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need inexpensive marine ssb and ham radio for cruising sailboat.
I am looking for an inexpensive tranceiver for my sailboat.I am
rapidly running out of money and need a cheap reliable rig.I have just insulated my backstay(37 feet).aAny ideas? Thanks,Eric. |
need inexpensive marine ssb and ham radio for cruising sailboat.
ICOM M700 or M710 can be found used. How cheap is
cheap? Doug s/v Callista "Eric" wrote in message om... I am looking for an inexpensive tranceiver for my sailboat.I am rapidly running out of money and need a cheap reliable rig.I have just insulated my backstay(37 feet).aAny ideas? Thanks,Eric. |
need inexpensive marine ssb and ham radio for cruising sailboat.
Buy a good Kenwood TS-440 ham radio off eBay - you see them fairly
frequently. I've had one onboard for 14 years. 4 mos ago I bought another off eBay for $300 - excellent condition - as a backup. They tr/rec up to 30 MHz. They can easily be "clipped" to transmit legally (in an emergency) on all SSB freq - and no one can tell. They work with the PTC Pactor 2 and 3 modems for sailmail and ham email at full speed.. You'll need an antenna tuner - could be a manual one for $50 or so will do - lots of "real" cruisers use these setups and use the balance saved to cruise longer. Don't let "marina" cruisers BS you. On 7 May 2004 12:47:52 -0700, (Eric) wrote: I am looking for an inexpensive tranceiver for my sailboat.I am rapidly running out of money and need a cheap reliable rig.I have just insulated my backstay(37 feet).aAny ideas? Thanks,Eric. |
need inexpensive marine ssb and ham radio for cruising sailboat.
"Eric" wrote in message
om... I am looking for an inexpensive tranceiver for my sailboat.I am rapidly running out of money and need a cheap reliable rig.I have just insulated my backstay(37 feet).aAny ideas? Thanks,Eric. Eric, Your somewhat typical request elcited somewhat typical replies so far. Maybe it's helpful to you to get an answer to that question, but I think you're attitude is likely to cost someone's life, probably your own. If you really think getting a "cheap reliable rig" as you are now "rapidly running out of money" is the acceptable order of things before an offshore excursion, you are an accident waiting to happen. Well meaning but improper advice from the group comes complete with telling you it's easy to break the law, and encouraging you to do so. These legal eagles really believe that so long as you later have an emergency (assured in your case Eric), you didn't break any law. They are wrong, as are your priorities. Instead of compounding your mistakes with their bad advice, your whole sailing experience would be more enjoyable and safer if you would learn some simple safe boating practices. Then you would be more likely to prevent the need for cheap radios you are not licensed or trained to use, as well as understand the fallacy of advice to believe in illegal operation as a saving grace to other inadequacies. I recommend you take some seamanship, communications and other safe boating courses offered by the United States Power Squadrons and United States Coast Guard Auxiliary via your nearest marina or boating center. Then you could be safely enjoying the water and able to help others do the same instead of learning to break the law and operating recklessly from a vessel and crew of uncertain capabilities. Like the 38' sloop we saw today - watching her "master" try to teach his only mate, a totally inexperienced girl, how to raise the mainsail while he headed them out into 10' rollers in a 25kt NE under small craft warnings this morning. I wonder if he was confident that his illegally modifed "cheap" SSB radio could have raised us. It would fit the bill. Sincerely, Jack Painter USCG Auxiliary Virginia Beach, Va |
need inexpensive marine ssb and ham radio for cruising sailboat.
I'm not normally rude to ****heads like you - but you're not answering
his question. You must be another ****ing Bush Republican. It is perfectly legal to modify ham radios so they can transmit on marine SSB freq's in an emergency. Go ask your Mother - she'll confirm this. BTW - 25 knots and 10 ft seas in a 38' boat is just exciting sailing. We get that frequently between Long Beach and Catalina - and it's great fast sailing. On Sun, 9 May 2004 01:13:45 -0400, "Jack Painter" wrote: "Eric" wrote in message . com... I am looking for an inexpensive tranceiver for my sailboat.I am rapidly running out of money and need a cheap reliable rig.I have just insulated my backstay(37 feet).aAny ideas? Thanks,Eric. Eric, Your somewhat typical request elcited somewhat typical replies so far. Maybe it's helpful to you to get an answer to that question, but I think you're attitude is likely to cost someone's life, probably your own. If you really think getting a "cheap reliable rig" as you are now "rapidly running out of money" is the acceptable order of things before an offshore excursion, you are an accident waiting to happen. Well meaning but improper advice from the group comes complete with telling you it's easy to break the law, and encouraging you to do so. These legal eagles really believe that so long as you later have an emergency (assured in your case Eric), you didn't break any law. They are wrong, as are your priorities. Instead of compounding your mistakes with their bad advice, your whole sailing experience would be more enjoyable and safer if you would learn some simple safe boating practices. Then you would be more likely to prevent the need for cheap radios you are not licensed or trained to use, as well as understand the fallacy of advice to believe in illegal operation as a saving grace to other inadequacies. I recommend you take some seamanship, communications and other safe boating courses offered by the United States Power Squadrons and United States Coast Guard Auxiliary via your nearest marina or boating center. Then you could be safely enjoying the water and able to help others do the same instead of learning to break the law and operating recklessly from a vessel and crew of uncertain capabilities. Like the 38' sloop we saw today - watching her "master" try to teach his only mate, a totally inexperienced girl, how to raise the mainsail while he headed them out into 10' rollers in a 25kt NE under small craft warnings this morning. I wonder if he was confident that his illegally modifed "cheap" SSB radio could have raised us. It would fit the bill. Sincerely, Jack Painter USCG Auxiliary Virginia Beach, Va |
need inexpensive marine ssb and ham radio for cruising sailboat.
Gee, how do you really feel about it? Nice language. Those of us whose
parents were married don't talk that way. And we don't hide behind phony internet ID's. Anyone thinking about unauthorized mods to a SSB radio can write me and I will be glad to find a local representative in your area where you can have the law explained to you in person. "master" try to teach his only mate, a totally inexperienced girl, how to raise the mainsail while he headed them out into 10' rollers in a 25kt NE That's poor judgement, and good sailors have no problem understanding this. Jack Painter Virginia Beach, VA "santacruz" wrote in message ... I'm not normally rude to ****heads like you - but you're not answering his question. You must be another ****ing Bush Republican. It is perfectly legal to modify ham radios so they can transmit on marine SSB freq's in an emergency. Go ask your Mother - she'll confirm this. BTW - 25 knots and 10 ft seas in a 38' boat is just exciting sailing. We get that frequently between Long Beach and Catalina - and it's great fast sailing. On Sun, 9 May 2004 01:13:45 -0400, "Jack Painter" wrote: "Eric" wrote in message . com... I am looking for an inexpensive tranceiver for my sailboat.I am rapidly running out of money and need a cheap reliable rig.I have just insulated my backstay(37 feet).aAny ideas? Thanks,Eric. Eric, Your somewhat typical request elcited somewhat typical replies so far. Maybe it's helpful to you to get an answer to that question, but I think you're attitude is likely to cost someone's life, probably your own. If you really think getting a "cheap reliable rig" as you are now "rapidly running out of money" is the acceptable order of things before an offshore excursion, you are an accident waiting to happen. Well meaning but improper advice from the group comes complete with telling you it's easy to break the law, and encouraging you to do so. These legal eagles really believe that so long as you later have an emergency (assured in your case Eric), you didn't break any law. They are wrong, as are your priorities. Instead of compounding your mistakes with their bad advice, your whole sailing experience would be more enjoyable and safer if you would learn some simple safe boating practices. Then you would be more likely to prevent the need for cheap radios you are not licensed or trained to use, as well as understand the fallacy of advice to believe in illegal operation as a saving grace to other inadequacies. I recommend you take some seamanship, communications and other safe boating courses offered by the United States Power Squadrons and United States Coast Guard Auxiliary via your nearest marina or boating center. Then you could be safely enjoying the water and able to help others do the same instead of learning to break the law and operating recklessly from a vessel and crew of uncertain capabilities. Like the 38' sloop we saw today - watching her "master" try to teach his only mate, a totally inexperienced girl, how to raise the mainsail while he headed them out into 10' rollers in a 25kt NE under small craft warnings this morning. I wonder if he was confident that his illegally modifed "cheap" SSB radio could have raised us. It would fit the bill. Sincerely, Jack Painter USCG Auxiliary Virginia Beach, Va |
need inexpensive marine ssb and ham radio for cruising sailboat.
Fortunately, ham radio is not under the same rules as marine
SSB when it comes to modifications. Type accepted marine gear cannot be modified but ham gear can. I can build my own rig if I want to and I am not violating any law unless have emmisions that are in violation to those specified (freq, spurious radiation, harmonics, etc). In other words, I can't violate the law unless I transmit. If you look closer at the rules, all rules are suspended in an emergency. So transmitting on a modified rig is not illegal in an emergency. As far as having a cheap rig on board, that is a personal choice. I have cruised with many that don't have an SSB. Doug (That is my real name) s/v Callista "Jack Painter" wrote in message news:fgCnc.34527$pJ1.28623@lakeread02... Gee, how do you really feel about it? Nice language. Those of us whose parents were married don't talk that way. And we don't hide behind phony internet ID's. Anyone thinking about unauthorized mods to a SSB radio can write me and I will be glad to find a local representative in your area where you can have the law explained to you in person. "master" try to teach his only mate, a totally inexperienced girl, how to raise the mainsail while he headed them out into 10' rollers in a 25kt NE That's poor judgement, and good sailors have no problem understanding this. Jack Painter Virginia Beach, VA "santacruz" wrote in message ... I'm not normally rude to ****heads like you - but you're not answering his question. You must be another ****ing Bush Republican. It is perfectly legal to modify ham radios so they can transmit on marine SSB freq's in an emergency. Go ask your Mother - she'll confirm this. BTW - 25 knots and 10 ft seas in a 38' boat is just exciting sailing. We get that frequently between Long Beach and Catalina - and it's great fast sailing. On Sun, 9 May 2004 01:13:45 -0400, "Jack Painter" wrote: "Eric" wrote in message . com... I am looking for an inexpensive tranceiver for my sailboat.I am rapidly running out of money and need a cheap reliable rig.I have just insulated my backstay(37 feet).aAny ideas? Thanks,Eric. Eric, Your somewhat typical request elcited somewhat typical replies so far. Maybe it's helpful to you to get an answer to that question, but I think you're attitude is likely to cost someone's life, probably your own. If you really think getting a "cheap reliable rig" as you are now "rapidly running out of money" is the acceptable order of things before an offshore excursion, you are an accident waiting to happen. Well meaning but improper advice from the group comes complete with telling you it's easy to break the law, and encouraging you to do so. These legal eagles really believe that so long as you later have an emergency (assured in your case Eric), you didn't break any law. They are wrong, as are your priorities. Instead of compounding your mistakes with their bad advice, your whole sailing experience would be more enjoyable and safer if you would learn some simple safe boating practices. Then you would be more likely to prevent the need for cheap radios you are not licensed or trained to use, as well as understand the fallacy of advice to believe in illegal operation as a saving grace to other inadequacies. I recommend you take some seamanship, communications and other safe boating courses offered by the United States Power Squadrons and United States Coast Guard Auxiliary via your nearest marina or boating center. Then you could be safely enjoying the water and able to help others do the same instead of learning to break the law and operating recklessly from a vessel and crew of uncertain capabilities. Like the 38' sloop we saw today - watching her "master" try to teach his only mate, a totally inexperienced girl, how to raise the mainsail while he headed them out into 10' rollers in a 25kt NE under small craft warnings this morning. I wonder if he was confident that his illegally modifed "cheap" SSB radio could have raised us. It would fit the bill. Sincerely, Jack Painter USCG Auxiliary Virginia Beach, Va |
need inexpensive marine ssb and ham radio for cruising sailboat.
Hi Doug,
Yes I'm aware that a licensed Amateur Radio operator can build and modify equipment with the proper class license. We rely on your expertise and abilities in communication emergencies. I am the Emergency Readiness Coordinator for the USCG Auxiliary Division 5, Port of Hampton Roads, Va, and we utilize all available agencies and volunteers in an emergency. What is bad practice though, is to encourage anyone to modify communications equipment which as you know, is permitted only under very limited circumstances and could not therefore be acceptable for general use in emergency communications. If you can't do it legally, can't test it, can't tune it, and can't practice with it, you shouldn't have been encouraged to consider such equipment as part of your planning for emergencies. Responsible sailors can easily get a license for SSB marine operations and learn how to contact the USCG and other monitoring agencies, including commercial and volunteer watchstanders on authorized SSB marine bands. I work in this field for USCG HF communications, and we are happy to provide assistance to boaters in this matter. Best regards, Jack Painter Virginia Beach, Va "Doug Dotson" wrote in message ... Fortunately, ham radio is not under the same rules as marine SSB when it comes to modifications. Type accepted marine gear cannot be modified but ham gear can. I can build my own rig if I want to and I am not violating any law unless have emmisions that are in violation to those specified (freq, spurious radiation, harmonics, etc). In other words, I can't violate the law unless I transmit. If you look closer at the rules, all rules are suspended in an emergency. So transmitting on a modified rig is not illegal in an emergency. As far as having a cheap rig on board, that is a personal choice. I have cruised with many that don't have an SSB. Doug (That is my real name) s/v Callista "Jack Painter" wrote in message news:fgCnc.34527$pJ1.28623@lakeread02... Gee, how do you really feel about it? Nice language. Those of us whose parents were married don't talk that way. And we don't hide behind phony internet ID's. Anyone thinking about unauthorized mods to a SSB radio can write me and I will be glad to find a local representative in your area where you can have the law explained to you in person. "master" try to teach his only mate, a totally inexperienced girl, how to raise the mainsail while he headed them out into 10' rollers in a 25kt NE That's poor judgement, and good sailors have no problem understanding this. Jack Painter Virginia Beach, VA "santacruz" wrote in message ... I'm not normally rude to ****heads like you - but you're not answering his question. You must be another ****ing Bush Republican. It is perfectly legal to modify ham radios so they can transmit on marine SSB freq's in an emergency. Go ask your Mother - she'll confirm this. BTW - 25 knots and 10 ft seas in a 38' boat is just exciting sailing. We get that frequently between Long Beach and Catalina - and it's great fast sailing. On Sun, 9 May 2004 01:13:45 -0400, "Jack Painter" wrote: "Eric" wrote in message . com... I am looking for an inexpensive tranceiver for my sailboat.I am rapidly running out of money and need a cheap reliable rig.I have just insulated my backstay(37 feet).aAny ideas? Thanks,Eric. Eric, Your somewhat typical request elcited somewhat typical replies so far. Maybe it's helpful to you to get an answer to that question, but I think you're attitude is likely to cost someone's life, probably your own. If you really think getting a "cheap reliable rig" as you are now "rapidly running out of money" is the acceptable order of things before an offshore excursion, you are an accident waiting to happen. Well meaning but improper advice from the group comes complete with telling you it's easy to break the law, and encouraging you to do so. These legal eagles really believe that so long as you later have an emergency (assured in your case Eric), you didn't break any law. They are wrong, as are your priorities. Instead of compounding your mistakes with their bad advice, your whole sailing experience would be more enjoyable and safer if you would learn some simple safe boating practices. Then you would be more likely to prevent the need for cheap radios you are not licensed or trained to use, as well as understand the fallacy of advice to believe in illegal operation as a saving grace to other inadequacies. I recommend you take some seamanship, communications and other safe boating courses offered by the United States Power Squadrons and United States Coast Guard Auxiliary via your nearest marina or boating center. Then you could be safely enjoying the water and able to help others do the same instead of learning to break the law and operating recklessly from a vessel and crew of uncertain capabilities. Like the 38' sloop we saw today - watching her "master" try to teach his only mate, a totally inexperienced girl, how to raise the mainsail while he headed them out into 10' rollers in a 25kt NE under small craft warnings this morning. I wonder if he was confident that his illegally modifed "cheap" SSB radio could have raised us. It would fit the bill. Sincerely, Jack Painter USCG Auxiliary Virginia Beach, Va |
need inexpensive marine ssb and ham radio for cruising sailboat.
