Icom M802 Reference Guide

M802

HF Marine Transceiver

Quick Reference Guide

M802 Digital Messaging by Commander Terry L. Sparks

Information on purchasing, installing and/or operating Icom’s HF Marine Transceiver is featured in the “Icom M802 Made Simple for Cruisers” volumes from Commander Terry L. Sparks.

Visit Made Simple for Cruisers online at

www.made-simplefor-cruisers.com

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Digital Communications - Made Simple for Cruisers

Overview

There are times when you just cannot talk to a fellow cruiser via voice. With voice we are trying to understand the words and inflections of the calling station and high levels of background noise levels can be very challenging.

When you need to get your message out or find out what the weather is going to be, the best alternative to voice communications is digital communications. Digital has a better chance than voice as it is really only looking for ones and zeros in a known format.

Most people are familiar with text messaging on your phone, but did you know that if you use Sailmail or Winlink you have the tools on board to basically text a fellow cruiser. The process is very simple with only a couple of added things to do to change from listening to sending. This procedure assumes your radio, modem, and Airmail are already set up for use on Sailmail and/or Winlink. While you could use any Dumb Terminal, let keep it simple and use Airmail.

The Process

1.Both the sending and receiving stations must be ready to receive messages.

2.Turn on your radio, Computer, and PACTOR modem.

3.Set the frequency to the desired frequency you are authorized to transmit on.

4.Start the Airmail program

a.The program you use to do Sailmail and/or Winlink.

b.Start just like if you were getting ready to send and receive email.

5.Using your computer’s mouse device, click on “Tools” and then “Dumb Terminal”.

a.This will open a window similar to the window you use for Sailmail and/or Winlink.

6.There will be no green start or red stop button.

7.Press “Esc” key to get the Command prompt, “cmd:”

Airmail - Dumb Terminal Display

www.made-simplefor-cruisers.com

Published: 7/10/12