Tracking Hurricanes

Hurricane season is upon us in the Caribbean.  With internet access anywhere from good to non-existent, we need a reliable source of info about possible activity.  I've received our first Atlantic Tropical Weather Outlook email, so I'll share what I have set up, then I'll update as the season progresses.

This is based on an article from The Boat Galley written in 2006, titled Tropical-Storm-Tracking-with-Sailmail-Revised-2-06.  I've tweaked it with updated info and to include references to our Iridum GO! (see blog, "Setting up my Iridium GO!")  The goal it to use Saildocs to receive text forecasts on our Iridium email (and regular email when available).  Secondly, research and bookmark links for low-bandwidth graphic forecasts for the Opera Mini browser (see blog "Slow internet and/or using less data") when closer tracking is required.

We'll start simple.  On Twitter, follow @NHC_Atlantic:  on the Iridium GO!, text to 40404: follow @NHC_Atlantic

Facebook also has several good pages including : NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center, Mike's Weather Page, Marv's Weather Service, and Crown Weather Service

Now it's time to go to saildocs.com and get familiar with their service.  The following are the send/sub requests you might need for hurricane season.

TEXT FORECASTS, Saildocs, (Atlantic):  

If you want to check my work, for current Saildocs filenames send email to query@saildocs.com:

• send nws-gmex

I recommend the Offshore Forecast throughout the season (text):

• sub FZNT23.KNHC (see blog What do you use for weather?)

but if you’re sitting for hurricane season, maybe:

• Synopsis only (Carib):  send/sub AMZ001
• Windward/Trinidad only (no synopsis!): send/sub AMZ035

The following 11 subscriptions are for tracking a tropical storm.  After the initial subscription, you only get an email when there is a change:

1.  Atlantic/Carib Tropical Wx Outlook: 

• sub atl.outlook interval=1 days=365  

2.  Atlantic/Carib Discussion (gen comments/prediction confidence).  NHC monitors multiple systems so repeat for 2, 3, 4, & 5.

• sub atl.disc1 interval=1 days=365
• sub atl.disc2 interval=1 days=365
• sub atl.disc3 interval=1 days=365
• sub atl.disc4 interval=1 days=365
• sub atl.disc5 interval=1 days=365

3.  Tropical Depression Forecast/Advisory (detailed).  NHC monitors multiple systems so repeat for 2, 3, 4, & 5.

• sub atl.tech_advis1 interval=1 days=365 
• sub atl.tech_advis2 interval=1 days=365 
• sub atl.tech_advis3 interval=1 days=365 
• sub atl.tech_advis4 interval=1 days=365 
• sub atl.tech_advis5 interval=1 days=365

(Check at 1 hour intervals for updates:  interval=1)(Specify subscription period: days=365)

You can also get National Hurricane Center's High Seas Forecast (text):

• send/sub FZNT02.KNHC

I recommend subscribing to the text forecasts above.  However, the following are larger graphic forecasts, so experiment then have this list standing by for when things require closer observation:

Bookmark NHC Marine Forecasts in Opera browser:  http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/marine/

Here are the 5 primary graphics from the National Hurricane Center:
GRAPHICS, Saildocs, (Atlantic).  Be aware of file size vs your data plan

• (To get a list of Radiofax Internet File Names (Caribbean/New Orleans):  http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/fax/rfaxmex.txt )

• 1.  NHC Sea State Analysis (graphic, current):  send PJEA11.TIF

Subscribe 0000Z (graphic): sub PJEA88.TIF

Subscribe 1200Z (graphic): sub PJEA90TIF

• 2.  NHC Tropical Surface Forecast (graphic, E half, 24, current): send PYEE10.TIF

24 HR 0000Z: sub PYEE79.TIF

24 HR 1200Z: sub PYEE80.TIF

Get 48 (graphic, E half, current): send PYEI10.TIF

48 HR 0000Z: sub PYEI81.TIF

48 HR 1200Z: sub PYEI82.TIF

Get 72 (graphic, E half, current): send PYEK10.TIF

72 HR 0000Z: sub PYEK83.TIF

72 HR 1200Z: sub PYEK84.TIF

• 3.  NHC Wind/Wave forecast (graphic, current, 24): send PWEE11.TIF

0000Z: sub PWEE89.TIF

1200Z: sub PWEE91.TIF

Get 36 HR, 1200Z:  send/sub PWED98.TIF

Get 48 (graphic, current): sub PWEI11.TIF

0000Z:  sub PWEI88.TIF

1200Z:  sub PWEI89.TIF

Get 72 (graphic, current): sub PJEK11.TIF

0000Z:  sub PJEK88.TIF

1200Z:  sub PJEK89.TIF

• 4.  NHC Wave Period/Swell Direction (graphic, 48 HR, current):  send PJEI11.TIF

0000Z: sub PJEI88.TIF

1200Z: sub PJEI89.TIF

Get 72 HR (graphic, 0000Z):  send/sub PKEK88.TIF

• 5.  NHC Tropical Cyclone Danger Area (graphic, current, after May 15/High Wind Sea):  send PWEK11.TIF  

0300Z:  sub PWEK89.TIF

0900Z:  sub PWEK90.TIF

1500Z:  sub PWEK91.TIF

2100Z:  sub PWEK88.TIF

(Mariner’s 1-2-3 Rule)

I also consider the following useful:

• Tropical Surface Analysis (low res wide area, graphic, E half, current):  send PYEA11.TIF

(W half, current):  send PYEB11.TIF

0000Z (E): sub PYEA86.TIF (W) sub PYEB86.TIF

0600Z (E): sub PYEA87.TIF (W) sub PYEB87.TIF

1200Z (E): sub PYEA85.TIF (W) sub PYEB85.TIF

1800Z (E): sub PYEA88.TIF (W) sub PYEB88.TIF

Is that clear as mud?  I had to save to the blog, so I wouldn't risk losing all my notes!  I can't promise this is all accurate, but it's a start.  Please share any ideas (or point out any errors) below.  Good luck out there.

