BASIC Radio Question
 

I'm not clear on marine SSB radios. Can someone explain how they differ from
standard VHF? A friend is now offering me a pretty expensive Icom SSB. I doubt
I have a need for it, but it's basically free. I may just tell him to sell it
on ebay. I was thinking of adding a AM/SSB (CB) radio to the boat which would
be better than the GMRS.
So can someone explain what the marine SSB is? Is it VHF with upper and lowers?

Thanks in advance...

RB

BASIC Radio Question
 

An SSB is essentially a high frequency radio with pre-set frequencies
(channels) used for global or very long distance communications. If
you're not going offshore there is NO need for an SSB.
For coastal sailing the only benefit I can perceive would be the
ability to download Weather FAx (WeFAX); but, youll need an additional
demodulator/PC, etc.

In article , Bobsprit
wrote:

I'm not clear on marine SSB radios. Can someone explain how they differ from
standard VHF? A friend is now offering me a pretty expensive Icom SSB. I doubt
I have a need for it, but it's basically free. I may just tell him to sell it
on ebay. I was thinking of adding a AM/SSB (CB) radio to the boat which would
be better than the GMRS.
So can someone explain what the marine SSB is? Is it VHF with upper and
lowers?

Thanks in advance...

RB

BASIC Radio Question
 

An SSB is essentially a high frequency radio with pre-set frequencies
(channels) used for global or very long distance communications. If
you're not going offshore there is NO need for an SSB.
For coastal sailing the only benefit I can perceive would be the
ability to download Weather FAx (WeFAX); but, youll need an additional
demodulator/PC, etc.

In article , Bobsprit
wrote:

I'm not clear on marine SSB radios. Can someone explain how they differ from
standard VHF? A friend is now offering me a pretty expensive Icom SSB. I doubt
I have a need for it, but it's basically free. I may just tell him to sell it
on ebay. I was thinking of adding a AM/SSB (CB) radio to the boat which would
be better than the GMRS.
So can someone explain what the marine SSB is? Is it VHF with upper and
lowers?

Thanks in advance...

RB

BASIC Radio Question
 

An SSB is essentially a high frequency radio with pre-set frequencies
(channels) used for global or very long distance communications. If
you're not going offshore there is NO need for an SSB.
For coastal sailing the only benefit I can perceive would be the
ability to download Weather FAx (WeFAX); but, youll need an additional
demodulator/PC, etc.


Thanks, Rich. So a Marine SSB is nothing to do with the standard VHF freq. and
AM (CB) type systems?

RB

BASIC Radio Question
 

An SSB is essentially a high frequency radio with pre-set frequencies
(channels) used for global or very long distance communications. If
you're not going offshore there is NO need for an SSB.
For coastal sailing the only benefit I can perceive would be the
ability to download Weather FAx (WeFAX); but, youll need an additional
demodulator/PC, etc.


Thanks, Rich. So a Marine SSB is nothing to do with the standard VHF freq. and
AM (CB) type systems?

RB

BASIC Radio Question
 

VHF waves work "line of sight". They may be slightly curved around the horizon but
they won't be much. So, whatever the power of the transmiter is, they won't reach
more than 25 miles before getting lost in space. Frequencies used by SSBs, like
HAM radios, will bounce on various layers of the the atmosphere and get back down
beyond the horizon. Various frequencies will bounce on different layers of the
atmosphere, coming back down at different distances and knowing the properties of
the various wavelenghts is important for reaching the proper distance you want to.
The point were they bounce back down will be "deaf" on the ground so the use of a
SSB is not as easy as tuning channel 16 on a VHF. Training on using these radios
is necessary for getting your money's worth.

Jean Dufour
Montreal, Qc

Bobsprit wrote:

I'm not clear on marine SSB radios. Can someone explain how they differ from
standard VHF? A friend is now offering me a pretty expensive Icom SSB. I doubt
I have a need for it, but it's basically free. I may just tell him to sell it
on ebay. I was thinking of adding a AM/SSB (CB) radio to the boat which would
be better than the GMRS.
So can someone explain what the marine SSB is? Is it VHF with upper and lowers?

Thanks in advance...

RB

BASIC Radio Question
 

VHF waves work "line of sight". They may be slightly curved around the horizon but
they won't be much. So, whatever the power of the transmiter is, they won't reach
more than 25 miles before getting lost in space. Frequencies used by SSBs, like
HAM radios, will bounce on various layers of the the atmosphere and get back down
beyond the horizon. Various frequencies will bounce on different layers of the
atmosphere, coming back down at different distances and knowing the properties of
the various wavelenghts is important for reaching the proper distance you want to.
The point were they bounce back down will be "deaf" on the ground so the use of a
SSB is not as easy as tuning channel 16 on a VHF. Training on using these radios
is necessary for getting your money's worth.

