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

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

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.

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.

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?