SSCA SSB Workshop - Online This Sunday

[btrayfors]

For anyone interested, the Seven Seas Cruising Association is sponsoring a SSB Workshop this Sunday evening beginning at 8PM EDT. This is part of the series of instructional activities under the "SSCA University".

You don't have to be an SSCA member to join, nor do you have to have a SSB radio. The workshop will take place online....you just need a computer with an Internet connection.

Details and signup instructions can be found on the SSCA website, Welcome to the Seven Seas Cruising Association

The 90-minute session will consist of several short presentations and a Q&A period which will allow anyone to post questions and, hopefully, receive a good answer from the three very experienced panelists.

Bill

[oday39]

Can anybody tell me the difference between the ICON M700promarine and the ICON802.

[btrayfors]

The M-802 is the top-of-the line marine SSB offered by Icom. It has a removable head which can be located several feet away from the main unit. It also has HF DSC.

The M-700Pro costs about $700 less, but is a very fine and very solid radio. It does not have a removable head nor does it have DSC.

Both radios can be used on the ham bands as well as the marine bands, provided you have a proper license. Both radios can be used with Pactor modems for HF email.

If you absolutely need a radio with a removable head, you really don't have much choice. The 802 is the radio for you. Ditto if you need/want HF-DSC.

If you don't need either of these features and just want a solid HF radio which will do email as well as SSB voice, the M700Pro is a good choice.

Bill

[mrybas]

Btrayfors,
I'm pretty much clueless when it comes to SSB, but trying to learn. Could you explain "removable head" and "HF-DSC"?

[oday39]

Thanks Bill,

thanks for the prompt and clear anwer
Looks like the M700promarine will do
I Do not need a removable head or DSC

I'm looking just for the basic comunicatie
as for emergencies (yes I have a eprib)
and weather info, and basic comunicatie

Thanks
Bram

[btrayfors]

Originally Posted by mrybas

Btrayfors,
I'm pretty much clueless when it comes to SSB, but trying to learn. Could you explain "removable head" and "HF-DSC"?

Some radios have a "removable head", which means the front control panel can be physically removed from the bulk of the radio and mounted some distance away. This allows you to mount the essential radio controls in a convenient location, where due to space or other limitations you might not be able to mount the entire radio.

HF-DSC is DSC (Digital Selective Calling) which works on the HF (high frequency) band. It's similar to DSC on your VHF radio. But, it's a bit more complicated and many sailors, like me, feel it's really an unnecessary complication. NB: the DSC explanation in the Icom M-802 instruction manual covers 30 pages!!! Even if you manage to master that now, how much do you think you'll remember when you're knee-deep in seawater?

Bill

[sailingdog]

Thanks for the heads up Bill

[SVAuspicious]

Unless you're planning to regularly use the DSC functions to call other specific stations and groups of stations, set up groups, and such the 802 DSC is easy. Walk through the steps to record your MMSI. If you get in trouble you lift up the little red "DISTRESS" cover and push & hold the button underneath. Your position, boat name, MMSI, and the fact that you are in trouble is broadcast.

To make the DSC effective you need a second HF antenna. A narrow, closely-tuned whip is fine -- mine looks like an old TV loop.