Question regarding SSB vs. Iridium/Globalstar…..I read the nice item on Setsail.com on Iridium/Globalstar and agree that it is coming into vogue economically for data communications/e-mail, etc….It is definitely easier for everyone on board to use in a crunch. But don’t you lose the flexibility to participate in net calls, etc.? It seems that there are always tradeoffs…You can access SailMail via the Sat. phones, correct? Also, I’m upgrading my sailing info instruments (wind direction,speed,etc.). What are your thoughts on a good manufacturer of these items in reference to MaxSea interface? Thanks, Ed
Hi Ed–I’m replying from BEOWULF, enroute between the BVI and Panama (using Globalstar). I think for long term/distance cruising I’d choose SSB as it can function as a fax, for e-mail with SailMail or Winlink, and connects you to other boats on a passage and/or the various maritime ham nets. Closer to home, Globalstar, at the current price of as low as $450 and a buck/minute makes a lot of sense and is easier to use. Re: sailing instruments, not sure which are best these days. We’ve always fitted B and G to the boats we’ve built because we needed the performance processor which came with their system for design evaluation. Absent that issue, I’d go with the least expensive system which had a reputation for reliability, and which had a NEMA 183 output. Steve
Posted by Steve Dashew (May 20, 2002)
