Iridium Go! Anyone?

[Capn Bri]

I have read both good and bad reviews on the Iridium Go! satellite communicator. I found one vendor on-line who has ceased selling the device due to the weight of many customer complaints. I see many still selling it and extolling its virtues.

I also see mixed and contradictory claims about its capabilities. For example, some say that it CAN connect to a laptop just as it does to an iPad, while others say that it CANNOT connect to a laptop. Another contradiction comes with regard to claims about data capabilities. At data speeds below dial-up, it is difficult to see how it can receive meaningful weather data in anything approaching an efficient manner. On the other hand, Ocens and Predictwind are selling the device and claiming that their weather services work great.

I think some of the problem is that this device has evolved. It may be that at one time these problems were real, but today they have been addressed.

So ...has anyone here had any personal experience with the Iridium Go!? If so, please tell us about it. Tell us how you like it (or not) and why? How's the customer service? Did you have problems finding a way to use it in the practical sense? Are you using the external antenna? If so, where did you mount it and how is it working out for you?

Many thanks for any and all help.

- CB

.

[Capn Bri]

really?

No one owns/uses or knows about the Iridium Go! ?

Hm ...weird.

- CB

.

[SV DestinyAscen]

It works if you have an external antenna. It doesn't allow you to surf the web like what people are used to - special apps and software bundled allows you to sms, email, get grib/access predict wind servers.

[Capn Bri]

Originally Posted by SV DestinyAscen

It works if you have an external antenna. It doesn't allow you to surf the web like what people are used to - special apps and software bundled allows you to sms, email, get grib/access predict wind servers.

Thanks. What do you think about mounting the external antenna on a spreader?

- CB

.

[GoingWalkabout]

I have been researching low cost satellite for offshore email, voice and sms.

My research has me leaning to the Globalstar Sat-Fi Satellite Hotspot that costs USD $999.00

Iridium Go connects to 5 devices. Sat-Fi connects to 8 devices.
Sat-Fi has 4 x data speed to that of Iridium Go.


Globalstar Sat-Fi Unlimited plans

Monthly Unlimited. $149.99/mo

or

Yearly Unlimited. $1,800/yr


Both plans give you:

Minutes Included UNLIMITED

Effective Per
Minute Rate N/A

Additional Voice
& Data Minutes N/A

Voice Mail No Cost

Express Data
Compression No Cost

Activation Fee $50


GLOBALSTAR SAT-FI SATELLITE HOTSPOT


Introducing Sat-Fi THE WORLD’S MOST POWERFUL SATELLITE HOTSPOT

With Sat-Fi, Globalstar customers can use their existing Wi-Fi enabled devices to send and receive calls, email and SMS text messages over the newest, most modern satellite network. Whether on land or at sea, up to 8 Sat-Fi users will be able to maintain reliable connectivity when beyond cellular with one Sat-Fi device. Experience the industry’s best voice quality and the fastest data speeds, all at an affordable price.

Globalstar Sat-Fi Product Brochure

SMS



KEY FEATURES

Powered by the world’s newest, most modern satellite network
Easily make calls, send emails and SMS from any Wi-Fi enabled device from beyond cellular
Fastest data speeds in the industry for sending and receiving email
Enjoy affordable, crystal-clear voice quality with seamless connectivity
Simple 10 digit dialing, caller ID and ability to use existing device contacts via the Sat-Fi App
Connect up to 8 users to Sat-Fi at one time
Connect with emergency services should the unexpected occur
Designed for both vehicle/vessel-based and fixed locations


SAT-FI APPS

Easily connect your Wi-Fi enabled device to the Sat-Fi device with the custom Sat-Fi and Sat-Fi Voice Apps

Available for Android, Apple iOS, Mac and Windows
Easily make voice calls, send emails, SMS & post to social media
Conveniently use existing device contacts
S.O.S. alert capability with GPS location data sent to emergency responders
Transfer incoming calls and send text messages between connected users


SAT-FI INCLUDES

Sat-Fi unit
AC/DC power supply
12VDC car adapter
Waterproof DC power cable
Wi-Fi antenna
External satellite antenna
14 ft coaxial antenna cable (32 ft, 47 ft and 86 ft also available)
Mounting accessories
Quick start guide

[SV DestinyAscen]

We looked briefly at globestar, bbut was told they had some gaps in service because they have some ground relay station gaps?

