The Offshore Voyaging Reference Site

Tips For Receiving GRIBs

JHH5II-13718-Edit

We now use an Iridium GO! with unlimited data for all weather product downloads including weatherfax, so most of what we do, and recommend, has changed from what I write about below.

That said, the system we detail in this chapter will still be of use to those who decide to stick with an Iridium handset without unlimited data, or an SSB radio with PACTOR modem.


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viv

The GRIB charts are really useful, not only for the sailor but the recreational aviator (the next best thing to sailing!). Since you introduced the GRIBs on your website, I have used them to get an idea of the low/high areas and wind strengths as they approach Eastern Scotland. Helps in deciding when to fly during the coming week or at least have a chance of getting up in the air.

Dick Stevenson

I would want readers to be aware that all of the above functions (with the possible exception of advancing the boat along course – I will look into that cool function) can be accomplished through SSB connections. Sailmail is the commercial end with a very modest fee and deserves the support John suggested. Airmail/Winlink is the Amateur Radio (Ham) network, is free, has (within a reasonable cruiser’s needs) virtually unlimited download time, and has a huge array of weather downloads (such as weather faxes which often come through much clearer than a direct fax through SSB). With lots of download time (as opposed to Sailmail), download sizes are dictated by propagation quality and the proximity of good land stations. Virtually all my weather needs were met by Winlink for 8 years living aboard. The last couple years internet (Med & Atlantic coast) has become so accessible that the SSB is more relegated to offshore passage use. I have no experience in the very high latitude use of Sailmail/Airmail but there has only been a few days over all the years that I have been unable to get weather because of propagation or other problems. Regular use of SSB also keeps one competent in the event of an emergency. I would like to underline also the accomplishments of Stan Honey & Jim Corenman. It is volunteers such as these who put their minds to a problem that make the cruising community the wonder that it is.

Claudia

We have been sailing the waters of Northern Norway since June 2011, wintering at 70°N. I am using Winlink/Airmail via my ham radio on a daily basis to download the GRIBs, get emails, and send our position reports with no problems. If I am not able to make contact right away (because of propagation or northern lights) I try again later in the day; it has always worked out so far to get the data, even though I always request the GRIBs for almost the whole northern Atlantic to see what’s coming. All at no cost, except a bit of electricity. Also, there are some very professional working sailing-nets run by ham operators who are happy to provide us with very detailed weather information.

Dick Stevenson

It has been 5 to 6 years since I sailed waters (Central America, Eastern Caribbean, Bahamas, U.S. East Coast) where a call to the USCG was likely to get a response but, when in those waters, once or twice a year I would put out a call on their emergency frequencies (4, 6, 8, 12 megs according to time of day and likely propagation) and I always got a nice polite response. Not carrying a sat phone, the USCG and the Ham Mobile Maritime net (manned many hours a day and monitored almost 24/7 by many Hams) were my 1st attempt at communication. Please note that in an emergency, non-Hams can use the Ham frequency without problem. If the CG has become as lax as you suspect, and I very much hope they have not, then the MM net would be my 1st choice. They are set up to handle emergencies and contact the CG.

BTW, the CG is not most easily contacted on 2 megs. As a safety channel it is relatively useless and this has been recognized for years. Probably a decade ago the CG started monitoring the freqs I mentioned earlier and those are where I reached them with ease. They monitor 2 of those 4 freqs 24/7, changing as propagation changes. I would share the specific freq numbers, but I am concerned about giving out safety data that I have not confirmed for years. They can be easily obtained on their web site.

Dick Stevenson

John, I will share another concern that spins off your reply. I have heard the same comments (among others) repeated by many who shy away from the learning curve of using SSB, marine or Ham, and head off shore with only a Sat Phone. They contend that SSB is outdated and all can be accomplished with a sat phone. Your supposition about the CG turning the volume down, if true, is lamentable and, if not true, may further push those on the fence to reject SSB. In many parts of the world, the best routing and weather data often comes from “amateurs” on SSB. The “party phone” aspects of developing and maintaining a wonderful feel in the cruising community should not be ignored as well as many other advantages to SSB competency.