How to turn your Smartphone into a Satellite communicator
Posted by 
August 31, 2012 • 
We use mobile phones daily and many of us can’t imagine a life without them. They are not just for making phone calls. They are our internet access points, video player, camera, voice recorder, GPS device and many more on the go. Think about a trekking trip or a wildlife expedition to a remote forest. In such wilderness, chances of people getting lost is pretty high and if you happen to be in such a situation what will you do. Most probably you will check your smart phone to see whether it has signal strength there. If the cell doesn’t have the range, then it is going to be very difficult times ahead and the cell phone becomes useless.
In such a situation a satellite phone is a very handy option.The catch is satellite phones are expensive and are not easy to carry around. Don’t worry there is a cheaper option available thanks to the device SPOT Connect. It is priced under $150 in amazon.com
SPOT Connect can be paired with the smart phone via blue tooth to establish communication with satellites from anywhere in the world and your smart phone becomes a satellite communicator, able to keep you in touch with family and friends, and even send an SOS for emergency help.
SPOT Connect uses the smart phone to give a software interface for the little black communications unit. Rest of everything is handled by the black box. It is a GPS cum satellite communicator.
Just download the SPOT app, pair the pocket-sized Connect with your smart phone via Bluetooth, and you’re connected to a global satellite network that works pretty much anywhere in the world.
You can send short emails and text messages, update your status to Facebook , tweet on the go and share your location in real-time on Google Maps. Doing so will enable you friends to check the progress of you trip online. Also in the unlikely event of you being lost, rescuers can find your location within 10 meters.
SPOT connect is also tailor-made for your trips. Yes it is a rugged device. Connect can run in temps from -13F all the way to +140F, and at altitudes from -328ft to 21,325ft. It even can survive a 1m dive up to 30 minutes.
SPOT Connect is compatible with Apple iOS ( iPod touch iPhone 4S, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 3G )and Android ( Platform 2.0 or later).
Key Features
- Send messages from almost anywhere via satellite
- Type & Send message (41 character) or Predefined message (120 character) options
- Track Progress on Google Maps
- Integrates with Facebook and Twitter – Connect on the Go !
- Smartphone app for operation and detailed status
- On device SOS button for standalone emergency operation – SOS Mode sends you GPS co-ordinates and emergency message to the GEOS International Emergency Response Coordination Center (IERCC).
- Price : under $ 150 (Amazon)
This is a nice device to carry with you when you are own your own in an expedition. This can be a life saver in an emergency.
You may also like these stories:
