I am thinking of buying a Navtex receiver - out of date ?

[ip485]

Seeing the numerous references to the ICS6 I do feel the need to add that my only grumble was the very common failure of the old style active aerials, and the unwillingness of the compant to at least offer a discounted replacement.

 

[tudorsailor]

Be aware that Navtex transmissions happen at fixed times, often inconvenient ones, so the receiver really needs to be running 24 hours a day. For that reason I wouldn't want something that needs the computer to be switched on to work. However, something that can still receive with the PC switched off, and record the data for later inspection via the computer, would be ok if that's what you prefer.

Pete

The Navtex one says
" It will receive navtex messages even without your PC connected. Navtex messages are stored in a vast internal memory for you to download when you get on board. Down loading is quick and the software provided allows you to select the messages you want.
Leave the unit on 24/7 then, when you get on board, just plug in your PC and immediately download the latest weather forecast from your local station, or any other message stored in the PC Navtex USB's memory."
So seems to tick that box. May have a look at the boat show
TS

 

[prv]

Seeing the numerous references to the ICS6 I do feel the need to add that my only grumble was the very common failure of the old style active aerials, and the unwillingness of the compant to at least offer a discounted replacement.

Yes, the original "shark fin" antenna/receivers were known for leaking and failing, but if the OP buys a set now it will come with the newer passive antenna and below-deck receiver box, which is much more reliable.

Pete

 

[Jabs]

The Nav 6 with 'indoor' electronics is a super bit of kit.

If you don't use the backstay for anything else, it makes a superb antenna, even without insulators.

Just run a piece of 50 ohm coax from the box to the backstay, attach the core to the stay, ground the shield at the box and you will have a superb antenna.

FWIW, the PCB in the box is the one from the old antenna!

Looks odd in there.

There are loads of 'new old stock' options on eBay. Well worth a look.

Good luck.

You won't regret it.

Tony

 

[laika]

I've seen it said on other forums that Navtex isn't much cop outside of europe but a scan of the station lists:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Navtex_stations
suggests that there are worldwide stations, although I do note that in many cases the "official" range of many of those doesn't make for especially dense coverage. Any circumnavigators care to comment?

I also note that whilst Navtex was, I thought, a component of GMDSS, neither Oz nor NZ do Navtex transmissions. how come?

 

[prv]

I also note that whilst Navtex was, I thought, a component of GMDSS, neither Oz nor NZ do Navtex transmissions. how come?

I'm sure OleWill or our other antipodeans can fill us in when they wake up, but I believe they don't have coastal VHF from MRCCs either except around populated areas. So presumably all their waters are GMDSS A3, and commercial shipping all needs satellite comms. Would fit with their mandatory EPIRBs on leisure vessels as OleWill has mentioned before.

Pete

 

[snooks]

I have a Navtex on board, but I rarely switch it on. I have the printer one and now the only time it goes on is for longer passages and cross channel trips when it will happily print out the lat/long every hour, on the hour, so I don't have to write in the log book - invariably I end up having to tuck a reef in on the hour and forget.

I used to use it in France to get a forecast in English, but now I just use my iPhone and data roaming and I get access to more accurate local weather, rather than the broad brush the shipping forecast is painted with.

It was handy in Scotland, where phone reception was everyone from good to non-existent, but on the south coast it's now redundant.