Many variables alTect the qualily of the fax chart reception: the vessel's antenna height 

 and distance from the transmitter, the qiiahty of the communications equipment aboard the vessel, 

 the time of day. and even global atmospheric conditions. Despite this complexity and the small 

 data set. the simple study described here provides some useful insight into the reception quality of 

 HP's fax chart. The 12750 MHz signal provides excellent service throughout most of the Western 

 North Atlantic. The 13882.3 MHz frequency appears to provide a good signal for the Eastern and 

 central North Atlantic. Over 90% of the returned charts in the study area were readable. IIP 

 plans to conduct these analyses every three years. Therefore, based on this year's response from 

 the maritime community, IIP expects to be able to continuously increase the sample size from 

 which these analyses can be conducted in the future. IIP monitors every fax chart transmission 

 from our Operations Center, yet there is no substitute for getting direct feedback from the mariner 

 who relies on these charts. 



Table 3. Listing of vessels returning fax charts in 2000. 



IIP greatly appreciates the maritime community's participation in this study and looks 

 forward to working with you all again in the future. Your contributions to our effoits in 

 increasing the quality of service we can provide the mariner are commendable. Please continue to 

 provide IIP with any information that you feel will help us serve you better. 



Fair winds and following seas. 



The International Ice Patrol 



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