OP: vender should be able to advise you.

[SaltyMonkey]

I thought Globalstar fixed their Sat system?

[SaltyMonkey]

Nope

https://www.globalstar.com/en/index....06&sidenav=232

[GoingWalkabout]

SATELLITE NETWORK

GLOBALSTAR Newest, Most Modern Network Recently completed $1 billion network upgrade.

GO - Aging Constellation


QUALITY

GLOBALSTAR - Industry Leading Voice Quality Be Heard with Sat-Fi's superior voice quality.

GO - Inferior Voice Quality


DATA SPEEDS

GLOBALSTAR - 9.6 kbps Data connectivity that's 4x faster - spend 75% less time sending emails.

GO - 2.4 kbps


REMOTE ANTENNA

GLOBALSTAR - Included 3 remote antenna options - magnetic patch, magnetic helix, pole-mounted marinized helix.

GO - Not Included


AIRTIME PRICING

GLOBALSTAR - Unlimited Voice, Unlimited Data Most affordable airtime plans; includes voice and data minutes.

GO - Voice approx. $1+/minute Unlimited Data


MULTIPLE USERS

GLOBALSTAR - YES (8) When keeping your entire team connected is key,
Sat-Fi allows you to connect up to 8 users.

GO - YES (5)


DISCLAIMER: I do not work for any sat phone company or hold any shares or receive any financial rewards.

I have not used these systems. The information gathered has been from the internet.

Chaya

[SaltyMonkey]

AGAIN look at the coverage map. The Globalstar system SUCKS!

[GoingWalkabout]

Originally Posted by SaltyMonkey

Nope

https://www.globalstar.com/en/index....06&sidenav=232

Your first statement was correct. They have the newest satellite Constellation and have "fixed" earlier deficiencies.

The page you linked to was for Simplex Data.

Please check this more up to date and product relevant page.


Globalstar Sat-Fi


From Argentina to parts of Antarctica they have issues. I believe it's political rather than technical.

[GoingWalkabout]

Originally Posted by SaltyMonkey

AGAIN look at the coverage map. The Globalstar system SUCKS!

I think you need your glasses prescription checked

[stillbuilding]

Coverage not good in the Pacific Su rules it out for me


Sent from my iPhone

[SaltyMonkey]

If you actually went to my LINK you would see TABS for each of the SERVICES. You will See a VOICE tab. THERE IS NO PACIFIC OCEAN COVERAGE. ALL THE HOT COVERAGE IS OVER LAND. Any YELLOW is only COASTAL. There is VERY little Grey Coverage in the Ocean!

ITS USELESS!

Get a grip and READ.

[SaltyMonkey]

I LOVE IT! They haven't updated their Sats since 2013!!


Author: GUSA Marketing Team Reference Number: AA-00221 Views: 99947 Created: 2010-10-14 05:35 Last Updated: 2013-03-13 19:40 0 Rating/ 0 Voters
Globalstar Constellation Update

On February 6th, 2013, Globalstar successfully completed launching its constellation of second generation satellites. The first two satellites from this recent launch were raised and placed into service in early March. Globalstar expects to place the final second-generation satellites into commercial service over the next few months as planned. Customers will continue to see improvements in network performance over the coming months as these remaining satellites are placed into service.

These new satellites are designed to last for 15 years, twice the lifespan of Globalstar's first-generation satellites. The Globalstar second-generation satellite constellation will support the Company's current lineup of voice, duplex and simplex data products and services, including its SPOT-branded consumer products which have initiated over 2,200 rescues in over 70 countries and at sea since the initial introduction in 2007. Globalstar has always been known for its crystal clear, "land-line quality" voice service, ease of use and customer value, and Globalstar will continue to provide these end-user benefits.