[plolson]

I''m interested in users experience with voice and data with Iridium or Globalstar. I''m planning on cruising up and down the east coast this fall and need to keep in touch all the time. While the cost seems high, it is necessary. Input on phones, as well as, the services would be great. I would especially like to hear about using the phone down in the boat. Thanks.

 

[TSOJOURNER]

we have both an inmarsat mini-m and a globalstar on board. the mini m also downloads faxes and internet.
the mini-m has worked in a number of gales and a storm with waves over 30 feet. the globalstar doesn''t lock in in these conditions offshore. we never tried to use it down below. you can rent one for a week or more from gmpcs if you want to try one out. we keep the globalstar in our bail out bag for the life raft.
eric

 

[jack_patricia]

Eric:

We''re relying on HF/SSB to date, and so have no experience with either system you mention. Could you offer a cost/min. ''average'' that you''re experiencing for both Mini M & Globalstar. I realize if varies but, if you could ID your average mins/month use & divide that into your total subscription+useage time cost, that would be quite helpful.

Also, what did you experience re: equipment cost? I''m guessing the more recently you purchased, the less you spent...and I''m also guessing Globalstar would have been perhaps 1/4 the cost of the Mini-M gear (not counting installation). But that''s a lot of guessing! Any acquisition/install costs you could share would be most helpful, also.

Many thanks...

Jack (a Winlink/ham email ''happy camper'' but always wondering about a better mousetrap)

 

[sailor2169]

I have an iridium phone that I connect to my laptop and can pull down the NOAA weather info quite easily. Voice transmission is very good. Just like a normal phone.