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Scare_Rab · 10-07-2014, 23:07

I am heading across the Tasman in a month or so.
33' steel Cutter.

I am looking at communication devices.
Rather than being primarily for calling for assistance, the main purpose of any communications device is to re-assure the wife at home that all is Okay.
I would much rather spend time and effort in preparation and ensuring there are no "rescue- needed" emergency than hoping to rely on some "coming over the horizon_Calvary"

Options so far:

1. Spot - GPS Satellite Messenger NZ $299 full price - no "on-going"
Kinda attractive ,being a relatively uncomplicated & known technology.

I wonder about coverage in the South Tasman / Auckland Island ?

2. InReach

inReach Satellite Communicator - 2-Way Messaging & SOS - RATES

Inreach does "seem" all very modern and useful = sounds great.

I wonder at the price - being forced to buy an on-going contract from an Ozzie Telco kinda sux when I'm immediately leaving OZ.

3. Sat Phone

I wonder about buying a 2nd hand one on Ozzie E_BAy?
and then I am back to " being forced to buy an on-going contract from an Ozzie Telco kinda sux when I'm immediately leaving OZ".

Opinions / questions / comments - suggestions - : welcomed.

Ham Radio is not in my skill set. I'm not really interested in learning and installing
.

Snowpetrel · 11-07-2014, 00:04

Seen the yellowbricks?

Scare_Rab · 11-07-2014, 01:13

Yellow-brick?
Until your suggestion -I'd never heard of them
Thanks.

To purchase they be 399 pounds --- or $780 NZ

A touch off-putting.
I did email them asking for a quote to "Hire"

https://www.yellowbrick-tracking.com/shop.php

**Wotname** · 11-07-2014, 01:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scare_Rab

I am heading across the Tasman in a month or so.
33' steel Cutter.

I am looking at communication devices.
Rather than being primarily for calling for assistance, the main purpose of any communications device is to re-assure the wife at home that all is Okay.
I would much rather spend time and effort in preparation and ensuring there are no "rescue- needed" emergency than hoping to rely on some "coming over the horizon_Calvary"
.....................
.

OK, for this purpose it's going to have to be 100% reliable and I think your wife would be more assured by hearing your voice than by some message (or absence of same).

For these reasons, I suggest an Iridium Sat Phone. It will work across the Tasman, it's proven technology and the learning curve is pretty easy.

You don't need to be taking chances here so I suggest you buy new and sell it yourself on ebay or whatever if/when you have no further use for it.

Or hire one if that takes your fancy. Several outlets in Oz hire them

**atoll** · 11-07-2014, 02:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wotname

OK, for this purpose it's going to have to be 100% reliable and I think your wife would be more assured by hearing your voice than by some message (or absence of same).

For these reasons, I suggest an Iridium Sat Phone. It will work across the Tasman, it's proven technology and the learning curve is pretty easy.

You don't need to be taking chances here so I suggest you buy new and sell it yourself on ebay or whatever if/when you have no further use for it.

Or hire one if that takes your fancy. Several outlets in Oz hire them

+2,but allow enough time for your sim card to arrive by post

i use a pay as you go card,which is about £75 for the initial 50 minutes +card,then £50 for subsequent blocks of 50 minutes,which can be topped up online,with no ongoing contract.

Neptune's Gear · 11-07-2014, 02:49

Yellow brick gets my vote. Used them in the solo Tasman race. Great. The Tasman in mid winter is no walk in the park. From where to where? I hope you and the boat are ready!

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

**JPA Cate** · 11-07-2014, 03:22

Marine SSB. Russell radio will notify your wife after you check in with them.

If it doesn't suit, then go with another way. There are a couple of ham nets, as well, though you have ruled them out.

It's only about a week across the Tasman; maybe she could wait till you arrive, as did the wives of yore.

Ann

barnakiel · 11-07-2014, 04:54

We had problems using Spot in area N of where you want to be. Check their coverage before committing.

Iridium and Inmarsat phones no issues.

Iridium or Inmarsat trackers will work as well. Yellowbrick. InReach.

Spot is one way. InReach is both ways. InReach has the new gizmo too. Check it out.

I think IsatPhone from Inmarsat yields very good value/money all chips down.

Cheers,
b.

**GMN** · 11-07-2014, 05:27

While I would be cautious about recommending any Globalstar voice service for the area you'll be in (coverage map is too limited), you would probably be well served with a SPOT Gen3 (you can see the SPOT messaging coverage map here: Network / Satellite). For reliability and more guaranteed coverage, I would recommend something with a broader global coverage area like an Iridium system.

InReach is built on an Iridium modem and an Iridium 9555 (or even 9505A or 9500 if you can find a used one in good working condition) is always an excellent, and very reliable, choice.

Also: Iridium airtime does not have to be subscription. If a satellite provider is saying you can only get subscription airtime - look for a different satellite provider! A 75-Minute prepaid card (cost in USD is around $145) will cover you for a month and can easily be topped off with more minutes if you need it.