weatherfax software

[Fulvio]

all right, I think I'm going to skip the SSB for now.

I found this company (http://www.ocens.com/cgi-bin/catalog/prod_page.pl?grp=software) that sells some remarkable software (and other marine weather related services).  You plug the audio output from an HF radio into the line-in of a laptop, and it will download weatherfax charts for you.  Looks great, only drawback:  $239  :)

Fulvio Casali
Seattle WA
Soliton
#929 (1989)

[rdavison]

You're right.  There is lots of free or low cost software avalable.  Here are two sites with many programs and instructions on how to set up the interface between the ssb xcvr and computer.  By the way, you can get acceptable results with a YachtBoy 400 or equivalent so it's not necessary to own an expensive ssb xcvr to receive weatherfax.

http://www.hffax.de/
http://www.muenster.de/~welp/sb.htm#rtty

Yes, they are in Germany but are also in English!

I've personally used mixw 32, jvcomm32, and wxsat.  If I remember correctly, wxsat is the easiest to use.  Also, several of these work with the SCS ptc IIe modem that many of us use with Sailmail or Airmail.

Finally, from your comment about putting off the ssb, you must have received some advice not to go for it - or maybe it was price.  I think I remember you asking about solar panels for use in Mexico?  If that's the case, you might consider getting your ham license.  Then you can buy a used tranceiver for $400, a used ptc IIe for $500 and stay in touch with friends and family by e-mail - not to mention all the hams you'll come across cruising.  The Manana net awaits you!

Checking into the ham nets every night and meeting up with the many other ham cruisers has become one of the more enjoyable parts of our cruises from Anacortes to Desolation Sound and points north - not to mention a safety net since cell phone coverage is spotty away from cities.  the amateur radio boating community has the same feel as the C34 site - all the help and support you can use.

Randy Davison  k7voe

[jentine]

Fulvio,
Randy is right on the money concerning a ham rig for cruisers.  You can get your ham license in several days at the Atlantic City Boat Show in February thorough the Gordon West classes there.  Several years ago, he also offered this course at the Oakland Show.  The classes are supported by Sail Magazine and the ad can be found on page 73 of the November issue of Sail.
You can register for the class by calling 714-549-5000.  I would assume that you could get information on other classes by calling Gordon.

Jim Kane K1BBC ;)

[Fulvio]

Thanks for the info, I will look for Sail magazine and the ad about ham license classes.

Right, I'm putting off the purchase of an SSB xcvr because of cost.  I can't justify that expense right now, considering a $1500 price, plus the antenna and what not.

Where should I look for the used transceivers and modems that you think I can find for around $400/500?

Fulvio Casali
Seattle WA
Soliton
#929 (1989)

[rdavison]

Fulvio,

Here's one site that offers used gear for sale:

http://www.k1dwu.net/hamtrader/

A quick search here turned up an Icom IC-735 and AH-2 autotuner for $500.  This was the first rig and tuner I used on our boat before I bought a newer and smaller IC-706.  I'm sure you can find one of the newer rigs by searching over time.

I couldn't find a used SCS ptc IIe modem in a quick search tonight. New ones are $695.  I found one for $495 a year ago but they are more popular now.  I think one could be turned up by persistent searching.

There are many ham buying and selling sites and a huge pool of used equipment so finding the right rig and accessories will yield to searching and time.  The other hams on this site and I can help you sort the wheat from the chaff.

Recommend you start on the licensing process and work on equipment in parallel.  I'll dig up some more sites when I have more time.

Here is the SCS modem site:

http://www.scs-ptc.com/

Here is the Airmail home page.  Digging through this will tell you a lot about ham e-mail.

http://www.airmail2000.com/index.htm

Here are three marine ham net web sites.  The first and second are for northwest nets that I use.  the third is for the Manana net and also lists other socal and Mexican nets.  These will give you a feel for ham radio and boating.
 
http://www.islandnet.com/~dsfa/bcboatersnet.html

http://www.toandos.com/nwbn.html

http://www.geocities.com/TheTropics/3989/index.html

Keep us posted on your progress and needs.  Also, since you are local to me we can get together to discuss it or do a demo.

Randy Davison  k7voe

[Fulvio]

wow!  awesome links and information!
Thanks!

I will email you, I'd love to discuss the topic and see a demo.

I will also post updates with future progress.

Fulvio Casali
Seattle WA
Soliton
#929 (1989)