Help--SSB setup with antenna/ground

[donradcliffe]

Originally Posted by S/V Illusion

As I wrote earlier, an SWR meter had value to assess antenna performance. Not the issue you describe.

Most transceivers will cut out with low voltage. You need to measure it AT THE POINT OF CONNECTION TO THE RADIO WHILE TRANSMITTING.

If you have RF power flying around, a digital voltmeter will probably be useless. Use an old fashioned analog one.

[RunningCool]

Thx guys,
will try everything this weekend

[MicHughV]

Oone last thing you might want to check is the PL259 fittings that connect the co-ax cable from radio to tuner, and anywhere else you might have them.
If these aren't done right, an easy place for a screw up to happen.
Not sure if you did these yourself or had them done, but regardless, open them up and check 'em.
PL259 fittings come in several designs...crimp on....solder on....
My preference is for the solder types as this way I can " see" with my own two eyes if the connection is done right.
I've seen a lot of screw ups here done by folks trying to DIY it.
Take care to do it absolutely right !!

[S/V Illusion]

Originally Posted by MicHughV

Oone last thing you might want to check is the PL259 fittings that connect the co-ax cable from radio to tuner, and anywhere else you might have them.
If these aren't done right, an easy place for a screw up to happen.
Not sure if you did these yourself or had them done, but regardless, open them up and check 'em.
PL259 fittings come in several designs...crimp on....solder on....
My preference is for the solder types as this way I can " see" with my own two eyes if the connection is done right.
I've seen a lot of screw ups here done by folks trying to DIY it.
Take care to do it absolutely right !!

A common problem, however, a bad coax connector will manifest itself as cutting back power output, not the symptom he described.

[MicHughV]

Always difficult to come up with thoughts and ideas without being there and setting eyes on the situation.
The Stephens 222 is a really old radio, I got mine back in the early 80's, 40 plus years ago. It's a pretty basic radio at that.
With the demise of the High Seas Operators, I don't see a SSB being as useful as it once was and I'm not sure if the CG still monitors it either.

While the OP wants to receive weather on it, there are many other better options to do that.

Same for talking to others, the 222 has all pre-set channels, most all using different frequencies for send/receive. Logically, the only way to "talk" to someone else is if they also use a SSB radio.

In addition, the 222 operates on the upper sideband only, whereas a ham can operate on both upper and lower.

Finally, the Ham radio allows one to tap into the numerous "marine" nets for weather, phone patches, etc

Quite frankly, I'd be more inclined to install a ham radio and get your general license.
Ham radio's typically have 100W of power vs. the 150W the 222 has, but I've not known this to be an issue.

Just my 2c on the matter. Even given a " free" 222, I'd be more inclined to set up a Ham radio.

[RunningCool]

So, like your comments on radios.
If I was to ditch the 222, what HAM radio would u recommend?
I am learning of the limitations of this radio.
I am starting to study for a general license also.
thx

[S/V Illusion]

Originally Posted by RunningCool

So, like your comments on radios.
If I was to ditch the 222, what HAM radio would u recommend?
I am learning of the limitations of this radio.
I am starting to study for a general license also.
thx

Changing the radio without identifying the problem won’t change anything except the size of your wallet. There is no reason to believe the power problem will simply disappear.

As to which radio, any of the current crop of ham transceivers will work for your stated purpose.

[RunningCool]

Yes, do know that i have to find and fix problem. Just wondering about ssb new radios.
After reading a bunch this morning I keep leaning to m802.
ssb plus hf amatuer use.
Will keep plugging away at the 222 and connection issues.
thx

[S/V Illusion]

Originally Posted by RunningCool

Yes, do know that i have to find and fix problem. Just wondering about ssb new radios.
After reading a bunch this morning I keep leaning to m802.
ssb plus hf amatuer use.
Will keep plugging away at the 222 and connection issues.
thx

The Icom 802 series are not what you want for combined marine and HF ham radio coverage. Parenthetically, all are SSB. The only distinction being one is designed primarily for marine HF. Using the 802 and it’s successors on ham bands is not convenient or simple.

[sv_pelagia]

Originally Posted by S/V Illusion

The Icom 802 series are not what you want for combined marine and HF ham radio coverage. Parenthetically, all are SSB. The only distinction being one is designed primarily for marine HF. Using the 802 and it’s successors on ham bands is not convenient or simple.

How so?

I use the M802 regularly (during Summer) on HAM bands. I find it quite simple to use.


