Shortwave Radio On My Sailboat

[El Pinguino]

It will receive whatever NOAA puts out on HF.... weatherfax shown as it is the true test of the radio .... esp as far as ease of use is concerned.

That program is for computer but there are apps out there for Ipad.... Blackcat produces good stuff.. https://www.blackcatsystems.com/ipad...t-sailing.html

Chris also produces navtex https://www.blackcatsystems.com/ipad...t-sailing.html software for Ipad plus android stuff https://www.blackcatsystems.com/droi...ather-fax.html

Don't need no Macbook.... lots of free programs out there for PC such as this JVComm32 - FAX SSTV RTTY SYNOP NAVTEX program

Go on.... press the 'buy' button..... you know you really want one

[ka4wja]

CSY Man,
I apologized yesterday so hope we are good?? (I am sorry if my abrupt attitude was offensive....been dealing with my elderly Mom's medical problems here, and I think my frustrations over that, came out here...oppss)

So, assuming we're good...here is some more direct info for you...


Please understand that my advice to read the stickies (and click on the links there in) and watch the videos, isn't 'cuz I got an ego...it because the answers are there.
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...tc-133496.html

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...tc-198305.html





Specifically this post here...it has a great deal of info and links, that will be useful...
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ml#post2749864





Offshore Weather
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...zdjTJjHlChruyY

Maritime HF Comms
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...ZDo_Jk3NB_Bt1y


{Please understand that these videos are done, LIVE, as it happens, in the real world, no simulations, no script, no director....just my radios, my fingers, and my extemporaneous narration....on-board a real offshore cruising boat, not in a lab, nor on a set....so, while the info there is all accurate and helpful, the camera work isn't great and my editing is a bit abrupt....but, hey, they're FREE and nobody is trying to sell you anything, and no advertisements!! }


But, just in case you haven't found the details you're looking for...here are hopefully some very brief answers / comments / advice..


1) Yes, as you've found out, a simple portable HF / shortwave receiver (that has SSB capability) will work for you....whether Sangean 909, Sony 7400, Tecsum 880, etc.)

2) You will probably get reception using just the built-in telescopic whip antenna, but rigging an external antenna (10' - 15' long) will be much better....
But, please remember that HF radio reception is all about S/N ratio...and it's getting rid of the "noise" that can be a pain, considering all the stuff we have on-board that radiates RFI ("radio noise")...
So, getting the antenna away (even 5' - 10') from offending sources of interference is important...or just shutting down the offending equipment works, but some find that a pain..

3) For SSB Voice Offshore Weather, covering the Bahamas, you'll want the US NWS/NOAA "offshore forecasts" for the SW N. Atlantic...these are prepared / updated 4 times a day / every 6 hours....but unless there is severe weather threatening, most cruisers find once or twice a day to be sufficient for their needs...

4) These are broadcast by the USCG from two different stations (NMN in Virginia and NMG in New Orleans) on multiple frequencies, 4 times a day...
0330z, 0930z, 1530z, and 2130z....daily
The reception of these SSB Voice Weather broadcasts is shown in detail in the videos referenced...

See the exact frequencies / schedule here...
https://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/marine/hfvoice.htm


5) Should you desire WeFax charts, the FREE JvComm32 software runs on any windows laptop and works well (it, along with GetFax, are my back-ups)
But, I caution everyone to get the SSB Voice reception working well, first....and get used to both the radio (whatever radio you choose) and how it works and how HF propagation is these days, before you even attempt to decode WeFax transmissions, if you heed this advice things will be easy-peasy!

And, as Ping has mentioned the BlackCat app (for "ipad") works well too....

But, here again, my advice to all is to get the SSB Voice reception working well, first....and get used to both the radio (whatever radio you choose) and how it works and how HF propagation is these days, before you even attempt to decode WeFax transmissions!!

Once you have that down cold, I can recommend other links to schedules / charts / descriptions, etc. and well as videos...