Hummm. Last time needed help and was out of VHF range I was
never able to raise any USCG station on marine SSB. When I did finally get within range of a VHF CG station (very poor signal). I asked if I could switch to an SSB frequency for better communications. I was told that USCG no longer monitored Marine SSB, so it was poor VHF or nothing. A few comments below. Doug s/v Callista "Jack Painter" wrote in message news:gkDnc.34930$pJ1.10709@lakeread02... Hi Doug, Yes I'm aware that a licensed Amateur Radio operator can build and modify equipment with the proper class license. I beleive any license class is acceptable. We rely on your expertise and abilities in communication emergencies. I am the Emergency Readiness Coordinator for the USCG Auxiliary Division 5, Port of Hampton Roads, Va, and we utilize all available agencies and volunteers in an emergency. What is bad practice though, is to encourage anyone to modify communications equipment which as you know, is permitted only under very limited circumstances and could not therefore be acceptable for general use in emergency communications. If you can't do it legally, can't test it, can't tune it, and can't practice with it, you shouldn't have been encouraged to consider such equipment as part of your planning for emergencies. There are several ham rigs on the market now that are type accepted for marine SSB use. The mods are legal and operating them on the marine SSB frequencies is legal. The SGC SG-2000 was the first one to be granted type acceptance, but I'm pretty sure that several others are now accepted. Responsible sailors can easily get a license for SSB marine operations So can irresponsible sailors. If they want to encourage sailors to get the license, why charge $150 for it? and learn how to contact the USCG and other monitoring agencies, including commercial and volunteer watchstanders on authorized SSB marine bands. I work in this field for USCG HF communications, and we are happy to provide assistance to boaters in this matter. Well as I said earlier, the only time I was in an emergency situation, I got absolutely nowhere with marine SSB. Best regards, Jack Painter Virginia Beach, Va "Doug Dotson" wrote in message ... Fortunately, ham radio is not under the same rules as marine SSB when it comes to modifications. Type accepted marine gear cannot be modified but ham gear can. I can build my own rig if I want to and I am not violating any law unless have emmisions that are in violation to those specified (freq, spurious radiation, harmonics, etc). In other words, I can't violate the law unless I transmit. If you look closer at the rules, all rules are suspended in an emergency. So transmitting on a modified rig is not illegal in an emergency. As far as having a cheap rig on board, that is a personal choice. I have cruised with many that don't have an SSB. Doug (That is my real name) s/v Callista "Jack Painter" wrote in message news:fgCnc.34527$pJ1.28623@lakeread02... Gee, how do you really feel about it? Nice language. Those of us whose parents were married don't talk that way. And we don't hide behind phony internet ID's. Anyone thinking about unauthorized mods to a SSB radio can write me and I will be glad to find a local representative in your area where you can have the law explained to you in person. "master" try to teach his only mate, a totally inexperienced girl, how to raise the mainsail while he headed them out into 10' rollers in a 25kt NE That's poor judgement, and good sailors have no problem understanding this. Jack Painter Virginia Beach, VA "santacruz" wrote in message ... I'm not normally rude to ****heads like you - but you're not answering his question. You must be another ****ing Bush Republican. It is perfectly legal to modify ham radios so they can transmit on marine SSB freq's in an emergency. Go ask your Mother - she'll confirm this. BTW - 25 knots and 10 ft seas in a 38' boat is just exciting sailing. We get that frequently between Long Beach and Catalina - and it's great fast sailing. On Sun, 9 May 2004 01:13:45 -0400, "Jack Painter" wrote: "Eric" wrote in message . com... I am looking for an inexpensive tranceiver for my sailboat.I am rapidly running out of money and need a cheap reliable rig.I have just insulated my backstay(37 feet).aAny ideas? Thanks,Eric. Eric, Your somewhat typical request elcited somewhat typical replies so far. Maybe it's helpful to you to get an answer to that question, but I think you're attitude is likely to cost someone's life, probably your own. If you really think getting a "cheap reliable rig" as you are now "rapidly running out of money" is the acceptable order of things before an offshore excursion, you are an accident waiting to happen. Well meaning but improper advice from the group comes complete with telling you it's easy to break the law, and encouraging you to do so. These legal eagles really believe that so long as you later have an emergency (assured in your case Eric), you didn't break any law. They are wrong, as are your priorities. Instead of compounding your mistakes with their bad advice, your whole sailing experience would be more enjoyable and safer if you would learn some simple safe boating practices. Then you would be more likely to prevent the need for cheap radios you are not licensed or trained to use, as well as understand the fallacy of advice to believe in illegal operation as a saving grace to other inadequacies. I recommend you take some seamanship, communications and other safe boating courses offered by the United States Power Squadrons and United States Coast Guard Auxiliary via your nearest marina or boating center. Then you could be safely enjoying the water and able to help others do the same instead of learning to break the law and operating recklessly from a vessel and crew of uncertain capabilities. Like the 38' sloop we saw today - watching her "master" try to teach his only mate, a totally inexperienced girl, how to raise the mainsail while he headed them out into 10' rollers in a 25kt NE under small craft warnings this morning. I wonder if he was confident that his illegally modifed "cheap" SSB radio could have raised us. It would fit the bill. Sincerely, Jack Painter USCG Auxiliary Virginia Beach, Va |
need inexpensive marine ssb and ham radio for cruising sailboat.
"Doug Dotson" wrote in message
... Hummm. Last time needed help and was out of VHF range I was never able to raise any USCG station on marine SSB. When I did finally get within range of a VHF CG station (very poor signal). I asked if I could switch to an SSB frequency for better communications. I was told that USCG no longer monitored Marine SSB, so it was poor VHF or nothing. A few comments below. Doug s/v Callista Doug, I'm sorry to hear about your bad experience with USCG communications. HF propagation is, as you know better than most, is never a sure thing, especially from long distance, low power, solar activity and other interference. But we do the very best possible 24/7 to maintain the best HF coverage of any agency in the world from the USCG communication stations. When the T/V Bow Mariner exploded and sank, they put out one Mayday on 2182 USB. Four USCG Groups from Newport RI to Charleston SC answered it almost simulataneously. It has been and continues to be monitored at every USCG Group. CAMSLANT CHEASPEAKE (Virginia), where I work, monitors several listed SSB maritime band guard frequencies and will assist any mariner on them (We do not monitor 2182, Groups do that). CAMSPAC PT REYES in California does the same for Pacific traffic. If you made a call on one of those guarded frequencies, and you believe your radio worked, and it was not answered, you should make a report to the USCG about it. If a mariner cannot obtain good copy from one of the many guarded SSB maritime channels, I sure don't know why the odds would be better on a circuit they are not authorized to use _except in an emergency_, as they would not know the times guarded, direction or location antennas pointed, etc. If you are authorized to modify a radio, I'm sure you would try that route, but it is not legal advice to give to the general boating public, including commercial craft to modify or illegally operate SSB radios. Tracking down abuse from commercial fishermen is easier than some might think, and when they operate on government curcuits they are prosecuted. http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/default.htm has all the information about maritime SSB guard frequencies and other means of communications for emergencies at sea. As to why the license which is good for ten years to life, depending on class and type, could cost $150, that's not something we can do anything about, unless you think your Congressman would lobby the FCC to change it. Hope this was some help, 73's Jack Painter USCG Auxiliary Virginia Beach, Va "Jack Painter" wrote in message news:gkDnc.34930$pJ1.10709@lakeread02... Hi Doug, Yes I'm aware that a licensed Amateur Radio operator can build and modify equipment with the proper class license. I beleive any license class is acceptable. We rely on your expertise and abilities in communication emergencies. I am the Emergency Readiness Coordinator for the USCG Auxiliary Division 5, Port of Hampton Roads, Va, and we utilize all available agencies and volunteers in an emergency. What is bad practice though, is to encourage anyone to modify communications equipment which as you know, is permitted only under very limited circumstances and could not therefore be acceptable for general use in emergency communications. If you can't do it legally, can't test it, can't tune it, and can't practice with it, you shouldn't have been encouraged to consider such equipment as part of your planning for emergencies. There are several ham rigs on the market now that are type accepted for marine SSB use. The mods are legal and operating them on the marine SSB frequencies is legal. The SGC SG-2000 was the first one to be granted type acceptance, but I'm pretty sure that several others are now accepted. Responsible sailors can easily get a license for SSB marine operations So can irresponsible sailors. If they want to encourage sailors to get the license, why charge $150 for it? and learn how to contact the USCG and other monitoring agencies, including commercial and volunteer watchstanders on authorized SSB marine bands. I work in this field for USCG HF communications, and we are happy to provide assistance to boaters in this matter. Well as I said earlier, the only time I was in an emergency situation, I got absolutely nowhere with marine SSB. Best regards, Jack Painter Virginia Beach, Va "Doug Dotson" wrote in message ... Fortunately, ham radio is not under the same rules as marine SSB when it comes to modifications. Type accepted marine gear cannot be modified but ham gear can. I can build my own rig if I want to and I am not violating any law unless have emmisions that are in violation to those specified (freq, spurious radiation, harmonics, etc). In other words, I can't violate the law unless I transmit. If you look closer at the rules, all rules are suspended in an emergency. So transmitting on a modified rig is not illegal in an emergency. As far as having a cheap rig on board, that is a personal choice. I have cruised with many that don't have an SSB. Doug (That is my real name) s/v Callista "Jack Painter" wrote in message news:fgCnc.34527$pJ1.28623@lakeread02... Gee, how do you really feel about it? Nice language. Those of us whose parents were married don't talk that way. And we don't hide behind phony internet ID's. Anyone thinking about unauthorized mods to a SSB radio can write me and I will be glad to find a local representative in your area where you can have the law explained to you in person. "master" try to teach his only mate, a totally inexperienced girl, how to raise the mainsail while he headed them out into 10' rollers in a 25kt NE That's poor judgement, and good sailors have no problem understanding this. Jack Painter Virginia Beach, VA "santacruz" wrote in message ... I'm not normally rude to ****heads like you - but you're not answering his question. You must be another ****ing Bush Republican. It is perfectly legal to modify ham radios so they can transmit on marine SSB freq's in an emergency. Go ask your Mother - she'll confirm this. BTW - 25 knots and 10 ft seas in a 38' boat is just exciting sailing. We get that frequently between Long Beach and Catalina - and it's great fast sailing. On Sun, 9 May 2004 01:13:45 -0400, "Jack Painter" wrote: "Eric" wrote in message . com... I am looking for an inexpensive tranceiver for my sailboat.I am rapidly running out of money and need a cheap reliable rig.I have just insulated my backstay(37 feet).aAny ideas? Thanks,Eric. Eric, Your somewhat typical request elcited somewhat typical replies so far. Maybe it's helpful to you to get an answer to that question, but I think you're attitude is likely to cost someone's life, probably your own. If you really think getting a "cheap reliable rig" as you are now "rapidly running out of money" is the acceptable order of things before an offshore excursion, you are an accident waiting to happen. Well meaning but improper advice from the group comes complete with telling you it's easy to break the law, and encouraging you to do so. These legal eagles really believe that so long as you later have an emergency (assured in your case Eric), you didn't break any law. They are wrong, as are your priorities. Instead of compounding your mistakes with their bad advice, your whole sailing experience would be more enjoyable and safer if you would learn some simple safe boating practices. Then you would be more likely to prevent the need for cheap radios you are not licensed or trained to use, as well as understand the fallacy of advice to believe in illegal operation as a saving grace to other inadequacies. I recommend you take some seamanship, communications and other safe boating courses offered by the United States Power Squadrons and United States Coast Guard Auxiliary via your nearest marina or boating center. Then you could be safely enjoying the water and able to help others do the same instead of learning to break the law and operating recklessly from a vessel and crew of uncertain capabilities. Like the 38' sloop we saw today - watching her "master" try to teach his only mate, a totally inexperienced girl, how to raise the mainsail while he headed them out into 10' rollers in a 25kt NE under small craft warnings this morning. I wonder if he was confident that his illegally modifed "cheap" SSB radio could have raised us. It would fit the bill. Sincerely, Jack Painter USCG Auxiliary Virginia Beach, Va |
need inexpensive marine ssb and ham radio for cruising sailboat.