Jean Dufour
Montreal, Qc

Bobsprit wrote:

I'm not clear on marine SSB radios. Can someone explain how they differ from
standard VHF? A friend is now offering me a pretty expensive Icom SSB. I doubt
I have a need for it, but it's basically free. I may just tell him to sell it
on ebay. I was thinking of adding a AM/SSB (CB) radio to the boat which would
be better than the GMRS.
So can someone explain what the marine SSB is? Is it VHF with upper and lowers?

Thanks in advance...

RB

BASIC Radio Question
 

The frequencies are quite different.

http://www.yachtcom.co.uk/comms/MarineSSB.htm

In addition, a proper setup requires both an antenna, often a backstay, plus a
"ground" (actually a counterpoise) which is a large surface area in proximity to
the water. If your boat is not setup for these, it will be tedious/expensive to
do it. Further, in coastal waters, especially Long Island Sound, you'll have no
one to talk to.



"Bobsprit" wrote in message
...
An SSB is essentially a high frequency radio with pre-set frequencies
(channels) used for global or very long distance communications. If
you're not going offshore there is NO need for an SSB.
For coastal sailing the only benefit I can perceive would be the
ability to download Weather FAx (WeFAX); but, youll need an additional
demodulator/PC, etc.


Thanks, Rich. So a Marine SSB is nothing to do with the standard VHF freq. and
AM (CB) type systems?

RB

BASIC Radio Question
 

The frequencies are quite different.

http://www.yachtcom.co.uk/comms/MarineSSB.htm

In addition, a proper setup requires both an antenna, often a backstay, plus a
"ground" (actually a counterpoise) which is a large surface area in proximity to
the water. If your boat is not setup for these, it will be tedious/expensive to
do it. Further, in coastal waters, especially Long Island Sound, you'll have no
one to talk to.



"Bobsprit" wrote in message
...
An SSB is essentially a high frequency radio with pre-set frequencies
(channels) used for global or very long distance communications. If
you're not going offshore there is NO need for an SSB.
For coastal sailing the only benefit I can perceive would be the
ability to download Weather FAx (WeFAX); but, youll need an additional
demodulator/PC, etc.


Thanks, Rich. So a Marine SSB is nothing to do with the standard VHF freq. and
AM (CB) type systems?

RB

BASIC Radio Question
 

Thanks for the info, guys. Much appreciated.


RB

BASIC Radio Question
 

Thanks for the info, guys. Much appreciated.


RB

BASIC Radio Question
 

On Sun, 14 Dec 2003 11:29:19 -0500, Jean Dufour
wrote:

VHF waves work "line of sight". They may be slightly curved around the horizon but
they won't be much. So, whatever the power of the transmiter is, they won't reach
more than 25 miles before getting lost in space.

Well, not really. It all depends on antenna height. From the Jersey
shore, not only can I talk to the Cape May CG station, but also to
Baltimore and Chincoteague, Virginia. I have fairly reliable
communications with CG stations up to over 100 miles. Of course, I have
my VHF antenna at the top of my mast so a powerboat probably wouldn't
get as far.

Steve

BASIC Radio Question
 

On Sun, 14 Dec 2003 11:29:19 -0500, Jean Dufour
wrote:

VHF waves work "line of sight". They may be slightly curved around the horizon but
they won't be much. So, whatever the power of the transmiter is, they won't reach
more than 25 miles before getting lost in space.

Well, not really. It all depends on antenna height. From the Jersey
shore, not only can I talk to the Cape May CG station, but also to
Baltimore and Chincoteague, Virginia. I have fairly reliable
communications with CG stations up to over 100 miles. Of course, I have
my VHF antenna at the top of my mast so a powerboat probably wouldn't
get as far.

Steve

BASIC Radio Question
 

Bobsprit wrote:

I'm not clear on marine SSB radios. Can someone explain how they differ from
standard VHF? A friend is now offering me a pretty expensive Icom SSB. I doubt
I have a need for it, but it's basically free. I may just tell him to sell it
on ebay. I was thinking of adding a AM/SSB (CB) radio to the boat which would
be better than the GMRS.
So can someone explain what the marine SSB is? Is it VHF with upper and lowers?


The SSB is very similar to your CB SSB radio, though it's quite a step
up: closer to ham long distance radios, with CB-style simplicity. You
can talk long distance, get & send your email, get weather faxes and
other nice things for the cruising sailor. That's where you hear Herb &
some of the various cruising nets.

