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Marine Electronics

A Second Look at Marine SSB

Single-sideband still holds a spot in mariners communication kit..

To many sailors, single-sideband radio falls into the black arts category, those mysterious nautical skills (like anchoring or bleeding air from your diesel engine) that are discussed in hushed, reverent tones among bowed heads at most any dockside potluck or tiki bar where cruisers tend to congregate.

That certainly may have been the case 20 years ago, when operating an SSB radio involved more knob-twirling and switch manipulations than the translation machine from Mars Attacks! But the times have changed and modern SSB models are as easy to operate as that new smart TV in your main cabin. With features such as pre-loaded channels, Digital Selective Calling on distress frequencies, memorized access to email frequencies, and automatic tuners, todays SSB radios are undoubtedly more user-friendly than ever.

Back in the 1980s and 90s, the sailor who opted for long-range communication offshore had only two practical choices: amateur ham radio or marine single sideband. A minority of trans-oceanic sailors opted out, usually because of cost. Today, however, satellite communication has reached an attractive price point, prompting some cruisers to consider it as a first choice for staying in contact with the outside world.

Illustration by Regina Gallant

Does that mean SSB is going the way of the dinosaur? Hardly. Annual surveys like those carried out by the Seven Seas Cruising Association (SSCA), indicate that SSB radios are still a favorite means of long-range communication among cruising sailors. And for inexpensive text emails and long-range voice communication around the world, the SSB radio, pumped up with a few accessories, is hard to beat.

In this, the first of our multi-part series on long-range communication, well offer a general description of SSB systems -from what they are to what they can do for you, and a snapshot of the current players in this market.

Developed by international agreement in order to safeguard ships and mariners, the Global Maritime Distress and Sailing System (GMDSS) divides the worlds oceans into four sea areas and stipulates the minimum communication equipment required to comply with GMDSS within each area (see map, page 21). Although GMDSS does not apply to recreational boats, common sense dictates that a prudent mariner will have the equipment thats appropriate for their intended cruising area.

The average weekend sailor will find that a marine VHF radio is more than adequate for their communication needs. A 25-watt VHF system in good working order has a range of 12 to 25 miles, which is plenty of coverage for those local trips, as well as the occasional coastal cruise. Further offshore, the familiar GPIRB or EPIRB emergency beacon is the distress alert, but this is useless for two-way, non-emergency communication.

For those venturing farther from shore who want a reliable two-way communication link within the GMDSS sphere, another form of long-range communication is needed. One choice is the relatively expensive Inmarsat satellite system used by commercial shipping. These systems require initial outlays of several thousand dollars, as well as annual network fees. For the moment, dedicated text-only transceivers like the Inmarsat Mini-C terminals offered by KVH and others are the most affordable satcom devices that are GMDSS-compliant.

A second choice the SSB. Like the VHF, the SSB is integrated into GMDSS with frequencies dedicated to maritime use such as distress calling. Whether you want port or weather information or assistance in handling onboard emergencies (an injured crewmember or even an abandon-ship scenario), long-range SSB communications help reduce the risks of long-distance sailing.

SSB is also known as marine high-frequency single-sideband (HF SSB), a name derived from the frequency range it uses, the HF range of 3 to 30 megahertz (MHz). Medium Frequency (MF) is located below the HF bands at .3 to 3 MHz, while Very High Frequency (as in your VHF radio) is above at 30 to 300 MHz. (See adjacent article Im With the Band.)

While marine VHF radio output power is limited by law to a maximum of 25 watts, the output power of a marine SSB system found aboard a typical, mid-sized cruiser is usually between 100 to 150 watts of peak envelope power (PEP). More powerful units exist, but they are expensive, heavy, and are generally designed for use aboard larger vessels.

Unlike the line of sight transmission of your VHF, SSB is a type of amplitude modulation thats ideally suited for long-range communication that can bounce or skip off the ionosphere. (See illustration.) In this manner, the radio signals don’t follow the earths curvature as would an ordinary groundwave. Instead, transmissions in this spectrum can bounce off the ionosphere and return to earth hundreds or even thousands of miles away.

When combined with the right time of day and frequency, a single-sideband or ham radio with 150 watts of power can deliver, under the right conditions, a signal that can literally be heard around the world. Keep in mind, however, that the right conditions don’t always coincide with the worst conditions on board, when you might in fact need help. That EPIRB is there for a reason.

Portable Satphone vs. SSB

Although the SSB radio has long been a fixture aboard offshore cruising boats, new portable, compact text-only devices like the SPOT, the DeLorme inReach, and portable satphones that tap into global satellite networks are drawing renewed interest from cruisers, particularly since equipment costs have dropped. Of the wide range of satellite communication devices we have tested, portable satellite phones are the most viable, affordable option.

Satphones have become particularly attractive since the introduction of affordable (or at least more affordable) service plans. (For a roundup of our coverage of satellite communication devices, see the Sept. 2, 2014 blog post: Preview of the InReach Explorer.)

Comparing a satphone to an SSB can irk the hardcore radiophile. Although some of their functions overlap, it is an apples-and-oranges comparison. One chief difference between a portable satphone and single-sideband radio is that the former is typically point-to-point device-one caller contacting one or more designated recipients. An SSB transmission can be received by any device within broadcast range listening on that frequency. As with any apples-to-oranges comparison of two different systems providing similar functions (both SSB and a satphone can deliver voice communications and email, for example) both will invariably have their pros and cons.

Operationally, the most obvious advantage of a satellite phone is its familiar form and operation. Even a non-sailor who has never used a VHF can probably figure out how to use a satphone. Another advantage is that its easy to call a landline phone with a satphone. (This is also possible with an SSB using services like ShipCom). And, for the sailor who likes to do his own installations, the satellite device greatly simplifies setup.

A satellite phones portability is also a plus. You can bring it on shore excursions, or even bring it with you should you need to abandon ship.

There are also cons to handheld sat phones: just like cell phones, handheld portable satphones are not integrated into GMDSS. Neither is meant to provide ship-to-ship safety communications or communications with rescue vessels or aircraft. Private party contractors like GEOS Alliance will help route rescue calls placed via satellite devices to the Coast Guard, but the U.S. Coast Guard doesn’t advocate cell phone or satellite phone as a primary means for making distress calls. They have proven, however, to be a very effective backup.

One of the main reasons sailors choose a marine SSB over a satellite phone is so that they can participate in various regional safety and cruising nets that allow cruising sailors to stay in touch and share local knowledge-and if needed, ask for help. You don’t, of course, need a transceiver to simply listen to these stations or nets-an ordinary portable multi-band radio that can tune into SSB frequencies will do.

An additional safety benefit of the modern SSB is Digital Selective Calling (DSC). DSC is an essential element in GMDSS. All commercial ships mandated to have DSC are required to monitor DSC marine SSB frequencies while at sea. In the event of an emergency, they (or any other HF SSB DSC-equipped vessel) would receive your exact location (assuming youve provided GPS data to your SSB) and nature of distress at the push of a button.

As with VHF DSC, the DSC function effectively takes the search out of search and rescue, allowing rescue agencies (or nearby Good Samaritans) to provide immediate assistance, rather than waste valuable time trying to locate you first.

Although direct cost comparisons between SSB and satphones will depend on the particular unit or system being considered, its fairly typical to find that the initial cash outlay will likely be a bit less for a portable satphone (particularly if installation costs of the SSB are factored in). However, a more accurate assessment is lifetime cost, which can be determined by factoring in the costs associated with each system over the years.

For over-the-counter portable satphones, lifetime cost ultimately depends on the service plan selected, but at a minimum will mean hundreds if not thousands of dollars in annual, recurring costs. For SSB, unless youre utilizing some type of commercial service (for weather routing, email, etc), transmitting and receiving over the airwaves is free, and free is good. (Inmarsats Mini-C system allows a wide range of uses within the network at no cost, but these are text-only devices.)

Global Marine Distress and Safety System

The Players

There are very few apart from Icom manufacturers in the U.S. that offer SSB radios that target recreational boaters. Based on survey information, we looked at products from Furuno, Icom, and SEA Com Corp. Of these, Icom carries the lions share of the market and their Icom M802 SSB radio is by far the bestselling SSB unit on the market. Other options include the JRC JSS-2150 MF-HF-DSC-SSB, or the incredibly expensive Sailor / Thrane & Thrane model 6300 MF/HF-DSC-SS, but the fact of the matter remains that Icom is the only true player in this market.

SEA 245D Continuous Duty MF/HF SSB Digital Radiotelephone

The SEA 245D system consists of a 2451D RTU, a 2450 Remote Control Head, and a 1612C automatic antenna tuner. The SEA 245D can control up to four remote heads for those needing multiple control locations. The manufacturer describes the SEA 2451D as a highly integrated and compact solid-state MF/HF SSB transceiver housed in a ruggedized chassis specifically designed for long duration transmit cycles.

The Sea 245 only has DSC functions on MF/2187.5khz and not on any of the HF-DSC frequencies, making it a product for a very narrow/niche market, not one for offshore sailors nor for your typical cruisers.

The SEA 245 SSB radios are compliant for Sea Area A2 GMDSS station operations and are also suitable for any general purpose MF/HF SSB radiotelephone operation where a high duty-cycle use is required. An upgrade to SEA Area A3/A4 compliance is available.

Features include an internal DSC controller and medium-frequency watch receiver; factory- and customer-programmed channels with alpha-numeric names for easy recall; large, easy to read graphic display; and a backlighted silicone keypad. Frequency options include marine, land mobile, and aviation channels, and amateur bands. The suggested retail price for the 2450 is $1,150, and $2,550 for the 2451. The 1612C automatic tuner brings the minimum price for the system (without ground plane) to about $4,700.

Furono FS1575

Featuring an integrated DSC/DSC watch receiver, Furunos 24-volt FS1575 is clearly targeted at the commercial market. The least powerful of Furunos three-unit series, the FS1575 facilitates both general and GMDSS communication, operating as a DSC transceiver and as a DSC Watch Receiver on all distress and safety frequencies in MF and HF bands. An optional terminal can be connected to the transceiver to handle telex operation and distress message/maritime safety information.

Other features of the FS1575 include a bright, high-contrast 4.3-inch color LCD (multiple display configurations are available) as well as a night mode (white text on black background display) for wheelhouse operation. A rotary knob or direct keypad allows instant selection of 256 user-specifed channels. Quick access to DSC message composition is available by dedicated keys on the control unit.

