Zoleo Satellite communication device
 

Folks, I've just read an article about this device. Has anyone used it ? Some features include :
SOS alert button(covered) with 24/7 monitoring, device itself can be used to send or receive messages or it can be used via a smartphone app, 200 hour rechargeable Lithium battery,uses the Iridium satellite system, GPS coordinates can be sent with any message, 2 year warranty, micro USB port, Dust/shock and water- resistant (IP68), weather forecasts are available, etc. The cost is $345 Aus dollars plus a $40 activation fee. Cancellation can be made anytime once a 3 -month initial period has been served. If you want your account to remain active while cancelled there is a $6.50 a month charge. Plans can be changed anytime. There are 3 plans available..$32, $55 or $80 a month (Aus). It should have an unobstructed link to the sky when in operation.
Feedback/opinions please.
Smoky

https://blogger.googleusercontent.co...r-messager.jpg

I did not mention them on my article about different brand this year, because they are new on the market. There is no experience around, about how good hard&Software will work.

They use the irridium satellite network what is a plus, but they are new on the market. New software, no partners so far.

Garmin/Delorme have similar devices, but with a software who is able to connect to marine devices at example. You can use 3rd party software for using as dead man switch - so at the end - I dindnt see a reason to add Zoleo to my research.

Garmin/Delorme is well known, used since over 10 years by many world traveller, expeditions and so on. I did use a Garmin/Delorme unit on my transafrica by 4x4 at 2012 the first time. It did work very well.

But probably you like to test & write a review here? It looks rugged at least.

Surfy

On a similar note, has anyone got any recommendations regarding radios for longer distances?

I do moto security for bicycle races/triathlons. We went through a bunch of different options, from Cardos to CB/PMR radios, to actually borrowing Tetra radios from the police for the duration of a big event. Ultimately the solution was for the team to buy a bunch of system radios - essentially walkie-talkies that use data over a 4G network for transmission. That gives us a private unrestricted channel that works... well, basically globally.

So the easiest way to keep a long-distance connection open would be something like Zello PTT or Discord? on your phone, and use a helmet bluetooth system.

If you want something that will work long-distance without needing to rely on cellular connectivity, then my suggestion is a big handheld CB/PMR unit that has a 3.5mm output. Then you can either get bodyguard-type earpieces and a mouthpiece that you mount in the helmet (a bit fiddly, only one ear), or try to connect it to a Cardo JBL audiokit, since they connect to the main Cardo units over the same 3.5mm jack as well. At least the speakers do, I think the microphone is now a proprietary connector.

You can get an auxiliary whip antenna for the CB handheld, I guess.

Do your amateur radio exam and you can literally talk as far as you like.

Zoleo satellite communication system
 

Thanks Surfy. I guess we will have to wait a little longer to see if it is taken up by riders or indeed if it is not! I will have a look at your comments about the various bits of gear you mention. These are unknown to me. Thanks for the comments.

Thanks, we have a pair of Beofeng walkie talkies of dubious legality, I wasn't sure if there was something better ... mostly just want them to save doubling back if one of us scouts ahead, or in the event of an emergency if one of us has to go and find a mobile signal (out in the mountains it's very patchy)