SSB counterpoise ( ground plane)

Well I got my new Icom IC-M802 SSB radio and I must say I’m more than excited!

I’m looking forward to simplifying my life of paying for wi-fi, mobile data, cell phones, pre-paid phone cards, 12v DC chargers, and AC (whatever country I’m in) chargers, stressing that there is no coverage in a given anchorage, laptops and their expense, BLAH, BLAH, BLAH, all the tech and expenses involved makes me crazy.

I’m going low-tech, and my marine SSB is the tool that’s going to get me there! Yes, getting into a HF email system could set you back a few grand, but after your initial investment, the cost is extremely low to operate, not to mention free if you like. Sounds good to me, sign me up!

I promised myself not to install my new SSB unless the install is perfect so I can get the best possible signal. I always end up using the wrong wire type from the tuner to the insulated backstay, or not being completely happy with my counterpoise, and just live with it.

A usual way of making a counterpoise on a boat is to run copper strapping which is connected to all metal objects on the boat, then connected to a copper plate (dynaplate) that is mounted to your hull below the waterline so it grounds with the sea. It’s a complicated grounding system that calls for forever corroding, expensive copper strapping that runs throughout your boat, not to mention holes in the hull. Terminals corrode and I never feel happy with my ground as I’m always in doubt of the condition of my counterpoise.

I’ve done a slew of research and have spoken to many other cruisers and everyone I trust has sent me to KISS-SSB. Kiss-SSB makes a very simple counterpoise that connects to your automatic tuner (AT-140 in my case) with one nut and you unravel in any direction you like. Simple, practical, affordable, and the United States Coast Guard is starting to put it in their boats, which means something in my book.

I still need to order the proper power cable, fuses, and coax cable to get the SSB installed but I’m very confident it will turn out perfectly.

If you spend any time on SSB radio nets you’d know there is always that one guy who really booms in and out of the net from long distances. He always gets asked the same questions about what radio he uses and the truth is it’s not necessary the radio, but the installation and quality of the counterpoise.

I plan to be the guy who booms in from distant locations connecting with old friends, or making new ones as we approach new countries (No phone bills : )

I still need to make money for a pactor modem. The new Pactor 4’s go for around two-grand and are supposedly super fast but I’ll keep my eyes open for a used 3 which I could probably pick-up for around a grand.

I’m also studying for my HF radio license which will entitle me to winlink (free HF email). I’m starting to feel that crossing the pacific next season may be a real option.

I’ve also installed my Actisense DST-2, and NDC-4. I now have NMEA 0183 data pumping into my navigation computer which is very exciting to me. You can see from my screen-shot that my depth is 8.9 meters.

The coming weeks will be interesting. Carla’s sister, husband, 4 year old, 2 year old, and 6 month old will be joining us for two weeks. They are the family I stayed with in Patagonia a few months back just before Carla and I got married. I really get along with them as they are total hippies and live far disconnected form the drone of the matrix. I can’t wait to teach the kids how to snorkel and give them their first peek under the sea.

Life is grand especially with getting back into Yoga.

Peace, Love, and Coconuts.

– Alex

Author: Alex

I'm just a sailor bum ;) View all posts by Alex