cochetopa Posted June 28, 2013 Share Posted June 28, 2013 Hi,Has anyone had experience using satellite telephone service? I am searching for a provider and phone handset so that I can remain in communication with my wife at home while I am out in the mountains looking for minerals. You know, if there is an emergency at home, my wife can phone and leave a voicemail, or if I break a leg, I can phone out for a wheelchair.I have already been to satellitephonestore.com (http://www.satellitephonestore.com/ )and their product and service has been a disaster for me. I bought an IsatPhone Pro handset and service from the Inmarsat satellite network. The voicemail function which was advertised does not work. Also, when I dial out from a mountain meadow to my home, the voice connection is always breaking up, I can’t say more than two sentences before all but a word or two is lost. Color me very angry... Thanks for sharing your experiences, if any forum member has knowledge here.Sincerely,-C/Jim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hoser John Posted June 28, 2013 Share Posted June 28, 2013 Have a try with Verizon as I've had excellent coverage in many states waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay out in the boonies. Just ask friends what they use locally and give it a go in real time-John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
klunker Posted June 28, 2013 Share Posted June 28, 2013 I've been told a text message will get out where nothing else will. I'll do some experimenting this week. The only reason I tolerate Verizons' lousy customer service is it seems to work in more places in this area. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
El Dorado Posted June 28, 2013 Share Posted June 28, 2013 Did you keep the same telephone number? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlakMagnet Posted June 28, 2013 Share Posted June 28, 2013 I also have had very good luck in the boonies with Verizon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garimpo Posted June 28, 2013 Share Posted June 28, 2013 El D what was that little device you had down here to get in touch with your wife or get help? Was it called "spot"?It seemed to work pretty good from here..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cochetopa Posted June 28, 2013 Author Share Posted June 28, 2013 El D what was that little device you had down here to get in touch with your wife or get help? Was it called "spot"?It seemed to work pretty good from here.....This sounds like what I am after. Thanks Garimpo for the lead, and El D for any further information.I remember in this last season's "Gold Rush" tv program, when Todd got into trouble, he phoned outside the Yukon to his financial backer to plead for help. That telephone service he used is what I am seeking.Thanks very much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sonoran Dave Posted June 28, 2013 Share Posted June 28, 2013 (edited) I use Iridium...works most everywhere. Depending on the plan will run you 1-1.20 a minute.Try and find an older 9505a phone. Much tougher and better signal than the newer model. Edited June 28, 2013 by ArcticDave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cochetopa Posted June 29, 2013 Author Share Posted June 29, 2013 I use Iridium...works most everywhere. Depending on the plan will run you 1-1.20 a minute.Try and find an older 9505a phone. Much tougher and better signal than the newer model.ArcticDave,Thank you. I am waiting for a callback next week from an Iridium sales guy. I'm beginning to feel like I am at long last on the right track. Jim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cp90macs Posted June 29, 2013 Share Posted June 29, 2013 Here is some links to some alternative to satellite phone. I am kinda leaning with the, Inreach unit, since it can be paired with my smartphone.http://www.mypilotstore.com/mypilotstore/sep/6636?qryrmv=1&utm_source=ysm&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=4-62&keyword=spot%20gps%20tracker%20reviewhttp://www.inreachdelorme.com/product-info/It is also not a bad idea if you are really going to be out in the puckerbrush, to check on extraction - rescue insurance.More Au to you, be safe out there, Robert Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elder-miner Posted June 29, 2013 Share Posted June 29, 2013 (edited) Iridium Extreme 9575MilSpec + GPSA little spendy, but you get what you pay for. You can rent one for a week, to try it out. http://www.mobal.com/blog/satellite-phones/advice-satellite-phones/inmarsat-vs-iridium-which-satellite-phone-service-is-best-for-me/ Edited June 29, 2013 by elder-miner Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cochetopa Posted June 29, 2013 Author Share Posted June 29, 2013 Robert and elder-miner,Excellent reference links. Thank you.Jim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Morlock Posted June 29, 2013 Share Posted June 29, 2013 I though Iridium went bankrupt years ago, only to never recover. