Tidal programme

[Gordonmc]

Could some kind Forum buddy point me in the direction of a freeware tidal prediction programme that covers UK waters.
I had one downloaded to my PDA... which was then liberated from my posession by a tea-leaf.
It was called Tide Tools... but I have no web address.

Tks.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[webcraft]

Gordon,

This has come up so many times I'm surprised you missed it . . .

There are no free UK tidal prediction programs because the UK Hydrographic Office has decreed that it has patents on the harmonic constants which are used as the basis of the calulations.

It is the only body in the world that has acted in this way. Over the past three years it has sent out very unpleasant threatening letters to anyone worldwide who was supplying a tidal prediction program that included data for UK ports. As a result I'm afraid all authors of such programs have capitulated and no such program is available.

(Unless you know someone who is hanging on to a pre-2001 copy of X-Tide or similar - I've buried mine in the forest but still expect the 3am knock on the door from the HO gestapo)

Your best bet is the Bellfield Tide Plotter software . . . the authors have paid the HO their royalties, but the prog is still very reasonably priced at £10.95 Purchase online at <font size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.bluemoment.com>http://www.bluemoment.com</font size=1>

 

[ColdFusion]

Sent a PM.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[trevor_loveday]

Gordon,

WxTide32 vsn 2.6 (the one which includes UK waters) is present at <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.bluemoment.com/downloads.html>http://www.bluemoment.com/downloads.html</A>. It's free, it's useful and it allows you to use one of the many existing UK locations, or create your own.

But it would be completely pointless downloading it (despite the button marked "download" next to it) because you're not allowed to use it. Better luck next time. ;-)

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Gordonmc]

I was aware of the UKHO restrictions but, as mentioned, there are programmes available that cover UK waters. I believe the version I had previously came from a Dutch site. Having tide charts for Greenock on my PDA was very useful in planning a weekend trip from the office desk.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[qsiv]

hydro.nl do indeed have a PC prog - but it is a rather quaint interface, and you have to supply your port harmonics yourself...

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[LadyInBed]

you can buy the book of Tidal Harmonic Constants - NP160 from the Hydrographics Office.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[philip_stevens]

I have the file for CNav UK ports. Downloaded before the Dutch HO was obliged to remove it from the download.

<hr width=100% size=1>regards,
Philip

 

[Mariner]

Not free but only 10.95, and it works on PC and Pocket PC
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.marinercomputers.co.uk/acatalog/tidsoft.html>http://www.marinercomputers.co.uk/acatalog/tidsoft.html</A>

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[ex-Gladys]

www.neptune-tides.com £30 for UK until 2030 something... bit more for Europe. No connection just a satisfied customer

<hr width=100% size=1>Larry Botheras

Anderson 26 "Amber"

 

[webcraft]

Re: WXTide 2.6

Well, the UKHO thought police finally caught up with me and I've had to remove WXTide2.6 from the server. Imagine it being illegal and me not knowing about it!

Anyway, I've replaced it with WXTide 4.0, the latest version. This includes 44 new UK stations, and is well worth having. Find it and more useful downloads <font size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.bluemoment.com>http://www.bluemoment.com</font size=1>