Offshore weather

[hoppy]

Originally Posted by Omatako

Be aware the Iridium 9505A does not have data capability without a whole lot of expensive (at least I think so) add-ons like RS232 interfaces etc. if you want data capability, get a 9555. More expensive to buy but cheaper in the long run.

We have a 9505A on board but it is only for keeping in touch with family occasionally or for emergency comms. To convert for data is for us, not an option.

You just need the serial 9505A adapter and a serial to USB and then you have the same connectability as a 9555 or 9575.

I ended up getting the 9575

[Omatako]

Originally Posted by hoppy

You just need the serial 9505A adapter and a serial to USB and then you have the same connectability as a 9555 or 9575.

That I knew - have you priced these? Your 9575 would have been a financially better deal. IIRC the serial adapter is US$195. We have chosen not to bother.

[hoppy]

Not so bad

NEW Data Internet Connector FOR Motorola Iridium 9505A Satellite Phone | eBay

Data Internet Connector FOR Motorola Iridium 9500 AND 9505 Satellite Phone | eBay

And the serial to USB cable can be got cheap if you look around

https://www.radioshack.com/products/...ant=5717179013

[hoppy]

Originally Posted by Omatako

That I knew - have you priced these? Your 9575 would have been a financially better deal. IIRC the serial adapter is US$195. We have chosen not to bother.

The price difference between the 9505A & 9555 is so minimal, so even if you can get serial/USB gear for the prices I found, it is probably better to get the 9555 anyway.

[sneuman]

Originally Posted by boatman61

I have a notebook CP program and a GPS puck for open water but coastal I use paper and MK1 in the main.
If I lose power then my passage chart, speed/depth log and DR is good enough to get me to the general area I want to be then.. its X bearings to get to port..
So far.. So good..!! as the Jumper said passing each floor..

Thanks Zee.. but there's better sailors than me by the hundreds here.. I just know how to get across...

How distracting for you!

[sneuman]

I worked for years in a job that was about processing often contradictory information very quickly to determine what was useful and accurate and what was not. I would rather have several information streams that can be compared and contrasted. For weather, that means at a minimum, GRIBs and a pro (Chris Parker, when he's available). It's a combination that has worked quite well for me.

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by sneuman

How distracting for you!

Sigh..!! I know..
But such is life these days.. folks need the variety of TV screens to cope with the short attention spans many folk seem to have these days..

[GMN]

Originally Posted by bill99

Hi,the answer to my question is probably in here already,but being new here, I do not know where to look.
Going offshore in a sailing boat.What is the cheapest,most reliable way to get weather information.Thank you in advance.

Hi,
This is Topher from Global Marine Networks.

Global Marine Networds has free weather solutions for every level of sailor – from weekend cruisers to full time commercial fishermen. We now offer a free version of PredictWind PredictWind Marine Weather and Wind Forecasting Software | GMN that is upgradable with every XGate Satellite Email subscription or as a stand alone service.

We also have an incredibly popular free GRIB file service that has been used by thousands of sailors for more than a decade.

FREE GRIB Files from GMN Marine Weather Services

[bill99]

I want to thank everyone for their contributions. Very helpful.

[Pelagic]

Originally Posted by sneuman

I worked for years in a job that was about processing often contradictory information very quickly to determine what was useful and accurate and what was not. I would rather have several information streams that can be compared and contrasted. For weather, that means at a minimum, GRIBs and a pro (Chris Parker, when he's available). It's a combination that has worked quite well for me.

Totally agree Sneuman....
Weather forecasting is the science of "variables" and an intelligent sailor compares every model available to achieve a long range con census of what will develop along his route. Otherwise it is just crisis management even if you are an accomplished meteorologist who can read the local developments.

The facts are....you don't have the changing upper level data at sea to appreciate the steering influences to position yourself in the most comfortable quadrant of a developing system.

On ocean passages, I have many times altered course days ahead of a wandering intersecting system, based on data not observable to me at sea.

What Boatie suggest is simply bravado and not advised unless you are addicted to adventures delivering other people's boats...

Personally....I am happy with SSB borne wx data if I can collect more than one data base model.

[boatman61]

[QUOTE=Pelagic;2111574]
What Boatie suggest is simply bravado and not advised unless you are addicted to adventures delivering other people's boats...
QUOTE]

Bravado...??
Maybe..
But I've yet to sink or abandon a boat in 40yrs of ownership and deliveries..

[transmitterdan]

Originally Posted by Pelagic

What Boatie suggest is simply bravado and not advised unless you are addicted to adventures delivering other people's boats...

It ain't braggin' if it's true...

Boatie knows more about sailing across oceans and reading weather patterns than 99.9% of the members here. He could teach each of us a lot. Expensive technology is alright but knowing how to use your own eyes and brain is priceless. So my advice is to listen to what he says. It's based on experience over many years.

[Pelagic]

This isn't about Boatie or his groupie following, but about advising another sailor about budget ways to get weather intelligence offshore.

There are many professional mariners on this forum who transit oceans in all seasons. I doubt that any of them would advocate ignoring the opportunity to receive regular weather updates.

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by transmitterdan

It ain't braggin' if it's true...

Boatie knows more about sailing across oceans and reading weather patterns than 99.9% of the members here. He could teach each of us a lot. Expensive technology is alright but knowing how to use your own eyes and brain is priceless. So my advice is to listen to what he says. It's based on experience over many years.

Thanks mate.. but to everyone else..
Just use what's best for You.. some folks will 'get it'.. some will not.. but this covers a range of subjects/trades.
I don't claim infallibility in any form, I just prefer to trust me.. that's why I hate being a passenger.. cars, boats or planes..
Also... Don't forget the personality behind the posts... so take it all with a pinch of salt..

I could just be winding you up..

Pelagic.. one thing you may have noticed.. or not..
I say what I do and do not do.. I never say its the only way.
I stated I'm dumping my SSB and drew some sarcasm so 'Game On'...

[hoppy]

Originally Posted by boatman61

I don't claim infallibility in any form

Noooooo don't say that, that is one of the key beliefs of the cult of boatie followers. What's next? You will try to tell us that you are not omnipresent?


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