SeaMail Check Lists

Quick check lists for RF, GSM and Satellite Data Communication

 Check List for Radio Frequency (RF) Data Communication 

• SSB Radio. "General Coverage" radio frequencies are suitable for Pacific seamailing.
  The transceiver should be aligned, and on frequency. Stability specifications should be plus or minus 10hz.
• A stable and strong power supply (transmissions use at least 25-50Watts and up to 100W). SSB's are extremely sensitive to even slightly low battery voltages.
• Aerial. A well insulated backstay aerial or at least a 7m (20foot) long whip antenna.
• A solid electrical earth system (3" braided copper straps isolated from all other electrical connections and power runs)
  Grounding plates on the hull of your vessel, that will not be connected to anything other than the RF ground are highly recommended.
• Isolators or RF chokes fitted for long cable runs between radio and computer
• Radio Modem. The best type is the SCS PTC-II supporting the Pactor-2 standard for data communication.
• Interfacing. The modem must interface with the radio, computer and power. The interface plug to the radio generally needs to be made-up specially for the radio model.
• Computer.  Any computer capable of running Windows™ is suitable. Depending upon the boat type and computer installation - shock mounting or marinised components may be advisable.
• WeatherFax. This same installation can be used to receive WeatherFaxes at sea.
• SeaMail account. Although you can register at sea during your first radio email session, we strongly advise registration, setup and configuration be performed in a controlled environment (ie the Harbour). See www.seamail.com and www.ozemail.com.au/~pentacom for details and sign-up forms.
• Software. The standard "Terminal" program supplied with Windows™ is suitable (although awkward). Additionally the modems generally come with supplied software (although quite basic). The most suitable software solutions are supplied "Shareware" style over the internet from interested parties. This is best selected once the modem and computer are decided upon.

 Check List for Cellular Phone (GSM) Data Communication 

• Mobile Phone. Any recent model cellular mobile phone is suitable, providing it allows for data connection. Virtually all of the latest NOKIA, Erricson, Motorola etc are suitable.
• Data Connection Suite. Must be purchased for the particular phone in use, this provides the software for the PC and the cable for connecting the phone to the PC.
• Service Provider Some service providers (eg Vodafone) automatically enable the data capabilities of your phone service, however others (eg Telstra) you must call their phone support service and have them add data capabilities to your account.
• Car Kit Although not mandatory, an in-car kit is highly recommended for boat installations. The extra power from your boat's supply, and the external antenna provide for a significantly stronger signal and thus more stable connection.
• Email Account Your home ISP (eg: Bigpond, Ozemail) can be used. We recommend, however, that you get a separate email account for the boat, or for larger boats and specialty uses a "web domain name" is highly recommended.
  If using your current ISP, beware that every connection will be charged at mobile phone rates - some investigation into a suitably located and priced ISP can be beneficial.
• Software The software supplied with the Data Connection Suite allows Windows™  to connect with the mobile phone as if it were a normal MODEM. All your standard Windows™ programs operate like normal: eg Outlook, Eudora, Netscape, Internet Explorer, PC Anywhere.

 Check List for Satellite (CAPSAT/INMARSAT) Data Communication 

• INMARSAT Seaphone. Thrane & Thrane TT-3064A Capsat® Maritime Telephone is currently the only horse in the race (IRIDIUM and others lack the coverage or commitment to make them serious contenders at present)
• Computer Any PC running Windows9x or better is suitable.
• Interface Cable A straight-through 9-pin RS-232 standard communication cable is required.
• Service Provider A number of ISP's are capable of interfacing with the CAPSAT satellite data system and provide services such as simple forwarding, email accounts or POP boxes. Your current ISP may be able to be used (amongst other potential problems, current ISP's usually can't communicate at the very low speeds often used with CAPSAT).
• Configuration Windows™ needs to be configured to use the Mini-M as a MODEM, this is slightly more involved than configuring a regular home modem. The Mini-M must also be setup (through its Menu system) to match the PC's configuration.  
• Software Standard Windows™ software is used (as mentioned above).
• Facsimile A regular fax machine or a PC and software-based fax system can be directly plugged into the Mini-M.