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Subject: RE: [world-cruising] Communications for Caribbean
From: Rick H Kennerly (rick@XXX.XXX)
Date: Wed Apr 02 2003 - 10:52:47 EST
There have been a couple of articles in the recent past in Cruising Word and
Sail magazines about these options, although the detailed information was
lacking.
Essentially, if you've ruled out satellite as too expensive for long term
cruising, then you're stuck with a few options. First of all, you should
not overlook internet cafes and e-mail using PocketMail for the truly frugal
way to go--all land based. Second, if near land, cellular telephone
coverage is fair in the islands, better in major ports while not so good in
the more remote areas. So both voice and, with celltel adapters and a
laptop, e-mail are possible without too much trouble. The fly in the
Metamucil is not all companies are on all islands, so you do get roving
charges.
The technical model for both Marine SSB and Ham are essentially the same,
just different frequencies, equipment, and licensing. You need an HF radio
(about $2-3K). You need an automatic antenna tuner ($300). You need an
antenna (insulated backstay, about $300; a loaded coil whip - $100; or a
long wire-essentially free if you can find some). You'll also need a
computer and a TNC (a radio modem-$300-650), if you want e-mail.
There are operational considerations, as well. But perhaps in another
message.
Rick NH2F
Westsail 32 Xapic
Cabo San Juan, Puerto Rico
www.mouseherder.com/xapic/sleep.html
www.westsail.org
Sail like a Kiwi
Anchor like a Canadian
Live like a Texan
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