Hi Jack,
I see that in the frequency list that it says: "The Coast Guard does NOT monitor GMDSS radiotelephone or radiotelex channels." I have heard several people say that they have never been able to raise the Coast guard on any of those frequencies. Even though they elude to the fact that they monitor them at the top of the page. Awhile back I saw something on the Coast guard site that said "you may need to make repeated calls for lengthy time" in order to raise them. Are you saying that these channels are monitored? Thanks Gary On Mon, 10 May 2004 18:35:20 -0400, "Jack Painter" wrote: "Doug Dotson" wrote in message ... Hummm. Last time needed help and was out of VHF range I was never able to raise any USCG station on marine SSB. When I did finally get within range of a VHF CG station (very poor signal). I asked if I could switch to an SSB frequency for better communications. I was told that USCG no longer monitored Marine SSB, so it was poor VHF or nothing. A few comments below. Doug s/v Callista Doug, I'm sorry to hear about your bad experience with USCG communications. HF propagation is, as you know better than most, is never a sure thing, especially from long distance, low power, solar activity and other interference. But we do the very best possible 24/7 to maintain the best HF coverage of any agency in the world from the USCG communication stations. When the T/V Bow Mariner exploded and sank, they put out one Mayday on 2182 USB. Four USCG Groups from Newport RI to Charleston SC answered it almost simulataneously. It has been and continues to be monitored at every USCG Group. CAMSLANT CHEASPEAKE (Virginia), where I work, monitors several listed SSB maritime band guard frequencies and will assist any mariner on them (We do not monitor 2182, Groups do that). CAMSPAC PT REYES in California does the same for Pacific traffic. If you made a call on one of those guarded frequencies, and you believe your radio worked, and it was not answered, you should make a report to the USCG about it. If a mariner cannot obtain good copy from one of the many guarded SSB maritime channels, I sure don't know why the odds would be better on a circuit they are not authorized to use _except in an emergency_, as they would not know the times guarded, direction or location antennas pointed, etc. If you are authorized to modify a radio, I'm sure you would try that route, but it is not legal advice to give to the general boating public, including commercial craft to modify or illegally operate SSB radios. Tracking down abuse from commercial fishermen is easier than some might think, and when they operate on government curcuits they are prosecuted. http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/default.htm has all the information about maritime SSB guard frequencies and other means of communications for emergencies at sea. As to why the license which is good for ten years to life, depending on class and type, could cost $150, that's not something we can do anything about, unless you think your Congressman would lobby the FCC to change it. Hope this was some help, 73's Jack Painter USCG Auxiliary Virginia Beach, Va "Jack Painter" wrote in message news:gkDnc.34930$pJ1.10709@lakeread02... Hi Doug, Yes I'm aware that a licensed Amateur Radio operator can build and modify equipment with the proper class license. I beleive any license class is acceptable. We rely on your expertise and abilities in communication emergencies. I am the Emergency Readiness Coordinator for the USCG Auxiliary Division 5, Port of Hampton Roads, Va, and we utilize all available agencies and volunteers in an emergency. What is bad practice though, is to encourage anyone to modify communications equipment which as you know, is permitted only under very limited circumstances and could not therefore be acceptable for general use in emergency communications. If you can't do it legally, can't test it, can't tune it, and can't practice with it, you shouldn't have been encouraged to consider such equipment as part of your planning for emergencies. There are several ham rigs on the market now that are type accepted for marine SSB use. The mods are legal and operating them on the marine SSB frequencies is legal. The SGC SG-2000 was the first one to be granted type acceptance, but I'm pretty sure that several others are now accepted. Responsible sailors can easily get a license for SSB marine operations So can irresponsible sailors. If they want to encourage sailors to get the license, why charge $150 for it? and learn how to contact the USCG and other monitoring agencies, including commercial and volunteer watchstanders on authorized SSB marine bands. I work in this field for USCG HF communications, and we are happy to provide assistance to boaters in this matter. Well as I said earlier, the only time I was in an emergency situation, I got absolutely nowhere with marine SSB. Best regards, Jack Painter Virginia Beach, Va "Doug Dotson" wrote in message ... Fortunately, ham radio is not under the same rules as marine SSB when it comes to modifications. Type accepted marine gear cannot be modified but ham gear can. I can build my own rig if I want to and I am not violating any law unless have emmisions that are in violation to those specified (freq, spurious radiation, harmonics, etc). In other words, I can't violate the law unless I transmit. If you look closer at the rules, all rules are suspended in an emergency. So transmitting on a modified rig is not illegal in an emergency. As far as having a cheap rig on board, that is a personal choice. I have cruised with many that don't have an SSB. Doug (That is my real name) s/v Callista "Jack Painter" wrote in message news:fgCnc.34527$pJ1.28623@lakeread02... Gee, how do you really feel about it? Nice language. Those of us whose parents were married don't talk that way. And we don't hide behind phony internet ID's. Anyone thinking about unauthorized mods to a SSB radio can write me and I will be glad to find a local representative in your area where you can have the law explained to you in person. "master" try to teach his only mate, a totally inexperienced girl, how to raise the mainsail while he headed them out into 10' rollers in a 25kt NE That's poor judgement, and good sailors have no problem understanding this. Jack Painter Virginia Beach, VA "santacruz" wrote in message ... I'm not normally rude to ****heads like you - but you're not answering his question. You must be another ****ing Bush Republican. It is perfectly legal to modify ham radios so they can transmit on marine SSB freq's in an emergency. Go ask your Mother - she'll confirm this. BTW - 25 knots and 10 ft seas in a 38' boat is just exciting sailing. We get that frequently between Long Beach and Catalina - and it's great fast sailing. On Sun, 9 May 2004 01:13:45 -0400, "Jack Painter" wrote: "Eric" wrote in message . com... I am looking for an inexpensive tranceiver for my sailboat.I am rapidly running out of money and need a cheap reliable rig.I have just insulated my backstay(37 feet).aAny ideas? Thanks,Eric. Eric, Your somewhat typical request elcited somewhat typical replies so far. Maybe it's helpful to you to get an answer to that question, but I think you're attitude is likely to cost someone's life, probably your own. If you really think getting a "cheap reliable rig" as you are now "rapidly running out of money" is the acceptable order of things before an offshore excursion, you are an accident waiting to happen. Well meaning but improper advice from the group comes complete with telling you it's easy to break the law, and encouraging you to do so. These legal eagles really believe that so long as you later have an emergency (assured in your case Eric), you didn't break any law. They are wrong, as are your priorities. Instead of compounding your mistakes with their bad advice, your whole sailing experience would be more enjoyable and safer if you would learn some simple safe boating practices. Then you would be more likely to prevent the need for cheap radios you are not licensed or trained to use, as well as understand the fallacy of advice to believe in illegal operation as a saving grace to other inadequacies. I recommend you take some seamanship, communications and other safe boating courses offered by the United States Power Squadrons and United States Coast Guard Auxiliary via your nearest marina or boating center. Then you could be safely enjoying the water and able to help others do the same instead of learning to break the law and operating recklessly from a vessel and crew of uncertain capabilities. Like the 38' sloop we saw today - watching her "master" try to teach his only mate, a totally inexperienced girl, how to raise the mainsail while he headed them out into 10' rollers in a 25kt NE under small craft warnings this morning. I wonder if he was confident that his illegally modifed "cheap" SSB radio could have raised us. It would fit the bill. Sincerely, Jack Painter USCG Auxiliary Virginia Beach, Va |
need inexpensive marine ssb and ham radio for cruising sailboat.
My solution to my situation was to send an email to a friend who
then called Vessel Assist. Assistance was there 45 minutes later. This is after trying for 2 hours to raise the CG or CGA just to be told that they would talk to me on SSB. A few comments below. Doug s/v Callista "Jack Painter" wrote in message news:JsTnc.35319$pJ1.1691@lakeread02... "Doug Dotson" wrote in message ... Hummm. Last time needed help and was out of VHF range I was never able to raise any USCG station on marine SSB. When I did finally get within range of a VHF CG station (very poor signal). I asked if I could switch to an SSB frequency for better communications. I was told that USCG no longer monitored Marine SSB, so it was poor VHF or nothing. A few comments below. Doug s/v Callista Doug, I'm sorry to hear about your bad experience with USCG communications. HF propagation is, as you know better than most, is never a sure thing, especially from long distance, low power, solar activity and other interference. But we do the very best possible 24/7 to maintain the best HF coverage of any agency in the world from the USCG communication stations. I'm aware of propagation issues. My dissapointment was when I finally got tenuous VHF contact with the CG and asked if there was an SSB freq I could contact them on, they said NO. They did not support SSB. My distance at that time was maybe 30 miles just off the coast of Jupiter Inlet. When the T/V Bow Mariner exploded and sank, they put out one Mayday on 2182 USB. They were lucky. I tried to call the CG on 2182 when I couldn't raise them on VHF. No answer. Four USCG Groups from Newport RI to Charleston SC answered it almost simulataneously. It has been and continues to be monitored at every USCG Group. CAMSLANT CHEASPEAKE (Virginia), where I work, monitors several listed SSB maritime band guard frequencies and will assist any mariner on them (We do not monitor 2182, Groups do that). CAMSPAC PT REYES in California does the same for Pacific traffic. If you made a call on one of those guarded frequencies, and you believe your radio worked, and it was not answered, you should make a report to the USCG about it. Right, filing a report will make everything work. How about if I file a report about the ICW shoaling up :) If a mariner cannot obtain good copy from one of the many guarded SSB maritime channels, I sure don't know why the odds would be better on a circuit they are not authorized to use _except in an emergency_, as they would not know the times guarded, direction or location antennas pointed, etc. Well, if I can't raise anyone on the channels the are "guarded", then I should just pack it in and give up rather than try using another channel that may be illegal in a non-emergency situation. So if I can't get help from USCG or USCGA then I should just drift along. If you are authorized to modify a radio, I'm sure you would try that route, but it is not legal advice to give to the general boating public, including commercial craft to modify or illegally operate SSB radios. Now that is precious. Since when is it illegal to advise someone. It is only illegal when someone violates the law. And as I said earlier, many ham rigs are type accepted for marine SSB use. I have the Rules and Regs here. Please advise me on where it says that giving advise is illegal. Tracking down abuse from commercial fishermen is easier than some might think, and when they operate on government curcuits they are prosecuted. http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/default.htm has all the information about maritime SSB guard frequencies and other means of communications for emergencies at sea. I'll check it out. As to why the license which is good for ten years to life, depending on class and type, could cost $150, that's not something we can do anything about, unless you think your Congressman would lobby the FCC to change it. It's not good for 10 years to life. It is good for 10 years period. Although the yearly rate is fair, the lump sum up front cost turns many off and so they just don't bother to get it. FCC licensing is inconsistent at best. I didn't have to pay a penny to get any of my ham licenses, my GROL, or GMDSS/M, but I have to pay for a ship's station license. Go figure. Hope this was some help, 73's Jack Painter USCG Auxiliary Virginia Beach, Va "Jack Painter" wrote in message news:gkDnc.34930$pJ1.10709@lakeread02... Hi Doug, Yes I'm aware that a licensed Amateur Radio operator can build and modify equipment with the proper class license. I beleive any license class is acceptable. We rely on your expertise and abilities in communication emergencies. I am the Emergency Readiness Coordinator for the USCG Auxiliary Division 5, Port of Hampton Roads, Va, and we utilize all available agencies and volunteers in an emergency. What is bad practice though, is to encourage anyone to modify communications equipment which as you know, is permitted only under very limited circumstances and could not therefore be acceptable for general use in emergency communications. If you can't do it legally, can't test it, can't tune it, and can't practice with it, you shouldn't have been encouraged to consider such equipment as part of your planning for emergencies. There are several ham rigs on the market now that are type accepted for marine SSB use. The mods are legal and operating them on the marine SSB frequencies is legal. The SGC SG-2000 was the first one to be granted type acceptance, but I'm pretty sure that several others are now accepted. Responsible sailors can easily get a license for SSB marine operations So can irresponsible sailors. If they want to encourage sailors to get the license, why charge $150 for it? and learn how to contact the USCG and other monitoring agencies, including commercial and volunteer watchstanders on authorized SSB marine bands. I work in this field for USCG HF communications, and we are happy to provide assistance to boaters in this matter. Well as I said earlier, the only time I was in an emergency situation, I got absolutely nowhere with marine SSB. Best regards, Jack Painter Virginia Beach, Va "Doug Dotson" wrote in message ... Fortunately, ham radio is not under the same rules as marine SSB when it comes to modifications. Type accepted marine gear cannot be modified but ham gear can. I can build my own rig if I want to and I am not violating any law unless have emmisions that are in violation to those specified (freq, spurious radiation, harmonics, etc). In other words, I can't violate the law unless I transmit. If you look closer at the rules, all rules are suspended in an emergency. So transmitting on a modified rig is not illegal in an emergency. As far as having a cheap rig on board, that is a personal choice. I have cruised with many that don't have an SSB. Doug (That is my real name) s/v Callista "Jack Painter" wrote in message news:fgCnc.34527$pJ1.28623@lakeread02... Gee, how do you really feel about it? Nice language. Those of us whose parents were married don't talk that way. And we don't hide behind phony internet ID's. Anyone thinking about unauthorized mods to a SSB radio can write me and I will be glad to find a local representative in your area where you can have the law explained to you in person. "master" try to teach his only mate, a totally inexperienced girl, how to raise the mainsail while he headed them out into 10' rollers in a 25kt NE That's poor judgement, and good sailors have no problem understanding this. Jack Painter Virginia Beach, VA "santacruz" wrote in message ... I'm not normally rude to ****heads like you - but you're not answering his question. You must be another ****ing Bush Republican. It is perfectly legal to modify ham radios so they can transmit on marine SSB freq's in an emergency. Go ask your Mother - she'll confirm this. BTW - 25 knots and 10 ft seas in a 38' boat is just exciting sailing. We get that frequently between Long Beach and Catalina - and it's great fast sailing. On Sun, 9 May 2004 01:13:45 -0400, "Jack Painter" wrote: "Eric" wrote in message . com... I am looking for an inexpensive tranceiver for my sailboat.I am rapidly running out of money and need a cheap reliable rig.I have just insulated my backstay(37 feet).aAny ideas? Thanks,Eric. Eric, Your somewhat typical request elcited somewhat typical replies so far. Maybe it's helpful to you to get an answer to that question, but I think you're attitude is likely to cost someone's life, probably your own. If you really think getting a "cheap reliable rig" as you are now "rapidly running out of money" is the acceptable order of things before an offshore excursion, you are an accident waiting to happen. Well meaning but improper advice from the group comes complete with telling you it's easy to break the law, and encouraging you to do so. These legal eagles really believe that so long as you later have an emergency (assured in your case Eric), you didn't break any law. They are wrong, as are your priorities. Instead of compounding your mistakes with their bad advice, your whole sailing experience would be more enjoyable and safer if you would learn some simple safe boating practices. Then you would be more likely to prevent the need for cheap radios you are not licensed or trained to use, as well as understand the fallacy of advice to believe in illegal operation as a saving grace to other inadequacies. I recommend you take some seamanship, communications and other safe boating courses offered by the United States Power Squadrons and United States Coast Guard Auxiliary via your nearest marina or boating center. Then you could be safely enjoying the water and able to help others do the same instead of learning to break the law and operating recklessly from a vessel and crew of uncertain capabilities. Like the 38' sloop we saw today - watching her "master" try to teach his only mate, a totally inexperienced girl, how to raise the mainsail while he headed them out into 10' rollers in a 25kt NE under small craft warnings this morning. I wonder if he was confident that his illegally modifed "cheap" SSB radio could have raised us. It would fit the bill. Sincerely, Jack Painter USCG Auxiliary Virginia Beach, Va |
need inexpensive marine ssb and ham radio for cruising sailboat.
