Furuno DFAX Model FAX-208/A/N

[properjob]

I have inherited with my new catamaran a Furuno DFAX Model FAX-208/A/N that is not performing as it should.

1. When printing a synoptic chart there is so much black noise that isobars and any other printed information is unreadable. This black noise may of course be interference, but how can you tell ? Or is it not quite in tune ?

2. The thermal paper comes of the roll in what seems to be perfect condition but when it exits the slot having been past the print head and various rollers it tends to have wavy creases about a third of the way across from the right hand side. It also tends to come out skewed to one side. When in Navtex mode the lines of information are readable but crooked. I have tried using the sync control to straighten the feed but that does not solve the problem for long. I have taken the cover off and the rubber pinch rollers near the print head seem to be clean and flat with no scoring.

Is there anybody that has experience of these machines that could shed any light on the causes of these malfunctions. I have found on board some old printouts of synoptic charts and they are very good considering that they are on thermal paper and were printed some time ago.

I am tuned to station 2 in zone 6 which is GYA Northwood - I think !

Any pieces of advice would be very gratefully received.

 

[Oldhand]

Northwood weatherfax reception on the South Coast is often poor and I am assuming you are trying out the Furuno gear at your IOW location. Try tuning to the German Offenbach station, use 7880kHz during the day and 3855kHz during hours of darkness. If you don't get good reception on these frequencies then you have either a receiver or antenna problem. Your paper problem could just be the age of the paper roll, they tend to absorb dampness with time and don't travel through pinch rollers evenly as a result.

 

[properjob]

Many thanks for the suggestions, I will try Offenbach and a new roll of paper tomorrow.

 

[bigmartinrodgers]

I am trying to set up a Furuno dfax 207 for a friend, that has been packed away now for a number of years. It was used to receive Bracknell mostly. I am trying to pick up Bracknell up, but it looks like it is no longer transmitting. By your previous post Northwood is still on the air, what is the best frequency to pick up the weather transmissions. I am receiving Offenbach station, on 7880kHz but I was hoping for a stronger signal.
I am in Larne N Ireland.