SSB etc

J

jav301

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Just getting ready to fly off to BVI to bring a boat across to Cape Verdes.

I have an oldish Yachtboy 400 which I'm planning to link to a laptop for downloading weather charts. Any opinions on its suitability?-it just has SSB on/off switch, not USB/LSB.

Is it OK to take lifejacket inflation cylinders in hold baggage?

Thanks in advance.
 
It will work, yes.. but the tuning and repeatability is difficult, but possible -
If you want a small 'investment' - around 135 to 160 squids and superb, buy a Sangean ATS 909 -(Roberts badge them too) - upper n lower via independent filters, memories etc. stable.

re the cylinders.. dunno -
Joe, ps, have a great trip.
 
Gas cylinders, aviation authorities say its OK but they tell you to inform the airline before you fly, It's never been a problem when I've done this. But usually means getting a supervisor to the check in desk.
 
Try listening to Herb on the transatlantic net rather than relying in downloading wefax. Personally I wouldnt like to cont on radio which is really a domestic set. Might work but it will be marginal at best. Best solution is a ham set second hand IMHO, plus making some effort to put up a decent aerial.
 
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Try listening to Herb on the transatlantic net rather than relying in downloading wefax. Personally I wouldnt like to cont on radio which is really a domestic set. Might work but it will be marginal at best. Best solution is a ham set second hand IMHO, plus making some effort to put up a decent aerial.

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Entirely agree. I don't know what version of the Yachtboy he's using, but I strongly doubt whether it can be tuned anywhere near finely enough to receive wefax etc. I have a Sangean ATS 818 ACS which is excellent, and will produce a signal good enough to provide top quality wefax and RTTY, BUT they do cost a fair old lump of cash. Mine was circa £170.00 IIRC.

Agree that investment in a good HF receiver is the way to go, perhaps a Lowe 150 and decent bit of wire for an aerial??!
 
I would put the ats 909 (Which comes with reel antenna) above the HF150, and that is saying something !.. the 818 has only ssb, with bfo, good, but the 909 is a better rig.. as for the roberts, it will work..

Listening to 'herb' .. ok, far from me to EVER be controversial lol... but I would always prefer to make my own decisions rather than base them on someone elses in this way..

the great cruising massacre on the tonga NZ run was caused by reliance on a shorebound station and lack of confidence in their abilities - and the sheep principle..

Herb provides a good service.. but..
 
With regard to CO2 cylinders in life jackets, I have found that you need to ask the individual airline even though the airlines association say its Ok some airline say no ie. XL refused to carry the cylinders. LIAT are OK (both on the CO2 and overweight luggage going to BVI's).
 
Or, re cylinders.. just put them in the hold baggage and claim ignorance...

The everglades crash was due to oxygen generators (FROM AN AIRLINE) never heard of any air accident due to civilina hold luggage in reality.. amazing what you can get away with.. even the odd lump of wacky...
 
I only use the Sangean at home. I have a Lowe 150 on board along with an Icom 706 MkII, both of which we cruised with in the Med/Caribbean for almost ten years.

I don't know the 909, but it wouldn't matter if I did. I don't think these radios are adequate for long term ocean cruising.

BTW, we used Herb on every one of our circuits and he's fantastic in our view. Sure we were downloading our own wefaxes and RTTY daily, and carrying out our own interpretation, but it was still good to have Herb there to confirm it or modify it with later info.

SWMBO, who is our regular radio operator, would be really miserable if she didn't chat to him each evening. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
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Thanks all

Maybe I'd better invest in a new radio. Is Herb still going?

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He most certainly is, and apparently has no intention of stopping for a long time yet thank goodness!

In my opinion there really should be some international way of formally recongnising his amazing contribution to the safety of 'small' boats crossing the Atlantic.

Anybody got any ideas?
 
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