1. 2 Data on HF Radio What offshore sailors can do with data on HF radio Samples of Email, Position Report, Weather GRIB File, Weather Bulletin and Weather.

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Data on HF Radio

What offshore sailors can do with data on HF radio

• Samples of Email, Position Report, Weather GRIB File, Weather Bulletin and Weather Fax, Nadi/Fiji Fleet Code

Who provides data service

Where the stations are located

How we do data on HF radio

• Step by step instructions for using Email, Position Reports, Weather GRIB Files, Weather Bulletins, Weather Faxes, Nadi/Fiji Fleet Codes

• Airmail helper application usage, HF Terminal and Telnet session usage

• Sailmail & Winlink Network Architecture

• Sailmail & Winlink stations worldwide

What software is required

• Airmail & helper applications installation for Ham and non-Ham• Airmail configuration for Ham and non-Ham• Sailmail & Winlink maintenance/upgrade (see Appendix)

What hardware is required

• General hardware component layout • RF suppression components • Wiring diagrams for various receivers • Cable matrix for various receivers

AppendixTom Baker - BCA Fleet of 2006

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Email Sample

Email Sample using Airmail Client Software and Winlink 2000 Telnet Connection

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Position Report Sample

Winlink Position Reports Detail callsign=KD7UMG

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Weather GRIB File Sample

Weather GRIB file data can show surface wind speed & direction, atmospheric pressures and surface temperatures in much more detail than Wfax. This sample is using Mscan Meteo File Viewer Software

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Weather Bulletin Sample

Weather Bulletin Sample from Winlink 2000 Catalog

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Weather Fax Sample

Weather Fax Sample Using JVComm32 Software

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Nadi/Fiji Fleet Code Sample

Nadi/Fiji Fleet Code Sample is displayed using PhysPlot application

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Data on HF Radio


• Samples of Email, Position Report, Weather GRIB File, Weather Bulletin and Weather Fax




• Step by step instructions for using Email, Position Reports, Weather GRIB Files, Weather Bulletins, Weather Faxes









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The SailMail Association is a non-profit association of yacht owners that operates and maintains a network of private coast stations in the Maritime Mobile Radio Service. The Association provides radioprinter (e.g. Internet email) communications for its members on a cooperative basis, in order to meet the private business and operational needs of the members' yachts. The SailMail Association provides worldwide coverage through the operation of 16 stations in North America, Hawaii, Australia, Southeast Asia, South Africa and Europe.

Sailmail uses the same Pactor technology as the ham radio system, and supports Pactor-1, Pactor-2 and Pactor-3 on all frequencies at all stations. Airmail can be configured for either ham or Sailmail operation, or both. With the addition of a Sailmail configuration file, the same copy of Airmail can provide service for both the ham radio and Sailmail systems. This allows Sailmail to be used for business-related messages which are not permitted on the ham bands, as well in countries where ham radio third-party traffic is not permitted.

Winlink2000 (WL2K) is a new ham-radio MBO system introduced in late 1999 by Hans Kessler N8PGR, Vic Poor W5SMM, Rick Meuthing KN6KB and Steve Waterman K4CJX. WL2K is fully integrated with the Internet, and uses Internet message forwarding to make user messages available at any station which they normally connect with. The Winlink-2000 system provides worldwide coverage through the operation of 49 stations in North America, Hawaii, Australia, Southeast Asia, South Africa and Europe.

Airmail software operates as a "smart client" for accessing both WL2K and Sailmail networks.

Sailmail/Winlink2000/Airmail Introduction

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HF Radio

PactorModem

HF Radio

PactorModem

BoatCompute

r

The WL2K PMBO or Sailmail station is connected to the internet at all times

The InternetThe Internet

WL2K PMBO or Sailmail Station

WL2K and Sailmail High Network Architecture

PMBO: Participating Mail Box

Airmail

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HF Radio

PactorModem

HF Radio

PactorModem

BoatCompute

r

Other computers, or CMBOs, organize and manage the network traffic.

