GL: An OPTION to Ham and Marine SSB Radio

[D C *Mac* Macdonald]

I haver replied to Tommy privately regarding this matter,
but feel that my explanation to him may be valuable for
those who are not aware of some major differences
between "Marine HF/SSB" radio and "Ham" radio in general.
Therefore, my reply to Tommy's queries follow.

I have made a couple of minor corrections/additions
to that text to hopefully explain things more accurately
and completely.  Obviously, there is far more to go into
than is possible on a hopefully brief enough response.

*  D C "Mac" Macdonald  *
*   K2GKK (since '53)   *
* m/v Another Adventure *
* Grand Lake - Oklahoma *
*  USPS & AGLCA (#217)  *



----Original Message Follows----
From: "D C *Mac* Macdonald" <k2gkk@hotmail.com>
To: circumnavigate06@bellsouth.net
Subject: Re: An OPTION to Ham and Marine SSB Radio
Date: Thu, 05 Apr 2007 12:37:09 -0500

Ham radio does  NOT  have channels at all.
Ham radio is assigned bands of frequencies
that extend from not far above audio on
up to approaching visible light.  That's why
I didn't/don't understand your question.
Somebody has fed you a line of bull.

Hams do not operate on any "assigned"
specific frequencies/channels except by
common agreement that is not included
in any government regulation.

It's mostly due to the fact that examinations
(some pretty extensive) are required to get
the amateur radio license.  It is far beyond
what is required for a 3rd Class Radiotelephone
Operator's permit (required for anybody who
operates a marine radio, VHF/FM  OR  SSB).
You do have such a permit, do you not?

We are also allowed, even encouraged, to
do our own maintenance and adjustments
to our equipment.  We also build some of
it from scratch (raw parts).

Mac



----Original Message Follows----
From: "Tommy Terrific" <circumnavigate06@bellsouth.net>
To: "D C *Mac* Macdonald" <k2gkk@hotmail.com>
Subject: Re: An OPTION to Ham and Marine SSB Radio
Date: Tue, 3 Apr 2007 11:01:13 -0500

Somebody told me that all SSB radios have a ham channel....
just want to make sure that is correct.

TT



----- Original Message ----- From: "D C *Mac* Macdonald" <k2gkk@hotmail.com>
To: <circumnavigate06@bellsouth.net>
Cc: <k2gkk@hotmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, April 03, 2007 10:10 AM
Subject: Re: An OPTION to Ham and Marine SSB Radio

>I have no idea as to what you mean by
>"Doesn't SSB have a ham channel."
>
>Mac