Thread: iridium satphone/ codan uhf

I've got a globalstar satphone in the car for work (full car kit) so I couldn't justify an HF.

I think it's good to carry and EPIRB as an emergency backup anyway. Both satphone and HF can fail you when you need them.

I assume you mean Codan HF, not UHF

Ron

I have a Telstra (Iridium) phone and wouldn't swap it. Works just like a mobile and when you are heavily concussed, in shock, lying next to you wrecked Disco it will still call emergency (112) even when blocked. For some reason I didn't enter the PIN number, just kept pressing 112

There is nothing wrong with the HF, but a Satphone is easier to explain the use of to everyone in a travel group, and most people can use a mobile.

I have it on the base plan and hardly use it.

Oh and I too also carry an EPIRB (you need to now get the new frequency one)

I prefer HF as it's a "broadcast" system and anyone within cooee can hear you if you make a distress call. Sat phones are great for private conversations though.

As Jamo said above an EPIRB (for emergency) in remote areas is a good idea, it's no good if you roll you're vehicle in the middle of nowhere and your Sat Phone has got damaged as well as you're HF antenna...

Originally Posted by dm_td5

I have a Telstra (Iridium) phone and wouldn't swap it. Works just like a mobile and when you are heavily concussed, in shock, lying next to you wrecked Disco it will still call emergency (112) even when blocked. For some reason I didn't enter the PIN number, just kept pressing 112

There is nothing wrong with the HF, but a Satphone is easier to explain the use of to everyone in a travel group, and most people can use a mobile.

I have it on the base plan and hardly use it.

Oh and I too also carry an EPIRB (you need to now get the new frequency one)

Telstra Iridium, what are the cost of buying and operating one, thanks,
would there be any used ones on the market

What on earth is a EPIRB, maybe I have been living in europe for to long,

Richard

Originally Posted by furianer

Telstra Iridium, what are the cost of buying and operating one, thanks,
would there be any used ones on the market

What on earth is a EPIRB, maybe I have been living in europe for to long,

Richard

Up front cost of Phone is about $1995 (I think) on the basic plan of $30/month. There is also an upfront government rebate for remote regions.

I've got a 5yo phone (older model) and I'm still on my $28.50/month plan with a $1 per 30sec call cost. But it is an emergency phone.

Check out Telstra Country Wide

An EPIRB is an Emergency Beacon e.g. http://www.gme.net.au/epirb/mt410.php. They are a must have for remote travel.

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

Originally Posted by weeds

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

forgot to mention that option

Not suitable for me as I need it - just in case - for more than just for one trip a month.