installing communicationsand position-finding systems 14330 amps when transmitting. This is not too
much of a problem unless the operator is
the chatty type or spends a lot of time
downloading weather charts via a modem.
However, 30 amps of consumption is a
considerable amount, and it will drain bat-
teries rather rapidly if they are not being
recharged.
Installation guidelines:- Be sure to use correctly sized power feed
wires to serve the unit, especially in con-
sideration of restricting voltage drop to a
maximum of 3%. Based on ABYC E-11,
you will need a minimum of 6 AWG
(13 mm^2 ) wire to supply power to a 12 V
SSB set over a 20-foot cable run. - Adhere to voltage supply parameters. Most
if not all SSB units operate at a nominal
12 V. For a boat with a 24 V or 32 V sys-
tem, you will need a DC-to-DC power
converter. Overvoltage supply to the trans-
ceiver will damage the unit quicker than
you can snap your fingers! A typical 12 V
(nominal) SSB has a voltage operating
range of 13.6 VDC, ±15% maximum.
Consider this 15% an absolutemaximum
because performance will definitely be
affected if power falls below –15%. - Use the 3% voltage drop parameter to
ensure peak performance. Lower-than-
acceptable voltage will have a profound
impact on power output from the unit
and its potential range. It may be useful
to think of potential power out of the
unit as proportional to the power
available to operate the unit. - An SSB requires a first-class grounding
system to function at its peak, and the
antenna needs what is known as a
counterpoise, a ground that is an integral
part of the antenna system (discussed
further in Chapter 16).- For best results, use the multicable har-
ness provided by the SSB manufacturer
(see next page), which typically includes
the coaxial antenna lead, power cables,
and a cable to connect the automatic
antenna tuner (a commonly specified
available option). All the individual cables
in the harness are terminated with water-
tight connectors for the tuner or trans-
ceiver, and all the individual conductors
within each cable are connected to the
right pins. Stick with the original manufac-
turer’s harness! This is not an area where
you will win high marks for creativity.
Regulations for SSB use vary from one
country to another. In the United States, FCC
rules apply. Additionally, specific regulations
apply if the radio includes DSC and GMDSS.
This is where a true electronics equipment
specialty house can put you on the right course.
Electronics specialists are usually FCC licensed
and will be well versed in the specific regula-
tions as they apply not only to installation of
equipment, but also to licensing requirements
for equipment operators. Inquire before you get
in trouble, because the rules changed a few
years ago. In some cases, an FCC license is
required to perform installations.
- For best results, use the multicable har-
Noise Issues with SSB
Electrical “noise” on board can dramatically
affect an SSB’s ability to produce clear, static-
free signals in Receive mode. Potential noise
emitters include anything that relies on an
electrical spark for its operation—virtually any
motor, fluorescent lights, and relays and sole-
noids. After installation, test your SSB to
ensure that the antenna is not receiving any
emitted noise.
Since SSBs operate over a fairly broad fre-
quency spectrum (from 2 MHz to 22 MHz),
it is hard to predict which electrical devices
might contribute to excessive background