R-pod Owners Forum : Inmarsat or Iridium? https://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Miscellaneous / Off-topic : Inmarsat or Iridium? Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Sat, 30 May 2026 14:31:23 +0000 Tue, 17 Mar 2020 08:11:33 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 https://www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=13440 R-pod Owners Forum https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png https://www.rpod-owners.com/ Inmarsat or Iridium? : Originally posted by StephenH I've... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13440&PID=129863#129863 Author: Olddawgsrule
Subject: 13440
Posted: 17 Mar 2020 at 8:11am

Originally posted by StephenH

I've thought of it. Can a US Ham license be used in Canada and are repeaters available there also? We will be in western Canada for longer distances than we will be in Alaska.

Edit: I answered my own question about US/Canadian operation. There is an automatic bilateral agreement. My Legion post hosts a TALARC (The American Legion Amateur Radio Club) chapter. I'll talk with them. The problem would be in finding a testing site that isn't shut down due to Covid-19 and in getting ready to take the test. Add to that, finding suitable equipment.

Talk to those folks about APRS and uses with a Ham Radio. You can probably get tested by them as well. Plenty of online 'official' sites for prepping' for the test. I'm sure they'll explain that to you as well. 
]]> Tue, 17 Mar 2020 08:11:33 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13440&PID=129863#129863 Inmarsat or Iridium? : You will be without cell service... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13440&PID=129862#129862 Author: Woodmiester
Subject: 13440
Posted: 17 Mar 2020 at 7:57am

You will be without cell service most of the time once you reach Canada and Eastern Alaska.  However, even though you are in the wilderness you are never completely alone.  You will find that people traveling this area are really great and helpful.  Nobody passes a stranded vehicle on the road.  

I have stopped several times to check on people and I know most other people in this area  do that also.

You will enjoy this trip immensely!  Don't over think the situation.  Actually, it is a great break from all the "communication frenzy" that we are accustomed to..................Just go and ENJOY!
]]> Tue, 17 Mar 2020 07:57:44 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13440&PID=129862#129862 Inmarsat or Iridium? : Originally posted by StephenHI... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13440&PID=129860#129860 Author: offgrid
Subject: 13440
Posted: 17 Mar 2020 at 6:46am

Originally posted by StephenH

I was looking at the Garmin communicators also. I did a little more reading and the Garmin units use the Iridium satellites. That may be the way I will go as it looks like overall, it will fill the need of being able to be contacted or to send a message if needed. Plus, the purchase cost is much less. I'll have to investigate service costs though.



They're still pretty pricey but at least you can get one of the small handheld communicators to double as a gps mapper with topos for hiking. Of course you can do that with your phone too but battery life becomes a big issue,

The other functionality that I would want to look at is weather reporting. I don’t really have that much need to txt to folks while camping but there have been many times while hiking when I wished for an accurate local weather forecast.

Looks like there are month to month services in the $20-$30 range if you can get by with limited texting. ]]> Tue, 17 Mar 2020 06:46:20 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13440&PID=129860#129860 Inmarsat or Iridium? : I was looking at the Garmin communicators... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13440&PID=129857#129857 Author: StephenH
Subject: 13440
Posted: 16 Mar 2020 at 7:18pm

I was looking at the Garmin communicators also. I did a little more reading and the Garmin units use the Iridium satellites. That may be the way I will go as it looks like overall, it will fill the need of being able to be contacted or to send a message if needed. Plus, the purchase cost is much less. I'll have to investigate service costs though.]]> Mon, 16 Mar 2020 19:18:02 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13440&PID=129857#129857 Inmarsat or Iridium? : Spotty cell service is by no means... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13440&PID=129853#129853 Author: offgrid
Subject: 13440
Posted: 16 Mar 2020 at 10:06am

Spotty cell service is by no means limited to the West. Cell coverage generally doesn’t exist in the deep valleys of the Appalachians either. I find that my cell booster and directional antenna help but there has to be a signal to boost. Down in the hollows there’s not.

Re Inmarsat vs iridium, do you really need voice? If limited text capability will do there are many (relatively) inexpensive communicators and data plans available nowadays. ]]> Mon, 16 Mar 2020 10:06:32 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13440&PID=129853#129853 Inmarsat or Iridium? : Originally posted by StephenHWe've... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13440&PID=129852#129852 Author: GlueGuy
Subject: 13440
Posted: 16 Mar 2020 at 9:52am

Originally posted by StephenH

We've been across the western US with plenty of cellular dead zones, even along Interstate highways. There are reasons I would like to be able to stay in touch. Elderly parents are one. Our house security system is self-monitored and although I could add someone in, I would still want to be notified if something tripped the alarm. One break-in in our lives is enough. Also, we would want to be able to call for assistance if we were to have a breakdown. It is taking a chance on cell service being there or waiting for someone to come along to take a message to some place where help could be summoned.

@GlueGuy: Please define DAS. I'm not familiar with that acronym. Also, we are on Google Fi. I'm not sure if AT&T towers would be accessible to us.

