I have a compaq laptop (slow & old, but OK) and use weatherfax from J.E.Hoot to receive weathercharts and forecasts.
I have difficulties to find the best frequencies for the mediterreanean and I always seem to miss the timing. Any suggestions as to the software, or the emitting station?
Frederik
P.S. I enjoy your Mariners Weather Handbook and CD.
Hi Frederick:
Most fax stations these days also have a website, where they list the frequencies and schedules–many of these will be found under the weather links on setsail.com. Or, you can leave your radio tuned to one of the frequencies until you get a cycle which includes a broadcast of times, frequencies, and product. When we’re cruising this is what we typically do. Then, once we’ve gotten the written schedule on the fax, we program the receiver for what looks at first guess to be the best frequencies. Next step is to leave the volume turned up, and when the station begins to broadcast, we switch frequencies and listen for the strongest signal. It usually ends up that there are a couple of times a day when we can get the faxes.
For example, sitting in the Caribbean right now, we primarily listen to the New Orleans (NMG) station. Typically 8 megs works in the early morning (around 0800 local time). In early evening we find that 12 megs works better. There is no automatic way to work this out, except by taking some time to listen to the various frequencies.
Good Luck–Steve
Posted by Steve Dashew (November 30, 1999)