Oops!
told that they would NOT talk to me on SSB. That's what happens when I let my fingers do the talking :) Doug s/v Callista "Doug Dotson" wrote in message ... My solution to my situation was to send an email to a friend who then called Vessel Assist. Assistance was there 45 minutes later. This is after trying for 2 hours to raise the CG or CGA just to be told that they would talk to me on SSB. A few comments below. Doug s/v Callista "Jack Painter" wrote in message news:JsTnc.35319$pJ1.1691@lakeread02... "Doug Dotson" wrote in message ... Hummm. Last time needed help and was out of VHF range I was never able to raise any USCG station on marine SSB. When I did finally get within range of a VHF CG station (very poor signal). I asked if I could switch to an SSB frequency for better communications. I was told that USCG no longer monitored Marine SSB, so it was poor VHF or nothing. A few comments below. Doug s/v Callista Doug, I'm sorry to hear about your bad experience with USCG communications. HF propagation is, as you know better than most, is never a sure thing, especially from long distance, low power, solar activity and other interference. But we do the very best possible 24/7 to maintain the best HF coverage of any agency in the world from the USCG communication stations. I'm aware of propagation issues. My dissapointment was when I finally got tenuous VHF contact with the CG and asked if there was an SSB freq I could contact them on, they said NO. They did not support SSB. My distance at that time was maybe 30 miles just off the coast of Jupiter Inlet. When the T/V Bow Mariner exploded and sank, they put out one Mayday on 2182 USB. They were lucky. I tried to call the CG on 2182 when I couldn't raise them on VHF. No answer. Four USCG Groups from Newport RI to Charleston SC answered it almost simulataneously. It has been and continues to be monitored at every USCG Group. CAMSLANT CHEASPEAKE (Virginia), where I work, monitors several listed SSB maritime band guard frequencies and will assist any mariner on them (We do not monitor 2182, Groups do that). CAMSPAC PT REYES in California does the same for Pacific traffic. If you made a call on one of those guarded frequencies, and you believe your radio worked, and it was not answered, you should make a report to the USCG about it. Right, filing a report will make everything work. How about if I file a report about the ICW shoaling up :) If a mariner cannot obtain good copy from one of the many guarded SSB maritime channels, I sure don't know why the odds would be better on a circuit they are not authorized to use _except in an emergency_, as they would not know the times guarded, direction or location antennas pointed, etc. Well, if I can't raise anyone on the channels the are "guarded", then I should just pack it in and give up rather than try using another channel that may be illegal in a non-emergency situation. So if I can't get help from USCG or USCGA then I should just drift along. If you are authorized to modify a radio, I'm sure you would try that route, but it is not legal advice to give to the general boating public, including commercial craft to modify or illegally operate SSB radios. Now that is precious. Since when is it illegal to advise someone. It is only illegal when someone violates the law. And as I said earlier, many ham rigs are type accepted for marine SSB use. I have the Rules and Regs here. Please advise me on where it says that giving advise is illegal. Tracking down abuse from commercial fishermen is easier than some might think, and when they operate on government curcuits they are prosecuted. http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/default.htm has all the information about maritime SSB guard frequencies and other means of communications for emergencies at sea. I'll check it out. As to why the license which is good for ten years to life, depending on class and type, could cost $150, that's not something we can do anything about, unless you think your Congressman would lobby the FCC to change it. It's not good for 10 years to life. It is good for 10 years period. Although the yearly rate is fair, the lump sum up front cost turns many off and so they just don't bother to get it. FCC licensing is inconsistent at best. I didn't have to pay a penny to get any of my ham licenses, my GROL, or GMDSS/M, but I have to pay for a ship's station license. Go figure. Hope this was some help, 73's Jack Painter USCG Auxiliary Virginia Beach, Va "Jack Painter" wrote in message news:gkDnc.34930$pJ1.10709@lakeread02... Hi Doug, Yes I'm aware that a licensed Amateur Radio operator can build and modify equipment with the proper class license. I beleive any license class is acceptable. We rely on your expertise and abilities in communication emergencies. I am the Emergency Readiness Coordinator for the USCG Auxiliary Division 5, Port of Hampton Roads, Va, and we utilize all available agencies and volunteers in an emergency. What is bad practice though, is to encourage anyone to modify communications equipment which as you know, is permitted only under very limited circumstances and could not therefore be acceptable for general use in emergency communications. If you can't do it legally, can't test it, can't tune it, and can't practice with it, you shouldn't have been encouraged to consider such equipment as part of your planning for emergencies. There are several ham rigs on the market now that are type accepted for marine SSB use. The mods are legal and operating them on the marine SSB frequencies is legal. The SGC SG-2000 was the first one to be granted type acceptance, but I'm pretty sure that several others are now accepted. Responsible sailors can easily get a license for SSB marine operations So can irresponsible sailors. If they want to encourage sailors to get the license, why charge $150 for it? and learn how to contact the USCG and other monitoring agencies, including commercial and volunteer watchstanders on authorized SSB marine bands. I work in this field for USCG HF communications, and we are happy to provide assistance to boaters in this matter. Well as I said earlier, the only time I was in an emergency situation, I got absolutely nowhere with marine SSB. Best regards, Jack Painter Virginia Beach, Va "Doug Dotson" wrote in message ... Fortunately, ham radio is not under the same rules as marine SSB when it comes to modifications. Type accepted marine gear cannot be modified but ham gear can. I can build my own rig if I want to and I am not violating any law unless have emmisions that are in violation to those specified (freq, spurious radiation, harmonics, etc). In other words, I can't violate the law unless I transmit. If you look closer at the rules, all rules are suspended in an emergency. So transmitting on a modified rig is not illegal in an emergency. As far as having a cheap rig on board, that is a personal choice. I have cruised with many that don't have an SSB. Doug (That is my real name) s/v Callista "Jack Painter" wrote in message news:fgCnc.34527$pJ1.28623@lakeread02... Gee, how do you really feel about it? Nice language. Those of us whose parents were married don't talk that way. And we don't hide behind phony internet ID's. Anyone thinking about unauthorized mods to a SSB radio can write me and I will be glad to find a local representative in your area where you can have the law explained to you in person. "master" try to teach his only mate, a totally inexperienced girl, how to raise the mainsail while he headed them out into 10' rollers in a 25kt NE That's poor judgement, and good sailors have no problem understanding this. Jack Painter Virginia Beach, VA "santacruz" wrote in message ... I'm not normally rude to ****heads like you - but you're not answering his question. You must be another ****ing Bush Republican. It is perfectly legal to modify ham radios so they can transmit on marine SSB freq's in an emergency. Go ask your Mother - she'll confirm this. BTW - 25 knots and 10 ft seas in a 38' boat is just exciting sailing. We get that frequently between Long Beach and Catalina - and it's great fast sailing. On Sun, 9 May 2004 01:13:45 -0400, "Jack Painter" wrote: "Eric" wrote in message . com... I am looking for an inexpensive tranceiver for my sailboat.I am rapidly running out of money and need a cheap reliable rig.I have just insulated my backstay(37 feet).aAny ideas? Thanks,Eric. Eric, Your somewhat typical request elcited somewhat typical replies so far. Maybe it's helpful to you to get an answer to that question, but I think you're attitude is likely to cost someone's life, probably your own. If you really think getting a "cheap reliable rig" as you are now "rapidly running out of money" is the acceptable order of things before an offshore excursion, you are an accident waiting to happen. Well meaning but improper advice from the group comes complete with telling you it's easy to break the law, and encouraging you to do so. These legal eagles really believe that so long as you later have an emergency (assured in your case Eric), you didn't break any law. They are wrong, as are your priorities. Instead of compounding your mistakes with their bad advice, your whole sailing experience would be more enjoyable and safer if you would learn some simple safe boating practices. Then you would be more likely to prevent the need for cheap radios you are not licensed or trained to use, as well as understand the fallacy of advice to believe in illegal operation as a saving grace to other inadequacies. I recommend you take some seamanship, communications and other safe boating courses offered by the United States Power Squadrons and United States Coast Guard Auxiliary via your nearest marina or boating center. Then you could be safely enjoying the water and able to help others do the same instead of learning to break the law and operating recklessly from a vessel and crew of uncertain capabilities. Like the 38' sloop we saw today - watching her "master" try to teach his only mate, a totally inexperienced girl, how to raise the mainsail while he headed them out into 10' rollers in a 25kt NE under small craft warnings this morning. I wonder if he was confident that his illegally modifed "cheap" SSB radio could have raised us. It would fit the bill. Sincerely, Jack Painter USCG Auxiliary Virginia Beach, Va |
need inexpensive marine ssb and ham radio for cruising sailboat.
"Gary Schafer" wrote in message ... Hi Jack, Hello Gary, I see that in the frequency list that it says: "The Coast Guard does NOT monitor GMDSS radiotelephone or radiotelex channels." Right, and this is more or less standard worldwide, if a DSC emergency call is received then the related voice channel would have callouts made on it. We do this for any emergency received, regardless of how far away it might be. I have heard several people say that they have never been able to raise the Coast guard on any of those frequencies. Even though they elude to the fact that they monitor them at the top of the page. There was probably a misunderstanding about those being monitored then, GMDSS are no, except 2182 which is guarded by Groups.. These are guarded: http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/...uency/call.htm Awhile back I saw something on the Coast guard site that said "you may need to make repeated calls for lengthy time" in order to raise them. Are you saying that these channels are monitored? Not sure if you were talking about the scheduled-guarded freqs I just referenced, so please let me know. While we have many transmitters at each of the remote sites (Boston, Virginia Beach (called Portsmouth out of tradition), Miami, and New Orleans, sometimes all available transmitters could be busy covering SCN, Air to Ground, HFDX, e-mails and other Cutter traffic, etc. So a (hopefully) short wait is almost assured at any given moment. Even before the USCG and USCG Auxiliary joined the Department of Homeland Security, we were tasked with supporting Customs, Immigration, Border Patrol, Agriculture, and security. Those support missions are now ten-fold of what they once were, and the traditional law enforcements of Fisheries, treaties, commercial saftey and pleasure boat safety are growing every year as well. S it is a challenging and exciting time to be serving and I hope your future experiences are all supportive and satisfactory. And as Doug alluded to jokingly, no a report of an incident won't fix things, but it helps, and the lack of effort to improve the system never got us anywhere! Best regards, Jack Painter Virginia Beach Thanks Gary On Mon, 10 May 2004 18:35:20 -0400, "Jack Painter" wrote: "Doug Dotson" wrote in message ... Hummm. Last time needed help and was out of VHF range I was never able to raise any USCG station on marine SSB. When I did finally get within range of a VHF CG station (very poor signal). I asked if I could switch to an SSB frequency for better communications. I was told that USCG no longer monitored Marine SSB, so it was poor VHF or nothing. A few comments below. Doug s/v Callista Doug, I'm sorry to hear about your bad experience with USCG communications. HF propagation is, as you know better than most, is never a sure thing, especially from long distance, low power, solar activity and other interference. But we do the very best possible 24/7 to maintain the best HF coverage of any agency in the world from the USCG communication stations. When the T/V Bow Mariner exploded and sank, they put out one Mayday on 2182 USB. Four USCG Groups from Newport RI to Charleston SC answered it almost simulataneously. It has been and continues to be monitored at every USCG Group. CAMSLANT CHEASPEAKE (Virginia), where I work, monitors several listed SSB maritime band guard frequencies and will assist any mariner on them (We do not monitor 2182, Groups do that). CAMSPAC PT REYES in California does the same for Pacific traffic. If you made a call on one of those guarded frequencies, and you believe your radio worked, and it was not answered, you should make a report to the USCG about it. If a mariner cannot obtain good copy from one of the many guarded SSB maritime channels, I sure don't know why the odds would be better on a circuit they are not authorized to use _except in an emergency_, as they would not know the times guarded, direction or location antennas pointed, etc. If you are authorized to modify a radio, I'm sure you would try that route, but it is not legal advice to give to the general boating public, including commercial craft to modify or illegally operate SSB radios. Tracking down abuse from commercial fishermen is easier than some might think, and when they operate on government curcuits they are prosecuted. http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/default.htm has all the information about maritime SSB guard frequencies and other means of communications for emergencies at sea. As to why the license which is good for ten years to life, depending on class and type, could cost $150, that's not something we can do anything about, unless you think your Congressman would lobby the FCC to change it. Hope this was some help, 73's Jack Painter USCG Auxiliary Virginia Beach, Va "Jack Painter" wrote in message news:gkDnc.34930$pJ1.10709@lakeread02... Hi Doug, Yes I'm aware that a licensed Amateur Radio operator can build and modify equipment with the proper class license. I beleive any license class is acceptable. We rely on your expertise and abilities in communication emergencies. I am the Emergency Readiness Coordinator for the USCG Auxiliary Division 5, Port of Hampton Roads, Va, and we utilize all available agencies and volunteers in an emergency. What is bad practice though, is to encourage anyone to modify communications equipment which as you know, is permitted only under very limited circumstances and could not therefore be acceptable for general use in emergency communications. If you can't do it legally, can't test it, can't tune it, and can't practice with it, you shouldn't have been encouraged to consider such equipment as part of your planning for emergencies. There are several ham rigs on the market now that are type accepted for marine SSB use. The mods are legal and operating them on the marine SSB frequencies is legal. The SGC SG-2000 was the first one to be granted type acceptance, but I'm pretty sure that several others are now accepted. Responsible sailors can easily get a license for SSB marine operations So can irresponsible sailors. If they want to encourage sailors to get the license, why charge $150 for it? and learn how to contact the USCG and other monitoring agencies, including commercial and volunteer watchstanders on authorized SSB marine bands. I work in this field for USCG HF communications, and we are happy to provide assistance to boaters in this matter. Well as I said earlier, the only time I was in an emergency situation, I got absolutely nowhere with marine SSB. Best regards, Jack Painter Virginia Beach, Va "Doug Dotson" wrote in message ... Fortunately, ham radio is not under the same rules as marine SSB when it comes to modifications. Type accepted marine gear cannot be modified but ham gear can. I can build my own rig if I want to and I am not violating any law unless have emmisions that are in violation to those specified (freq, spurious radiation, harmonics, etc). In other words, I can't violate the law unless I transmit. If you look closer at the rules, all rules are suspended in an emergency. So transmitting on a modified rig is not illegal in an emergency. As far as having a cheap rig on board, that is a personal choice. I have cruised with many that don't have an SSB. Doug (That is my real name) s/v Callista "Jack Painter" wrote in message news:fgCnc.34527$pJ1.28623@lakeread02... Gee, how do you really feel about it? Nice language. Those of us whose parents were married don't talk that way. And we don't hide behind phony internet ID's. Anyone thinking about unauthorized mods to a SSB radio can write me and I will be glad to find a local representative in your area where you can have the law explained to you in person. "master" try to teach his only mate, a totally inexperienced girl, how to raise the mainsail while he headed them out into 10' rollers in a 25kt NE That's poor judgement, and good sailors have no problem understanding this. Jack Painter Virginia Beach, VA "santacruz" wrote in message ... I'm not normally rude to ****heads like you - but you're not answering his question. You must be another ****ing Bush Republican. It is perfectly legal to modify ham radios so they can transmit on marine SSB freq's in an emergency. Go ask your Mother - she'll confirm this. BTW - 25 knots and 10 ft seas in a 38' boat is just exciting sailing. We get that frequently between Long Beach and Catalina - and it's great fast sailing. On Sun, 9 May 2004 01:13:45 -0400, "Jack Painter" wrote: "Eric" wrote in message . com... I am looking for an inexpensive tranceiver for my sailboat.I am rapidly running out of money and need a cheap reliable rig.I have just insulated my backstay(37 feet).aAny ideas? Thanks,Eric. Eric, Your somewhat typical request elcited somewhat typical replies so far. Maybe it's helpful to you to get an answer to that question, but I think you're attitude is likely to cost someone's life, probably your own. If you really think getting a "cheap reliable rig" as you are now "rapidly running out of money" is the acceptable order of things before an offshore excursion, you are an accident waiting to happen. Well meaning but improper advice from the group comes complete with telling you it's easy to break the law, and encouraging you to do so. These legal eagles really believe that so long as you later have an emergency (assured in your case Eric), you didn't break any law. They are wrong, as are your priorities. Instead of compounding your mistakes with their bad advice, your whole sailing experience would be more enjoyable and safer if you would learn some simple safe boating practices. Then you would be more likely to prevent the need for cheap radios you are not licensed or trained to use, as well as understand the fallacy of advice to believe in illegal operation as a saving grace to other inadequacies. I recommend you take some seamanship, communications and other safe boating courses offered by the United States Power Squadrons and United States Coast Guard Auxiliary via your nearest marina or boating center. Then you could be safely enjoying the water and able to help others do the same instead of learning to break the law and operating recklessly from a vessel and crew of uncertain capabilities. Like the 38' sloop we saw today - watching her "master" try to teach his only mate, a totally inexperienced girl, how to raise the mainsail while he headed them out into 10' rollers in a 25kt NE under small craft warnings this morning. I wonder if he was confident that his illegally modifed "cheap" SSB radio could have raised us. It would fit the bill. Sincerely, Jack Painter USCG Auxiliary Virginia Beach, Va |
need inexpensive marine ssb and ham radio for cruising sailboat.
