Download SailMail Primer

SailMail Primer
or your com port may not set up correctly.
If the Pactor-modem IS responding to commands from the computer, but the radio isn't
responding and transmitting when you try to connect, then your radio interface is probably
the problem. If you cannot fix the problem by carefully reading these instructions, or
comparing notes with another SailMail user with a similar configuration, then you should
track down a marine radio dealer and pay for some professional help.
If the modem is responding to the computer, and radio is switching between transmit and
receive, check that your radio is drawing 10-15 amps more on transmit than on receive when
calling on SailMail. If it doesn't, try your radio on voice. If you give a brief whistle into
the mic when using your radio on voice (on a clear channel after identifying yourself and
announcing that you are testing), your radio should draw 15-20 amps from your 12 volt
electrical system. If it doesn't you likely have a tuner/ground/antenna connection
problem. If the radio draws 15-20 amps when you whistle into the mic, but doesn't draw 1015 amps when transmitting via Sailmail, then you likely have a connection problem to the
modem, or your modulation levels are set incorrectly.
If you got this far then try composing a couple of test messages. Do this by going back to
the main window (F6 to switch or close the Terminal Window by clicking the "X" in the
upper right corner) and click the "Format a New Message" button (all the buttons have
"hints" if you pause the cursor over the button for a moment). For the first, choose "sysop"
from the address book and click "OK." In the To: field should be "[email protected] ". In
the Subject: line type "first test message.". The lines below the subject make up the body
of the message. Send a message to SailMail sysop saying that you figured it out and can now
send and receive messages via SailMail. Click "Post Via" if necessary to set the adjacent
box to SAILMAIL. (If a "dialog box" appears, check the box to "always use this path for
Email.") Finally, click the "post the current message" button to post the message for
sending (the button looks like a postbox). That will save the message and mark it for
sending, and return you to the index. Your new message should be in the index with a
"postbox" icon next to it indicating that it is posted waiting to be sent.
Now go back to the Terminal Window (F6 or globe button). Check that the "handshake"
button is pushed in, and the clarifier is set to center. Listen, and if the frequency is
clear, reconnect to the station as before, and this time your messages should be uploaded
to the SailMail station. SailMail will disconnect automatically when done.
If all that works then your HF modem is wired right and your transceiver is working. If
there are performance or other problems then carefully re-read the section in this Primer
titled, "Installation Basics" and read the section titled, "Frequently Asked Questions,
Troubleshooting, Tips and Trivia" below.
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