+xHi Dick, I am not a HAM. But intend to use the SSB for the local chats. I think I d rather use the sat phone instead of a more complex winlink setup. I looked into it in spring and found no easy solution for a Linux setting
Hi Peter,
Makes sense to me. There is definitely a steeper learning curve for data over SSB than data over sat-comm. I am not sure about how LINUX plays a part as I do data over SSB with a simple program on my generic and old laptop computer and a PACTOR modem link with the SSB.
You likely know this, but for those reading over our shoulders: simply put, SSB is a common form of comm on widely wandering boats. Most rely on what I think of as marine SSB which uses strictly defined frequencies which makes it relatively simple to use (and hard to abuse). Training/licensure varies greatly country to country and one usually needs a license and call sign, but is very loosely regulated in most areas.
Ham is Amateur Radio where the training is more extensive always including an exam which, depending on level of achievement, opens up increasingly broad levels of possible frequencies for use. Ham use is far more regulated both within the group of ham operators and by countries one might visit.
Both support long and short distance voice communication and both support related but discrete data systems: airmail for marine SSB frequencies and winlink for Amateur Radio/ham frequencies. These systems allow data downloads (gribs, wx text, text email, etc.) most anywhere in the world: winlink being free and airmail entails a quite modest yearly fee. Only licensed Amateur Radio operators can use winlink.
You will be good for most of the nets on marine SSB freqs. Ham nets also exist, but are fewer in number and have fewer participants and are often more specialized.
I believe the above is accurate, but it has been awhile since I have used marine SSB or been around areas where its use was predominant.
Come back with questions.
My best, Dick Stevenson, KC2HKW (ham) and WCZ 7117 (marine SSB) s/v Alchemy