SSB for dummies

[Visegrip]

I know SSB is pure modulation and AM uses modulation over a carrier
But my question is how else is SSB different from AM
Is the lingo the same?10-4? break? radio check?
Why is the wattage restrictions different from AM?
Can you talk further on SSB?

[preacherman]

I know SSB is pure modulation and AM uses modulation over a carrier
But my question is how else is SSB different from AM
Is the lingo the same?10-4? break? radio check?
Why is the wattage restrictions different from AM?
Can you talk further on SSB?

The lingo is different. You respond with 'roger' instead of 10-4.
Instead of 'break' you can say 'qsk' if you are trying to break into a
conversation or if no one is talking, you call out 'CQ' and then indicate
that you are standing by. Instead of 'handles', you usually use numbers.

The wattage is both the same and different. On AM, it is legal up to 4 watts
of carrier and 12 watts pep of modulation. On ssb, it is 12 watts. You can talk
farther because it is pure audio AND takes place in a narrower signal bandwidth,
thus traveling farther.

There's much more, but that should get you started. Go to a ssb channel such as
lower 38 and listen for awhile, you'll pick it up.
preacherman

[MudDuck]

Well said preacherman!

[Visegrip]

Thanks man you've helped out alot

[dud muck]

The advantage of SSB comes in two ways.
First on the transmitter. Not wasting power sending a carrier or the other redundant sideband.
Secondly on the receiver. The receive bandpass filter can be narrower, which means less noise is received. The character of noise is broad-band. so the narrower you are, the less noise you pick up.

When two or more stations transmit at the same time, there is no heterodyne tones since no carrier transmitted. I can't imagine the superbowl on ssb.

The disadvantages of SSB: when there is no audio modulation, the background noise on the channel is heard. It is more expensive because linear transmit amplifier is needed, and higher stability frequency reference is required.

[a320ca]

Ok, here's one more question for a "newbie"...I see call signs listed and then DX numbers. Where do you get a DX number???

[alhefner]

Ok, here's one more question for a "newbie"...I see call signs listed and then DX numbers. Where do you get a DX number???

From all I can tell, you make one up! I settled on "explorer 718". I haven't gotten any complaints about it so it must be OK. Make up an easy number and go for it! I have heard numbers as long as 6 digits on the air so I don't really know for sure if there is a community approved manner to "get yer number".

Now, if you want to be 100% correct, the FCC has some guidance on how to identify your station in Part 95 of the rules:

§ 95.417 (CB Rule 17) Do I identify my
CB communications?
(a) You need not identify your CB
communications.
(b) [You are encouraged to identify
your CB communications by any of the
following means:
(1) Previously assigned CB call sign;
(2) K prefix followed by operator initials
and residence zip code;
(3) Name; or
(4) Organizational description including
name and any applicable operator
unit number.]
(c) [You are encouraged to use your
‘‘handle’’ only in conjuction with the
methods of identification listed in
paragraph (b) of this section.]

So, using that guidance, my call sign should be KAMH89511

[Mikey B]

Ok, here's one more question for a "newbie"...I see call signs listed and then DX numbers. Where do you get a DX number???

Just make something up. I wouldn't be to concerned with the above stated rules. I use the last 3 numbers on my license plate on my truck.

[Mobile 25]

Ok, here's one more question for a "newbie"...I see call signs listed and then DX numbers. Where do you get a DX number???

If you join a "net"(group) they will assign you a name and number. I have a net number , but I do not always use that assigned name when "on the side" (talking on sideband). I only use my net given name when on the frequencies they talk on.

[Fast4socal]

so having a call sign on SSB is important? i choose nighthawk 805 nighthawk because im up all hours of the night and 805 because thats my area code...simple enough eh?

[Mobile 25]

A lot of ppl use just a # but sure nighthawk 805 should be fine , but dont be surprised or take offense if operators just refer or reply to you as 805 only. Me... i call cq as mobile twenty- five, Mobile two five, just to make sure others have the number correct. I hope to hear ya out there sometime.

[231]

Boy, another old thread resurrected.

You can give yourself whatever number you want. I joined an old Sidebander's club back in the 70's called the Starduster Sidebanders Club. I was issued "Starduster 231" and have used 231 ever since. Then another freebander's club in the late 80's after we moved to the opposite coast. I retained the 231 number. So you can pick whatever number(s) you want and go with it.

