SCS Pactor “Plug and Play” Modem Kits

We specialize in providing “Plug and Play” kits for all SCS Pactor modems.  These kits come complete with the custom cables and other accessories to interface the modem to most makes and models of marine and amateur (Ham) HF radio transceivers.
Our kits contain:

• 1 - SCS Pactor Modem of your choice,
• 1 - Modem to radio data cable c/w the radio connector that matches the make and model of your HF transceiver,
• 1 - PC to Modem cable.  (USB to USA data cable for the PTC-IIusb
• and a serial data cable for the PTC-IIex and PTC-IIpro modems),
• 1 - Frequency Control Cable for PTC-IIpro and PTC-IIusb modems.  This cable
• provides radio frequency control via the modem using Airmail PC software.
  Note:  The PTC-IIex modem does not provide frequency control from the modem, but frequency control can still easily be accomplished direct from the PC.
• 6 - ¼” ‘FairRite’ brand Type 31 clip on RF (Radio Frequency) chokes.  The PC to modem, modem to radio data and modem to radio frequency control cables should have a choke placed on each cable end.  This choke will help to stop RF interference due to the close proximity and high power of your HF transceiver from interfering with the operation of your computer and modem,

• 1 - CD containing all of the latest software required for Sail Mail, Airmail and Weather FAX implementation.  This CD also contains service manuals for most of the popular Icom, Kenwood, Yaesu, SEA and SGC Marine and Amateur HF transceivers.
• All of our kits kits include 1 hour of free consultation for those clients wishing to do their own installation, or that live outside of our service area.

SCS Pactor Modem Installation Philosophy
We have a policy of not installing modems and HF transceivers for clients that are heading off shore.  As the cruising client will have to live with the installation under some possibly trying conditions, we feel they should be as familiar as possible with that installation.  We will happily discuss installation options with the client and inspect the installation following completion.  Not only does the client end up with a better understanding of the system, but they also save money. 
If we do not have a kit listed for your HF radio transceiver, contact us with the make and model number of your transceiver and we will produce a customized kit for you at no extra cost.

We pride ourselves on the fact that our kits are truly “plug and play” and not “plug and pray”.

 

Pactor Modem Manual

Since our many clients are geographically scattered around the world and in most cases represented the marine cruising community, we were receiving continual requests for SCS Pactor modem installation and operation instructions from some very remote locations.  While attempting to respond to these requests it was evident that each request was slightly different and that what was required was a manual that covered all of the issues, written in a non technical manner, but still able to provide clear step by step instructions for the installation and operation of SCS Pactor modems.
Our rationale was that a computer crash at sea, away from high speed internet facilities would, at the very least, be somewhat upsetting.  The user also may have been quite familiar with the installation of the software prior to leaving for their trip, but a year later would be hard pressed to remember the installation and setup procedures.  To this end we decided to publish a manual titled “INSTALLING AND OPERATING SCS PACTOR MODEMS”.  This 64 page manual incorporates many screen captures to provide a step by step setup procedure for all of the Winlink 2000 and Sailmail applications.
This manual is priced at CDN$ 30.00 and can be purchased on our web site.

 

Antenna System Design

A communication system is only as good as the weakest link in the system.  Two of the most often overlooked examples of this are the antenna itself and proper system grounding!

The major components of any antenna system are:
In an HF System:

• coax cable connecting the radio transceiver to the antenna tuner,
• antenna tuner (Automatic or Manual),
• feed line between the antenna tuner and antenna,
• antenna,
• transceiver power cables,
• vessel/vehicle grounding system.

In a VHF System:

• coax cable between the radio transmitter and antenna,
• power cables,
• antenna,
• antenna location.

The design and installation of an effective HF marine antenna system can be challenging and expensive.  However, in many cases there are HF antenna construction options that offer less expensive results without compromising operational efficiency.

Terrestrial HF Voice/Data System Design

We also offer HF design solutions for commercial voice and data land communication systems using Vertex Standard HF radio transceivers.  These transceivers are Industry Canada approved and can provide the clear answer to your HF communication system requirements.
Please contact us for further information.

 

BatterySystem Evaluation

Marine Batteries:  Respect Them Don't Murder Them!

Why Batteries Die:
Why do so many batteries seem to die at the worst possible moment? Simple. They can no longer accept or release energy.  The cause?  A 100-year old problem called sulfation buildup.
As your battery gets older or sits unused for long periods of time, lead sulfates on the battery plates enlarge to the point where they create an insulation barrier.  Before long these sulfates build up and become so dense the battery can no longer accept or release its stored energy.  This is the main reason over 80% of all lead-acid batteries die an early death.

How We Make Batteries Stronger

As an authorized dealer for Pulse the Tech Products Corporation, we have the latest battery technology at our finger tips and can offer some excellent solutions for your battery problems.  For the past several years we have enjoyed very great success with the following products:

Power Pulse Unit Benefits:

• Continual battery plate desulfation,
• No requirement for the potentially damaging equalization cycle,
• Increased battery life,
• Less battery water loss per unit time,
• Improved battery reliability.

Our battery system evaluation:

• Provides a visual checks of the physical condition of the batteries,
• Measures and records the battery capacity in Cold Cranking Amps (CCA),
• Checks and records the quality of all battery connectors and connections.

 

Product Development

The principals in White Squall Consulting Inc. have many years experience in:

• Engineering,
• Design,
• Quality Assurance,
• Patent and Copyright consultation, documentation and application.

This experience includes electrical, electronic and mechanical product design and development.

If you have a prototype that requires a large or small amount of work to achieve product status, contact us for help.