"What do you use for weather?" (Update: Ocean Swell & NHC)

This should really be called "The Weather Cycle."
http://www.srh.noaa.gov/jetstream/atmos/images/hydro.jpg

NERD ALERT!  This blog isn't for everyone.  I'll update as our offshore weather knowledge evolves.

We thought, as pilots, we'd have an advantage in this department and maybe we do, but offshore weather is different. You are not only concerned about wind direction and speed (and thunderstorms or "squalls") but wave direction, height and period. Our previous weather sources weren't cutting it on the Chesapeake. One thing for sure is most good weather info is free!  NOAA & the NWS are government-funded and, as it turns out, will carry you pretty far down the Caribbean. It's always a good idea to consult at least two sources of info.  You'll learn which one is more accurate in your area.  Here's what we are currently using:

PocketGrib app, map view

PocketGrib app, Meteogram view

GRIB: NOAA automated, computer-generated forecast usually GFS but also WW3, US Navy, or Euro, for example.  I'm not going to explain all of that here, but know what you are looking at.  Different GRIB viewers have different default settings. You also need to know a human does not review this information.  You need to use your noggin (or pay Chris Parker see below).  Our preferred GRIB viewer is the app, PocketGrib (Not user-friendly, so you may need to find a fellow sailor. Thanks Deb Akey, for the tutorial).  Again, GRIB's are free information, so do your research before paying for this info or a viewer!

Windfinder app

WindFinder app: This is the third most common source of weather info we hear about from other cruisers (Chris Parker is second to GRIB). We paid for the pro-version to get Euro & the extended forecast (also uses less data since there are no ads). A cool trick you can do is watch conditions at the ports before you, ie. if you're in Georgetown, watch Staniel Cay for the wind shift.  In St. Louis, we would watch Jefferson City or Columbia.)  UPDATE:  Unfortunately, this seems to underestimate the winds on the south coast of Puerto Rico.

NOAA Marine Forecast

NWS NOAA Offshore Report by Tropical Prediction Center in Miami:  I believe the SSB broadcast has been cancelled, but you can get this on the internet (nws.noaa.gov) or by email ie. Iridium (see SailDocs). We get the Tropical N Atlantic & Caribbean Sea.  Don't let the clunky, government website deter you--there is some good stuff here (check out the tide tables while you're browsing:  Blog "When is high tide in Georgetown?", http://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/tide_predictions.html).  This report is a little daunting to read. It used to make my eyes glaze over, not unlike an electrical schematic.  First, figure out which area you need (see outline below) or start with "condensed for radio broadcast" until you get the hang of it.  It's very general (broad time frames over a large area) but like the GRIB, it is part of the source info used by Chris Parker and other paid sources. 

• Report Name (FZNT23.KNHC, you'll need this for SailDocs)
• Check the time to see how old the report is (1114 AM EDT SUN MAR 27 2016)
• "SEAS GIVEN AS SIGNIFICANT WAVE HEIGHT...WHICH IS THE AVERAGE HEIGHT OF THE HIGHEST 1/3 OF THE WAVES. INDIVIDUAL WAVES MAY BE MORE THAN TWICE THE SIGNIFICANT WAVE HEIGHT!"
• Synopsis

(For a reference lat/long map, try Bahamas Explorer Chartbook weather page or  http://www.nws.noaa.gov/os/hurricane/resources/HurricaneTrackingMap11-14.pdf)

AMZ011:  N of 18N, W of 85W (including yucatan basin)

AMZ013:  N of 18N, 76W-85W (including cayman basin)

AMZ015:  Caribbean approaches to the windward passage

AMZ017:  Gulf of Honduras

AMZ019:  15N-18N, 80W-85W

AMZ021:  15N-18N, 72W-80W

AMZ023:  N of 15N, 64W-72W (DR, PR, Virgins)

AMZ025:  Offshore waters Leeward Islands (Lesser Antilles, St. Martin-Dominica)

AMZ027:  15N-19N, 55W-60W

AMZ029:  11N-15N, W of 80 W 

AMZ031:  11N-15N, 72W-80W (including Colombia basin)

AMZ033:  S of 15N, 64W-72W (including Venezuela basin)

AMZ035:  Offshore waters windward islands (Martinique through Grenada) including Trinidad & Tobago

AMZ037:  Tropical n atlantic from 07n to 15n between 55w and 60w

AMZ039:  SW caribbean S of 11N (including approaches to Panama Canal)

