No one created a sub forum for communications yet, so I’ll start a thread. We’ll call it “The Communications Thread”. We’ll see if it attracts some posts. I’ll suggest the scope include EPIRBs, NAVTEX, Inmarsat, VSAT, HF, VHF, DSC, SART and other things like that.
Good idea. I’m going to work on my amateur radio license next hitch and test for Technician in Sept. Even with GMDSS I don’t feel as confident that I know the equipment as well as I should. Continued learning and all that jazz too.
[QUOTE=Quimby;142465]Good idea. I’m going to work on my amateur radio license next hitch and test for Technician in Sept. Even with GMDSS I don’t feel as confident that I know the equipment as well as I should. Continued learning and all that jazz too.[/QUOTE]
Amateur radio opens the door for experimentation. It’s a radio service that allows you to build and modify your own gear. You might find the GROL interesting. It’s more oriented toward the professional. I’m not sure if anyone really requires the GROL anymore, but I think it is a worthwhile for personal development.
[QUOTE=rbc;142481]Amateur radio opens the door for experimentation. It’s a radio service that allows you to build and modify your own gear. You might find the GROL interesting. It’s more oriented toward the professional. I’m not sure if anyone really requires the GROL anymore, but I think it is a worthwhile for personal development.[/QUOTE]
I carried my ham gear most of my 39 years sailing before we had sat internet. It sure brightened up the trip for the guys to get phone patches home.
For the at-sea maintainer, you have to have the GROL along with Maintainer.
Thanks, I’ll look into that. I used HAM gear once on a trans-atlantic downloading weather maps and email…passing the time listening to random conversations. I’d like to be self-sufficient when I start doing my own offshore cruising.
[QUOTE=injunear;142482]I carried my ham gear most of my 39 years sailing before we had sat internet. It sure brightened up the trip for the guys to get phone patches home.
For the at-sea maintainer, you have to have the GROL along with Maintainer.[/QUOTE]
This thread has been quiet for a while, but I was curious. Would anyone part with their opinions on the Gordon West GROL+RADAR study guide? I’m starting to clear my calendar of other endeavors, and will probably start studying for the GROL soon.
[QUOTE=rbc;146525]This thread has been quiet for a while, but I was curious. Would anyone part with their opinions on the Gordon West GROL+RADAR study guide? I’m starting to clear my calendar of other endeavors, and will probably start studying for the GROL soon.[/QUOTE]
For those who are in studying for the GROL, I found a couple of guides put together by Richard Clem. One is the “Plain-English Study Guide for the FCC Marine Radio Operator Permit”, covering FCC element 1, Radio Law. There is also the “Plain-English Study Guide for the General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL)” which covers element 3. I had already picked up the the Gordon West GROL+RADAR study guide. Once I’ve taken the test, I’ll report back on how it went. It will probably take a few months.
[QUOTE=rbc;148691]For those who are in studying for the GROL, I found a couple of guides put together by Richard Clem. One is the “Plain-English Study Guide for the FCC Marine Radio Operator Permit”, covering FCC element 1, Radio Law. There is also the “Plain-English Study Guide for the General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL)” which covers element 3. I had already picked up the the Gordon West GROL+RADAR study guide. Once I’ve taken the test, I’ll report back on how it went. It will probably take a few months.[/QUOTE]
The Gordon West study guide is just the question pool with a basic explanation. I think the newer packages he sells have self generating practice exams. The theory part of the exam is on par with the Advanced or Extra Amateur exam. If you have knowledge of the basic digital modes the exam is no problem. The radar is a separate exam. 10 questions and very basic. At least it was a few years ago.
[QUOTE=injunear;148699]The Gordon West study guide is just the question pool with a basic explanation. I think the newer packages he sells have self generating practice exams. The theory part of the exam is on par with the Advanced or Extra Amateur exam. If you have knowledge of the basic digital modes the exam is no problem. The radar is a separate exam. 10 questions and very basic. At least it was a few years ago.[/QUOTE]
I’m a general class amateur radio operator. It’s been kind of a toss-up, deciding on pursuing the GROL or Amateur extra. Given the overlap, maybe I should study for both. The ARRL Extra study guide is a bit more study guide, and not as much of a cram manual.