Icom802 & Pactor IV, or Icom802 & Something Else?

[Linda - Olympia]

We have an Icom 802 SSB and an AT140 tuner. We want to be able to receive weather information (graphic and Grib), and send and receive email, off-shore (Pacific).

We're currently in research mode trying to figure out the best way or ways to go. The basic options so far seem to be Pactor III/IV for weather and email; or weatherfax software for weather only (no email).

The boat is a sailboat and we have a PC/Windows7 and a Mac.

Who is happy with the Pactor route? Who is happy on another route? Have we missed a route?

All input appreciated.

[btrayfors]

Your best bet for painless receipt of weather information and efficient transfer of emails with the M802/AT140 equipment would be to add a Pactor modem. The new Pactor 4 modems are definitely the way to go.

The smaller SCS model DR-7400 with appropriate cables to connect to your laptop and to the M802 is all you need. It can be had for under $1,500 new these days from several sources, plus the cost of the connecting cables.

The WX info and, especially, the WX faxes received via email are much easier, much faster, and much clearer than trying to capture them direct from over-the-air broadcasts.

For serious cruising, IMHO this package is much to be preferred over other alternatives.

Bill
WA6CCA

[sy_gilana]

and you mentioned wxfax...the PTC does that too

[socaldmax]

There's a guy selling refurbished M710 radios on Ebay for $600. I don't know if the M802 has any new features that make it worth the added cost.

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by socaldmax

There's a guy selling refurbished M710 radios on Ebay for $600. I don't know if the M802 has any new features that make it worth the added cost.

DSC is a pretty big one.