BraselC5048 wrote:Cool.
Question though - if I want to actually go ahead and navigate using them, and plot the positions on an actual paper map (cross-reference two or more them - where the lines intersection is roughly my position) - what kind of map should I use, and where do I get one? The type of projection the map uses would likely matter as well. Ideally it would be aviation-related and also show NDB/VOR beacon and airport positions, but I suppose a marine chart would work if I can find a way to put what's required in the correct position.
When i wanted to use paper maps I have used a simple school Atlas for many years.
Precise navigation in the era these radio beacons represent was not that accurate - far from GPS precision.
When I want an online map,I use Google Earth, where I can draw all kind of lines and circlies with indications of distances and bearings.
In the Weathership zip file You will find a Google Earth .kmz file with all stations and their approximate ranges.
A less precise methode to find Your position, is if You know Your ground speed and having the Weathership to one of Your sides, but You must know to what side the Weathership is.
-Take Your first bearing to a Weathership and notice the time when You did so.
A good starting point could be when the loop antenna is at 10 or 2 o'clock.
-Note Your course.
-After f.ex 15 mins, take the next bearing to the same Weathership.
Ensure that if the starting point was at 10 o'clcok then the loop antennes bearing must go counterclockwise, and if the starting point was at 2 o'clock is should go clockwise.
Otherwise Your assumed Weathership position is wrong and You most probably have found the "fake" 180° bearing.
-Calculate the distance over ground You flew in those 15 mins.
-Draw the two bearings from the known position of the Weathership with a ruler.
-Now place the ruler so it intersects the two bearing lines and aligned with Your course.
-Find where the distance between the two bearing lines equals the distance over ground that You calculated.
-Now You can see Your appriximate position and course You flew when You took the measurements.
Not deadly accurate, but still accurate enough to do the job.
In rare occasions You might be able to tune two Weatherships and do the cross-reference, which is more accurate.
If taking two bearings to those two stations, You can get Your position and course by drwaing a line between those two cross-references.
Another great tool is Plan-G, which i free:
http://www.tasoftware.co.uk/