It's not so necessary for coastal cruisers, but it's a fun toy that you
might learn to love. I'd snap it up.

(Gosh, it's been a while since I used my SSB CB. People still use them?)

--
Jere Lull
Xan-a-Deux ('73 Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD)
Xan's Pages: http://members.dca.net/jerelull/X-Main.html
Our BVI FAQs (290+ pics) http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/

BASIC Radio Question
 

Bobsprit wrote:

I'm not clear on marine SSB radios. Can someone explain how they differ from
standard VHF? A friend is now offering me a pretty expensive Icom SSB. I doubt
I have a need for it, but it's basically free. I may just tell him to sell it
on ebay. I was thinking of adding a AM/SSB (CB) radio to the boat which would
be better than the GMRS.
So can someone explain what the marine SSB is? Is it VHF with upper and lowers?


The SSB is very similar to your CB SSB radio, though it's quite a step
up: closer to ham long distance radios, with CB-style simplicity. You
can talk long distance, get & send your email, get weather faxes and
other nice things for the cruising sailor. That's where you hear Herb &
some of the various cruising nets.

It's not so necessary for coastal cruisers, but it's a fun toy that you
might learn to love. I'd snap it up.

(Gosh, it's been a while since I used my SSB CB. People still use them?)

--
Jere Lull
Xan-a-Deux ('73 Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD)
Xan's Pages: http://members.dca.net/jerelull/X-Main.html
Our BVI FAQs (290+ pics) http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/

BASIC Radio Question
 

My vhf antenna is 62 ft off the water (top of mast) and I can reach 25
miles to another sailboat also with top of mast antenna in open ocean.

What you're actually "using" is the CG antenna ht and their repeater
network - not much dependent on your antenna ht as theirs.




On Sun, 14 Dec 2003 17:31:13 GMT, (Steven
Shelikoff) wrote:

On Sun, 14 Dec 2003 11:29:19 -0500, Jean Dufour
wrote:

VHF waves work "line of sight". They may be slightly curved around the horizon but
they won't be much. So, whatever the power of the transmiter is, they won't reach
more than 25 miles before getting lost in space.

Well, not really. It all depends on antenna height. From the Jersey
shore, not only can I talk to the Cape May CG station, but also to
Baltimore and Chincoteague, Virginia. I have fairly reliable
communications with CG stations up to over 100 miles. Of course, I have
my VHF antenna at the top of my mast so a powerboat probably wouldn't
get as far.

Steve

BASIC Radio Question
 

My vhf antenna is 62 ft off the water (top of mast) and I can reach 25
miles to another sailboat also with top of mast antenna in open ocean.

What you're actually "using" is the CG antenna ht and their repeater
network - not much dependent on your antenna ht as theirs.




On Sun, 14 Dec 2003 17:31:13 GMT, (Steven
Shelikoff) wrote:

On Sun, 14 Dec 2003 11:29:19 -0500, Jean Dufour
wrote:

VHF waves work "line of sight". They may be slightly curved around the horizon but
they won't be much. So, whatever the power of the transmiter is, they won't reach
more than 25 miles before getting lost in space.

Well, not really. It all depends on antenna height. From the Jersey
shore, not only can I talk to the Cape May CG station, but also to
Baltimore and Chincoteague, Virginia. I have fairly reliable
communications with CG stations up to over 100 miles. Of course, I have
my VHF antenna at the top of my mast so a powerboat probably wouldn't
get as far.

Steve

BASIC Radio Question
 

I never figured out why CB SSB never caught on. I had one back in the 70's
and rarely found someone else to talk to.

Doug, k3qt
s/v Callista

"Jere Lull" wrote in message ...
Bobsprit wrote:

I'm not clear on marine SSB radios. Can someone explain how they differ
from
standard VHF? A friend is now offering me a pretty expensive Icom SSB. I
doubt
I have a need for it, but it's basically free. I may just tell him to
sell it
on ebay. I was thinking of adding a AM/SSB (CB) radio to the boat which
would
be better than the GMRS.
So can someone explain what the marine SSB is? Is it VHF with upper and
lowers?


The SSB is very similar to your CB SSB radio, though it's quite a step
up: closer to ham long distance radios, with CB-style simplicity. You
can talk long distance, get & send your email, get weather faxes and
other nice things for the cruising sailor. That's where you hear Herb &
some of the various cruising nets.

It's not so necessary for coastal cruisers, but it's a fun toy that you
might learn to love. I'd snap it up.

(Gosh, it's been a while since I used my SSB CB. People still use them?)

--
Jere Lull
Xan-a-Deux ('73 Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD)
Xan's Pages: http://members.dca.net/jerelull/X-Main.html
Our BVI FAQs (290+ pics) http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/

BASIC Radio Question
 

I never figured out why CB SSB never caught on. I had one back in the 70's
and rarely found someone else to talk to.

