GPS/Satelite Phone

[Sleeper700]

I would recommend looking at Motorola Iridium Satellite phones instead of Globalstar. The coverage is much better (The satellite network was first used by the US Military). I am unsure of the cost difference, and if Globalstar does put up some new birds to replace all of the ones that have deteriorated, then Globalstar might become a reliable phone again.

[catmando]

Not sure if this is related but it never hurts to ask,Ive been looking at these Spot trackers for a while now and was wondering what satelites do these track from,Are they the same as Globalstar or do they work off everybodies sats?I know a couple guys who have them,one in particular who has let me track them a bit,works real good so far,will find out this weekend how good in the back country.But it would be good info to find out there source for satelites.If they work in the backcountry as good as they do in a certain Northern Community,I will have one soon.
Thanks Rusty!
catmando!

[BEGA]

Originally Posted by Sleeper700

I would recommend looking at Motorola Iridium Satellite phones instead of Globalstar. The coverage is much better (The satellite network was first used by the US Military). I am unsure of the cost difference, and if Globalstar does put up some new birds to replace all of the ones that have deteriorated, then Globalstar might become a reliable phone again.

So I looked into Iridium and they are a lot better, funny though because 2 yrs ago they were almost bankrupt!! Anyway if you have a Globalstar phone you can trade it into them and get a few bucks off the new one and a discount on the monthly fee.

Talked to Calvin at Williams Wireless in Edmonton and he was quite helpful

[AlpineBC]

You cant go wrong with the SPOT. I got one for my hunting trips and will take sledding this year. Works excellent. Its worked everytime I used it, that includes 14 day sheep hunt which was 200 kms from Fort Nelson in the middle of no where. Ive had nothing but problems with a buddys Global Star Sat phone, definatly Would not buy one. Like in a ealier Post the Irriduims seem to work very well tho.

[croc_j2001]

I have tried all the sat phones out there and the iridium is what i use now. the globalstars and others do not get very good reception in canada because all of there sats orbit east to west. iridium phones orbit north to south and reception is way better. i work in the mountains all the time so my company provides us with sat phones and these are what we went to. i have noticed though that reception is alot better if you have a clear line of site to the south and also a magnetic antenna. its alot more bulky but works better.

[smokindave]

My crappy Globalstar phone did get a helicopter to lift a sled off of Frisby on Saturday.They all said that at least one person in a group should have one and I agree.Safety first as always.Good to see all the Rino radio GPS's out there now. This is a must have for group riding.

Cheers,
Dave

[Scuba]

On the GPS note I have a Garmin Vista cx, it is very good IMO I use it everyday with work and have not had an issue with it i have taken it sledding and quading, no two way radio built in though, but it was affordable, around $330 and it has a color screen which is nice.