GRIB is a code form used by meteorological centers for storing and
exchanging meteorological charts and other patterns of wind, sea state,
temperature, etc. In other words, GRIB files are computer generated
forecast files. The forecast information is put into a compressed digital,
binary format.
Who develops the data?
There are two forecasting models that result in GRIB files – both
developed by NOAA: The wwave3 (sometimes referred to as WW3, Wave Watch 3,
and MMAB Operational Wave Model) and GFS (Global Forecasting System).
Do I need any additional software to view GRIB files?
Yes, a GRIB viewer is required to convert the information into a
conventional map format with coastlines and latitude/ longitude grids. As
a Ham you can use Winlink.
Winlink 2000 (WL2K) is a worldwide system of volunteer resources supporting
e-mail by radio, with non-commercial links to internet e-mail. These
resources come from Amateur Radio, the Military Affiliate Radio Systems
(MARS), and other volunteer organizations. The Winlink 2000 system
provides valuable service to emergency communicators, and to licensed
operators who do not have access to the internet. The Winlink Development
Team (WDT) is committed to supporting the system with the most efficient
and effective radio modes for local, regional and long-distance
applications, together with modern computer and networking
technology.
You must be a member of a supported organization or agency
or hold a government-issued Amateur Radio License in order to use the
Winlink 2000 system. Getting your amateur license is easier than ever.
Visit our About Us page for more
information on obtaining your license in the USA, or contact the radio
licensing authority in your country.
To get started you will need to download a copy of Airmail
There are also several commercial readers that animate the
grib file forecasts. A list can be found by doing a google
search for "Grib file readers".
Winlink is also available via the internet with the
Winlink software.
Another good reason to BECOME A
HAM.