BajaNomad

Weather reports on SSB?

vgabndo - 12-27-2004 at 12:38 AM

I remember that some of the neighbors last year were tuning in to a fellow who was reading baja weather reports on SSB and they could be picked up on a little short wave radio like a Yacht Boy 400. Was that the guy who moved to Florida? If not, does someone know the freq. and broadcast time? I can't afford good radio equip. and sometimes I'd like to make more long term plans than just listening for surf in the morning!

freqs

Jack Swords - 12-27-2004 at 11:40 AM

Some of the Baja SSB nets...some are marine, some ham/marine. All relate to boating.

Sonrisa net 7 AM 3.968 LSB
Amigo Net 7 AM 8.122 USB
Chubasco Net 8:15 AM 7.294 USB
Manana Net 12 N 14.340 USB
Bluewater Net 5:30 PM 6.516 USB
Maritime Net 4-10 PM 14.340 USB
Southbound 7 PM 4.054/4.060 USB

Times and freqs can change, freqs are MHz and time MST. Have only verified Amigo and Chubasco this year (have not gone out, awaiting part for engine). Add an external antenna to your radio (wire, insulated or not). That will greatly increase your ability to receive these stations. Be able to switch from upper sideband (USB) and lower sideband (LSB). These nets are the best WX indicators in the Baja. Good luck!

Thanks Jack!!!

vgabndo - 12-27-2004 at 04:40 PM

Upper and lower you don't get on a Yacht Boy right? Do you have a recommendation for an econo unit that I can run on my 12V system? I understand that electric fence wire is the hot setup for antenna material. Strong, long, and dirt cheap.

Perry

USB and LSB

Jack Swords - 12-27-2004 at 08:10 PM

I'm not familiar with the Yacht Boy radio, but there are many radios out there to choose from. To receive SSB you need to switch USB and LSB. See if a desired radio has that capability (a switch). Older (and newer) ham radios will. If there is a BFO switch, careful tuning will make the "Donald Duck" talk intelligible, but it is a pain. Actually ordinary zip cord or any wire will work, just make it easy to throw over a tree branch, tie to a high object. The higher the better and it needs to be insulated to work best. Many radios have an extending vertical antenna that will work. But sideband transmissions require that upper sideband/lower sideband switch on the receive end to understand.

Elena La Loca - 12-27-2004 at 08:20 PM

And don't forget the Baja Maritime Net...it meets at 0800 PST and is currently found on 7238mHz+/- depending on QRM - use your dial and you'll find us. (during Daylight Savings Time we switch to 7260mHz due to foreign broadcast interference but keep the 0800 time schedule) There's weather on this net at 0815 PST...incredibly thorough and nearly pinpoint accurate thanks to the efforts of our weatherman, Don, N6HG. If you tune in on Thursdays, I'm net control!

Let me know if I can be of any help with your radio project.

Regards,
Ellen N6UWW

[Edited on 1-4-2005 by Elena La Loca]

Where Have You Been

Capt. George - 12-28-2004 at 08:03 AM

Elena LaLoca,

Good to see you're OK..have not seen any threads from you in a long time...

Glad to know you're OK

George & Deborah

7233

Bajatrvlr - 12-31-2004 at 11:32 AM

The Baja Net is currently on 7233kz...and, it is the best weather info for all of Baja.