Getting GRIB via mobile phone - 'how to' question

[keelbolt]

Getting GRIB via mobile phone - \'how to\' question

Apologies for two consecutive posts!
Does anyone download GRIB files using UGRIB via their mobile phones? I have my mobile connected to my laptop via bluetooth, but have no idea how to dial up or get the files.

Its easy if I am in a marina or somewhere with WIFI, but if at sea with a signal on my mobile, I believe I should be able to do it.

Anyone doing this and can point me at a 'how to' I would be most grateful.

KB

 

[roly_voya]

Re: Getting GRIB via mobile phone - \'how to\' question

Talk to your mobile phone provider about how to set up mobile as a modem then just use it exactly the same as the Wifi link

 

[whiteoaks7]

Re: Getting GRIB via mobile phone - \'how to\' question

One way (probably the best since you will only be charged for the downloaded bytes, not for the time you are connected) is to get a GPRS access from your phone provider (you may already have this). The provider should then give details and help in setting up the phone as a modem. I use Orange and they have a very useful guide on their website which includes step by step instructions on setting up both Bluethooth, IR, phone and computer for GPRS use (depending on your phone they can even download the setting to you). Once you have a GPRS connection to the internet the download is exactly as per WiFi. It's easy once the setup is done - I do suggest you do all this in a quite hour though away from distractions.

I nearly forgot (being still based in the UK) Beware of connection charges abroad. If your GPRS is routed through a 'foreign' provider you can pay the earth. In Eire we unknowingly clocked up £30 just for a few files!!!!!

 

[pandroid]

Re: Getting GRIB via mobile phone - \'how to\' question

Have a look here

 

[webcraft]

Re: Getting GRIB via mobile phone - \'how to\' question

UGRIB files tend to be large and the bandwidth overhead of using the (very nice) graphical selection tool is very high.

At sea we have been downloading GRIBs via email using an Iridium phone from globalmarinenet.net

You send a blank email request to gmngrib@globalmarinenet.net with the details of the area requested and other parameters in the subject line.

eg: 5times 10N:30W:1200 5day

will get you a forecast (wind only) centred on 10n 30W 1200x1200nm in extent, showing the wind for the next five days. The 7times request means the GRIB robot will send it for seven days (usually at 12.10 UTC each day)

This file will only be 8 or 9kb in size and akes no more than a few seconds to download once the connection is made. You can then unzip it and view it using UGRIB - no isobars or precipitation, but much cheaper and easier to use when actually on passage.

More details and other GRIB viewing software from http://www.globalmarinenet.net/grib.htm

Hope this helps,

Nick
Yacht 'Fairwinds'
Santa Maria, Azores
http://www.znoy8.co.uk

 

[stevehayles]

Re: Getting GRIB via mobile phone - \'how to\' question

Hi to all,

As we give away Ugrib for free I hope this is not considered a commercial post. I would just like to clarify that Ugrib has absolutely zero overhead due to the graphical interface. It is a windows program that can be opened, run and the data can be selected without being connected.

You then simply need to connect to download the data you require. If you choose a file with no rain and of the same resolution and size as the GMN files then the bandwidth requirements are pretty much identical.

In fact the protocol we use for transferring the data has less overhead than a pop3 e-mail client (look in the header of any e-mail message and you will see lots of data that is related to the sending and recieving of the message) and if you monitor the actual data transferred it will be slightly less when using Ugrib.

Use the program as you wish, we intend it to remain free and we don't mind where you get the data from but we have seen some guidance to users that is not quite accurate and our overall aim is to promote the use of digital weather forecasts in a safe and prudent way alongside 'human guidance', observations and our own experience.

If anyone would like more details on how the data is transferred or how to use the service efficienttly feel free to ask.