Navigation System.
Goal
To provide reliable short and long-range direct voice
communication with family, friends, and other boats. We also
wanted the ability to send and receive e-mails; weather faxes, or
transmit emergency communications.
Considerations
In the age of satellites, e-mail, cell phones, and pagers there are lots
of choices for marine operation. We viewed handheld and fixed VHF,
and satellite phones, radios designed for HF HAM only operation or
marine only high frequency radios. The electronics communications
business is a moving target so we delayed our decision hoping to get the
most up-to-date offering.
Implementation
For short-range communications of 20-25 miles line of sight, we selected
the Standard Horizon Spectrum VHF radio with 25 watts of power. It is
mounted at the navigation station. This unit has Digital Selection
Calling which is a new feature, and provides lat/long information in the
emergency mode. A full-function remote controlled speaker-microphone is
located in the cockpit. The radio has a 20-watt hailer with a
listen-back feature and foghorn with a speaker mounted on the spreaders.
We also have two waterproof hand-held VHF radios for backup and use in
the dinghy.
For long range communications of 100 to over 1000
miles, we selected an SCG-2000 HF radio that provides voice
communications on both the marine and ham bands. The unit has an
automatic tuner that is connected to an insulated backstay. This unit
also provides two-way e-mail communications through a SCS Pactor II
modem. This modem provides e-mail through an organization called Sail
Mail. This provides reliable e-mail worldwide. We can also receive
weather faxes and print them on our Cannon color printer.
In emergencies, we can communicate with authorities
through a beacon transmitter. We installed an ACR Satellite 406 EPIRB
(emergency position beacon) that transmits the boat identification and
position on 121.5 MHz and 243 MHz to earth orbiting satellites and this
information is relayed to a rescue command center. We hope we never have
the occasion to use this equipment. We also carry an Icom ground-to-air
VHF hand held radio that can be used to communicate with aircraft in
emergencies.
Results
Limerence has a good selection of long and short-range radio
communication options that give us an improved margin of safety and the
ability to stay in touch with family and friends.
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