[iquik]

Next year I am going to sail the FastNet Race. This means I will not be in reach of GSM or UMTS signals. I normally use these to download GRIB files over the internet.

Does anybody know if there are other ways to get access to GRIB files on the Mac, apart from expensive satellite phones?

Igor

[jagasail]

Well, there's an expensive ssb install, but I doubt that's what you want. A lot of weather data (weather faxes and text such as Navtex transmissions) can be downloaded directly from the hf broadcasts using an inexpensive portable ssb radio, and a program like those that Black Cat Systems sells:

http://www.blackcatsystems.com/software/...deOSX.html

Black Cat has a lot of info on doing this on their site, including links to schedules. Only other thing needed is a simple patch cord between the radio's earphone jack and your Mac's microphone jack. Downside is you must be tuned in at the exact transmission time to get it. no second chance or on request.

You might find it more practical to simply rent a sat phone for the duration of the trip.

Scot

Ps - I'm not aware of any grib transmissions over hf or ssb
Pps - Blackcat also has some nice aps for doing the same on an iPad.

[iquik]

Thanks:-) I was aware of MultiMode. My goal is GRIB via SSB, but I haven't seen solutions yet.

Thanks for the tip of renting a sat phone.

Igor

[larryr]

Winlink has a GRIB reader and an easy way to subscribe to an area for periodic file downloads by pactor modem. Ham license required. Sailmail may have a similar set up using their marine band service.