Satellite Phone Reliability

[Drew Dolak]

We're using a Qualcomm GSP-1600 handheld phone with data cable and Globalstar to download email and GRIB files. Using this on the aft deck of a H450, with no overhead obstructions.Every time, yes, no exaggeration, every time we made a call for data it would drop the call. We were in the Bahamas from Riding Rocks to Georgetown, Exumas. What have others experienced?Is an external antenna, i.e. "car kit" worthwhile.What about software such as WeatherNet and XGate?TYIADrew Dolak

 

[carisea]

globalstar

I have been trying to determine the reliability of this set up. Are you saying it did not work for internet/e-mail but did work for voice? Or did it not connect at all?

 

[Drew Dolak]

RE: globalstar

carisea,Our handheld GSP-1600 "worked" for email, internet and voice. It would ALWAYS drop internet and data, and only once dropped voice. It would connect, start to send/xmit, then drop. Sometines it would stay connected for as long as 15 minutes. Sometimes it would not connect at all. This is why I call it a reliabity issue.Drew