"Doug Dotson" wrote in message ... My solution to my situation was to send an email to a friend who then called Vessel Assist. Assistance was there 45 minutes later. This is after trying for 2 hours to raise the CG or CGA just to be told that they would talk to me on SSB. Yep, that's unsat. But it would have helped to pursue it at the time, as I think you would have received an apology and explanation at the time. I wouldn't make the generalization that that bad experience certainly deserved for it's event. A few comments below. answered below Doug s/v Callista "Jack Painter" wrote in message news:JsTnc.35319$pJ1.1691@lakeread02... "Doug Dotson" wrote in message ... Hummm. Last time needed help and was out of VHF range I was never able to raise any USCG station on marine SSB. When I did finally get within range of a VHF CG station (very poor signal). I asked if I could switch to an SSB frequency for better communications. I was told that USCG no longer monitored Marine SSB, so it was poor VHF or nothing. A few comments below. Doug s/v Callista Doug, I'm sorry to hear about your bad experience with USCG communications. HF propagation is, as you know better than most, is never a sure thing, especially from long distance, low power, solar activity and other interference. But we do the very best possible 24/7 to maintain the best HF coverage of any agency in the world from the USCG communication stations. I'm aware of propagation issues. My dissapointment was when I finally got tenuous VHF contact with the CG and asked if there was an SSB freq I could contact them on, they said NO. They did not support SSB. My distance at that time was maybe 30 miles just off the coast of Jupiter Inlet. Covered above, but since you gave specifics I can inquire as far as current capability goes. When the T/V Bow Mariner exploded and sank, they put out one Mayday on 2182 USB. They were lucky. I tried to call the CG on 2182 when I couldn't raise them on VHF. No answer. Four instant replies not usually considered "luck"! I happened to be on watch that evening. Four USCG Groups from Newport RI to Charleston SC answered it almost simulataneously. It has been and continues to be monitored at every USCG Group. CAMSLANT CHEASPEAKE (Virginia), where I work, monitors several listed SSB maritime band guard frequencies and will assist any mariner on them (We do not monitor 2182, Groups do that). CAMSPAC PT REYES in California does the same for Pacific traffic. If you made a call on one of those guarded frequencies, and you believe your radio worked, and it was not answered, you should make a report to the USCG about it. Right, filing a report will make everything work. How about if I file a report about the ICW shoaling up :) That is funny. But, I never stopped writing my Congressmen when I joined the Navy, and I haven't stopped now. The difference is, twenty years later, now I know them all pretty well. If a mariner cannot obtain good copy from one of the many guarded SSB maritime channels, I sure don't know why the odds would be better on a circuit they are not authorized to use _except in an emergency_, as they would not know the times guarded, direction or location antennas pointed, etc. Well, if I can't raise anyone on the channels the are "guarded", then I should just pack it in and give up rather than try using another channel that may be illegal in a non-emergency situation. So if I can't get help from USCG or USCGA then I should just drift along. If you are authorized to modify a radio, I'm sure you would try that route, but it is not legal advice to give to the general boating public, including commercial craft to modify or illegally operate SSB radios. Now that is precious. Since when is it illegal to advise someone. It is only illegal when someone violates the law. And as I said earlier, many ham rigs are type accepted for marine SSB use. I have the Rules and Regs here. Please advise me on where it says that giving advise is illegal. Well Doug, I'm probably being a little more cautious than you are, but some and I'm sure you are one, would understand that even if giving advice to commit an act that might be illegal for a large class of people "might" not result in prosecution of the [sic] free advice giver, it could nonetheless get you in a lot of trouble via various civil and social remedies. If however it was a professional paid opinion, or even free advice from a professional who knows or should no better, to advise on accomplishing or carrying out an illegal act may certainly be a punishable offense. Since you clearly know the law pretty well, and are a licensed Radio Operartor for both Marine and Amateur, you see my point. Best, Jack Tracking down abuse from commercial fishermen is easier than some might think, and when they operate on government curcuits they are prosecuted. http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/default.htm has all the information about maritime SSB guard frequencies and other means of communications for emergencies at sea. I'll check it out. As to why the license which is good for ten years to life, depending on class and type, could cost $150, that's not something we can do anything about, unless you think your Congressman would lobby the FCC to change it. It's not good for 10 years to life. It is good for 10 years period. Although the yearly rate is fair, the lump sum up front cost turns many off and so they just don't bother to get it. FCC licensing is inconsistent at best. I didn't have to pay a penny to get any of my ham licenses, my GROL, or GMDSS/M, but I have to pay for a ship's station license. Go figure. Hope this was some help, 73's Jack Painter USCG Auxiliary Virginia Beach, Va "Jack Painter" wrote in message news:gkDnc.34930$pJ1.10709@lakeread02... Hi Doug, Yes I'm aware that a licensed Amateur Radio operator can build and modify equipment with the proper class license. I beleive any license class is acceptable. We rely on your expertise and abilities in communication emergencies. I am the Emergency Readiness Coordinator for the USCG Auxiliary Division 5, Port of Hampton Roads, Va, and we utilize all available agencies and volunteers in an emergency. What is bad practice though, is to encourage anyone to modify communications equipment which as you know, is permitted only under very limited circumstances and could not therefore be acceptable for general use in emergency communications. If you can't do it legally, can't test it, can't tune it, and can't practice with it, you shouldn't have been encouraged to consider such equipment as part of your planning for emergencies. There are several ham rigs on the market now that are type accepted for marine SSB use. The mods are legal and operating them on the marine SSB frequencies is legal. The SGC SG-2000 was the first one to be granted type acceptance, but I'm pretty sure that several others are now accepted. Responsible sailors can easily get a license for SSB marine operations So can irresponsible sailors. If they want to encourage sailors to get the license, why charge $150 for it? and learn how to contact the USCG and other monitoring agencies, including commercial and volunteer watchstanders on authorized SSB marine bands. I work in this field for USCG HF communications, and we are happy to provide assistance to boaters in this matter. Well as I said earlier, the only time I was in an emergency situation, I got absolutely nowhere with marine SSB. Best regards, Jack Painter Virginia Beach, Va "Doug Dotson" wrote in message ... Fortunately, ham radio is not under the same rules as marine SSB when it comes to modifications. Type accepted marine gear cannot be modified but ham gear can. I can build my own rig if I want to and I am not violating any law unless have emmisions that are in violation to those specified (freq, spurious radiation, harmonics, etc). In other words, I can't violate the law unless I transmit. If you look closer at the rules, all rules are suspended in an emergency. So transmitting on a modified rig is not illegal in an emergency. As far as having a cheap rig on board, that is a personal choice. I have cruised with many that don't have an SSB. Doug (That is my real name) s/v Callista "Jack Painter" wrote in message news:fgCnc.34527$pJ1.28623@lakeread02... Gee, how do you really feel about it? Nice language. Those of us whose parents were married don't talk that way. And we don't hide behind phony internet ID's. Anyone thinking about unauthorized mods to a SSB radio can write me and I will be glad to find a local representative in your area where you can have the law explained to you in person. "master" try to teach his only mate, a totally inexperienced girl, how to raise the mainsail while he headed them out into 10' rollers in a 25kt NE That's poor judgement, and good sailors have no problem understanding this. Jack Painter Virginia Beach, VA "santacruz" wrote in message ... I'm not normally rude to ****heads like you - but you're not answering his question. You must be another ****ing Bush Republican. It is perfectly legal to modify ham radios so they can transmit on marine SSB freq's in an emergency. Go ask your Mother - she'll confirm this. BTW - 25 knots and 10 ft seas in a 38' boat is just exciting sailing. We get that frequently between Long Beach and Catalina - and it's great fast sailing. On Sun, 9 May 2004 01:13:45 -0400, "Jack Painter" wrote: "Eric" wrote in message . com... I am looking for an inexpensive tranceiver for my sailboat.I am rapidly running out of money and need a cheap reliable rig.I have just insulated my backstay(37 feet).aAny ideas? Thanks,Eric. Eric, Your somewhat typical request elcited somewhat typical replies so far. Maybe it's helpful to you to get an answer to that question, but I think you're attitude is likely to cost someone's life, probably your own. If you really think getting a "cheap reliable rig" as you are now "rapidly running out of money" is the acceptable order of things before an offshore excursion, you are an accident waiting to happen. Well meaning but improper advice from the group comes complete with telling you it's easy to break the law, and encouraging you to do so. These legal eagles really believe that so long as you later have an emergency (assured in your case Eric), you didn't break any law. They are wrong, as are your priorities. Instead of compounding your mistakes with their bad advice, your whole sailing experience would be more enjoyable and safer if you would learn some simple safe boating practices. Then you would be more likely to prevent the need for cheap radios you are not licensed or trained to use, as well as understand the fallacy of advice to believe in illegal operation as a saving grace to other inadequacies. I recommend you take some seamanship, communications and other safe boating courses offered by the United States Power Squadrons and United States Coast Guard Auxiliary via your nearest marina or boating center. Then you could be safely enjoying the water and able to help others do the same instead of learning to break the law and operating recklessly from a vessel and crew of uncertain capabilities. Like the 38' sloop we saw today - watching her "master" try to teach his only mate, a totally inexperienced girl, how to raise the mainsail while he headed them out into 10' rollers in a 25kt NE under small craft warnings this morning. I wonder if he was confident that his illegally modifed "cheap" SSB radio could have raised us. It would fit the bill. Sincerely, Jack Painter USCG Auxiliary Virginia Beach, Va |
need inexpensive marine ssb and ham radio for cruising sailboat.
See Below.
Doug s/v Callista "Jack Painter" wrote in message news:9FVnc.35337$pJ1.22538@lakeread02... "Doug Dotson" wrote in message ... My solution to my situation was to send an email to a friend who then called Vessel Assist. Assistance was there 45 minutes later. This is after trying for 2 hours to raise the CG or CGA just to be told that they would talk to me on SSB. Yep, that's unsat. But it would have helped to pursue it at the time, as I think you would have received an apology and explanation at the time. I wouldn't make the generalization that that bad experience certainly deserved for it's event. What is "unsat"? I suppose I am just venting my frustration at my one and only experience where I needed help. A few comments below. answered below Doug s/v Callista "Jack Painter" wrote in message news:JsTnc.35319$pJ1.1691@lakeread02... "Doug Dotson" wrote in message ... Hummm. Last time needed help and was out of VHF range I was never able to raise any USCG station on marine SSB. When I did finally get within range of a VHF CG station (very poor signal). I asked if I could switch to an SSB frequency for better communications. I was told that USCG no longer monitored Marine SSB, so it was poor VHF or nothing. A few comments below. Doug s/v Callista Doug, I'm sorry to hear about your bad experience with USCG communications. HF propagation is, as you know better than most, is never a sure thing, especially from long distance, low power, solar activity and other interference. But we do the very best possible 24/7 to maintain the best HF coverage of any agency in the world from the USCG communication stations. I'm aware of propagation issues. My dissapointment was when I finally got tenuous VHF contact with the CG and asked if there was an SSB freq I could contact them on, they said NO. They did not support SSB. My distance at that time was maybe 30 miles just off the coast of Jupiter Inlet. Covered above, but since you gave specifics I can inquire as far as current capability goes. When the T/V Bow Mariner exploded and sank, they put out one Mayday on 2182 USB. They were lucky. I tried to call the CG on 2182 when I couldn't raise them on VHF. No answer. Four instant replies not usually considered "luck"! I happened to be on watch that evening. I can't really respond to that. I supose that everyone was sleeping at 4AM :) Four USCG Groups from Newport RI to Charleston SC answered it almost simulataneously. It has been and continues to be monitored at every USCG Group. CAMSLANT CHEASPEAKE (Virginia), where I work, monitors several listed SSB maritime band guard frequencies and will assist any mariner on them (We do not monitor 2182, Groups do that). CAMSPAC PT REYES in California does the same for Pacific traffic. If you made a call on one of those guarded frequencies, and you believe your radio worked, and it was not answered, you should make a report to the USCG about it. Right, filing a report will make everything work. How about if I file a report about the ICW shoaling up :) That is funny. But, I never stopped writing my Congressmen when I joined the Navy, and I haven't stopped now. The difference is, twenty years later, now I know them all pretty well. And I thought Sen. Byrd was old :) Here in the Peoples Republic of Maryland, our congressmen don't respond well to their constituents. That is unless it is related to keeping Government contractors employeed or the union vote on their side. If a mariner cannot obtain good copy from one of the many guarded SSB maritime channels, I sure don't know why the odds would be better on a circuit they are not authorized to use _except in an emergency_, as they would not know the times guarded, direction or location antennas pointed, etc. Well, if I can't raise anyone on the channels the are "guarded", then I should just pack it in and give up rather than try using another channel that may be illegal in a non-emergency situation. So if I can't get help from USCG or USCGA then I should just drift along. If you are authorized to modify a radio, I'm sure you would try that route, but it is not legal advice to give to the general boating public, including commercial craft to modify or illegally operate SSB radios. Now that is precious. Since when is it illegal to advise someone. It is only illegal when someone violates the law. And as I said earlier, many ham rigs are type accepted for marine SSB use. I have the Rules and Regs here. Please advise me on where it says that giving advise is illegal. Well Doug, I'm probably being a little more cautious than you are, but some and I'm sure you are one, would understand that even if giving advice to commit an act that might be illegal for a large class of people "might" not result in prosecution of the [sic] free advice giver, it could nonetheless get you in a lot of trouble via various civil and social remedies. If however it was a professional paid opinion, or even free advice from a professional who knows or should no better, to advise on accomplishing or carrying out an illegal act may certainly be a punishable offense. Since you clearly know the law pretty well, and are a licensed Radio Operartor for both Marine and Amateur, you see my point. My point is that in an emergency, THERE ARE NO LAWS when it comes to use of the radio when trying to obtain help. Now, there is a gray area in exactly what constitutes an "emergency". When I was an actively flying pilot, one could declare an emergency if they personally felt they were in trouble. They may not have actually been in as much trouble as they may have thought, but it is the pilot's judgement. Of course, a report had to be filed after the fact and some amount of review was done to determine if the declaration was valid. Very rarely was a pilot called to task. I suspect the same sort of scheme is in place for nautical vessels as well. As I have said before, many if not most ham rigs are now type accepted for marine SSB use. No illegal mods, no illegal operation. Older equipment is different, so those using older modified rigs are probably aware of the risk (although none really exists). Best, Jack Tracking down abuse from commercial fishermen is easier than some might think, and when they operate on government curcuits they are prosecuted. http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/default.htm has all the information about maritime SSB guard frequencies and other means of communications for emergencies at sea. I'll check it out. As to why the license which is good for ten years to life, depending on class and type, could cost $150, that's not something we can do anything about, unless you think your Congressman would lobby the FCC to change it. It's not good for 10 years to life. It is good for 10 years period. Although the yearly rate is fair, the lump sum up front cost turns many off and so they just don't bother to get it. FCC licensing is inconsistent at best. I didn't have to pay a penny to get any of my ham licenses, my GROL, or GMDSS/M, but I have to pay for a ship's station license. Go figure. Hope this was some help, 73's Jack Painter USCG Auxiliary Virginia Beach, Va "Jack Painter" wrote in message news:gkDnc.34930$pJ1.10709@lakeread02... Hi Doug, Yes I'm aware that a licensed Amateur Radio operator can build and modify equipment with the proper class license. I beleive any license class is acceptable. We rely on your expertise and abilities in communication emergencies. I am the Emergency Readiness Coordinator for the USCG Auxiliary Division 5, Port of Hampton Roads, Va, and we utilize all available agencies and volunteers in an emergency. What is bad practice though, is to encourage anyone to modify communications equipment which as you know, is permitted only under very limited circumstances and could not therefore be acceptable for general use in emergency communications. If you can't do it legally, can't test it, can't tune it, and can't practice with it, you shouldn't have been encouraged to consider such equipment as part of your planning for emergencies. There are several ham rigs on the market now that are type accepted for marine SSB use. The mods are legal and operating them on the marine SSB frequencies is legal. The SGC SG-2000 was the first one to be granted type acceptance, but I'm pretty sure that several others are now accepted. Responsible sailors can easily get a license for SSB marine operations So can irresponsible sailors. If they want to encourage sailors to get the license, why charge $150 for it? and learn how to contact the USCG and other monitoring agencies, including commercial and volunteer watchstanders on authorized SSB marine bands. I work in this field for USCG HF communications, and we are happy to provide assistance to boaters in this matter. Well as I said earlier, the only time I was in an emergency situation, I got absolutely nowhere with marine SSB. Best regards, Jack Painter Virginia Beach, Va "Doug Dotson" wrote in message ... Fortunately, ham radio is not under the same rules as marine SSB when it comes to modifications. Type accepted marine gear cannot be modified but ham gear can. I can build my own rig if I want to and I am not violating any law unless have emmisions that are in violation to those specified (freq, spurious radiation, harmonics, etc). In other words, I can't violate the law unless I transmit. If you look closer at the rules, all rules are suspended in an emergency. So transmitting on a modified rig is not illegal in an emergency. As far as having a cheap rig on board, that is a personal choice. I have cruised with many that don't have an SSB. Doug (That is my real name) s/v Callista "Jack Painter" wrote in message news:fgCnc.34527$pJ1.28623@lakeread02... Gee, how do you really feel about it? Nice language. Those of us whose parents were married don't talk that way. And we don't hide behind phony internet ID's. Anyone thinking about unauthorized mods to a SSB radio can write me and I will be glad to find a local representative in your area where you can have the law explained to you in person. "master" try to teach his only mate, a totally inexperienced girl, how to raise the mainsail while he headed them out into 10' rollers in a 25kt NE That's poor judgement, and good sailors have no problem understanding this. Jack Painter Virginia Beach, VA "santacruz" wrote in message ... I'm not normally rude to ****heads like you - but you're not answering his question. You must be another ****ing Bush Republican. It is perfectly legal to modify ham radios so they can transmit on marine SSB freq's in an emergency. Go ask your Mother - she'll confirm this. BTW - 25 knots and 10 ft seas in a 38' boat is just exciting sailing. We get that frequently between Long Beach and Catalina - and it's great fast sailing. On Sun, 9 May 2004 01:13:45 -0400, "Jack Painter" wrote: "Eric" wrote in message . com... I am looking for an inexpensive tranceiver for my sailboat.I am rapidly running out of money and need a cheap reliable rig.I have just insulated my backstay(37 feet).aAny ideas? Thanks,Eric. Eric, Your somewhat typical request elcited somewhat typical replies so far. Maybe it's helpful to you to get an answer to that question, but I think you're attitude is likely to cost someone's life, probably your own. If you really think getting a "cheap reliable rig" as you are now "rapidly running out of money" is the acceptable order of things before an offshore excursion, you are an accident waiting to happen. Well meaning but improper advice from the group comes complete with telling you it's easy to break the law, and encouraging you to do so. These legal eagles really believe that so long as you later have an emergency (assured in your case Eric), you didn't break any law. They are wrong, as are your priorities. Instead of compounding your mistakes with their bad advice, your whole sailing experience would be more enjoyable and safer if you would learn some simple safe boating practices. Then you would be more likely to prevent the need for cheap radios you are not licensed or trained to use, as well as understand the fallacy of advice to believe in illegal operation as a saving grace to other inadequacies. I recommend you take some seamanship, communications and other safe boating courses offered by the United States Power Squadrons and United States Coast Guard Auxiliary via your nearest marina or boating center. Then you could be safely enjoying the water and able to help others do the same instead of learning to break the law and operating recklessly from a vessel and crew of uncertain capabilities. Like the 38' sloop we saw today - watching her "master" try to teach his only mate, a totally inexperienced girl, how to raise the mainsail while he headed them out into 10' rollers in a 25kt NE under small craft warnings this morning. I wonder if he was confident that his illegally modifed "cheap" SSB radio could have raised us. It would fit the bill. Sincerely, Jack Painter USCG Auxiliary Virginia Beach, Va |
need inexpensive marine ssb and ham radio for cruising sailboat.
"Doug Dotson" wrote in message ... My solution to my situation was to send an email to a friend who then called Vessel Assist. Assistance was there 45 minutes later. This is after trying for 2 hours to raise the CG or CGA just to be told that they would talk to me on SSB. Yep, that's unsat. But it would have helped to pursue it at the time, as I think you would have received an apology and explanation at the time. I wouldn't make the generalization that that bad experience certainly deserved for it's event. What is "unsat"? I suppose I am just venting my frustration at my one and only experience where I needed help. Sorry, it means "Unsatisifactory" (performance). My point is that in an emergency, THERE ARE NO LAWS when it comes to use of the radio when trying to obtain help. Now, there is a gray area in exactly what constitutes an "emergency". When I was an actively flying pilot, one could declare an emergency if they personally felt they were in trouble. They may not have actually been in as much trouble as they may have thought, but it is the pilot's judgement. Of course, a report had to be filed after the fact and some amount of review was done to determine if the declaration was valid. Very rarely was a pilot called to task. I suspect the same sort of scheme is in place for nautical vessels as well. Doug, we never disagreed there in the least. My comments were about an act related to the preplanning for an emergency that does not exist at the time. Best, Jack |
need inexpensive marine ssb and ham radio for cruising sailboat.
"Doug Dotson" wrote in message ... Yep, that's unsat. But it would have helped to pursue it at the time, as I think you would have received an apology and explanation at the time. I wouldn't make the generalization that that bad experience certainly deserved for it's event. What is "unsat"? I suppose I am just venting my frustration at my one and only experience where I needed help. Sorry, unsat = Unstatisfactory (performance). My point is that in an emergency, THERE ARE NO LAWS when it comes to use of the radio when trying to obtain help. Now, there is a gray area in exactly what constitutes an "emergency". When I was an actively flying pilot, one could declare an emergency if they personally felt they were in trouble. They may not have actually been in as much trouble as they may have thought, but it is the pilot's judgement. Of course, a report had to be filed after the fact and some amount of review was done to determine if the declaration was valid. Very rarely was a pilot called to task. I suspect the same sort of scheme is in place for nautical vessels as well. Doug, we never disagreed on that at all. My comments were about the an act that involved presumption of a future, non-existent emergency. Best, Jack |
need inexpensive marine ssb and ham radio for cruising sailboat.
Doug, we never disagreed on that at all. My comments were about the an act
that involved presumption of a future, non-existent emergency. You have really lost me now. I prefer to base my plans on a future possability of a very real emergency. I am very glad I am a ham. The safety it affords me is far greater than any provided by the CG or CGA with regard to contacting someone to dispatch help. Once the CG is contacted then their assistence is some of the best in the world. Close to shore, the towing services are excellent. In my case, I sent an email via Winlink to a station in Dallas, that message was forwarded to my friend in Baltimore who called Vessel Assist. 30 minutes later I was contacted on VHF that they were in-transit, 15 or 30 minutes later they were there. That's hard to beat. Best, Jack |
need inexpensive marine ssb and ham radio for cruising sailboat.
On Sun, 9 May 2004 01:13:45 -0400, Jack Painter snip...
Maybe it's helpful to you to get an answer to that question, but I think you're attitude is likely to cost someone's life, probably your own. If you really think getting a "cheap reliable rig" as you are now "rapidly runningsnippppppp Sincerely, Jack Painter USCG Auxiliary Virginia Beach, Va and from the well meaning but well worn "pay more feel better" crowd we have heard..up with which we shall not put, Just remember Eric...not everybody even has a long distance radio and people have gone around with less equipment and more knowledge yrs ago and even today. Oftimes the 'newer bester equipment' crowd attempts to make up for sound knowledge with more gear. We know all about the Mercedes Volvo and top heavy SUV moms blasting down the road with 'safe' vehicles and not a clue about skid control ...my analogue is apt.......to get me flamed Rick |
need inexpensive marine ssb and ham radio for cruising sailboat.
Hi Jack, I guess I am confused. The link you show below are the exact channels that I am talking about. At the top of the page they say that they are monitored and part way down they say that they are NOT monitored. This is the quote from about the middle of the page you gave the link for: "Note that except for the digital selective calling channels listed at the bottom of this page, the frequency channels described here are generally not Global Maritime Distress & Safety System (GMDSS) distress and safety channels. The Coast Guard does NOT monitor GMDSS radiotelephone or radiotelex channels." There was probably a misunderstanding about those being monitored then, GMDSS are no, except 2182 which is guarded by Groups.. These are guarded: http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/...uency/call.htm These are the channels that I am saying you cannot get an answer on. Are we talking about the same thing here? Thanks Gary On Mon, 10 May 2004 20:38:27 -0400, "Jack Painter" wrote: "Gary Schafer" wrote in message .. . Hi Jack, Hello Gary, I see that in the frequency list that it says: "The Coast Guard does NOT monitor GMDSS radiotelephone or radiotelex channels." Right, and this is more or less standard worldwide, if a DSC emergency call is received then the related voice channel would have callouts made on it. We do this for any emergency received, regardless of how far away it might be. I have heard several people say that they have never been able to raise the Coast guard on any of those frequencies. Even though they elude to the fact that they monitor them at the top of the page. There was probably a misunderstanding about those being monitored then, GMDSS are no, except 2182 which is guarded by Groups.. These are guarded: http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/...uency/call.htm Awhile back I saw something on the Coast guard site that said "you may need to make repeated calls for lengthy time" in order to raise them. Are you saying that these channels are monitored? Not sure if you were talking about the scheduled-guarded freqs I just referenced, so please let me know. While we have many transmitters at each of the remote sites (Boston, Virginia Beach (called Portsmouth out of tradition), Miami, and New Orleans, sometimes all available transmitters could be busy covering SCN, Air to Ground, HFDX, e-mails and other Cutter traffic, etc. So a (hopefully) short wait is almost assured at any given moment. Even before the USCG and USCG Auxiliary joined the Department of Homeland Security, we were tasked with supporting Customs, Immigration, Border Patrol, Agriculture, and security. Those support missions are now ten-fold of what they once were, and the traditional law enforcements of Fisheries, treaties, commercial saftey and pleasure boat safety are growing every year as well. S it is a challenging and exciting time to be serving and I hope your future experiences are all supportive and satisfactory. And as Doug alluded to jokingly, no a report of an incident won't fix things, but it helps, and the lack of effort to improve the system never got us anywhere! Best regards, Jack Painter Virginia Beach Thanks Gary On Mon, 10 May 2004 18:35:20 -0400, "Jack Painter" wrote: "Doug Dotson" wrote in message ... Hummm. Last time needed help and was out of VHF range I was never able to raise any USCG station on marine SSB. When I did finally get within range of a VHF CG station (very poor signal). I asked if I could switch to an SSB frequency for better communications. I was told that USCG no longer monitored Marine SSB, so it was poor VHF or nothing. A few comments below. Doug s/v Callista Doug, I'm sorry to hear about your bad experience with USCG communications. HF propagation is, as you know better than most, is never a sure thing, especially from long distance, low power, solar activity and other interference. But we do the very best possible 24/7 to maintain the best HF coverage of any agency in the world from the USCG communication stations. When the T/V Bow Mariner exploded and sank, they put out one Mayday on 2182 USB. Four USCG Groups from Newport RI to Charleston SC answered it almost simulataneously. It has been and continues to be monitored at every USCG Group. CAMSLANT CHEASPEAKE (Virginia), where I work, monitors several listed SSB maritime band guard frequencies and will assist any mariner on them (We do not monitor 2182, Groups do that). CAMSPAC PT REYES in California does the same for Pacific traffic. If you made a call on one of those guarded frequencies, and you believe your radio worked, and it was not answered, you should make a report to the USCG about it. If a mariner cannot obtain good copy from one of the many guarded SSB maritime channels, I sure don't know why the odds would be better on a circuit they are not authorized to use _except in an emergency_, as they would not know the times guarded, direction or location antennas pointed, etc. If you are authorized to modify a radio, I'm sure you would try that route, but it is not legal advice to give to the general boating public, including commercial craft to modify or illegally operate SSB radios. Tracking down abuse from commercial fishermen is easier than some might think, and when they operate on government curcuits they are prosecuted. http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/default.htm has all the information about maritime SSB guard frequencies and other means of communications for emergencies at sea. As to why the license which is good for ten years to life, depending on class and type, could cost $150, that's not something we can do anything about, unless you think your Congressman would lobby the FCC to change it. Hope this was some help, 73's Jack Painter USCG Auxiliary Virginia Beach, Va "Jack Painter" wrote in message news:gkDnc.34930$pJ1.10709@lakeread02... Hi Doug, Yes I'm aware that a licensed Amateur Radio operator can build and modify equipment with the proper class license. I beleive any license class is acceptable. We rely on your expertise and abilities in communication emergencies. I am the Emergency Readiness Coordinator for the USCG Auxiliary Division 5, Port of Hampton Roads, Va, and we utilize all available agencies and volunteers in an emergency. What is bad practice though, is to encourage anyone to modify communications equipment which as you know, is permitted only under very limited circumstances and could not therefore be acceptable for general use in emergency communications. If you can't do it legally, can't test it, can't tune it, and can't practice with it, you shouldn't have been encouraged to consider such equipment as part of your planning for emergencies. There are several ham rigs on the market now that are type accepted for marine SSB use. The mods are legal and operating them on the marine SSB frequencies is legal. The SGC SG-2000 was the first one to be granted type acceptance, but I'm pretty sure that several others are now accepted. Responsible sailors can easily get a license for SSB marine operations So can irresponsible sailors. If they want to encourage sailors to get the license, why charge $150 for it? and learn how to contact the USCG and other monitoring agencies, including commercial and volunteer watchstanders on authorized SSB marine bands. I work in this field for USCG HF communications, and we are happy to provide assistance to boaters in this matter. Well as I said earlier, the only time I was in an emergency situation, I got absolutely nowhere with marine SSB. Best regards, Jack Painter Virginia Beach, Va "Doug Dotson" wrote in message ... Fortunately, ham radio is not under the same rules as marine SSB when it comes to modifications. Type accepted marine gear cannot be modified but ham gear can. I can build my own rig if I want to and I am not violating any law unless have emmisions that are in violation to those specified (freq, spurious radiation, harmonics, etc). In other words, I can't violate the law unless I transmit. If you look closer at the rules, all rules are suspended in an emergency. So transmitting on a modified rig is not illegal in an emergency. As far as having a cheap rig on board, that is a personal choice. I have cruised with many that don't have an SSB. Doug (That is my real name) s/v Callista "Jack Painter" wrote in message news:fgCnc.34527$pJ1.28623@lakeread02... Gee, how do you really feel about it? Nice language. Those of us whose parents were married don't talk that way. And we don't hide behind phony internet ID's. Anyone thinking about unauthorized mods to a SSB radio can write me and I will be glad to find a local representative in your area where you can have the law explained to you in person. "master" try to teach his only mate, a totally inexperienced girl, how to raise the mainsail while he headed them out into 10' rollers in a 25kt NE That's poor judgement, and good sailors have no problem understanding this. Jack Painter Virginia Beach, VA "santacruz" wrote in message ... I'm not normally rude to ****heads like you - but you're not answering his question. You must be another ****ing Bush Republican. It is perfectly legal to modify ham radios so they can transmit on marine SSB freq's in an emergency. Go ask your Mother - she'll confirm this. BTW - 25 knots and 10 ft seas in a 38' boat is just exciting sailing. We get that frequently between Long Beach and Catalina - and it's great fast sailing. On Sun, 9 May 2004 01:13:45 -0400, "Jack Painter" wrote: "Eric" wrote in message . com... I am looking for an inexpensive tranceiver for my sailboat.I am rapidly running out of money and need a cheap reliable rig.I have just insulated my backstay(37 feet).aAny ideas? Thanks,Eric. Eric, Your somewhat typical request elcited somewhat typical replies so far. Maybe it's helpful to you to get an answer to that question, but I think you're attitude is likely to cost someone's life, probably your own. If you really think getting a "cheap reliable rig" as you are now "rapidly running out of money" is the acceptable order of things before an offshore excursion, you are an accident waiting to happen. Well meaning but improper advice from the group comes complete with telling you it's easy to break the law, and encouraging you to do so. These legal eagles really believe that so long as you later have an emergency (assured in your case Eric), you didn't break any law. They are wrong, as are your priorities. Instead of compounding your mistakes with their bad advice, your whole sailing experience would be more enjoyable and safer if you would learn some simple safe boating practices. Then you would be more likely to prevent the need for cheap radios you are not licensed or trained to use, as well as understand the fallacy of advice to believe in illegal operation as a saving grace to other inadequacies. I recommend you take some seamanship, communications and other safe boating courses offered by the United States Power Squadrons and United States Coast Guard Auxiliary via your nearest marina or boating center. Then you could be safely enjoying the water and able to help others do the same instead of learning to break the law and operating recklessly from a vessel and crew of uncertain capabilities. Like the 38' sloop we saw today - watching her "master" try to teach his only mate, a totally inexperienced girl, how to raise the mainsail while he headed them out into 10' rollers in a 25kt NE under small craft warnings this morning. I wonder if he was confident that his illegally modifed "cheap" SSB radio could have raised us. It would fit the bill. Sincerely, Jack Painter USCG Auxiliary Virginia Beach, Va |
need inexpensive marine ssb and ham radio for cruising sailboat.