AMZ101:  Synopsis for the SW N atlantic including the bahamas

AMZ111:  Atlantic from 27N to 31N w of 77W

AMZ113:  Atlantic from 27N to 31N between 70W and 77W

AMZ115:  Atlantic from 27N to 31N between 65W and 70W

AMZ117:  Bahamas including Cay Sal bank

AMZ119:  Atlantic from 22N to 27N (E of Bahamas) to 70W 

AMZ121:  Atlantic from 22N to 27N between 65W and 70W

AMZ123:  Atlantic S of 22N W of 70W (including approaches to the Windward Passage)

AMZ125:  Atlantic S of 22N between 65W and 70W (including Puerto Rico Trench)

AMZ127:  Atlantic from 19N to 22N between 55W and 65W

If you fell asleep in the the middle of the Offshore Report, WAKE UP!

Buoys:  Another original source of weather info is buoys. You can got to NOAA Data Buoy Center or download apps to see live information, particularly helpful while we were in the Chesapeake. (They always seemed to be out of service when we really needed them). Good for a day sail when you have cellular. 

Chris Parker:  The Marine Weather Center (mwxc.com). Chris is a meteorologist who specializes in marine Caribbean forecasts. He is good at interpreting and explaining the big picture and trends. He also combines a lot of the above information into a more readable format.  You will learn about weather patterns, so you can also track them on other sources (above) when out of range. Read his FAQ including philosophy (he gives "worst case" which is good, but don't let it scare you from ever leaving port) & "How to read email forecasts".  Make a copy of the Explorer Chart Weather Plotting chart and copy down an outline of the email/broadcast so you don't get overwhelmed.

If you have SSB, you can listen to his broadcasts for free, if you know the time and frequency (check with other cruisers in the area or link frequency list). His broadcasts tend to be more detailed and up-to-date (sometimes better if your eyes gloss over while reading the email, but my wanders during the long broadcast--try having a printed format in front of you to help follow along. See below). 

We receive his email forecasts: We can get a copy on the Iridium when wifi isn't available. We like having a printed copy to study. We get it the night before.  We can discuss without missing any of the broadcast. It also gives us access to his online simulcast & recordings. 

SailDocs.com:  We use this free resource to get NOAA weather on the Iridium GO!  Practice before you need it!  Go to saildocs.com for more information.  I found their email instructions tedious.  Our friends on Kelly Nicole helped me set this up.  Caution:  Delete your “signature” or “email-footer” or Saildocs may not respond.  It may be best to copy & paste the request.  SailDocs is very picky about capital letters, punctuation and spacing.

• OffShore Report: To receive the full SW & Tropical North Atlantic & Caribbean Sea, send an email to query@saildocs.com, (subject blank), body of email:  FZNT23.KNHC  (FZNT31.KNHC for condensed).  
• To subscribe (receive once per day for 14 days): sub FZNT23.KNHC
• To receive every 6 hours:  sub FZNT23.KNHC time=00:00 interval=6
• To receive for more than 14 days: sub FZNT23.KNHC time=00:00 interval=6 days=90
• Grib (beware of data usage, no spaces—adjust lat/long for your area.  When you receive the email, it will ask how you want to open it.  Select your preferred grab viewer):  send gfs:22N,19N,72W,69W
• Request text-only web page (beware of data usage)

Local net:  It's always better to go to the source (and have a written copy to review at your leisure--another reason we like emails), but if you don't have internet or SSB, the local net will often read Chris Parker emails or WindFinder info (ask the source if they don't disclose).

Still here?  Here's some new toys we've been playing with:

Windyty.com showing "island lee" in the Mona Passage

windyty.com: This is a great graphic website if the Offshore Report makes your eyes glaze over.  The teacher in me thinks this would be a great way to teach island lee or the relationship between wind & waves.  Try playing with wind and waves in the Mona Passage.  It's a bandwidth hog, so this isn't our primary source of weather.  (I think it works better on the laptop than the iPad.)

windrea.net showing the current through the Mona Passage

windria.net:  A similar website to windyty.com, but also allows you to view current.  Helpful and educational!

Beaufort table explains how wind affects wave height

What I've learned about waves:
Waves are complicated.  They are mostly caused by the the wind.  The Beaufort table above explains the wave heights you should expect based on wind strength.
The depth of water also affects waves.  A shallower body of water can be "choppier" with shorter period waves, ie. Chesapeake Bay and Bahia de Samana in the Dominican Republic.
Fetch is how far a wave has travelled.  The longer the fetch, the bigger the waves, ie. any large body of water, but in particular, the Atlantic Ocean!

An NOAA article, "A closer look at wave forecasts:  http://www.vos.noaa.gov/MWL/apr_06/waves.shtmlBeaufort force Wind & wave table

After a blow, waiting 1-2 days for waves to "lay down" will give us the best ride.

What is ocean swell? Swell is a collection of waves moving away from distant weather systems.  They can travel halfway around the world!   An excellent explanation of these waves comes from surfers.  Check out stormsurf.com's "Wave Basics" for a more detailed explanation.  Being aware of a north swell is important on the north shore of the Dominican Republic, northern anchorages in the BVI and in the more exposed anchorages of the southern Caribbean. I've added the graphic "Peak wave period, primary swell direction" to our email weather list.