The InternetThe Internet

CMBOs are transparent to users. They are redundant, and you never know they are there.

WL2K Network Architecture (continued)

PMBO

CMBO CMBO

CMBO: WL2K Central Mail Box Server

Airmail

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Data on HF Radio















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Winlink 2000 (WL2K) Stations worldwide (over 6000 subscribed users, free to licensed hams)

Besides contacting other boats and Internet users, you may order parts, schedule fuel delivery, obtain a tow etc. Stock transactions and other activities that directly or indirectly increase the size of one’s wallet are not allowed

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Sailmail Stations Worldwide (over 3000 subscribed uses, $250 US/year non-ham users)

Besides contacting other boats and Internet users, Sailmail can be used for commercial purposes, such as arranging bank transactions, buying/selling stock, etc.

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Data on HF Radio















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Operating Procedure for Airmail Terminal Program (HF Radio)

Posting message using HF Terminal program

1. Build email message and “Post” in Airmail Message Index (outbox) 2. Turn on HF Radio and modem3. Open the Airmail “Propagation” program (View+Propagation) from Airmail Message Index window

to determine what station/PMBO and frequency to connect to4. Open Airmail “HF Terminal” program (Module+HF Terminal) from Airmail Message Index window

and select station/PMBO and frequency5. Listen to make sure frequency is clear, use headphones if engine is running6. If frequency is clear hit green button in Terminal Program to send message7. If transmit speed is dog slow (< 600 bps) give up and try either another frequency, another station

or another time. 1400 bps to 3200 bps are good numbers to see. This is VERY important, don’t beat a dead horse - try later when conditions improve

8. “Send” message

Receiving message using HF Terminal program

1. Repeat steps 2 through 6 above2. If receive speed is dog slow give up and try either another frequency, another station or another

time3. “Receive” message into Airmail Message Index (Inbox)

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Email via Airmail Terminal Program (Sailmail & Winlink 2000 users)

Terminal program within Airmail sending an email through the HF radio

speed

sending message

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Operating Procedure for Airmail Telnet Client (Sailmail & Winlink 2000 users via Internet)

Posting message using Telnet Client program

1. Build email message and “Post” in Airmail Message Index (outbox)

2. Open Airmail Telnet Module (Module+Telnet Client) from Airmail Message Index window and choose Telnet Client Station/PMBO from pull-down list

3. Hit green button to send message

Receiving message using Telnet Client program

1. Open Airmail Telnet Module and choose Telnet Client Station/PMBO from pull-down list

2. Hit green button to receive message

The Airmail Telnet Client can be used for sending/receiving email, receiving weather bulletins, receiving GRIB files, sending/receiving position reports. In other words, everything you can do in Airmail Terminal Client at 4,800 bps max can be done through Telnet Client at Internet speeds. We often cruise around an anchorage looking for an open WiFi connection to use

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Email via Airmail Telnet Client (Sailmail & Winlink 2000 users)

Note: When using Winlink 2000 Telnet Client, the rules of Amateur Radio do not apply since you are not going out over the HF airways. Business type transactions are allowed but only in Telnet

receiving message

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Using Saildocs to retrieve data (Sailmail & Winlink 2000 users)

Saildocs is a free service that can return text data from the Web, all you need is the URL of the source document

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Saildocs brings back to text (Sailmail & Winlink 2000 users)

Here the first retrieved document (Subtropic forecast) is shown

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Example of Surfing the Web using Saildocs, your SSB & Pactor modem

We will email off for the text version of this web page so we know what to expect when we land in Opua, NZ. Airmail Telnet Client will be used but Airmail Terminal program would have also worked. The following steps apply for any email sent & received.

