Keeping in touch

[aireus01]

I'm going to be leaving to head shout towards Mexico and who knows where. Is there something I can buy to keep in touch with family back in the states.? I've seen the domes on trucks,boats where you get satellite Tv n what not. I was just wondering what it is. I'd like to post my adventures on Facebook and send emails n what not to my family and friends. Any Ideas? Thanks

[travellerw]

I have a Delorme Inreach Explorer.. It is a fantastic device and has very affordable plans (can be "parked" when not in use).

It doesn't technically send e-mail, more like text messages. You can send a 160 character text message to any cell phone or e-mail address and they can reply back.

It can also post 160 character messages to Facebook or Twitter. Unfortunately it does not show the comments on the posts though, but it does allow a reader to send you a message or track you on a map.

One thing to note.. It does not work indoors or close to tall buildings. It needs a clear view of the sky to function well (a boat roof is no problem).

Here is a link:
http://www.inreachdelorme.com/produc...h-explorer.php

Look on Craig's list, you can sometimes find them used.

[bobnlesley]

How about a basket/cage full of of pigeons? You can even eat them at a push.

[Waymar]

I echo the In Reach. Just got one for Christmas to stay in touch sailing the Caribbean. Its fairly basic two-way communication but it is everywhere (I believe it uses the Iridium satellite network) . The details and photos of the journey can be filled in once you are in a wifi hotspot.

[roverhi]

Not cheap but ham radio can get you phone contact via radio patch hams. Should be able to set up a ham rig for about a boat unit. Can also get slow email connection via a Pactor modem and the ham radio but the modems are pricey. In the .5 boat units for used, a boat unit or more new. Some people say they are getting email via a computer sound card though no experience with it.

Ham radio is nice to have connecting with maritime mobile nets on passage and local area nets when you're there.

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by travellerw

...

Look on Craig's list, you can sometimes find them used.

Quite a few popping up on eBay now too since Delorme has new models out. Much better solution than SPOT at a competative price.

This plus HAM/SSB, as suggested, plus Internet access in port covers a lot of bases.

I suggest not relying on just one. Best to have redundancy at sea.

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by roverhi

Not cheap but ham radio can get you phone contact via radio patch hams...

WLO Radio (now ShipCom) has restarted their marine operator service. Comes in handy when other options aren't working or you have a need for voice comm offshore.

[aireus01]

Thanks for all the information. I learn so much from this site and all you great people


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