Best satellite communication for the money

[270hunter]

Hello, I’m in the market for a device to use to communicate when in the backcountry. I’ll be away from my parents this summer for 2 months and would like a way to communicate. I’m looking at Zoleo as it is cheaper. I’ll be out of cell service/wifi for the majority of the trip. Can someone recommend a somewhat cheap option to text, email and sos button in Canada using satellite?

[Dewey Cox]

No idea if this is a good deal or not, just happened to notice it when I was browsing.
https://frontierfirearms.ca/iridium-...te-phone-used/

[Dewey Cox]

Also, I just re read your post.
I'm not sure how old you are, but if this is only to check in with your parents, might I suggest there is no affordable option, and you'll just have to call your mom 2 months later?
(Which I'm sure will be harder for your mom than it is for you...)

[Tannerdog]

Iridium sat phones work pretty well (Better than Global Star) but the minutes are quite expensive and expire whether you use them or not. Mobile Star Link is the best I've heard but $800 for equipment and 140+a month for service. A Zoleo or Spot type device would be the economical choice. Not familiar with Zoleo but use a Spot X myself. The devices are cheaper but still about $400/year for the service. The X has a full keyboard and is not too bad to text on but they are character limited and it takes time for messages to go back and forth.

[270hunter]

Originally Posted by Dewey Cox

Also, I just re read your post.
I'm not sure how old you are, but if this is only to check in with your parents, might I suggest there is no affordable option, and you'll just have to call your mom 2 months later?
(Which I'm sure will be harder for your mom than it is for you...)

I’m 15, and yes it may be a bit more than just checking in with parents. My brother and I have a landscaping business with about 20 clients so it would be nice communicating with him as well and that could end up being quite often.

[270hunter]

Originally Posted by Tannerdog

Iridium sat phones work pretty well (Better than Global Star) but the minutes are quite expensive and expire whether you use them or not. Mobile Star Link is the best I've heard but $800 for equipment and 140+a month for service. A Zoleo or Spot type device would be the economical choice. Not familiar with Zoleo but use a Spot X myself. The devices are cheaper but still about $400/year for the service. The X has a full keyboard and is not too bad to text on but they are character limited and it takes time for messages to go back and forth.

Thanks for the info. I think I would be fine without the option of phone calls. I would mainly just need text/email. If anyone else has some info on Zoleo I’m all ears as well as other options.

[Manning74]

Garmin 66i with in reach. Can pair to your phone or use the device it self to send / receive txt messages. Nice to have GPS for unfamiliar areas to keep tabs on boundaries and zones .

[icecold]

Use garmin with inreach no complaints for my needs

[Sleddawg]

Originally Posted by Manning74

Garmin 66i with in reach. Can pair to your phone or use the device it self to send / receive txt messages. Nice to have GPS for unfamiliar areas to keep tabs on boundaries and zones .

Garmin inReach all the way.

[MountainTi]

Watch for the garmin inreach when they come on sale, usually every 3-4 months. Should be around $450
You can do a month to month plan, free to cancel anytime. Be sure to get the unlimited plan (right around $80/month)
I'd go the full size inreach vs. the mini, easier to send messages

https://www.amazon.ca/Garmin-010-017...s%2C225&sr=8-6

[BUSHRVN]

I’ve had a Zoleo for a few years and it works great. You use the app on your phone and it’s just like typing normal text messages. You can put it in a storage mode for only $5 a month when you don’t need it. And you can adjust your plan quickly online easily and with no extra charge.
Works great sitting on my dash while driving too. It gets enough connectivity through the windsheild. It uses the Iredium network which has the best coverage. I had a global star sat phone a few years back and it was a curse to hold a call on.
One vote for Zoleo here.

[longshot270]

Also just got a Zoleo, although more for piece of mind. Texted once on it to know it works. I liked the option to drop it to $5 a month when not used.

[Sundancefisher]

What about portable starlink option?

https://www.starlink.com/rv Use an app for calling or texting.

One thing you haven’t said is what power access will you have remotely? You may need a battery bank and a charging system to keep any devise running.