Saildocs.com request, email query@saildocs.com:

For 48 HR, current:  send PJEI11.TIF

Subscribe to 48 hr, 0000Z: sub PJEI88.TIF

Subscribe to 48 hr, 1200Z: sub PJEI89.TIF

Get/subscribe 72 HR, 0000Z:  send/sub PKEK88.TIF

Learn more about this graphic forecast on the National Hurricane Center's Marine Product Descriptions page:  http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/abouttafbprod.shtml#PEAKWAVE

Summary:

• Track the weather daily, so you know which of your sources is most accurate in your area and currently functional.  {cough, cough}  Saildocs.  {cough, cough}  Iridium.
• Know the source and time stamp of the data.  Don't assume.  Ask if it's not obvious.
• Use multiple sources of info.  Cross reference.
• Have a written copy--either that you transcribed, email or saved from app/website.  Take a screenshot if necessary, for when the internet is not available.  The Captain frequently refers to PocketGrib throughout the day.
• Discuss!  No one loves to talk about the weather more than cruisers.  "Hey, did you check the weather this morning?"  (Like we didn't!  Ha, ha).  "What do you think?"  "That Crazy Chris Parker!"  "THAT wasn't in the forecast!" 

Don't forget to bookmark the mobile versions of these websites:
Offshore:  http://cell.weather.gov/marine/off.htm
Bouys:  http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/mobile/

NHC Marine Forecasts: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/mobile/marine.php

Setting up my Iridium GO! @IridiumComm

Update Dec 2015:  Twitter Following & Private Messages, email blog to Blogger
(I am not an expert on the GO!. This was my attempt to combine eight different sources of info into one document, for my own reference. Might as well share it on the world wide web.  I will update as I learn more, so feel free to send corrections/additions.  Note to family & friends:  We only turn the Iridium on when we're on the ocean or other extended periods without wifi/cell service. It is not our primary source of communication.  For more info on the functionality available, check sv Totem's blog post:  http://www.sailingtotem.com/2016/02/iridium-go-with-predictwind-for-weather-and-more.html)

Iridium GO Cheat Sheet

The Iridium GO! is a satellite communicator that allows people "off the grid" (out of cell phone range ie. from hiking to sailing) to text and email, in addition to making phone calls.  Anyone who has ever used a sat phone knows they can be expensive and aren't easy to hold a conversation on.  The idea of being able to text or email makes the cost more reasonable (and easier for both ends to understand.).  It is also excellent for keeping family members informed of your location, and in a pinch, can send an SOS to the Coast Guard.  Cruisers use it for everything from Twitter to emailing back-and-forth to troubleshoot mechanical problems.  It is only for the tech-savvy and you still may need help from another cruiser or tech support.  (PredictWind recommends 1-3 days setup.)

Who you purchase it from, determines who your service provider/sim card is through and which plans are available.  You seldom see the GO! on sale, but the plans available vary.

Reference material (www.iridiumgo.com, then click on “Resources”):

User Manual (came in box.  I recommend also downloading an electronic copy)
Quick Start Guide:  GO! App  
(Also recommend ¹PredictWind, “How-to-Set-Up-Unit-Make-Voice-Calls-and-Send-SMS-Messages”)

User Guide: (iOS or Android) Iridium Mail & Web App

& ²Mail & Web app bulletin dated Sept 26, 2014.  Especially “strongly advise iOS users to disable various apps” list  (No longer available on Iridiumgo.com, superceded by firmware 1.4.1)

(Also recommend:  ¹PredictWind, “How to use the iPhone/iPad email & web app”)

Advanced Portal Quick Start Guide

Record the following for your records (back of User Manual):

Serial number: (APM) (under battery or “Information”)

SSID:  IRIDIUM-(under battery then name of your wifi network or “Information”)

IMEI:  (300325)-(under battery or “Information”)

Iridium Wifi password (range 100 ft):  (default NONE) Add @ GO app, "Advanced"

GO App/Administrator password:  (default guest/guest)  Changing causes Web&Mail error?
My Iridium phone number: 8816-###-##### (all Iridium phone numbers start with 8816)
(Text 8816########@msg.iridium.com)

Iridium email app registration:  (register at www.iridium.com/mailandweb)

My Iridium email:  (username)@myiridium.net

Service Provider (______________) phone #:__________________

Service Provider email address: ___________________________

SIM card number:  ####-###-###-####-#####

My service provider account number: ____________________________

My Service Plan:________________________________________

1.     User manual:  This will help you get the unit powered up, sim card installed, and download apps.  From there, you will mostly be using the GO app on your smartphone.

2.     Firmware update:  As of this writing, it should be 1.4.1, which supposedly has some helpful upgrades.  You will need “Quick Start Guide:  Iridium GO Advanced Portal” and a laptop with internet access to download the update (www.iridiumgo.com/update).  THEN connect laptop to GO via the Iridium’s wifi.  Open browser & go to 192.168.0.1 (Administrator log in is the same as GO App)

NOTE!:  Don’t follow the Quick Start/User Manual directions in order.  I was able to set up the Go app, but had trouble with the Mail app.  I was advised to do a factory reset of the Iridium, set iPad/iPhone to “airplane mode”, then turn wifi back on, bluetooth off. Log into Iridium wifi, THEN GO TO THE MAIL APP FIRST before changing any settings and see if “send/receive mail” is working (*see below).  “Changing a lot of settings causes problems…”  It turns out that, for me, changing the username/password to the GO app means I get a “Connection status:  ERROR” in the Web and Email app.

