SATALITE INTERNET

[ARNOLDFLI]

WHAT IS THE LEAST EXPENSIVE SETUP TO GET <br />SATALITE INTERNET ON THE OPEN WATER<br /><br />THANKS

 

[roscoe]

Re: SATALITE INTERNET

I don't know if there are any available. When I checked about 6 months ago, I was told none availabe because you are transmitting, and the US gov't was only permitting them from a fixed location. International waters may be different if it is available. They also required installation by a licensed technician.

 

[theboat]

Re: SATALITE INTERNET

There are many options but I found the cheapest for basic email and some Internet use is Iridium. We used it for voice and data transmission on a trans Atlantic crossing with great success. There are other options for someone who needs more than we did but the other options start to get either more expensive (mini M, Inmarsat C) or complicated (using your SSB).<br /><br />We bought a refurbished 9500 handset for $500 and used the magnetic car antenna that we mounted on a small aluminum plate that we attached to the pilothouse roof. We never had a problem with reception or dropped calls. We kept the phone on in a holder we built and were able to receive calls from family and friends the whole trip. The data kit was about $125 if I remember correctly and hooked the laptop into the satellite phone, which acted as it’s own modem. The connection was a 9 pin serial but I think you can get a USB.<br /><br />The only drawback was the very stiff cord that attached the phone with the antenna. It was a little cumbersome but easy to get used to. There are some other Iridium options for marine applications check out www.stratosglobal.com .<br /><br />If you go with this system make sure anybody that may be calling you has a StratosConnect calling card otherwise they might pay up to $7 per min. My parents learned the hard way. Calls we made were $2 per min. <br /><br />Good luck!

 

[mattttt25]

Re: SATALITE INTERNET

April edition of Boating magazine did a great article on the various systems and services out there. one common theme- expensive start-up/installation charges and expensive monthly/minute serivce charges.

 

[roscoe]

Re: SATALITE INTERNET

He specifically asked about INTERNET service, not radio or satalite phone voice/data. <br /><br />There are many marinas/harbors that are providing wireless internet access while in harbor. I have not found any companies that provide mobile satellite internet service.

 

[theboat]

Re: SATALITE INTERNET

Roscoe,<br /><br />He was looking for an inexpensive way to get internet access. I belive that Iridium is the least expensive way to get access. Yes you can surf the web using your phone as a modem! As a bonus he'll be able to use voice if he wishes. I was able to email and surf the web for an initial inventment of under $1000 then about $50 per month depending on usage. Not bad huh.<br /><br />By the way he was looking to use the internet on "open Water" so those marinas wireless systems better have quite a range.

 

[roscoe]

Re: SATALITE INTERNET

Ok. I had gone to the links above and couldn't find any internet systems. I guess I didn't read your original post very well. Sorry. <br /><br />WJust curious, what kind of download speeds do you get from a sat phone?

 

[theboat]

Re: SATALITE INTERNET

No problem.<br /><br />You can transfer data using the phones dialup connectivity to your LAN, corporate network or ISP at about 2.4 Kbps or Connect directly to the internet through dedicated servers at Iridium at speeds around 10 Kbps.

 

[roscoe]

Re: SATALITE INTERNET

Is this similar to the video sat phones the news channels used from Irac? They were pretty good, concidering they were real time video.

 

[theboat]

Re: SATALITE INTERNET

I know they used iridium technology for some voice but I can't confirm if they sent data/pictures.<br /><br />It was amazing to see those images!

 

[rage]

Re: SATALITE INTERNET

ARNOLDFLI, i have used starband on my boat with great success. As for transmitting from a fixed location you are absolutly correct. However it is because satelite transmissions if aimed inproperly can affect communication satelites in area. You can get a power acsiloscope and be able to track the signal which elliminates the likelyhood of this. It is not cheap and must be somewhat technical with signal traffic patterns. However i installed mine with no problem and could home in on signal in about 2 minutes with power mount.