6) FYI, one thing you will not get in the SSB Voice Offshore Weather broadcasts (that you DO get via the NOAA VHF Weather Radio here in S. Florida) are the Gulf Stream locations!!
So...
So, when planning for a run across the Stream, it will be nice to have a good working VHF...
While I could offer more assistance there (antenna, etc.), I get the feeling that I wore out my welcome by now....so, my earlier advice is there for you should you desire a look...




7) There are other threads, with lots of info on these things....some of them are linked from the stickies...
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ea-103555.html


http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...gs-130640.html


http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ge-149499.html


Unfortunately, the SSCA no longer allows non-members to read their pages....so, all the 1000's of posts there (which took 1000's of hours of my personal time) are gone from my fellow sailors' view....




Hope this helps...

Fair winds.

John

P.S. While I do hope you watch the entire video playlist(s)...which would give you a wealth of knowledge and LIVE, real-world examples, if you do not have the time for the whole playlist, at least watch this one video....(ignore the reference to WLO, as they are currently off-the-air)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzWZ9Z8rKIs

[CSY Man]

So, assuming we're good...here is some more direct info for you..

Thx, expert advice always appreciated.

. 4) These are broadcast by the USCG from two different stations (NMN in Virginia and NMG in New Orleans) on multiple frequencies, 4 times a day...
0330z, 0930z, 1530z, and 2130z....daily
The reception of these SSB Voice Weather broadcasts is shown in detail in the videos referenced...

See the exact frequencies / schedule here...
https://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/marine/hfvoice.htm

Thx, frequencies saved.

6) FYI, one thing you will not get in the SSB Voice Offshore Weather broadcasts (that you DO get via the NOAA VHF Weather Radio here in S. Florida) are the Gulf Stream locations!!
So...
So, when planning for a run across the Stream, it will be nice to have a good working VHF...
While I could offer more assistance there (antenna, etc.), I get the feeling that I wore out my welcome by now....so, my earlier advice is there for you should you desire a look...

Never really paid much attention to the exact Gulf Stream Location, it varies from a few miles to several miles of the coast and quite evident using onboard ground speed and transducer temperature sensor.
As for crossing without a good working VHF, yes it is a must, we always go with a primary and a secondary VHF, just in case.
Crossed the Gulf Stream 60 times in 20 years and have the greatest respect for it.

[ka4wja]

Of course, the Stream location is most important to those running along the coast....and less so for those crossing it (at right angle)...
And, also those in faster boats (power boats, etc.) find much less effect than those is slower boats....

Originally Posted by CSY Man

Never really paid much attention to the exact Gulf Stream Location, it varies from a few miles to several miles of the coast and quite evident using onboard ground speed and transducer temperature sensor.
As for crossing without a good working VHF, yes it is a must, we always go with a primary and a secondary VHF, just in case.
Crossed the Gulf Stream 60 times in 20 years and have the greatest respect for it.

FYI, my first Stream crossing was as a kid in 1965...done it in power boats, sailboats, etc. hundreds of times over the years....even did it as a teenager with two friends in a 16' Boston Whaler (my friend's Dad's) with 70-hp Evinrude and 4-hp kicker and a cooler full of sodas and food we beached in Bimini and camped overnight (didn't tell my parents 'til I got home...they were pissed that I didn't tell 'em and that we didn't have a radio!) Mostly from Ft. laud...

BTW, I get chastised a lot because I cross with northerly winds sometimes....yes, it can be a wet ride, but fun for me....one time my brother-in-law got seasick in a North 25kts, with a single-reef in the main....I made hull speed the whole way from Berry's to St. Lucie Inlet....he was not happy, but I was smiling!

Fair winds.

Gotta go....my Mom needs me.

John

[Pizzazz]

Just a friendly suggestion, some of you guys use a llot of words to describe simple concepts, sometimes losing the audience. It is all good and part of the different personalities on the forum but we can always be more efficient.