[tirebob]

I don't know if you can just do normal chat and text, but I believe if you have a new iPhone 14 you have the ability to contact emergency services via satellite uplink if out of cell phone range via text as well as have your GPS positioning sent to your listed emergency contacts.

Not good for chatting but nice to know if you already have one of these phones and your only worry is emergency contact you don't have to buy a secondary phone or pay for extra services.

https://support.apple.com/en-ca/HT213426

[Grizzly Adams1]

Originally Posted by BUSHRVN

I’ve had a Zoleo for a few years and it works great. You use the app on your phone and it’s just like typing normal text messages. You can put it in a storage mode for only $5 a month when you don’t need it. And you can adjust your plan quickly online easily and with no extra charge.
Works great sitting on my dash while driving too. It gets enough connectivity through the windsheild. It uses the Iredium network which has the best coverage. I had a global star sat phone a few years back and it was a curse to hold a call on.
One vote for Zoleo here.

Son uses one of these, says it works well. I have a SPOT, seems slow in picking up satellites and in Hawaii just plain refused to do so.

Grizz

[Twisted Canuck]

I've got a Spot unit I got for my trip into the Wilmore. It is pretty basic, you can send preprogrammed 'all ok' message, no texting, and of course the SOS in emergency. Subscription is $12 US a month, but if you're interested I'd be happy to donate it to you. It's not really a communication system other then to send an 'I'm ok mom' message daily. Let me know if you want it. TC

[270hunter]

Thanks for the advice folks. Much appreciated! To answer a few questions.
Sundance, that system seems ideal but quite pricey. 170 a month is a bit over my budget haha.
To the people recommending garmin, yes that definitely seems like a great system with gps included. However where I’m going, I will be more of a foreigner and following rather then leading or solo stuff. I could definitely get by with just messaging.
I’m leaning towards Zoleo but also debating just to get the garmin and use it for the rest of my life despite the relatively big cost.

And for Tc: that’s a very generous offer and I will think about it. That’s definitely an asset to have to stay safe but id still like to text. Is there any add ons or plans to be able to text with it?


Edit: battery may be an issue as well. I’ll have 2 portable battery packs that can give my phone a few charges. I may need to invest in a charging system. I’d gladly take recommendations for that as well. Something affordable that can charge just my phone if away from a power source.

[flydude]

Heard about this the other day, not sure when it will be available but worth checking out regardless, might be useful for the future:


The motorola defy satellite link is a compact, lightweight, Bluetooth accessory with a handy attachment loop that allows any Android or iOS device* to connect to the Bullitt Satellite Messenger application and utilize its full functionality, including true two-way messaging over satellite, as well as location sharing and SOS assistance:

https://bullitt-group.com/motorola-d...tion%20sharing

https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/bul...hone-in-march/

[Okotok]

These stove/phone chargers look pretty cool. I have the biolite one I was given as a gift but haven't tried it yet. https://www.iphoneness.com/cool-find...e-usb-devices/

[Twisted Canuck]

Originally Posted by 270hunter

Thanks for the advice folks. Much appreciated! To answer a few questions.
Sundance, that system seems ideal but quite pricey. 170 a month is a bit over my budget haha.
To the people recommending garmin, yes that definitely seems like a great system with gps included. However where I’m going, I will be more of a foreigner and following rather then leading or solo stuff. I could definitely get by with just messaging.
I’m leaning towards Zoleo but also debating just to get the garmin and use it for the rest of my life despite the relatively big cost.

And for Tc: that’s a very generous offer and I will think about it. That’s definitely an asset to have to stay safe but id still like to text. Is there any add ons or plans to be able to text with it?


Edit: battery may be an issue as well. I’ll have 2 portable battery packs that can give my phone a few charges. I may need to invest in a charging system. I’d gladly take recommendations for that as well. Something affordable that can charge just my phone if away from a power source.

