Some clarification might be in order. WXFax can be received in 2 ways.
Strictly speaking, to receive a weather fax all you need is a radio receiver, no
license, no modem. At the scheduled time you tune the receiver to the correct frequency, connect the audio of the receiver into your laptop microphone input, and your laptop decodes the fax. The receiver could be an SSB radio, or a
cheap radio like Ryban talks about.
The second way, which utilizes 2-way communication, the
pactor modem, and does require a license, is that you setup Sailmail or another similar SSB
email service. You then make a request for a fax by emailing saildocs, and saildocs will email you the fax.
The second way, aside from needing the more expensive SSB radio, modem, and a license, allows you to receive a fax when it is convenient for you, instead of you needing to standby and receive it when it is broadcast. It also provides a clear fax with no distortions or missing pieces, as will often happen because of
interference or poor
reception during a scheduled broadcast.
So, you need to decide what way you choose to receive it. If the first way take a look at
https://www.dxzone.com/catalog/Softw...ather_and_FAX/
or a newer more modern program:
https://www.blackcatsystems.com/soft...ather_fax.html
If you want the second way (which is far superior IMHO) then you need to look into Sailmail or it's alternatives. Winlink is free, and will
work for what you need. Both require a license, Sailmail a Ships Station License, and Winlink a HAM license.
The connector you are looking at on you modem is a DB9
RS232 port. There are
cheap adapters to convert that to USB. There shouldn't be any issue connecting it to a modern laptop.
https://www.cdw.com/product/tripp-li...122006?pfm=srh