Marine Weather Fax
FURUNO
New product
Manufacturer: FURUNO Electric Co., Ltd.
Country of Origin: Japan
Model: FAX-408
Product Type: Marine Weather Facsimile Receiver
Receiver Frequency: MF/HF 2.0000–24.99999 MHz
Reception Mode: F3C
Channels: 314 total – 150 preset + 164 user-programmable
Recording System: Electronic scanning thermal head
Recording Paper: 216 mm × 20 m thermal paper
Power Supply: 12–24 VDC
Marine Application: Reception and printing of radiofacsimile weather charts and meteorological information at sea.
FURUNO currently classifies the FAX-408 as “No Longer Available,” but continues to provide official manuals, drawings and parts information for the model.
The FURUNO FAX-408 Weather Facsimile Receiver is a dedicated marine radiofax receiver designed to receive and automatically print meteorological charts transmitted by coastal and international weather-fax stations.
Before broadband satellite internet became common aboard commercial vessels, weather facsimile was one of the most practical methods for ships to obtain graphical weather information while offshore. The FAX-408 provides a self-contained solution: it receives MF/HF radiofax signals and reproduces the transmitted chart directly on thermal paper.
The equipment is particularly recognizable by its integrated 216 mm thermal chart printer, LCD control panel, numeric keypad, VOLUME and SYNC controls.
FURUNO designed the unit for automatic operation, including station/frequency programming and a built-in schedule timer.
The FAX-408 is a radio weather facsimile receiver and thermal chart recorder.
Weather organizations transmit meteorological maps as radiofacsimile signals over MF/HF frequencies. The FAX-408 receives these signals, decodes the facsimile information and converts it into a printed chart.
Typical received information can include:
Unlike a modern internet weather service, the FAX-408 does not need a broadband internet connection to receive a conventional HF radiofax transmission.
The receiver covers 2.0000 to 24.99999 MHz, enabling reception of numerous marine weather-facsimile transmissions.
The FAX-408 provides:
150 preset channels + 164 user-programmable channels = 314 channels.
Users can therefore store additional stations and frequencies where required.
The equipment can automatically start and stop recording according to programmed schedules and WMO-standard control signals.
FURUNO's manual states that the built-in schedule timer can store 16 timer programs, enabling unattended reception of selected weather transmissions.
The FAX-408 can automatically determine important facsimile parameters, including recording speed, IOC and phase alignment. Manual selection is also available.
The thermal recording system provides nine tones: white, seven gray levels and black, helping reproduce detailed weather information.
A signal from a compatible external receiver can also be recorded by the FAX-408.
FURUNO incorporated an ISB shift function to compensate for frequency shifts encountered with certain SSB multiplex transmissions.
| Specification | FURUNO FAX-408 |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 2.0000–24.99999 MHz |
| Reception | Synthesized double superheterodyne |
| Mode | F3C |
| Channels | 314 |
| Preset Channels | 150 |
| User Channels | 164 |
| Sensitivity | 2 µV at 20 dB SINAD |
| Selectivity | 2.0 kHz at -6 dB |
| Display | 32 characters / 2 lines LCD |
| IOC | 576 / 288 |
| Recording Speeds | 60 / 90 / 120 scans per minute |
| Recording Method | Electronic scanning thermal head |
| Gradation | 9 tones |
| Paper | 216 mm × 20 m |
| Line Density | 8 dots/mm |
| Power | 12–24 VDC, 2.3–1.15 A |
| Operating Temperature | -10°C to +50°C |
These values are taken from FURUNO's official FAX-408 specifications.
The internal synthesized double-superheterodyne receiver handles the incoming weather-fax radio signal across the 2–25 MHz range.
The two-line LCD provides operating information such as channel, station and frequency-related data.
The keypad provides direct access to functions including:
PRG – FRQ – DIM – CH – SPD – REV – IOC – RCD – numeric station/channel selection
The recorder converts the received facsimile data into a physical weather chart.
Unlike conventional ink printers, the FAX-408 uses thermal recording paper and a thermal head, reducing the number of moving/consumable printing components.
FURUNO specifies 216 mm × 20 m thermal recording paper.
FURUNO USA currently lists AYTP0820B 8-inch recording paper, 20 meters per roll among FAX-408 accessories.
A suitable MF/HF antenna is essential for reliable reception.
