|
Group: Forum Members
Posts: 0,
Visits: 1
|
Hi David and Simon,
Looks like quite a few problems with the regular Iridium GO software.
If you go to the SailMail website - www.sailmail.com - you will see that the same software used for SailMail is now also approved for use with Iridium GO. That might work better. It has been optimized for Iridium, INMARSAT, Thuraya etc for many years, and I know from people that it works. In all cases the smart message handling and compression strategy developed to make emails via SailMail 's network of HF/SSB radio stations very efficient, also makes a difference to the speed - and cost - of using these cheaper-to-buy satellite systems.
SailMail does this so sailors can have an on-board backup - albeit more expensive for connection time - to their regular, economical, HF/SSB radio based email capability. It assumes crews might decide to have a satphone on-board to make occasional (expensive) phone calls for communication tasks which email can 't do, for trips ashore in isolated locations, and for the liferaft grab bag. Or perhaps they have it because MRCC Falmouth does not have a HF/SSB radio and can only suggest a satphone for contact with them when beyond VHF range but still within RNLI lifeboat range.
The people who established and continue to operate SailMail are sailors. Therefore they look at what can help sailors. They do not sell satphones or radios, but provide systems and software to make these work well for the data, weather info, email and yacht management needs of sailors. Their approach is useful for long distance, active sailors, and especially those who like to explore isolated areas, less developed areas/countries and those who cross oceans.
SailMail has software designed to optimize data throughput via its network of 20 HF/SSB stations around the world, because fast and efficient data transfer equals more members able to happily use the same equipment, which keeps equipment requirements and related work to a minimum; and therefore membership fees can stay lower. SailMail does not have monthly bills or other data throughput related fees. Just a simple annual membership fee (US$250) which gives up to 12 minutes connection time per day - averaged over a week - every day of the year, via the 20 HF/SSB radio bases. Members get more data throughput each day by choosing the right frequency at the right time. Everything in the way SailMail works via HF/SSB radio favours and rewards efficiency.
Satellite services have a financial interest in inefficient systems. The more time you spend transferring the same data and the more dropouts/resends experienced, the more money they make. The unit is sold cheap but the money is made from the connection time. You can see by the amount of paid advertising from the satellite service providers compared to paid advertising by SailMail, HF/SSB radio and Pactor manufacturers, who makes the most money from you.
The SailMail software helps to address some of the data handling and compression inefficiencies in these satellite based systems, so they are not so painful on your pocket at the end of the month.
Yachting Australia 's latest Special Regulations (for racing and cruising in regions without effective coastal VHF networks and professional, immediate response S&R services) REQUIRES a HF/SSB radio (with DSC) and RECOMMENDS a satphone for Category 1 and 2 events. The important distinction is the satphone is not required and it cannot substitute for the HF/SSB radio.
This is probably the right approach to use for most cruising and racing where, as the MAID report on Chiki Rafiki describes, yachts need to be more self sufficient and not expect prompt outside help from shore based rescue services. The HF/SSB radio with DSC - switched on 24/7 - creates a quiet and convenient communications net via which mutual support, advice and assistance from nearby yachts - known and unknown - and any SOLAS vessel - known and unknown - can be obtained. You do not need to know who is nearby or their satphone number to contact any other vessel with a similar HF/SSB radio on 24/7 watch; just press the DSC call button. Calls to get advice, waypoints, some diesel, a pump, tow or rescue are free via the HF/SSB (and VHF) marine radios.
With a HF/SSB radio installed as an essential part of on-board equipment for cruising and racing where coastal VHF marine radio systems and RNLI lifeboats do not exist (ie: probably 99% of the world), the extra cost of a Pactor controller to have email - along with NAVTEX, WEATHERFAX, GRIB charts, METAREA and coastal forecasts at no extra service or data transfer cost - via the same HF/SSB radio, is minor and easily recouped compared to satellite data costs.
With a SailMail membership, email backup via regular satphone or Iridium GO using SailMail 's more efficient on-board software will also make these services considerably less expensive to operate; if needed.
I hope this is useful and also elicits more thinking and comments on this topic.
|