I have the Tecsun 660 and I am very happy with it. The 880 is even better. These radios run on 6V and I have connected mine directly to one of the golf cart batteries. I believe they will also run from 5V USB. As a receiver, I suggest using an Android phone with an app, you can get a big display prepaid phone for $49 and just use it for SSB receive. The goal is to have a stand alone, low power (0.2A for the radio, may be 0.1A for the phone) system that is neat and tidy on the chart station and you feel comfortable leaving on 24/7, as the faxes come at crazy times. Once you get there you can receive WFax, monitor DSC frequencies and other useful things.

Good luck.

[CSY Man]

. Of course, the Stream location is most important to those running along the coast....and less so for those crossing it (at right angle)

With sailboats we usually run along the coast from Fort Lauderdale to Miami or beyond.
Have found a counter current many times that seems to be tide related. Sometimes we angle out SSE and when the GS drops head ESE.
Other times we just head to No-Name harbor, drop the anchor and have a beer for an early morning crossing.
Found it much more pleasant to cross the GS on sailboats than powerboats despite the 3 hrs versus 9 hrs crossing.FWIW

[ohdrinkboy]

I haven't used mine cruising, but know people who have listened to Chris Parker with it in the bahamas. I use mine in NC and it works well.

https://swling.com/db/2011/01/sony-icf-sw7600gr/

[CSY Man]

Originally Posted by ohdrinkboy

I haven't used mine cruising, but know people who have listened to Chris Parker with it in the bahamas. I use mine in NC and it works well.

https://swling.com/db/2011/01/sony-icf-sw7600gr/

A short and sweet answer, thx.

[hellosailor]

John makes a good point, in that it might have just been one of those lucky days (weeks, months) when the NOAA WX came in via skip, and the antenna height was just coincidental. Sorting out coincidence from causation is often difficult.

But without knowing the dimensions of the coax or the coil...I'll stand by the advice that it seems every cable and antenna maker, and a number of ARRL authors and staff have given: Don't coil it up. It might not hurt, but then again it might. It certainly can't benefit. And if a half db loss means nothing...As Alan Greenspan said [sic]" a half db here, a hald db there, and sooner or later it adds up to real money." Why do something that gives you ANY signal loss, when there's no need to?

[CarinaPDX]

Originally Posted by hellosailor

.As Alan Greenspan said [sic]" a half db here, a hald db there, and sooner or later it adds up to real money."

" A billion here, a billion there, and pretty soon you're talking real money" is generally attributed to the late (by 50 years) Speaker of the House Ev Dirksen, not the later Alan Greenspan. Although there is no recorded evidence several independent observers report hearing him say that on a particular episode of The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, which was before they started recording the show, and is now accepted by at least some historians.

See how much you can learn here?

Greg

[Tudorsailor]

Originally Posted by El Pinguino

No.... as Paul says above the PL-380 does not recieve SSB ( single side band ) which is the mode that weather by voice and weather fax is transmitted in.

You should look at the Tecsun PL-680 or PL-880.

Major differences between these two is that the 880 has line out ... the 680 doesn't.... this is very handy when tuning a weatherfax signal... you can listen, tune, and record at the same time.
The 880 also has superior fine tuning on SSB.

880 would be my choice ( I own both ).

All three are reviewed here... https://swling.com/blog/tag/tecsun-pl-380/

Can you help. I have new Tecsun PL880. I cannot work out how to set the frequency to 518 kHz for navtex. I cannot get to such a low frequency.

Thanks
Boyd

[El Pinguino]

Originally Posted by Tudorsailor

Can you help. I have new Tecsun PL880. I cannot work out how to set the frequency to 518 kHz for navtex. I cannot get to such a low frequency.

Thanks
Boyd

518 kHz is at the top of the long wave band.
https://www.tecsunradios.com.au/stor...880-MANUAL.pdf
Page 23
While the radio is turned off
'To turn ON/OFF LW, press & hold the [MW/LW] button until “LW ON” or “LW OFF” appears on the display.'