Communications receiver for computer

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Any information about use of ICOM IC-PRC1000 for receiving weather forecasts etc., please get in touch. Many thanks. Tim Reid
 
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I have an Icom PCR1000 linked to a rather elderly laptop. The reception of most wavelengths with this arrangement and the small Icom aerial is OK, although the sound is very limited by the loudspeaker size.

I also have the Xaxero weatherfax software but I had to overcome many problems before getting it to do anything at all, and it is still a long way from good. I needed two series COM ports but the laptop has only one. Everyone I contacted told me that additional COM ports for a PCMCIA port were available anywhere, but I had lots of difficulty in finding one. Eventually the company who sold me the software located one and supplied it.

I would say I have never received a useful weather fax, despite hours and hours of trying. I have never got the Xaxero to take control of the Icom, which it is supposed to do. Now that Bracknell have ceased broadcasting I'm not sure that I shall persevere, having virtually given up anyway.

I would not buy Xaxero, although they have now been bought out by someone else. Don't buy anything unless you see it actually running, not a demo. Buy whatever you get from a specialist, not a chandler, as you may well need assistance.

And the very best of luck - I'll be pleased to share experiences if you go ahead.
 
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Surprised with what you say about Xaxero. I just spent 6 weeks at sea using the Xaxero system (not to an Icom ,but a Codan) and it worked perfectly.
No I dont have any connection with Xaxero
Brian
 
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I don't know that particular receiver but Icom gear is usually pretty good.

Almost any receiver capable of receiving USB and covering the appropriate frequencies will be ok. The main limitation will always be the aerial.

An internal or small telescopic will not generally work well enough, you need some form of external aerial. If you do not have an insulated stay you could hoist a length of wire up the mast. ideally this should then have an aerial tuner between the aerial and the receiver, but its probably going to be ok for your purposes without. you will also need an earth. Again a proper earth plate is ideal but you can probably make do with the anode.

There is software available on the net as freeware/shareware that enable you to receive fax by connecting the audio output from the receiver directly to the audio input (sound card) of your PC. A simple cord with a jack plug on each end will do the job, you can buy them at Currys etc.

I use MSscan Meteo Fax which works ok
There is also a parallel programme called MSscan meteo Text which will allow you to receive Navtex if your receiver will tune around 500kc/s. It will also receive RTTY which gives you access to some other weather and navigational info on HF (3-30 Mc/s)

Hope this helps
 
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Thank you for this. I am trying to link the PCR1000 with a new laptop running the Xaxero software, and comms between the two seem OK. However, I have not received any satisfactory data through yet. I'm concentrating on establishing a good aerial (40' wire up the backstay) at present, so we'll see what we get when that is operational!!
 
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This was really useful, thanks. At present I am concentrating on improving the aerial - 40' wire up the backstay, linked to a Balun and then co-ax to the receiver - we'll see.

I'll post results on my progress.
 
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I would leave out the balun if I were you.

A balun is a device meant to connect an unbalanced source (co-ax) to a balanced aerial such as a dipole.

You 40 ft of wire is half of an unbalanced aerial the other half is the sea (earth).

Simply connect the aerial to the co-ax inner and earth to the outer and away you go.

An aerial tuning unit would help I believe receive only units are available quite cheaply.

Best of luck
 
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