Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Equipment, Travel > Communications
Are Sat phones etc really needed? Are Sat phones etc really needed?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Communications Connecting - internet cafes, laptops, smart phones - how to connect, use, which one, and intercom/radio systems.
Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



Reply
Page 2 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #16  
Old 7 Nov 2008
DLbiten's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Camano is. USA
Posts: 440
On my last trip to a HU meeting my mom and dad had a fit and beged me to get a cell phone worked about half of the time and dint work when I got to the meeting. That was in the USA.

good thing its small and light.
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 9 Nov 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Burton On Trent England
Posts: 134
Quote:
Originally Posted by Alexlebrit View Post
Well if you're insured that's different, what I was getting at was that a Satphone is only as good as the number you call.
i'd swear i remember a story in the news last year of someone in a boat off sinagpore (or somewhere else the other side of the world) texting his gf back in the UK that they were sinking, she called the coastguard & got the message relayed to where he was & he was rescued.

so even a normal phone could save your life i guess. mind you so could not going out in a boat without flares etc.
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 9 Nov 2008
Alexlebrit's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: West London
Posts: 920
Yup I remember the exact same story, so it does go to show, that it's all possible, if you know someone, who can ring someone.
__________________
Happiness has 125 cc
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 16 Nov 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Canada and the Alps
Posts: 134
Quote:
Originally Posted by butchdiamond View Post
Those of you that have them - how much do you use them and would you be without them?
I don't, but I will. When I head out to Iceland for example, I will have an Iridium sat-phone for emergency communication and a Personal Locator Beacon.

How often will they get used? Not at all, I hope. I am very paricular about the preparation/maintenace of my motorcycle, so that is one instance that is almost completely covered. In the case of a life & death emergency, I will use the PLB first and the sat-phone after the PLB is activated.

If I had a choice of ONE item, it would be a PLB.

Cell phone? I have one with me all the time...it never rings...because only two people have the number and they know I didn't buy it for mindless chit chat.
__________________
All the best,
Alex

Alex's BMW Motorcycle & Global Touring Page
SmugMug Site
Alps Motorcycle Tours - Priced Right


- If motorcyclists claim to be individuals, why then do so many of them ride in packs?
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 16 Nov 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Canada and the Alps
Posts: 134
Quote:
Originally Posted by Alexlebrit View Post
I so don't want to be called up in the middle of nowhere, or alterantively have people hassling me saying "why didn't you call?".
So, don't hand out the number! When I get mine, only two people with have that sat-phone nuymber; home and a neighbour and they know I won't call to chit chat and neither will they.


Quote:
Originally Posted by Alexlebrit View Post
And a big question I always wonder "Who are you going to call when you're in the middle of nowhere, and who do you reckon will come to your rescue?"
I guess you'll never know.


I carry the OEM tool kit on my bikes (plus more when going where there are 180 miles between gas stations and people), yet I have never needed them in 33 years on the road. Preparation is the key!
__________________
All the best,
Alex

Alex's BMW Motorcycle & Global Touring Page
SmugMug Site
Alps Motorcycle Tours - Priced Right


- If motorcyclists claim to be individuals, why then do so many of them ride in packs?
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 17 Nov 2008
butchdiamond's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: NFA
Posts: 126
Quote:
Originally Posted by Global Rider View Post
Preparation is the key!
I couldn't agree more. The old acronym "PPPPPP" springs to mind.

There have been some very interesting opinions on here but I guess, as always, it's down to personal choice. There will always be folk who take these gizmos and swear by them, and there will always be people who don't. I think I'm in the latter catagory.
__________________
BD.
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 18 Nov 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Canada and the Alps
Posts: 134
Quote:
Originally Posted by butchdiamond View Post
There will always be folk who take these gizmos and swear by them, and there will always be people who don't.
Well there are gizmos (I call them toys) and then there is life saving equipment such as a PLB or a sat-phone. One can't afford to buy toys when your life is on the line.