Doug, k3qt
s/v Callista

"Jere Lull" wrote in message ...
Bobsprit wrote:

I'm not clear on marine SSB radios. Can someone explain how they differ
from
standard VHF? A friend is now offering me a pretty expensive Icom SSB. I
doubt
I have a need for it, but it's basically free. I may just tell him to
sell it
on ebay. I was thinking of adding a AM/SSB (CB) radio to the boat which
would
be better than the GMRS.
So can someone explain what the marine SSB is? Is it VHF with upper and
lowers?


The SSB is very similar to your CB SSB radio, though it's quite a step
up: closer to ham long distance radios, with CB-style simplicity. You
can talk long distance, get & send your email, get weather faxes and
other nice things for the cruising sailor. That's where you hear Herb &
some of the various cruising nets.

It's not so necessary for coastal cruisers, but it's a fun toy that you
might learn to love. I'd snap it up.

(Gosh, it's been a while since I used my SSB CB. People still use them?)

--
Jere Lull
Xan-a-Deux ('73 Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD)
Xan's Pages: http://members.dca.net/jerelull/X-Main.html
Our BVI FAQs (290+ pics) http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/

BASIC Radio Question
 

On Sun, 14 Dec 2003 15:58:44 -0500, "doug dotson"
wrote:

I never figured out why CB SSB never caught on. I had one back in the 70's
and rarely found someone else to talk to.

Doug, k3qt
s/v Callista

Were you on Channel 16? We had a dozen avid SSB fans on LSB channel
16. Some of them are still there! They've calmed down in their old
age, though. Noone's running 15KW PEP any more....(c;

My CB rig was a Collins KWM-2A and 30S-1 into stacked 3-elem Telrex
beams at 90'. Worked quite well, actually.....

73, "Porky Pig"

FCC said our signals were too clean to be CB rigs....(c;

BASIC Radio Question
 

On Sun, 14 Dec 2003 15:58:44 -0500, "doug dotson"
wrote:

I never figured out why CB SSB never caught on. I had one back in the 70's
and rarely found someone else to talk to.

Doug, k3qt
s/v Callista

Were you on Channel 16? We had a dozen avid SSB fans on LSB channel
16. Some of them are still there! They've calmed down in their old
age, though. Noone's running 15KW PEP any more....(c;

My CB rig was a Collins KWM-2A and 30S-1 into stacked 3-elem Telrex
beams at 90'. Worked quite well, actually.....

73, "Porky Pig"

FCC said our signals were too clean to be CB rigs....(c;

BASIC Radio Question
 

I never figured out why CB SSB never caught on. I had one back in the 70's
and rarely found someone else to talk to.


I think CB/SSB is making a comeback in the wake of poor range for FRS/GMRS and
no license needed for the CB.
AM/SSB has good range and makes sense for boat-to-boat communications with
radios costing under 200 bucks. In any case, the fact that they didn't "catch
on" just means there's less noise if my friends and I add them.

RB

BASIC Radio Question
 

I never figured out why CB SSB never caught on. I had one back in the 70's
and rarely found someone else to talk to.


I think CB/SSB is making a comeback in the wake of poor range for FRS/GMRS and
no license needed for the CB.
AM/SSB has good range and makes sense for boat-to-boat communications with
radios costing under 200 bucks. In any case, the fact that they didn't "catch
on" just means there's less noise if my friends and I add them.

RB

BASIC Radio Question
 

We use FRS for general boat/boat communications while
cruising in a group, in an anchorage with friends, and ship/shore
comms while ashore, etc. Fills the bill well especially since using
marine VHF for ship/shore is illegal in this useage. Not sure
that comparing FRS and CB is not an apples and oranges thing.
My FRS radios perfrom pretty much as advertised. I used to
have a 5 watt handheld CB. Would want to carry it around much :)

Doug
s/v Callista

"Bobsprit" wrote in message
...
I never figured out why CB SSB never caught on. I had one back in the
70's
and rarely found someone else to talk to.


I think CB/SSB is making a comeback in the wake of poor range for FRS/GMRS
and
no license needed for the CB.
AM/SSB has good range and makes sense for boat-to-boat communications with
radios costing under 200 bucks. In any case, the fact that they didn't
"catch
on" just means there's less noise if my friends and I add them.

