Next message: Bob Mink: "[world-cruising] Hampton VA to Point Pleasant NJ"
1. Yes ham radio is a fantastic "safety" feature in any off shore voyage. Not only that but you can keep up on weather charts, chat with other boaters, keep up to date on the news. (10.320 uppersideband...american forces radio from Honolulu).
Safety...BELIEVE ME. most likely you will NEVER ever contact the USCG if you are in trouble. Yes, Iknow, they have frequencies that they listen to 24/7. However, I have now made a few transpacific trips and hve never been able to relay a MADAY to them...3 times.
2. HOWEVER, 11.282 Upper side band, is the Oakland to Honolulu Air traffic control frequency. There will always be someone within range on that frequency, and remember, in a MAYDAY situation, the FCC could care less what freq you use. In each of the three times I have relayed a MAYDAY, it was via 11.282. The airliner then relayed it to Oakland and the USCG.
The only place you might have trouble with a "Marine frequency capable ham radio" is Australia...they monitor the width of your signal. However, you answer is, the Marine capable feature is for EMERGENCY use only.
3. Th Icome IC718 is a truly capable transceiver for usually less than $800.00 USD, however with the dollar doing it thing, all radios will most probably raise in price.\
I purchased mine for a "backu" but it is so good, I now use it for almost all my radio work, weather charts, email, chatting, etc.
4. One last thing...in addition to the Ham Radio Email network called WINLINK (its free), there is SAILMAIL ($250/yr). Does the same thing winlink does but with added features such as ....sailmail checks your Hotmail, Yahoo, etc. site and then sends you only the headers of the messages there. You select the ones you want, reject the others, and then Sailmail will forward you only those you have selected to receive. Outgoing mail has your Yahoo, Hotmail, etc return address....thus you "on the boat" email address is not sent and spam is greatly reduced.\
IN SHORT...I would not be without a single sideband radio on board, even if it is only the Sangean ATS 909.....head and shoulders above yacht boy, Grundig, or any other little receiver on the market.
Susan Meckley, W7KFI
USSV Dharma
If you don't change direction you will arrive exactly where you're headed!!
Susan Meckley, Skipper
USSV Dharma
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