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elder-miner Posted June 29, 2013 Share Posted June 29, 2013 Robert and elder-miner,Excellent reference links. Thank you.JimOut in isolated Mtn country, besides survival gear & camping equipment, I carry a plug in the vehicle 500 watt inverter to keep everything charged, milspec grade Panasonic tough book laptop that has TOPO State series software, is WI-FI & GPS enabled, + an Iphone & Sat phone., + 2 handheld GPS that will plug into the tough book for redundancy. Most often one way or another I can get a message out & as a last resort use the Sat Phone to talk or text a short message & my GPS position to family. + a paramedic grade 1st aid kit, Vetwrap rolls & medical grade superglue (better than suturing yourself). +, besides normal grub, a dozen MRE’s, 2 cases of bottled water, sidearm, rifle, shotgun & fishing gear. http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/AC/animal-care/products/catalog/?PC_7_RJH9U5230GE3E02LECIE20SBQ3000000_nid=99FXKHGL4PbeRTSHCMRQXXglAvailable cheap @ almost every feed & seed store nationwide. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elder-miner Posted June 29, 2013 Share Posted June 29, 2013 Since I am getting to be a silverback & not as tough as I used to be. I bought this last year. Now extensively modified with a larger tires, overload air bags, spare & tool box mount, slider windows, crank open ceiling air vent, fold down bunk, potable water bladder, wiring, EU2000i Honda generator, ATV loader rails, etc. Now load this into it (fold up bunk 1st.)After it’s unloaded, it’s a one man & 1 dog comfortable camp Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garimpo Posted June 30, 2013 Share Posted June 30, 2013 Man that is the way to rough it !!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elder-miner Posted June 30, 2013 Share Posted June 30, 2013 Makes it easy. Find a good spot to camp, park the little trailer, offload the ATV, fold down the bunk.Set up the generator, plug it in & you are set.I have a small folding portapotty & folding tables for cooking on.One hell of a lot better than a tent, in rain, snow or any foul windy weather.Used to ba able to sleep on a rock pile. Not any more.Handy having 2 vehicles, if one goes tit's up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garimpo Posted June 30, 2013 Share Posted June 30, 2013 EM I'm with you on the life style changes......when I was a teenager I would put some salt/pepper rolled up in some wax paper.....a box of matches....my .22 rifle....my huntin knife and saddle up my horse and be gone for two or three days and nights....sleep on the saddle pad and the saddle for a pillow.....and now I can't believe I ever did something that crazy....Sounds/looks like you have the right idea for "ruffin it"....and for all the right reasons too....stay safe!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elder-miner Posted June 30, 2013 Share Posted June 30, 2013 That is not crazy at all. That’s youth & vigor. Same here, as a young gun in Alaska long canoe trips, living off the land in summer. One time, dead of winter, about -10 F, went camping on snowshoes in ass deep snow with 2 buddies, just for the hell of it. Was tough as a bull crocodile until I turned about 65. Last few years one thing after another went wrong, rebuilt knee, heart surgery, prostate went bad, not as much wind as I used to have, etc. Hell, you have to be halfway tough, just getting old. The repairs aren’t fun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
El Dorado Posted June 30, 2013 Share Posted June 30, 2013 That is not crazy at all. That’s youth & vigor. Same here, as a young gun in Alaska long canoe trips, living off the land in summer. One time, dead of winter, about -10 F, went camping on snowshoes in ass deep snow with 2 buddies, just for the hell of it. Was tough as a bull crocodile until I turned about 65. Last few years one thing after another went wrong, rebuilt knee, heart surgery, prostate went bad, not as much wind as I used to have, etc. Hell, you have to be halfway tough, just getting old. The repairs aren’t fun.Isn't that the truth.........now using a motor home with all the comforts of home as my base camp. Hard to believe I used to love sleeping on the dirt/rocks......... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elder-miner Posted June 30, 2013 Share Posted June 30, 2013 2K runs 7 hours on a gallon of gas, always starts easy & runs very quite. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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