HF WeatherFax images over HF Radio

In this video we demonstrate Android based, HF Weather Fax reception, using an HF SSB radio, and an Android app.
WeatherFax (also known as Radiofax or HF Fax) is a method of transmitting monochrome weather charts and images over HF radio.
Weatherfax works similarly to fax technology, scanning line by line and encoding that information, before being transmitted over HF radio.
Obtained through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration transmitter stations, Weatherfax is used to disseminate weather and climate data to shipping where the internet and phone access is limited.
#radiofax #weatherfax #hffax Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

[@OH8STN]

In this video we demonstrate Android based, HF Weather Fax reception, using an HF SSB radio, and an Android app. - HF Weather Fax App Google Play store play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wolphi.wefax&hl=en - HF Weather Fax in Amazon Appstore www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00JBIIDEM/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=B00JBIIDEM&linkCode=as2&tag=survnord-21&linkId=GEBPF22VHR3ERFON - WolphiLink www.wolphi.com/interface/ - End Fed Antenna www.crosscountrywireless.net/end_fed_antenna.htm - Sample audio file www.survivaltechnology.net/wp-content/wxfax/HFWXFAX_2014-12-01_10-15.wav

[@OH8STN]

I received a question about having the audio waveform in the video. Being new to HF Weather Fax, Im not familiar with variations in incoming audio versus image quality. I certainly know from a waveform if audio levels are too low or too high. Watching the waveform in real-time, allows me the opportunity to find the "sweet spot" for the perfect recording. Then, when I share the wefax audio with my viewers and subscribers, it too will be a perfect image. Thanks for watching

[@wolfgangphilipps]

Fantastic Video ! Thanks Julian

[@OH8STN]

No problem Wolfgang

[@OH8STN]

thanks Wolfgang, that means very much!

[@OH8STN]

Everything going on in this video was done within Android OS, running on a Samsung Galaxy Tab and Samsung Galaxy S4. The radio can be any SSB HF radio, but as is always the case, I used my bugout radio.

[@californiakayaker]

Bravo. This being a few years later, I have picked up a Win10/Android dual os tablet and hope to do this. I'll have to check with Delos and see how theirs has held up . Also, the uBITX radio is $109 and even has a transmitter, full coverage of all HF bands, 12v, you add a box. hfsignals.com Ashhar Farhan is the owner of this company.

[@californiakayaker]

I did not see much about the connections between the radio and android. My experience so far leads me to believe that the simple microphone in from radio speaker method may be lacking. A "modem" or direct connection via some sort of isolation transformer at minimum might really help. I've got to try a Rigblaster plus or nomike. and I have one of each. Whats been your experience with that ?

[@OH8STN]

If you're interested in a Apple perspective Marcus sent me a link to his blog about HF Weather fax. nx5mk.blogspot.fi/2014/02/weather-charts-via-hf.html Marcus Kessler

[@RESlusher]

Another great video, SurvivalTechNord! It's always good to add another tool to the toolbox! Have you thought about anything with SSTV or RMS Express (WinLink)?

[@OH8STN]

Richard Slusher Hi Richard thanks for commenting. SSTV is on the todo list. Im always using tools for Android, keeping gear simple and portable. That said, there isnt always good tools to play with on mobile operating systems. Im also tryibg to promote the idea of using Android for survival comms, leaving Windows at home or in the office. I'll get started on SSTV this week.

[@RESlusher]

Yeah, the laptop I'm using with my station-in-a-box is running FLDigi which can do WEFAX mode. I haven't messed with it though. I'm using my iPad and an Easy-Digi interface as an alternate means to gather info. I've got SSTV, RTTY, PSK-31 and now WEFAX apps on it. It's always good to have a backup plan! :)

[@CroPrepper]

I got interested in DigiModes lately and this is very valuable knowledge. Thanks for taking time to make this video and sharing! 73 PS: Do you know a reliable site with frequencies for weather fax?

[@danielvhebert99]

OH8STN Is there any specific radio settings i need to be able to do this? Im running an FT-891 currently. Thanks KB1ZLX

[@OH8STN]

Absolutely not. Weather fax is the same as any mode. Perhaps I can do a short video on decoding weather fax with the ft-891.

[@danielvhebert99]

@@OH8STN Figured it out yesterday, signals were weak and had to use the DNR to eliminate some noise. The only odd thing is that if I tune to 1.9khz below the posted freq the signal is noticibly weaker. I love this radio!

[@foxman362]

would this work on kenwood ts520S i know it hads 20m it hads cw on it it's older radio from 1970's.