PC Navtex Pro - Problem?

[CJ13]

We recently bought a boat with an onboard Vasari computer loaded with Nasa Marine 'PC Navtex Pro'. The problem is we do not receive messages. On opening the programme we get a message saying 'Loading messages...please wait. Connection OK? Yes' but nothing arrives and the egg timer remains. We've checked all the connections and they seem OK.
Any advice on solving this would be appreciated.

 

[ShipsWoofy]

stating the obvious, is the nasa navtex engine connected to the computer.

 

[CJ13]

It is now.
When we first tried the engine was connected thro the wrong COM port. At that point we got the message 'loading messages...please wait. Connection OK? No'.
So we've made progress of sorts, but still no messages.

 

[ShipsWoofy]

I don't have the engine (though I would like one), so this is just thinking aloud.

Are there definitely messages in storage, have you set up the stations to ALL and messages to ALL while trying to diagnose?

It could be that the aerial needs positioning better if it is not rx'ing anything, there are a few dead spots on my boat and repositioning even a small distance can make massive differences.

If it is about communication then I think you would do well to look at stuff like the com port speed and address on the peeseee. [ QUOTE ]
Step 1. Click “SET PORT AND CHANNELS” and “Auto-search”. The software will
search port settings 1 to 16 for the Engine, and will stop and display a green
“Connected “ message if it finds it. Click “Save” and “Finish”, and “Yes” when prompted
to implement settings changes.

[/ QUOTE ] What happens when you do this?

You may have a disabled or and IRQ mismatch on the com port, which operating system are you running?

 

[nigelhudson]

I do have a Navtex Pro and your symptoms would indicate either a fault with the unit or it is not receiving messages due to a set-up problem or reception issue.

Starting with reception - where is the antenna? Is it high enough and clear of obstructions? Is it connected properly? Have you tried moving the antenna to a different location (accepted that this may mean moving the boat)?

Set-up issues - have you set the channel switching correctly for the two bands? The manual is not very clear in how to do this properly. You don't give your location but you are on the South Coast try these..........
Channel A 08hrs 40mins
Channel B 17hrs 00mins
Channel A 20hrs 40 mins
Channel B 05hrs 00mins

That should give you all the relevant daily messages from Niton.

 

[stuartwineberg]

Nigel thanks for these Navtex channel timings. I am not (usually) stupid but I found the directions with the unit impenetrable and it is great to see this. Do you have suggested channels and timings to pick up the best informaiton when in North France and Channel Islands?

 

[nigelhudson]

These work for the CI area. In fact it was after 10 days of fiddling whilst cruising in that area last year that I finally arrived at these settings!