I completely understand the issue of maintaining an ability to connect. No question.

A DAS is a "Distributed Antenna System". Out here in the west, we have a lot of narrow canyons where cell service cannot reach. In the midwest and on the eastern seaboard, you can spread out cell towers and cover a pretty large area. It doesn't work out here because of the terrain.

However, building a cell tower is a pretty expensive enterprise. If they were to build a cell tower everywhere it was needed, the cost of the cell service would go through the roof. What they came up with is a DAS, where you can "stretch" an existing cell tower into a long string (typically along roads), where they attach antennas back to some convenient cell tower. We now have several corridors that are serviced with a DAS, which brings cell service to areas where it could never happen before. What you will see is what looks like telephone poles every half mile or so along a roadway with one, two, or three antennas on it. It's not a cell tower, just an extension of a cell tower that might be many miles away.

Curiously, the DASes near us here are actually shared by ATT and Verizon. They use the same antennas to provide service for both of them. The DAS itself is run by a 3rd party, and they lease access to whichever cell service.
]]> Mon, 16 Mar 2020 09:52:54 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13440&PID=129852#129852 Inmarsat or Iridium? : Have been a commercial user of... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13440&PID=129851#129851 Author: cosmo751
Subject: 13440
Posted: 16 Mar 2020 at 8:38am

Have been a commercial user of Inmarsat, Iridium and GlobalStar. We continue to use Iridium. You will likely want Iridium but know this:

  All three have significant issues with usability depending on where you are and more to the point the operational characteristics of the systems. Unless you know and accept what to expect you are unlikely to be 100% happy with any of them. Here is issue # 1 - All three can be subject to geographic blocking, i.e. mountains, canyons, buildings, etc. If your "bird" isn't well above the horizon  WHEN YOU TRY TO USE IT, you will have no service for some period of time if at all. Yes, they (most of them) move and quite quickly.

  Here's your test plan : Rent an Iridium system for a month and see if you like it. Try it if you can where you think you will be travelling. Low financial risk and very informational.  Note: Per minute rates tend to be pretty high for rentals, as are the monthlies. Don't buy one unless you really love it.

Ken -

  And no, I don't want to discuss ( ad infinitum no doubt) anyone else's personal opinions about this. If you haven't been there personally you have no valid opinion to support. Specifically the " yeah, but "XX" said.. "blah blah blah type. I'm sure we all know how that works.
]]> Mon, 16 Mar 2020 08:38:07 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13440&PID=129851#129851 Inmarsat or Iridium? : Originally posted by StephenHI've... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13440&PID=129850#129850 Author: Olddawgsrule
Subject: 13440
Posted: 16 Mar 2020 at 8:24am

Originally posted by StephenH

I've thought of it. Can a US Ham license be used in Canada and are repeaters available there also? We will be in western Canada for longer distances than we will be in Alaska.

License reciprocates (minor differences). There's another group RAC (Radio Amateurs of Canada) that may be worth joining for the trip. They'll get you access to repeater locations (membership helps $25).

  1. I am an amateur radio operator visiting Canada from another country. While in Canada can I use my call sign from my home country?

    As per the document RIC-9: Call sign policy and special event prefixes, you may use the call sign assigned by your country’s administration in Canada, but you must bring your amateur radio operator’s certificate/licence and have obtained a CEPT certificate from your home administration. If your country is not part of the CEPTagreement you must obtain a letter of authority from the Amateur Radio Service Centre (ARSC). Visiting amateurs must include the prefix of the geographical location, and the area of operation with the identification of their station. Therefore, an amateur from the United Kingdom with the call sign G**** who will be operating in Winnipeg, Manitoba, would append the prefix “Portable VE4” or “/VE4” to their home call sign, and transmit “Winnipeg” at least once during each communication.


]]> Mon, 16 Mar 2020 08:24:28 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13440&PID=129850#129850 Inmarsat or Iridium? : I've thought of it. Can... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13440&PID=129849#129849 Author: StephenH
Subject: 13440
Posted: 16 Mar 2020 at 8:04am

I've thought of it. Can a US Ham license be used in Canada and are repeaters available there also? We will be in western Canada for longer distances than we will be in Alaska.

Edit: I answered my own question about US/Canadian operation. There is an automatic bilateral agreement. My Legion post hosts a TALARC (The American Legion Amateur Radio Club) chapter. I'll talk with them. The problem would be in finding a testing site that isn't shut down due to Covid-19 and in getting ready to take the test. Add to that, finding suitable equipment.
]]> Mon, 16 Mar 2020 08:04:16 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13440&PID=129849#129849 Inmarsat or Iridium? : Have you thought about going Amateur... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13440&PID=129848#129848 Author: Olddawgsrule
Subject: 13440
Posted: 16 Mar 2020 at 7:50am

Have you thought about going Amateur Radio? Ham license is free (test costs $15). Plenty of repeaters where your traveling..