GO! App

3.  GO App:

•  Track: 2 kinds.  Set “Interval” (designated float plan family member), and “Quick GPS” to one-time to predefined group.  Works great.  CHARGED AS OUTGOING TEXT
• SOS/GOES:  This took me at least 3 tries to get set up.  Registration didn’t “take” or something.
• Text:  Set up relatively easy.  People text you by going to http://messaging.iridium.com/ or emailing 8816########@msg.iridium.com  (It costs us $0.10-0.35 to respond).  To text out, enter mobile number or email address
• Phone call:  To call out 00 or +[Country code] [phone number] (update contacts with country code) or use country code dropdown menu.  Iridium-to-Iridium:  dial “+” 8816 ### ##### (Change voicemail to “send a text”.  $1.25/minute to retrieve?)
• Twitter:  Set up by changing your Twitter account settings to your Iridium phone number, then logging onto the GO! app with your smartphone to complete verification. (https://support.twitter.com/articles/110250)  CHARGED AS OUTGOING TEXT!  You can post, but won't see your "feed."  (Hint:  To see your fellow sailors while underway, text/message FOLLOW @username to 40404 (your Iridium short code) & UNFOLLOW @username to stop.  https://support.twitter.com/articles/14020.  Also private message M @username?)
• (Link Twitter to Facebook):  Facebook functionality doesn’t currently work (for the last year!  They blame FB).  There is a work-around by posting to Twitter and forwarding to Facebook.  (I have a personal page and a “boat” page so I completed “Connect to FB profile”, then continue to “Connect to Facebook page”.)  https://support.twitter.com/articles/31113

4.  Mail and Web App: connection speed 2.4kbps.  Uses your data plan (except Twitter)

• See ²bulletin (Apple devices) and ³“Slow Internet/Using less Data”:  Opera “Data Savings”, disable iCloud, Dropbox, etc.  Turn off “Automatic downloads” for all apps, iTunes Match, “Find my iPhone”, disable PhotoStream, Skype, Facetime, “Location services”.  Email manual fetching only.
• Facebook:  NEW MARCH 2016!  While on regular wifi, open Settings, Social Media then enter FB login in.  See PredictWind for full setup:  https://support.predictwind.com/hc/en-us/articles/203715910-How-to-Use-the-iPhone-iPad-Email-Web-App?preview_as_role=999999.9
• Email button: Register for Iridium email:  iridium.com/webandemail (username is email address @myiridium.net) or “fetch” another (non-Iridium) email address ie. yahoo/gmail—be ready with POP or IMAP settings: 

• 

  Email settings
  
  

• *Mail & Web settings:  “Your Account, User Name, Password” (from registering)
• (Add non-Iridium email address:  Remote servers configuration, (click “+” to add another email address), “User name(@gmail.com), password—select Account Type to see if anything auto-populates—server address, etc {pop.gmail.com, 995, Use SSL ON.  Go to your email providers support page for settings}).
• (Non-Iridium recommended.  See Mail & Web User Guide:  Remote Fetch Settings, Remote fetch ENABLED, Fetch asynchronously ON, Fetch # per cycle (max # emails you want per transfer).  Then “Text when mail is available” ON {enter Iridium phone number})
• *To Receive:  “Mail”, then “Send/Receive Mail” (bottom left).  To compose: open “Mail”, “New mail” (bottom right), then “To Outbox” (top right).  (Connect to Iridium wifi), “Send/receive (bottom left)”

NOTE!:  There is no way to clear the email queue on the Iridium.  If you set up daily Chris Parker weather emails & don’t turn the Iridium on for a few months, they will all download at once (data plan limit!).  Iridium is “currently working on a solution”.  The only workaround is to create a new Iridium email account (SailMail is another possible solution.  You can log in on a laptop & clean out queue.)

BLOGGER:  Use email to post:  Go to settings, mobile & email.  Set up your unique email (username.secretword@blogger.com) & choose “publish” or “save as draft.”  To post:  Subject is post title, body of email is post with #end, attach photo (RESIZE!)  https://support.google.com/blogger/answer/154172?hl=en

• Web button:  Opera Mini  (Apple devices per bulletin).  BE CAREFUL.  Use mobile sites or “Iridium partner” apps. http://www.google.com/gwt/n gives text version of any website. To set up Apple device, go to iPhone "settings", "wifi", select Iridium network, then HTTP Proxy "Auto".  In app, select "Web" then follow instructions for config (says Safari?). PredictWind:  "If having trouble, close all background apps (settings, general, background refresh OFF), do not have multiple tabs open in browser, kill everything (double click home button)."
• Weather button: generic weather from NOAA GFS model.  Set location:  settings, weather, location

NOTE!:  My service provider says they calculate data used at invoicing. There is no way to "track" my data usage :-(

5.   Partner Products:  (set up to work with limited bandwidth)

https://www.iridium.com/products/types/Iridium-GO-1

• Weather: PredictWind app (requires laptop), GRIB Explorer Plus (Chris Parker recommend)(Additional weather options):  Saildocs.com (grib) compressed email  or Chris Parker email subscription (www.mwxc.com)
• Email:  SailMail app "AirMail"

Complaints.  Since there is no way to contact @IridiumComm support through their website, here are my gripes:

1. Why two separate apps?
2. Why can’t I have ONE manual?  I don’t care if I need to download it.  Just one.  (But preferably a printed manual, because we are OFF THE GRID, thus buying a SAT COMMUNICATOR!)
3. Why so many passwords/logins?
4. Take the Facebook functionality out of your ad.  It doesn’t work.
5. Why only portrait mode?  Mildly annoying, but I’m not the only one.