FURUNO lists the FAX5 Active Coupler and a 2.6 m whip antenna among related accessories for the FAX-408.
The FURUNO FAX-408 can be used aboard various commercial and professional vessels, including cargo ships, bulk carriers, tankers, container vessels, offshore vessels, fishing vessels and other ships operating offshore.
Its principal function is to give bridge personnel direct access to graphical meteorological information transmitted over radio.
A printed weather chart can provide a useful broad-area view of pressure systems, fronts and forecast weather development and may complement other available meteorological information.
Check the selected station and frequency first.
MF/HF propagation varies significantly with distance, time of day and atmospheric conditions. A frequency that performs well during daytime may perform poorly at night and vice versa.
Also inspect the antenna, FAX-5 coupler if fitted, coaxial cable and grounding.
Possible causes include:
Try another published frequency for the same station where available.
A slanted chart generally indicates synchronization/phasing issues.
The FAX-408 provides automatic phase alignment as well as manual adjustment capability.
Verify the recording speed and IOC settings.
The FAX-408 supports 60, 90 and 120 scans/minute and IOC values of 576 and 288.
Inspect the paper roll, feed mechanism and paper path.
Ensure the correct thermal paper is fitted and that it has not become jammed, folded or incorrectly loaded.
Possible causes include incorrect paper orientation, thermal-head failure, poor head contact or an internal recording circuit problem.
Because thermal paper reacts only on its coated side, incorrect loading can produce apparently blank output.
Age-related faults can include deteriorated LCDs, keypad contact problems, internal power-supply issues and PCB faults.
If the receiver powers up but specific controls fail, professional component-level inspection may be preferable to immediately replacing the entire receiver.
The FAX-408 should be kept clean, dry and away from excessive heat.
Periodically inspect:
The thermal head should be cleaned according to the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. Avoid using unsuitable chemicals or abrasive materials.
Also verify stored station frequencies periodically because weather-fax broadcast schedules and frequencies can change independently of the receiver.
FURUNO notes that proper installation and maintenance are necessary for reliable operation in the demanding marine environment.
FURUNO officially lists the FAX-408 as No Longer Available.
Nevertheless, working units can still be useful aboard vessels with existing radiofax installations.
One advantage of conventional weather fax is its relative independence from broadband internet connectivity. Where suitable HF weather-fax broadcasts remain available, the receiver can obtain graphical weather information through radio transmission.
The integrated thermal printer is another practical feature: officers receive a physical chart without needing a separate computer and printer.
For ships already equipped with the system, maintaining a tested FAX-408 may therefore remain practical depending on vessel requirements, available weather-fax services and the condition of the installation.
It is a marine weather facsimile receiver designed to receive MF/HF weather-fax broadcasts and print the transmitted charts on thermal paper.
2.0000–24.99999 MHz.
The receiver provides 314 channels: 150 preset and 164 user-programmable channels.
FURUNO specifies 216 mm × 20 m thermal recording paper.
No conventional ink cartridge is required because it uses a thermal recording system.
Yes. The FAX-408 includes a built-in schedule timer with storage for 16 timer programs.
60, 90 and 120 scans per minute.
The FAX-408 operates from 12–24 VDC, with FURUNO specifying approximately 2.3–1.15 A.
No. FURUNO officially lists the model as No Longer Available.
FURUNO FAX-408 Weather Facsimile Receiver is a professional marine MF/HF radiofax receiver designed to automatically receive and print meteorological weather charts. It covers 2.0000–24.99999 MHz, provides 314 channels, automatic WMO start/stop control, 16 timer programs, automatic speed/IOC/phase selection and nine-tone thermal chart recording. It is suitable for existing merchant-vessel and professional marine weather-fax installations.
Marine Automation & Navigation Equipment Supplier
Available Condition:
• New Equipment • Used Equipment • Refurbished Equipment • Reconditioned Equipment
Stock Location:
• Bangladesh • China
Services:
• Worldwide Shipping • Technical Support • Spare Parts Supply • Marine Equipment Sourcing
Contact Information
SM MARINE SERVICE™ Samir Market, DT Road, Pahartali, beside CDA Market, Chattogram, Bangladesh
Mobile / WhatsApp / Viber: +88 01818 929292
Email: info@smmarineservice.com
Website: www.smmarineservice.com
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