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Tech Talk with SeaBits
ADVENTURING WITH SATELLITES by Steve Mitchell Many of us use boating as a way to disconnect from life on land or the daily grind, but when something serious happens, we want to ensure we have a way to call for help. The most universal way to do this on the water is through a VHF radio, but even then you might be faced with long distances or difficulties passing messages. If you’re ashore somewhere, it gets even harder to use a radio or cell phone out in the wilderness. This is where satellite communicators become very helpful. SATELLITE CHOICES Just like smartphones or WiFi systems, there are a range of satellite devices you can use on a boat. At the top end you will find large dome devices from KVH or Intelian that will allow you to use your computer to browse web pages, make phone calls, and more. These domes require a lot of power, are very heavy and bulky, and cost a lot to install as well as operate. You can’t take
Sending a message via iPhone connected to the communicator 48º NORTH
them ashore or use them remotely if you are in an area with no cellular coverage. Further down the range, you will find devices like the Iridium Go, which provide a very focused connection to download weather forecasts, simple emails, and make and receive phone calls. These are much cheaper than a big dome installation, but have limitations in terms of what you can do, and still have rather expensive monthly plans. They do have some features that are similar to satellite communicators, but are more geared towards phone calls and weather than simple communications. Satellite communicators are at the lower end of the range, and provide a streamlined set of features around tracking, messaging, and rescue. They are usually quite small and are easier to use, many are ruggedized, are battery powered, and have very flexible monthly plans and service levels. Overall, these are mostly likely going to be the communications tool that makes the most sense for many Pacific Northwest mariners. SATELLITE COMMUNICATOR FUNCTIONS These devices are specifically designed for three major functions — tracking, messaging, and rescue. They can be used as standalone in most cases, or paired with a cell phone to provide a familiar interface. Some have screens and maps, while others are designed to work with a phone exclusively, saving cost and battery. Tracking allows you to send a link or message to someone else so they can follow your progress as the communicator “checks in” every so often. This can be as frequent as 10 minutes, or as distant as just once per day. Tracking can be helpful when you are in places where there is little-to-no cell service and you want your shore-side followers to know you’re OK, to track where you are, and to ensure there isn’t an issue. Messaging allows you to send simple texts using the device itself, or a cell phone connected via Bluetooth, to people on shore. This can be great to let
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Garmin GPSMAP 86sci with g3 folks know you are OK, to coordinate meeting someone, or for non-life threatening emergencies. Rescue is something we all hope we don’t have to use, but is a great feature built into these products. They all differ slightly, but generally speaking, they allow you to push a button and summon help from a call center that monitors for these types of signals. This center will reach out to the Coast Guard, fire departments, and other rescue agencies to try to coordinate reaching you. They can also use the messaging function to communicate with you and ask questions about injuries, locations, and more. The two common choices for these devices are Garmin inReach and Spot Satellite Messenger. There are a number of other newer companies who have come into the market in the last few years and have some interesting offerings, including longer battery life and dedicated text message numbers, and are worth checking out as well. Spot was one of the first companies to offer these devices, and I had one in 2008 JUNE 2021