Links:

http://www.sailingtotem.com/2016/02/iridium-go-with-predictwind-for-weather-and-more.html

•       My Dropbox Iridium files (https://db.tt/lVlTb9qR):  Cheat sheet, Mail & Web Mobile App Bulletin (Sept 2014), Iridium documents (get the most current from their website)
•      My blog post:  “Slow internet and/or using less data”
• http://planesboatsandbicycles.blogspot.com/2015/09/slow-internet-andor-using-less-data.html
•      Iridium GO support:  Iridiumgo.com, then “resources”
•      Your service provider  (I purchased my GO! from Amazon, so I have BlueCosmo)
•       Predictwind has a great support page, even if you didn’t purchase through them: http://support.predictwind.com/hc/en-us/categories/200016475-Iridium-GO-
• Twitter support for SMS: https://support.twitter.com/articles/14020

Slow internet and/or using less data

Scroll the the bottom for a PDF of this blog

(UPDATED 4/17 with iOS 10.3.1, iCloud moved in Settings, iOS software download warning, email "load remote images", Messages, "low res images", added Amazon Prime settings)

While underway and anchored, we rely on our cellular phone data plan.  At marinas, internet can be slow to completely useless.  When we leave the country, we will be completely reliant on public wifi and local sim cards (see the blog post about internet or click here, planesboatsandbicycles.blogspot.internet)

Before you think this doesn't apply to you, have you upped your data plan lately?  Considered turning off the expensive home internet & tethering your electronic devices (I think this is the wave of the future, thanks to the FCC's antiquated rules)?  Has your internet slowed to a crawl on weekends, holidays, or snow days?  Planning a vacation out of the country?  Added kids to your plan (who are streaming videos & music)?  Need to get something done?  Try these tips.  They are far from complete (share your tips below), and change with each software upgrade, but it's a start.

Use wifi when available, obviously.  

Libraries, coffee shops, fast food restaurants and even grocery stores/Target/WalMart have public wifi now.  (I do app updates while grocery shopping).  Be aware of the danger of doing any financial transactions on public wifi.  That's a topic I won't address here, but do some research ie. some browsers have more security or use cellular when you can.

You probably know streaming music & videos are a no-no unless you have an unlimited data plan or an grandfathered T-Mobile Binge On plan.  (See blog post about how we watch tv:  http://planesboatsandbicycles.blogspot.in/2016/07/cheapskates-on-move-tv-movies.html). Standard-def TV/movies uses 1 GB/hour.  High-def uses 3 GB/hour (So a 2-hour movie would be 6 GB!  That's our whole cellular data plan!)  We download Netflix & Amazon for watching offline when we have access to public wifi (see settings for YouTube, Netflix, Amazon & Music below). 

Several of these steps can be completed on your laptop/browser, tablet AND phone.  These instructions are for iPhones (and carry over to the iPad).  You may have done some of these in the past, but:

• They occasionally turn themselves back on (software updates?)
• New apps may have default settings 
• If you buy a new device or do a reset they will default back

SO I made myself a list.  There are some great lists on the internet, but they aren't always comprehensive.  It's amazing how many settings there are on a cellular phone, tablet or browser nowadays.

(Samsung pic)

Track data usage:  

Overage fees can be outrageous, but most carriers will now email or text as you near the end of your allotted data.  (While anchored out, we tether the iPads to our AT&T--update T-Mobile--iPhones.  One iPad has it's own Verizon data plan--we use that while moving to run the Garmin Bluechart/Active Captain, because it won't rollover when the data plan is used up.)  

• Settings, Cellular, Cellular data usage (it doesn't reset, so you will have to do this manually, monthly).  Scroll to bottom and "reset statistics" (mark on your calendar to reset at billing cycle).  

Our carrier also has an app, but it requires logging in (Look.  SQUIRREL!).  

I recommend the app "My Data Mgr" (first pic above).  You set up your billing date and amount of data.  It will track cellular vs wifi & send you alerts if you go over your daily budget.  

(Samsung has a feature that allows you to set a mobile data limit.  When the specified limit is reached, it turns cellular data off until you come in & change the limit.  It keeps things from running away & using your whole plan!)

Turn off 4G:  

Crazy right?  The faster the downloads, the more data you're using!  Relax, you can turn it back on.  Settings, Cellular, Cellular Data Options, Enable Lte OFF.