They're not what your Grandfather had any more! 
]]> Mon, 16 Mar 2020 07:50:20 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13440&PID=129848#129848 Inmarsat or Iridium? : It is the places between the campgrounds... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13440&PID=129847#129847 Author: StephenH
Subject: 13440
Posted: 16 Mar 2020 at 7:33am

It is the places between the campgrounds and businesses that I am concerned about. We will be traveling a lot in those spaces between.]]> Mon, 16 Mar 2020 07:33:21 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13440&PID=129847#129847 Inmarsat or Iridium? : I camped long before cell phones,... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13440&PID=129846#129846 Author: crazycoyote
Subject: 13440
Posted: 15 Mar 2020 at 10:57pm

I camped long before cell phones, and after 10 trips to Alaska they still have land lines at most business and camp grounds.]]> Sun, 15 Mar 2020 22:57:51 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13440&PID=129846#129846 Inmarsat or Iridium? : We've been across the western... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13440&PID=129845#129845 Author: StephenH
Subject: 13440
Posted: 15 Mar 2020 at 9:58pm

We've been across the western US with plenty of cellular dead zones, even along Interstate highways. There are reasons I would like to be able to stay in touch. Elderly parents are one. Our house security system is self-monitored and although I could add someone in, I would still want to be notified if something tripped the alarm. One break-in in our lives is enough. Also, we would want to be able to call for assistance if we were to have a breakdown. It is taking a chance on cell service being there or waiting for someone to come along to take a message to some place where help could be summoned.

@GlueGuy: Please define DAS. I'm not familiar with that acronym. Also, we are on Google Fi. I'm not sure if AT&T towers would be accessible to us.
]]> Sun, 15 Mar 2020 21:58:54 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13440&PID=129845#129845 Inmarsat or Iridium? : I wonder if you are staying... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13440&PID=129843#129843 Author: GlueGuy
Subject: 13440
Posted: 15 Mar 2020 at 8:04pm

I wonder if you are staying on the main roads, whether regular cell service would be practical? There aren't all that many "roads" in AK, and if they have any service at all, they would cover the main roads.

Out here, most of the dead zones are now covered with DAS.

Checking the map on this web site, it appears that ATT has pretty much all the main roads, Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau covered.
]]> Sun, 15 Mar 2020 20:04:37 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13440&PID=129843#129843 Inmarsat or Iridium? : Excellent, Sir John Franklin was... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13440&PID=129842#129842 Author: mcarter
Subject: 13440
Posted: 15 Mar 2020 at 6:36pm

Excellent, Sir John Franklin was never heard from again:) I think they just found his RV.]]> Sun, 15 Mar 2020 18:36:27 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13440&PID=129842#129842 Inmarsat or Iridium? : ET phoned home, though. https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13440&PID=129841#129841 Author: lostagain
Subject: 13440
Posted: 15 Mar 2020 at 6:36pm

ET phoned home, though.]]> Sun, 15 Mar 2020 18:36:22 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13440&PID=129841#129841 Inmarsat or Iridium? : I am thinking Columbus didn't... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13440&PID=129840#129840 Author: furpod
Subject: 13440
Posted: 15 Mar 2020 at 6:25pm

I am thinking Columbus didn't phone home once......]]> Sun, 15 Mar 2020 18:25:25 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13440&PID=129840#129840 Inmarsat or Iridium? : Used both in a tactical environment... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13440&PID=129839#129839 Author: mcarter
Subject: 13440
Posted: 15 Mar 2020 at 5:54pm

Used both in a tactical environment overseas. As I recall Inmarsat was larger, Iridium more reliable and practical. Cost would seem exorbitant, but your call. My vote is for Iridium.]]> Sun, 15 Mar 2020 17:54:24 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13440&PID=129839#129839 Inmarsat or Iridium? : Um...I thought you were camping?This... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13440&PID=129838#129838 Author: podwerkz
Subject: 13440
Posted: 15 Mar 2020 at 11:40am

Um...I thought you were camping?

This sounds like a military mission...Confused


]]> Sun, 15 Mar 2020 11:40:44 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13440&PID=129838#129838 Inmarsat or Iridium? : Never having used inmarsat I voted... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13440&PID=129836#129836 Author: offgrid
Subject: 13440
Posted: 15 Mar 2020 at 9:28am

Never having used inmarsat I voted for iridium for your specific application because iridium sats are in polar orbits while inmarsat's are in equatorial orbits, so they will be lower on the horizon and likely more susceptible to interference the further north you go. I would want to get some specific info on how well inmarsat works in Alaska before going that route. ]]> Sun, 15 Mar 2020 09:28:15 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13440&PID=129836#129836 Inmarsat or Iridium? : We want to travel to Alaska... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13440&PID=129834#129834 Author: StephenH
Subject: 13440
Posted: 15 Mar 2020 at 9:04am

We want to travel to Alaska from North Carolina. We have already encountered cellular dead zones in the western part of the US. I am considering buying (or renting) a satellite phone for use on this trip. Has anyone used one? If so, what type? The two choices are Inmarsat and Iridium. Globalstar would be a choice if they did not have a full year commitment for service.]]> Sun, 15 Mar 2020 09:04:13 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13440&PID=129834#129834