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Old 18-06-2010, 10:58   #1
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I've Got this Ham License...what Should I Do with it ?

I just earned my General license last night, and I'm excited to start playing with the HF radio we have on the boat (Icom 735).

I got the license primarily because I want to start using Winlink. I'd also like the ability to connect with people on the Ham nets should I so chose.

But, I don't know any specifics. Can people recommend some nets that I should start tuning into? What's the best resource for finding nets? A google search produces somewhat random results... (we live in the SF Bay Area but are leaving for a Mexico/South Pacific cruise in a few months)

Are there programs or resources other than Winlink that might be worth checking out?

I guess the question is pretty broad, but I'm just wondering what other cool things a person might do with an HF radio while cruising...
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Old 18-06-2010, 11:33   #2
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The Baja-California Maritime Net meets every day at 8 AM Pacific Time on 7233.5 kHz.
Baja Net Home Page

The Pacific Seafarer's Net meets daily at 0300UTC on 14.300MHz
The Pacific Seafarer's Net
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Old 18-06-2010, 12:01   #3
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Pactor-II/III Radio Modem sales/support, FCC License filing, Marine SSB & HAM Radio Net schedules/frequencies.

Choose the Nets button....good list of available marine and ham nets.

Congratulations on the new ticket!

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Old 18-06-2010, 12:32   #4
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KB79, Don't forget the mobile Maritime Net
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Old 18-06-2010, 14:15   #5
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G'day, KB79, congrats on the new license, from ZL1MTU. I regularly check into the Pacific SeaFarers net. They offer a great service, especially for cruisers heading to the South Pacific. Now is a good time to make sure your rig is set up and working properly. The net starts at 0300 UTC and during the first 25 minutes they take general check ins, so you can call in and get a radio check before the roll call list starts.

You can also get an inventory list (boat and crew details) set up with them before you head off down the coast. They will even do free phone patches for you to family/friends when propagation allows.

I also use Winlink. If you can afford it, go for the Pactor III, the speeds makes it worth it. Now's a good time to get this set up and comfortable using before you head south.

I'll listen up for you and hope to have a QSO at some point. Hopefully, your float plan will include coming down to New Zealand. You won't regret it. Cheers, ZL1MTU/matauwhi
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Old 18-06-2010, 14:25   #6
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Dockside Radio has a good list of West Coast nets, both HAM and marine SSB.

Go to West Coast Nets

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Old 23-10-2012, 11:31   #7
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Re: I've Got this Ham License...what Should I Do with it ?

Congrats!

For fun 14.292 USB is the Alaska Net. Saturday AM is the Bush Net.

73, KL7JQ
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Old 23-10-2012, 11:56   #8
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Re: I've Got this Ham License...what Should I Do with it ?

I have a World Wide List of HAM/SSB Maritime Frequencis and Nets here

I started this about 5 years ago and distribute it freely with the hope people will provide feedback on any changes to the Nets. For the PDF List, go here

You are in San Francisco... I lived there before going fulltime cruising in Sep 2010.

Unfortunately you probably won't hear most of the Mexican Maritime Nets in San Francisco, except one.

So the first Net I would suggest is the Baja Net on 7233.5 LSB, which meets every morning, 7 days a week, at 0800 hrs. Pacific Time. They have net relays all over the western US and northern Mexico. Primrily providing weather and check ins for boaters. They are friendly and always welcome new operators.

At 0830 Pacific Time, Gordon West has a Net on 7.250 LSB called the California Rescue 40 Meter Net. Gordo gives HAM and SSB infomration during this and always has boats check in first. For more infomration go here

You should also check in once and a while with either the Intercon Net, the Mobile Maritime Service Net or the Pacific Seafarer's Net all on 14300 USB... The Pacific Seafarers Net if the most formal of these three nets and I would suggest you listen a little while first to learn the process. For more info got to www.14300.net

Tht should get you start and good luck!
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Old 23-10-2012, 12:02   #9
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Re: I've Got this Ham License...what Should I Do with it ?

OP is from 2010.
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