Thread: iridium satphone/ codan uhf

We use sat phone every day, here with RAMSI in the Solomon Islands, 95% of the time we'd be very lucky to get through..........thats the reason I chose a Codan NVG, at least the missus can use it, and I don't pay any rental, while we're away.

I've got a Nera Worldphone and at $1.75 (US) per minute on a pay-as-you-go tarrif, it's actually cheaper to run than some roaming GSM calls.

M

I have a Codan HF and the new type EPIRB, but have taken an interest in sat phones as to their usefullness for remote travel.

The ideal would be to have HF, sat phone and EPIRB.

To avoid the high costs of sat phones, one option for occasional use, if you have a telstra GSM mobile phone, is to buy a Motorala sat phone. Then if you take the sim card from the gsm phone and fit it to the motorala, you can call out and it will be charged as a normal call from the gsm mobile. AFAIK, others wont be able to call you.

Regarding cost of sat phone calls. I heard of one person who had 4 calls from his wife, while he was on the Canning. Their phone bill was over $300 for the 4 calls, because their home phone account was with another provider.

As others have said, there are places/times when you can't get through with sat phones. And the advantages of HF being broadcast should be considered.

While satellite surveillance on 121.5 is being phased out, it is worth noting that these beacons predate satellite surveillance anyway - this frequency is the aviation emergency frequency, and all commercial airliners, required to carry two VHF receivers, have one tuned to this unless it is being used for something else. So your chances of being detected are pretty good, although finding you will not be as easy as if a satellite pinpoints the location. So they are not totally useless.

John

Its hard to beat VKS 737 in the bush - weather reports, reporting skeds etc. HF will be around for a lot longer methinks.

Satphones are the only way to go really for incoming calls. There is a messaging system on VKS 737, but obviously its not as instantaneous or private.

In an emergency? Either will help get out of trouble. Although with a satphone, you need a good list of phone numbers with you to make your own arrangements.

Regards
Max P

Originally Posted by Tusker

Although with a satphone, you need a good list of phone numbers with you to make your own arrangements.

Regards
Max P

When I was down one rim on the Mereenie Loop Road, I rang 013 (globalstar still uses 013) and asked for the dealer in Alice. No list required!

Originally Posted by camel_landy

I've got a Nera Worldphone and at $1.75 (US) per minute on a pay-as-you-go tarrif, it's actually cheaper to run than some roaming GSM calls.

M

Good bit of kit the Nera, bloody expensive in Australia though. Last time I priced one the Codan NGT radio was even a lot cheaper. But then the Nera will work just about anywhere in the world with a view of the sky.

Originally Posted by weeds

i borrowed a sat phone for my simpson trip, it worked well

Kelvin, where did you borrow that satphone from, would like to hire one for around 7weeks.
What are the rental costs around brisbane

thanks

Richard