PACTOR Modems for Marine SSB | DockSide Radio Archive

ARCHIVED PACTOR MODEM INFORMATION

This DockSide Radio page is maintained for historical and technical reference. PACTOR modem models, software, services, pricing, and product availability have changed since portions of this page were written.

For current PACTOR modem products, cables, pricing, and support:

Current PACTOR Modems at SeaTech Systems

Whether underway, at the dock, or anchored out, stay in touch with friends, relatives, and fellow cruisers by having DockSide Radio (DSR), bring e-mail onboard. Add a Pactor-II/III/IV radio modem to your existing marine SSB system and begin sending & receiving e-mail from your boat:

* No more searching for a local Internet Cafe.
* No more hassling with unstable/intermittent WIFI connections.
* No more searching out a pay phone only to find it's not working.
* Add e-mail capability to your existing SSB radio system.

- Keep in touch with friends and family.
- Request weather charts & information on demand via SailMail or Winlink networks.
- Receive NAVTEX weather and marine hazard transmissions.
- Receive Weather FAX transmissions directly off-the-air.
- Order needed boat parts while at sea.
- Make/confirm slip reservations.
- Send & receive position reports while passage making.

Your e-mail

The PACTOR modem models and pricing originally described on this page are now historical. PACTOR technology continues to be used for reliable HF data communications, including e-mail and information transfer over HF radio. SeaTech Systems continues to provide current PACTOR modems, radio interface cables, and technical support.

View Current PACTOR Modems at SeaTech Systems

Pactor-IV (P4) - What is it and what does it do for me? One word--- s p e e d
SCS tells us that Pactor-4 technology is the absolute fastest a Pactor modem can go on the HF bands and still stay within the internationally mandated bandwidth. With totally new hardware and firmware designs, Pactor-4's maximum throughput speed of 10,500 bps. is twice (2X) that of Pactor-III. That means more free time for you to enjoy the cruising life style, and less drain on your ship's batteries. The following is a historical on-the-air throughput comparison between PACTOR-III and PACTOR-4 conducted by DockSide Radio on 23 November 2012 at 1423 EST (1923Z), between DockSide Radio (Punta Gorda, FL) and the Sailmail Coast Station at Rock Hill, SC. It is retained here as an example of the performance improvement PACTOR-4 provided at the time.

# Messages to Download	TTL Characters	P-III Throughput as measured by Airmail	P-4 Throughout as measured by Airmail	P-4 speed increase
29	19,967	4022 Bytes per Minute	8698 Bytes per Minute	2.163

DockSide Radio's PACTOR Support Philosophy

The following describes the support philosophy and services historically provided by DockSide Radio. SeaTech Systems now provides current PACTOR modem sales, radio interface solutions, and technical support.

Experience - DockSide Radio has current real-world cruising experience and knows what it's like to use today's radios while underway.
Training - DockSide Radio is trained in the art of training, and has real-world corporate-level training experience.
Expertise - DockSide Radio has over forty years radio and electronics experience, holds a FCC GRO license, and an Amateur Radio Extra Class License,
Expertise Sharing - Pactor Modem and SSB kits include a copy of DSR's the Sailor's Quick-Start Guide to Sailmail / AirMail / Winlink 2000 and/or the Sailor's Quick-Start Guide to SSB installation and Operation.
Accessibility - Problems, questions? Dockside Radio expects you to call or e-mail us with questions.
Service - DockSide Radio historically provided product configuration, installation guidance, and follow-up assistance to customers setting up marine SSB e-mail systems.