SSB License

[sck5]

"It surprises me that there isn't better technology to integrate a modem with the SSB, such as an iPad app. I find downloading a Grib via SSB through a Pacor modem onto a laptop, then converting it into a readable file is WAY TOO COMPLICATED for the 21st century.

I need an app for that!! There should be a way to connect the iPad to the SSB, dial a freq and press a button. Seriously. "

There is. With Airmail and an ICOM 802 it is all automatic and controlled by pushing a button in the software on your laptop. Yes, you do have to make sure you are on a frequency that has decent reception for your location and time of day but the software makes it very easy.

As for the SSB ship station license - it does NOT convey to a new owner. You need to get your own. Whether the previous owner tells the FCC he sold the boat is not your problem - unless you think you can use his license and dont get your own.

[VetMike]

According to the Icom web site, the M700PRO transmits on 1.6MHz to 27.5MHZ (160M thru 12M bands) and receives on 1.6 to 29.999Mhz. The amateur VHF band is the 2M (144 to 148MHz.); marine VHF is 156 to 157MHz and air VHF is 108 to 136MHz. Thusly, you could transmit on the 160M to 12M ham bands and receive up to the 10M band. This frequency range also covers the shortwave and medium wave bands wherein you will find all sorts of interesting radio stations (legal and illegal) from all over the world.
The bands (frequency range) this radio transmits on are restricted to General Class licensees. FCC Part 97 states that a US documented vessel must have a properly licensed person to operate an amateur radio even outside territorial waters. Therefore, you would need a General Class license to transmit on this radio IF you are US documented or you are operating in US territorial waters. The ARRL website (American Radio Relay League | ARRL - The national association for AMATEUR RADIO) is a good place to start and eham (eHam.net Home - Amateur Radio (Ham Radio) Community Site) provides practice exams. Good luck and enjoy!

[btrayfors]

Originally Posted by VetMike

According to the Icom web site, the M700PRO transmits on 1.6MHz to 27.5MHZ (160M thru 12M bands) and receives on 1.6 to 29.999Mhz. The amateur VHF band is the 2M (144 to 148MHz.); marine VHF is 156 to 157MHz and air VHF is 108 to 136MHz. Thusly, you could transmit on the 160M to 12M ham bands and receive up to the 10M band. This frequency range also covers the shortwave and medium wave bands wherein you will find all sorts of interesting radio stations (legal and illegal) from all over the world.
The bands (frequency range) this radio transmits on are restricted to General Class licensees. FCC Part 97 states that a US documented vessel must have a properly licensed person to operate an amateur radio even outside territorial waters. Therefore, you would need a General Class license to transmit on this radio IF you are US documented or you are operating in US territorial waters. The ARRL website (American Radio Relay League | ARRL - The national association for AMATEUR RADIO) is a good place to start and eham (eHam.net Home - Amateur Radio (Ham Radio) Community Site) provides practice exams. Good luck and enjoy!

VetMike,

The first paragraph is dead on.

The second paragraph is wrong/misleading as stated.

The "General Class license" you refer to is a HAM LICENSE. It allows you to transmit on the ham bands only. The M710 is a marine radio, and to transmit on the marine SSB bands you need both a ships Station License and one or another commercial radiotelephone permits, the lowest of which is the Restricted Radiotelephone Operators permit (RR).

In your mind it's easy to keep these separated: ham licenses are good for operation on the ham bands only, while marine operator permits are needed to operate on the marine SSB bands.

Bill

[VetMike]

I was writing about the M700PRO which, as listed on the ICOM site, operates on the frequencies I listed. It does not operate in the Marine VHF band. I am aware of the distinction between the amateur and marine radio licenses.