[MHml] Marine SSB

[Arjan Bok]

Well Ron, You may be right about it not being "required equipment" but from
a cruisers point of view it is extremely usefull to me, and if mine were to
disapear from the boat I would go out and buy an other one right away. I use
it for e-mail while underway it gets me the weather and weather faxes if I
want them and I can stay in touch with my fellow cruisers. All of this in a
package that is build for use in a marine environment.


Naturally you can save a few bucks by buying the Sangean ATS 909 unit and
use a satphone when outside of VHF range but the last time I checked into
the price of  satelite phones they weren't all that cheap either. As for
battery use, If I transmit for 15 minutes at full power that is about 7 AH
and I can live with that.



-----Original Message-----
From: multihulls-admin at steamradio.com
[mailto:multihulls-admin at steamradio.com]On Behalf Of Ron
Sent: Sunday, January 20, 2002 3:38 PM
To: multihulls at steamradio.com
Subject: Re: [MHml] Marine SSB


I (respectfully) disagree  ....  If the SSB or HAM unit is for obtaining
weather info,  you can do it cheaper, simpler and lighter by using an SSB
receiver like the Sangean ATS 909 or the Radio Shack (DX 398 I think)
equivalent for about $200.   They can also be interfaced to a PC for saving
images but the voice and textual marine broadcasts can be enough.
Transmitting on HF sets sucks down the power where the little receivers will
run for weeks on a set of AA batteries.

If you need emergency communication ... i.e.  " I've over estimated my
capability will someone please come get me?"  then an EPIRB or a Sat Phone
is more effective despite urban legend to the contrary.  ;-)

SSB or HAM  is only needed if the cruising boat needs two way communication
with other boats or cruiser nets beyond the range of VHF.  In the Bahamas,
we found that merely listening in provided all the required information.  If
it's a hobby or entertainment for those on board then it's a different
issue.

SSB/Ham gear falls in the category of "nice to have and play with"
equipment;  Not required equipment.


----- Original Message -----
From: "Arjan Bok" <arjan at pacbell.net>
To: <multihulls at steamradio.com>
Sent: Sunday, January 20, 2002 11:36 AM
Subject: RE: [MHml] Marine SSB


> I agree with Gary, I think a SSB is a must for a cruising boat. >
> -----Original Message-----
> From: multihulls-admin at steamradio.com
> [mailto:multihulls-admin at steamradio.com]On Behalf Of Gary Pearce
> Sent: Sunday, January 20, 2002 1:34 AM
> To: multihulls at steamradio.com
> Subject: [MHml] Marine SSB
>
>
> Personally I think that an SSB is still pretty much essential for a
> cruising boat.
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