Best Shortwave Radios For Boats: Top Picks Reviewed

Short-wave radio systems are a must-have for many sailors embarking on long-distance journeys. SSB marine radios are useful for communication, receiving weather information, and sending emails. When choosing the best short-wave radio for your boat, it's important to consider factors such as range, antenna type, installation requirements, and additional features.

The Icom M802 package is a popular choice, but the installation can be costly. An alternative suggestion is to opt for a good SSB portable radio with an external antenna input. The Tecsun PL-660, Tecsun PL-880, Sony ICF-SW7600GR, and the Sangean 909X are all recommended options with good sensitivity, selectivity, and stability.

When making your decision, it's also worth considering the benefits of obtaining an amateur radio license, which will allow you to transmit in addition to receiving signals.

Shortwave radio equipment

When considering shortwave radio equipment, there are a few key components and installation factors to keep in mind. Firstly, ensure you have the appropriate radio certificate: an amateur radio certificate (HAM) or a marine radio certificate (Long Range Certificate, LRC). The HAM certificate is more complex to obtain, but amateur radio equipment is generally cheaper. On the other hand, SSB marine radios often have additional functions like a separate receiver and a splash-proof display.

Secondly, consider the type of antenna you will need. A shortwave antenna should typically be symmetrical with two conductors. For single-mast ships, the second conductor can be balanced using tuners and seawater grounding. The grounding method will depend on the hull material: metal, GRP, or wooden hulls.

Thirdly, choose an appropriate antenna tuner. Shortwave radio uses a wide range of frequencies (2-30 MHz), and an antenna tuner ensures the antenna is in resonance with the transmitted frequency. Reliable antenna lengths for backstay antennas are 7.0m to 13.5m, with a maximum of 17m.

Lastly, pay attention to cable connections. Use low-attenuation coaxial cables to connect the radio and tuner, ensuring soldering does not create contact between the conductor and shielding. When using an insulated backstay as an antenna, ensure a good connection with the high-voltage cable and backstay clamp.

Some recommended shortwave radio equipment includes the CommRadio CR-1, Alinco DX-R8T, Icom R-75, and Tecsun PL-660. For maritime operation, the Icom IC-7000 is an excellent choice.

SSB radio modulator

Single-sideband modulation (SSB) is a type of modulation used to transmit information, such as an audio signal, by radio waves. It is a refinement of amplitude modulation (AM) and is widely used in the HF portion, or short-wave portion, of the radio spectrum for two-way radio communication. SSB is more efficient than AM, as it uses transmitter power and bandwidth more efficiently.

SSB works by taking advantage of the fact that the entire original signal is encoded in each of the two "sidebands" of an AM signal. Since a good receiver can extract the complete original signal from either the upper or lower sideband, it is not essential to transmit both sidebands plus the carrier. SSB transmission only uses one of the two AM sidebands and suppresses the carrier frequency. This means that SSB signals consume less bandwidth than AM signals and have a higher average effective power across the transmitted band, giving them more 'punch'.

SSB is the predominant phone mode used for over-the-horizon skip propagation via the ionosphere and is popular for long-distance and international communications. It is also commonly used for marine applications, generally for HF point-to-point transmissions, and in the military.

SSB reception is more complex than AM reception, as it requires frequency stability and selectivity beyond that of inexpensive AM receivers. In the receiver, the carrier must be reintroduced using an internal oscillator called a Beat Frequency Oscillator (BFO) or Carrier Insertion Oscillator (CIO). The BFO generates a carrier signal that is mixed with the incoming SSB signal, enabling the required audio to be recovered in the detector.

There are two forms of SSB modulation: Lower Sideband (LSB) and Upper Sideband (USB). The convention is that LSB is used for radio frequencies below 10 MHz, while USB is used for radio frequencies above 10 MHz.

Antenna installation

The antenna is the most basic part of the SSB installation. Fundamentally, for a yacht, the antenna is nothing but a wire supported into the air. The higher and longer the antenna, the better.

One common method of making a long wire antenna is to use an insulated backstay. An insulated backstay is simply using an existing piece of rigging and having an insulator installed at each end. This is a tidy installation but also one of the more expensive options for the DIY enthusiast. Talk to your rigger about having insulated backstays installed on your yacht.

To connect the antenna tuner to the insulated backstay, use a length of high-voltage antenna feed wire, available at most electrical supply houses. You should only need two or three metres of this special insulated wire. The antenna feed wire should not make any tight corners, nor should it run next to any metal. When the antenna feed wire runs up the backstay, a series of stand-offs should be used to prevent energy "bleeding" into the un-insulated area of the backstay, causing a shock hazard and robbing part of your output power.

