HF weather broadcasts, & DMS, revisited
When I first mentioned the USCG’s need to replace its HF weather radios, I had a hard time getting into the Document Management System (DMS) where any us can make a comment or see other people’s comments. Well, apparently some 900 folks did figure out DMS, and the vast majority of them are asking the government to spent the four million dollars it will take to replace 20 transmitters. I learned this from Joe Hersey’s rec.boats.electronics post and there’s also a new NavCen page on the subject. There are 10 more days to make comments, and the USCG would like more, but neither of those references tell you how to find your way around http://dms.dot.gov/. The magic Docket ID/Number is 27656. Entering that in “Simple Search” or “Comment/Submissions” will get you to the HF Weather issue. Yes, it seems a little nuts that the government is going to all this trouble about a piddly 4 million (especially considering Iraq), but wouldn’t it be a shame to lose HF weather broadcasts?
yes must be me. i am interested in the ”Tender tracker” that was listed here. supplier and hardware contributers fail to get back with info. Economy is down everyone is hiring ‘sales people’ seeking ‘magic’. Yet no one is pro-active. Inovative or even awake. All marine suppliers should be adding and ‘pushing’ ‘Toys’ the Mega wealthy will see and desire. explain how they work , what is needed ”and how much fun they would be to use” all i see from suppliers is boring. Add some ‘Sparkle’ maybe they only buy a thru hull but they tell thier Wealthy contacts what wonders they know. Tender Tracker could be added to a cute little product( http://www.stcroixboat.org ) making it even more fun.
Jack Rabbit scooped you Ben! He reports that Furuno says “On February 7th 2008, after a lengthy public comment period and detailed impact assessment study, the USCG has decided to continue transmitting High-Frequency Radio Broadcasts of NWS Marine Weather Forecasts indefinitely.” GOOD NEWS AND THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO TOOK THE TIME AND TROUBLE TO COMMENT!
Hey Terry,
Actually I did mention the news a while back…but probably should have made more of it. It seemed like silly small $$$ relative to other Federal expenditures, but it certainly was good that so many boaters spoke up.
Check the entry for more good news about eLoran (and confirmation that the USCG can be crafty!):
https://panbo.com/archives/2008/02/eloran_game_on.html