Satellite Radio

[NDG]

I've heard various opinions about the quality of satellite radio receivers, ranging from "rubbish" to "excellent". I have seen a recommendation that the hitachi set is quite good, but it costs about £150 so I would welcome any further reports before splashing out.

I understand that generally you need to point the aerial at the satellite. Apropos of this, is it any good when at sea, when the boat is pitching and rolling? Perhaps the "rubbish" reports are from at sea, whereas the "excellent" reports originate from using them at anchor when the boat is level?

You can subscribe to a station which broadcasts 24 hr weather information via the satellite network for europe & western N Atlantic for about £60 year - anyone tried this yet? Sounds like a good idea but is it any good?

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[scarlett]

I have been using the Hitachi for two years and there is little wrong with it except the short wave side does not receive the BBC World Service Europe broadcasts. I get both BBC East Africa and BBCWestAfrica beamed World Service at CD quality in Greece in port. It is no good at anchor when you swing but can be used motoring under compass guided auto pilot. One can get about 40 English speaking stations and about 40 other stations. 80% are music of all kinds.

The antenna angle is not too critical.

Last year I was getting a weather station at no cost. In the Med. there is no shortage of weather advice but none reliable enough for me, a confessed coward.

I have been trying to persude the BBC to include radios 1 2 3 4 and 5 but they are not helpful or hopeful.

When you get one please add your voice to mine if you enjoy any of the terrestial BBC services.

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