GRIB readers, any advice?

[TJ D]

Hi All,

I lost a laptop, and with it my Ocens Grib Explorer. They don't have a record of my buying it for some reason, so I'll have to re-purchase. It's $199, so I thought I'd try a free one first.

Does anybody have some experience with the freebies, and can make a recommendation?

Thanks, TJ

[monte]

I like zygrib

[monte]

But mainly use weather4d pro on the iPad. Great viewer with a lot of additional features like routing etc

[accomplice]

I use sailgrib on my android devices and am very happy with it.

also, opencpn is excellent, and there's a grib option for it.

[TJ D]

Thanks, guys.

I should clarify a bit. I do all of my data (email/wx) in one session. This is done via a wifi connection to our satellite system. So, I'm PC/Windows 8 only. The download is still coming from Ocens, but I don't imagine the source of the grib file matters.

Thanks, TJ

[kas_1611]

zyGrib for Mac OSX

[Smourt]

Zygrib mac or pc... no difference.

OpenCpn is IMHO better if you can connect your GPS to PC, then you can select weather relative to your specific location.

SailgribWR on android was awesome with the weather routing feature. It may not be entirely accurate but it did give me a heads up of when I could see I would not outrun a storm in the south atlantic from Brasil to Cape Town. this allowed me to make qualified decisions to avoid the worst of massive cold fronts.

S

PS. Brasil to Cape Town is tough, had to go as far as 43 to get wind and then as high as 33 to avoid 60knt winds. Definitely not a casual sail. Dont do it! LOL

[jackdale]

Originally Posted by TJ D

Thanks, guys.

I should clarify a bit. I do all of my data (email/wx) in one session. This is done via a wifi connection to our satellite system. So, I'm PC/Windows 8 only. The download is still coming from Ocens, but I don't imagine the source of the grib file matters.

Thanks, TJ

I am using Zygrib on a win 8.1 tablet. I have used both the Zygrib and Ugrib downloads and the file from saildocs with Zygrib software.

I think that the file format matters. I have used both Ugrib and Zygrib. Ugrib will not open Zygrib files which have a .grb.bz2 extension.

Try those two (both) free with your Ocens files.

Saildocs grib files are free and arrive by email.

I have used OpenCPN as well, but I prefer Zygrib.

Expedition is good for bluewater racing.

[TJ D]

Thanks, everyone. Time to start downloading!

TJ

[Zoid]

uGRIB on my PC will be just what you need.

Weather 4D on the iPad when you get one of those.

[captmikem]

Originally Posted by TJ D

Thanks, guys.

I should clarify a bit. I do all of my data (email/wx) in one session. This is done via a wifi connection to our satellite system. So, I'm PC/Windows 8 only. The download is still coming from Ocens, but I don't imagine the source of the grib file matters.

Thanks, TJ

UGRIB, free, downloads the area you want in the time you want, easy to use and free.

[jackdale]

Originally Posted by captmikem

UGRIB, free, downloads the area you want in the time you want, easy to use and free.

Zygrib has the same characteristics. But it has more features.

[mrlee]

Hi, I have learned a lot from you all and that's the reason I'm reading this...but unfortunately my old a$# just doesn't have a clue as to what you all are talking about. What books can I buy or what can I google to read and learn all this stuff...I am destined to nav. with compass and charts FOREVER!!! I wanna learn the easy way too...Any clues and tips are welcome...Thanks and keepup the great columns...

[jackdale]

Originally Posted by mrlee

Hi, I have learned a lot from you all and that's the reason I'm reading this...but unfortunately my old a$# just doesn't have a clue as to what you all are talking about. What books can I buy or what can I google to read and learn all this stuff...I am destined to nav. with compass and charts FOREVER!!! I wanna learn the easy way too...Any clues and tips are welcome...Thanks and keepup the great columns...

Give this site a try

Understanding, Getting and Using GRIB Weather Files / Franks-Weather | The Weather Window

[captmikem]

Originally Posted by jackdale

Zygrib has the same characteristics. But it has more features.

Jack, Thank you, I have looked at it and I like it. I drive ships for a living and spend most of my time at sea, so finding new things when one is happy with what they are using is often.. put off. I like UGRIB because it is very simple, but this Zygrib looks good, will give it a try on my next trip.

Michael