navtex

[Guest]

I have an Icom SSB and an ICS fax programme. I can get good weatherfax reception but so far have failed to get a Navtex signal on 518kHz. Dedicated Navtex receivers work ok here (The Isle of Mull area). Anybody experience of using this system for Navtex reception in UK waters or the Med?
Alan Hunt

 

[ParaHandy]

Which Icom set? PRC1000...they make hundreds..

Navtex "language" is FSK Sitor-B at 100 baud and is completely different to fax transmission. Do a google search for shareware (radioraft might work) which will work with your kit.

 

[Bergman]

I guess there are 2 possibilities, either your wireless isn't receiving the signal or your software isn't decoding it (or both)

The signals tend to be rather weak and a good aerial helps on a communications receiver, have you tuned around 518 to see if you can hear any signals.

If you can than probably software.

I use Mscan Meteo Text, You can get it free on net, just search for title and download. Connection from radio is to audio input on computer - all very simple and works well.

If you can't hear any signals then all I can suggest is longer and higher aerial - which probably doesn't help much.

Just one further thought are you on right frequency? If your set has a digital readout it should be reading not 518 but around 516 with set on USB. The Mscan programme has a little frequency bar which lets you tune exactly.

Hope this is some help

 

[Bilgediver]

Hi
You will need software and a laptop to resolve your navtex signal.

Seatty is goodsoftware and the demo version is fine . It is very sensitive too.
there is a site www.dxsoft.com where this and other software will be found.

Please note one small point...the absolute frequency IS 518 but this is a combination of the centre frequency of the signal plus the frequency of the signal.

You may have to tune to 516.4 or there abouts to resolve the signal. The Seatty software will help here as it has a spectrum indicator so you just tune till the signal is in the middle of the display and note the frequency.


John

Chaka of Birdham MFAX