For additional ease of operation, users can assign three quick-access functions using 1, 4, and 7 on the numeric keypad. These are displayed on the Radiotelephone display. Settings that the user can pre-assign for quick access include transmit frequency, receive frequency, class of emission, automatic gain (sensitivity), output power, transmit frequency monitoring. Shorcuts to preconfigured displays include: list of test messages, list of message files, list of log files, and intercom functions.

The FS1575 also features a simplified menu operation. Numbers are assigned to menu items, each of which can be accessed by turning and pressing the push to enter knob to select menu items or by pressing the desired number on the numeric keypad.

The FS1575 meets GMDSS carriage requirements for SOLAS ships operating in A3 and A4 sea areas. The system consists of a transceiver (the FS1575 unit), an FS1575 control/display unit, and an AT1575 automatic antenna coupler. The system lists for about $10,000.

While the Icom M802 is sold as a marine transceiver, its actually a dual-purpose, 150-watt SSB radio thats approved by the FCC for both marine and ham use with an operating range of 1.6 to 30 MHz. A basic Icom M802 system package consists of an M802 transceiver, RC-25 remote control head, and an antenna tuner (with the AT-140 antenna tuner being the most popular choice).

Features include a large LCD display with easy-to-read dot matrix characters. For nighttime use, both the display and keypad have 10 brightness adjustment levels. For fast channel selection, the control head features two dials-one for banks (groups) of channels and one for individual channels. The bank dial controls up to 16 banks of channels (up to 20 channels per bank) for user-grouped channels, and 17 banks for ITU (international) channels.

The M802 also features built-in, one -touch digital selective calling (DSC) for both emergency and direct dial communications. The M802 can also be set to memorize your HF e-mail access frequency, mode, and bandwidth settings via a dedicated email button.

The RC-25 hs ports for GPS input, a headphone jack, and a mic that allows you to remotely scroll through the pre-programmed channels.

With tuner and antenna (no ground plane) the system sells for about $2,500. At that price, it is no wonder why ICOM is virtually the only player in this field.

While satellite phones have carved a niche in the cruisers communication toolbox, SSB continues to be the benchmark for versatile, economical, and reliable long-range communications for those sailing toward far horizons. Satellite phones bring a lot to the table and would make the ultimate addition to any ditchbag, however the overall usefulness of SSB in providing a wide range of free information (from weather to email) is what keeps it popular.

Coming in the second part of our series on single side-band, we walk through a radio installation, and take a close look at some novel antenna and grounding options.

Deciding Between Marine SSB or Ham, or Both

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As such, SSB is the only way to go for the various regional cruising nets, such as the Baja, Sonrisa, Chubasco and Southbound. It means that when Don Anderson of Summer Passage, for example, transmits his latest weather forecast, anyone who wants to can listen at the same time. When someone has a question about the forecast, everyone can hear the question and Don's response.

Marine SSB is also perfect for cruising events such as the Baja Ha-Ha , the Caribbean 1500 and the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers. "While the Ha-Ha doesn't require SSB radio," advises the Grand Poobah, "most boats do have them. They're good for safety — but fun, too. The folks with SSBs are able to actively participate in all the roll calls, weather and fishing reports, and other fleet news. Over a period of nearly two weeks, personalities develop over the radio, and an even greater sense of community is established."

In racing events such as the TransPac, Pacific Cup, and Singlehanded TransPac, it offers more than just straight communication. "Thanks to marine SSB, our 1700 hour reports and discussions maintain the racing camaraderie and fun," notes Jack McGuire, KG6CJN, communications chairman of the '08 Pacific Cup race. Although not the subject of this article, the other significant benefit of SSBs is that, when used with a Pactor modem and SailMail, they allow for the transmission and reception of brief emails while offshore.

You don't need to pass a Ham radio operator's test to use a marine SSB. All that's required is a valid Ship Station license and a lifetime Restricted Radiotelephone Operator's permit. No testing required! The Ship Station license is good for 10 years and is non-transferable. If you're good at dealing with online government forms, you can apply for a license at http://wireless.fcc.gov. If you're not so good at it, or don't want to take the time, my lovely wife Suzie will be happy to help for a fee: (714) 549-5000. How does Ham (amateur radio) differ from SSB? If you're new to long distance marine radio, I suggest not even worrying about it. Although I run the Radio School and some of the income comes from teaching students how to use Ham radio and pass the test, I generally discourage new SSB operators from taking that step right away. Get the no-test license for SSB radio, become familiar with the procedures and protocols, and use it for a few months. If you find that you're one of the very few cruisers who talks on the radio so much that SSB frequencies aren't adequate, then look into Ham radio. Or if you're going to the South Pacific, where there's lots more traffic on ship-to-ship channels, you might consider eventually moving up to Ham status. But generally speaking, it's really only for serious radio buffs. By the way, there is nothing to prevent folks with SSB radios from listening on Ham frequencies, and indeed, there are some helpful Ham-only weather broadcasts. If you're worried that you might accidentally stumble onto a Ham-only frequency, start transmitting, and really piss off the 'radio police', fear not. SSB radios that are capable of working Ham frequencies come 'locked' from the factory. Some can only be unlocked using software, while others can be unlocked by simply pressing three keys at the same time. In cases of genuine emergencies, Ham frequencies can be used by people who don't have a license.

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How Far on What Bands?

A marine SSB system operates on marine radio spectrums called shortwave, medium frequency and high frequency — 2 MHz-26 MHz. This radio spectrum is shared with hundreds of other radio users including shortwave broadcasts, Ham radio, FEMA, the American Red Cross, and long-range aircraft.

Radio signals within the SSB shortwave spectrum refract off the ionosphere and come back to earth hundreds or thousands of miles away without the need for communication satellites and/or ground stations. Each marine SSB radio frequency band has a very predictable skywave bounce bulls-eye. If you choose a band that's too high, your signal will skip over the other station. If you choose a frequency that's too low, your signal won't go far enough to reach.

The following is a good guide for choosing the band of frequencies that will target your first skywave bounce:

2 MHz 200-400 miles 4 MHz 400-600 miles 6 MHz 600-1,200 miles 8 MHz 800-1,600 miles 12 MHz 1,200-2,400 miles 16 MHz 1,600-3,200 miles 22 MHz 2,200-4,000 miles plus 26 MHz unpredictable during our solar cycle minimum

Pop Quiz #1: You are in San Francisco and you want to talk with your buddy who's on his boat 1,200 miles away in Cabo San Lucas. Which band on marine SSB might you choose?

Answer: Because 4, 6, and 8 MHz would likely fall short on the first radio signal bounce, 12 MHz and 16 MHz would likely be your best choices

The thing that usually drives new SSB operators nuts — and I know that it still irritates the Ha-Ha's Grand Poobah — is that SSB radio frequency/channels are so different from VHF, FM, television, and almost every other kind of channel. On VHF, for example, channel 72 is channel 72. On television, channel 7 is channel 7. What could be more simple?

Certainly not SSB radio. Get this: while 4146 is always 4146 on SSB, it's also known as 4A, and sometimes the designator 4-1. In addition, depending on the individual radio, it's often channel 35 or channel 77, and could also be some other channel. That's right, depending on what radio you bought and when, and who might have customized the user channels, channel 35 and channel 77 may or may not be 4146 and vice versa. And, of course, it might also be channel 63 or 147 — or a bunch of other channels.

The best way to get to 4146 is to just tune to 4146. The problem is that you may have to do a lot of knob turning, which can be annoying. In order to eliminate unnecessary wrist injuries from knob turning, some manufacturers 'channelized' the more popular frequencies. That is, they assigned specific channels to specific frequencies. For example, the Icom SSB radios of several years ago assigned channel 35 to frequency 4146 (aka 4A and 4-1). Unfortunately, in later radios, they decided to assign channel 77 to 4146 (aka 4A and 4-1). In addition, some retailers created custom 'user channel' packages, which gave yet another channel designation to 4146.

How did it all come to this? SSB operators used to have to spin the frequency knob like crazy to find anyone because there are more than 1,000 SSB frequencies — only a very few of which will ultimately be of interest to you. (More on that later.) As a result, most modern marine SSB transceivers — a fancy name for a combined transmitter and receiver in one black box — have nearly 700 pre-stored duplex channels (specific frequencies designated as channels for easier access). After all, what's easier: dialing through 1,000+ frequencies or 700 channels?

Nonetheless, you could spin your SSB dial all day long and you'd probably still hear nothing — except for WLO, the excellent radiotelephone station located in Mobile, Alabama. If you want to pick up something, look for on-the-hour weather and traffic reports on the following International Telecommunications Union (ITU) three- and four-digit designators: 405, 417, 805, 824, 830, 1209, 1212, 1226, 1607, 1624, 1641, 1807, 2237 and 2503. If you punch in 1607 on the hour, you'll get traffic lists and weather broadcasts from powerful WLO. The U.S. Coast Guard also broadcasts voice weather reports on ITU channels 424, 601, 816, 1205, and 1625.

Because SSB radios are more complicated than VHF radios, you might initially have a little trouble punching in the three- and four-digit ITU channels and/or the actual frequencies.

Icom America, Furuno, and SEA are the last remaining SSB manufacturers, and of the three, Icom is the undisputed leader when it comes to equipping recreational vessels with marine SSB gear. To help North American sailors more easily call up relevant ship-to-ship, Coast Guard, weather facsimile, Ham and marine telephone stations, Icom has pre-programmed 160 "favorite channels" — channels 1 through 160 — into a memory circuit titled 'User Channels'.

If you have an Icom 802 and tune to channel 77, you'll find that you'll be on frequency 4146 (aka 4A). And if you tune to channel 135 on an 802, you'll find yourself on frequency 3968, which is home to the Sonrisa Net at 7 a.m. Pacific Time in the winter. It will even show 'Sonrisa Net' on your screen, even though the Sonrisa Net only uses that frequency a few hours each day.

Your radio will no doubt also have a toggle for 'channel/frequency'. As you move it, the display will switch back and forth from, say frequency 4146 to channel 77 — assuming, of course, that 77 has been assigned to 4146 on your particular radio.

Most Icom marine SSBs may be tuned off of a memorized channel, to hear a weather report on a frequency that has recently moved. Press the 'CL' button — the channel knob now goes into frequency changing — and turn the knob in tiny steps. You may need to do a lot of knob twirling to get to some of the new weather nets. Be sure to push 'CL' again to get out of this mode.

Take this opportunity to run all the user channels on your radio, and make a list of what frequencies/stations they refer to. As mentioned, if you have a newer Icom 802, it's very likely, but not certain, that you have the same channel/frequency combinations as owners of other new Icom 802s. But if you have an older Icom model, or perhaps had a custom user channel package installed into your 802, I'd recommend that you have an authorized Icom dealer come down and give you the most recent user channel package. He'll just plug his computer into the front of your radio and download the new stuff. It shouldn't take more than 15 minutes and will sync you with the majority of other SSB radios.

