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Communications
Current communication's technologies offer the cruiser a rich environment spanning the entire radio spectrum. This spectrum is broken into various bands where specific equipment must be used. The information on this page provides general guidance on band usage and the equipment/systems that Dakare carries to utilize those bands. Dakare is capable of voice communications in the HF and VHF bands, and digital communications (e-mail) in the HF, VHF and Satellite bands.
Highlights:
Communications for E-Mail, Weather and Surfing the World Wide Web
E-Mail & Internet Browsing
Although we do our fair share of voice SSB communications, we are very involved with digital e-mail. We have three types of e-mail systems on board Dakare:
Land Line Connections
Radio-Based Email
The first two systems use the same software client (AirMail) and hardware, that being our Icom 710, the PTC - II Pactor modem and our computers. Airmail is the name of the common client software package that is used to support both HAM and commercial-based e-mail. Winlink is the HAM-enabled version and SailMail is the commercial-enabled version. By using a common client (Airmail) both the HAM and the commercial systems can use a common e-mail address book and mailbox, so there is no need to switch between systems to access your e-mail.
Although built and designed primarily as a HF SSB radio e-mail package, both the WinLink and Airmail versions support land line communications. WinLink also supports Internet-based e-mail access through its WinLink web site. To access the TELNET services for land line e-mail communications you must set the parameters in your Winlink & SailMail systems as follows:
For Winlink Stations K4CJX & KN6KB
Parameter
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Insert
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Host Name
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K4CJX.NO.IP.COM
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Port
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12001
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Time
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30
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Password
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WL2KTELNETCLIENT
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Proto
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B2
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For SailMail Station WHV382
Parameter
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Insert
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Host Name
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R7FH.NO.IP.COM
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Port
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50001
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Time
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30
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Password
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Airmail
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Proto
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B2
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IMARSAT-C is a dedicated satellite-based system that also requires the use of our computers. We primarily use WinLink for non-business related items and we use SailMail primarily for business related communications. Although we have used our IMARSAT-C unit, we rarely use it since the cost per character transmitted far outweighs the cost of either the Ham or commercial systems.
Dakare is provisioned to access telephone land lines and we can, if the service is provided dockside, connect the boat at any marina that offers the service. To date, we have used slow POP connections and high speed ADL connections while dockside.
GPRS is a cell phone based system that we can use and do use extensively in Med waters when we are in range of Cell phone transmitters. With GPRS, we can do email, Internet surf, etc. GPRS is economically viable for Email but surfing the web is somewhat expensive.
WiFi Interception
Dakare also employs a custom built, state-of-the-are Access Point (WiFi) system that works off of dual high performance antennas. One is a high gain Omni Directional antenna and the second is a highly directional, high gain, 10 degree subtended angle antenna. The first is ideal for connecting to available WiFi networks while at anchor. The latter has demonstrated exceptional performance when the boat is relatively stabilized in its position and the Access Point is far away. We have been able to connect to WiFi systems more than 700 feet away with performance equivalent to being hooked directly to an ADL line.
As currently configured, the system can support 2 users simultaneously but is configurable to up to 5 users.
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 DSC - Digital Selective Calling
Digital Selective calling is the neatest thing since sliced bread. Using DSC, we can avoid the unbearable chatter that one normally hears on the monitoring channel. DSC works in the background, making the radio ring like a phone when you have an incoming call. The only problem is that it is not widely implemented, even with cruisers who have the capability. We have implemented DSC on our VHF radio (DSC# 368421000.) but we have not implemented it on our HF SSB unit. That radio is DSC ready - which should be translated as: you have to purchase an additional box to make it work. Until DSC is more widely adopted in the SSB arena, this is not a wise investment for recreational users like us.
