SSB Radio
 

Hey,

What's the range on the single side band marine radios? I know that SSB radios are for long range but what's the range on them?

Thanks,
Lance

ttt please

Depending on conditions they can work for thousands of miles.Propagation,watts,antenna height etc. play a role. We have them at work but only use them for email (using Globewireless.com) .We used to use them to stay in touch with the office but the email and cell phones have pretty well replaced them.If you are lookin at them go Icom.

Thanks for your reply. What channel do most people monitor while far at sea? i.e the mid atlantic. Channel 16 maybe?

Thanks

VHF Channel 16 for sure! Remember though that VHF is pretty much line of sight with a few exceptions due to skip waves and huge on land antennas.VHF is a must have to communicate with ships,commercial traffic,coast guard etc.For very long range its 2182 for SSB distress contact with coast guard .The better brands will come with a freq guide and probably a distress button to automatically switch to 2182.Are you planning a transatlantic trip?

I know some people who have kicked the idea around, trying to find out all the information I can. How do the Weather Faxes work at sea? Do they lock on to the closest station and get the weather from them or?

Thanks again!

Are there shipping lanes across the Atlantic/down the coast or just around ports?

Mav, I've never made that trip.You need to plan way ahead for something like that.Noaa charts will have the lanes marked in purple.Get Chart 1 which is actually a book that explains symbols etc. and also the charts you need for the trip.You can lease/rent sattelite phones and life rafts.Do your research and plan for the worst.Hope for the best and have fun!

Weather fax is off SSB.Try http://www.bayoumarine.com for info on top shelf commercial grade electronics.They do most of the boats around here.Also West Marine catalogs have good info.