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1. Add New Address

2. New Address Ready

3. Compose Email, Save and Post

4. Outbox shows Email was “Posted”

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Propagation Airmail Helper Application

5. Check a few Propagation Reports if sending via HF Radio (View+Propagation)

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6. Send Email

8. Receive Response

Send and Receive Email using Telnet Client

7. Outbox shows Email was sent

sending message

receiving message

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9. Inbox shows Email was received

10. Read Text Webpage

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Position Reporting

• Lets folks at home share in your adventures. Gives them a map to track your progress

• Do let folks at home know that the lack of an updated position should not be a cause for alarm

• Remember that most position reports are removed if track is not kept current (more on alternatives later)

• Position reports allow you to see other cruisers in your area

• Don’t report if near sensitive areas like Somalia Coast, Gulf of Aden, Red Sea, Venezuela etc.

• Don’t report if you don’t want people to know where you are (running from the Law, bill collectors, mother-in-law etc.)

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Let’s find KD7UMG (Tom & Dawn on SV-Warm Rain)

Ham Example: The Position Reporter web page (http://www.winlink.org/userPositions)Select Call sign from column on right.

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Position Report Detail for KD7UMG

Results after clicking on “View position report for KD7UMG”

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Sailmail Example: Position Reporter web page http://www.pangolin.co.nz/yotreps/reporter_list.php)Select Call sign from column on right.

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Sailmail Example: Position Reporter results

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Yotreps Position Report Data Entry

Sailmail users enter position report detail using the Airmail (Sailmail version) position report form. Hitting “Send Now” button will enter position report in the Yotreps database

Ham users enter position report detail using the Airmail (Winlink 2000 version) position report form. Hitting “Send Now” button will enter position report in APRS database, check “Copy to Yotreps” box to also enter position report in the Yotreps database

34Source: http://www.franksingleton.clara.net/grib.html

Weather GRIB (gridded binary) File Intro

GRIB is a code form used by operational meteorological centers for storing and exchanging meteorological charts and other patterns of wind, sea state, temperature etc. The information is put into a compressed digital, binary format that enables high speed transmission and reception. It is useful to sailors for the efficient reception of charted information using GSM, GPRS, Satellite phones or HF radio to Internet link. GRIB files augment the information one gets from Weather Fax reports. Most common GRIB data shown is surface wind speed & direction, atmospheric pressure and surface temperature.

What is GRIB and why does it provide so much for so little?

Where does the data come from and what is it?

A major source is the US NWS (Numerical Weather Prediction) model, the GFS (Global Forecasting System) which calculates how the weather is expected to develop, For this purpose it defines the atmosphere on a three dimensional grid of points. The lowest level of this model is at about 20 meters above ground (or sea level). This is at a height where the pressure is about 3 hPa (mb) lower than at the surface of the earth.

From the forecast wind at this level and using algorithms embodying surface roughness and stability, the NWS derives a forecast at 10 meters. The forecast winds are also used to drive a wave model known as the MMAB Operational Wave Model (aka wwave3).

NWS wind data in GRIB format are available, free, from at least two sources. Saildocs provide the wind at the 10 meter height above sea (or ground) level. Global Marine Networks (GMN) provides wind data from the output of wwave3.

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Generating Saildocs GRIB file Request (Sailmail & Winlink 2000 users)

Drag mouse in grid area to choose area for GRIB file in Airmail Catalog (Window+Catalogs+Saildocs), click “Request” to set GFS GRIB Parameters and Send (don’t use Subscribe at Sea)

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Weather GRIB file Request in Airmail Outbox

GRIB file is requested via email, received GRIB file is shown in View Fax viewer

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Weather Routing using GRIB files (eChart overlay)

GRIB file is overlaid on eChart in MaxSea and Waypoint Entered

38MaxSea Routing Module Calculates Waypoints based on GRIB Data

Weather Routing calculations (eCart Routing Using GRIB Data)

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Routing Waypoints displayed on Chart

Suggested Routing based on GRIB file and Boat Performance Parameters (polar)

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Weather Bulletins (Airmail Winlink 2000 and Sailmail Catalogs)

Updateable over the radio, the built-in Airmail, Winlink 2000 and Sailmail catalog of bulletins contains over 800 text-based and graphic weather products that bring the user just about every publicly available weather product type, worldwide. Weather fax images are only available to Winlink 2000 users.

