Hi All,
The latest test release of RMS Express for Winlink (version 1.3.7.3) now features an easy to setup connection session for the popular IridiumGO
satellite wifi hotspot.
Sailing hams can now access the Winlink 2000 system via any of the 66
Iridium LEO
satellite phone satellites.
This can be done from anywhere in the world, especially in areas where there are few Winlink HF RMS's.
Data thruput speeds are reported to be around 5.6 kbm.
About the same as an average
Pactor 3 session via
HF radio.
Normal
Iridium data rates apply, though.
Instructions can be found in the latest RMS Express Help File.
Making a Winlink Connection with Iridium GO!
The Iridium GO!(tm) is a
satellite phone that is designed specifically for providing access to
computers, cell phones and tablet devices. RMS Express supports Winlink (WL2K) connections through the Iridium GO!
Establishing a connection from your computer to the Iridium GO!
Before you can start a Winlink connection with RMS Express, you must make a Wi-Fi connection from your computer to the Iridium GO! When powered on, the Iridium GO! provides a Wi-Fi hotspot named Iridium-xxxx where xxxx is unique to the device. Using the normal Windows Wi-Fi connection tools, establish a connection to the Iridium GO! Up to five devices can be connected to the Iridium GO! simultaneously, but only one
satellite connection can be active at a time.
Opening an RMS Express session to the Iridium GO!
Select "Iridium GO WL2K" from the drop down session type list on the main menu bar. Click Open Session on the main menu bar. This will open the Iridium GO WL2K Session
screen.
Setup options for Iridium GO!
Normally, the default settings RMS Express uses for the Iridium GO! should
work without change. However, if you need to change some options, click "Setup" on the Iridium Session
screen menu bar.
User name -- This is the user name the Iridium GO! is configured to accept. The default value of "guest" will be in effect unless it is changed in the device.
Password -- This is the password the Iridium GO! is configured to accept. The default value of "guest" will be in effect unless it is changed in the device.
Connection timeout -- Specify the maximum number of seconds that are allowed while attempting to establish an
Internet connection. If this limit is exceeded, the connection attempt is aborted. Normally it takes between 20 to 30 seconds to make a connection.
Phone # -- If you subscribe to an Iridium data plan that provides a
phone number, specify it here.
Starting a connection
When RMS Express is able to access the Iridium GO!, and there is no active connection, and the satellite signal strength is greater than 0, then the "Start" button is enabled. Click it to begin making a connection to the Winlink system.
Can IridiumGO enabled sailors please post their Winlink data thruput speeds here ?
A 10 Kb to 30 Kb text or .jpg picture as attachment will
work nicely.
Hamsailor.
Linear Mode
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