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VOIP
Using SKYPE, Dakare is equipped to do International phone calls with video over the WiFi System
 FCC Toll Free Number
888 225-5322
Coast Guard HF SSB Emergency Frequencies
Channel
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Mode
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Designation
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Frequency
|
Receive Freq
|
Transmit Freq
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6
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Simplex
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Emergency 2
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2182
|
 |
 |
7
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Simplex
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Emergency 4
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4125
|
 |
 |
8
|
Simplex
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Emergency 6
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6215
|
 |
 |
9
|
Simplex
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Emergency 8
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8291
|
 |
 |
10
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Simplex
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Emergency 12
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12290
|
 |
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11
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Simplex
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Emergency 16
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16420
|
 |
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12
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Duplex
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ITU 424
|
 |
4426
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4184
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13
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Duplex
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ITU 601
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 |
6501
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6200
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14
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Duplex
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ITU 816
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 |
8764
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8740
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15
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Duplex
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ITU 1205
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 |
13089
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12242
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16
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Duplex
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ITU 1625
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 |
17314
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16432
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Updated 12/2005
Designated Use of Radio Frequency Bands:
Table of Radio Frequency Bands
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Designated Use
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 30-300 Hz 10-1Mm ............ ELF (extremely low frequency)
 300-3000 Hz ....................... MLF (medium low frequency)
 3-30 KHz 100-10 km .......... VLF (very low frequency)
 30-300 KHz 10-1 km ........... LF (low frequency)
 300-3000 KHz 1 km-100 m. MF (medium frequency)
 3-30 MHz 100-10 m ............ HF (high frequency)
 ..30-300 MHz 10-1 m .......... VHF (very high frequency)
 300-3000 MHz 1 m-10 cm .. UHF (ultra high frequency)
 3-30 GHz 10-1 cm .............. SHF (super high frequency)
 30-300 GHz 1 cm-1 mm..... EHF (extremely high freq)
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 Omega
 RDF, NAVTEX, AM Radio, Intl. Distress
 HF SSB
 HF SSB
 HF SSB
 HF SSB
 Marine VHF, 2 Meter, Cordless Telephones. 6 Meters, FM Radio, VHF Television
 EPIRB, Ham 440, UHF Television, Cellular Telephone, Air Traffic Control, RADAR, Microwave Ovens, Satellites
 Satellite Bands (IMARSAT-C)
 S-Band 1700-3000 MHz
 C-Band 3700-4200 MHz
 Ku1-Band 10.9-11.75 GHz
 Ku2-Band 11.75-12.5 GHz (DBS)
 Ku3-Band 12.5-12.75 GHz
 Ka-Band 18.0-20.0 GHz
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 Radar Bands:
 1-2 GHz ............30-15 cm ....L Band
 2-4 GHz ...........15-7.5 cm.....S Band
 4-8 GHz ........7.5-3.75 cm.....C Band
 8-12 GHz ......3.75-2.50 cm... X Band
 12-18 GHz ......2.5-1.67 cm...Ku Band
 18-27 GHz .....1.67-1.11 cm....K Band
 27-40 GHz 1.11 cm-7.5 mm .Ka Band
 40-75 GHz...............................V Band
 75-110 GHz............................W Band
 110-300 GHz ......................mm Band
 300-3000 GHz...................u mm Band
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Equipment: Dakare has the following communication Systems on board:
System
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Description
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VHF Marine Radio
Model: GX 2350S
The new Spectrum 25 Watt VHF/FM marine transceiver and loud hailer has generous gasketing and Standard Horizon's proprietary Humiseal protection to keep moisture out and keep you on the air. The 20 Watt loud hailer with listen-back broadcasts your voice or all preprogrammed fog signals over a PA horn.
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WDA4905
DSC 368421000
S/N A8121
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VHF Remote External Mike:
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Model: CMP351B
Color: Black
Part#: MP51000410
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2 Meter Ham Radio
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Model DR-1200
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2 Meter Packet
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 E-Mail
 BBS
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2 Meter Amplifier
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rfConcept 2-23
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 WinLink Ham E-mail
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 E-mail
 Weather
 Sat Info (Kep Data)
 Position Updates
 Binary File Transmission
 Pactor III Broad Band Comm
 Pop3 Communications
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 SailMail
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 E-Mail
 Pactor II Narrow Band Comm
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 AirMail
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Client Software interface for Winlink 2000 and shared interface with SailMail
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 HF SSB Marine & Ham
HF Transmit and 2182 KHz Alarm The latest in ICOM SSB technology and construction 150 watts of power, 100% duty cycle All modes, including RTTY E-mail ready. Receive 500 KHz - 29.9999 MHz Monitor all 976 ITU voice and data channels, HAM bands and aircraft Wx 1136 channels Transmit: IC-M710 version 22 THE HAM TRANSMIT & RECEIVE VERSION: 1.6 MHz - 27.5 MHz marine channels and all HF HAM bands
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Icom America, Repairs
2380 116 Ave NE
Bellevue, WA 98004
425 454-7619
IcomAmerica.com
Support 425 454-7619
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Automatic HF Tuner
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 SCS Pactor II Modem
Farallon Electronics
415 331-1924 Pactor@YachtWise.Com
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 IMARSAT-C (SeaSat 2)
SEA - DATAMARINE
7030 220th Street S.W.
Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043
Voice: (425) 771-2182 FAX: (425) 771-2650
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Sea Technical Article in Blue Water Sailing Magazine by Dan on E-mail Offshore
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Icom's IC-M1V First in its class to use a powerful Lithium Ion battery. Charging is easy; with Lithium Ion, there's no need to fully discharge before recharging, as done with Ni-Cds.
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Icom's IC-M32
is the smallest and lightest waterproof* marine handheld available.
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NOTE: If you plan to dock in a foreign port (e.g., Canada or the Bahamas) or if you communicate with foreign coast or ship stations, you must have at least the RESTRICTED RADIOTELEPHONE OPERATOR PERMIT (sometimes referred to by boaters as an "individual license") or the more advanced operator's license entitled in MARINE RADIO OPERATOR PERMIT in addition to your ship radio station license. Section IV outlines the procedure for obtaining a permit. However, if (1) you merely plan to sail in domestic or international waters without docking in any foreign ports and without communicating with foreign coast stations, and (2) your radio operates only on VHF frequencies, you do not need an operator permit.
This information is taken from:
FCC document # PR500 issued Nov 14, 1996
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Publications:
The following articles were published in Sail Magazine, Blue Water Cruising Magazine and Cruising World Magazine:
Magazine
|
Title
|
Date, Issue, Volume and Page(s)
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Comments
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Sail Magazine
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Publication Information to be posted
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Publication Information to be posted
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Focused on the Caribbean 1500
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Sail magazine
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Publication Information to be posted
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Publication Information to be posted
|
Publication Information to be posted
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Blue Water Sailing
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E-mail at Sea
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99
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Discussion of digital Com options for voyagers; Satellite, HF SSB, etc.
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Blue Water Sailing
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Ham E-mail Advantage (Pactor II)
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April 99, Vol. 4, Number 4, pp 27-31
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In depth look at state-of-the-art Pactor II HF SSB digital communications for e-mail
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Cruising World
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E-mail with High Frequency
Cover Story: Best Offshore E-Mail Solutions
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November 2003, P 51
To Download: Visit www.CruisingWorld.com
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Improvements in software & radio-based modems incorporating digital signal processing have resulted in faster/higher bandwidths, more robust & error free communications using SSB
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Cruising World
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The Warships are Coming
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Publication Date Pending
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Coverage of the second running of the Med Red Rally in 2006 just prior to the Hezbollah / Israeli war.
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Bleu Water Sailing
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AIS Targets - Do You Really Want To Know What's Going On?
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Publication Date Pending
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A technology report on the use of AIS (Automated Information System)
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Blue Water Sailing
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Countries in Contrast
|
Publication Date Pending
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Passage notes on the Med-Red Rally
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Ham Radios 2-Meter
Radio/Component
|
Description
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Company
|
Model
|
2 Meter Radio
|
2 Meter Hand Held Radio
|
Yaesu
|
FT-530
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2 Meter Antenna
|
2 Meter Antenna
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Diamond
|
RH77
|
Battery
|
Battery for FT-530; 1000mAh
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Yaesu
|
NB-26
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Charger
|
2 Meter FT-530 Rapid Charger
|
Yaesu
|
NC-42
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2 Meter Radio
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2 Meter Hand Held Radio
|
Yaesu
|
FT-50R
|
2 Meter Antenna
|
2 Meter Antenna
|
Yaesu
|
Default
|
Battery
|
Battery for 1000mAh
|
Yaesu
|
NBP-41H
|
Charger
|
2 Meter FT-50R Rapid Charger
|
Yaesu
|
NC-50
|
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Weather Fax Stations and Broadcast Schedules
Call Sign
|
Frequencies
MHz
|
Times
|
CFH
Halifax
|
112.5
4271
6496.4
10536
13510
|
Continuous
Continuous
Continuous
Continuous
Continuous
|
NMF
Boston
|
4235
6340.5
9110
12750
|
0230-1015
Continuous
Continuous
Continuous
|
NMG
New Orleans
|
4317.9
8503.9
12789.9
17146.4
|
Continuous
Continuous
Continuous
1200-2045
|
NMC
Pt. Reyes, CA
|
4346
8682
12590.5
17151.2
22527
|
Night
Continuous
Continuous
Continuous
Day
|
NOJ
Kodiak, Alaska
|
2054
4298
8459
12412.5
|
0950-1159
16001748
Continuous
Continuous
0400-0548
2150-0018
|
KVM70
Honolulu
|
9982.5
11090
16135
23331.5
|
1030-1630
Except 2345-0354
Except 1030-1630
2345-0354
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