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Send for Weather Bulletins via Email

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Weather Bulletin (continued)

Resultant Weather Bulletin received by email

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Weather Fax

Many good HF radio weather fax programs exist. Most new ones tune radio through modem if frequency control cable is present

• GetFax comes free with Airmail, bare bones program

• JVComm32 is an excellent program with good reception and image controls ($70 US)

• Mscan Meteo allows you to automatically only download faxes desired, skipping over others ($149 US)

When radio propagation is poor, PC time is being restricted or schedule will be missed, get the fax emailed to you

• Via Winlink2000 catalog

• Via satellite phone

Learn to read & understand Wfax charts: http://www.opc.ncep.noaa.gov/UsersGuide/UGprint.html

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Weather Fax via HF Radio

Size of received file is 30KB, cost $0.00

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Weather Fax via Winlink 2000 Catalog

Request E Pacific 96Hr Surface Fcst 00Z Wefax

When propagation causes poor weather fax reception or you won’t be on board when the schedule runs, get the fax emailed to you

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Weather Fax via Winlink 2000 Catalog (continued)

Size of emailed file is 13KB, cost $0.0

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Weather Fax via Internet (Satellite Phone)

Size of emailed file is 70KB, cost ~ $3.00 US ($1.00 to send request and $2.00 to receive fax)

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WMO Nadi/Fiji Fleet Codes

Lookup Nadi/Fiji Fleet code in either Saildocs or WL2K catalog

Request is Posted in Outbox and Sent

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Received Nadi/Fiji Fleet code data shown in Inbox

The encoded content is very compressed and only 2K in size

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Nadi/Fiji Fleet code data is displayed using PhysPlot application

PhysPlot is a free general purpose meteorological plotter with the ability to plot isobars, wind arrows, fronts, pressure systems sea temperatures and other data from a variety of sourcesSource: http://www.pangolin.co.nz/physplot/index.phpReference: http://www.yachtvalhalla.net/articles/fleetcode/fleetcode.htm

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Data on HF Radio















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Airmail for Sailmail User Install (Airmail for Ham installation steps are the same)

Note: Check box if using PTC-II USB Modem

Airmail for Sailmail software: http://www.siriuscyber.net/sailmail/amsm32035.exeAirmail for Ham software: http://www.siriuscyber.net/ham/amhc32035.exe

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Airmail for Helper Application Install (GetFax, ViewFax, Propagation Reporter)

GetFax & ViewFax Software: http://www.siriuscyber.net/wxfax/Propagation Software: http://elbert.its.bldrdoc.gov/pc_hf/hfwin32.html

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Airmail for Sailmail User Configuration

Enter valid Marine Call Sign

Enter password to be used with Sailmail Webmail application

Enter initial LAT/LON to be used in Propagation calculator

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Airmail for Sailmail User Configuration (continued)IC-M802 Remotely Controlled Receiver Example

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ICOM 710 Configuration Example

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Radio Not Listed in Pull Down Box Configuration Example

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Airmail for Sailmail User Configuration (continued)Telnet Session Usage

WHV382 Telnet user was automatically added Click green circle to directly connect to Internet

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Sailmail Catalog Tree

Note: Single request is far safer than subscribing to either GRIB file or weather bulletin

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Airmail for Ham User Configuration (Sailmail already installed)

Note: Configuration can be changed at any time (Tools+Setup Wizard)

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Airmail for Ham User Configuration (continued)

Allow email attachments, add Telnet User, verify required modules enabled

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Airmail for Ham User Configuration (continued)

Enable GPS input to Position Reports (Module+Position Reports)

Check “Enabled” box Check GPS Input box

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Winlink 2000 and Sailmail Catalogs Combined

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Winlink 2000 and Sailmail Catalogs Combined (page 2)

There are 2 more pages of catalog selection, over 800 items to choose from

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Data on HF Radio















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Installation (Hardware Needed)

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A Professional Installation Generally Includes:

1. Interface the radio to the HF-modem in the technically "best" fashion. If there is an "accessory" jack available on the radio that includes the necessary signals, it should ALWAYS be used. The use of the "Mic" jack should be avoided. A HF-modem to SSB cable should be provided that has shields connected on both ends and that has ferrites installed on both ends.

