NEW XAXERO WEATHERFAX 2000 VERSION USES SCS RADIO MODEM

PRESS RELEASE

NEW XAXERO WEATHERFAX 2000 VERSION USES SCS RADIO MODEM

Jonathan Selby, Managing Director of Xaxero Marine Software Engineering, Ltd. of Auckland, New Zealand has announced the development of a new version of his top rated WeatherFax 2000 software for use with the Special
Communications Services (SCS) PACTOR II radio modem.

SCS of Germany developed the PACTOR II mode of high-speed digital data transmission over single side-band radio (SSB). Their device, also called a terminal node connector (TNC), connects between an onboard radio and computer. It has created a revolution in long-range marine communications, allowing mariners to send and receive worldwide wireless data including e-mail. The SCS radio modem also makes an excellent digital signal processor (DSP) to convert analog radio broadcast weatherfax and NAVTEX signals into digital data an onboard computer can easily display.

The new WeatherFax 2000 version uses this radio modem instead of their conventional external demodulator hardware cable. This allows the mariner to have a simplified system with less cables and connectors. The same serial cable and com port that is used for e-mail can be used for weatherfax and other data. This software-only
version is offered for approximately half the cost of the demodulator version.

Steven Bowden, President of NavCom Digital which distributes Xaxero software in North America said, "This new version of WeatherFax 2000 represents a significant advance in simplicity for the cruiser who already owns or plans to install the SCS radio modem. Anytime you can reduce the number of components in a system the reliability of the system increases. The lower price also helps justify the purchase of the radio modem by increasing its versatility. Now one high quality digital device can control all computer based onboard communications".

WeatherFax 2000 is a software system that permits users to receive satellite weatherfax images, charts, navigational telex (NAVTEX), Telex, and Morse code that are broadcast free from land based high frequency
(HF) transmitters on SSB frequencies. The system software runs on a personal computer (PC) using the Microsoft Windows operating system. The system hardware consists of the same standard RS-232 serial cable that
connects between the PC and the SCS radio modem.

This version of WeatherFax 2000 is copy protected - a user may evaluate the software for a period of 30 days or 30 runs after which key features of the program are disabled unless its registered.

The software can run in the latest Microsoft Windows operating systems and is easy to install and set up. WeatherFax 2000 offers a completely new concept in weatherfax reception called multitasking. The fax software can run in the background, unattended, while the computer is utilized for other tasks such as navigation. Yet, when it is needed, the software displays and prints crisp, detailed weather photos and maps. In addition, it can receive text weather information in remote locations, by using either Morse code or NAVTEX.

WeatherFax 2000 features include full compatibility with Microsoft Windows 95, 98, ME, NT, or 2000 operating systems, complete context sensitive help including a detailed tutorial, timer for unattended reception with database, advanced image processing capability, worldwide weather fax frequencies and schedules, and software controls for selected HF radios.

Minimum system requirements include, 16 MB of RAM, Mouse or other pointing device, Microsoft Windows 95, 98, ME, NT, or 2000, and a SSB or HAM general coverage radio receiver, and a SCS PTC-II, IIe, or II pro radio modem (TNC).

Dealer inquiries are invited. Coretex of Stuart, Florida, formerly represented the software, which was previously called Weather Fax for Windows.

Xaxero Marine Software Engineering, Ltd.
P. O. Box 1 West Park Village, West Harbour,
Auckland 1250, New Zealand
Website: www.xaxero.com.

NavCom Digital
P.O. Box 1352,
Kemah,
Texas 77565
Telephone: 800.444.2581 or 281.334.1174,
Fax 281.334.3320,
E-mail: navcom@sea-tech.com