It is the Spot Gen4, it has the check in text (I'm ok ma!) One personalized text which you load on when you register, but you can't change in the field. It could be anything, 'hey, saw a big sasquatch today,' or whatever, but you need to have internet service to change that message. It also has a non emergency text message you can personalize, like 'hey, I'm not on fire but need some assistance', and then of course the SOS send help because I am on fire mode. So, set up for 4 distinct messages, of increasing urgency.

But that is it. I believe I paid $50 to register it when I got it from one of the other gents here, and then it is the $12 monthly subscription, renews annually.

If you decide you want to try it, even to have as backup, I will send it to you gratis. You can look it up online and check into it and see if it's what you are after. Runs a long time on AAA batteries.

[hayseed]

That’s awesome TC, good on ya !

[Phil McCracken]

Originally Posted by hayseed

That’s awesome TC, good on ya !

You bet!...He da man!

Have a good look at this 270...may be all you need.

Having said that...sorry to derail a little...

Years ago, good folks like you and others would get into these adventures that made them better persons today. Yet, no one had all these electronic gadgets.

Why is it so important to have them today? Guess I'm old school. If something goes bad, I am pretty sure it would be relayed to the appropriate individuals, albeit, not in "real time".

Used to go moose hunting for 10 days or more in the middle of nowhere during the late 70s, and 80s. Told my dear wife...I'll see you when I get back. I suppose these days are over.

Again, sorry for the slight derail...

[Grizzly Adams1]

Originally Posted by Phil McCracken

You bet!...He da man!

Have a good look at this 270...may be all you need.

Having said that...sorry to derail a little...

Years ago, good folks like you and others would get into these adventures that made them better persons today. Yet, no one had all these electronic gadgets.

Why is it so important to have them today? Guess I'm old school. If something goes bad, I am pretty sure it would be relayed to the appropriate individuals, albeit, not in "real time".

Used to go moose hunting for 10 days or more in the middle of nowhere during the late 70s, and 80s. Told my dear wife...I'll see you when I get back. I suppose these days are over.

Again, sorry for the slight derail...

I like my kids to know where to find the body.

Grizz

[Twisted Canuck]

Originally Posted by Phil McCracken

You bet!...He da man!

Have a good look at this 270...may be all you need.

Having said that...sorry to derail a little...

Years ago, good folks like you and others would get into these adventures that made them better persons today. Yet, no one had all these electronic gadgets.

Why is it so important to have them today? Guess I'm old school. If something goes bad, I am pretty sure it would be relayed to the appropriate individuals, albeit, not in "real time".

Used to go moose hunting for 10 days or more in the middle of nowhere during the late 70s, and 80s. Told my dear wife...I'll see you when I get back. I suppose these days are over.

Again, sorry for the slight derail...

That is how dinosaurs went extinct Phil. No satellite SOS. You just got lucky.

[JD848]

TC ,That is very nice of you to offer this ,as for 270 take it as back up plus buy the best you can afford.

I use to spend 340 days a year hundreds of miles without communication for decades, once I had to run a mile to my truck then drive 8 miles till I seen a pulp truck to save my brothers life once. Had to leave him with only a slight pulse.

His back and neck were broken and a piece of wood sticking out his face and he was out cold jammed into the corner of a skidder. I was never so scared in my life ,stars flew in and I was all alone with him for one hour before they arrived. When they flew away I cried like a kid for an hour .I never cry I don't care what ,but I did that day.

He was in physio for 3 years and at 62 years of age now he can still drop down and pump a 100 pushups . He's hard as nails.

So when global star came out with there first sat phone in 90's I ran to go buy one, went back to the bush and played with it and ran back and got a spare ,used it only once to help a guy really hurt ,but once is is all you need it for.

So 270 get the best you can get, call or text your parents at night . I know your not a baby ,but a parent always has there kids on there mind even when you get much older they live for there child.

All the best
JD

[270hunter]

Originally Posted by Phil McCracken

You bet!...He da man!

Have a good look at this 270...may be all you need.

Having said that...sorry to derail a little...

Years ago, good folks like you and others would get into these adventures that made them better persons today. Yet, no one had all these electronic gadgets.