2. If the radio is capable of remote control (Icom M710, Icom M700pro, Icom M802, Icom M710RT, SGC SG-2000, SEA-235), provide the remote control cable. If necessary for the PTC-IIe or PTC-IIex, provide and install a USB-serial adapter. If necessary for the Icom M700pro, provide the CI-V or Icom OPC-478 level shifter for the pin jack. See details in the Application Notes.

3. Update the firmware in the SCS PTC modem to the latest version. Upgrade the modem to include an electronic serial number (ESN) if necessary (old PTC-II and old PTC-IIe modems only).

4. Install ferrites at both ends of all cables including the RS232 cable between the HF-modem and the PC, the remote control wire to the radio, the audio/PTT cable between the HF-modem and the radio, and the tuner control wire. Install a Line Isolator (next to the tuner) in the coax from radio to tuner (for details see the SailMail Primer).

5. Check and if necessary improve the ground system and the ground connection to the tuner. (Do not compromise on this item.)

6. Check and if necessary improve the routing of the antenna wire from the tuner to the backstay. Make sure that the antenna wire has stand-offs supporting it at least 2 inches from any grounded wires or stanchions.

7. Adjust the audio modulation levels on the modem using a directional power meter. See the application note in the SailMail Primer on level setting for details.

8. Evaluate the system for RF self-modulation problems.9. Evaluate the boat's other equipment (inverters, motors etc) for interference with the SSB. Either install filters or

inform the owner of what gear needs to be shut off before using SailMail (probably inverters).10. If the radio can not be remote controlled, then program the radio with the SailMail frequencies, including the

appropriate mode.11. Provide a printed copy of the latest SailMail Primer , T&C's, and the SailMail FCC licenses.12. Provide a backup copy of the AirMail download from the SailMail website download page, on floppy disks.13. Test the system and demonstrate the use of the system to the customer.

Source: http://www.sailmail.com/installa.htm

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Installation (RF suppression components)

Ideal world, no Ground Loop RF leaks Real world, with Ground Loop RF leaks

Real world, with RF suppression components in place

Source: http://www.airmail2000.com/rfi.htm

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Installation (IC-M802 example)

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Installation (IC-706 RT example)

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Installation (IC-710 RT example)

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Installation (continued)Cables Needed Between Radio and Modem

Radio Model/Type Audio Cable Control Cable For IIPro & IIUsb OnlyIcom 710 9090 (6ft)** 8081 (6ft)**

Icom M710 RT 9090 (6ft)** 8081 (6ft)**

Icom M700 Pro 9090 (6ft)** 8081 (6ft)**

Icom 77 9090 (6ft)** 8081 (6ft)**

Icom 78 9095 8081 (6ft)**

Icom 706 9095 8081 (6ft)**

Icom 706 Mk II 9095 8081 (6ft)**

Icom 706 Mk IIG 9095 8081 (6ft)**

Icom 707 9090 (6ft)** 8081 (6ft)**

Icom 718 9095 8081 (6ft)**

Icom 720A not suitable for digital communications

Icom 725 9090 (6ft)** 8081 (6ft)**

Icom 728 9090 (6ft)** 8081 (6ft)**

Icom 729 9090 (6ft)** 8081 (6ft)**

Icom 730 not suitable for digital communications

Icom 735 9090 (6ft)** 8081 (6ft)**

Icom 736 9090 (6ft)** 8081 (6ft)**

Icom 737 9090 (6ft)** no control

Icom 738 9090 (6ft)** 8081 (6ft)**



Icom 746 9090 (6ft)** 8081 (6ft)**

Icom 746 Pro 9090 (6ft)** 8081 (6ft)**

Icom 756 9090 (6ft)** 8081 (6ft)**

Icom 756 Pro/II 9090 (6ft)** 8081 (6ft)**



Icom 775 9090 (6ft)** 8081 (6ft)**

Icom 7800 9090 (6ft)** 8081 (6ft)**

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Radio Model/Type Audio Cable Control Cable For IIPro & IIUsb OnlyIcom 781 9090 (6ft)** 8081 (6ft)**

