Single Side Band Operation

[MYNomad]

We plan to be outside cell and vhf marine telephone range for several days, and therefore unable to communicate with our families during that time. Before buying (or renting) a sat phone, I am trying to figure out how feasible it is to plan to use SSB marine telephone to keep in touch. I know it basically doesn't work on VHF any longer (due to lack of demand), but is it still possible to make a telephone call on SSB? How do I figure out the frequencies, establish an account, etc? Any advice would be appreciated. -Rick

[mongo75]

Hell I'd just run a 10 meter radio with a 500 watt linear on both ends and talk to home like that.

[Reelveal]

A 3 million dollar boat with no Sat phone - you see that everyday - or ever?

[MYNomad]

That's not what it is.

[DOMINATOR]

No more KMI, that was the SSB telephone. Get a SAT PHONE.

[Moleculo]

Yes you can do what you are asking about. I believe you need to get a Ship Station License from the FCC if you are going to use a SSB radio. It's not a big deal to get. If you are going to go through the trouble of installing a SSB radio (which is a good idea if you are going long range), then you should also set up the ability to send email, receive weather faxes, etc.

Check out this website...they have most of the information you're looking for: Welcome to H.F. Radio On Board

[Tower Todd]

Starting on page 9 is an excellent breakdown of what you will need and how the SSB works and links to phone providers:

http://www.icomamerica.com/en/suppor...?Download=1714

You will still need a Marine Radio Operator Lisc. and Ship Station Lisc. from the FCC.

Good Luck,
TT

[ronzob]

Hey Rick!!

Yup you can do what you want....properly licensed of course.

Long term I wouldn't hesitate to put in an HF, however it takes time to get licensed, get the radio installed, install baluns, chokes, filters and and antenna tuner if required and get the rig running properly.

Stray RF running around the boat wreaks havoc with other electronics, autopilots and many other things.

A well tuned, properly installed 50 watt HF will get you around the world even at the bottom of the sunspot cycle.

Rent a sat phone if it's for this year and think about HF when you have time to make it all happen.

R

[MYNomad]

Originally Posted by Moleculo

Yes you can do what you are asking about. I believe you need to get a Ship Station License from the FCC if you are going to use a SSB radio. It's not a big deal to get. If you are going to go through the trouble of installing a SSB radio (which is a good idea if you are going long range), then you should also set up the ability to send email, receive weather faxes, etc.

Check out this website...they have most of the information you're looking for: Welcome to H.F. Radio On Board

Thank you, Moleculo. I have the licenses, and will look at the info you suggest. I talked with SailMail about setting up for e-mail. So, its looking good.

[MYNomad]

Originally Posted by Tower Todd

Starting on page 9 is an excellent breakdown of what you will need and how the SSB works and links to phone providers:

http://www.icomamerica.com/en/suppor...?Download=1714

You will still need a Marine Radio Operator Lisc. and Ship Station Lisc. from the FCC.

Good Luck,
TT

Thanks, Todd.

[MYNomad]

Originally Posted by ronzob

Hey Rick!!

Yup you can do what you want....properly licensed of course.

Long term I wouldn't hesitate to put in an HF, however it takes time to get licensed, get the radio installed, install baluns, chokes, filters and and antenna tuner if required and get the rig running properly.

Stray RF running around the boat wreaks havoc with other electronics, autopilots and many other things.

A well tuned, properly installed 50 watt HF will get you around the world even at the bottom of the sunspot cycle.

Rent a sat phone if it's for this year and think about HF when you have time to make it all happen.

R

Hey Rob,
The HF is in (but I still need a pactor modem for SailMail), and I have the licenses. Although I found a ship - to shore service (shipcom.com, in case anyone else is interested), but broke down and rented a sat phone for my upcoming trip.

As always, I appreciate your help. Way above and beyond the call of duty. I hope to be back up your way this coming summer.
Regards,
Rick

[Team Ball's Out]

Ham radio KI6INX