This webpage was derived from the Powerpoint slides by Richard Mogford. website editor

• VHF marine radio
  • No license needed
    
  • 10-20 mile range

• Cellphone
  • 10-20 mile(?) range

• Single Sideband (SSB) radio
  • 1.8 to 30 mHz ("High Frequency" or "HF")
    
  • 10,000 mile range

• Satellite
  • Available, but expensive and/or limited

• Voice communications
  • World-wide range, depending on conditions
    
  • Emergencies
    
  • Marine nets

• Data communications
  • Email via the WWW
    
  • Access to weather and other data
    
  • Data rates are slow (maximum 2400 bits per minute)

   

  Wireless telegraphy cabin on the S.S. Chindwin.

from the early days...
• 30 kilowatt Federal Telegraph arc transmitter with helix (left photo).

• Operator sending a wireless message. The "click" of the ordinary telegraph is heard as deafening crash (upper right photo).

• "Marconi Man" and his instruments (lower right photo).

• SSB
  • Can be a ham radio (variable tuning)

• May need "mod" for other frequencies
  • Or a marine SSB (fixed tuning, simpler operation)

• Not so easy to tune on ham and shortwave bands

• Autotuner
  • This matches your antenna to your radio for each operating frequency
    
  • Eliminates need for specific tuned antenna for each frequency

• Antenna
  • The backstay of a sailboat can be used, if an insulator is installed
    
  • May also use a long wire or dipole from the mast
    
  • A vertical antenna is another option

• Ground
  • Use copper foil extended through boat
    
  • May use through hulls or grounding plate

• HF Modem
  • Interface between your laptop and radio
    
  • Connects with and sends/receives data with shore-based radio station
    
  • Can also control (tune) radio

  Click here to listen to what Pactor sounds like over HF radio (200K wav file).

HF radio interconnecting with Modem, Laptop, USB/Serial, PTT, Ant. Coax, Autotuner, Interface Control, Ground, and Antenna.

HF Modem, SSB Radio, Radar, and GPS receiver.

Laptop with Chart Software.

• Email Providers
  • There are several providers

• Winlink, Sailmail, Cruisemail, Marinenet, etc.
  • They maintain a shore system of radio stations connected to the Internet
    
  • Winlink has about 40 stations and is free

• Operates only on ham bands
  • Sailmail has about 17 stations and charges $250 per year

• Operates on marine SSB frequencies

• Allows commercial traffic

Winlink web page at http://www.winlink.org

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Sailmail web page at http://www.sailmail.com

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• Airmail
  • Most commonly used software
    
  • Free download

• Download Airmail from http://http://www.siriuscyber.net/ham/
  • Includes windows and commands to control modem and radio
    
  • Has "standard" email interface

Settings windows to enter Call Sign, Position, Modem, and Radio Control.

Click on image for larger view (use Back Button to return).

Email window.

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Terminal window showing, Calls to shore station, Messages to send/receive, Sign on from shore station, Connected!, and Disconnect.

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Propagation window.

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• Amateur license
  • Three levels: Technician, General, and Extra
  • Each requires a technical test and the General requires 5 wpm of Morse code
  • General is needed for the HF bands

• Ship Station License
  • Allows use of marine SSB bands
    
  • Fill out form and pay FCC

• Ship Radio Station License ($200)

• Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit ($50)
  • No test

1.800 to 2.000 MHz        3.500 to 4.000 MHz        5332, 5348, 5368, 5373, 5405 kHz
7.000 to 7.300 MHz
10.100 to 10.150 MHz        14.000 to 14.350 MHz        18.068 to 18.168 MHz
21.000 to 21.450 MHz        24.890 to 24.990 MHz        28.000 to 29.700 MHz

For more ham frequencies, click here.

Original source from US Coast Guard MF and HF listings at http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/high_frequency/rtchansi.htm

Marine nets allow sailors to communicate with shore operators and each other and get weather forecasts and other assistance.

YOTREPS and other services report boat position and other data on the Internet.

Winlink boat position report.

Click on image for larger view (use Back Button to return).

Weather map downloaded from Winlink.

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• Decide if you want to take the amateur test or get the FCC license
  • The ham license opens up more options
    
  • And you can have both

• Do research on the type of radio you want
  • Ham vs. marine SSB
    
  • You can add email later

• Get advice on the best antenna and ground system for your boat
  • Ham clubs are good for support
    
  • Local professional installers are available

• Buy the gear and install it
  • May include the modem, laptop, and software
    
  • RF interference can be a problem

• Get used to the radio system before you leave
  • Tune into nets even while at the dock
    
  • Check on weather forecasts, etc.
    
  • Try connecting with HF email providers
    
  • Less interference offshore

   

  Jack Binns photographed in 1908 in his uniform of a English Marconi ship operator.

• Ames Amateur Radio Club (AARC)
  • http://hamradio.arc.nasa.gov
    
  • Monthly meetings

• American Radio Relay League (ARRL)
  • http://www.arrl.org

• Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
  • http://wireless.fcc.gov/marine

• Local amateur radio clubs and yacht clubs

• Local companies

• Web
  • http://cruisenews.net

• Marine SSB is an important safety, information, and communication asset for cruising.

• It also connects you with a community of others with similar interests.

• And it introduces you to a great hobby!

  
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