SSB ICOM 802 Install

We installed an ICOM 802 SSB along with a PACTOR III/USB Modem and now after one week of use, the reports are coming back with "CLEAR VOICE and GOOD SIGNAL" from well over 300-500 miles. So, we are guessing that the install is working well. I will say, our reception has been crystal clear, and we hear Chris Parker, our weather service, we hear the Cruiseheimer Net with cruisers checking in from all over, and we can hear the Caribbean Cruisers and their passages.

Here are some points we have learned:

...Buy Everything from Gary Jensen at DockSideRadio.com he will help you out
...Buy a GAM antenna from www.gamelectronicsinc.com/ it is an easy installation
...Buy the KISS Ground Plane from www.kiss-ssb.com/ it is really good
...Follow Gary's book on how to install and how and where to add the Ferrite Chokes
...Run a #6-2 (over 15') or a #8-2 (under 15') direct from the battery box to the radio
...Add a 40 amp fuse at the source on the power pick up

WHAT LICENSES DO I NEED?
1. A Ship Station Licence from the FCC ($160) wireless.fcc.gov/ click on universal licensing
2. A Restricted Radio Operators License ($60) wireless.fcc.gov/ click on universal licensing
These two licenses allow you to transmit on ONLY THE MARINE USB, Upper Side Band Frequencies.
!!!!! GUESS WHO USES MARINE FREQS? Chris Parker and ALL the CRUISERS.....DUH....so there really is ZERO need to pass the HAM EXAMS!

YES....BUT I WANT TO SEND EMAILS....
OK, then you will use your MARINE USB FREQUENCIES and use SAILMAIL, see www.sailmail.com/
SailMail uses the Marina Bands, so, once again, there is NO NEED FOR THE HAM EXAM!

OK....so you want to pass the HAM EXAMS...
Then, you need to study the posted questions, learn the topics and then take two exams. #1 The Technician Class Exam. #2 The General Class Exam
To learn about the FCC question pool and to print your own 96 page, 500+ question list, see this www.arrl.org/question-pools
If you want to pay for an online course to keep track of your studies, then pay for this:
www.hamradiolicenseexam.com/

Remember, THERE IS ZERO REASON TO PASS THE HAM EXAM unless you want to SAVE the $250/yr. membership to SailMail.com.

If you DO PASS the GENERAL Class HAM EXAM, then you can use the FREE SSB Email system at Winlink.org see WinLink.org

In conclusion:
Installing the ICOM 802 took 4 days full time, and we followed Gary Jensen's book that came with his kit. It was far more work than expected, but now that it is working, we are really pleased.

What did all this Cost?
Total with Florida 7% sales tax and shipping $5,125.00
The Pactor Modem is NOT needed if you just want voice and listening. The modem was $1,250 !!

HERE IS OUR PHOTO ESSAY on the install
ipyoa.com/photos/62-hayden/album?albumid=334

Here are a few photos:

The Head unit and speaker are in the Panel


The Transceiver is on a custom Shelf under the NAV Desk



Thanks for taking a look....comments and questions welcomed.

Randy
I added copper foil from tuner ground to the rudder post clamping it to the rudder post packing but at the bottom.

Agree, poor reception in marinas with all the other masts in the way.

Hayden

Fred:
I would install the Icom 802 and the AT-140 tuner in a heartbeat again, it is well worth it over a sat phone costs. I WOULD NOT buy the Pactor modem again, it is really not worth it for us. We are not offshore for more than a day or two or three, so sending emails from the middle of the ocean is not needed for us. Plus, it is a real science project to set up and run. Mine does work and I have sent emails on passage, but it really is not needed. I do subscribe to Chris Parker and that is the best money we spent.

As for the KISS and the GAM antenna, we have not real problems, and due to simplicity, I would do that again. On our SSB network check ins, usually the net controllers can hear us and we can usually hear all others. Yes, we might get a stronger signal with a "proper ground" and a "proper antenna" but for a self install, this cant be any easier.

I also would buy from Gary at Dockside Radio mainly due to technical support and his book on how to install everything. This is what we followed.

I did add a wide copper strap from my Sail locker installed AT-140 down to the rudder post packing nut. I connected this using a band clamp which I could all reach from the sail locker. It may have added better transmission. I still want to test this out some time by taking it off and then getting a signal report and then attaching it back on.

Overall, I like my install, and I would do it again the same way.

Hayden

Drew
I do not have a DC block, I will add this. I have not noticed any issues but this does sound like a good idea. I will talk to Gary at Dockside Radio as well. Thanks again.

Hayden

Glen:

I have head that too, that i do not need the copper with the KISS, that is how I ran it at first, but I have been told adding copper has helped my signal. I need to do a test with the system where I transmit with it all connected, KISS and Copper, then I want to take off the KISS and transmit just on the copper then put back on the KISS and take off the copper and transmit. Then I want a signal report aon each of the three options. Kiss + Copper, Just KISS, Just Copper, then we will know.

Hayden