Nasa Target HF3/M/MScan Meteo Lite

[philmarks]

I notice that NASA are now shipping the Windows compatible Mscan Meteo Lite software with the Target HF3/M.

I have the serial I/F version (ie /M) of the Target Receiver and wonder whether anyone has any comments on the serial connection and use of Mscan/XP with the Target. I know that the advice here was not to opt for the /M version because the previous software required full DOS control of the PC, but that's what I've got using old laptop and W95!

Up to now I've been using JVComm with a simple audio link (air link from Target to laptop mike) with moderate success, although the need to have the volume turned up is irritating.

Of course, my new ish XP laptop has no serial I/F so that's another problem I face - can anyone recommend any suitable converters (not sure if that's technically possible).

I have downloaded the trial version of Meteo Lite from the MScan website, but I'm wondering whether the software shipped by NASA been tweaked for them?

All advice / info appreciated.

 

[FWB]

Cant help on most of your probs but I have a Keyspan mini port replicator...this is a usb device which allows serial and printer connections. Bought it from compusa in the states but I'm sure a similar product exists in the uk.

 

[TigaWave]

I've got the Target HF3M,
Just take the two leads that come from the DATA out and wire them up to a small audio plug, this then plugs into the mic scket on the laptop...so its audio works great with MScan.

 

[ShipsWoofy]

I think nasa should make the drivers and software downloadable. The signal 'should' be cleaner coming off the modem. I would also like to try the new software....

 

[alex_rogers]

Unlike true modems, the HF3M simply puts the audio signal (turned into a 5V square wave) onto the 'interupt' line of the serial port. The DOS software then turns this into the image. This was why the software had to run under DOS (so Windows couldn't mess up the timings) and means that port converters (i.e. USB to serial) won't help in this case.

I modified my HF3M radio so that the signal coming out was closer to the original audio signal. However, I've seen several posts that suggest that this was a bit of a waste of time and you can just plug the output of the HF3M directly into the mic socket of the laptop.

MScan Meteo works well with my set-up. However, I think SeaTTY is better. It is cheaper and does RTTY, Navtex and WeatherFAX.

 

[SolentSnowgoose]

I agree that SeaTTY does a really good job and is generally easy to set up on most systems

I have also found that NASA's active HF antenna has made all the difference to the qualty of signal and image

Only problem I have at the moment is getting SeaTTY to work on an old Tosh 4010 which has a "Yamaha 3X sound card" (???) which SeaTTY refuses to recognise

Any ideas on how to get this working

I assume everyone knows about "Frank Singleton's" website

Excellent place to start getting info on weather from HF

 

[philmarks]

I got my working last year, but with the "air" link. Quality not brilliant, but downloaded weather faxes between Azores and Ireland.

 

[philmarks]

Understood, but on other threads I've seen this was counselled against. Also, AFAIR I think my manual advises against it on the basis of ground reference potential being unsuitable. However it works for Tigawave above.

 

[philmarks]

I've had a load of problems with their active antenna on the Navtex (even bought a new antenna). Just sailed down to Brest with Navtex connected to backstay and Navtex working fine after 2 years aggravation.

 

[TigaWave]

My laptop is an old Tosh 2520 Win 98 (not even se version) with Yamaha OPL3-Sax.
Mscan text V2.0 worked great plugged into mic socket with wire up the backstay. I've had problems get anything from other set ups on other boats.

 

[jerryat]

Yes, the problems with most active antennae is that they amplify the rubbish as well as the signal you're trying to use. I ditched my Nasa one years ago for this reason. I'm not at all surprised that phlim did far better using the backstay!

Cheers Jerry

 

[crossbones]

A fixed leval audio output (not affected by the setting of the volume control ) is available on all hf3 versions. It is labelled on the PCB as "DATA". It is about 1 volt peak to peak and is buffered by an op. amp. To connect to the mic. socket of a PC you need about 100mV p to p so connect a 0.1uF decoupling capacitor to the data line then a couple of resistors 10K and 100K as a potential divider and connect to a socket on the rear. You then have an HF3W which is the new version. Get a lead with a 3mm jack on each end and plug it into your PC.
The meteo lite from nasa has been specially made for them so it's a properly registered version. Nasa will modify any hf3 to hf3w and supply the lead and software for £39- including carriage and vat. You can then get weatherfax radiotelex and navtex. What nice people they are.

 

[mattltm]

Sorry to dig out a very old thread but I need a hand with my HF3M.

I purchased it second hand and opened it up to do the audio out modification only to find that it looks like it's already been done!

I wanted to check but I cant find a point marked "data" anywhere on the PCB. It looks like the small PCB has been removed and just the main board is left. Can anyone tell me where the "data" output is on the main PCB?