If you look at the table above, you'll see Latitude 38's favorite SSB channels that will help you better understand that each channel has a specific purpose. You'll notice there aren't 700 of them. That's because you can use only 33 primary channels. And for cruisers in California and Mexico, you'll almost certainly use just five of them: 4A, 4B, 4C, 8A and 8B. That's not many, but you'll rarely have trouble finding an open channel. (There are an additional 49 secondary channel/frequencies on the 4 MHz and 8 MHz bands that you can use if they aren't being used at the time, but if you're just starting out, you don't need that additional confusion.)

The main thing to do is play with your user channels/frequency combinations so you become familiar with them. It won't take long. If you find that your channels are out of sync with most other folks' SSBs, you might want to change yours to match theirs. Depending on how technical you are, you may or may not need assistance.

Calling for Help over the SSB

There are six Coast Guard Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) channels/frequencies:

2182, the distress channel 4125 (4S) 6215 (6S) 8291 (8S) 12,290 (12S) 16,420 (16S)

The Coast Guard and other international rescue agencies monitor them 24 hours a day. U.S. Coast Guard monitors out of Hawaii, Guam, Alaska, San Francisco, New Orleans, Miami and Norfolk.

Warning! Remember, different bands have different ranges. If you make an emergency call on 2182 when you're halfway between Mexico and the Marquesas, it's very unlikely anyone will hear you. If you check the earlier chart, you'll see that you'd actually want to transmit on 12,290 (12S) where the range would be 1,200 to 2,400 miles.

Checking Your SSB Reception and Transmission

As a new user, even if you get some meaningful reception as you dial around the channels, you'll probably still wonder if your SSB is working as it should. One way to find out is by trying to pick up the time signals at 10 and 15 MHz and WWV, which provide a continuous signal for a ready reference. If you're still at the dock and plugged in, you may find that turning off the shore power battery charger will make a huge difference in your reception. Ditto for refrigeration, fluorescent lights, and inverters. If you're not sure that you're transmitting, you can tell a lot by looking at the LCD display on the face of your radio. First, push the 'TUNE' button, at which point the radio should briefly transmit a low power signal to tune the automatic antenna coupler. Do this on any 6 MHz channel as long as there is no traffic on it. The word 'TUNE' should flash a couple times on the LCD screen, and then stay up on the screen when the radio cycles back to receive. Still see the word 'TUNE'? This is good. However, if the word 'THRU' comes up, or 'HI SWR', you've got problems. It's probably time to bring in an NMEA-qualified marine SSB specialist to find out what's wrong between your radio and your tuner.

Assuming you do get 'TUNE', it's time to pick up the mic and try a short transmission. After doublechecking that the frequency is clear, key the mic, and speak directly into it saying "FOOOOUUUUR." The mic should be touching your lips when you do this. If the following things happen, it suggests that your transmission is good and powerful:

1) The LCD bar graph goes full scale. 2) Your cabin lights dim slightly. 3) The instrument indicator lamps glow. 4) The bilge alarm squeaks. 5) The house battery drops about half a volt.

It's perfectly normal for instrument panel lights to glow and bilge alarms to squeak when a powerful 100 watts are coming out of your SSB. But be sure to doublecheck that the LCD transmit indicator shoots across the screen when you say a very loud "FOOOOUUUUR."

A potentially more dangerous way to test the transmit power output is with a small fluorescent tube at night. Ask your first mate to hold the glass tube against the insulated backstay antenna or the big white whip. Caution! Be sure they don't touch the backstay with their fingers or other parts of their body, as this could result in a nasty burn or worse. Say the magic word ("FOOOOUUUUR") once again, and the tube should instantly light up. The glass must actually be touching the radiating antenna or antenna lead-in single wire for this to happen.

If the cabin lights dim, the head flushes, numerous bilge alarms go off, and the fluorescent tube lights up, chances are excellent that you're putting out 100 watts. But are they clear watts? Only a radio test with another SSB user can determine that, so ask someone else in the marina to dial in a common ship-to-ship channel, such as 6224, and run your radio check. This will be a good test for a nice, clean signal. If your test partner reports that your sound was garbled, and you've just added a new email modem to your rig, temporarily disconnect the wire going from the back of your SSB to the computer. If your voice is now clear, these additional wires are the problem. Your local marine electronics specialist carries snap-on filter chokes, which may resolve the garbled voice problem.

A good test for the range of your radio is with me! I'm happy to offer Latitude readers free, on-the-air radio checks on an appropriate SSB frequency that will agree with the approximate range between your station and mine here in the Newport Beach area. If your boat is in the Bay Area, we will likely use 8 MHz. If you are local, we'll go with 4 MHz, and if you're down in Cabo, we'll probably choose 12 MHz. Call me at (714) 549-5000 on weekdays and we'll find a nice quiet channel for our radio check.

Another great way to test your marine SSB transmit-and-receive capability is with weather guru Don Anderson on his marine SSB Amigo Net. He begins at 1415 hours Zulu (UTC) on 8.122 MHz, upper sideband. If you have the latest frequency load from Icom America, it's already stored in memory as channel 105. If you don't find it in memory, you will need to break out the instruction book and learn how to program a new frequency into your user-programmable frequency 'bin'. It's not hard, but if you've never done it before, it can be a mystery. If you have problems while in San Diego you might want to call in a marine electronics tech familiar with marine SSB equipment. Try Shea Weston of Offshore Outfitters at (619) 225-5690 or (619) 980-6217 (cell).

Two Final Tips

First, if you sent your Icom 802 to the factory to get the 'clipping' problem fixed, you'll note that there are two places to plug in the antenna. One is for the DSC antenna, the other for your SSB antenna. Unfortunately, they are not clearly labeled, and a number of people have plugged their SSB antenna into the wrong port. As a result, transmit and receive range are minimal. You'll see an antenna tuner error if plugged into the wrong jack. Set it up temporarily and test it with time signals.

Second, to avoid violating FCC rules, Icom is very conservative regarding output power and how wide the signals are. I think they're too conservative. If you get that voice compression software unlocked, your radio transmissions will boom out with a commanding signal like Voice of America. The software upload is available only from authorized Icom dealers. They can come aboard and plug it into your radio, as well as the most recent 'user channel' update. It usually takes just 15 minutes.

- gordon west

Also see Latitude 38's Guide to Marine Nets .

What is an SSB and Do I Need One?

May 6th, 2021 by team

by B.J. Porter (Contributing Editor)

If you’re buying a boat, you may come across an item on the inventory that says something like this:

Icom IC-M802 SSB Radio w/ AT-140 Tuner

So we know it’s a radio, but what does the SSB mean?

“SSB” is short for Single SideBand radio, also known as a High Frequency (HF) radio, or in old maritime thrillers as a “shortwave.” It’s a radio which broadcasts and receives on a much wider and lower range of frequencies than your VHF radio.

Do You Need One?

Without getting into the gruesome technical detail…the answer for most boaters is: Probably Not .

If you are planning to cruise full time or sail offshore making blue water passages, then an SSB can be a VERY useful and powerful tool. But if you’re a casual coastal sailor, you will have little use for one.

Marine SSB can send voice and data over long ranges, sometimes several thousand miles if atmospheric conditions are favorable. Most weekend boaters don’t need to talk to people that far away as part of their regular boating activities.

The Case FOR Getting an SSB

If you plan to cruise the world or cross oceans, there is an excellent case to be made for having an SSB.

While some claim that a satellite phone is a suitable replacement for emergency and rescues, there are many disadvantages when compared to an SSB.

An SSB DSC distress call will activate the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) to your troubles when it is received. You can do this with a phone call too, but it’s not automatic.
Your SSB Distress call is broadcast to every ship in range, and range can be hundreds or thousands of miles. A satellite call goes to one number.
The distress call is broadcast to ships closer to your vessel; far off shore your most likely rescue is from nearby marine traffic.
Commercial ships are required to monitor GMDSS frequencies, so any ship nearby can pick up your call.
Rescue vessels without satphone capability can reach you to coordinate a response via radio.

And of course, there are the social aspects. For a fleet of small vessels cruising near each other but spread out over hundreds of miles of water, it’s the best way to keep in touch.

Crossing the Pacific, we had half a dozen other boats between the Galapagos and the Marquesas at the same time. We kept up a daily net, where we’d meet on the air and share our positions, help each other with problems, brag about the fish we caught, and give each other general updates. We knew who was out there, where they were, and if someone didn’t check in, there were other people nearby to help. While it helped pass the time and made being alone at sea less lonely, it also gave us a very important safety net.

How is SSB Different From a Marine VHF?

There are several key differences in operation and capabilities between the two.

The Short Answer

SSB uses different, lower frequencies and has a much longer range.

Also, it’s not set up in neat numbered channels like a VHF so it’s trickier to use. And much more expensive and complicated to install.

The Longer, More Technical Answer

Marine VHF (Very High Frequency) is the standard radio we use to call boats in within a few miles of us. VHF is limited to line-of-sight distances, and it’s rare to speak with people over ten or fifteen miles away at all, never mind clearly. Sailboats with masthead antennas and fixed VHF radios can do it, since line-of-sight increases from the top of the mast, but even that is limited to twenty-five or so.

VHF Frequencies range from 30 to 300 Mhz and have wavelengths from three feet to about thirty-five feet (1 meter to 10 meters). These short wavelengths don’t travel that far and don’t penetrate things, and are absorbed by the ionosphere.

Single Side Band uses High Frequency (HF) from 3 to 30 Mhz, with wavelengths of 10 to 100 meters (30 to 330 feet). These longer wavelength, low frequency signals will bounce off things, including the upper atmosphere. This bounce allows the radio waves to travel very long distances. HF radio waves can propagate all the way around the world, though ranges of a few hundred to a couple of thousand miles are more typical.

A marine SSB, like an Amateur Radio, will allow operation on exact frequencies. Marine VHF has set “channels” which are agreed upon frequencies for standard marine operation in a country. When you call on Channel 16 on VHF, your radio is tuning in to the 156.800 Mhz frequency behind the scenes, which other radios expect and you don’t need to worry about. These frequency-to-channel assignments are federally regulated and consistent, which is why they work are easy to use. A marine SSB may come with “channels,” but they are a more loosely agreed upon names for frequencies. There’s no governing body to say “This is Channel 55” so everyone agrees. It makes finding a frequency to chat on a little more challenging. The installation is also more complex, and costs are higher. A VHF radio needs a power supply and an antenna. An SSB needs these as well, but also it needs a “ground plane,” an antenna tuner (sold separately!), and possibly a second antenna. The primary antenna can be large, and many use an insulated section of the backstay. This works well, but requires cutting the backstay and installing insulators. The cost and complexity are discouraging unless you really need or want it.

