Conference unifix::sailing

1616.0. "Weather Sources Summary" by HURON::HOLZER () Wed Oct 24 1990 09:30

  While searching the notes file for new sources of weather information,
it was surprising to discover that so few weather sources were documented.
Creation of a summary of my sources seemed like it might be worthwhile,
hopefully others folks will share additional sources of information



VOYAGE PLANNING (Seasonal and regional weather patterns)
_____________________________________________________________________________
World Cruising Routes (by Jimmy Cornell):
  Discusses long term weather patterns and sailing windows.

Pilot Charts:
  Offers typical wind strength vectors by area in a chart format


DEPARTURE PLANNING (3 to 5 day forecasts available from shore) 
________________________________________________________________________________
TELEVISION:
AM Weather (WGBH television):
	This is a 15 minute weather briefing at 0645 Mon through Fri., it 
is aimed at aviation weather, but this is the most comprehensive weather
program around, and marine warnings are shown too. It is probably on many
other public network stations

TELEPHONE:
Marine forecast for New England: (617) 569 3700
	This is basically the VHF forecast available via phone lines

U.S. Weather Service, Logan Airport:
	These folks talk to flyers, they will sometimes talk to sailors.
After dealing with the Canadian Weather Service, and being treated like a real
person (flyer) with custom forecasts, perhaps we sailors should band together
and request that this  service be made available to us.
	I suppose we could get into a discussion of what the government should
or shouldn't pay for. My thought is this.... If flyers are entitled to this
service to minimize risk to equipment and lives, shouldn't ocean voyagers
who also have expensive equipment and lives be entitled to the same service?

Weather Services Corp.:
	Bob Rice down in Bedford MA is a private forecaster who will provide
depature forecasts for your region. This is a service that they charge for.

Canadian Weather Service, Halifax N.S.:
	For those venturing into the Canadian Maritimes, the Canadian Weather
Service has  a marine desk! If you tell them your routing, they will 
advise you of the predicted weather in the routed region for up to four
or five days.

WEATHER UNDER WAY
________________________________________________________________________________
VHF   WX1,2,3 available within 20-40 miles of the coast:

Single Side Band AM Radio:(NVM, Nov. Mike Nov.) U.S. Coast Guard,Portsmouth VA:
 High seas forecast and Gulf Stream locations  broadcasts four reports daily at
 the following times and frequencies: (Will add in a reply to this note)

Weather FAX:
	This can be received with an ordinary SSB radio receiver, however
a decoder and printer are required. ALDEN sells an integrated unit for about
$1K.  I don't know the schedule of broadcasts. Perhaps someone else has it
handy.

Time Stations
	There are a number of advisories associated with the time channels
I will provide a summary in a later reply to this note.

Weather Services Corp:
	Bob Rice down in Bedford MA (as mentioned above) will provide
forecasts for your region while underway if you have a SSB receiver/transmitter
to communicate with him. This is a service that they charge for.

    The National Hurricane Center in Coral Gables FL will also speak with
    you about Carribean weather and major storm developments.  We used them
    prior to a charter when there was a Hurricane floating around down
    there.  They were very helpful.
    
    Brian

For up to date time and frequency see NOAA's book:
	Worldwide  Marine Weather Broadcasts



A Summary of Time and Frequencies follows, however it should be noted that
this information was taken from a source several years old. Get current
information before depending on the summary,typos possible... caveat emptor!


SUMMARY 

ALL TIMES GMT, FREQUENCIES KHz

WWV FORT COLLINS COLORADO 
Double sideband
8 min after hour 	2500 	Synopsis
9 min after hour        5000    Warnings in 45 sec segments
		       10000
		       15000


NVN U.S. Coast Guard Portsmouth VA.
Single Side Band, suppressed carrier
Regions
a N. Atlantic W of 35deg W includ G. of Mexico & Caribbean
b Offshore Waters N of 40 deg N, W of 60 deg W
c Offshore Waters 32 deg N  - 40 deg N, W of 65 deg W
d Offshore Waters SW North Atlantic, G of Mexico & Caribbean


Time 			Freq.		Region

0400			4428.7 		c,d
			6506.4
			8765.4

0530			  do. 		a

1000                      do.		b,c,d

1130,2330		6506.4		a
			8765.4
			13113.2

1600                      do.		b,c,d (+ Gulf Stream Locations)

2200                    8765.4		a
			13113.2
			17307.3

    Does anyone know of software to interface FAX form SSB to a MAC?