Not sure how long these have been out- I just stumbled on them for the first time tonight. Appears to be a shockproof, waterproof, dustproof Iridium phone with similar GPS tracking and emergency signaling as a Spot, plus some added texting functionality.

Iridium Extreme

-DP

DP, do you know if they work up there? I vaguely recall Alyeska getting interested in Iridium then dropping the project because of bandwidth issues or something. I wasn't in any way involved so what I know about is here say at best. Anyway we were all looking forward to using the system and then if fell off the board.

Emory Bored wrote:DP, do you know if they work up there? I vaguely recall Alyeska getting interested in Iridium then dropping the project because of bandwidth issues or something. I wasn't in any way involved so what I know about is here say at best. Anyway we were all looking forward to using the system and then if fell off the board.

Iridium phone service works fine here. I have three handsets, all earlier versions than the extreme. I have never tried using them for data (or GPS)- only voice.

The ad I linked is a place out of WA, notably. I may give my AK distributor a call and see what they have to say about the extremes.

Also, Iridium has never "fallen off the board" to my knowledge. Maybe Alyeska's plan for it did. I have used Iridium since early 2000. In spring of 2000 Iridium declared bankruptcy, but between Boeing and D.O.D. it got the infusion it needed. I'm betting on Iridium being the SatCom equivalent of "too big to fail" right now.

There are a couple good field data platforms in use up here, like the Sabre. But they're not as light and portable as the extreme.

-DP

The Globalstar is starting to work better, but I still wouldn't recommend one. We keep ours because it's on a pay - as - you - use - it plan, no monthly fee. It has worked flawlessly the last couple of times I've used it but I'm not holding my breath.

gb

denalipilot wrote:

Emory Bored wrote:Also, Iridium has never "fallen off the board" to my knowledge. Maybe Alyeska's plan for it did.
-DP

That's actually all I meant. That, for a time anyway, Iridium seemed to "fall off the board" at Alyeska as they continue to rely on the microwave system.

There was a line wide installation of "Satellite" antennas in 2003. These may be Iridium transceivers for all I know. Everything that I've read indicates it is a promising network.

Emory Bored wrote:

denalipilot wrote:

Emory Bored wrote:Also, Iridium has never "fallen off the board" to my knowledge. Maybe Alyeska's plan for it did.
-DP

That's actually all I meant. That, for a time anyway, Iridium seemed to "fall off the board" at Alyeska as they continue to rely on the microwave system.

Everything that I've read indicates it is a promising network.

Consider that the primary land-based assets for Iridium are situated far, far offshore for the reason that even in a nuclear attack on a continent, the system will still work. I'd tell you where, but then I'd have to, well, you know!

Unless you are in the Boonies a lot buying one of these little guys is a pretty big gulp; however, there seems to be rental options for those of us who don't need one all the time.

For example:

http://www.mobal.com/satellite-phone-re ... hwodKT6DLQ

I learned a bit more about the Extreme for anyone who might be interested.

They've been out for about a month, but only started shipping to dealers a couple weeks ago. Right now production is backed up and the shop I called in Anchorage is temporarily sold out.

Alaska is included in the service region, as is most of the rest of the planet.

The SMS (aka texting) function is the same as the older units- that hasn't really changed.

The GPS is new. It can make automatic position reports via the Iridium satellite connection at five-minute to weekly intervals, depending on how you set it up.

The Panic Button is also new. If pressed, it can autodial a preprogrammed phone number on speakerphone. It can also text up to three recipients with a preprogrammed message and your coordinates. Like the position reports, this is all via the Iridium satellite connection. NOT 406 MHz, or 121.5 MHz, or the COSPAS-SARSAT network.

The Extreme claims to be beefier than older units: Shock, water, and dust proof. The dealer I spoke with said the antenna is more rugged than its predecessor.

I can see an application for this crowd, but as was pointed out, they aren't the same thing as cheap. There's a modest trade-in program, as well as a used-market on eBay, etc for those with older models.

-DP

Zane- For some reason I couldn't find the "Products, Gear and Technology" forum when I started this. Now I'm not sure how to move it there, or I would.

-DP

denalipilot wrote:Zane- For some reason I couldn't find the "Products, Gear and Technology" forum when I started this. Now I'm not sure how to move it there, or I would.

-DP

Moved it for ya DP.

Cool phone!