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HF Radio....to Invest or Not?

Discussion in 'Electronics' started by Nigel Oakey, Aug 11, 2019.

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  1. Oscarvan

    Oscarvan Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 10, 2015
    Messages:
    969
    Location:
    Chesapeake Bay
    Yup.... hate the darn thing. SELCAL checks are a royal pain with 10 airplanes trying to do it at the same time on one frequency.
  2. Charleston

    Charleston New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 13, 2016
    Messages:
    17
    Location:
    Charleston, S.C.
    Icom makes a classy 150 watt ssb unit, or, in these days of poor propagation which will last a few years, JRC has a 500 watt unit that'll set you back 15 - 18k, also a fine radio.
  3. bayoubud

    bayoubud Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 19, 2017
    Messages:
    1,149
    Location:
    Florida
    Just saw a Dorian post, Barometer Bob in the Abacos monitors SSB 18 hours a day. Good intel for those that have SSB's and use it. Good site for the Bahamas.
  4. MYTraveler

    MYTraveler Member

    Joined:
    Dec 30, 2014
    Messages:
    63
    Location:
    PNW
    As I understand it, SSB equipment may be legally used if the operator has a ham license.
  5. bayoubud

    bayoubud Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 19, 2017
    Messages:
    1,149
    Location:
    Florida
    Does anyone still monitor SSB for marine emergencies?
  6. d_meister

    d_meister Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2010
    Messages:
    468
    Location:
    La Conner, WA.
    It's not something you can rely on. I tried to reach the USCG on every CG frequency from Cedros Island on the Baja one time and could not raise them. I finally radioed ATT High Seas (KMI, Point Reyes) to have them contact the CG with the situation (Stranded U.S. citizens).
    Another occasion a Captain friend tried to hail the C.G. on 2182 distress and got nothing there, or any other C.G. frequency. He then put out a Pan-Pan on 12A and my crew heard it in Acapulco. I responded and found out what was going on and called San Diego C.G. via SatPhone and got them together on working frequencies and finally got them to speak on 8A.
    It's also probably best not to have an emergency at midday, as radio propagation is worse, then. But, all of my emergencies tend to happen in the middle of the night just after my watch ends :(

    As for a HAM license and SSB, you're right, MYTraveler. Thanks!
  7. bayoubud

    bayoubud Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 19, 2017
    Messages:
    1,149
    Location:
    Florida
    We used SSB years ago fishing the GOM when out of VHF range. We could reach boats from the dock to check conditions and the bite. There was a fair amount of traffic with the rig supply boats off Tx and LA. Had two boats with ICOM SSB's. It was good to have a long-range emergency channel.
  8. DOCKMASTER

    DOCKMASTER Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 26, 2012
    Messages:
    1,396
    Location:
    Ketchikan, Alaska
    I removed my SSB during winter projects. Just never got used and I carry a SAT phone for emergencies if out of VHF range. Not many folks using SSB anymore.