On Aug 20, 2022, at 11:18 AM, Nick Newington via groups.io <ngtnewington@...> wrote:

I have ordered a Pactor Modem in oder to set up SailMail on my SSB. I downloaded and printed off the guidance and installation notes.

They recommend installing ferrite chokes on the SSB installation as well as a ferrite Line Isolator between the transceiver and the antenna tuner (ideal near the tuner). 

I have two questions:

1. I do not know whether Amel installed these ferrites and Line Isolator. Does anyone else know?

2. I note that on Amazon I can buy a set of 20 snap on ferrites of various internal diameters from 3.5mm to 13mm for about £10. This seams very cheap. Maybe cheap is good maybe cheap is just a waste of money. Anyone know?

I have not really used the SSB since our transatlantic, apart from to just test it and run it a bit.

On passage to the Azores we used the SSB a bit and I noticed that, sometimes in order to cut down noise, turning the fridges off work  I guess a ferrite clamped on the power supply for each fridge might help. Now that I am investigating all this I am wondering about my cable run for the solar arch and wind generator, the cables run in the same conduit, from near the chart table to the lazarette, as the antenna tuner coax and feed.  The conduit is tight packed. 

I know that this noise suppression is a science but it seams more like a dark art. 

In the not too distant future I am hoping to use SailMail for weather files and to send and receive  basic emails, so I want to set this up properly.

Any thoughts?

Nick

S/Y Amelia 

AML54-019

Leros

On 20 Aug 2022, at 21:42, Dave Ritten <daveritten@...> wrote:



[Edited Message Follows]

Hi Nick
The quality of ferrites does vary as does the composition/effectiveness at different frequencies. Here is a good article about SSB installation for Pactor with a recommendation on ferrites:-
http://siriuscyber.net/airmail/rfi.htm

--
Dave Ritten
Auckland
Prospective SM Owner

On 21 Aug 2022, at 01:42, Alan Leslie <s.v.elyse@...> wrote:

Hi Nick,
When you say sending and receiving "data", Sailmail is pretty much limited to text only email, and it is SLOW.
We've been using Sailmail with a Pactor modem and ICOM SSB since 2008 - since 2013 on Elyse.
It generally works well for email.
Weather files? we download weather faxes regularly  but as far as files go, we only download routing updates from Predict Wind, most weather files are way too big to efficiently download with Pactor and Sailmail will only allow certain attachments - Predict Wind is one of the "approved"
Noise is a big enemy and we generally turn most things off when using the SSB - bad noises come from AC inverters, computer power packs and some LED lights.
And some days (nights are better), no matter what we do, we can't get through.
Its not cheap to set up, but once you have it running it costs very little - Sailmail subscription is the expense.
Important to have the absolute best connections you can make between the radio, tuner and SSB ground...this doesn't matter for receriving but is crucial for transmitting.
There's a ton of stuff on the internet if you Google it.
Good luck
Alan
Elyse SM437

On 21 Aug 2022, at 01:42, Alan Leslie <s.v.elyse@...> wrote:

Hi Nick,
When you say sending and receiving "data", Sailmail is pretty much limited to text only email, and it is SLOW.
We've been using Sailmail with a Pactor modem and ICOM SSB since 2008 - since 2013 on Elyse.
It generally works well for email.
Weather files? we download weather faxes regularly  but as far as files go, we only download routing updates from Predict Wind, most weather files are way too big to efficiently download with Pactor and Sailmail will only allow certain attachments - Predict Wind is one of the "approved"
Noise is a big enemy and we generally turn most things off when using the SSB - bad noises come from AC inverters, computer power packs and some LED lights.
And some days (nights are better), no matter what we do, we can't get through.
Its not cheap to set up, but once you have it running it costs very little - Sailmail subscription is the expense.
Important to have the absolute best connections you can make between the radio, tuner and SSB ground...this doesn't matter for receriving but is crucial for transmitting.
There's a ton of stuff on the internet if you Google it.
Good luck
Alan
Elyse SM437

Le 15 févr. 2023 à 01:57, Jay Feaver via groups.io <jay@...> a écrit :

Hi Nick,

I have a couple questions for you if you don't mind:

1 - Did you do the HF radio mentioned here and if so how has your experience been with it in the Med?  I am considering if we should buy an HF radio. 

2 - You mentioned the weather fax.  I have struggled a bit with that.   We are in Lefkada GR.  Out of curiosity, which stations and schedules are you using?   Have you ever been able to get SVJ4 to work?   I know it's supposed to be offset but I have not succeeded in plugging that into my weather fax unit (Furuno FAX-30) in a way that generates results...  I did manage to pick up the Germans (DDH3 if I remember) when we were offshore. 

Thanks in advance, Jay

Le 15 févr. 2023 à 02:34, Jay Feaver via groups.io <jay@...> a écrit :

Hi Bruno,

Great to year from you.   Unlikely, but we might cross paths, we are headed to the Western Med.  

Our Plan is to leave Lefkas GR at the end of March headed to Italy.  We will likely do Corsica, Possibly Malta, Aeolian Islands, then up the West coast of Italy aiming to be in Hyeres for July.   We were able to get French Long stay visas so we will spend most of the summer in Southern France / Corsica.  After that we will proceed towards Gibraltar to set up for a crossing to the Canaries. 

Are you still in Ragusa?   When do you leave there? 

PS - I saw your mention of Venice:  You probably know this but there is actually a bunch of sailing and anchoring that can be done in the inside the Lagoon.   We missed out because we did not allow enough days to properly explore - it was a mistake.   When you are at Certosa ask around and get someone to show you the paper version of the Carta Della Laguna di Venezia.   There is a digital version here - https://maredicarta.com/app-laguna/ - but the paper one is better and has notes on the back.   Also, the local knowledge that comes with asking was ultra useful for us.   Be aware found variances of up to a meter from the published depth so yay for those of you that have forward scan :)  hope you have a great time. 

All the best, Jay

Le 15 févr. 2023 à 10:25, Slavko Despotovic <slavko@...> a écrit :

Hi Bruno,

I am in Marina Polesana in Pula. It is new Marina, very nice, clean. Will stay in Croatia until August when I will sail to Italy. If you will cross from Venice to Croatia we can meet for a beer or just a chat.
--
Slavko
SM 2000
#279 Bonne Anse in Croatia

On 6 Apr 2023, at 17:34, Joerg Esdorn via groups.io <jhe1313@...> wrote:

Hi Nick, I'm embarking on the same project on board my boat:  trying to reduce RF noise from refrigerators, solar, inverters, alternator, etc, etc.  How did you fair with your project?  Did you buy Mix 31 ferrites?  What resistance?  Where did you put them?  Did you have success?  Cheers Joerg 

Joerg Esdorn
A55 #53 Kincsem
Currently in Craobh Haven, Scotland