If Fultograph was one of the first practical forms of image transfer over longer distances using radio waves, then Weatherfax (also known as Radiofax) is one of the more advanced applications of the same principle. This is an analogue technique for transmitting images over the radio, the term used at the time for these transmissions was “radio facsimile”.

This is an analogue technique for transmitting images over the radio, the term used at the time for these transmissions was “radio facsimile”.

Weatherfax machines were used through the 1950's to transfer weather data across the US, initially over the landlines, but the technique quickly turned global with the use of HF radio. High frequencies made

High frequencies made transfer over vast distances possible, but the speed of transfer left much to be desired.

The internet made this fax machine predecessor obsolete, as there are even iOS apps that allow you to download and view WeatherFax data, but there are still areas of the world that don't have an internet connection, where Weatherfax remains the most reliable source of getting weather charts.

You can view modern marine forecasts in Weatherfax format here.

Matt Gerchow

Matt Gerchow is an author, marketer, inventor, husband, father and yoga enthusiast. He enjoys travel to distant lands , fine wine, time with his family and dinner with friends.