Weather Forecast Downloading From SSB

[Island Breeze]

Hello

We are live aboard sailing in the Caribbean, and so would like to download weather wind direction & strength "forecasts" (not info requiring meteorology background to interpret), from our SSB to our Laptop/windows 7. Can anyone recommend simple software, cable connections, etc for accomplishing this?

Thanks
K

[Greg4cocokai]

If you have internet, we use a program called ugrib. Gives you grib files for several days for your chosen area. Easy to use and FREE. Otherwise you need a pactor modem and Sailmail.

[Bluemansailor]

Originally Posted by Greg4cocokai

If you have internet, we use a program called ugrib. Gives you grib files for several days for your chosen area. Easy to use and FREE. Otherwise you need a pactor modem and Sailmail.

NOT true Greg- here's a great thread about downloading all types of weather faxes onto your computer directly from your SSB no need for a modem. Also now available to do on tablets

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...rts-12338.html

[belizesailor]

A number of programs available to do this with no PACTOR modem required.

I've used Xaxero for years.

As suggested, see past threads...just about every option is discussed.

[Jim Cate]

Folks, he is asking about text weather forecasts, NOT wefax charts.

The Navtex advice is good for Europe, but I'm not sure if this service is available in the Caribe, which is where he is located.

So, listen up to the OP and see if anyone has the answer to his actual question!

Jim

[Greg4cocokai]

Originally Posted by Bluemansailor

NOT true Greg- here's a great thread about downloading all types of weather faxes onto your computer directly from your SSB no need for a modem. Also now available to do on tablets



http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...rts-12338.html

Sorry, I thought he was looking for something easier than weather faxes. I guess I need to do less sailing and update my knowledge base.

[Garrettw]

NOAA's HF offshore forecast covers the Caribbean. Not sure what zone you are in but you can learn more here: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/marine/hfvoice.htm


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[Island Breeze]

Thanks everyone. Yes, I am looking for a "several day forecast" (wind direction, wind strength for various times during each day), for the specific area I happen to be traveling thru. Since the only way to get internet everywhere is an expensive sat phone, I was hoping to download a forecast via SSB?

[Auspicious]

Originally Posted by Island Breeze

We are live aboard sailing in the Caribbean, and so would like to download weather wind direction & strength "forecasts" (not info requiring meteorology background to interpret), from our SSB to our Laptop/windows 7.

Originally Posted by Island Breeze

Yes, I am looking for a "several day forecast" (wind direction, wind strength for various times during each day), for the specific area I happen to be traveling thru. Since the only way to get internet everywhere is an expensive sat phone, I was hoping to download a forecast via SSB?

Weather fax is probably the best way to go. You don't need to be a meteorologist to get value from the lows, highs, and fronts on synoptic charts. Weather fax products include specific wind and wave forecasts.

One minor vocabulary issue - you won't so much be downloading (which implies a connection for e-mail or the Internet) as receiving (like listening to any other radio station).

This is simple and inexpensive. Google for rfax.pdf for the document that lists all stations, schedules, and products. Get a shortwave receiver that can receive SSB. A Kaito KA-1103 is a good example that should be available for less than $100. Use an external antenna (a hunk of wire hauled up into the rigging is fine). A patch cable from the stereo headphone jack on the radio to the mono mic input on your laptop and free software (Google JVCOMM32) and you'll be set. In the foreward of rfax.pdf is an important note on frequency adjustment (subtract 1900 kHz from the listed frequency to adjust for the difference between FSK and SSB).

For a total of $150 or less you'll have a very decent capability that will also allow you to listen to marine and ham nets in the Caribbean.