Iridium GO satellite wifi
The Iridium GO satellite wifi device is an appealing alternative to a satellite phone . It ’ s a compact device that functions in much the same way as a MiFi hub for terrestrial mobile data , but with the addition of a facility for voice calls , SMS text messaging and an SOS facility .
The unit is easy to set up and activated simply by rotating the antenna 90 degrees into the upright position . Communication with tablets or smartphones is via wifi . I found the unit produced a consistently strong signal . The interface is then via two free apps that need to be downloaded in advance – Iridium GO ! for voice and SMS text messaging , and Iridium Mail for email and web browsing . I used the Iridium GO ! With my iPhone6 , which functioned flawlessly . As default the system is set such that only emails of less than 50kb are downloaded , along with the headers of larger ones , which allowed me to select which ( if any ) of the bigger ones I needed to download .
There is also an SOS button on the unit that will send your position , plus an emergency message , to a userdefined group of contacts . In addition there ’ s a tracking function that automatically sends regular position updates to anyone you chose . Finally , there ’ s a growing list of third party apps designed to integrate with the system , such as Predict Wind Offshore . All in all a fantastic devise that will accompany me on all trips and future expeditions . Again thanks to the crew at the Satphone Shop for providing the units and air time .
Yakima Rocketbox Pro 14 DeLorme InReach Explorer
Ok so I bet that the Chris and the crew ay Yakima would have been shocked when I contacted them about taking a Skybox to Antarctica . Even more so when I showed them how it would be used ………….. I needed a storage system to fit under my snow sailer and this was the ideal choice . It was installed as if it was on roof racks and the system is incredibly easy to use . Its large hooks slide under your crossbars , and you simply tighten big red knobs until they are snug . It also has a button to push to open the latches after you have turned the key .
With its limited length this box is best suited for general camping and cargo hauling . Oh and how did it perform , well pictures tell a 1000 words , after the storm , I dug it out after 3 days , turned the lock and popped the lid . There was minimal snow on the inside even after the battering it took .
I decided to choose the InReach Explorer over the InReach SE Satellite Messenger as it has the ability to create and view routes on the device whereas the InReach SE requires you pair the device with a smartphone . I believed that this would be a huge advantage during my expedition . The built-in navigation capabilities allows you to create or view routes ( including distance and bearing information ), use the built-in digital compass , and access your elevation , speed , and moving average using the barometric altimeter and accelerometer sensors . In addition , you ’ re able to mark important locations with waypoints and navigate a route to your waypoint or back to where you started . The Explorer also lets you view key trip statistics and detailed track logging , as well as plan your route and waypoints ahead of time ; you can even share your experiences with your friends and family using a special portal .
Oh and did I mention the ability to communicate through SMS dail . Overall my suggestion , if you don ’ t have a personal communicator yet , get the InReach Explorer .