Another simple antenna design is to use a length of 4mm yacht braid. Remove the centre core and replace it with a solid wire. Put an eye on each end of the line and support it with a halyard. This emergency antenna is now standard on countless yachts as many long-term boaties swear by this system. Its simple, does not entail cutting the rigging, and can be made by most yacht crews. The crew can feed the wire into the side of the yacht braid where it best suits your particular installation. This makes a good all-around insulated antenna.

The most expensive and often most simple option is to buy an SSB whip antenna. The advantage is a quick installation and you don’t have to cut the backstay or support a long wire antenna. The extra-tall SSB whip antenna is most often seen on powerboats and catamarans.

The antenna is built in two parts: the antenna and the counterpoise. The antenna is normally considered the easy part, as it’s basically just a wire run into the air. We’ll discuss the mechanics of supporting the wire later. For now, let’s discuss the counterpoise.

A counterpoise is the half of the antenna that we normally don't see. It's the connection of the antenna to the water. The "ground plane" or counterpoise is the least understood, but most important and often overlooked aspect of a marine SSB installation. The "ground plane" provides a "foundation" for the antenna to "push" from.

Luckily, seawater is one of the best radio grounds known. In fact, often we see commercial broadcast antennas located in swampy wetlands. This is not because the land is cheap, but because of the easy electrical connection to the ground.

A yacht SSB installation can "connect" to the grounding seawater in a variety of ways. Let's look at the most common and innovative methods used by marine electricians.

The traditional yacht counterpoise is made by connecting metal surface area below the waterline together to form an "induced" connection between the seawater and the ground plane (or counterpoise). This means running copper strap to metal water tanks, keel bolts, and any other metal below the waterline.

As tempting as it may be to use the engine as part of the ground plane, many electricians stay away from this for two reasons. First, the engine is also connected to ground through the starter and alternator, so a ground loop is formed. This ground loop most often shows itself by sending a large amp load through the SSB during engine start. This is why most SSBs arrive with a fuse on the negative lead as well as the positive lead.

Second, in the unlikely event of a lightning strike, the immense current can travel down the backstay, through the SSB, through the ground plane, into the engine, and out the prop shaft to "jump" off the sharp edges of the prop. Along this path, the engine bearings are often spot-welded, thus ruining the engine.

Copper sheet laid into the hull at the time of building is another great solution. It's simply a matter of laying copper foil against the hull and putting a bit of glass over the top to prevent the copper from corroding. This is a fine solution to consider during yacht building, but what about a yacht not built with copper laid into the hull?

Gordon West, an American radio guru, recommends attaching the SSB copper ground straight to a single bronze through-hull. The attachment is simply wrapping the copper ground strap around the clean through-hull and securing it with a hose clamp.

Now comes the all-important test. Gordon recommends powering up the radio, pushing tune, and listening to the antenna tuner. You should hear a series of clicks as the antenna tuner does its job of matching the antenna to the radio frequency. After all the clicking has stopped, push tune again. You should hear one or maybe two clicks, but the antenna should be tuned and thus the tuner should be quiet.

Next, take a roll of aluminium foil and remove about 10 metres. Connect

Radio licensing

As of October 26, 1996, most recreational boaters are no longer required to obtain an individual Ship Station License from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). However, boaters still need a VHF Ship Station License in the following categories:

• Those traveling to or broadcasting in a foreign port (including Canada, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean)
• Those with boats 65 feet or longer
• Navigation (vessels to bridges, etc.)
• Those using single-sideband radios or Inmarsat equipment

Those traveling to or broadcasting in a foreign port must also obtain a Restricted Radiotelephone Operator's Permit (RP). However, if you (1) merely plan to sail in domestic or international waters without docking in any foreign ports and without communicating with foreign coast stations, and (2) your radio operates only on VHF frequencies, you do not need an RP.

Forms can be obtained from your nearest FCC field office or from the FCC Wireless Communications Division (see below). Call the Gettysburg office to locate your nearest field office, or call the FCC Form Distribution Center at 800-418-FORM (3676).

Radio maintenance

To ensure your shortwave radio is well-maintained, there are several things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to note that radios are sensitive to their environment, and everyday electronics can cause interference. Therefore, it is recommended to use the radio in a quiet, RFI-free environment.

Secondly, a good antenna is crucial for optimal performance. For a portable shortwave radio, an external wire antenna can significantly improve signal reception. If you are using a Tecsun PL-660, Tecsun PL-880, or similar radio, you may also need an external antenna for optimal sensitivity.

Additionally, consider the type of antenna you will be using. Limited-space wire antennas or whip antennas are options, but ensure that the antenna will resonate on the frequencies important for your maritime travels.

For those using a transceiver, it is important to note that some radios have detachable face plates, which can be useful for mounting in various locations.

Finally, for those with the budget and inclination, obtaining an amateur radio license can be beneficial. This will allow you to transmit in case of an emergency and provide another means of calling for help.

Frequently asked questions