Does anyone know if a Ham radio capable of transmitting and receiving all of the SSB frequencies and has presets available to tune the standard SSB channels is acceptable? Or are we required to have a SSB only radio?
Steve, it was generally confusing for me as well until I found this guideline http://www.waypoints.com/popups/radiointro.html You are allowed to use marine SSB frequencies with Ships Station License and a HAM capable SSB radio (just stay away from HAM bands until you have a radio license) I dont think it goes the other way around - ie HAM radios are not usually tuned into marine SSB frequencies - no need plus FCC restrictions. Hope this helps,
We will need to hear from the Pac Cup officials to learn if it's allowed, but I can tell you right now that it is illegal to use a modified Ham radio to transmit on the marine bands other than in an emergency. I'm not saying that people don't do it, but it is definitely not legal.
A ham radio makes a great marine-band receiver though. If you are in the doublehanded class where a satphone is allowed as a replacement for the SSB, then carrying a ham radio would be a nice way to meet the SSB receiver requirement, and allow you to monitor the Pac Cup position report morning net, plus have an alternate emergency communications option.
Here is my understanding: A marine SSB radio is what is called type-accepted (by the FCC). It is a radio that is "channelized" and is (supposedly) simple to use without making a mistake and transmitting on illegal frequencies. It is also supposedlly higher-quality and can easiliy meet the performance requirements of the FCC. Ham radios are not type-accepted and therefore cannot be used legally to transmit on marine SSB frequencies. This is federal law and not something that the the Pacific Cup committee can, or should, contradict. Note that modern ham radios are just as high-quality as modern marine SSB radios, but that does not make them legal for use on the marine SSB frequencies.
Comments
SSB vs HAM
Steve, it was generally confusing for me as well until I found this guideline http://www.waypoints.com/popups/radiointro.html You are allowed to use marine SSB frequencies with Ships Station License and a HAM capable SSB radio (just stay away from HAM bands until you have a radio license) I dont think it goes the other way around - ie HAM radios are not usually tuned into marine SSB frequencies - no need plus FCC restrictions. Hope this helps,
Team Adventure Cats
We will need to hear from the
We will need to hear from the Pac Cup officials to learn if it's allowed, but I can tell you right now that it is illegal to use a modified Ham radio to transmit on the marine bands other than in an emergency. I'm not saying that people don't do it, but it is definitely not legal.
A ham radio makes a great marine-band receiver though. If you are in the doublehanded class where a satphone is allowed as a replacement for the SSB, then carrying a ham radio would be a nice way to meet the SSB receiver requirement, and allow you to monitor the Pac Cup position report morning net, plus have an alternate emergency communications option.
The FCC says no, so it's no
Here is my understanding: A marine SSB radio is what is called type-accepted (by the FCC). It is a radio that is "channelized" and is (supposedly) simple to use without making a mistake and transmitting on illegal frequencies. It is also supposedlly higher-quality and can easiliy meet the performance requirements of the FCC. Ham radios are not type-accepted and therefore cannot be used legally to transmit on marine SSB frequencies. This is federal law and not something that the the Pacific Cup committee can, or should, contradict. Note that modern ham radios are just as high-quality as modern marine SSB radios, but that does not make them legal for use on the marine SSB frequencies.
Here's a good reference, especially on the cost differential
(Warning, it includes a sales pitch - but not from me):
http://www.hfradio.com/Information/ssbham.html
Chris Doutre, crew
s/v Cirrus
kg6sko