If I have an SSB Already, What Can I do with it?

If you have a functioning SSB on your boat and you plan to cruise offshore, learn how to use it. It’s a powerful tool for staying in touch with other cruisers, and for getting help if you need it.

Even if you’re not cruising, if you have one take some time to learn how to use it, you can have some fun with it. But you might find the effort to do more advanced functions (like getting weather faxes) not worth it if you’re in cell phone range and can download the same information on your phone in seconds.

A few things you can do include:

Learn how to contact far off stations. Getting an Amateur Radio license (also called a Ham License) is a good way to learn. With a Ham license, you can talk to many more people in other countries.
Learn to do digital communications. It’s slow, but you can get and send e-mail when you don’t have a connection to land.
Get weather faxes and weather information.
Send distress calls over much longer distances than VHF.
Posted in Blog , Boating Tips , Cruising , iNavX , iNavX: How To , Navigation , Sailing , Sailing Tips

6 Responses to “What is an SSB and Do I Need One?”

December 24, 2022 at 2:39 am , Robert Moore said:

the SSB radio system is a significant advancement in the world of radio communication allowed sailors to navigate and effectively interact.

December 26, 2022 at 10:32 am , Robert Moore said:

The transceiver, which is usually hidden behind the covers, includes all the key electronics, PCBs, and crucial elements for reception and transmission.

July 22, 2023 at 9:23 am , Tom Brian said:

This kind of radio is frequently used on yachts and boats. You may therefore hear people refer to it as a marine single sideband radio. Access to essential marine radio channels is provided along with two-way communication on board.

August 17, 2023 at 4:20 pm , Steve Lee said:

Definitely a critical tool for any sailors planning extended cruising…we used to use these in the Keys back in the day on all our boats…thanks for breaking down the intricacies of SSB!

February 25, 2024 at 6:00 pm , Drake Geco said:

Thanks for the explanation about what Is an SSB radio and how it works and how one can have fun with it even if not sailing.

May 08, 2024 at 11:44 pm , Joe Mullins said:

Do you need a license to operate a single side band radio ?

Is an SSB Marine Radio Right for Your Boat?

SSB marine radio is the bluewater sailors' favourite method of long-range communication. Once you've got the equipment installed - sadly not an inconsequential investment - all calls are free.

SSB (Single Sideband) radio has a much greater range than a VHF (Very High Frequency) radio's typical 35 to 50 nautical miles.

Medium Frequency (MF) SSB radio has a range of around 400 nautical miles, but High Frequency (HF) will reach out for several thousand.

Clearly the power required to achieve this range is considerably more than for a VHF radio; SSB marine radio sets typically draw a peak current of around 25A when transmitting.

The SSB Marine Radio Installation

The component parts of an SSB radio installation are:~

An MF/HF SSB transceiver - Some SSB radios can transmit and receive on all of the HAM radio frequencies as well as the marine channels. If you have, or intend getting, a HAM Radio License then the additional cost of one of these sets may well represent excellent value for money;
An antenna - Most sailboats use an insulated section of the backstay as an antenna, although some twin-masted vessels use the triatic stay if they have one. Alternatively, a fibreglass whip antenna can be used - and most usually is on catamarans that have no backstays. But whatever antenna set-up is used, without a good ground plane, radio signal and reception will be dismal;
A ground plane - Bronze thru-hulls, bonded together with copper strapping, can be used successfully to form a ground plane but this method may promote electrolysis problems. An easier approach, avoiding any electrolysis issues, is to use a sintered bronze grounding shoe to the outside of the hull, below the waterline. Of course the best ground plane of all is provided by a steel hull;
An automatic antenna tuner - SSB radios transmit on a wide range of frequencies which affects the impedance of the fixed-length antenna, which in turn affects the performance of the transmitter. An automatic antenna tuner, sometimes referred to as a coupler, matches the antenna to the output from the SSB. Manual tuners are available, and are cheaper too, but require constant readjustment with frequency changes, making the radio much more difficult to operate as a result.

As with all modern VHF radios, top of the range SSB radio sets have DSC functionality built in, but if you want to use it together with the capability of being able to transmit on all marine MF/HF/VHF frequencies from a yacht then you need a GMDSS Long Range Certificate.

Such an SSB set, interfaced with a GPS (for DSC capability) and a laptop computer provides further functionality - access to weather fax, and email communication.

Weatherfax via an SSB Marine Radio

There are around ninety weather stations around the world which regularly broadcast meteorological maps on HF SSB frequencies.

With one of the weatherfax software programmes - Mscan Meteo or ICS Weather Fax6 for example - loaded into your computer, a weather map specific to your area of interest can be downloaded, often together with an associated forecast.

It can then be viewed on screen, or sent to a printer if you have one, for detailed analysis.

Email via an SSB Marine Radio

Just one more electronic gizmo - a radio modem - to install and then, once you've enlisted with an SSB email service provider, you can send and receive emails wherever you are.

Most SSB email service providers charge an annual subscription, so there are no line-time or by-the-bit (minutes used) charges as with mobile phone or satellite systems.

There are limits on usage though. For example, subscribers to www.sailmail.com , one of the most popular SSB ESP's are required to limit their use of the SailMail stations to a running average of 90 minutes per week.

File attachments can't be sent with outgoing emails and only certain attachments - such as weather data in .grib file format - can be received.

Licensed HAM Radio Operators can sign-up to the Winlink 2000 system which is completely free to use, but unlike sailmail, does not allow business transactions to be carried out over their network.

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Single Sideband Radio

Head more than about twenty miles off shore and VHF won't cut it. Single sideband could be the answer.

— Published: December 2015

Boats that venture offshore will quickly move beyond the normal communication range of VHF radio. Although the 406 MHz EPIRB system provides remarkable emergency signaling capability, it is an emergency one-way system. Maintaining communication, for both routine and emergency purposes requires the use of either satellite or high frequency (HF) radio.

The same electronic developments that have so remarkably influenced VHF radio transceivers have made HF radios capable of worldwide communication practical for even small boats.

This method of radio communication differs from both the narrow-band FM system used for marine VHF radio and from the double sideband amplitude modulation system employed for conventional AM broadcast radios. Single sideband (SSB) modulation provides the advantage of using all of the available transmitter power to convey information using voice or digital means. Typical uses include communication with commercial high frequency shore stations that can connect to the world's telephone system, communication with other vessels and amateur (ham) radio.

Many cruising sailors find that the SSB "Nets", informal groups of ham operators who communicate on specific frequencies at preset times are an invaluable resource. The use of SSB frequencies allows much wider area coverage than is possible on VHF. The exchange of information includes weather, notice to mariner information of possible value to those transiting the area, arrangements for meetings of friends and so long as no commercial value is involved, arrangements for obtaining repair parts when sailing in out of the way places. Obtaining a ham license is now much easier than ever before. The FCC deleted the Morse code requirement from the Amateur Radio Service Part 97 rules on 23 February, 2007. Unlike other radio station licenses, there is no charge for a ham license.

While marine VHF radio transmitter power is generally limited by law to 25 watts, HF-SSB sets are generally capable of emitting between 100 and 150 watts of peak envelope power (PEP). These power levels, when delivered to a properly designed antenna system and using the appropriate frequencies, can provide communication over distances of hundreds to tens of thousands of miles. The wiring that supplies DC power for the SSB set must be properly sized for the radio's peak current drain and the distance from the boat's battery. Although the average transmitting power drain of a 150 watt PEP radio won't exceed 5 amperes at 12 volts, the momentary peak drain can reach 25-30 amperes.

Short wave signals do not travel far along the earth's surface. Unlike VHF radios whose transmissions travel in a straight line, short wave signals travel upward in the atmosphere where they encounter a layer of air molecules that have been electrically modified by energy from the sun. These layers can act as mirrors, reflecting the radio energy downward toward the surface of the earth. In effect, the transmitted energy bounces off the high altitude layer and can then be received at a point far distant from its origin. The altitude and the reflecting quality of the ionized reflecting layers in the atmosphere is influenced by the season of the year and the time of day at both the transmitting and receiving stations. Establishing communication over long distances therefore requires choosing frequencies that will return to the earth's surface at the location of the listener. Numerous aids are available to guide the choice of appropriate frequency.

The microphone used with the HF set and the way it is used can determine the ability of the remote listener to understand your message. As with VHF sets, the microphone is designed to be held close to the user's mouth, no more than an inch or two away. It is best to use the microphone in as quiet an environment as possible. Since most HF communications can occur from a below deck position wind noise won't normally pose much of a problem.

HF-SSB sets can be used with various types of modems (modulator-demodulator) to provide digital communication capability. Some modems allow a computer to be used as a form of Teletype, others allow the computer to send and receive email via the radio although connections are generally very slow and pictures cannot be sent. The email services available include commercial providers such as WLO, Mobile, Alabama and Pin Oak, in New Jersey. Licensed amateur radio operators can use email services provided on a voluntary basis by some ham organizations such as Sail Mail and WinLink. HF-SSB radios also have great value in receiving weather reports and notices to mariners and can be connected to computers to decode weather fax transmissions.

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Marine High Frequency Single Sideband Radio

Introduction to MF/HF-SSB Marine Radio

To fully explain the principals and operation of medium and high frequency radio (MF/HF-SSB) would take hundreds of pages and would go well beyond what the average maritime user is likely to need. However, a basic understanding of Medium Frequency (MF) and High Frequency (HF) Single Sideband (MF/HF-SSB) is an absolute must if you plan to communicate effectively. So here we will try to provide you with some of those basics and caution you that we are not providing answers to every possible factor or situation.

Medium & High Frequency - SSB Page Menu

MF/HF-SSB Simplex Frequencies
MF/HF-SSB Distress Frequencies
MF/HF-SSB Duplex Frequencies

What Is MF/HF-SSB?

The Marine MF/HF-SSB radio is a combined transmitter and receiver much like your VHF. The primary difference between the two is the frequency ranges that they operate in. Typically Marine MF/HF-SSB radios operate in the frequency range of 1.6 MHz to 30 MHz. Probably, the most important concept here is that: "They allow the operator to select a frequency based on atmospheric conditions to establish communications over varying distances."