There are several ham rigs on the market now that are type accepted for
marine SSB use. Gawdamit Doug, you gotta learn to think like a bureaucrat, specifically a CG bureaucrat. Those are not "ham rigs that are type accepted" as normal folks might think! They are "Marine Radios" that hams are allowed use on amateur bands!! (c: |
need inexpensive marine ssb and ham radio for cruising sailboat.
Gary,
Only the frequencies listed at the bottom of the page are DSC-GMDSS frequencies, and they are not guarded for voice _unless_ a DSC distress is received first.. So of course they are guarded by DSC equipment and messages will be replied to with DSC only when reply is requested. Since the U.S does not officially have a Sea Area A2 yet, 2187.5 and the accompanying 2182 voice are not the best choice for DSC distress calls. That was however the only one the Bow Mariner chose to make it's DSC distress and subsequent voice call on. The frequencies with guard-times and station listings on that page are guarded for voice, radiotelex etc as individually listed. http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/...uency/call.htm Jack "Gary Schafer" wrote in message ... This is the quote from about the middle of the page you gave the link for: "Note that except for the digital selective calling channels listed at the bottom of this page, the frequency channels described here are generally not Global Maritime Distress & Safety System (GMDSS) distress and safety channels. The Coast Guard does NOT monitor GMDSS radiotelephone or radiotelex channels." |
need inexpensive marine ssb and ham radio for cruising sailboat.
Hi Jack,
I am still confused. At the top of the page on your link it says: "HF Distress and Safety Watchkeeping Schedule - last updated 17 Feb 2004 HF RADIOTELEPHONE (SINGLE SIDEBAND) - Contact and Long Range Liaison" Aren't they implying that these frequencies are monitored at all times as listed? So are you saying that if I were to call the coast guard on voice on 6200 or 8240 from the East coast, that I would immediately get a reply? These are the frequencies that people have told me that they can not raise the coast guard on after many many calls. Thanks Gary On Tue, 11 May 2004 12:12:08 -0400, "Jack Painter" wrote: Gary, Only the frequencies listed at the bottom of the page are DSC-GMDSS frequencies, and they are not guarded for voice _unless_ a DSC distress is received first.. So of course they are guarded by DSC equipment and messages will be replied to with DSC only when reply is requested. Since the U.S does not officially have a Sea Area A2 yet, 2187.5 and the accompanying 2182 voice are not the best choice for DSC distress calls. That was however the only one the Bow Mariner chose to make it's DSC distress and subsequent voice call on. The frequencies with guard-times and station listings on that page are guarded for voice, radiotelex etc as individually listed. http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/...uency/call.htm Jack "Gary Schafer" wrote in message .. . This is the quote from about the middle of the page you gave the link for: "Note that except for the digital selective calling channels listed at the bottom of this page, the frequency channels described here are generally not Global Maritime Distress & Safety System (GMDSS) distress and safety channels. The Coast Guard does NOT monitor GMDSS radiotelephone or radiotelex channels." |
need inexpensive marine ssb and ham radio for cruising sailboat.
Gary,
Only the frequencies listed at the bottom of the page are DSC-GMDSS frequencies, and they are not guarded for voice _unless_ a DSC distress is received first.. So of course they are guarded by DSC equipment and messages will be replied to with DSC only when reply is requested. Since the U.S does not officially have a Sea Area A2 yet, 2187.5 and the accompanying 2182 voice are not the best choice for DSC distress calls. That was however the only one the Bow Mariner chose to make it's DSC distress and subsequent voice call on. The frequencies with guard-times and station listings on that page are guarded for voice, radiotelex etc as individually listed. http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/...uency/call.htm Jack "Gary Schafer" wrote in message ... Hi Jack, I am still confused. At the top of the page on your link it says: "HF Distress and Safety Watchkeeping Schedule - last updated 17 Feb 2004 HF RADIOTELEPHONE (SINGLE SIDEBAND) - Contact and Long Range Liaison" Aren't they implying that these frequencies are monitored at all times as listed? So are you saying that if I were to call the coast guard on voice on 6200 or 8240 from the East coast, that I would immediately get a reply? These are the frequencies that people have told me that they can not raise the coast guard on after many many calls. Thanks Gary On Tue, 11 May 2004 12:12:08 -0400, "Jack Painter" wrote: Gary, Only the frequencies listed at the bottom of the page are DSC-GMDSS frequencies, and they are not guarded for voice _unless_ a DSC distress is received first.. So of course they are guarded by DSC equipment and messages will be replied to with DSC only when reply is requested. Since the U.S does not officially have a Sea Area A2 yet, 2187.5 and the accompanying 2182 voice are not the best choice for DSC distress calls. That was however the only one the Bow Mariner chose to make it's DSC distress and subsequent voice call on. The frequencies with guard-times and station listings on that page are guarded for voice, radiotelex etc as individually listed. http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/...uency/call.htm Jack "Gary Schafer" wrote in message .. . This is the quote from about the middle of the page you gave the link for: "Note that except for the digital selective calling channels listed at the bottom of this page, the frequency channels described here are generally not Global Maritime Distress & Safety System (GMDSS) distress and safety channels. The Coast Guard does NOT monitor GMDSS radiotelephone or radiotelex channels." |
need inexpensive marine ssb and ham radio for cruising sailboat.
Fraid not. Different things entirely.
"Vito" wrote in message ... There are several ham rigs on the market now that are type accepted for marine SSB use. Gawdamit Doug, you gotta learn to think like a bureaucrat, specifically a CG bureaucrat. Those are not "ham rigs that are type accepted" as normal folks might think! They are "Marine Radios" that hams are allowed use on amateur bands!! (c: |
need inexpensive marine ssb and ham radio for cruising sailboat.
We used a Yeasu FT 840 with an SGC tuner for several years. Simple clip to
open up the marine freqs. We used it with a KAM+ for email as well. Mike SV Slacker |
need inexpensive marine ssb and ham radio for cruising sailboat.
Doug, let's drop the semantics. Something you plan for in case it happens in
the future is imaginary, it is not real and it does not exist, no matter how well you pretend it is. Of course we plan for emergencies, but when you advise the general public to commit an act on the presumption that something will happen in the future to make it legal, you're too far out on a limb for me. Jack "Doug Dotson" wrote in message ... Doug, we never disagreed on that at all. My comments were about the an act that involved presumption of a future, non-existent emergency. You have really lost me now. I prefer to base my plans on a future possability of a very real emergency. I am very glad I am a ham. The safety it affords me is far greater than any provided by the CG or CGA with regard to contacting someone to dispatch help. Once the CG is contacted then their assistence is some of the best in the world. Close to shore, the towing services are excellent. In my case, I sent an email via Winlink to a station in Dallas, that message was forwarded to my friend in Baltimore who called Vessel Assist. 30 minutes later I was contacted on VHF that they were in-transit, 15 or 30 minutes later they were there. That's hard to beat. Best, Jack |
need inexpensive marine ssb and ham radio for cruising sailboat.
"Jack Painter" wrote in
news:8gVnc.35334$pJ1.926@lakeread02: I see that in the frequency list that it says: "The Coast Guard does NOT monitor GMDSS radiotelephone or radiotelex channels." Right, and this is more or less standard worldwide, if a DSC emergency call is received then the related voice channel would have callouts made on it. We do this for any emergency received, regardless of how far away it might be. If you have GMDSS implemented on your boat, and you see an emergency in range of your locals not being responded to, I will call CG on VHF and bump them in the head to get their attention. If someone listening to the distress calls from "Morning Dew" go unresponded-to here in Charleston, and had raised hell to kick that watchstander's ass at CG Group Charleston, 3 boys and a daddy wouldn't have died on the jetties from daddy's stupidity and two families might not have been grieving, today. If we have to monitor FOR them to save sailors' lives, then so be it. I have heard several people say that they have never been able to raise the Coast guard on any of those frequencies. Even though they elude to the fact that they monitor them at the top of the page. There was probably a misunderstanding about those being monitored then, GMDSS are no, except 2182 which is guarded by Groups.. These are guarded: http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/...uency/call.htm In order to monitor GMDSS, then CG first has to INSTALL GMDSS in all stations, as required by international law. Equipment at CG stations is archaeic. At Charleston, we spent a fortune on a new gate, gatehouse and liquor store, not on silly electronics equipment to save lives. Our priorities are all screwed up. Awhile back I saw something on the Coast guard site that said "you may need to make repeated calls for lengthy time" in order to raise them. Are you saying that these channels are monitored? Not sure if you were talking about the scheduled-guarded freqs I just referenced, so please let me know. While we have many transmitters at each of the remote sites (Boston, Virginia Beach (called Portsmouth out of tradition), Miami, and New Orleans, sometimes all available transmitters could be busy covering SCN, Air to Ground, HFDX, e-mails and other Cutter traffic, etc. So a (hopefully) short wait is almost assured at any given moment. Even before the USCG and USCG Auxiliary joined the Department of Homeland Security, we were tasked with supporting Customs, Immigration, Border Patrol, Agriculture, and security. Those support missions are now ten-fold of what they once were, and the traditional law enforcements of Fisheries, treaties, commercial saftey and pleasure boat safety are growing every year as well. S it is a challenging and exciting time to be serving and I hope your future experiences are all supportive and satisfactory. And as Doug alluded to jokingly, no a report of an incident won't fix things, but it helps, and the lack of effort to improve the system never got us anywhere! Again, we need to spend money on EQUIPMENT to do the assigned tasks, not pretty fences, gatehouses and military fluff to impress the brass. If we spent as much money on the radios as we do painting stones and raising flowers and erecting new bureaucracies, we'd have the finest equipment in the world! Larry W4CSC |
need inexpensive marine ssb and ham radio for cruising sailboat.
Gary Schafer wrote in
: Hi Jack, I am still confused. At the top of the page on your link it says: "HF Distress and Safety Watchkeeping Schedule - last updated 17 Feb 2004 HF RADIOTELEPHONE (SINGLE SIDEBAND) - Contact and Long Range Liaison" Aren't they implying that these frequencies are monitored at all times as listed? So are you saying that if I were to call the coast guard on voice on 6200 or 8240 from the East coast, that I would immediately get a reply? These are the frequencies that people have told me that they can not raise the coast guard on after many many calls. Thanks Gary Gary, what people don't understand is that the shore stations have MANY receivers, all monitoring like it says, BUT, there are a limited number of TRANSMITTERS available for the operators to reply with. I used to work for a CG contractor traveling around for EIL Instruments repairing and calibrating test equipment. I watched the operations at a few major stations, like New Orleans, while I was there. Sometimes the demand for transmitters exceeded CG's ability to provide them. So, calls were being HEARD, but had to go unanswered due to lack of equipment. This problem has been going on at CG stations for many years. Money needed to buy more gear is diverted to buy new gates, bureaucracies and pretty stuff for the brass. Larry W4CSC |
need inexpensive marine ssb and ham radio for cruising sailboat.
That's OK, it's nice and peacefull out here on my limb without you :)
I guess we will have to agree to disagree on this one. HEY! There's no beer out here. Doug s/v Callista "Jack Painter" wrote in message news:Xiioc.35883$pJ1.2100@lakeread02... Doug, let's drop the semantics. Something you plan for in case it happens in the future is imaginary, it is not real and it does not exist, no matter how well you pretend it is. Of course we plan for emergencies, but when you advise the general public to commit an act on the presumption that something will happen in the future to make it legal, you're too far out on a limb for me. Jack "Doug Dotson" wrote in message ... Doug, we never disagreed on that at all. My comments were about the an act that involved presumption of a future, non-existent emergency. You have really lost me now. I prefer to base my plans on a future possability of a very real emergency. I am very glad I am a ham. The safety it affords me is far greater than any provided by the CG or CGA with regard to contacting someone to dispatch help. Once the CG is contacted then their assistence is some of the best in the world. Close to shore, the towing services are excellent. In my case, I sent an email via Winlink to a station in Dallas, that message was forwarded to my friend in Baltimore who called Vessel Assist. 30 minutes later I was contacted on VHF that they were in-transit, 15 or 30 minutes later they were there. That's hard to beat. Best, Jack |
need inexpensive marine ssb and ham radio for cruising sailboat.
