For racers, having the latest weather maps and long range forecasts can mean the difference between winning and losing. For those cruising or on blue water passages, it could mean avoiding a potentially dangerous storm or keeping in a wind pattern.

At Southampton Boat Show, ICS is launching new interfaces for its FAX6 weather facsimile software. FAX6 enables anyone with an SSB radio and a PC to receive the most up to date local and long range weather forecasts. These new interfaces mean that users can set up the ICS FAX6 programme to automatically tune compatible SSB radios in to the correct radio stations at the right time to receive the weather forecasts and charts.

When the weather information is received, the embedded sound card in the PC decodes the messages, and the ICS windows-based software automatically places the most up to date information on the PC screen. Previous weather data is then filed away in a folder.

One of the main advantages of the ICS FAX6 software is that it has been specifically written for marine use, and is easy to use and simple to install. The software operates in the background, so that weather data is automatically received and stored on the PC, even if the PC is being used at the time for other purposes, such as navigating or chart plotting. FAX6 provides an on screen tuning indicator for precise receiver tuning, automatic signal tracking and a time scheduler for automatic un-attended reception.

ICS has incorporated the latest in advanced Digital Signal Processing techniques to enable even the weakest of signals to be tracked, ensuing high quality weather information from around the world.

The ICS FAX6 weather facsimile software is supplied on PC CD-ROM and cost £140.00 exc VAT.
Receiver interface unit are specific to the type of SSB radio used, prices start at £ 42.00 exc VAT.

Editors: please note this press release can be accessed and downloaded directly from our electronic press room at http://www.adpr.co.uk

Further information from ICS Electronics Ltd, Unit V, Rudford Industrial Estate, Ford, Arundel, West Sussex, BN18 0BD. Telephone: +44 (0) 1903 731101, Fax: +44 (0) 1903 731105, email: sales@icselectronics.co.uk

Further press information is available from ADPR LTD, 2 North Street Workshops, Stoke-sub-Hamdon, Somerset, TA14 6QR. Tel: +44 (0) 1935 826451, Fax: +44 (0) 1935 826551, email: alice@adpr.co.uk