SSB Receiver

[AfterHoursNLCT]

I knew you meant BFO Paul. Just didn't want the OP to go into a store and have the guy/gal just stare at him in wonder.......LL

[s/v 'Faith']

Originally Posted by michaelmrc

thanks everyone i was looking at this one Si Tex Nav Fax 200 Single Side Band Reciever its the SI-TEX NAVFAX 200 its definately more expensive but i wonder if its worth it.

I had that one (you can search E-bay under "NASA" they sold the exact same unit). I also have a Kaito 1103. The Kaito gets used, the SI-TEX was sold ($50 IIRC)... never used it much because the Kaito worked so well...

[michaelmrc]

has anyone had any experience with the portable sony models such as Amazon.com: Sony ICF-SW7600GR AM/FM Shortwave World Band Receiver with Single Side Band Reception: Electronics this sony unit. can it be used for weather faxes etc... or is that a specific function only found in more expensive models. thanks

[Paul Elliott]

Originally Posted by michaelmrc

has anyone had any experience with the portable sony models such as Amazon.com: Sony ICF-SW7600GR AM/FM Shortwave World Band Receiver with Single Side Band Reception: Electronics this sony unit. can it be used for weather faxes etc... or is that a specific function only found in more expensive models. thanks

A friend of mine had a Sony unit that looked similar to this one (we were testing various receivers so we could make recommendations). His Sony worked fine.

If the receiver can tune in SSB signals, it should work with weatherfax.

These relatively inexpensive portable receivers should work well enough when on your boat, away from strong interfering signals. They may have problems when there are nearby transmitters, or when there are signals on adjacent frequencies, due to the simplified design that is not as good at rejecting these signals. A receiver or transceiver designed for marine or ham use will have a more bulletproof design. Still, for at-sea use these inexpensive portable receivers should do the job.

[Auspicious]

Originally Posted by AfterHoursNLCT

My HF radio is used for Ham. That's why it's a Ham radio but you can receive the WEFAX on it......LL

Agreed. My point-admittedly a digression-related to the use of ham radios that are 'opened' for operation on marine frequencies. They are not type-accepted for such use and their interference with other radios on other boats often makes clear why that is the case.

The use of type-accepted marine HF/SSB radios on ham radio frequencies on the other hand is entirely legal as long as the modification doesn't impact the performance on marine frequencies.

Sore spot for me. Sorry for the knee-jerk reaction.

73 es sail fast, dave KO4MI

[teejayevans]

Originally Posted by estarzinger

We have used a sony for 15 years. Our model is obsolete but the current very similar unit is ICF-SW7600GR.

I agree about the external wire antenna - helps a lot.

Also don't expect to much with regard to weatherfax if/when you are sitting in a marina. There is often a lot of RF noise around which will snow the fax picture.

Also if you are having trouble getting faxes, turn everything on the boat off except the radio (especially all inverters, but including instruments and GPS etc). Often some of these will be producing rf noise. Then you can turn things back on one by one and find any particular culprits.

Don't forget the wind generators, and I second the SW7600GR as a nice piece of equipment.
Tom

[michaelmrc]

has anyone had any experience with the sangean ssb receivers?
one im looking at is this one
ATS-909X [SAN-ATS909X] - $295.00 : Radioworld

[MoonlightSailor]

Is anyone using a MAC platform or (windows on a MAC) and if so, what are you using? Radio, software, etc.....

[AfterHoursNLCT]

Look at this thread; http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ice-60261.html . The JWX software mentioned in the thread has a download for the MAC interface. I downloaded the windows version but haven't tried it yet. The computer won't care what radio you're using......LL

[MoonlightSailor]

Thanks...I think I'll try both JWX and JVComm...and see which works better.

[AfterHoursNLCT]

I have JVComm32 also (Windows Platform) but I haven't used that lately. Seemed to work OK if I remember. Spring is busy around here fixing the winter damage at the marina and prepping the boat on days it doesn't rain......LL

[rodney_k]

Originally Posted by michaelmrc

thanks everyone i was looking at this one Si Tex Nav Fax 200 Single Side Band Reciever its the SI-TEX NAVFAX 200 its definately more expensive but i wonder if its worth it.

I owned one of these a few years back. The radio suffered from poor image rejection to the point it was not usable. Image rejection is a measure of the receiver's resistance to receiving 2 frequencies at once and is inherent in the design of superhet receivers - the most common type.

Looking at the specs for this receiver, image rejection should be good. Perhaps the one I purchased was defective or using it in busy San Francisco Bay simply overloaded the receiver front end.

[maine50]

I had the same bad experience with the sitex receiver- probably the worst purchase I ever made. Tim Tartan 43cb- Northstar-