I have an old inReach SE that works, but the much newer SPOT X looks easier to use (typing messages directly on it, for example), and the plans are cheaper, especially if want a transmission every 5 minutes instead of 10. I fly all year, so turning
plans on/off easily isn't needed; my flying is entirely within North America;

I'm also open to suggestions for other units to consider.
Eric

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On 2023-10-30 12:19, Eric Greenwell wrote:

I have an old inReach SE that works, but the much newer SPOT X looks easier to use (typing messages directly on it, for example), and the plans are cheaper, especially if want a transmission every 5 minutes instead of 10. I fly all year, so turning

plans on/off easily isn't needed; my flying is entirely within North America;

I'm also open to suggestions for other units to consider.
Eric

Eric,

The latest smartphones are introducing the desired satellite
communication. I have cancelled my SPOT account (used to own SPOT 3 and
SPOT X) and now I'm looking forward to what Samsung comes up with next
spring.

Tom BravoMike

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On Tuesday, October 31, 2023 at 2:53:30 PM UTC-7, Tom BravoMike wrote:

On 2023-10-30 12:19, Eric Greenwell wrote:

I have an old inReach SE that works, but the much newer SPOT X looks easier to use (typing messages directly on it, for example), and the plans are cheaper, especially if want a transmission every 5 minutes instead of 10. I fly all year, so turning

plans on/off easily isn't needed; my flying is entirely within North America;

I'm also open to suggestions for other units to consider.
Eric

Eric,

The latest smartphones are introducing the desired satellite
communication. I have cancelled my SPOT account (used to own SPOT 3 and
SPOT X) and now I'm looking forward to what Samsung comes up with next spring.

Tom BravoMike

The cell phones with satellite access don't offer the tracking that is a big feature for my wife. Another option appears to be the Motorola Defy Satellite Link that makes any phone into a two-way satellite messenger like SpotX/inReach, but without the
tracking. So, I'm with Tom: I'll keep my inReach and old iPhone for now, and see what Spring brings us. My choice would be a cell phone with tracking and messaging like the SpotX/inReach, but that seems unlikely right now.

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SpaceX and AST Space Mobile are both developing satellite systems that will talk directly to ordinary phone handsets. AST Space has recently demonstrated 5G communication direct to a handset from an in-orbit prototype satellite. AST's key technology is
a very large phased array antenna that unfolds in space. Though an expensive undertaking, all that remains is to make a bunch more of these and get them into orbit. In a few years, our beloved little satellite communicators will be completely obsolete.

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On Wednesday, November 1, 2023 at 8:30:53 AM UTC-7, Steve Koerner wrote:

SpaceX and AST Space Mobile are both developing satellite systems that will talk directly to ordinary phone handsets. AST Space has recently demonstrated 5G communication direct to a handset from an in-orbit prototype satellite. AST's key technology is

a very large phased array antenna that unfolds in space. Though an expensive undertaking, all that remains is to make a bunch more of these and get them into orbit. In a few years, our beloved little satellite communicators will be completely obsolete.
What would be the "best" choice in the meantime?

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