Turn off email push/fetch:  

Do you need to read every email as it comes in?  Really?  At least change the "fetch" frequency:  Settings, Mail, Accounts, Fetch New Data, Push OFF.  Fetch, MANUALLY (it will check email when you open the app.  Watch that trigger finger)

Select which apps can use cellular: 

Settings, Cellular, Scroll down to "Use Cellular Data for:", choose OFF for those services that don't need to run over 3G or 4G.  Scroll down to Wi-Fi Assist OFF.  iCloud Drive OFF.  (Clicking on "System Services" at the bottom of the list will give a general idea of usage)

Turn off iTunes automatic downloads (reverse when wifi available).  NOTE:  As far as I can tell, the following may not stop an iOS software update which can be 4 GB!  I advise downloading over wifi as soon as possible (previously, I would wait a few weeks in case there were glitches but no more).  Turning on airplane mode overnight and/or not charging overnight (requirements that trigger the auto download) may delay it (downloads from Apple tend to push around 2:00 am)

• iTunes:  Settings, Click on account name at the top, iTunes & App Store, Auto Downloads (select Music, Apps, Books, Updates, etc) select OFF.   AND/OR "Use Cellular Data" OFF.  iTunes Match OFF.  
• Garmin BlueChart, Auto update (every 15 min) OFF.  
• Laptop:  Apple logo, system preferences, App store, uncheck “automatically check for updates.”

Turn off app "push notifications":

Especially for social media and GPS apps. Go to Settings, Notifications, Select the app e.g. Facebook app, Switch "Allow Notifications" OFF.

Turn off Background App Refresh:  Hitting the home button doesn't necessarily stop the apps from receiving updates UNLESS:  Settings, General, Background App Refresh OFF--be aware this may affect anchor alarms or weather alerts through apps.  I shut off apps that I don't want to refresh.

Location services:
Settings, Privacy, Location Services, OFF or select by app.  Scroll to System Services at the bottom and select OFF, except emergency SOS, Find My iPhone & setting time zone. 

Disable cloud (reverse when wifi available):  Do you use iCloud, Dropbox, or Amazon cloud services?  (I use iCloud and Dropbox to keep my iPad, iPhone and laptop synced.)  Turn em off!

• iCloud:  iPhone, settings, scroll all the way to the bottom, iCloud Drive OFF.  For iPad, (if tethering off of iPhone, it only sees it as wifi):  Settings, select account name at the top, iCloud, select apps to sync (Photos OFF, OR iCloud drive OFF).  Laptop:  Apple logo, System preferences, iCloud OR Cellular, scroll all the way to the bottom, iCloud Drive (use cellular) OFF
• Dropbox (Laptop):  settings (bottom right/wheel), preferences, account, selective sync (choose files).  Also, Network, bandwidth, change download rate/upload rate.
• Amazon cloud

Manually close certain apps (also good for a sluggish iPad/iPhone and improved battery life):

Make sure apps that use GPS (maps), video or audio streaming (Youtube, Radio, Spotify) or Skype are not actively running in the background after you exit out of them.  Do this by tapping the home button twice > apps that are open will appear on the screen > to close an app place your finger on the app and swipe up > once finished press the home button to return to the home screen.

Get rid of ads:  

Free apps are constantly refreshing ads that eat up your data (I didn't think of that!).  Switch to the ad-free version of the app (or turn on airplane mode or turn mobile data off before opening) ie. Words with Friends.  Install an AdBlocker to your browser & then keep reading...

Save data with Opera Mini for iPhone/iPad

Use a different browser:  (CAUTION:  The following may cause some websites not to load correctly ie. our library's ebook/Overdrive page).  Download a second browser (for use on the road or at anchor) and adjust settings to save data including turning off graphics. Opera (in "Mini" mode) or Google Chrome (with Data Saver extension) are good choices because they compress data and have settings to reduce image quality.  (Opera for the iPad has helped a lot with our slow marina internet and it's easy to switch back and forth between Turbo & Mini.)  Set your bookmarks to the mobile version of your necessary websites (or to the page you usually start at to avoid unnecessary clicking through pages)...

Use mobile sites:  

Remember these Blackberry people?  Sometimes your iPhone or iPad may be automatically using these.  Sometimes the app uses less data.  But SOMETIMES, using the m.facebook or m.youtube through Opera browser is faster for me than the app.  It also gets rid of the ads!  Also can be used on a laptop ;-)  UPDATE 2:  Use http://google.com/gwt/n  and check "hide images" to get a text-only version of a website.

m.Facebook page on iPad with Opera browser

Close unused tabs:  

They may be refreshing in the background (guilty)

Allow some cookies and caching:  

You've been told to block cookies and clear the cache for security reasons and to speed up your device.  However, by allowing some some cookies and caching will allow pages to load more quickly--just throwing it out there.

Save articles to read offline (also for the road warriors that airline a lot):  The Captain definitely needs to learn this one.  In the past, if I wanted to save a webpage, I would hit "print", then "save as a pdf" (on a mac).  (Then I had to remember where I saved it to.)