RB

BASIC Radio Question
 

We use FRS for general boat/boat communications while
cruising in a group, in an anchorage with friends, and ship/shore
comms while ashore, etc. Fills the bill well especially since using
marine VHF for ship/shore is illegal in this useage. Not sure
that comparing FRS and CB is not an apples and oranges thing.
My FRS radios perfrom pretty much as advertised. I used to
have a 5 watt handheld CB. Would want to carry it around much :)

Doug
s/v Callista

"Bobsprit" wrote in message
...
I never figured out why CB SSB never caught on. I had one back in the
70's
and rarely found someone else to talk to.


I think CB/SSB is making a comeback in the wake of poor range for FRS/GMRS
and
no license needed for the CB.
AM/SSB has good range and makes sense for boat-to-boat communications with
radios costing under 200 bucks. In any case, the fact that they didn't
"catch
on" just means there's less noise if my friends and I add them.

RB

BASIC Radio Question
 

On Sun, 14 Dec 2003 10:13:31 -0800, JJ wrote:

My vhf antenna is 62 ft off the water (top of mast) and I can reach 25
miles to another sailboat also with top of mast antenna in open ocean.

What you're actually "using" is the CG antenna ht and their repeater
network - not much dependent on your antenna ht as theirs.

It's a combination of both. But since their's is so much higher than
mine, it's the driving factor. However, VHF is not actually limited by
line of sight like UHF and above it. It does "curve" a little and you
can get further than line of sight distance. I just used one of the
line of sight calculators available on the web
http://www.vwlowen.demon.co.uk/java/horizon.htm and it says that for
my antenna hight of around 50' and the CG height of 300' the LOS
distance is only 35 miles. Even if you put a height of 500' for the
other antenna, that's only 42 miles. I *know* I can get further than
that because I do all the time.

Steve

BASIC Radio Question
 

On Sun, 14 Dec 2003 10:13:31 -0800, JJ wrote:

My vhf antenna is 62 ft off the water (top of mast) and I can reach 25
miles to another sailboat also with top of mast antenna in open ocean.

What you're actually "using" is the CG antenna ht and their repeater
network - not much dependent on your antenna ht as theirs.

It's a combination of both. But since their's is so much higher than
mine, it's the driving factor. However, VHF is not actually limited by
line of sight like UHF and above it. It does "curve" a little and you
can get further than line of sight distance. I just used one of the
line of sight calculators available on the web
http://www.vwlowen.demon.co.uk/java/horizon.htm and it says that for
my antenna hight of around 50' and the CG height of 300' the LOS
distance is only 35 miles. Even if you put a height of 500' for the
other antenna, that's only 42 miles. I *know* I can get further than
that because I do all the time.

Steve

BASIC Radio Question
 

On Sun, 14 Dec 2003 17:31:13 GMT, (Steven
Shelikoff) wrote:

On Sun, 14 Dec 2003 11:29:19 -0500, Jean Dufour
wrote:

VHF waves work "line of sight". They may be slightly curved around the horizon but
they won't be much. So, whatever the power of the transmiter is, they won't reach
more than 25 miles before getting lost in space.

Well, not really. It all depends on antenna height. From the Jersey
shore, not only can I talk to the Cape May CG station, but also to
Baltimore and Chincoteague, Virginia. I have fairly reliable
communications with CG stations up to over 100 miles.

ducting...dangerous to rely on for reliable communications...
---------------------------
to see who "wf3h" is, go to "qrz.com"
and enter 'wf3h' in the field

check my blog at:
http://www.bobview.blogspot.com/

BASIC Radio Question
 

On Sun, 14 Dec 2003 17:31:13 GMT, (Steven
Shelikoff) wrote:

On Sun, 14 Dec 2003 11:29:19 -0500, Jean Dufour
wrote:

VHF waves work "line of sight". They may be slightly curved around the horizon but
they won't be much. So, whatever the power of the transmiter is, they won't reach
more than 25 miles before getting lost in space.

Well, not really. It all depends on antenna height. From the Jersey
shore, not only can I talk to the Cape May CG station, but also to
Baltimore and Chincoteague, Virginia. I have fairly reliable
communications with CG stations up to over 100 miles.

ducting...dangerous to rely on for reliable communications...
---------------------------
to see who "wf3h" is, go to "qrz.com"
and enter 'wf3h' in the field

check my blog at:
http://www.bobview.blogspot.com/

BASIC Radio Question
 

On Mon, 15 Dec 2003 03:35:45 GMT, (Steven
Shelikoff) wrote:

On Sun, 14 Dec 2003 10:13:31 -0800, JJ wrote:

My vhf antenna is 62 ft off the water (top of mast) and I can reach 25
miles to another sailboat also with top of mast antenna in open ocean.

What you're actually "using" is the CG antenna ht and their repeater
network - not much dependent on your antenna ht as theirs.

