Weather fax

[robmurray]

Im doing a bit of an electronics refit. Have an old ssb receiver which is faulty and linked to obsolete weather fax / navtex which is being replaced. I am planning blue water sail medium term on this boat. Should I upgrade weather fax (via new ssb receiver and pc software) or is this becoming obsolete? If yes can any one recommend pc software?
Many thanks

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[Oldhand]

My recommendation is get an Icom PCR-1000 black-box reciever which is totally controlled from the PC via a serial port and Bonito RadioCom 5 software. The PC must have a failrly decent sound-card or onboard sound as this is used as the fax and SYNOP/Navtex decoder. I use this setup frequently and with good results. Both items are available form Marine Computing International at Hamble, although the Icom might be sourced cheaper elsewhere.

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[ParaHandy]

you could have a look at Frank Singleton's site <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.franksingleton.clara.net/home.html>here</A> where he discusses the options in some detail and argues his points from considerable experience. His view is that ssb should not be your primary source. There are more modern, satellite/mobile, means available which are more reliable.

UK w/fax from Northwood which covers east atlantic & med tends to be output on the lower frequencies (military reasons ie the naval vessels still using it are close to home?) and reception is, sometimes, poor. The difference when it is transmitted above 8mhz is astonishing .... nevertheless, the info from Northwood is free and comprehensive.

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