Do you have an HF SSB or Amateur radio on your boat, or thinking of getting one? Do you want to know how to receive free NOAA Weatherfax images using your iPhone or iPad? If so, Read on!
Weatherfax is an invaluable source of weather condition and forecast information provided for free by NOAA. Different from GRIB file data (like that provided by Windy, PredictWind, etc) because a trained forecaster draws it up using GRIB data, ship observations, buoy data, and more combined with their experience and knowledge of weather forecasting. GRIBs don’t replace Weatherfax any more than Weatherfax could replace GRIBs. They are both valuable sources of information from which you can plan your passages and sailing schedules.
Traditionally, Marine SSB users who wanted to retrieve NOAA Weatherfax at sea used Windows PC’s and one of several software packages like Xaxero Weatherfax 2000 or by using Airmail with a Pactor modem that controls the radio. While this is still the gold standard in weatherfax setups there are many sailors who would like to have the same functionality on their smartphone or tablet. Luckily, the stars have aligned, and the market has produced the two things necessary to make this possible.
First, the software… A company called Black Cat Systems has developed an HF Weather Fax app for iOS and Android devices. To use this software to retrieve a weatherfax, you tune your HF radio to one of the NOAA WX stations at the scheduled time and listen for the fax-like sounds. While running on the phone/tablet, the HP Weather Fax app listens to these sounds via the microphone and decodes the signals into the fax image. The app even has a built-in schedule so you can easily figure out when and what channel you should listen to for a particular image.
You can get the app from the Apple and Google Play stores for $4.99
Ultimately the HF Weather Fax app is pretty easy to use but there is one problem–since the app listens to the radiofax transmission via the phone or tablet’s microphone, you have to hold the device up to your HF radio speaker through the entire broadcast (10-15 minutes) while simultaneously keeping the whole boat quiet to prevent sound interference. This is not an easy task on most boats between engines, generators, wind, waves, and people running amuck. How do we make this better? Well with wires of course… In order to interface with an iPhone, iPad, or even a common Macbook, you need an interface to convert the standard headphone audio jack on the radio into the 4-conductor TRRS connector on the Apple device, and some way to control the audio levels.
The iRig2 attached to my iPhone 6S
Luckily, we find all of this functionality in the iRig2 made by IKMultimedia. Technically a guitar interface for Apple and some Samsung devices, the iRig2 is perfect for this purpose. You connect an audio cable from the radio’s headphone output to the iRig2’s input, then connect the iRig2 to the phone/tablet and launch the app. If the signal is too loud you can adjust it right on the iRig2, then set down your device and let it decode the images without other sounds in the boat interfering with the process.
The iRig2 on Amazon
You can purchase the iRig2 and the necessary audio cable from Amazon. I’ve created a public Amazon wishlist to make it easier to find these items and purchase them.
It’s all pretty slick in the end and great for those who have a tablet as a primary navigation, communications, and weather forecasting rig. You can integrate your HF Radio and NOAA Weatherfax right into the rest of the apps without the additional requirement for a PC, or the added cost of PACTOR modem or satellite phone.
iRig HD 2 for USB and Lightning devices
If you are a Mac user and want to decode weather fax on your Mac, Black Cat Systems also makes Multimode which does the same thing. You can, and probably will need, to use the iRig2 with your Mac just like the iPhone or iPad. If you have a newer iPhone without an earphone jack, there is an iRig2 HD 2 unit which can connect to the lightning port or a USB port (for Windows/Mac).
If you don’t have an HF Radio and are looking for one. Be sure to check out our Icom SSB package which includes everything you need for a DIY install of the best recreational marine SSB radio on the market. If you are wondering what else you can do with an SSB radio, check out this post about why you might need an SSB.
Disclaimer: SeaTech Systems has no relationship with Black Cat Systems or IK Multimedia. We do own and use the software and hardware mentioned in this post with our SSB radio on our own boat. This post is intended to be a guide for how you can use these in conjunction with an HF radio. If you follow the links provided in the text above we may get a small commission from Amazon for your purchases.
ICOM M803 SSB Marine Radio
Class E DSC MF/HF Radio wtih Wide Viewing Angle Color TFT LCD
Reliable Distant Communication Beyond the Horizon
The M803 is the long range digital communication radio for any cruiser. Reach both marine and ham frequencies with the Class E DSC MF/HF certification. It is packed with features to keep users safe such as a distress call button, audio replay, GPS and more. The intuitive interface of the color TFT display and the similarity of the user interface of the M605 allows for easy operation between the two radios. The M803 also includes an advanced RF direct simple sampling system that improves higher receiver sensitivity and higher quality audio.
Output Power:
150W
Frequencies:
0.5-29.99 MHz
Channels:
830 (160 programmable, 72 ITU SSN duplex, 249 ITU SSB simplex, 193 ITU FSK duplex, 160 email)
Waterproof:
IPX7 (controller only)
GPS:
Built-in
Features:
4.3 inch Wide Viewing Angle Color TFT Display
The 4.3 inch color TFT display provides an almost 180 degree very wide viewing angle and displays high resolution characters and function icons. Even when the radio is installed on the instrumental panel, the operator can clearly see the display information from various viewing angles. The night mode display ensures good readability in low light conditions. Integrated speaker eliminates need to install a separate speaker.
