Is there a smartphone GPS app that will transmit data via satellite?

[iSaint]

Like the Delorme Inreach?

I only make a few trips a year so I don't want to buy the inReach. I've looked at renting and may consider that option. Does the iNavX or other GPS smartphone app transmit breadcrumb track and send email while out to sea?

[TurninTurtle]

If you want the data sent by satellite... you need a satellite phone.

Your average iPhone or Android phone isn't going to do it.

[jackdale]

Originally Posted by TurninTurtle

If you want the data sent by satellite... you need a satellite phone.

Your average iPhone or Android phone isn't going to do it.

A Iridium Go will set up a wifi hotspot on your boat that can be used by 5 Apple or Android smartphones.

[iSaint]

Originally Posted by jackdale

A Iridium Go will set up a wifi hotspot on your boat that can be used by 5 Apple or Android smartphones.

Thanks, that's what I've found as well.

[tkeithlu]

Immarsat now has coverage of all but the polar regions with geostationary satellites spaced around the equator, at a lower price than Iridium. But if you're looking for breadcrumbs, We're OK, Please call, and SOS by satellite check into Spot Hug. Their system also includes unauthorized movement, fire, intrusion, and bilge for when you are away from the boat. I get an email each day saying that my boat is at my dock in front of the house.....

[TurninTurtle]

Next issue is... reporting to the iPhone or common Android what your GPS location is from that satellite uplink.

The common Android and iPhone apps use the cell towers triangulation system to tell where the phone is located when using their mapping features.
No towers = no mapping.

Satellite phones will use the GPS satellites for location. I'm not sure if any of those can use the Android or iPhone apps.

[iSaint]

Originally Posted by TurninTurtle

Next issue is... reporting to the iPhone or common Android what your GPS location is from that satellite uplink.

The common Android and iPhone apps use the cell towers triangulation system to tell where the phone is located when using their mapping features.
No towers = no mapping.

Satellite phones will use the GPS satellites for location. I'm not sure if any of those can use the Android or iPhone apps.

I tracked a trip from Tarpon Springs to Carrabelle, FL last summer with the Navionics app on my iPhone 6, so it's using GPS in some form or fashion.

[J Clark H356]

I assume you are looking for a cheap alternative to InReach or Spot (uses Globalstar) which sends breadcrumbs and text messages. InReach has two way messenging by text. There are no IPhone or android apps that will send while out of cellphone range, and your trip across the Big Bend area of the Gulf has no cell phones me coverage.

Spot and InReach both use satellites and send breadcrumbs if you subscribe to their service in real time, as does the Iridium interface with the IPhone. If you get an Iridium or Globalstar phone you can sign up for Data services and use a RedPort optimizer that will create a wifi hotspot to access email,and Internet using XGate. These are relatively expensive hardware and subscription services.

I've used Globalstar, XGate, Spot and communicated with my son who is a mountain climber using InReach. I also use Navionics and InavX while cruising and have used offshore in the area you have just been cruising in, along with Spot with breadcrumbs. Look at all of them, but InReach and Spot offer some emergency notifications that are an economical way to cruise offshore with a limited ability to communicate should you have a problem. I certainly recommend an Eprib, even if only a personal one, if you are sailing on crossings so you can communicate if things go bad. I didn't use my VHF crossing from Clearwater to Panama City, but I have since heard from others that the towers out there can pick up VHF signals in the Big Bend area.


Sent from my iPad using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[barnakiel]

Off course there is.

Any* smartphone can do this.

You only need a yellowbrick (not free) and a free App to achieve just what you want.

*Check out which OS is supported, some gadgets work only with iPhones or Androids, others work with everything.

b.

[denverd0n]

Originally Posted by TurninTurtle

No towers = no mapping.

A lot of smart-phones have a built-in GPS receiver, so no towers = no problem with mapping. Not all, though, so it is a feature you need to look for.

[Ndavies]

I strongly suggest you check out the DeLorme inReach. I have used it for several years both as a tracker and 2-way satellite communicator paired to my phone. We also now carry an Iridium Go, allowing us to pair cell phones with satellite, get weather and track., but I am big into redundancy in systems.

If I were to buy one, it would be the delorme. TheDeLorme can now receive weather info and you can step up and step down plan levels when you make trips. We are currently in Mexico and using it on a daily basis.

Neil

[Dymaxion]

SPOT units are cheap enough, they are an outright purchase, then have various monthly plans. They had a special last Christmas that gave you the device for next to nothing with a years sign up. You can opt for month by month as well.

Smartphones do have built in GPS, but if you're going to be out of cell reception you'll need to download the appropriate map regions for use offline. None I know of talk to satellite services directly.

[Time2Go]

The Delorme Inreach has two costs associated with it

1. Purchase Price, about 300.00 US
2. Monthly service plan 35.00 to 75.00 US

However and this is major
You can activate for as short as a month then shut of , then activate
shut off, activate and so on. Minimum activation is one month
They charge 25.00US per year to maintain this feature.

I do most of my long distance cruising in June, July & August
So after my purchase 3 years ago my cost this year will be 105.00
Bread trail & 40 texts a month, Not bad at all
My unit worked flawlessly from the Baltic to the Med.
Also a back up GPS with an SOS feature to boot
This summer I will be adding the OCENS weather service.
Cheers
Neil

[mausgras]

iPhones and Android cannot talk to satellites directly because they do not have the power and work and entirely different frequencies. So there is no app.

There are some systems mentioned by others where your phone connects to a satellite interface which then talks to the satellite.

[kelbylinn]

I've had the Delorme In Reach now for about 3 years. Have used it back and forth from Dauphin Island, Al down to Key West and back leaving the bread crumbs for all to see on their website. Also sent text messages while well out into the Gulf where no phone service was available. It is not that expensive! By the way, I have also used it when traveling by car on longer trips to keep family, etc. alerted as to where I am.