HAM in Mexico
Rick, My understanding is that Mexico allows high frequency usage for amateur radio operators from the US with only the technician license. This involves taking one test about basic radio theory and FCC regulations. The "high frequencies" (HF) range is from about 2000 cycles per second (hz) to about 28000 hz. The range is actually broader, but this is where most longer-distance radio communications occurs. In fact, most maritime radio traffic is between 7000hz and 14400 hz for voice and email communications. However, use of these frequencies without a higher level of license is legal ONLY IN Mexico. It is not legal from US waters. In order to be legal in the US or international waters, you need a general class license, which involves the technician test plus being able to read morse code at 5 words per minute. After listening to a morse transmission, you are asked 10 questions, 7 of which you have to answer correctly. "HAM" radios and "SSB" radios both transmit on a single side band (SSB) on HF. HAM radios are made to transmit on specific frequency bands that are licensed for amateur radio usage. The frequency bands that are licensed for SSB (commercial station) usage are separate from the HAM bands. Most HAM radios can be converted to transmit on SSB frequencies (channels) through electronic surgery. The simplicity or complexity of this operation depends upon the specific radio that's being used. But, from a strict legal standpoint, HAM radios are not "type accepted" for use on the commercial channels. As such, FCC fines are a possibility if a HAM radio is being used that cannot function within the limits imposed upon SSB radios. If modified to transmit on the amateur bands, an SSB radio can be used legally on these frequencies. All of the possible questions that can be asked on the exams are included in a pool. This pool and other info on the subject are available at http://www.arrl.org And for those thinking about a cruise to the Bahamas sometime soon, the Batelco (Bahamian phone company) tower in Staniel Cay has apparently fallen down. This has caused a total phone blackout to all of the southern Bahamian islands. So HF radio communication is the only way in or out. Those Pocketmail email devices need a landline to connect to the company's email servers. Good Luck. Robert Pancza
