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hf radio modified marine or modified ham

37K views 67 replies 28 participants last post by  hellosailor 
#1 ·
I'm contemplating putting a hf radio on my catamaran. Choices seem to be between a marine SSB or a HF Ham radio. Ham radios can be modified for use on marine frequencies. Marine rigs can be modified for use on Ham frequencies. My problem is which way to go. Two major questions are (1) Can these radios be used to legally transmit outside their FCC approved frequencies (and if not legal, do many people do it anyway); and (2) how practical is it to use a modified marine radio on ham freqs (convenience, etc) and how practical is it to use a modified ham radio on marine freqs? In terms of cost, it seems less expensive to modify a ham radio such as an Icom 418 than to modify a marine radio. Any guidance would be appreciated. TIA, Dan
 
#64 · (Edited)
I see, I see. I suppose what turned me on to this originally was research on how much better a HAM is for the truck than a CB. So perhaps it is HAM + VHF + PLB or EPIRB lol....

Sounds like the same thing I went throught trying to combine GPS. In one day you could use a GPS in your truck, boat, and backpack all they all need their own... what else is new right? :)

Thank you for the input.
 
#65 ·
Well for my 2 cents, I have an Icom 7200 for my HF side and a TM-D710E for my VHF/UHF both work really well for me, I was a Yeasu man for years but thought the 7200 looked better on board. Both work very well, as for antennas, I have a dual band on top of the mast for the VHF/UHF and use the back stay for HF (with a tuner) but have just bought a vertical HF antenna which is nearly 20ft long, which I shall have installed on the back stainless work. I am told (will believe it when I see it) that it covers 80m (3.5mhz) to 6m bands (50mhz) without gaps or needing a tuner. Anyway its worth a try and yes I do have all the needed paperwork to use both the Marine and the Ham bands.
The TM-D710E does contain its own GPS system and uses a system know as APRS which my local ham friends love to see when we out and about locally.
For what its worth thats my setup, excluding various other handhelds, and they work fine for me, infact my Ham station onboard is better than the one I have at home :)
Gus M0IKB
 
#66 · (Edited)
Both Dave KO4MI and Rick N0NJ are correct. What they both did ... is study for their amateur radio licenses. That is why they know their stuff !
You can too ... if you will only take a moment to listen. It is easy and the cost will be less than $50.00 (on the average) The FCC will issue you a license ... good for 10 years ... at no cost ... if you pass the test ! There are plenty of hams who will help you ... anywhere you may be. Please don't be a GONNA.
The sooner you start ... the quicker you will finish. It is EASY and a lot of FUN.

Need more info ? Contact <w4cbj@arrl.net>

73

Joe W4CBJ St. Petersburg, FL 727-821-7260 or 727-465-4072 Cell
 
#68 ·
Joe-
Not to go OT and not to cast any aspersion at anyone here, but
"is study for their amateur radio licenses. That is why they know their stuff ! "

Ah, no, we both know that's not always correct. There are many study courses that teach people to memorize the answers from the answer pool. Folks who memorize the answers without bothering to LEARN THE THEORY and the many regulations as well, are the ones who have licenses but ask "If my solar panel puts out 42 amps, how many watt-hours can it supply to my battery?"

Like US middle-school history classes that required memorizing the Plantegenat monarchy in England...memorizing everything for the ham licenses just isn't for everyone. Which is why there's still marine SSB, and so many books on basic electrical theory.
 
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