Here's an easier way is "save offline" (Duh):

• In Opera for iPad:  click on "O", then "save offline" (allow page to finish loading first or it will be greyed out).  To retrieve, go to "speed dial", "saved pages".

iPad Opera "Save for offline"

• In Safari, click the blue box with an arrow on the top right (next to the web address line--you use it to bookmark), then "add to reading list" (eyeglasses).  To retrieve, open the browser, click on the little book on the top left (next to web address line), then select the "eyeglasses" just below it.

iPad Safari "add to reading list"

• Wiki offline.  We'll probably download this app to settle bets but I haven't bought it yet.  Mixed reviews.
• Google maps offline (or app that does turn-by-turn directions while offline).  This is your homework.
• I've also been known to take a screenshot to save a recipe for later. 
• Save as PDF:  on a laptop, "print", "save as PDF".  On iPhone/iPad, click "share" in your browser menu (Safari toolbar > box with up arrow.  Opera, click the "O"), then "Print".  Do the pinch-out gesture. (two fingers together on the preview of the document, then spreading your fingers out on the screen.). Then "share" and choose email, DropBox, Add to iCloud Drive or another app.

Messages (texting on iOS):  Send photos through texts?  Settings, Low Quality Image Mode ON.

Google Maps (offline):  See separate blog post, cheapskates-on-move-saving-data-offline about saving Google Maps for offline.

Facebook or Twitter:

• Turn off auto-play videos in Facebook:  (Facebook "More" or Twitter "Me"), account settings, Videos & Photos, Autoplay Off
• (Better yet, get ride of those friends or groups who post a lot of videos.  You don't have to "unfriend" them, just click on the tiny little grey arrow in the top right of a post and "unfollow."  They can see your posts.  You can go to their home page (when you have wifi), but you won't see their posts/likes in your news feed.  It's also reversible.  They'll never know!)  You didn't hear this from me!
• If app is slow, use Opera browser & m.facebook.com (override javascript in browser?) or mobile.twitter.com
• Turn off background refresh & notifications (see above)

YouTube:  Surprisingly, the Captain uses this quite a bit.  "Overhaul a yamaha outboard", "Change your standing rigging", "Learn to sail", "Build a boat out of duct tape"

Changing YouTube video quality

• On laptop or desktop browser:  Log in, go to your account name & click settings, playback, "I have a slow connection."
• AND/OR before hitting play, click on "settings" in the bottom right of the video & choose the lowest quality (480 default, change to 240).  
• (Try Opera browser & m.youtube.com if app is slow)
• YouTube Red allows you to save for offline viewing but not available in all areas and is $$$

Netflix:  You can change settings to save data and NEW, download for offline viewing!  They have an excellent "Help" page (link). See separate blog post: cheapskates-on-move-saving-data-offline_6

Amazon Prime:  Also saves offline.  (Much slower to download than Netflix but these settings will help).  Go to Settings, Streaming & Downloading, Streaming & Quality (change to "good"), Stream on Wi-Fi only ON.  Download Quality, Good, Download on Wi-Fi Only ON

Streaming Music:  

• Pandora go to Settings, Advanced, Higher Quality audio off.
• Apple Music:  (Software updates tend to erase my downloaded music which may trigger downloads over cellular).  Settings, Music, cellular data OFF

Use this checklist to reverse everything when you have access to wifi (software/app updates, cloud sync etc)

Also:

If you live on a boat:  

Remember, laptops have stronger antennas than iPads or iPhones--we keep forgetting this when we pull into a marina with slow internet.  OR use a wifi booster & then create a hotspot for your gadgets.

Traveling out of the country:  

I used to travel out of the country for business.  Here were the basics we changed before we touched down (many hotels only have wifi in the lobby or at the pool bar--that was my story, anyway--and it can be sketchy.)  Also, check your carrier's international plan (AT&T finally came up with a "30-day" international plan because of the number of complaints from their monthly plans.  Also, I believe their Mobile Share plan included international texting?)  Skype (audio only uses less bandwidth and is less likely to drop off), Facebook Messenger & Facetime (audio only over wifi) are your best bet (check your international texting rate & if your app will work over wifi).  Know before you go.  I've seen experienced travelers get hit with $200+ overages. 

• Turn off email push/adjust fetch:  Settings, Mail, Fetch New Data, Push off.  Fetch, MANUALLY (it will check email when you open the app.  Watch that trigger finger)
• Turn off cellular data:  Settings, Cellular, Cellular Data off
• Turn off roaming:  Settings, Cellular, Data Roaming off

Apparently, I also should have:

• Turn off cloud storage sync:  ie. iCloud (settings, iCloud), Dropbox (settings, dropbox, Use Cellular Data off) Amazon cloud or photos
• Try the new feature "Do not disturb" (although it's a few chatty friends that were in my favorites that always called.  JUST DON'T ANSWER!  I know.  It's hard.  Email or text when you get to the pool bar, ahem wifi)

If you aren't sure, use Airplane mode (some of your apps, like the calculator will still work)

Leave a comment if you have more suggestions/corrections.  Here is a Dropbox PDF to store next to the chargers: https://www.dropbox.com/s/p5zebd0labsq43w/SaveDataBlog%2004_2017.pdf?dl=0

This post was inspired by Behan on s/v Totem (Opera.  Thank you!)

In fact, maybe you should have read her article.  It was less rambling: www.sailfeed.com/2015/08/how-use-less-internet-data
 
Iridium Mail & Web app Bulletin dated Sept 26, 2014:
https://www.iridium.com/products/Iridium-Mail-and-Web.aspx?section=support

Also check out RVmobileinternet.com, & their book, The Mobile Internet Book.