[Ham-Mac] Recommendations for offshore use?

[R. Michael Greenwood]

If you are comfortable with QRP then you should look carefully at the Elecraft KX3 (built-in tuner option - which will tune just about anything).  With the cable kit you will be able to interface with the Mac, including firmware updates.  

As far as an antenna, on a cruise ship I've had best luck with a Buddipole set up in an L configuration - secured to a stanchion the L configuration will stream well with the wind created by the ship.  I'm sure the ship's captain and crew will not want your antenna to create a hazard to others.  Wire antennas, depending how they are strung can create such a hazard.

Mike, KC4VG

On Aug 31, 2013, at 11:18 AM, PATRICIA H REIFF <reiff at mac.com> wrote:

> Hi, I'm going to be on a transatlantic cruise ship (well, really just a big yacht)  this fall and want a rig that's reliable and portable, preferably with autotuning built in.  
> 
> I'm debating between the new touchscreen Icom 7100 and a SDR like the Flex Radio 3000.  I will be taking along a high-end laptop anyway, but I hear that the Flex doesn't work as well with laptops as it does with a desktop.  I'll probably take both an ATAS 120 and a simple dipole, since I'm not sure how the rigging will be (I do have the captain's permission).  The SDR intrigues me because of its ability to let me find signals but I'm not sure I can learn fast enough before I go in October.  Any recommendations??  (It's a US-flag ship so I won't have to get a new call.. yea!!)
> 
> An of course, I prefer to use my Mac laptop but I will also be taking along a windows laptop.
> 
> Also, anyone have the callsign database for offline use?  internet will be very expensive so I won't use it much.
> 
> 
> ...  Dr. Pat  W5TAR
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