Deaf Navtex?

concentrik

concentrik

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I just installed a NASA PC-USB unit, engine and 2 channel antenna..... and I dont seem to be able to receive any navtex transmisions. Please could anyone enlighten me as to what the program settings should be to receive anything in Dartmouth? As these are longwave tx I didn't think the antenna height/position was critical - is it?

All the computer-end bits are ok and the prog finds the engine ok - just no messages!
 
concentrik said:
I just installed a NASA PC-USB unit, engine and 2 channel antenna..... and I dont seem to be able to receive any navtex transmisions. Please could anyone enlighten me as to what the program settings should be to receive anything in Dartmouth? As these are longwave tx I didn't think the antenna height/position was critical - is it?

All the computer-end bits are ok and the prog finds the engine ok - just no messages!
Click to expand...

How long did you leave the unit switched on receiving messages? The following stations broadcast on the their respective frequencies at the following times (according to the digital almanac 2012):

Code: 
Niton (E)	0040	0440	0840	1240	1640	2040 (518kHz)
Niton (I)	0120	0520	0920	1320	1720	2120 (490kHz)
(All times are UT)

Our Navtex antenna is mounted on the pushpit and receives messages without issue. Don't specifically remember it not working whilst we've been in Dartmouth.
 
Technically I think Navtex is MW so think Radio Luxembourg :) Nominal range of about 250-300 Nm.

I've found reception can be poor inside harbours and up river valleys so Dartmouth may be the problem. Whilst at sea, down the Portuguese coast, we often got Puerto Rico - not useful but impressive!
 
Mine worked fine at sea, but not in deep valleys like the Dart.
The Nasa antenna is short, backstay antenna on another boat I sailed was far superior, but that was a far more expensive receiver.
 
Likewise - No messages

I have had my Navtex engine switched on for week in the Canary Islands, no messages whatever. Indicates there is a live connection but it seems there's no-one there!!

Not used it before in this area so it may be the norm but not a lot of use is it?

Any Navtex experts out there?
cheers
 
Del2035 said:
Not used it before in this area so it may be the norm but not a lot of use is it?
Click to expand...

Has it had the station/message list programmed? You should be getting, depeding on the geography, Las Palmas at minimum - station P on 518. Check this list for stations and here for transmission times.

Is it dual frequency or do you have to change settings between 490/518? I'd set it for all stations on 518 and see what happened over 24hrs.

It may be that the volcanoes are blocking your signal from Las Palmas - iirc Puerto Calero is open to the East and North but tucked in under the volcanoes to the South and West.
 
Thanks for that, I have had it on all stations now for 3 days -no messages. Also tried settings change. Pretty sure now its something to do with the USB driver and out of date instructions on the product. I'm now trying to download driver from company called Smartcom that may help.
Will post result.
 
Del2035 said:
I have had my Navtex engine switched on for week in the Canary Islands, no messages whatever. Indicates there is a live connection but it seems there's no-one there!!

Not used it before in this area so it may be the norm but not a lot of use is it?

Any Navtex experts out there?
cheers
Click to expand...

Was a while ago but don]t think I got much down there. Very occasional "wooden boat adrift off El Hierro" or "swarm of locusts off Mauritania" but not very often. So maybe there]s nothing to hear.
 
Del2035 said:
Not sure about this but I have Windows 7 and NASA instructions say an update for the USB driver is required from www.prolific.com.
It seems this company has gone out of business making the PC Navtex Pro useless if you have Windows 7. Waiting now to see what NASA have to say about this!
Click to expand...

I have navtex pro working fine with windows 7. Lost the original disc so using the demo software from here ... http://www.nasamarine.com/
The prolific site seems to be down at the moment so maybe the have gone under .. http://www.prolific.com.tw If it stays that way I have the latest driver, I`ll email it to you.
Odd if prolific have gone down, that`s the driver which everyone seems to use.

Quick google, try here
http://www.general-files.com/files-p/pl2303-prolific-driver-installer-v110/
 
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