6
EXTRA DATA DISPLAYED ON YOUR WEATHERMAN SCREEN
CQ - CQ - CQ is the international code for “Calling all stations.” It means
that all parties are permitted to monitor and use the transmissions which
follow.
RYRYRYR......... is the conventional signal broadcast whilst the transmitter
is ‘at rest’ between messages.
GROUPS of 5 figures with a space in between. This is the coded, abbreviated
form of data being sent to and fro between the transmitter and weather
ships and other reporting stations. It cannot be decoded by Weatherman so
is ignored.
SELECTING THE BEST FREQUENCY
Weatherman’s signal spectrum analyser is a graphic way of determining
which is the best frequency for the present time and location.
From the Standby screen select the signal spectrum screen. The frequency
is shown in the centre of the screen and the area at each side the spectrum
of the signal being received.
Frequency efficiency depends on location and time of day and is indicated
by the heights of the lower and upper sideband pixel columns on either
side of the nominal frequency. The taller and more consistent these columns,
the greater the signal strength and absence of interference. See below.
As a rule of thumb, the lower frequencies are better when you are closer to
Hamburg and at night, or in the early morning.
DDK9 is usually the best ‘all round’ channel and DDK2 or DDH7 when
you are a long way from the transmitting station during daylight.
No signal present, background level, no reception,
Weak signal above background level, Few errors,
Weak signal near background level, many errors,
Strong signal, Good copy, no errors,