M SOTMR: Two-way Satellite Communications for Backpacking: Part 1 - Introduction
by Rex Sanders
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Article Summary:
After too much Type 2 and Type 3 fun, my wife wanted me to be able to call 911, and to stay in touch with her when in the backcountry. I had sent satellite phones with scientists to worldwide locations for more than 10 years, and new devices like the SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger had just reached the market. So I did some market research to fill my needs. At one point, my wife said something like "maybe other people would want this information." Little did I know how much work lay ahead.
This article is the first in a three part series on two-way satellite communications for lightweight backpacking. This Part 1 is an introduction; briefly describing alternatives, how satellite systems work, and each of the satellite systems you might consider. Part 2 covers satellite phones, and Part 3 covers satellite text-only devices. All the information in this series comes from vendor web sites and online reviews, except for the "Personal experience" sections.
ARTICLE OUTLINE
- Introduction
- Why?
- Cell phones
- BGAN satellite terminals
- Ham radios
- PLBs
- One-way texting by satellite
- SENDs versus PLBs
- How two-way satellite systems work
- Voice quality and Internet access
- Geostationary Satellites
- Low Earth Orbit Satellites
- Theoretical coverage versus Service
- Factors affecting signal strength
- Devices locked to one system
- Satellite Systems
- Recommended systems for satellite phone or text
- Best: Iridium
- OK: Inmarsat, Terrestar
- Marginal: Globalstar
- Non-players: Orbcomm, Thuraya
- Recommendations for satellite Internet access
- OK: Terrestar
- Marginal: Inmarsat, Iridium
- Alternative: BGAN terminal with Wi-Fi Internet device
- Not recommended: Globalstar
- Non-players: Orbcomm, Thuraya
# WORDS: 3510
# PHOTOS: 20
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