Looks like a sat phone may be my best option if I want to get away this year without pissing off people who pay me.

What is recommended as the best Iridium phone model and what accessories are worthwhile?

Any insight on data plans is also appreciated. I'll use it when flying to remote lower 48 places like Idaho, NV, and the Chicken Strip. Also, Canada and Alaska, plus possible Latin america work destinations. When I'm not using it, I'll probably rent it out to trusted friends and already have one lined up wanting to use on 2 river trips this year.

I HATE to pay for something like this, but if it allows me more get-away time, I think it might be worth a try. If I can recoup some of the cost by renting out, that is even better.

Any thoughts or advice is appreciated.

I buy the disposable chips (pre pay world plan). Used my 9555 handset all over the world. I am not a continuous user. Model 9555 is an archaic handset, no real data ( RS-232 @ 300 baud )

Used to be on the 24x7x365 but it was not giving me a good deal on airtime.

Iridium is great. 98% of the time.

My pre paid chip buddies: http://www.allroadsat.com/contacts.html

I have a 9575 Iridium phone that is always with me in the bush (plane, 4-wheeler, snowmobile), as cell service is not an option. This model phone also has text/e-mail capability which may be something useful to you. My phone came with the pelican case which I would recommend, it keeps the phone dry and with all the rough treatment I have given it, the case has held up with no hint of damage to the phone. You will have to research the different calling packages available, there are several companies to choose from that sell these, the plan I use would not fit your needs south of latitude 50. I think you have made the best choice in going with the Iridium system.

Steve

steve wrote:I have a 9575 Iridium phone that is always with me in the bush (plane, 4-wheeler, snowmobile), as cell service is not an option. This model phone also has text/e-mail capability which may be something useful to you. My phone came with the pelican case which I would recommend, it keeps the phone dry and with all the rough treatment I have given it, the case has held up with no hint of damage to the phone. You will have to research the different calling packages available, there are several companies to choose from that sell these, the plan I use would not fit your needs south of latitude 50. I think you have made the best choice in going with the Iridium system.

Steve

May I inquire what dealer you use? Some have better services and prices. I have been using "AllRoads".

I have been using this company http://www.orbitalsatcom.com/satellite/ ... racts.html

Steve

steve wrote:I have been using this company http://www.orbitalsatcom.com/satellite/ ... racts.html

Steve

Thanks, I have been jacked around by some "Back Yard" companies (foreigners). They caught me hook line and sinker. Adding $ht that wasn't on the invoice!

Fly safe.

steve wrote:I have been using this company http://www.orbitalsatcom.com/satellite/ ... racts.html

Steve

Me too. Cheapest I've found north of the 49th. Minutes roll over too.

Canada/Alaska 200 Pre-Paid Airtime Minutes for Iridium Satellite Phones (180 Day Validity)
The Iridium Northern Lights pre-paid airtime plan is ideal for anyone who is going to use their Iridium sat phone solely in Alaska or Canada. This plan will not work anywhere else.

Ref: 55
Price:
$190.00
SIM Card

Thanks to everyone who responded. Those were some great recommendations and I checked out every lead.

Many options were considered including new, refurbished, used, and renting.

A used Iridium 9555 Kit from Fairbanks Satellite Phone won out at $700 including AC charger and Pelican case. Thanks Rob for the tip!
http://www.fairbankssatphone.com/

Here is some of the information I discovered along the way:

The 9575 is the newest and nicest phone priced around $1,350 new, $975 used. I'm told it is a face lifted 9555 with some rubber armoring.

The 9555 replaced the 9505A (which replaced the 9505) $1,195 new, $700 used This and the 9575 are the slimmest and lightest.

The 9505A of which the USA manufactured ones seem to have a following for their durability, were discontinued last year and demand for unsold new phones has pushed the price to about $1,500, used they can be had used for about $700. There are other countries of manufacture available, such as Malaysia and Mexico but those are not considered as durable as the made in USA phones. I don't know why. Perhaps they are older? I found these for about $500 used. All the 9505's and A's are heavier and were described as being brick shaped. They have sorter battery life compared to the newer 2 models.

Lots of options between refurbished and used. Options included:

Hard sided cases such as Pelicans and Otters
Leather cases
AC chargers
DC Chargers
External antennas
Extra batteries
Data kits
Docking stations
Owners manuals
Etc.

Now for data plans. Those are maddening to understand. To keep it simple here, there are two basic types, monthly or prepaid. There are data plans for some regions, such as Canada & Alaska, or Global plans. You can buy plans for each with varying duration and minutes. If you want more info, you can go on-line and check them out. The best pricing I found for Global Plans, the only ones I considered, were at Blue Cosmo http://www.bluecosmo.com/satellite-service-plans/iridium-phone-plans.

Pictured is what I took to Australia for the first BCP fly in, in NSW, AUS;

The 9555 was a sturdy companion with a (60) day prepaid SIM chip. I carry an extra battery, roof car antenna. (12 DC)V, (220 50HZ)V, (120 60HZ)V chargers. The fake leather case is good for a bit of protection. Carry a power strip too for multi charging units in the motel.

Thanks 8GCBC. I was thinking about an extra battery and external antenna and may add those over time. Do you those on occasion? Does the external antenna help much with connectivity?

blackrock wrote:Thanks 8GCBC. I was thinking about an extra battery and external antenna and may add those over time. Do you those on occasion? Does the external antenna help much with connectivity?

My batteries work for about 38 hours each in standby. If I am fully connected that number can be cut in half. Best to test it a bit and take notes.

The external antenna has a magnet to attach to the roof of a car or truck. If I am expecting incoming calls then its attached while In the 4x4 truck driving around. But, I found just leaving the 9555 on the dash or clipping it to the visor received incoming calls too. The satellites are very low orbit so the constellation horizon starts at zero degrees declination.

Every mission changes so adapting and analyzing performance is important. For instance in the seaplane I keep the 9555 in a waterproof container. In constrast to the aired "Outback".

I do not use the data much. Very very slow, needs a PC too. On the sailboat in the Pacific the data is good for prognostic charts and other type "FAX" products meant for low bandwidth.

Looks like you have common sense, I'm sure you shall get the right equipment and adapt it for your particular needs.

Fly safe.