Bits n Bobs

A description of how to obtain the NZ or USA amateur radio (ham) license that enables you to talk on the ham frequencies or use winlink for email.

How to obtain the license needed to operate a MF/HF SSB radio on board a vessel outside of NZ. This is an internationaly recognized qualification.

Summary

Annual maintenance

• Clean all connections between radio, antenna and RF ground. Pay particular attention to the coax outside where it joins the backstay and goes through the hull.
• Check that 12 volts is going to the radio, during a normal length transmission.
• Inspect microphone wire and Pactor wiring
• Check that the tuner is in fact tuning
• If required, Improve the RF ground plane with more Cu foil, and make sure the dynaplate is clean.

Pre-departure – at a quiet anchorage

SV Midnight Sun documented their experiences when handling a medical emergency in Fiji. It includes some interesting information needed when dealing with Insurance Companies and includes a Medical Emergency Checklist for all travellers to third world countries.