Testing a SSB

[spadaforaj]

Nice SSB - ICOM M-802 on a newly - purchased Hunter 41. Have been reading up and wanting to use this (yes - and forking out for a license), but even just flipping through the channels not much there - don't know if it is the unit or the operator (don't judge, new at this please). yes - the boat is disconnected from shore power and nothing major is running - such as the generator, or even the refrigeration, but nothing really there. Had a Marine service tech check the voltage, for voltage drops, connections etc - nothing seems amiss. he suggested I check in on this forum and see if anyone had any suggestions - boat is near Atlantic City NJ - Maybe a specific frequency and or time of day to try to tune into that would be expected to be strong - Suggestions ?

 

[jviss]

Is it connected to an antenna? Is the antenna tuner powered on? I recommend you not key the mic until you verify that the antenna is connected and working properly.

 

[spadaforaj]

Thanks - yes indeed and I can hear the tuner clicking when I change channels

 

[Rick D]

It might be that there isn't any traffic. Do you pick up the time signals? Look for SSB nets and tune in when they are on the air.
I got rid of my SSB and installed a ham unit.

 

[Brian D]

The problem I have with nets is that they cannot always be heard due to propagation. However, seeing how you are in NJ, you should have no issues hearing the NOAA HF Weather Fax broadcast out of Boston.

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/marine/hfmarsh_links.htm

All frequencies are USB and 1.9KHz below the listed frequency. i.e. 6340.5KHz would be 6338.6KHz on the dial of the radio.

 

[Ken Cross]

HF can be flakey. I've seen it not work within sight of a receiver, but someone 2000 miles away responded. It gets worse during periods of solar flares. Would should be able to pick up WWV at 10 and 15 MHz (10,000 and 15000 KHZ)

Ken

 

[gettinthere]

You should acquaint yourself with dockside radio. Here is a link to their links page with info on freqs to tune to and more.
http://www.docksideradio.com/Links.htm

Try 8104 at 0815 for SSCA net
Try 8152 at 0830 for Cruiseheimers
Try 8137 at 0730 for Chris Parker weather

 

[capta]

2.5, 10, 15 and 20 mhz have time broadcasts 24/7/365. No matter what the propagation is you should be able to get one of them fairly strongly. If you can't, then there is definitely some problem, most likely with the antenna.
You will need a SWR meter in the line to the antenna to tell you what's going on when transmitting, but if you don't know what that is or how to use it, it would be best to get a tech to come aboard and check out the system before you damage something.

 

[windward54]

On the ham side, 14.300 is Avery active frequency. There are a number of nets on it, and you can check the schedule at:

14300.net

 

[Pizzazz]

As mentioned the time signals (5, 10, 15 MHz) should be fairly easy to hear. One way to learn about propagation is to study for the ham exam. Another way is to download a program such as Winlink or Airmail that has a built in propagation module, enter your position and then let the program calculate the best frequencies for you. You can then try to find the closest time signal above.

If your tuner clicks, this is a god start but you need to make sure that the antenna is connected properly. Check to see if the tuner can achieve a VSWR of less than 1.5.

 

[Ken Cross]

One more thing to consider: Most likely you don't posses a radio telephone license. Without one it is illegal to repair or modify your radio, antenna system, or other parts associated with transmission. The fines if you get caught are substantial.

I'm not trying to be a downer, but it may be better to pay as technician.

Ken

 

[Mark Maulden]

Ken, as an adv ham and former aerospace RF engineer, I would do my own install of a marine SSB radio/tuner/antenna. I do not hold a radiotelephone license. Are you saying that my install would be “illegal”?

 

[Brian D]

Mark, Ken said "repair or modify". I agree in part with him. As Amateur Radio Operators we do not have the license to repair or modify our gear if it directly affects the transmission characteristics of the equipment. But we do it all the time. LOL I even do it. But the key here is do "we" know what we are doing? In most cases, Mariners are not bonafide radio operators. That is why there is no test for getting a Marine Operators license. However, on board large container ships I believe holding a Radio Telephone License with endorsements (or it's equivalent) is required by law.

All the test that were mentioned did not require (except the SWR test) transmitting a signal. That requires a license of some type depending on the band/frequency one is using AND if the radio is certified for that band/frequency.

 

[BlowMeAway]

As Amateur Radio Operators we do not have the license to repair or modify our gear if it directly affects the transmission characteristics of the equipment. But we do it all the time. LOL I even do it.

Merry Christmas @Brian D, you as a master radio operator and modifier I only have one question:

 

[gettinthere]

Of installing or tweaking the install of SSB equipment is illegal, I'd guess 80% of SSB owners are criminals.
The law is aimed at modifying the system in such a way to cause major issues, such as bumping up the output power beyond legal limits.
I believe this law also applies to VHF radios. How many vhfs are installed by a licenced tech? But if you add an amplifier to exceed the 25 watt max then you would be afowl of the law.

 

[Brian D]

Merry Christmas @Brian D, you as a master radio operator and modifier I only have one question:

View attachment 144871

A recent study conducted by a well named University has determined that Santa, his Reindeer, and his Sleigh are all Chinese contortionist. Ain't not'in but a thing.