[smurphny]

Thanks. If I had studied a little for the General test, probably could have passed it but I want to KNOW the stuff, not just cram to pass a test. So, figured it would be better to take it in steps.

I meant if MY Pactor modem got knocked out from a lightning event, or got stolen, etc. I think the Sailmail system is great. I've used it in the past and never had any problem. BUT free is better if the same results can be obtained. We'll see. The reciprocal agreement PITA is probably enough reason to re-up with Sailmail. Even the Bahamas has a lot of hoops to jump through to get recip. permission. I have the Pactor PTC PTS II-usb with a Pactor III upgrade. Don't know if I can go to Pactor IV for the higher baud rate. I'm certainly not going to spend another $1400 bucks for this simple, proprietary piece of equip.