Single Sidebands

Single Sidebands operate in the medium frequency (MF) and/or high-frequency (HF) bands for reliable direct-voice communications over distances exceeding 25 miles (depending on antenna heights).

SSBs are commonly available with an output power from 50-150 watts. An SSB's range is affected by the strength
of the radiated signal, among other things. The maximum reliable range in the 2-3mHz (MF) band during the day
is 50-150 miles. Transmission in HF band can reach thousands of miles.

Unlike VHF radios, SSBs require a large ground plane in order to radiate its signal which except on metal hulls,
needs to be installed in the form of a large copper mesh panel (sometimes built onto the fiberglass hull). With
SSBs, antenna selection and installation is also more complicated. SSBs generally require a much longer
antenna than VHFs, and different antenna tuning for different bands.