SSB help

[brankin]

I am bring my systems back on line after many year refit and need some help with the testing of my SSB. I have an Icom 700pro and need to test how well my grounding and tuner are opperating. I need a hailing frequency for a net that is operating at 10 AM EST and/or 4 PM EST to get a transmission check. Some of the frequency's I have come across, have cruisers running their mouths for a half an hour on end and they are just BSing...they don't shut up! I need 30 sec to do the check and transmission distance without talking over some blabbermouth.

Any help is appreciated and/or a technique whereas I can break into a conversation politely. I am on the East coast of Florida and the last thing I want to be is RUDE.

[Paul L]

If you have a HAM license, listen in on 14.300, then give them call at the appropriate time.

[IslandHopper]

Not sure about the US but down here in Aus we routinely call the Harbour Master/Port Control (pick a largish port) for SSB radio checks, they usually have the equipment to measure your signal strength....and the beauty of calling these guys is you can do it any time day or night as they are manned 24/7....

[jeremiason]

Brankin

I put together a Worldwide HAM/SSB Maritime Net list. It is posted as a PDF document on my web blog under "Ham Info" site at: www.sailingcamelot.us

I distribute it freely with the hopes anyone find mistakes, additions or deltions will contct me to keep the list most up to date.

I also agree with Paul... the 14300 Net is a maritime service net. Call the 14300 Net as a general check in and tell the controller you are bringing your radio out of mothballs. He will give you a radio check without question

They operate about 16 hours a day with three different organizations. You can find their schedule at: www.14300.net

[svHyLyte]

Originally Posted by brankin

I am bring my systems back on line after many year refit and need some help with the testing of my SSB. I have an Icom 700pro and need to test how well my grounding and tuner are opperating. I need a hailing frequency for a net that is operating at 10 AM EST and/or 4 PM EST to get a transmission check. Some of the frequency's I have come across, have cruisers running their mouths for a half an hour on end and they are just BSing...they don't shut up! I need 30 sec to do the check and transmission distance without talking over some blabbermouth.

Any help is appreciated and/or a technique whereas I can break into a conversation politely. I am on the East coast of Florida and the last thing I want to be is RUDE.

I periodically test our ICOM M700 to ensure all is well. To do so, I contact the "WLO" High Seas Mairne Operator (part of ShipComm) in New Orleans and ask whomever responds how our signal sounds. When the frequency one's selected is clear, one just hails the station by "close-talking" the microphone: "WLO, WLO, WLO, this is the vessel (your ship name), (Your Call Sign), looking for a Radio Check". I have never had other than a good response to our hails and it is nice to know they are there.

WLO Channels and Frequencies are available at: Marine Radio HF SSB ITU Channels

FWIW...

[Celestialsailor]

PS...Do not transmit unless you are in the water.