Unlike VHF which is typically a line of sight radio, MF/HF radios are able to refract their signals within the atmosphere providing increased range. This plays an important role in long distance ship to ship or ship to shore communications.

Why Do I Need a HF Radio?

The #1 reason of course is SAFETY, but even routine long distance communications is still an important consideration. When your cruising ambitions or your job begin to take you further offshore, when you begin fishing the canyons, or making your first jump from the mainland to an offshore island; you will quickly realize that your tried and true VHF radio is no longer up to the job.

When the distances involved get out beyond 30 NM’s or so (depending on antenna heights,) the VHF marine radio is no longer adequate to provide either normal or emergency communications. In order to maintain this communications lifeline will now require the use of MF/HF radio or a satellite communications system.

The rapid advances in electronics that we have witnessed over the past 20 to 30 years, such as the changes we have seen in the personal computer, have also provided benefits in the manufacturing of radio communications equipment. Today the average boat owner can make use of HF world-wide communications systems that would be the envy of even the largest ships of yesteryear.

Along with the long range communications abilities of HF-SSB radio, these sets can be easily adapted to provide the user with a number of other services. Email, teletype, NAVTEX, and weather facsimile are among the many things that can be easily accessed. These services are easily set up by making use of a computer, some software, and a modem. Also many of the newer marine HF-SSB radios can be "Unlocked" allowing access to the amateur radio frequencies for those boaters who are also licensed amateur radio operators.

How Far You Ask?

Unlike the marine VHF radio operating at frequencies between 150 and 160 MHz, (MF) and (HF) radios use lower frequencies (1.6 to 30 MHz.) These lower frequencies are a major factor in allowing HF radios to communicate over much longer distances. In fact, given the right conditions, worldwide communications are possible. Because of this and the relatively low cost, HF SSB is extremely popular for the blue water passagemaker and long distance or world cruiser.

The distance that one can reliably communicate depends on many factors. We are only going to mention a few of the most common:

the time of the day;
the season of the year;
and the frequency in use.

As you will learn, many of these factors are tied directly to the sun and its effect on our planet’s atmosphere. This one thing alone, is probably the single most important factor in HF communication and that leads us into our next topic "Propagation."

Propagation

To be able to communicate effectively and to achieve the full benefit from your HF radio, the MF/HF radio operator must have at least a basic understanding of radio wave propagation.

"Propagation" is the reason that HF radios can communicate at longer distances. Simply put, propagation is the refraction/reflection of radio waves by the different layers of the ionosphere. There are 3 types of propagation by HF radio and all are propagated simultaneously. They are Ground Waves, Direct Waves, and Sky Waves. We will take a closer look at 2 of these types of propagation that are of major importance to the mariner:

"Ground Wave" where the radio signal tends to follow the curvature of the earth’s surface. Ground wave propagation occurs at lower frequencies and is rarely effective above the 3 MHz band. It is ideal for relatively short distances during the daytime, 100 to 200 NM, and occasionally out to 400 NM at night.
"Sky Wave," where the radio signal refracts through a particular layer of the ionosphere and then back to earth. Because of the refraction of the radio signal in the ionosphere, longer distances can be achieved, often thousands of miles during the day and many thousands of miles at night.

Radio wave propagation is probably the cause of most headaches for the new HF radio operator. Many do not understand when using a frequency that is capable of communicating at 4000 NM, why they can’t talk to the Coast Guard only 250 NM away. The simple answer: with the higher frequencies needed for long range communications, the ground wave may not reach the station and the sky wave may pass right over it.

The illustration below may help in visualizing this. Any station within the skip zone will likely never hear your broadcast.

Choosing the Right Frequency

The basic rule when using HF radio, is to know how far (approximately) you are trying to communicate. Once that distance is known then it is a simply a matter of selecting an appropriate frequency.

Some rules of thumb on frequency selection:

The higher the sun above the horizon the higher the frequency you will need to communicate
For the same frequency you can generally communicate further at night than during the day
Winter is better than summer for improving the distance you can communicate
The higher the frequency, generally the further you can communicate.

While these are useful to keep in mind, you must remember that these are only general guidelines.

There are a number of computer programs and applications on the market to assist you in selecting the right frequency to use for communications. Some are even able to account for current solar phenomena in their calculations to improve their accuracy. The question is - are these necessary for the average marine HF radio user? Probably not.

There are also many tables, like the one below, available that can provide you with a starting point for selecting the proper frequency for communications. These tables should provide an acceptable starting point in selecting the correct frequency for any given communications distance.

Remember, the sky wave ranges shown above are approximate only. They may vary considerably due to atmospheric conditions. Unlike VHF, the HF ranges listed do not mean that you can communicate to anyone out to that range, instead; It indicates the approximate ranges that you can communicate AT! If you are trying to communicate with someone 400 NM's away on a 16 MHz frequency it is highly unlikely that you will succeed. Your ground wave signal will never reach them and your sky wave will likely skip right over them.

An often used "Rule of Thumb" for Daytime Use Only:

Simply multiply the Frequency Band (2, 4, 6, 8 MHz, etc.) times 100 to arrive at the average range for that frequency band.

Example: If trying to contact either a shore station or ship station that is about 1500 NM away at 1400 LT. A good frequency to start for initial contact might be in the 16 MHz Band. (16)MHz * (100) = 1600 NM. You could then try the next frequency band below or above that to check for improved communications.

Simplex / Duplex / USB / LSB / A3 - What?

Finally a short explanation of some of the nomenclature you will be dealing with when using a marine HF-SSB.

"ITU Channels:" The International Telecommunications Union, has established a standardized list of paired frequencies for transmit and receive and assigned them channel designators. These ITU Channels use the same frequencies worldwide much like your VHF.

"Simplex:" Simplex is when the frequency you transmit and receive on are the same. An example would be when you transmit and receive on 2182.0 kHz.

"Duplex:" Is when you transmit on one frequency (say 8195.0 kHz) and you receive on a completely different frequency (say 8719.0 kHz.) This particular pairing of frequencies by the way is known as "ITU Channel 801."

As a general rule, ship to ship communications are carried out on simplex frequencies where both transmit and receive frequencies are the same. Duplex frequencies on the other hand are intended for use as ship to shore frequencies although simplex frequencies can also be used for this purpose.

A quick note about Upper Sideband (USB), Lower Sideband (LSB), and Amplitude Modulation (AM) as well as the A3J / A3A / A3H emission settings on your HF radio. As a practical matter with voice communications using Marine HF-SSB these settings can be left at "USB" and "A3J."

Most Marine HF-SSB radios come with a large selection of channels programmed into the radio so that it is ready to use out of the box. While many of these channels can be re-programmed, generally speaking the distress frequencies both voice and DSC are not re-programmable.

HF/SSB radios typically being more complex to operate than the typical VHF marine radio, most countries including the U.S. require that vessels operating MF/HF SSB radios must have a station license and the radio operator must also be licensed to operate them. See our Ship Station Licensing and Radio Operator Licensing pages for more details.

Training of some variety is highly recommended for the operator of HF-SSB radios. Whether you choose some type of formal training or self-instruction you will need a good grasp of HF radio procedures to be able to operate your MF/HF-Single Sideband Radio efficiently.

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Marine high-frequency single sideband uses, Part 1

Bluewater sailors need to consider HF-SSB as a serious option for their long-range communications. Although HF-SSB may be a bit esoteric for coastwise sailors, it is well worth taking the time to learn about it, especially since it can also be used for sending email and for receiving weather reports. It should be emphasized, however, that even with all of the electronic advances — such as digital signal processing (DSP), automatic antenna tuners (AAT), digital displays, microprocessors and integrated circuits — HF-SSBs are not exactly plug-n’-play. Although, it must be said that today’s HF-SSB radios are much easier to operate than those of times past.

The operator must be aware of the radio wave propagation technicalities, which deal with atmospherics — subjects such as sun spot cycles, ionosphere layers, maximum usable frequency (MUF), lowest frequency available, sky waves, sky-wave bounce, skip zones, angle of radiation, signal paths, long path, etc., to name just a few. The HF band is represented by frequencies between 3 and 30 megahertz (MHz). Since marine SSB systems include frequencies between 2 and 26 MHz, 2 MHz is actually considered medium frequency (MF). The transmit ranges go from approximately 150 miles at 2 MHZ, up to 7,000 miles or even worldwide at 26 MHZ.

From the above we can conclude that these frequencies cover Sea Area A2 and Sea Area A4 if used for alerting and emergency communications in the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). Also note that as the transmitted frequency goes up, so does the transmitted range. It should also be stated that the SSB modulation system is at least four times more efficient than conventional AM or FM forms of broadcast, and that when the transmitter and receiver are considered together, SSB signal is 16 times greater than with a conventional AM signal. What this means is that a 1-kW SSB signal will “talk” as far as a 4-kW conventional AM or FM transmitter.

The general factors that affect the long-distance HF communications are as follows: • Time of day • Season of year • Sunspots • Location of own ship • Distance to station being called • Power settings of equipment (as a general rule of thumb: if you can hear them, they can hear you!)

Remember: • Longer distance = higher frequency • Shorter distance = lower frequency • Daytime = higher frequency • Nighttime = lower frequency.

In practice: • Daytime, lower HF: can communicate a few hundred miles, increases at night • Daytime, long distance: use higher HF

The operator of a marine HF-SSB does not need to pass any tests, unlike ham radio operators; however he does need a Restricted Radiotelephone Operator’s permit, which is good for life. If you are a pilot, you already hold one of these licenses; otherwise go to http://wireless.fcc.gov and fill out and submit FCC Form 605. If your HF-SSB radio is a new install, it will also be necessary to obtain a Ship Station license, which is good for 10 years. Before deciding to go HF-SSB you need to consider the costs, which we quote for new equipment —you may want to purchase used equipment at substantial savings, or be prepared to pay the following for new equipment:

• ICOM IC-M802 HF Marine Transceiver: $1,800.00 • HF Antenna: $350.00 • ICOM AT-140 Antenna Tuner: $500.00

This totals almost $3,000 without considering cabling and professional installation by a NEMA Certified Electronic Technician. If you want to add email capability using SailMail in the future, the price goes up at least another $1,000 for SailMail membership and to procure a SCS PTC-IIIusb PACTOR–III modem, so we are talking around $4,000. However if the money is not a problem, there are many advantages to setting up HF-SSB on board your boat/yacht.

This is enough info for now — PART 2 in the next Web Exclusive will deal with the Icom IC-M802 HF Marine Transceiver, PART 3 will cover the SCS PTC-IIIusb PACTOR-III modem, and PART 4 will deal with SailMail and Winlink, while PART 5 will discuss receiving weather information via the SailMail system!