Why is it so important to have them today? Guess I'm old school. If something goes bad, I am pretty sure it would be relayed to the appropriate individuals, albeit, not in "real time".

Used to go moose hunting for 10 days or more in the middle of nowhere during the late 70s, and 80s. Told my dear wife...I'll see you when I get back. I suppose these days are over.

Again, sorry for the slight derail...

Yes I see your point J. It’s honestly mostly for my mom. It was hard enough convincing her to let me be gone for the whole summer. When she found out I wouldn’t have cell service I had to convince her I would look into this option of satellite devices. And also, this isn’t the last time I’ll need it. Many many years to come of stuff like this, and further down the road, I plan to be the guide of the adventures and in that case I’d definitely need a way to communicate.
Thanks for the tips, I definitely don’t need to overcomplicate it for sure.

[270hunter]

Originally Posted by JD848

TC ,That is very nice of you to offer this ,as for 270 take it as back up plus buy the best you can afford.

I use to spend 340 days a year hundreds of miles without communication for decades, once I had to run a mile to my truck then drive 8 miles till I seen a pulp truck to save my brothers life once. Had to leave him with only a slight pulse.

His back and neck were broken and a piece of wood sticking out his face and he was out cold jammed into the corner of a skidder. I was never so scared in my life ,stars flew in and I was all alone with him for one hour before they arrived. When they flew away I cried like a kid for an hour .I never cry I don't care what ,but I did that day.

He was in physio for 3 years and at 62 years of age now he can still drop down and pump a 100 pushups . He's hard as nails.

So when global star came out with there first sat phone in 90's I ran to go buy one, went back to the bush and played with it and ran back and got a spare ,used it only once to help a guy really hurt ,but once is is all you need it for.

So 270 get the best you can get, call or text your parents at night . I know your not a baby ,but a parent always has there kids on there mind even when you get much older they live for there child.

All the best
JD

That was an excellent post JD! Very good points. You hit the nail on the head. Using it one time is all I need to justify it. I’m very glad your brother is doing well. Sure sounds tough. Thanks again JD.

[JD848]

Originally Posted by 270hunter

That was an excellent post JD! Very good points. You hit the nail on the head. Using it one time is all I need to justify it. I’m very glad your brother is doing well. Sure sounds tough. Thanks again JD.

Nothing is tough in this world if you think you can do it 270 .We didn't know it was tough either ,just the way life was .

I admire seeing young men trying stuff out like your doing ,anyone can take the path of least resistance in life .Challenging your self at your age is the time to do it ,plus it's a sign of greater things to come that will reinforce your character for tougher things latter on in your adventures or your career .

Hope you have a great summer and when things seem tough just plow through it, but with safety in mind.



All the best
JD

[Highcountry]

I have an Inreach mini paired with my phone is just like everyday texting also can use it alone super lightweight and can go 4 or 5 days on a single charge, in my mind theres very little out there that beats it. Might be a little more money than others but it sounds like you will make use of it for many years ahead of you.

[crazy_davey]

Originally Posted by Phil McCracken

You bet!...He da man!

Have a good look at this 270...may be all you need.

Having said that...sorry to derail a little...

Years ago, good folks like you and others would get into these adventures that made them better persons today. Yet, no one had all these electronic gadgets.

Why is it so important to have them today? Guess I'm old school. If something goes bad, I am pretty sure it would be relayed to the appropriate individuals, albeit, not in "real time".

Used to go moose hunting for 10 days or more in the middle of nowhere during the late 70s, and 80s. Told my dear wife...I'll see you when I get back. I suppose these days are over.

Again, sorry for the slight derail...

Not sure why you took the time to derail? You took the time to apologize for it…

Yup, for most of my life, went all over, hunting, fishing, quading, dirt biking,4x4’ing with no communication with the outside world. Grew up that way.

So why not use the current technology? It doesn’t make anyone less of a man or women wanting to stay in touch with family to let them know they are safe.

We have the technology, might as well use it.

Good luck 270hunter, looking forward to hearing of your adventures!