Navtex Reception in the Bristol Channel

[john_filer]

Having installed a Navtex receiver, I've found that I'm not receiveing navtex broadcasts very well. I'm not sure if that is because my ariel is not sited in a good position or that reception in the area is generally not very good. Does anyone else have problems with Navtex?

 

[1937rogerdon]

John, I have had trouble, but it starts to get better as you move down the channel. Niton is problem, I get better results
from Valentia, on the basis that what they have got or are getting we will have soon.
Having said that, buildings etc can effect reception.
What make have you purchased, as my old navtex with a paper roll has just packed in and I am thinging of buying the Furno.

 

[bluedragon]

Good in Cardiff Bay; patchy to non-existent in Milford Haven area. Might be my setup, but it is fairly new. I've more or less given up on it close to land / in marinas, etc. Might be better well out to sea.

 

[Csail]

What is the purpose of it, i don't know anything about it? I just use internet for almost everything while out sailing.

 

[damo]

Search the forums, you newbie /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[bluedragon]

[ QUOTE ]
What is the purpose of it, i don't know anything about it? I just use internet for almost everything while out sailing.

[/ QUOTE ]

Same with me. Best thing I bought last year was an internet capable phone with a decent screen. With that and the VHF CG reports , I didn't bother with anything else.

 

[Csail]

So what is the point of it with computers nowdays. Ours monitors Nav,depth,speed, engine, weather, radar warnings,autopilot and e-mail/ internet.After that it is great as tv,DVD and anchor drag alarm.

 

[damo]

Because without a satellite connection, I doubt you have much signal offshore. The service range of NAVTEX stations is generally 100 to 500 nautical miles

 

[Csail]

Surely you have a satphone! Next you will be posting about the tumble dryer and 406 epirb not working!
/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[john_filer]

My understanding is that Navtex is defined in GMDSS as the primary mechanism for broadcasting navigational information. As well as delivering weather forecasts and any navigational warnings, it now also provides the current weather.
The latest forecast is stored so it is available instantly at any time, at no cost other than the intial cost of the set.
The down side is that the radio waves at the frequency it uses (IF) won't bend around hills and other large structures so reception close into the coast is sometimes unreliable.