SSB/Pactor vs Sat phone/Red Box etc

[MikeS]

Dear Liveaboard Radio Experts,

I've looked with interest at some threads relating to SSB et al. on long ocean crossings, but have not quite found an answer to this question.

I'm currently completing final preparations for long term cruise starting in 3/4 weeks. Atlantic crossing this year, then....who knows! My boat, which is fairly new to me, has a fitted ICOM M802 SSB (with backstay antena, tuner etc). Does this alone provide a source for weather forecasts mid-Atlantic (or mid-Pacific)? (I mean fairly specific forecasts, eg. for 200NM x 200NM patches of ocean).

If I want, say, GRIB forecasts for specified areas, should I add a Pactor modem (£1,200 + $240/annum + fitting + learning); OR go down the Sat phone route (around £900 phone + outside aerial + Red Box + Teleport-It + airtime etc, total c. £2,000+)?

My budget won't cover both. Does it need to cover either, or will SSB alone be ok?
Incidentally, I don't need or want emails mid-ocean, and don't anticipate using Satellite phone for chatting.

Any suggestions welcome.

Michael

 

[blenkinsop]

We had very good service from our ICOM SSB during a circumnavigation.
Fit the Pactor modem, then sign up to Sailmail, then, as well as being able to send and receive brief emails, there is a wealth of weather information, including GRIB files, from the Saildocs part of Sailmail. Up to about 3 years ago, the annual subscription to Sailmail was $250, and no ongoing usage charges.
You will also find that SSB is the principal inter yacht communication route across wide areas, particularly western Atlantic and Pacific with various formal and informal nets running.

 

[geem]

We have a Furuno SSB that we used for radio comms to the various nets when crossing oceans. We don’t bother with a pactor modem due to the cost. What we have instead is a Delorme Inreach. This is a text only satellite communicator that also provides tracking and emergency comms. it uses the Iridium network so full world coverage. The unlimited text option is $65 per month but can be switch over to lower tariff when not crossing oceans. Crossing the Atlantic last year the Delorme was fantastic. We sent or received hundreds of texts whilst on route to friends and family and got a pal to provide weather information all the way across. All this was for a fixed cost of $65 per month. The unit cost me £228 plus another £50 for the charger bracket. Very pleased with it

 

[RobbieW]

Of course, your main problem is the limited time you've given yourself to solve the problem (not that this comment helps)

OK, you already have the SSB radio so one aspect of remote comms is sorted, I think the 802 has DSC capability built in so try and get to know it - especially before you set off across the Pacific. I'd go for the satphone given where you are now because it adds to your ability to call for help direct to Falmouth if necessary. I dont think the RedBox is necessary so thats a saving of 500 quid'ish. Assuming you already have adequate 3/4G connectivity, WiFi is arguably less useful today, the RedBox buys you little that the satphone hardware doesnt cover anyway - thats assuming your working from a laptop rather than being totally tablet based. If you're tablet only, check what software Iridium provide for connectivity in apps.

EDIT: To look at all options though, check out Pactor 3 modems as you might fnd one at less cost than the Pactor 4s I think you've priced for. The 3 compression is good enough for the sort of use you have in mind and is supported by the SailMail network. Theres also an audio option, whose name escapes me at the moment, which reduces the cost as it doesnt need the Pactor at all but does need a laptop - thats certainly supported by the ham networks (Winlink), I'm less sure about support from SailMail

 

[RobbieW]

... Theres also an audio option, whose name escapes me at the moment, which reduces the cost as it doesnt need the Pactor at all but does need a laptop - thats certainly supported by the ham networks (Winlink), I'm less sure about support from SailMail

WINMOR is the name I couldnt remember last night. However I dont think it an option for you as I believe its only supported by the Ham network Winlink stations. As a Brit, to use the ham stuff legally offshore you need a full ham radio license, you dont have the time to achieve that

 

[dratsea]

Michael,

SSB and modem. Re: learning, if you are in West Wales next couple weeks or Kent for last two of August it will cost you a beer and take half a day. Or look at Sailmail website, download the tutorial and save yourself a beer!

PS The most difficult bit is finding which port your 'puter exports from, especially (and I would recommend) Bluetooth.

 

[MikeS]

Thank you everyone for your replies. Extra thank you, Dratsea, for the offer of training, for a beer! (It's a shame that I'll be re-launching the boat next week and then sailing in between the W. Wales and Kent venues - before heading south - so can't take you up on the offer).
Also, the nature of long-distance sailing means I've overspent on unexpected items, so will have to defer both modem and smart satellite phone for a while. A new genoa took priority!