[909WiSCoNSiN]

for making up call numbers, some people use a number like first couple nuumbbers in zip code or area code. Some people just make up a number because it may be easy to remember or whatnot. as far as a handle, use a nickname, or just make up one. but keep you call number and handle simple, so people can remember talking to you.

[fireguy2002]

I'm glad I stumbled through this thread. I asked the same question, then felt dumb thinking it was a license number or something. FNG.

[siamskip]

If you want to take part in International D.X. ing, There are many D.X. groups who offer free membership, like the one I joined for instance.
[Please login or register to view this link] Most international DX ers use the folloing callsign format. Example , 2 is the division number for the U.S.A. 26 England ,the the DX Group
ignitals in my case TM standing for Tango Mike ,phonetic alphabet. and your asigned unit number. Something like 2TM 048.
This callsign will be unique to you. I presently live in Thailand ,my callsign is 153TM001. HAVE A LOOK ON [Please login or register to view this link] .com they have free downloads of
International division numbers, and a list of Q-codes listern to 27.555 USB you will get the idea.
[Please login or register to view this link]

[ussixtysix]

Thanks for the info guys. You are a lot of help.

[bobcat235]

well i just picked up a radio with sideband, can i use my linear on it or will it hurt anything?

[togaman]

You need to have an amplifier with an SSB delay to keep the relays engaged in between your words. If you use an amp without a delay on sideband, the relays will be going nuts clickety clacketing with voice peaks and such, not good. If it has a delay, it keeps the relays switched in between your words.

[231]

well i just picked up a radio with sideband, can i use my linear on it or will it hurt anything?

Depends on what the combination you have is? Some of the export radios put out way too much drive power which can damage the amplifiers...at least some. More information about what you have would be helpful.

The thing with sideband is whatever your AM settings are, start by cutting them in half for SSB. That would mean instead of the mic gain being at 100%, start it at 50%, and the amp running on high, start it on Med or Low (depending on the amp). Sideband is all about good audio, and the better you sound the more positive contacts you are likely to have. It usually doesn't take much wattage to get your audio out there on sideband.

Good luck.

[bobcat235]

thanks for the reply, its a galaxy DX949 peaked tuned etc. and a viper 2 pill, not sure of all the specs on the amp itself

[Adrian]

That would mean instead of the mic gain being at 100%, start it at 50%

Issat right? The few contacts I've made, I had my mic gain at or near 100%, not knowing any better. I can't hear what I sound like, but the contacts I've made said I sounded fine. Do I need to turn it down? Maybe that's why I didn't have any luck today...

Adrian

[231]

That would mean instead of the mic gain being at 100%, start it at 50%

Issat right? The few contacts I've made, I had my mic gain at or near 100%, not knowing any better. I can't hear what I sound like, but the contacts I've made said I sounded fine. Do I need to turn it down? Maybe that's why I didn't have any luck today...

Adrian

Most of the time Adrian it sounds much better with the mic about 50%. It's clearer and easier to listen to. Try it some time and ask your contact(s) the difference.

Good luck.

[Adrian]

Thanks, 231, I'll turn it down and keep trying. I've listened to enough guys that sounded like crap that I don't particularly care to be one of them.

Appreciate it,
Adrian

[231]

Thanks, 231, I'll turn it down and keep trying. I've listened to enough guys that sounded like crap that I don't particularly care to be one of them.

Appreciate it,
Adrian

Exactly...me too! And how else would you know unless someone tells you? Unlike AM, sideband just isn't that needy for big audio. Smooth and easy to listen to audio is usually the goal of most regulars on sideband. Every radio is slightly different so the 50% thing is just a starting place. If your contact says it sounds better at one setting than another, ask a couple more and double check. What sounds good to me might not sound good to others. So sooner or later you'll get a good feel for where it is going to sound the best on sideband with your voice and stuff. If you have locals you chat with they are usually the best to help set that as there isn't as much signal fluctuation and propagation distortion.

Best of luck.

[dime196604]

Instead of 'break' you can say 'qsk' if you are trying to break into a
conversation or if no one is talking, you call out 'CQ' and then indicate
that you are standing by

preacherman what is the 'qsk' how would you say that? would you say Q-S-K or is it a work and if so what is the way to pronounce it? just wondering