T&T: Need some real-world recommendations...

[Ed Bruette]

Keith,

Ron makes a good point about holding off on the SSB purchase for a possible
improved model but I would caution against holding off too long.  The reason
for my caution is so you don't get jammed up for time trying to get the
system installation correct.  

This is not like installing a VHF.  You can not slap up an antenna, run coax
to the radio apply 12VDC and expect to be fully operational.  An HF radio
needs a tuner and it needs a ground plane.  All of these things need to work
in concert with each other.  Additionally, to get the full benefit you'll
have to have a good basic understanding of radio wave propagation so you
have an idea of what frequency to use to get your traffic to the intended
recipient.  All this takes time and familiarization with the system
operation is something you need to factor into your pre-underway time line
too.

As Snoopy said; 5 minutes before the party is not the time to learn how to
dance.   ;-}

Good luck!


Ed, N7NVP
PT-38  "Makin' Do"
Poulsbo, WA

 

-----Original Message-----
Ron said;
On reflection, if you aren't departing till October 2010, you might want to
wait on the SSB as Icom is bound to come out with a new model or improve the
existing 802. By using H.F. Radio On Board (which I referred to in an
earlier post) you will avoid wiring issues as they send everything already
made-up and tested as an email system.