It's a combination of both.

there are no CG repeaters in the NY/NJ area accessible to the public.
they are for CG and public safety use only.

But since their's is so much higher than
mine, it's the driving factor.

that's true. it's a function of the sum of the square root of the
combined heights of the tx and rx antennas.
---------------------------
to see who "wf3h" is, go to "qrz.com"
and enter 'wf3h' in the field

check my blog at:
http://www.bobview.blogspot.com/

BASIC Radio Question
 

On Mon, 15 Dec 2003 03:35:45 GMT, (Steven
Shelikoff) wrote:

On Sun, 14 Dec 2003 10:13:31 -0800, JJ wrote:

My vhf antenna is 62 ft off the water (top of mast) and I can reach 25
miles to another sailboat also with top of mast antenna in open ocean.

What you're actually "using" is the CG antenna ht and their repeater
network - not much dependent on your antenna ht as theirs.

It's a combination of both.

there are no CG repeaters in the NY/NJ area accessible to the public.
they are for CG and public safety use only.

But since their's is so much higher than
mine, it's the driving factor.

that's true. it's a function of the sum of the square root of the
combined heights of the tx and rx antennas.
---------------------------
to see who "wf3h" is, go to "qrz.com"
and enter 'wf3h' in the field

check my blog at:
http://www.bobview.blogspot.com/

BASIC Radio Question
 

I should have said that's 25 nautical miles - or 25*1.15 = 28.75
statute miles


On Mon, 15 Dec 2003 03:35:45 GMT, (Steven
Shelikoff) wrote:

On Sun, 14 Dec 2003 10:13:31 -0800, JJ wrote:

My vhf antenna is 62 ft off the water (top of mast) and I can reach 25
miles to another sailboat also with top of mast antenna in open ocean.

What you're actually "using" is the CG antenna ht and their repeater
network - not much dependent on your antenna ht as theirs.

It's a combination of both. But since their's is so much higher than
mine, it's the driving factor. However, VHF is not actually limited by
line of sight like UHF and above it. It does "curve" a little and you
can get further than line of sight distance. I just used one of the
line of sight calculators available on the web
http://www.vwlowen.demon.co.uk/java/horizon.htm and it says that for
my antenna hight of around 50' and the CG height of 300' the LOS
distance is only 35 miles. Even if you put a height of 500' for the
other antenna, that's only 42 miles. I *know* I can get further than
that because I do all the time.

Steve

BASIC Radio Question
 

I should have said that's 25 nautical miles - or 25*1.15 = 28.75
statute miles


On Mon, 15 Dec 2003 03:35:45 GMT, (Steven
Shelikoff) wrote:

On Sun, 14 Dec 2003 10:13:31 -0800, JJ wrote:

My vhf antenna is 62 ft off the water (top of mast) and I can reach 25
miles to another sailboat also with top of mast antenna in open ocean.

What you're actually "using" is the CG antenna ht and their repeater
network - not much dependent on your antenna ht as theirs.

It's a combination of both. But since their's is so much higher than
mine, it's the driving factor. However, VHF is not actually limited by
line of sight like UHF and above it. It does "curve" a little and you
can get further than line of sight distance. I just used one of the
line of sight calculators available on the web
http://www.vwlowen.demon.co.uk/java/horizon.htm and it says that for
my antenna hight of around 50' and the CG height of 300' the LOS
distance is only 35 miles. Even if you put a height of 500' for the
other antenna, that's only 42 miles. I *know* I can get further than
that because I do all the time.

Steve

BASIC Radio Question
 

On Mon, 15 Dec 2003 05:06:35 GMT, (Bob) wrote:

On Sun, 14 Dec 2003 17:31:13 GMT, (Steven
Shelikoff) wrote:

On Sun, 14 Dec 2003 11:29:19 -0500, Jean Dufour
wrote:

VHF waves work "line of sight". They may be slightly curved around the horizon but
they won't be much. So, whatever the power of the transmiter is, they won't reach
more than 25 miles before getting lost in space.

Well, not really. It all depends on antenna height. From the Jersey
shore, not only can I talk to the Cape May CG station, but also to
Baltimore and Chincoteague, Virginia. I have fairly reliable
communications with CG stations up to over 100 miles.

ducting...dangerous to rely on for reliable communications...

It must be a pretty reliable duct because I hear the Baltimore CG
station almost all the time from the Jersey Shore. It's faint of
course, but perfectly readable.

Steve

BASIC Radio Question
 

On Mon, 15 Dec 2003 05:06:35 GMT, (Bob) wrote:

On Sun, 14 Dec 2003 17:31:13 GMT, (Steven
Shelikoff) wrote:

On Sun, 14 Dec 2003 11:29:19 -0500, Jean Dufour
wrote:

VHF waves work "line of sight". They may be slightly curved around the horizon but
they won't be much. So, whatever the power of the transmiter is, they won't reach
more than 25 miles before getting lost in space.

