SSB Radio
From CruisersWiki
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| - | Known as SSB (single sideband) radios in the sailing community, these radios provide both voice and data communications over thousands of miles utilizing HF, or high frequency, and MF, or medium frequency, spectrum. Marine MF/HF radios, when properly configured with a [[MMSI]] and [[GPS]], are a part of the [https://secure.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/wiki/Global_Maritime_Distress_Safety_System GMDSS] utilizing [[DSC]]. | + | Known as SSB (single sideband) radios in the sailing community, these radios provide both voice and data communications over thousands of miles utilizing HF, or high frequency, and MF, or medium frequency, spectrum. Marine MF/HF radios, when properly configured with a unique [[MMSI]] and connected to a [[GPS]], are a part of the Global Marine Distress Safety System ([https://secure.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/wiki/Global_Maritime_Distress_Safety_System GMDSS]) utilizing Digital Selective Calling or [[DSC]]. |
| - | Unlike [[Ham_Radio|Amateur Radio]], marine MF/HF radios use [http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=mtHighFrequency specific channels] for communicating - similar to the marine VHF radio. Some channels are | + | Unlike [[Ham_Radio|Amateur Radio]], marine MF/HF radios use [http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=mtHighFrequency specific channels] for communicating - similar to the marine VHF radio. Some channels are designated for distress and safety calling while others can be used to contact commercial shore stations that provide telephone and data connectivity. Prior to transmitting on a channel it is important to understand the purpose of the channel to avoid interfering with other communications. |
| - | + | Older HF radios are often controlled by a single crystal to tune each channel and are thus limited to specific frequencies, and do not have DSC capability. This is the kind of radio one is most likely to find aboard a non-commercial vessel such as a cruising yacht. It is important therefore to know which frequencies are monitored in the area in which you're sailing, and to learn the correct emergency calling procedures. | |
| - | Many sailors keep in contact with each other and shore stations by the use of [[World_MM_Nets#Marine_Nets|nets]]. These ''nets'' are simply a time of day when operators will monitor a certain frequency to hear if there is anyone trying to make contact with them. Nets may also pass weather information and can be useful for asking specific questions | + | Other services found on marine HF and MF frequencies are weather broadcasts directly from government sources in the form of voice, [[SITOR]], and [[Weather Fax|facsimile]] formats. These broadcasts can be received with a simple shortwave receiver or, in the case of SITOR and facsimile, a computer with a sound card. |
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| + | Many sailors keep in contact with each other and shore stations by the use of [[World_MM_Nets#Marine_Nets|nets]]. These ''nets'' are simply a time of day when volunteer shore operators will monitor a certain frequency to hear if there is anyone trying to make contact with them. Nets may also pass weather information and can be useful for asking specific questions about the conditions in certain locations. A good net operator will also keep track of who is in their area and alert rescue operations if a vessel hasn't called in for some time after expecting to hear from them. | ||
{{TOCleft}} | {{TOCleft}} | ||
==Licensing== | ==Licensing== | ||
| - | Operation of a HF/MF marine radio requires a [[Radio_Licencing| | + | Operation of a HF/MF marine radio requires a [[Radio_Licencing|licence]]. This licence allows you to not only transmit your HF/MF radio in your country's home waters but also in international waters and waters of other countries. |
==Frequencies== | ==Frequencies== | ||
===Emergency Frequencies=== | ===Emergency Frequencies=== | ||
In accordance with the [https://secure.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/wiki/Global_Maritime_Distress_Safety_System GMDSS] the following frequencies will be utilized for distress calling globally: | In accordance with the [https://secure.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/wiki/Global_Maritime_Distress_Safety_System GMDSS] the following frequencies will be utilized for distress calling globally: | ||
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| + | ====Voice (SSB)==== | ||
| + | 2,182 (AM or SSB)<br/> | ||
| + | 4,125<br/> | ||
| + | 6,215<br/> | ||
| + | 8,291<br/> | ||
| + | 12,290<br/> | ||
| + | 16,420 | ||
====DSC==== | ====DSC==== | ||
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16,804.5 | 16,804.5 | ||
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===Operational Frequencies=== | ===Operational Frequencies=== | ||
Revision as of 03:22, 14 August 2012
Known as SSB (single sideband) radios in the sailing community, these radios provide both voice and data communications over thousands of miles utilizing HF, or high frequency, and MF, or medium frequency, spectrum. Marine MF/HF radios, when properly configured with a unique MMSI and connected to a GPS, are a part of the Global Marine Distress Safety System (GMDSS) utilizing Digital Selective Calling or DSC.
Unlike Amateur Radio, marine MF/HF radios use specific channels for communicating - similar to the marine VHF radio. Some channels are designated for distress and safety calling while others can be used to contact commercial shore stations that provide telephone and data connectivity. Prior to transmitting on a channel it is important to understand the purpose of the channel to avoid interfering with other communications.
Older HF radios are often controlled by a single crystal to tune each channel and are thus limited to specific frequencies, and do not have DSC capability. This is the kind of radio one is most likely to find aboard a non-commercial vessel such as a cruising yacht. It is important therefore to know which frequencies are monitored in the area in which you're sailing, and to learn the correct emergency calling procedures.
Other services found on marine HF and MF frequencies are weather broadcasts directly from government sources in the form of voice, SITOR, and facsimile formats. These broadcasts can be received with a simple shortwave receiver or, in the case of SITOR and facsimile, a computer with a sound card.
Many sailors keep in contact with each other and shore stations by the use of nets. These nets are simply a time of day when volunteer shore operators will monitor a certain frequency to hear if there is anyone trying to make contact with them. Nets may also pass weather information and can be useful for asking specific questions about the conditions in certain locations. A good net operator will also keep track of who is in their area and alert rescue operations if a vessel hasn't called in for some time after expecting to hear from them.
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Licensing
Operation of a HF/MF marine radio requires a licence. This licence allows you to not only transmit your HF/MF radio in your country's home waters but also in international waters and waters of other countries.
Frequencies
Emergency Frequencies
In accordance with the GMDSS the following frequencies will be utilized for distress calling globally:
Voice (SSB)
2,182 (AM or SSB)
4,125
6,215
8,291
12,290
16,420
DSC
2,187.5
4,207.5
6,312.0
8,414.5
12,557.0
16,804.5
Operational Frequencies
DSC
Voice
Equipment Requirements and Installation
Forum Discussions
List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)
External Links
- United States Coast Guard Navigation Center
- HF Radio at sea by Richard Mogford - A first class article on setting up HF on a cruising yacht.
- Radio Mods Database (KB2LJJ) - Excellent article on Radio Modifications.
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Names: Lighthouse, |
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