WeatherFax

[Sandy]

Bit of an odd request, but hey I am odd.

I have an app that creates a weather fax from shortwave transmissions and wondered if a) anybody does the same and b) have any recommendations for a cheap shortwave radio that can receive 2618.5, 3855, 7880 and 13882.5 kHz?

[BlowingOldBoots]

The Nasa Target HF3W will receive 2618.5, 3855, 7880 and 13882.5 kHz. It also has an output to a laptop where the weather fax, synoptic charts can be produced. IIRC NASA provided software for that, but there is stuff online that can be used, however your own App may work. I have never done it but I do have the Target HF3W which has a built in speaker and picks up all sorts of coms. They come up from time to time on eBay second hand and can still be bought new.

For example https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/388839497265 ... UxyUxQTUPv

[SteveN]

Another option might be an RTL-SDR (software-defined radio) USB dongle, as they cover the frequency range 500 kHz up to 1.75 GHz.

https://www.rtl-sdr.com/about-rtl-sdr/

I use one for receiving AIS on the boat and another for the tyre pressure monitoring sensors on the motorhome.
Not tried weatherfax yet but it appears that some folk use one:

https://youtu.be/b3ahRwH4mDw

[Sandy]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll investigate them.

I refuse to carry a laptop onboard, I like to get away from the Internet while sailing. The tablet is a late addition to the boat and only purchased when both the Hydrographic Office and Imray said that they would no longer publish paper charts. Thankfully, both organisations have changed their minds for the moment.