If you're going off long distance cruising, and are looking at ways of getting lots of weather information on board without spending lots of money on satellite phone links, Marine Electronic Services Ltd could have the answer.
The company is introducing the new Wetterbox WIB-Europe weather receiver at this year's Southampton Boat Show. The compact device receives signals (transmitted free of charge) from the Navtex, RTTY and HF-FAX weather stations and connects to a PC or laptop to display the data in a normal internet browser program.
It also features a slot for MMC/SD memory cards (like the ones used in many digital cameras) so that data can be viewed on any device suitable for these formats, such as TVs and PDAs.
This new unit follows the Navtex-only WIB2 box, introduced earlier this year. In addition to Navtex, WIB-Europe addition also allows reception of HF fax weather data and RTTY synoptic weather information, which gives a 2 - 5 day forecast around popular European and Mediterranean destinations.
The device requires onboard installation, connection to a DC power source (power consumption is about 1w) and a suitable short wave antenna. A compact 60cm active rod antenna is available as an option.
HF weather fax maps give a detailed synoptic chart which needs interpretation by the user but allows sophisticated forecasting. Navtex provides plain English weather and navigation reports with both the 490 and 518KHz frequencies monitored. RTTY provides a detailed 2 - 5 day forecast with wind, pressure, temperature and swell information.
There's also a built-in barometric pressure sensor so your PC can display an accurate 7-day history of pressure trends. There's no need for an internet connection and the unit will happily receive data without a permanent PC connection.
This weather and navigation data is also available free of charge and without subscription. Navtex has a range of up to about 400NM offshore whilst HF fax provides global weather charts even while on ocean passage.
The WIB-Europe costs £449 including VAT and the active antenna is a further £100 if a suitable insulated stay or antenna is not available.
For further information visit
www.mesltd.co.uk