Icom M800 9090 (6ft)** no control

Icom M802 9090 (6ft)** 8083

Icom M810 9090 (6ft)** no control

Yaesu FT600 8125 8130

Yaesu 747GX not suitable for digital communications



Yaesu FT817 8120 8130

Yaesu FT840 MFJ-1272B 8080

Yaesu FT847 8127 8085

Yaesu FT857 8120 8130

Yaesu FT897 8120 8130

Yaesu FT920 8123 8083

Yaesu FT1000 MkV 8123 8080

Yaesu FT100 8120 8130

Yaesu FT1000 8123 8080

Yaesu FT1000 MP MkV 8123 8080

Yaesu FT1000 MP 8125 8080

SGC 2000 8020 8083

Furuno 9086 9088

Harris 5022 8020 n/a

Kenwood TKM707 not suitable for digital communications

Kenwood TS130S not suitable for digital communications

Kenwood TS140S 9096 no control

Kenwood TS2000 9097 8080

Kenwood TS430 not suitable for digital communications

Kenwood TS440 9096 no control

Kenwood TS450S 9097 8097

Kenwood TS480HX 8120 8080

Kenwood TS480SAT 8120 8080

Installation (continued) - Cables Needed Between Radio and Modem

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Kenwood TS50S MFJ-1272B n/a

Kenwood TS570D 9097 8080





Source: http://www.farallon.us/webstore

Installation (continued) - Cables Needed Between Radio and Modem

Radio Model/Type Audio Cable Control Cable For IIPro & IIUsb Only

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Data on HF Radio













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Appendix

Glossary of Terms http://www.winlink.org/Glossary.htmAirmail software for Hams: http://www.siriuscyber.net/ham/Airmail software for non-Hams: http://www.siriuscyber.net/sailmail/Sailmail main website: http://www.sailmail.com/Winlink main website: http://www.winlink.org/ OPC WFax Charts User's Guide http://www.opc.ncep.noaa.gov/UsersGuide/UGprint.htmlJVComm32 Weather fax: http://www.jvcomm.de/index_e.html Mscan Meteo Weather fax http://mscan.com/Sailmail Primer http://www.sailmail.com/smprimer.htmRFI Interference http://www.airmail2000.com/rfi.htmWhat is GRIB code http://www.franksingleton.clara.net/grib.htmlUsing Airmail with Macintosh Computers http://www.downwindmarine.com/sailmail/mac.htmUse of USB to serial adapters on Mac's http://www.sailmail.com/apple.htmHow to download a new PMBO frequency List ftp://winlink.org/New_FREQ.txtHow to download a Catalog replacement or Update ftp://winlink.org/Update_CAT.txtHow to change the file attachment size limit ftp://winlink.org/attachments.txtHow to do Radio frequency control ftp://winlink.org/AirmCtrl.txtWinlink Instructions for the Internet User http://www.winlink.org/instructions.htm#Internet%20UserWinlink Instructions for the Radio User http://www.winlink.org/instructions.htm#Radio%20UserWinlink Weather sites http://www.franksingleton.clara.net/winlink.htmlThe global site for cruising sailors (Radio version) http://www.noonsite.com/text/CountriesThe global site for cruising sailors (Internet version) http://www.noonsite.com/Countries

1. 2 Data on HF Radio What offshore sailors can do with data on HF radio Samples of Email, Position Report, Weather GRIB File, Weather Bulletin and Weather.

Documents

hf radio step

weather faxes

weather bulletins

ham radio system

hf radio samples of

weather grib files

sailmail association

email sample email sample