By Ocean Navigator

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Where should I go to purchase a single side band radio? I have looked on the www and found several but would appreciate product specific advice from those who own and use one. Thanks in advance.

It depends... are you going to do the installation yourself? If not, then I would probably have whoever is going to do the install purchase if...if they can get it at a reasonable price. Also, what capabilities do you need in the SSB radio you are getting? Do you need to have a Pactor modem setup? Do you need Ham radio capability?? Finally, how much space do you have for the radio setup? Do you want a single piece unit, or do you want one with a separate control panel and main radio body?? Do you want an automatic antenna tuner?? A couple of on-line sources that are usually competitive... defender.com, hamiltonmarine.com, pyatch.net, binnacle.com, mauriprosailing.com. Not all will have all the same products, so YMMV depending on what you're looking for.

In addition to what sailingdog said, you might try some of the on-line ham radio outlets such as Ham Radio Outlet and Amateur Electronics Supply. I haven't priced these lately but i suspect you might get a better price and selection at these compared with the marine suppliers.

Thanks guys. Geez, didn't know it was this complicated. Thought the radio and antenna might look and install like a VHF. I will be doing the install. The person I talked to said that in the Bahamas, there is weather and other information available every morning on the SSB and I should have one. That's about as much as I know. I found a www site that showed one about like I described but no price and they said it was commercial marine grade which told me it was going to be pricey. Sailingdog, thanks for the info re places to shop. I'll start looking.

ModMMax, Give Gary Jensen at Dockside Radio in Punta Gorda, FL a call. He's extremely knowledgeable, a real gentleman, has good prices and good technical assistance for things he sells, etc. www.docksideradio.com Bill

This might be a dumb question, but, what's wrong with an old(or new, they still make'em) Cobra 148? Are there differences between SSB's?

Most of th ssb radios being used are icom the model 802 is the lastest and greatest. You would need the radio, a very good ground, a antenna tuner, pactor modem. All in all about $3500 plus installment. Here is a link for another brand that I found that has the antenna tuner built in a savings of about 450 bucks. I have seen this radio as low as $1600. http://www.boatersland.com/fs1503em.html Hope this helps, if you google ssb radio, you'll also find plenty of information.

Just got off the phone with a company in Lauderdale that sells and installs. As said by Freesail, I will need a ground plan, an antenna, an antenna tuner, a radio and about $3500 bucks. I keep running into CB/SSb radios. Is this a trucker style CB and is this different from the SSB I would want in the boat? Goose327, you talk about a Cobra radio. Cobra is a common but high end CB is it not? Will a standard CB work at least to listen to the SSB broadcasts? If you think I look real stupid right now it because I am. Thanks for taking the time to help me figure this out.

NO no ,, Max,, not stupid at all my friend. I too am wondering, what is the difference between these $$$$ radios and the $$$ ones. I can get a Cobra 148(yes, high end CB) for around 150US, it has a built in SWR adjuster, 40 channels plus upper and lower sides, and puts out max. 12 watts, flying a masthead antenna would get a GOOD signal out and back. I'm sure the high ends Icoms you guys are refering to are more suited to marine use, but are the REALLY different?

They are entirely different. Any CB radio, including the SSB version, is a pickup truck toy - 5 watt max transmit power and limited in frequency range to just the 40 designated cb channels. By comparison, a marine SSB is 100 - 150 W output and will/can cover the frequency spectrum from 1.8 - 30 Mhz continuously. Some radios, like the furuno radio linked previously, are not continuously tunable which can be a real pain depending on your needs. If you ever hope or plan to use it on ham bands, make sure you buy one that has a true variable frequency oscillator (VFO) which allow continuous tuning. The furuno type above as well as others are a hybrid in that they tune similar to a car radio.

Yes, they ARE different. You're talking apples and oranges and...well...footballs. First, single-sideband (SSB) is a TYPE OF RADIO EMISSION, not a type of radio. Other types of emissions include FM (like the FM radios we're all familiar with), AM (like the AM broadcast radios we're long familiar with), CW (or Morse code), TTY (or data), etc. What's confusing to many people is that in the marine world, the term "SSB" has come to mean a high-frequency (HF) transceiver type-approved for use in the marine services, and capable of SSB emissions. In reality, lots of other radio services use SSB emissions. These include the amateur radio service where MOST voice communication on the high frequencies is via SSB, long-distance aircraft service, military and, yes, even Citizens' Band where SOME CB transceivers are capable of SSB emissions within the Citizens Band (27MHz). So.....SSB is a TYPE OF EMISSION...not a type of radio. The Cobra radios are basically designed for use on the 27MHz Citizen's Band. They are not designed for use in other radio services or on other bands, to my knowledge. Modern amateur radios are very sophisticated and can be modified to work on the HF marine bands (i.e., 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 22 MHz bands), as well as the amateur radio bands. However, it is ILLEGAL to transmit on the marine bands with an amateur radio, except in a bonafide life-threatening emergency. Marine radios, like the Icom M802 and the Furuno in the link above, are real marine-band HF radios. They are constructed to a higher standard, and meet higher limits of clean signal (spurious emissions) than do amateur radios. There are other differences as well, some of which account for the higher price of these radios. The aforementioned prices are common, but not necessarily imperative, particularly if you're willing to do a bit of study and get a ham license (note that CW or code proficiency is NO LONGER REQUIRED...you just have to pass a written exam). For some insight into this, please see: http://64.70.221.24/DiscBoard/viewtopic.php?t=2264 Hope this clarifies things a bit. Bill WA6CCA S/V Born Free

Yes Sir, it did, thank you. I was into the whole CB thing years ago, so most of my experience has been 27Mhz radios.

ModMMax....unless you are going further south than Georgetwn in the Bahamas you do NOT need anything bu a VHF. There are morning weather nets on the VHF in both the Abcos and the Exumas. You can also hear the forecasts your friend is recommending with a $150 Grundig type radio RECIEVER...do you NEED to transmit on SSB?? Finally...internet is available on all the islands and wifi is also widely available so you can get forecasts daily that way too. Don't waste your money if the Bahamas is the destination.

SSB Radios Great discussion and very timely for me. I found 3 very informative locations on the web. 1. Yachtmaster Northwest in Seattle. 2. Don @ www.HFradio.com 3. Marine Amateur Radio; a United States Power Squadrons guide. After a lot of thought (rumination) I just purchased a ICOM 802 radio, ICOM 140 Antenna Tuner, 2 medium dynaplates as counterpoise, PactorIII modem and needed weatherfax software. I will next insulate my backstay and run all the needed cables etc. The cost is going to be at least 4K doing the work yourself. You also will need a general FCC ham license if you want to access the internet with the pactor modem, and at least a technician license to talk legally. Installation involves drilling holes below the warerline to install the dynaplates, rerigging to insulate the antenna (new wire) on the back stay and running the needed cables to all of the components. I will be doing the work myself with help. The best thing is that it will give me access to the world as I am cruising. A standard Ham rig will not do the job in terms of its ability to deal with the wet and humid marine environment and does not access the needed marine bands (although many of them are out there having been modified and reprogrammed ilegally). The 802 has all the bells and whistles for a rather steep price. You can get less expensive ICOM marine radios (check on line at Westmarine. One of the real benefits of the 802 is the remote head as my nav station space is limited. Ken KE7GTL

Thanks guys. I think I'll take your advice and try it with my current equipment before I take the SSB route. Learned alot today. Thanks again.

You should seriously think baout getting a ham licence. There are several nets that you can participate in that link ham/sailors. AND... as of Friday, February 23rd, the morse code requirement has been dropped for all US ham licences. Now it's just written exams. You may also be able to get the marine SSB radios modified by the vendor to transmit on the ham bands if you can show a valid license.

I just purchased my SSB radio, weatherfax, antenna tuner and PactorII modem set. To install it will entail drilling holes and mounting 2 dynaplates below the water line, cutting and insulating my backstay for the antenna, connecting the antenna tuner to the antenna and dynaplates, running all cables and fitting in the components in my small nav station. To use the SSB marine and some of the ham bands you will need at least a FCC technician license and to use the internet function a FCC General license. Installation is possible by the boat owner with help (hopefully I can do most of it myself). Standard Ham radios are not appropriate for the wet and humid marine environment and as well do not have the needed marine bands and DSC function. Modification of a "shack" ham radio for marine bands is I believe illegal. I purchased the ICOM 802 for its remote head feature and the DSC option. SSB and ham radios are not CB. You won't hear music. good old boy chatter or foul language on the SSB. 2 sources of info are 1. Yachtmasternorthwest in Seattle and www.hfradio.com in California. Radios are availiable from www.westmarine.com and other marine suppliers. Ken KE7GTL

sorry all could not see my previous reply and did another as I thought it was lost in the ether. Where are my glasses? Ken

Ken, You can delete either of the duplicates by going into EDIT mode. Congratulations on your purchase. Just a couple of notes about your post: 1. Experience over the past 50 years or so of ham radio use aboard cruising sailboats shows that they stand up very well to the marine environment, if you protect them from spray, immersion, excess heat, etc., just as you would any piece of electronic gear; and 2. You don't really need to drill holes in your bottom and install the ground plates. IMHO, they're really a waste of money, and really just function as a good DC ground while they're clean...which isn't very long. RF grounds are different from DC grounds, and can be as simple or complex as you wanna make them. See http://64.70.221.24/DiscBoard/viewtopic.php?t=1177 There's a lotta questionable advice floating around out there, some of it marginal and some just plain wrong. I hate to see a fellow ham bamboozled. Hope the new install goes well. 73, Bill

Bill Thanks for the information. I have been talking, listening and trying to piece together all the varied ideas on this subject for months now. My decision to go with the dynaplates was based upon the experiences of cruisers I talked to and their suggestions, the suggestions of installers (who do have a monitary interest) and ICOM. The dynaplates are a small cost in the entire package although they do entail drilling more holes in the boat. I wish my boat had come with loads of copper mesh in the hull as I would have used that option. The ICOM rep at the Seattle boat show stated that they make their marine radios to a higher standard per water etc. I am not sure that I believe that as they look the same from the outside 802/710 versus 718. The discussion on the other forum details the kind of antenna I have used on land and how an emergency antenna can be rigged. Muddlin along. Ken

If you are interested in getting your Ham license, it would make sense to get a MF/HF radio that is type accepted for both Marine SSB and Ham use, like the Icom 802. There are certain restrictions on Ham radio content, which do not apply to marine SSB radio IIRC, so having both licenses is a good idea. Cutting and insulating the backstay is something that I would personally try to avoid. I would rather install an antenna in parallel with an existing backstay than cut the backstay. Modifying the rigging, and adding possible points of failure into it is generally unwise on a sailboat IMHO. Also one last point on SSB radio use... most marine channels use the Upper Side Band, and most ham frequencies use the Lower Side Band IIRC. I believe this is one reason that many marine SSB units can not be used for Ham radio transmissions. As for whether there is a significant difference in the construction of the marine radios vs. ham radios. Most marine SSB radios will have a conformal coating of the circuit boards, to help prevent problems with moisture and corrosion. They will often have better seals around control panels to help prevent the ingress of water/dust. Modifications like this are not going to be apparent from the exterior of the unit.

