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Over the past few years cruising on our sailing vessel Sunnyside, I keep running into sailors that have installed an HF SSB radio and cannot understand how to operate the radio because of the manual assuming significant knowledge. After teaching cruisers how to use their radio, they find out how simple it really is to use HF SSB. So, I decided two write a made simple manual, not to replace the ICOM manual, but to aid in cruisers in the understanding of the radio. ICOM makes great radios and the IC-M802 is the best in the industry. I hope when this manual is available, there will be many more IC-M802s on cruising boats so that we can get full advantage of the HF DSC system Icom established in the design of the IC-M802 transceiver.
When I taught at Columbia Basin College in Washington, it became clear to me, after repeated beatings by the students, that what seemed simple to me is not for someone that I was asking to follow procedures. My students taught me that when writing procedures, keep it simple and assume no knowledge by the end user. My goal for this book was to keep the procedures and layout of the book as simple as possible for a complex radio and include additional information that seems to help other cruisers understand the concept of HF SSB radio.
— TL Sparks, Commander, US Navy Retired
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The West Advisor
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by PowerReviews(based on 8 reviews)
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Pros
- Critical Process Lists
- Equipment Needs Lists
- Excellent graphics
- Excellent information
Cons
- No Distracting Cons
Best Uses
- Guide To 802 Install
Comments about Icom IC M802 Made Simple for Cruisers:
I used this book to guide me through the installation of an Icom M802. Since the installation was done in Mexico, far from plentiful parts houses, I had to take every part with me. I was able to buy every part that i needed and the radio worked the first time. I was transmitting the afternoon that i completed the install and am now using the book to learn how to use my Pactor modem for email. In my opinion, a "must have" for the cruiser who installs his/her own Icom 802.
Pros
- Great graphics
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Icom IC M802 Made Simple for Cruisers:
I have owned my ICOM 802 for several years and never understood alot of features. Terrys book made setting up my radio easy. Very good step by step naration combined with super graphics really worked for me. I have leared to use the DSC Watch feature of my radio which works like a direct line to other boats with 802's.
Pros
- A great way to learn
- Buy the book
- Easy to follow
- ICOM-802 is a real beast
- Investment pay-off
- My wife feels safer
- Steps logically presented
Cons
- none
Best Uses
Comments about Icom IC M802 Made Simple for Cruisers:
Weather info and staying connected via Nets
Comments about Icom IC M802 Made Simple for Cruisers:
Being new to the world of SSB and the Icom m802, Terry's book proved to be most useful and reassuring. The step-by-step set-up and use instructions are well-communicated in radio screen display images and concise copy. Much of what is available on this topic is written not for the cruiser, but exhaustively authored in the language of radio geek. With Terry's book this is not the case. It is a joy to read again and again as it enables you to establish a friendly and confident relationship with your radio. In addition, the book includes an appendix of radio station resources and a glossary to get you familiar with the more common language of radio culture.
There is a big plus that comes along with the book, and that would be the generous email support offered by the author. One often wonders about the claim "contact me via email". Terry may regret me sharing this here, yet via email he has supported a minor troubleshooting effort in a manner that would shame many conventional tech support services. Thanks Terry!
Pros
- Broadens radio usage
- Increases offshore safety
- Logical flow
- Simplfies setup and use
Cons
Best Uses
- Expand M802 utility
- Supplement ICOM's manual
Comments about Icom IC M802 Made Simple for Cruisers:
I've had an M802 aboard our cruising sailboat for three years. Purchase and use of Terry's book has greatly simplified set up and familiarity with all features and functions of the radio. Our usage of and confidence in the M802 for routine and emergency communications has increased multi-fold from the knowledge gained through his book.
Pros
- Easy to understand
- Easy to use
- Easy useful reference
Cons
- Could have had more email
Best Uses
- Cruiser Net Reference
Comments about Icom IC M802 Made Simple for Cruisers:
Commander T. Sparks obviously knows what he is talking about when it comes to SSB's. As we don't use the SSB everyday, we naturally forget some of the features, so this book will be next to my SSB for many years to come!
Pros
- No frustration
- Simply simple
- You will know everything
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Icom IC M802 Made Simple for Cruisers:
If you are radio challanged,this is the book for you.
Pros
- Complete
- Easy to follow
- For every cruiser
- Procedures and diagrams
Cons
- Needed it last year
Best Uses
- Keep by 802
Comments about Icom IC M802 Made Simple for Cruisers:
In Mexico, this has become the 802 Bible for cruisers. Best manual written for the ICOM 802.
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