To draw a parallel to some of us who ride in very remote areas, it is interesting that there are people who would cross the ocean on a 36' sailboat and not bring a life jacket (forget that there is a legal requirement to do so). Thats not too smart.
__________________
All the best,
Alex

Alex's BMW Motorcycle & Global Touring Page
SmugMug Site
Alps Motorcycle Tours - Priced Right


- If motorcyclists claim to be individuals, why then do so many of them ride in packs?
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 18 Nov 2008
Alexlebrit's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: West London
Posts: 920
I just wanted to say, I'm not anti Satphones, if I were travelling to somewhere remote I'd probably get one too, but rather that they seem to me to be of limited use UNLESS you've got someone to ring - like your insurance/medevac service. I'm pretty sure no-one here would be llike those "hikers" who ring up mountain resuce services on their cellphones to complain that the path isn't suitable for their stilettos and there's no café at the top of the Old Man of Coniston, but you never know.

Like everyone knows preparation is key, so prepare who to ring in advance.
__________________
Happiness has 125 cc
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 18 Nov 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 476
life line
For me its simple. On our trans Africa we crossed the Tenere and Bilma desert (1500 km of virgin sand) which I would not had dared to do without the satphone. I bought it in Niamey for Euro 270,- especially for that purpose, just had to put the GSM sim card in and it worked! Only used it once in the Bilma desert to receive a call from my dad on my birthday
You can switch it off at will, you know!!

Cheers

Noel
exploreafrica.web-log.nl
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 20 Nov 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Devon, England
Posts: 30
Just plan properly and let people know your route, then check in... There is no AA RAC in the desert so do not rely on some fancy phone to get you out of trouble. We have traveled far and wide without any communication and once you leave behind our world you will not miss it.
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 20 Nov 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 476
life line 2
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ian Dennis View Post
Just plan properly and let people know your route, then check in... There is no AA RAC in the desert so do not rely on some fancy phone to get you out of trouble. We have traveled far and wide without any communication and once you leave behind our world you will not miss it.
until your car or bike breaks down 500 km from any living soul. Then I can assure you that any suggestion is welcome how you fix it. With the sat phone you call your back-up (garage) when you'r done fiddling around yourself and can't fix the problem. Nobody is suggesting you call in the cavalry to evacuate you from the desert!

I was in group once crossing the Murzuq in Libia when a brand new LC105 just stopped. We are no novice mechanics and as matter of fact there was many years experience of car mechanics between us but eventually we used the sat phone and called the garage. They gave us some useful tips which ultimately led to the fix. It was some freak electrical problem. This was a group of 10 cars.

When you'r alone or with another car (always advisable in the desert) and totally on your own devises then the (mental) pressure gets a lot higher. To me its a matter of common sense; if you go really remote, then you take a sat phone.

Why would you take engine spare parts, spare tyres, tools etc. The satphone is just another spare part for emergencies. You hope you never need it but its there if thing go pear shaped

Cheers,
Noel
exploreafrica.web-log.nl
Reply With Quote
  #27  
Old 21 Nov 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,598
I resisted having a mobile phone for ages. I do however carry one. It is always switched off unless I want to make a call. Only my wife knows the number ( not even me) and it is useless her having it, as it is always switched off. this way the battery lasts for many weeks. It is there should I ever need it. I can see it can have its uses in a breakdown or other scenario. and for those out of mobile network range, I think having a satphone is better than not having it. bit like a spare wheel, always in teh way until you need it..
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 2 of 2 1 2

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Bluetooth, Phones & GPS connecting? JimOD Communications 12 14 Apr 2009 23:04
satellite phones and bgan jenna Communications 1 7 May 2007 19:06
Satellite phones S-Mendus North America 0 8 Jan 2007 12:43
Mobile Phones John Roberts Communications 3 14 Aug 2005 19:04
Mobile Phones Fionnu Communications 2 5 Aug 2002 15:16

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 07:17.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top