(then again, I find OpenCPN pretty straightforward... ;-))

[S/V Illusion]

Originally Posted by sv_pelagia

How so?

I use the M802 regularly (during Summer) on HAM bands. I find it quite simple to use.


(then again, I find OpenCPN pretty straightforward... ;-))

We had one too. Great for what it is but lack of infinitely variable frequency selectivity, no filters, no audio or frequency bandwidth control and the channelized CBradio type operation makes it awkward for ham use particularly on CW.

[sv_pelagia]

Originally Posted by S/V Illusion

We had one too. Great for what it is but lack of infinitely variable frequency selectivity, no filters, no audio or frequency bandwidth control and the channelized CBradio type operation makes it awkward for ham use particularly on CW.

Yes, all true.

But for voice or email on HAM frequencies, the M802 is pretty straightforward. AND it has DSC.



Nevertheless, with the M802, one is paying for a lot of things they might never use (my case, at least). Many very capable HAM rigs at a lower price (but without DSC).

[stormalong]

A few points on any HF radio install.

The coax from the radio to the antenna tuner should not be parallel or even close to other wiring. They should cross at right angles if they have to cross and the coax should be as far away from the other wiring as practical. Parallel will cause you to get RF into your DC wiring that can cause all kinds of problems - including transceiver shutdown.

Use good quality coax. I like rg-213 but in reality for HF frequencies thinner coax is OK.The percent of coverage of the "shield" should be as high as possible. RG-213 is 96%.

Far better than a KISS counterpoise or sintered bronze plates is your keel. If it is external and you have access to bolts run wide copper to a bolt. Even an internal keel is better than a square foot of bronze. If you can get a good electrical connection to an internal keel use it.

The key part on the counterpoise is from the ground stud on the antenna tuner, not the transceiver. The copper should be flat and at least three inches wide. Don't believe people who say it needs to be thin. Surface area matters, not thickness. Thin means that it will rot out faster and someone is charging you more money for less product. From what I have seen on many installs is that a poor counterpoise is a very common problem. Especially on multihulls without a keel.

I too have an SEA 222 and 1612B installed, along with a ham radio transceiver. The 1612B is an excellent tuner and is the design that I believe SGC stole to make their tuner. Even if you get rid of the ancient 222 keep that 1612.

[MicHughV]

My advice for any newbie is to search out a local Ham Club.
Most every town has them.
Most all Ham Club members will bend over backwards trying to help you decide which model, which tuner and even come help you with the installation.

There is longer a morse code requirement to get your Ham license, but you need at least a "General" to use practical bandwidth.

The SEA 1612 is indeed a wonderful tuner, but your chosen Ham radio may not be able to tune it. Here again, Ham club members will let you know.

Finally, there are Ham " fests" held all over the place many times a year. This is a good place to go shopping, as new, used and everything in between is available.

You can spend a bundle on a new rig or a minimum amount. There is no need to get a " mega" Ham radio as most smaller units will do the job just fine.

Kenwood, Yeasu, Icom are three names I'd recommend. There are many others, but stick to those three as they are "known" brands.

The radio and tuner are just part one. Part two is the antenna and ground system. Many possible varieties exist.
For a sailboat, an " end fed" long wire is your best bet for an antenna. Many boats use an insulated backstay for this purpose, but other options exist for the DIY-er.
Again, the let the Ham Club direct you.

The grounding system is the other half of the antenna. Again, several options exist. Copper grounding plates are often used for this, but I'd recommend at least two of these.
Once again, discuss with the Ham club.

The installation is not complicated if done correctly, but care must be taken to get every connection correct and proper.

Finally, once set up, there is one more learning curve which must be learned.
Different frequencies used different times of the day have different transmitting range, etc.
It's not something you'll learn overnight. Spend some time perusing the channels, etc.
Again, Ham Club members can provide you with various information regarding which frequencies to use when.
And in closing, learn about the many " Ham nets" that are in operation around the world. Many of them operate specifically to assist the sailor.

Hope this gives you a place to start.

[RunningCool]

Thx guys.
So, went thru everything. Ground radio to engine block and wham was able to transmit on the marine net to controller in VA.
I am in Boot Key Harbor. Fl Keys.
He said I was about a 3 on his side, whatever that meant.
Getting closer I think.
I put ferrite chokes on ground. Only had 2
What do u guys recommend for ferrite chokes and where.
I can finally talk to people, was getting pretty lonely there.��