Sailingdog makes some good points. Just to clarify regarding USB (upper sideband) vs LSB, this is a convention, not anything peculiar to the radio. Hams follow the convention of LSB below 10 Mhz, USB above. Either radio can be operated by choice.

I believe that sailingdog is correct. It is hard to see inside a sealed case and the 802 had what I wanted in a radio. I just have a time worn suspicion of salesmen. even when thay talk with good information. There is an interesting option on antennas that I still might use (looking into using it). A split lead backstay antenna by GAM. This antenna slides over the existing backstay. www.gamelectronicsinc.com . Ken

There was a recent discussion here about that antenna which you might want to carefully review. My understanding is it is difficult to tell from the marketing ad exactly what it is other than a deluxe (read expensive) version of an old J-pole design, which, in close proximity to a backstay or anything metal, could be easily detuned depending on frequency and as marine channels vary widely, it is impractical to figure out how well/badly this will perform compared with the traditional types. It's probably best to solicit opinions from anyone who has one and who can compare it with another antenna.

k1vsk How do I access that thread? I have 2 phone numbers of cruisers with the GAM antenna and so far thay have not called back. The old traditional insulators still seems the way to go but why not look at all options. I do wonder if the new antenna tuners have the ability to maintain frequency on this new old antenna? Who knows. Isn't technology fun! Ken

Thanks for the private message on the thread. So did GAM ever post the tech specs and testing criteria on their split feed backstay antenna? If it has any potential, putting up the data is absolutely necessary. Without that level of openness from the manufacturer I would not want to try it. I get so much from these forums. Thanks to all who know so much more than I do. Ken Ken

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Single Sideband Radios

Single sideband radios are a proven communication device popular for long range cruising sailors. SSB radios have the capacity to transmit and receive voice communication with a global range (with the right atmospheric conditions). SSB radios require the operator to maintain an FCC license for operation. Hardware consists of a unit mounted inside the vessel and, typically, the sailboat backstay used as the antenna. Contact Off The Hook Yacht Services for SSB installation information.

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Should You Get Your Ham License?

By Matthew Bennett
Updated: February 9, 2013

I first heard of ham radio as a young boy. I thought it would be fun to get my ham-radio license in the same way a young boy wants to be a firefighter or a policeman. I got older and forgot about some of my aspirations while I worked on schooling, a family, and a career. Then I had an experience that rekindled my desire to get my ham or amateur radio license.

Several years ago, I had the chance to help bring one of the Transpac race boats back from Hawai’i. We had an Iridium satellite phone to help keep in contact with friends and family. We also had a single-sideband radio that was even more useful. The cost of using the phone meant that it was used sparingly. Instead we relied on the SSB for daily email and check-ins with other sailors heading back to the mainland. My experience with the SSB served as a catalyst to encourage me to get my amateur radio license. Now that I’ve been through the process, I hope I can help you determine if it’s something you might want to pursue as well.

Are Ham and Marine SSB the Same?

Until I started studying for my amateur radio license, I thought ham and SSB radios were the same thing. When I learned they weren’t, I tried to figure out the differences. My hope was that one was a subset of the other. While there’s some overlap, you can do things with a marine SSB that you can’t do with a ham and visa versa.

Ham radio has a much wider range of frequencies, some of which overlap those in marine SSB There are also more transmission methods that can be used such as amplitude modulation and frequency modulation. Hams can also transmit using single-sideband, which is really just a modified form of AM. Marine SSB has a number of frequencies that aren’t open to ham radio operators. While both ham and marine SSB operators can participate in the Caribbean M/M net on 7.241 MHz, only marine SSB can participate on Herb Hilgenberg’s Southbound II net on 12.359 MHz. A quick glance at a listing of the various cruising nets () and their frequencies cross referenced with the ham radio bands () shows that both ham and marine SSB users can access them. However there are a number that are only available to marine SSB

What’s Required for Marine SSB?

Most sailors know that they aren’t required to get an FCC license for their VHF radios. The only exceptions are if you can answer “yes” to any one of the following questions:

• Are you are required to have a radio by law (because of vessel size or usage)? • Do you plan to communicate with or enter into foreign ports? • Do you have a radio other than VHF, EPIRB, or radar?

Since marine SSB falls outside those radios listed in question three, you’re required to get an FCC license if you want to install one on your boat. The license is called a “ship station license” and currently costs $160. The license is good for 10 years but is non-transferable. That means if you sell your boat with your radio, the new owner will need to apply for his or her own license. Furthermore, you can’t take the radio out of your boat and install it in a new one without getting another ship station license.

In addition to the ship station license, at least one person on board (generally the owner of the boat) needs to get a restricted radiotelephone license. It costs $60 but is good for a lifetime. There is no need to take a test. Simply fill out the paperwork and send the FCC your money.

Both licenses can be obtained by filling out forms 159, 605 , and its Schedule B. They can be found at the FCC’s website () along with instructions. You also have the option of applying online and using a credit card to pay the license fees. If you’re the kind of person that enjoys doing your own taxes, it’s a fairly straightforward process.

If you plan to do any offshore cruising, I highly recommend having a marine SSB radio. This will allow you to keep in contact with other sailors traveling outside your VHF range as well as various nets, which may be able to render assistance in case of a problem or emergency.

What’s Required for Ham?

Getting your ham license is a bit more complicated but costs a lot less. There are three different levels of licenses: technician, general, and amateur extra, and you have to pass the tests in order. That means you can’t take the amateur extra test without first passing the technician and general exams. Each test session costs $14, but you can take multiple tests at the same time. As with the ship station license, a ham license is good for 10 years. As long as you renew your license at the end of the 10-year period, you aren’t required to take the test again. If you do let your license lapse, you have two years to renew it before having to take the test again.

The technician license is actually pretty easy to get. The first time I took an online practice test, I passed using mostly common sense. However, I must confess that I have a degree in electrical engineering and so most of the topics covered by the test were a review. That being said, my 13-year-old son passed the test after studying for only a couple of hours, as did one of his friends. The downside to the technician license is that it doesn’t allow you to do much more than use the frequencies similar to marine VHF.

After I passed the technician license, the test administrators handed me the exam for the general qualification, and I took it the same night. This test wasn’t nearly as easy and required that I put in some study time. It opens up a lot of the frequencies common to marine SSB I bought the American Radio Relay League ‘s study book from Amazon.com and spent a week going through the material before taking the test. Again, it was mostly a refresher from a lot of the stuff I learned back in school. However, there were one or two new topics specifically related to amateur radio, so I was glad I’d studied.

I passed my general exam and only missed one question, which pleased the test administrators. Then they handed me the extra amateur exam, for which I hadn’t studied. Naturally I didn’t pass but came amazingly close. I have the A.R.R.L. study guide and plan to take the test shortly.

So do You Need Your Ham License?

The short answer is “not really.” If all you plan to do is check into the regularly scheduled nets, then getting your ham license may be overkill. However marine SSB and ham radios aren’t like picking up a phone and calling someone a continent away. Certain frequencies work fine during the day, but won’t work at night. Others work better at night. Studying the information required to pass the ham general exam will give you the background you need to understand how your marine SSB works and how to use it to its fullest advantage.

I decided to get my ham license so I could participate in some of the sailing nets from the comfort of my home in the land-locked state of Utah. I don’t plan to do much talking and anyone can listen to the nets without having to have any type of FCC license. However, if someone has a problem like a broken watermaker (something that happened during the trip from Hawai’i that we were able to fix, thanks to the help of others), I wouldn’t be able to render assistance without a ham license.

When I sailed from Hawai’i to the mainland, I never felt alone. The constant contact with family and friends through email were thanks mostly to the marine SSB radio. Once I had trouble making the connection to send and receive the crew’s daily messages. I poked around a bit and tried a few different things before I was successful. Now that I have my ham radio license, I know what the problem was and could have solved it more quickly. Had it been an emergency, I might not have had that extra time.

I highly recommend that anyone planning on doing much long-distance sailing should minimally take the time to go through the ham license material. Going one step further and taking the test may be the incentive you need to help study. If you would like to take the test, the website can be used to find when the next test is being held in your area. Good luck.

Matthew Bennett has a bachelor of science in electrical engineering degree from Brigham Young University. He lives in Draper, Utah, with his family and sails Never Land_, his Catalina 250 on the Great Salt Lake._

__ Click here to read more about SSB radios .

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5 Single Sideband Tips

Five ways to make the signal you transmit from your SSB clearer and more reliable (published February 2015)

We were on a passage from the Canary Islands to the Caribbean Sea. The night we reached the halfway point across the pond, we fired up our ICOM and tuned into WOO in New Jersey, which was one of AT&T’s ship to shore radio centers. We got the operator from 2,000 miles away, who tuned her antenna for our location and then placed a telephone call for us so we could tell our families that all was well and that we were making good progress.

That night, propagation was excellent so we stayed on 12 megs and trolled around the usual frequencies until we found a couple of botats we knew chatting in the Caribbean 1,000 miles away. We chimed in to say hello and learned that a group of our friends would be gathering in Grenada for Thanksgiving. Cool.

The next morning, we tuned into our local coffee klatch on 4 megs and spoke with three other boats that were sailing more or less in company with us but were hundreds of miles apart. We chatted about the weather, gave our current positions and wished each other well.

Now, in the days of sat phones, the ship-to-shore radio to telephone business has gone the way of the dodo. But SSBs are still a fine way to communicate between cruising boats, especially with all of the SSB radio networks out in the world’s best cruising grounds. And, they provide, through SailMail, an inexpensive and mostly reliable way to send and receive email and get weather forecasts.

These days, many rallies and offshore races either require or strongly suggest that skippers carry and know how to use a proper marine single sideband radio. While these radios are not hard to use, they do have some quirks that can affect their performance, or the strength of the signal that you blast out into space in the hopes that your friends, fellow ralliers or the Coast Guard can hear you.