Distress Button for Emergency
If in an emergency situation, the large independent Distress button enables you to immediately send
an automated digital Distress signal, with GPS coordinates, to call for help from other ships or coast stations.
Built-in DSC Watch-Keeping Receiver (Class-E DSC)
The dedicated DSC watch-keeping receiver continuously scans the six distress channels in rotation. A total of 100 MMSI num- bers (75 Individual and 25 Group) for DSC calls can be stored with a 10-character ID name. When you receive a DSC call, while you are in process with another DSC call, the IC-M803 can hold both DSC procedures to switch between the DSC calls with the Multiple Task Mode function.
Two Minutes Instant Replay Memory
The Instant Replay function automatically saves the received audio. You can replay the received audio, and not miss any incoming calls.
Advanced RF Direct Sampling System
Received RF signals are directly converted to digital signals and processed in the Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), mak- ing it possible to simplify circuit construction. It also improves receiver sensitivity, and audio clarity over conventional radio systems.
Integrated GPS Receiver
The GPS receiver is integrated into the IC-M803. Your position data, course, speed and UTC data can be received with a simple connection to the supplied GPS
antenna. The position data can be output from the NMEA 0183 output port for use with other devices.
Intuitive User Interface
A combination of the large main dial and software keys at the bottom of the display, provides simple operation and easy access to often used functions. The ten-key pad enables you to smoothly enter channel numbers, MMSI numbers with ID names and so on. In addition, one of software key functions can be as- signed to the microphone’s programmable button for quick access.
Ready for HF E-mail Operation
The IC-M803 can be set to memorize your HF e-mail access frequency, mode and bandwidth setting into the e-mail channels. Up to 160 e-mail frequency channels, and connection terminals for a PC and e-mail modem are available.
Please ask Sea-Tech Systems about E-Mail options
Other Features
150 W (PEP) of powerful RF output
Optional AT-140 automatic antenna tuner (Requires updated OPC1465 Control Cable)
IPX7 waterproof remote controller head
0.5–29.999 MHz continuous receiver coverage
Matching design with the IC-M605 VHF marine transceiver
NMEA 0183 Version 4.10 data input/output (4800–38400 bps)
Built-in voice scrambler function (Availability depends on the version)
Specifications
General
Frequency coverage
Rx
Tx
DSC
500 kHz–29.9999 MHz (Continuous)
1.6–2.9999, 4.0–4.9999, 6.0–6.9999,
8.0–8.9999, 12.0–13.9999, 16.0–17.9999,
18.0–19.9999, 22.0–22.9999, 25.0–27.5000 MHz
2.1875, 4.2075, 6.3120, 8.4145, 12.5770, 16.8045 MHz
Mode
Tx/Rx
DSC
J3E (USB, LSB),
J2B (AFSK),
F1B (FSK),
A1A (CW),
H3E* (AM) (* H3E receive only)
J2B
Antenna impedance
50Ω (unbalanced)
Usable temperature range
-20°C to +55°C, -4°F to +131°F
Frequency stability
Tx/Rx
DSC
±10 Hz (below 29.999 MHz)
±10 Hz
Power supply requirement
13.6V DC ±15% (Negative ground)
Current drain (at 13.6V DC)
Receive
Transmit
Less than 3.0 A (Maximum audio output)
30A (Maximum output power)
Dimensions (Projections not included)
Main unit
Controller
240 × 94 × 238 mm, 9.4 × 3.7 × 9.4 in (W × H × D)
274 × 114 × 86 mm, 10.8 × 4.5 × 3.4 in (W × H × D)
Weight
Main unit
Controller
4.41 kg, 9.7 lb (approximate)
760 g, 1.7 lb (approximate)
Transmitter
Output power
150, 100, 60, 20 W PEP (selectable)
Spurious emissions
Less than -62 dB (Peak output power)
Carrier suppression
More than 40 dB (Peak output power)
Unwanted sideband suppression
More than 55 dB
(Peak output powerwith 1500 Hz AF Input)
Microphone impedance
600Ω
Receiver
Sensitivity at 20 dB SINAD
J3E, A1A
0.5–1.5999 MHz
1.6–1.7999 MHz
1.8–29.9999 MHz
30 dBμV emf
13 dBμV emf
8 dBμV emf
J2B, F1B
1.6–1.7999 MHz
1.8–29.9999 MHz
4 dBμV emf
–1 dBμV emf
H3E
0.5–1.5999 MHz
1.6–1.7999 MHz
1.8–3.9999 MHz
44 dBμV emf
30 dBμV emf
24 dBμV emf
Sensitivity at 10 dB S/N
J3E, A1A
0.5–1.5999 MHz
1.6–1.7999 MHz
1.8–29.9999 MHz
16 dBμV
–1 dBμV
–6 dBμV
J2B, F1B
1.6–1.7999 MHz
1.8–29.9999 MHz
–10 dBμV
–15 dBμV
H3E
0.5–1.5999 MHz
1.6–1.7999 MHz
1.8–3.9999 MHz
30 dBμV
16 dBμV
10 dBμV
DSC Sensitivity (J2B)
6 dBμV emf (at 20 dB SINAD)
–8 dBμV (at 10 dB S/N