Decoding NavTex with an SDRplay RSPDx, SDRUno and YanD
Over on YouTube TechMinds has uploaded a new video explaining NavTex and showing how to decode it with an HF capable SDR like the SDRplay RSPDx. NavTex is a marine digital data radio service designed for transmitting information like navigational and meteorological warnings, weather forecasts and maritime safety information. It is broadcast in either the MW frequency band at 490 kHz and 518 kHz or in the HF band at 4209.5 kHz.
In the video TechMinds uses a guide put out by Mike Ladd from SDRplay (pdf warning). The guide explains how to connect SDRuno to a NavTex decoder called YanD via a virtual audio cable. The rest of the video shows a NavTex message being decoded, some sample messages, and a closer look at YanD.
Even if you don't use an SDRplay, the guide could be adapted for other SDRs too.
Does anyone ever use that search box in the windows 10 task bar?
Great article. You can also use a RTL-SDR dongle with an up-converter to receive NAVTEX. I use the RTL-SDR.com v.3 with a Nooelec up-converter, VB cable, SDR# and YanD (Yet Another NAVTEX Decoder) to decode NAVTEX on 518 kHz. What’s nice is you can let YanD run overnight and in the morning see all the NAVTEX texts recorded on the screen. Here on the NE coast of USA the 518 frequency is pretty active after dark. Not much heard on 489 though. Also found that Sitor-B decoders for the most part can decode NAVTEX.
When listening on 518 kHz tune down to 516 kHz for the YWA beacon (Petawawa, ON); it comes in quite regularly here.
Didn’t know about the 4209.5 kHz frequency though. Thanks for the tip.
Thanks Carl and Mike for posting.