Life On The Ocean Wave

Our only real experience of life at sea is a Dutch ferry. I travelled with my nautical chum who bored me rigid on the journey to the docks with tales of tying your sheets to the binnacle with the seacocks aft. As we pulled out he took his position on the poop, arms akimbo and said this was the life for him.

"I suppose you are still playing with your little radios, then? Can't we get up on the bridge - see what kit they have got?" His tone suggested revenge was called for. "Well, let me talk you through that little lot", I said, gesturing to the aerials on the gantry.

"Nothing to worry about", said I with a staged concern, "but the long rod with like a spring at the bottom. That's for calling or distress on 2182. Can't see it getting very far, the loading coil's corroded." The colour drained from my friends face.

"And that dipole for 156 megs. Not enough gain for these waters. I would not leave port without stacked yagis and a rotator." I understand my fisherman's friend decanted his Seafarer's Platter into the sink and never left his cabin for the whole voyage.

There was, of course, nothing wrong with the ship's aerials.

If you are in the AR7030 class, key in 2182 after nightfall. Set the filter one higher than the USB default to get all the audio and listen. The Calling Channel is USB but AM is still allowed. Turn the bass up a bit to see how many ships are off-channel and leaking carrier as you hear the beat notes. Find out how many fist-mikes have been dropped or left swinging against the bulkhead in a Force Ten as you wrestle with appalling audio.

Remember, your 7030 is only telling it exactly like it is, think of the poor operator at the coast station.