ICOM SINGLE SIDEBAND RADIO - The Hull Truth

CAPTTSEA · 01-02-2003, 11:54 AM

WE RECENTLEY HAD AN ICOM SSB INSTALLED ON OUR BOAT. I BELIEVE IT WAS PROPERLY INSTALLED,WITH ZINC RIBBONS, GROUNDING PLATE ON BOTTOM ETC.HOWEVER I CAN HARDLEYL EVER SEEM TO REACH ANYBODY REGARDLESS OF OUR OFFSHORE LOCATION. I CAN'T EVEN GET THE USCG TO RESPOND ON 2186MGHZ. IS THIS NORMAL THAT NOBODY RESPONDS ? JUST WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF WE REALLY NEED IT IS IT WORKING ?

ANY FEED BACKWOULD BE APPRECIATED

SideWinder · 01-02-2003, 12:30 PM

Is your antenna and tuner working correctly? Did your installer check it after installing? That is what I would check first.

Capt. ED

jlr · 01-02-2003, 02:21 PM

First, try 2182 not 2186. Second, I boat out of Huntington and have only been able to raise Group L.I. Sound (out of New Haven) on 2182--not even group Moriches. Also, at about 3:00 p.m. on weekdays until about 5:00 p.m. or so , on the 12 meter setting, try 12359 (it's a fellow called Herb ) who broadcasts live weather updates for most of the East Coast and Bahamas. Just a check. Finally--two questions--what model SSB is it and if you still have trouble, I can recommend and electronics guy who is local and who can help.

Cat Box · 01-02-2003, 03:09 PM

Try tuning to 12359 at 4pm, there is a marine weather "net" that will have call ins from all over the East Coast and Carib.

Also, try 6125 (I think) at 8am or 8512 at 9am, these are unofficial sailboat cruising nets that you should be able to reach someone on.

Have Fun.

capttc · 01-02-2003, 06:10 PM

THANKS FOR THE COME BACK GUYS ITS APPRECIATED. HOWEVER I'M NOW QUESTIONING IF I WASTED MY MONEY ON THE SSB. MY REASON FOR INSTALLING IT WAS FOR FAR OFFSHORE FISHING. BUT IF NOBODY MONITORS IT, WHAT GOOD WILL IT DO ME IN AN EMERGENCY?

jlr · 01-03-2003, 05:29 AM

quote:Originally posted by capttc:
THANKS FOR THE COME BACK GUYS ITS APPRECIATED. HOWEVER I'M NOW QUESTIONING IF I WASTED MY MONEY ON THE SSB. MY REASON FOR INSTALLING IT WAS FOR FAR OFFSHORE FISHING. BUT IF NOBODY MONITORS IT, WHAT GOOD WILL IT DO ME IN AN EMERGENCY?

I suspect that Group Moriches or Group New York will monitor 2182 and you will be able to get through to them on the SSB when you are out of VHF range. No substiture for having a SSB. They are a must in the Bahamas.