Weather fax or GRIB files with Sony SW7600GR to Dell Latitude D630

[austinrick]

I've basically copied and pasted this from a post I made at the Yahoo Sony SW-7600GR radio group:

I hope someone can supply some distilled, easy for newbie to understand summary of how to use the SSB function on my radio to pull in weather fax/files and display on my laptop? My area will be up and down the Atlantic coast out to Bahamas, T&C.

Is a certain type of cable required from radio earphone jack to laptop mic jack? Mono audio?

Does one freeware program work better than others? Recommendations? 1-2-3 advice to make it work.

It's my understanding that the free programs allow receive and display function, but not print; I'm okay with that.

What simple, basic step-by-step procedure would get me started?


-thanks for your patient help

p.s. I am overwhelmed by the volume and density of the information I get just surfing the web. grib.us; OpenCPN; all the links and info at NOAA leave me in overload.

[ka4wja]

Rick,
Dave on Auspicious, and el Pingunio, gave you pretty good info....and please look at Dave's step-by-step instructions in this posting here...
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ml#post1797412

Originally Posted by austinrick

I hope someone can supply some distilled, easy for newbie to understand summary of how to use the SSB function on my radio to pull in weather fax/files and display on my laptop? My area will be up and down the Atlantic coast out to Bahamas, T&C.

What simple, basic step-by-step procedure would get me started?

And, please have a look at these videos here, where you'll get a great overview of what you get and how you get it!!
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...zdjTJjHlChruyY


FYI, not sure how much I mention GRIB files in the videos, but please understand that, unlike Wefax charts, these GRIB's are raw computer model data, with no human interaction / interpretation at all...and they are not broadcast on-the-air, but are only available for download/request, so you cannot get them on a "receive only" system...

Originally Posted by austinrick

p.s. I am overwhelmed by the volume and density of the information I get just surfing the web. grib.us; OpenCPN; all the links and info at NOAA leave me in overload.

Besides, you have easy / free access to the "Gold Standard" of marine weather....the US NWS/NOAA wefax charts, etc...

As for where to get the info / figure out how the stuff works....
Dave gave you good info in his post, and I'm referring you to the videos and the specific links here....
This should help you out..
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ml#post1797412

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

Boston Radiofax Schedule with Links

New Orleans Radiofax Schedule with Links

USCG HF Voice



And, lastly....please understand that eliminating / reducing on-board RFI (Radio Frequency Interference), aka "radio noise" and "static" on-board, is going to seriously improve your reception of all weather info/forecasts...
And, for info about that, etc. please have a look at the references / links here in this thread..
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...tc-133496.html



Fair winds..

John

[austinrick]

Thanks, John, for a wealth of information! I took Auspicious' (I assume that's Dave) info regarding mono/stereo connections to heart. RS has the cable and adapter I'll need.

I suspect once I get plugged in and try it, a lot of the mystery will disappear.

I'll spend some time with your links this afternoon.

Rick
KM4-DLC