With all this talk about inability to raise USCG on HF SSB let me relate my
experiences in two high seas emergencies. I was aboard a commercial tuna boat fishing between Midway Island and Japan. In the first incident a boat nearby had a crewman whose hand got caught in machinery and was severely mangled. Too far for helo medivac so what was needed was emergency medical advice and clearance to put the injured guy ashore at Midway, several days away. No answer to calls to USCG on 2182, 4125 etc. Although I am not a ham, I broke into a net on 20 meters and was answered by a guy named Danny in New Guinea. He immediately phone patched through to an emergency room doctor in the US who gave hours of guidance on how to treat the hand and save it. He also contacted the CG who got the Navy to give clearance for a Midway landing. The next incident was a very very weak mayday I heard on some 8 MHz marine channel. The distressed vessel could not hear me nor was it heard by anyone else. It was a fishing vessel about 200 miles from Hawaii and it had suffered a major engine room fire. It was taking on water and had no power for pumps. I got the vessel name and position thank goodness. All calls to USCG went unanswered. In desperation I finally tuned up on 11179 USB and called a Mayday Relay. I was anwered by a Marine Corps C 130 air refueling tanker call sign QB 0x? which was flying off southern Calif. The radio op on the plane was really sharp and in no time had relayed all the info to the USCG. The boat was saved, no lives lost. The lesson? Use all your resources, know HF aircraft freqs, etc. Know ham bands. Hams are generally very helpful in a true emergency. 5696 USB is a USCG aircraft channel. Its a good one to have in your freq list. Listen to it, there is almost always some traffic on it if you listen for 15 or 20 min. BTW, all the calls were made on an "illegal" Drake TR 7 modified to operate anywhere between 1.5 and 30 MHz. Our "legal" SSB was crystal controlled controlled and had only official ITU marine channels. |
need inexpensive marine ssb and ham radio for cruising sailboat.
"BOEING377" without a name, wrote
With all this talk about inability to raise USCG on HF SSB let me relate my experiences in two high seas emergencies. I was aboard a commercial tuna boat fishing between Midway Island and Japan. In the first incident a boat nearby had a crewman whose hand got caught in machinery and was severely mangled. Too far for helo medivac so what was needed was emergency medical advice and clearance to put the injured guy ashore at Midway, several days away. No answer to calls to USCG on 2182, 4125 etc. That's an unreasonable expectation to assume the USCG would hear a small boat between Midway and Japan on HF, which is far from our area of responsibilty. You're on your own out in waters like that, and 2182 or 4125 are for 20-200 mile coverage. Higher frequencies as you used to call someone nearer to your locaton, are certainly better for long haul comms. Although I am not a ham, I broke into a net on 20 meters and was answered by a guy named Danny in New Guinea. He immediately phone patched through to an emergency room doctor in the US who gave hours of guidance on how to treat the hand and save it Thanks for the heads up that there are no Hospitals on the island of New Guinea! The lesson? Use all your resources, know HF aircraft freqs, etc. Know ham bands. Hams are generally very helpful in a true emergency. 5696 USB is a USCG aircraft channel. Its a good one to have in your freq list. Listen to it, there is almost always some traffic on it if you listen for 15 or 20 min. BTW, all the calls were made on an "illegal" Drake TR 7 modified to operate anywhere between 1.5 and 30 MHz. Our "legal" SSB was crystal controlled controlled and had only official ITU marine channels. The lesson should be how unreliable HF voice communication is from a small boat in the middle of nowhere. There were certainly better options available to a commercial fishing vessel, or anyone who chooses to be a thousand miles from civilization. Other legal choices for boaters with only HF voice would be: http://www.mmsn.org/ Maritime Mobile Net (14.300 mhz) and from that group: Other Maritime Nets Baja California Net 7.238 MHz - Daily at 1600UTC California to Caribbean 14.285 MHz. - Mondays at 2300 UTC California to South Pacific 14.285 MHz. - Mondays at 2310 UTC Caribbean Maritime Mobile Net 7.241 MHz. - Daily at 1100 UTC Caribbean Net 7.158 MHz. - Daily at 0000 UTC Chubasco Net 7.294 MHz. - Daily at 1530 UTC Confusion Net 14.305 MHz. - Monday thru Friday at 1900 UTC DDD Net-Pacific for Canada 14.115 MHz. - Daily at 0400 UTC 14.115 MHz. - Daily at 1730 UTC Mariana Net 14.340 MHz. - Monday thru Saturday at 1900 UTC Mariana-Guam 14.310 MHz. - Daily at 0700 UTC Maritime Emergency Net 14.310 MHz. - Daily at 0400 14.303mhz. - Daily at 1800 UTC Mississauga Maritime Net 14.122.5 MHz. - Daily at 1245 UTC Waterway Radio & Cruising Club Net 7.268 MHz. - Daily at 07:45 ET West Coast Admirals Maritime Mobile Net 7.190 MHz. - Daily at 2230 Caribbean Maritime Mobile Net http://www.mayaparadise.com/mmfreq1.htm The TransAtlantic Net: Held daily at 1300 GMT on 21.400. Net controller is 8P6QM - Trudi, assisted by G4FTO - Rudi and VE3AGS - George and others. Weather on the half hour, and third party traffic where legal. The U.K. MM Net: Held twice a day at 0800 and 1800 GMT on 14.303 +/- QRM. Morning Net controller is G4FRN - Bill and in the evening you will find G4YZH - Bruce, G0IAD - Tony or G4FTO - Rudi and others The Pacific Maritime Mobile Service Net; on daily; 21412MHz at 2200 to 2300GMT. This is our 18th year on this Freq. Dr. Ernie, VE3EGM, is one of our relay stations. Thanks, 73, Bob Corbin N2RSM The Pacific Maritime Mobile Service Net; on daily; 21412MHz at 2200 to 2300GMT. This is our 18th year on this Freq. Dr. Ernie, VE3EGM, is one of our relay stations. Thanks, 73, Bob Corbin N2RSM DDD Net The DDD Net operates on a daily basis, frequency is 14.115mHz and the warm up time is approx 0330z going formal at 0400z. We have relays in Tasmania - VK7PR, Peter New Zealand - ZL1ATE, Tony; ZL2FS, Jim and ZL1UE, Malcolm Alberta - VE6LS, Al in Edmonton Vancouver Island - VE7CZN, Jim and VE7KON, Ken. Phone patch is available( where legal) and traffic is forwarded by Email (as available). Info from Peter Thomas, VE7PT This is just a sample, there are many others. Jack Painter Virginia Beach, Va |
USCG and HF SSB, cannot count on being heard?
"No
answer to calls to USCG on 2182, 4125 etc." That's an unreasonable expectation to assume the USCG would hear a small boat between Midway and Japan on HF, which is far from our area of responsibilty. You're on your own out in waters like that, and 2182 or 4125 are for 20-200 mile coverage. Higher frequencies as you used to call someone nearer to your locaton, are certainly better for long haul comms. Note the etc., I called on 2, 4, 8, 16 Mhz freqs. Back then (1980s) satcom gear was just too expensive for most small fishing boats. The US Albacore tuna fleet is comprised of small boats, usually in the 50-85 ft range. We knew we were on our own and accepted that risk. None of us expected the USCG to protect us so far from the US, but it's always worth a try. Another resource that actually has in some respects superior long range air rescue capabilities compared to the USCG is the USAF Rescue Squadrons. They have HC 130H aircraft very similar to the USCG planes, but with a couple of big differences. They can carry pararescue jumpers who sometimes jump thousands of miles offshore to do emergency medical work on a ship. Also, the USAF planes carry air refueling gear and can extend the range of a Blackhawk rescue helo waaay beyoind what the USCG can fly with their unrefuelable Jayhawks. They have helped in a number of civilian sea rescues. Not sure how the USCG and the USAF divide tasks, but I assume that the USAF is contacted by the USCG RCC since the USAF planes do not normally monitor marine HF SSB freqs. The USAF planes do not normally carry dropable pumps but they do carry dropable liferafts and can drop a very impressive large inflatable with a big waterproof outboard which is used by the pararescue jumpers after they land in the water. |
USCG and HF SSB, cannot count on being heard?
On Saturday 15 May 2004 12:21 am in rec.boats.electronics BOEING377 wrote:
"No answer to calls to USCG on 2182, 4125 etc." That's an unreasonable expectation to assume the USCG would hear a small boat between Midway and Japan on HF, which is far from our area of responsibilty. You're on your own out in waters like that, and 2182 or 4125 are for 20-200 mile coverage. Higher frequencies as you used to call someone nearer to your locaton, are certainly better for long haul comms. This entire thread is getting silly. HF is deprecated and obselescent. It is a SOLAS requirement for most vessels to carry satellite comms when out of VHF range, stop bitching and install the correct kit. http://www.inmarsat.org/maritimesafety/mss_gmdss.htm -- My real address is crn (at) netunix (dot) com WARNING all messages containing attachments or html will be silently deleted. Send only plain text. |
need inexpensive marine ssb and ham radio for cruising sailboat.
Are you that same ****ing idiot - Where do you get such asshole ideas
from. He didn't say that at all. On Fri, 14 May 2004 17:41:16 -0400, "Jack Painter" wrote: Thanks for the heads up that there are no Hospitals on the island of New Guinea! |
need inexpensive marine ssb and ham radio for cruising sailboat.
That's an unreasonable expectation to assume the USCG would hear a small
boat between Midway and Japan on HF, which is far from our area of responsibilty. You're on your own out in waters like that, and 2182 or 4125 are for 20-200 mile coverage. Higher frequencies as you used to call someone nearer to your locaton, are certainly better for long haul comms. Why is it that USCG "monitored" frequencies are not reliable at these distances, but ham frequencies are pretty reliable. 4125 is just a bit above the 80m ham band. I can talk to Australia, Africa, Europe and Asia fairly reliably. I think the bottom line is that for whatever reason, the USCG and USCGA do not do a very good job of monitoring the frequencies that they claim to. Hams are always on the air somewhere, getting a ham license is the best insurance for one's safety. Doug, k3qt s/v Callista |
USCG and HF SSB, cannot count on being heard?
That's a stupid statement. What do you consider as "most" vessels?
Certainly none of the hundreds I have cruised with over the past few years. Doug, k3qt s/v Callista "Chris Newport" wrote in message news:3510853.l2XEpJlcUd@callisto... On Saturday 15 May 2004 12:21 am in rec.boats.electronics BOEING377 wrote: "No answer to calls to USCG on 2182, 4125 etc." That's an unreasonable expectation to assume the USCG would hear a small boat between Midway and Japan on HF, which is far from our area of responsibilty. You're on your own out in waters like that, and 2182 or 4125 are for 20-200 mile coverage. Higher frequencies as you used to call someone nearer to your locaton, are certainly better for long haul comms. This entire thread is getting silly. HF is deprecated and obselescent. It is a SOLAS requirement for most vessels to carry satellite comms when out of VHF range, stop bitching and install the correct kit. http://www.inmarsat.org/maritimesafety/mss_gmdss.htm -- My real address is crn (at) netunix (dot) com WARNING all messages containing attachments or html will be silently deleted. Send only plain text. |
USCG and HF SSB, cannot count on being heard?
"BOEING377" wrote
Note the etc., I called on 2, 4, 8, 16 Mhz freqs. Back then (1980s) satcom gear was just too expensive for most small fishing boats. The US Albacore tuna fleet is comprised of small boats, usually in the 50-85 ft range. We knew we were on our own and accepted that risk. None of us expected the USCG to protect us so far from the US, but it's always worth a try. Another resource that actually has in some respects superior long range air rescue capabilities compared to the USCG is the USAF Rescue Squadrons. They have HC 130H aircraft very similar to the USCG planes, but with a couple of big differences. They can carry pararescue jumpers who sometimes jump thousands of miles offshore to do emergency medical work on a ship. Also, the USAF planes carry air refueling gear and can extend the range of a Blackhawk rescue helo waaay beyoind what the USCG can fly with their unrefuelable Jayhawks. They have helped in a number of civilian sea rescues. Not sure how the USCG and the USAF divide tasks, but I assume that the USAF is contacted by the USCG RCC since the USAF planes do not normally monitor marine HF SSB freqs. The USAF planes do not normally carry dropable pumps but they do carry dropable liferafts and can drop a very impressive large inflatable with a big waterproof outboard which is used by the pararescue jumpers after they land in the water. Mr. ____ The USAF Air National Guard is called on to make any at sea recovery which is out of range of the USCG HH-60 Jayhawks, and no surface asset is near enough or able to assist. That kind of effort cost the life of a pararescue jumper after his helo team rescued the crew of s/v Satori. and required refueling before they could commence searching for the m/v Andrea Gail. The UH-60 was unable to air refuel, and ditched, causing the loss of the pararescue. For the USCG's work, the HH-60 is better suited than the Blackhawk, as the refueling probe adds so much weight that the resulting loss of single-trip range available to the Blackhawk makes it unsuitable for the typical USCG rescue missions. Also, the USCG HC-130's do not monitor marine band SSB either, although both the ANG and all USCG a/c are capable of any HF comms that a distressed vessel needed to communicate with. We also drop VHF hh radios to a vessel that has lost power and cannot communicate with an orbiting Hercules, Jayhawk or Falcon a/c. 73 Jack Painter Virginia Beach |
need inexpensive marine ssb and ham radio for cruising sailboat.
"Doug Dotson" wrote
Why is it that USCG "monitored" frequencies are not reliable at these distances, but ham frequencies are pretty reliable. 4125 is just a bit above the 80m ham band. I can talk to Australia, Africa, Europe and Asia fairly reliably. I think the bottom line is that for whatever reason, the USCG and USCGA do not do a very good job of monitoring the frequencies that they claim to. Hams are always on the air somewhere, getting a ham license is the best insurance for one's safety. Doug, k3qt s/v Callista Doug, I don't agree that there is any pattern or history of that situation, but your last comment was certainly well said. As to the "I have, so therefore" extrapolation of long distance HF comms, that really doesn't correlate to the daily long distance messaging traffic we work all over the Western hemisphere for USCG HF communcations. At any given moment, there are reasons which it is preaching to the choir to tell you about, but for the group's sake - those are atmosperic interferences, ionispheric absorbsion, solar ejections, flares, etc that make long distance propagation really good, or really poor. Some Hams are certainly more adept at doing this, and can often make better work of a given situation with equipment that may be specifically set up for that. But that's "when they can". Tthe missions that our transmitters and receivers work are much broader, and relied upon 24/7 in all forms of weather, so there are some compromises when compared to special purpose propagation techniques and equipment that others may possess. The transmitting station in my home for instance, has better long range capabilities than any single transmitting site of the USCG. But that is because we made this setup for a very specific purpose to assist in long range air to ground communications. In spite of this, I have to secure for thunderstorms, as you understand I'm sure. So would I rather have one super setup, or 50 good transmitters and receive antennas spread all over the country and available with the click of a mouse? I'll tell you, it's a lot more risky running a SAR case from my single station than with a team in the master ComSta with all those assets available as backup. The USCG investment in HF communications is staggering, and so is the cost to maintain it. One of the primary purposes we do this is to assist the maritime community! As one sarcastic poster pointed out in a snide post earlier, satcom has replaced almost all comms, but the truth is not everyone will ever be able to afford that. So we try to maintain HF service in the best manner possible to serve the whole maritime community. Yes we could be better, but I doubt that many in this group are qualified to understand how. If you know how, then by all means please tell us, as I asked you before, it is important to hear feedback and we ask for it all the time. 73 Jack Painter Virginia Beach VA |
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