Radio Broadcast Overview

Radio broadcast is one method used by the NWS and others for disseminating the EMWIN datastream. Digital weather information is transmitted using inexpensive radio broadcast and personal computer (PC) technologies.

The NWS (and other public and private agencies) transmits selected text, graphics, and imagery products as an audio signal on a dedicated VHF or UHF radio frequency. This information can be received, by anyone within the 40-50 mile broadcast area, using an inexpensive radio receiver, a demodulator, and a personal computer. EMWIN software on your PC, running under Windows, receives the signal through a serial port, stores the received weather products onto disk, and simultaneously allows you to display this information.

For technical information on demodulators for receiving the EMWIN signal via radio, check out the information available here.