SSB

[Close hauled]

I've been looking for an SSB transceiver to fit on my British regiatered boat. The ICOM 710 is no longer in productipn and searches on ebay have come to nought. The ICOM802, which replaced the 710, has not got European type approval and according to ICOM is unlikely ever to have it and so it is ilegal to fit on a Britsh registered boat.

Consequently the only solution is to buy a commercial set but the costs are astronomic.

As I understand it all the boats on the ARC have got SSB, so what are they using?

Anyone have any ideas about a solution?


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[Talbot]

keep a close watch on ebay cause suitable radios are on there frequently. Do a search through these forums on SSB, and you will find an advocate for the Icom 706, or are you in a tearing hurry to get one?

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[Roberto]

I think most boats use amateur radio sets (icom 706mkII being one of the most common), sometimes modified for use in marine bands

Transmit with a ham set is legal only within the terms of an appropriate amateur licence, (i.e. by a licensed operator and inside amateur allotted frequencies); I think you could listen to marine bands as well, but it would surely be illegal to transmit there with an amateur set.
In case of an emergency noone would argue about using an amateur set in marine bands, but I suspect an emergency call would find many more listeners among amateur bands.
There are several reports of people calling for help on 2182 with no luck, and otoh having an almost immediate response in some amateur frequencies like 14.303.
This of course if you are outside vhf range.

I think many of ARC boats radio users are outside the strict limits of the law, but they are also outside the limits of coastal waters..



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[Talulah]

I thought Icom were bringing out an M801. I think this has been in the planning for several years although I have no idea when it is due out.
My personal view on this is that there is no comparable set to the M802 that offers DSC for realistic sums to non-professionals. The current legislation is therefore preventing me from having essential safety equipment when blue water cruising. As I consider safety to be more important I think any magistrate would find it hard to rule against me and the safety issue when there is no real alternative. I sure there must be a human rights issue there somewhere. I may be opening myself up here but I am sure there are lots of UK registered boats fitting M802's.


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[bruce]

in the U.S., fcc allows transmission in any freq available, even outside lic range for emergency purposes, so an sos would be allowed if you had a marine ssb lic and can transmit in ham freq. you just can't 'sport talk' there, and listening is free to all.

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[Close hauled]

That's a good point and I think that yuo might be able to argue it. My problem is that as we intend to be in the Med we might run foul of some official who decides to use it as grounds to cuase me lots of grief.

It is strange that no maufacturer seems to be taking advantage of this problem.

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[CPN]

Following link gives some information on the ICOM 802 in British yacht.
http://www.yachtcom.co.uk/
Far be it from me to encourage anyone to break the law, BUT it does seem that you can install an ICOM 802 in your boat and you just need to tell the licencing authorities that you have an SSB transciever, BUT NOT THE MODEL!!

I would think the authorities in the Med would leave you alone, if you show them your radio licence - they are, in my experience, far less intrusive than they are reputed to be - touch wood.

Peter

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[Sea Devil]

really do agree with CPN - just fit the thing - americans are using it in UK and Med waters.

Its a bit of a hobby horse of mine but Offcom is way off base with SSB usage in small boats.

In the Med the rules are that you have to conform to your home country rules so the chances of any official knowing the rules for the UK or even being vaguely interested are almost nil. Apart from that the Icom 802 will be in use by USA, Canadian, West indies, Caymen island boats totally legaly - so why should they 'go for' a slightly eccentric brit?

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[jimboaw]

Icom M710 RT item no. 4503631559 on Ebay (USA) N.I.B. currently $1000 US. Would be happy to onward ship at cost for you if you want to buy.

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[jerryat]

Hi Pedro,

The Icom 706 MkII is excellent, and will give you world-wide coverage is a package not much bigger than a car radio, if used with the Icom AT4 ATU (Automatic Tuning Unit) linked to an insulated backstay and grounded via 75mm wide copper tape to your keel or sintered plate.

Have used mine for the last seven years whilst full time cruising, and am delighted with it. Yes, more well informed Forumites have stated that this is not UK compliant etc, but it works superbly, is relatively cheap compared to the 'Marine' Icoms (also not type approved), and that's all I need from a set!

Cheers

Jerry

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[steverow]

The Yeasu FT847 is also a very suitable candidate, which is what I use.
A little larger than the IC706, but does a lot more and has more bells and whistles, as well as VHF and UHF coverage.
Has matching Automatic ATU, the FC20
It's easily modified for general coverage transmit (takes about 15 mins).
You should be able to pick one up for about £700-£800 on Ebay.

Steve.



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[jerryat]

Hi Steve,

Just for info, the 706 does have VHF capability via the usual type of VHF aerial. The connection for this is separate at the rear of the set.

CHeers
Jerry

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[Gunfleet]

VERY IMPORTANT NOTE

Jerry,
Some hams suggest using a broadbanded 706 on some parts of the VHF spectrum can lead to burn out in the output stage. I suggest anyone using a broadbanded 706 checks with one of the many ham websites or their local ham club for advice, otherwise you may find yourself making a very expensive push on the transmit button. Of course since the boat will carry a marine vhf radio this may not matter. Just use that

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[steverow]

Re: VERY IMPORTANT NOTE

Marine radio frequencies are not that far away from amateur bands..ie 156MHz + as opposed to 144 to 146MHz for 2metre amateur band.
This isnt really enough to make much difference to the PA.
Most of the monoblock VHF PA modules in use these days are commercial items designed for use in Land Mobile applications and usually cover the range 137 to 176MHz ie VHF band II or in oldspeak "highband".
I wouldnt worry at all about using an amateur 2 metre rig on Marine freqs.

Steve g1fip

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[Gunfleet]

Re: VERY IMPORTANT NOTE

Thanks for that Steve, prudence fini!

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[Close hauled]

What licence?

Thanks for all this info - it makes very interesting reading. Could you clarify the operators licence required for eg the ICOM706. I have Long Range Cert but these need a 'ham' licence, don't they?

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[jerryat]

Re: VERY IMPORTANT NOTE

Hi John,

The VHF aspect of the 706 does work well (a friend of mine use it on his in lieu of a separate set) but, as you suggest I use either my fixed or hand-held VHF sets.

Cheers

Jerry

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[Gunfleet]

Re: What licence?

see my pee em

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