If you are not a radiofile, then it makes all the sense in the world to have your new radio, tuner, antenna and modem (for email) installed by a trained professional. Once you get the hang of using your SSB, you’ll discover how useful it can be, particularly if you are sailing in an event or buddy boating with a number of other cruisers.

But, even when you have the radio properly installed and are confident you know how to use it, there are always gremlins that creep into the system along the way and after some time in the marine environment. Here are five common problems you may have to deal with to make sure you are broadcasting at your full 150 watts and getting out the clearest signal possible.

Basic SSB Propagation Single Sideband radios broadcast in two ways, ground wave and sky wave. When you are communicating with another radio operator within about 200 miles or, the signal they receive will be the ground wave. These are not just line of sight and can travel over the curve of the earth, but not far. In general, you will use 4 and 6 megs for short range transmissions. The sky wave when using higher frequencies bounces off the ionosphere and it is the bounce that gives the transmission long distance communication. When conditions are good a sky wave may bounce two or three times and that is what allows it to transmit over greater distances. The higher the frequency, the longer the skywave and the farther away its reach. Normal traffic for cruisers will be in the 8 to 22 meg range.

1. CONNECTIONS Your boat is constantly moving and you and your crew are always rummaging through lockers looking for gear and equipment. Wires can get knocked, plugs can get bumped and heavy or sharp gear can find its way into places where it can cause problems.

Plus, in the marine environment, where the air is naturally corrosive, connectors, plugs, fasteners and anything carrying electricity are destined to develop current inhibiting build-ups of corrosive coatings.

So, if you find that your radio’s signal is getting weak and your friends tell you that you are coming in faintly and not at all at long range, the first place to look for problems will be at all of the connectors from the back of the radio to the tuner, ground plane and antenna. Take them apart, clean them thoroughly until they are corrosion free and then reassemble them with care. Self-amalgamating electrical tape wound tightly around new, dry, clean connections will help delay the inevitable for a long time.

2. GROUND When your radio was installed, the installer probably added a ground for the radio in the form of a ribbon of copper that was attached to the boat’s bronze through-hulls, keel bolts or any other metal connection that links to the water around the hull. Or, you may have had a Dyna-plate (or two), installed under the water, which will provide an excellent ground.

The purpose of the ground is to provide the radio and its antenna with what is called a counterpoise. Basically, the ground provides the antenna with a counterbalance that enables it to deliver its full amount of power. With no counterpoise, or with a poor one, the antenna will be playing with one hand tied behind its back and your signal will be feeble.

To make sure the ground is working properly, you have to inspect it thoroughly. Check for bad or corroded connections. Make sure the ribbon of copper is well attached to bulkheads and the through-hulls or Dyna-plates. If all is well, then your transmission problems may lie elsewhere.

3. VOLTAGE It is common for cruisers and those in events offshore to have radio schedules first thing in the morning when propagation is good and the crew is generally awake. And, it is not at all unusual for a few boats in the group to have weak signals or signals that sound as though the transmission was coming from underwater. Such garbled or weak signals can often be blamed on low voltage flowing from the house battery bank, which is often the case in the morning after using running lights, radar, nav instruments and a laptop all night.

The simple solution is to charge the batteries before using the radio. But, the long-term solution is to make sure your battery bank and charging system is able to keep up with your daily power needs. At 150 watts, you are draining the batteries at a rate of 12.5 amps while in broadcast mode. Talk for a long time and you can use a lot of battery power.

But the voltage problem may not be simply low batteries. If you suspect voltage is a problem, then use a multimeter to test voltage in the radio’s circuit from the battery bank to the breaker panel and at the power cable on the back of the radio. The batteries may be charged to the recommended 13.5 volts but you will likely see a degradation of voltage at the panel and in the power line. If it falls below 12 volts, you have a problem.

One solution will be to run the radio’s power circuit through its own breaker and directly to the house batteries or the on-off vacuum switch instead of through the main breaker panel. Upgrade the wiring to a heavier gauge and make sure all end fittings are large, clean and well secured. This should improve voltage to the radio and the signal you are broadcasting.

A Modern SSB System as spec’d by Steve Bowden at Sea Tech Systems that gives you worldwide wireless E–Mail & Weather. • ICOM M802 Marine HF SSB Radio with 150 Watts of Power, All ITU Channels & HAM; Frequencies Open, Built-in Digital Selective Calling (DSC), Digital Signal Processor (DSP), Variable Frequency Oscillator (VFO) Tuning & One-Touch E-Mail Access • ICOM AT-140 Automatic Antenna Tuner • SCS PTC-III USB HF SSB Radio Modem (TNC) • All required cables including a radio control cable (12-ft) with 2 ferrite filters that allows tuning of radio frequencies by AirMail (SailMail). • Marine Radio Software Collection CD including AirMail Software for SailMail & Winlink, ViewFax, ITS HF Propagation, & “Marine Single Sideband Simplified” By Gordon West

4. THE TUNER The antenna tuner effectively “tunes” the antenna to match the frequencies you are broadcasting on and thereby optimizes the signal. If the tuner is not doing its job, the antenna will be tuned to only a single frequency and will be much less effective.

The tuner should be installed in a dry, safe place as close to the antenna as possible. If you have a whip antenna on the stern, the tuner should be in a cockpit locker or lazarette right next to the antenna. With an insulated backstay, the tuner should be below decks right at the transom and the cable should run from it to the insulated length of wire in as short a route as possible. You can attach the antenna wire to the backstay below the insulator with electrical tape. But, using one inch offset brackets to keep the antennas away from the stainless steel stay reduces interference. The end of the antenna wire will be hose-clamped to the length of insulated backstay. Make sure this connection is corrosion free, tightly clamped and well secured with electrical tape.

Your radio may have a “Tune” button on it. Press this to see if you get a “Tune” message on the LCD screen. If so, you are all set. If not, then you have a problem. You also can test a tuner problem in a limited way by broadcasting on all frequencies from 2 megs to 26 megs. You should see the same amount of voltage drop on your voltage meter on all frequencies. If not, the tuner is not working properly and you will need to check the connections and possibly call in a trained radio professional.

Tuners can fail due to wetness, rough treatment or power problems. Make sure the wiring in and out of the tuner is installed with drip loops so any water that gets onto the wires is interrupted before it can run along to the tuner’s connectors.

5. PRACTICE WITH THE PROS When you install your new radio or buy a boat that has an SSB already installed, you will need help figuring out how the radio works, as the manuals that come with ICOMs and other brands are written for electrical engineers and professional radio technicians. They were not written for the rest of us.

A good radio tech will be able to get you up and going in a couple of hours so you can use the radio competently and understand how all of the pieces work together. Think of it as a process. The 150 watt broadcast signal is a lot of energy and can have unintended effects on other equipment on the boat. You may find that you have one of the problems above. Or, you may find that the modem you have installed so you can use email creates interference when you are broadcasting. If it does, you may have to add small filters to the modem’s wiring to the radio.

The radio may not be compatible with fluorescent lights, which may add static or worse while you are receiving and transmitting. You will have to turn them off when you are using the radio and don’t rely on fluorescents at the chart table.

You may find that the radio’s signal confuses your autopilot and causes it to do strange things or quit altogether. If that is the case, you will have to install filters in the autopilot’s circuitry to prevent this from happening. You may get a similar reaction from the wiring to your refrigerator, and, you may hear the bilge pump kick in every time you broadcast or see the indicator lights on the break panel flicker.

Worldwide SailMail Stations SailMail in their own words: “The SailMail Association is a non-profit association of yacht owners that operates and maintains an email communications system for use by its members. SailMail email can be transferred via SailMail’s own world-wide network of SSB-Pactor radio stations, or via satellite (Iridium, Inmarsat, VSAT, Globalstar, Thuraya) or any other method of internet access (cellular networks, WiFi). The SailMail system implements an efficient email transfer protocol that is optimized for use over communications systems that have limited bandwidth and high latency. Satellite communications systems and SSB-Pactor terrestrial radio communications systems both have these characteristics.”

With a professional on hand, these strange side effects can be quickly identified and filters can be installed wherever necessary. It is even better if the radio professional is a cruiser or has taken part in events that have required SSBs. If not, then the next step is to find a fellow boat owner who is an expert with his or her radio and get them to walk you through the full routine and give you a list of favorite channels, networks and schedules.

Author: George Day

Champion Pontoons Of HHI

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Hilton Head Island, SC 29926

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Guidance on Safe Lay-up and on Relocating Retired Single-Hulled Oil Barges. - SSB No.: 12/2024

From: Transport Canada

RDIMS No .: 20313916 Date (Y-M-D) : 2024-05-15

This bulletin is for the Authorized Representatives, owners and operators of single-hulled oil barges. It is not intended for active barges that are laid-up seasonally.

This bulletin is a reminder on the requirements in place for safely laying-up or moving retired single-hulled oil barges.

What you need to know

The Vessel Pollution and Dangerous Chemical Regulations prohibit the use of single-hulled oil barges and tankers. These vessels had to be taken out of service by 2015.

Although some were gas freed and converted into deck cargo barges, others were laid up in estuaries and rivers. Many of these laid up oil barges contain residual fuel oils in their tanks. These vessels may be in poor condition and are at risk of leaking fuel or gas into the environment or even exploding.

Polluting, no matter how little the spill, is not allowed. Transport Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard will use every tool at their disposal to prevent pollution and enforce Canada’s laws.

What do with a laid-up barge

All compartments and tanks should be stripped clean of oil and be gas freed.
The barge should be regularly inspected to make sure it stays in good condition and does not pose a risk to safety or the environment.
The barge’s mooring arrangements should be regularly inspected and maintained.

If the barge is of 300 gross tonnage or more and in Canadian waters, its owner must maintain insurance or other financial security and carry a Wreck Removal Convention certificate.

Should there still be oil or oily residue on board the barges, the owners may need other insurance or financial security. More information on the insurance requirements and how to apply for a certificate can be found here .

What to do before a laid-up barge is moved and/or converted into a cargo barge

If you cannot gas free the barge in its current location, you must submit a detailed towage plan to Transport Canada for approval. The towage plan must include a voyage plan, a vessel condition assessment, and a risk mitigation plan.
Use Marine Communication and Traffic Services (MCTS) Footnote 1 to inform the closest Transport Canada Marine Safety Office and the Canadian Coast Guard about the move.
If you want to use the barge as a deck cargo barge you must make load calculations in order to assess the strength of the main deck for carriage of the intended deck cargo.