Well, not really. It all depends on antenna height. From the Jersey
shore, not only can I talk to the Cape May CG station, but also to
Baltimore and Chincoteague, Virginia. I have fairly reliable
communications with CG stations up to over 100 miles.

ducting...dangerous to rely on for reliable communications...

It must be a pretty reliable duct because I hear the Baltimore CG
station almost all the time from the Jersey Shore. It's faint of
course, but perfectly readable.

Steve

BASIC Radio Question
 

Group Boston has their primary on the Hancock tower in Boston, plus repeaters in
Plum Island north, and Marshfield south.

Baltimore has a repeater at the C&D Canal (as well as south); and Chincoteague
has one in Ocean City and one to the south. Both are within about 60 miles of
the Jersey coast.

These are all on high towers, and broadcast at much higher than 25 watts. If
there is any ducting to be had, these signals will find it. In Boston I often
hear Portland and Woods Hole, where the repeaters are 50+ miles away. Sometimes
I get Bar Harbor.

Here's a set of maps showing the repeater locations and the "nominal" coverage.
http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/cgcomms/nds.htm

"Steven Shelikoff" wrote in message
...
On Mon, 15 Dec 2003 05:06:35 GMT, (Bob) wrote:

On Sun, 14 Dec 2003 17:31:13 GMT, (Steven
Shelikoff) wrote:

On Sun, 14 Dec 2003 11:29:19 -0500, Jean Dufour
wrote:

VHF waves work "line of sight". They may be slightly curved around the
horizon but
they won't be much. So, whatever the power of the transmiter is, they won't
reach
more than 25 miles before getting lost in space.

Well, not really. It all depends on antenna height. From the Jersey
shore, not only can I talk to the Cape May CG station, but also to
Baltimore and Chincoteague, Virginia. I have fairly reliable
communications with CG stations up to over 100 miles.

ducting...dangerous to rely on for reliable communications...

It must be a pretty reliable duct because I hear the Baltimore CG
station almost all the time from the Jersey Shore. It's faint of
course, but perfectly readable.

Steve

BASIC Radio Question
 

Group Boston has their primary on the Hancock tower in Boston, plus repeaters in
Plum Island north, and Marshfield south.

Baltimore has a repeater at the C&D Canal (as well as south); and Chincoteague
has one in Ocean City and one to the south. Both are within about 60 miles of
the Jersey coast.

These are all on high towers, and broadcast at much higher than 25 watts. If
there is any ducting to be had, these signals will find it. In Boston I often
hear Portland and Woods Hole, where the repeaters are 50+ miles away. Sometimes
I get Bar Harbor.

Here's a set of maps showing the repeater locations and the "nominal" coverage.
http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/cgcomms/nds.htm

"Steven Shelikoff" wrote in message
...
On Mon, 15 Dec 2003 05:06:35 GMT, (Bob) wrote:

On Sun, 14 Dec 2003 17:31:13 GMT, (Steven
Shelikoff) wrote:

On Sun, 14 Dec 2003 11:29:19 -0500, Jean Dufour
wrote:

VHF waves work "line of sight". They may be slightly curved around the
horizon but
they won't be much. So, whatever the power of the transmiter is, they won't
reach
more than 25 miles before getting lost in space.

Well, not really. It all depends on antenna height. From the Jersey
shore, not only can I talk to the Cape May CG station, but also to
Baltimore and Chincoteague, Virginia. I have fairly reliable
communications with CG stations up to over 100 miles.

ducting...dangerous to rely on for reliable communications...

It must be a pretty reliable duct because I hear the Baltimore CG
station almost all the time from the Jersey Shore. It's faint of
course, but perfectly readable.

Steve

BASIC Radio Question
 

The proper term is "remote base station". A Coast guard station may
have several radio stations that they operate from one point. Those
remote stations are tied to the operation point by phone line. Your
signal does not get "repeated" over their system.
They may transmit on more than one of those remote stations at the
same time. They also listen to all of them at the same time.

A repeater requires two frequencies ot operate. One to receive and one
to transmit on. Channel 16 is only a single frequency.

Regards
Gary


On Mon, 15 Dec 2003 08:56:49 -0500, "Jeff Morris"
wrote:

Group Boston has their primary on the Hancock tower in Boston, plus repeaters in
Plum Island north, and Marshfield south.

Baltimore has a repeater at the C&D Canal (as well as south); and Chincoteague
has one in Ocean City and one to the south. Both are within about 60 miles of
the Jersey coast.

