Does anyone have an Iridium Go yet?

[simonpickard]

These look really interesting to me. The unit isn't that expensive, can't find much on data prices yet but their is talk of an unlimited data plan for $120 per month (min 12months). Still slow as data (2400 baud) but that's good enough for Gribs / emails.

Includes GPS tracking updates (like a spot tracker).

USB charged internal battery - so great for a grab bad with a solar charger.

Has anyone got one yet? Or thinking of getting one?

We need a Sat phone for the ARC rally in Nov. Thinking this could be the way to go.

Regards,
Simon

[Ex-Calif]

Hi Simon - It's on my list of options.

I haven't delved deeply and am not sure it is the right tool for the ditch bag. A separate handset is needed.

IIRC they are supposed to be shipping in July/August.

For me this is one consideration as is the InReach.

[barnakiel]

I heard it was slated for September. How can anybody have it now? Source pls.

I am not sure what source you have for 120 USD per month unlimited data. All plans I have found had limited data.

PLS send links to where you have seen it available.

I am sure some sailors around might like to read more.

b.

[GMN]

Originally Posted by barnakiel

I heard it was slated for September. How can anybody have it now? Source pls.

I am not sure what source you have for 120 USD per month unlimited data. All plans I have found had limited data.

PLS send links to where you have seen it available.

I am sure some sailors around might like to read more.

b.

Hallo - Iridium started shipping GO! units at the beginning of the week to their distribution network. We will have units on hand by next Monday and will be able to start shipping immediately to customers at that point.

There is an unlimited plan (we have it for $135 per month with no activation fee). This is for unlimited data and SMS - but no voice minutes included.

This unit is essentially untested by the market, since no one actually has one yet, but it does sound like it will be a nice little device. It has an SMS button, but someone brought up a good point - for a ditch bag you'll need to remember to bring your (fully charged, waterproofed) smartphone as well.

You can learn more about the GO! here, if you'd like, or feel free to message me.

[Ex-Calif]

Originally Posted by barnakiel

I heard it was slated for September. How can anybody have it now? Source pls.

I am not sure what source you have for 120 USD per month unlimited data. All plans I have found had limited data.

PLS send links to where you have seen it available.

I am sure some sailors around might like to read more.

b.

Hey B.

My source may have been the Iriduium site. I read a customer comment (somewhere in their blogging area) asking when he could expect his unit to ship as in his mind it was delayed.

OTOH - It could have been a distributor site and they were relaying the news.

Sorry can't be more specific - severe case of CRS (can't remember sh!t)

[barnakiel]

Originally Posted by GMN

(...)

There is an unlimited plan (we have it for $135 per month with no activation fee). This is for unlimited data and SMS - but no voice minutes included.

This unit is essentially untested by the market, since no one actually has one yet,

(...)

I think this answers the OP original question.

Great to see all the developments with more than one player entering the market that has been hungry for such devices for years.

I may be one of early testers on the shore side of the data flow. When this happens and when we have enough data points to make any comments, I will share our findings here.

Cheers,
b.

[simonpickard]

Sounds good.

In terms of the ditch bag - yes. The idea would be to also pack iphone(s) that I already have. In waterproof cases. I also have a great waterproof solar charger that would power everything.

One question I can't find an answer to though.. The SOS function of the unit, where is acts somewhat like a Spot tracker sending gps location and a distress txt, will that require a phone or is that just a button on the main unit?

Sounds like a good idea if so.


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[chala]

It looks like it will work pretty much like a 9555. For data 2.4 kbps for Dial-up, 8 kbps or better for Internet. Things to check:
Buy from a robust Dealer, not from one that is likely to go bush when you need the Sat connection the most.
Dial-up may not be easily available, the same for the US version of email.
Some complex Internet page may not display.
Any roll will distort a voice communication and make very difficult any data transfer.
An external aerial at least of the puck type is essential.
For a 955, Data depending on the plan may be free to download but time to download is not.
With the right method, a 4kb Grib file from Ugrib may take up to 2 minutes to down load on an 8kbps Internet connection.
For weather prediction a Sat phone is a great tool to have.

[GMN]

Originally Posted by simonpickard

One question I can't find an answer to though.. The SOS function of the unit, where is acts somewhat like a Spot tracker sending gps location and a distress txt, will that require a phone or is that just a button on the main unit?

The SOS button is a physical button that you can push that will send a distress alert to the GEOS network. It is my understanding that you can register a number of different contacts with GEOS that they will try and contact on your behalf, but like an EPIRB, there is no nuance when you hit that red button. GEOS will send in the calvary no matter what.

You can read the Iridium brochure on the SOS button here: Download Attachment

[Auspicious]

Originally Posted by GMN

GEOS will send in the calvary no matter what.

Not necessarily. Sometimes they just leave a message on your wife's voicemail. See SPOT Distress Alerts - Inside Practical Sailor Blog Article .

This was a topic of discussion at today's USCG GMDSS Task Force meeting. There is no certification or even inspection for third party emergency call centers.

This is one of several reasons that Iridium and other consumer satellite phone and tracking systems are not part of GMDSS.

[hoppy]

I've been curious about the Go for a while, but for no I don't need it, but I was feeling that you still might need a second satphone for the ditch bag...

I however just did a quick google for waterproof iphone cases with a solar panel and found this SLXTREME 5, SLXTREME 5 Case | snowlizard

Something like that could be a good accessory for any Go buyers

[cwyckham]

Originally Posted by chala

It looks like it will work pretty much like a 9555. For data 2.4 kbps for Dial-up, 8 kbps or better for Internet. Things to check:
Buy from a robust Dealer, not from one that is likely to go bush when you need the Sat connection the most.
Dial-up may not be easily available, the same for the US version of email.
Some complex Internet page may not display.
Any roll will distort a voice communication and make very difficult any data transfer.
An external aerial at least of the puck type is essential.
For a 955, Data depending on the plan may be free to download but time to download is not.
With the right method, a 4kb Grib file from Ugrib may take up to 2 minutes to down load on an 8kbps Internet connection.
For weather prediction a Sat phone is a great tool to have.

What do you mean by "dial-up may not be easily available, the same for the US version of email"?

That is crazy that you get unlimited data, but need to pay for the airtime to get it. Then the slower the connection, the more they make. Does anybody know if this applies to the Go?

[hoppy]

I suspect that all calls and data activity will only be available through the GO app this iwill limit what you can do and would explain how the can offer "unlimited". There is a limit to how often any sane person can post on twitter per day.

I was curious and installed the app




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[chala]

Originally Posted by cwyckham

What do you mean by "dial-up may not be easily available, the same for the US version of email"?

What I mean is that most people use broadband these days and not Dial-up. To use the Dial-Up service provided by Iridium an ISP with a Dial-up connection that agree to take call from Iridium is required.

[simonpickard]

What I mean is that most people use broadband these days and not Dial-up. To use the Dial-Up service provided by Iridium an ISP with a Dial-up connection that agree to take call from Iridium is required.

What do you mean by this sorry?