas Weather data / forecasts

And, here...
https://sailmail.com/wp-content/uplo...2/smprimer.htm

And, please have a look at these videos....(watch the videos in the playlists, as it will all make more sense to you....but, you can of course skip past the sections that you already know....just be sure that you really do know it

Icom M-802 Instruction Videos
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...rC-8QKVyMb4tVr


Offshore Weather info
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...zdjTJjHlChruyY



HF-DSC Communications
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...ga2zYuPozhUXZX



Maritime HF Communications (in general)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...ZDo_Jk3NB_Bt1y


I hope this helps...

Fair winds...

John


P.S. As for a brief look at radiowave propagation in the real world....have a look here...from 8min 15sec to 10min 15secs...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-1LgNioO6w

And, have a look at these videos, for examples of natural noises / radio signals....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fUtSOBt2FA

And RFI...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eX8Oy8TwAic