These are all on high towers, and broadcast at much higher than 25 watts. If
there is any ducting to be had, these signals will find it. In Boston I often
hear Portland and Woods Hole, where the repeaters are 50+ miles away. Sometimes
I get Bar Harbor.

Here's a set of maps showing the repeater locations and the "nominal" coverage.
http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/cgcomms/nds.htm

"Steven Shelikoff" wrote in message
...
On Mon, 15 Dec 2003 05:06:35 GMT, (Bob) wrote:

On Sun, 14 Dec 2003 17:31:13 GMT, (Steven
Shelikoff) wrote:

On Sun, 14 Dec 2003 11:29:19 -0500, Jean Dufour
wrote:

VHF waves work "line of sight". They may be slightly curved around the
horizon but
they won't be much. So, whatever the power of the transmiter is, they won't
reach
more than 25 miles before getting lost in space.

Well, not really. It all depends on antenna height. From the Jersey
shore, not only can I talk to the Cape May CG station, but also to
Baltimore and Chincoteague, Virginia. I have fairly reliable
communications with CG stations up to over 100 miles.

ducting...dangerous to rely on for reliable communications...

It must be a pretty reliable duct because I hear the Baltimore CG
station almost all the time from the Jersey Shore. It's faint of
course, but perfectly readable.

Steve

BASIC Radio Question
 

The proper term is "remote base station". A Coast guard station may
have several radio stations that they operate from one point. Those
remote stations are tied to the operation point by phone line. Your
signal does not get "repeated" over their system.
They may transmit on more than one of those remote stations at the
same time. They also listen to all of them at the same time.

A repeater requires two frequencies ot operate. One to receive and one
to transmit on. Channel 16 is only a single frequency.

Regards
Gary


On Mon, 15 Dec 2003 08:56:49 -0500, "Jeff Morris"
wrote:

Group Boston has their primary on the Hancock tower in Boston, plus repeaters in
Plum Island north, and Marshfield south.

Baltimore has a repeater at the C&D Canal (as well as south); and Chincoteague
has one in Ocean City and one to the south. Both are within about 60 miles of
the Jersey coast.

These are all on high towers, and broadcast at much higher than 25 watts. If
there is any ducting to be had, these signals will find it. In Boston I often
hear Portland and Woods Hole, where the repeaters are 50+ miles away. Sometimes
I get Bar Harbor.

Here's a set of maps showing the repeater locations and the "nominal" coverage.
http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/cgcomms/nds.htm

"Steven Shelikoff" wrote in message
...
On Mon, 15 Dec 2003 05:06:35 GMT, (Bob) wrote:

On Sun, 14 Dec 2003 17:31:13 GMT, (Steven
Shelikoff) wrote:

On Sun, 14 Dec 2003 11:29:19 -0500, Jean Dufour
wrote:

VHF waves work "line of sight". They may be slightly curved around the
horizon but
they won't be much. So, whatever the power of the transmiter is, they won't
reach
more than 25 miles before getting lost in space.

Well, not really. It all depends on antenna height. From the Jersey
shore, not only can I talk to the Cape May CG station, but also to
Baltimore and Chincoteague, Virginia. I have fairly reliable
communications with CG stations up to over 100 miles.

ducting...dangerous to rely on for reliable communications...

It must be a pretty reliable duct because I hear the Baltimore CG
station almost all the time from the Jersey Shore. It's faint of
course, but perfectly readable.

Steve

BASIC Radio Question
 

On Mon, 15 Dec 2003 07:05:02 GMT, (Steven
Shelikoff) wrote:

On Mon, 15 Dec 2003 05:06:35 GMT, (Bob) wrote:

On Sun, 14 Dec 2003 17:31:13 GMT, (Steven
Shelikoff) wrote:

On Sun, 14 Dec 2003 11:29:19 -0500, Jean Dufour
wrote:

VHF waves work "line of sight". They may be slightly curved around the horizon but
they won't be much. So, whatever the power of the transmiter is, they won't reach
more than 25 miles before getting lost in space.

Well, not really. It all depends on antenna height. From the Jersey
shore, not only can I talk to the Cape May CG station, but also to
Baltimore and Chincoteague, Virginia. I have fairly reliable
communications with CG stations up to over 100 miles.

ducting...dangerous to rely on for reliable communications...

It must be a pretty reliable duct because I hear the Baltimore CG
station almost all the time from the Jersey Shore. It's faint of
course, but perfectly readable.

Steve

This sounds like the region of increased attenuation beyond the line
of sight between two stations. If you can pick out signal beneath
noise this extends range aways.

Brian W