Satellite Tracking Systems
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- Beaver Driver
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Satellite Tracking Systems
I'm looking into getting a satellite tracking system, and I'm looking for some feedback on the Iridium based system vs. the Globalstar based system.
I know that Globalstar Sat phones have had some issues in the past, but they keep saying they got it fixed. Other people have told me that when Globalstar gets their shit together they will have better coverage, but who knows when that will be.
Any feedback would be apreciated.
Thanks
I know that Globalstar Sat phones have had some issues in the past, but they keep saying they got it fixed. Other people have told me that when Globalstar gets their shit together they will have better coverage, but who knows when that will be.
Any feedback would be apreciated.
Thanks
Flying a twin only doubles your chance of having an engine failure
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Re: Satellite Tracking Systems
Global Star is still a paperweight , The MNR one of thier largest customer in Canada has replaced them with Iridiums due to unreliability . We run a system that is not that great but when working right is a wonderfull tool . PM I ll get the brand name so that you dont buy it . I dont have the off the shelf name at the moment as it is not on the units themselves. Great system but there are better products out there now
KE
KE
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Re: Satellite Tracking Systems
We use SkyTrac on our fleet from 90N to 90S without any significant issues, either sending or receiving.
http://www.skytrac.ca/pg_Home.php
http://www.skytrac.ca/pg_Home.php
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Re: Satellite Tracking Systems
My memmory returned we use outerlink and it sucks balls , Get anything but
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Re: Satellite Tracking Systems
Our dispatch display portrays us using google earth, and allows us 2 way text massages, 2 way phones, and can send our engine trends.
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Re: Satellite Tracking Systems
We use the Latitude Technologies Skynode S200 with the Sat phone interface. To date we have had no problems with it. We will add them to our helicopters when they return, and hopefully by years end we will have the whole fleet standardized with these units.
How can you tell which one is the pilot when you walk into a bar?....Don't worry he will come up and tell you.
Re: Satellite Tracking Systems
We did a trial with a skytrac and it seemed like a good system. Lot's of options on what you wanted it to do but not cheap!!!
Re: Satellite Tracking Systems
I've found Skytrac to be overall OK/good for the most part. It runs off a Microsoft Virtual Earth Platform (not all dissimilar to Google Earth, just a bit different). No problems whatsoever in tracking or receiving data, in that respect it works just perfect. Just the odd nitpick here and there on the user interface.
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Re: Satellite Tracking Systems
Skytrac can be configured to use Google Earth as well.
Re: Satellite Tracking Systems
I have one of those simple "findmespot" satellite tracking gizmos. It uses the globarstar simplex data transmission network and is actually quite reliable. Globarstar duplex or globalstar voice on the other hand, avoid it like the plague.
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Re: Satellite Tracking Systems
I've heard good things about these guys out of Ottawa:
http://www.guardianmobility.com/Air_Solutions.php
http://www.guardianmobility.com/Air_Solutions.php
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Re: Satellite Tracking Systems
Spider tracks works great portable simple to use, gives altitude speed lat/long direction and can be tailored for the reporting intervals, it displays information on google earth in 3D a world map and NZ vnc's, hopefully our vnc's in the future, its worked very well for our company.
http://www.spidertracks.co.nz/
http://www.spidertracks.co.nz/
Re: Satellite Tracking Systems
If your on a budget the SPOT system has been pretty good to me and a few survey operators I know, http://international.findmespot.com/
iv used them for keeping clients up to date about their newly purchased AC location, to keeping tabs on solo students... ~$100 for the unit and ~$150 a year.... cant beat that price!
iv used them for keeping clients up to date about their newly purchased AC location, to keeping tabs on solo students... ~$100 for the unit and ~$150 a year.... cant beat that price!
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Re: Satellite Tracking Systems
We just got Guardian Mobility's SkyTrax system and it works great. It is a plug and play system; running off a cigarette lighter and dash mounted antenna using GPS signals. You can get hard wired and mounted systems too. Readout is online and it automatically activates and tracks air times. We use it for telemetry and forestry flight following since we never know exactly where we are headed at first.
I don't have any other systems to compare it too and we've only had it a month, but no disappointments so far.
Check them out at http://www.guardianmobility.com
I don't have any other systems to compare it too and we've only had it a month, but no disappointments so far.
Check them out at http://www.guardianmobility.com
Geez did I say that....? Or just think it....?
Re: Satellite Tracking Systems
We also use the SkyTrac system and have it installed through the intercom for phone calls. It works great. This is the interface we have:
http://www.iridium.com/products/product.php?linx=0279
We haven't used any of the "preprogrammed Text messages" yet, so i'm not sure how those work.
Apparently, the Globalstar system is only getting worse and rumors about it improving are only that.
http://www.iridium.com/products/product.php?linx=0279
We haven't used any of the "preprogrammed Text messages" yet, so i'm not sure how those work.
Apparently, the Globalstar system is only getting worse and rumors about it improving are only that.
- Dust Devil
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Re: Satellite Tracking Systems
We are running Skytrac as well. I think it's great. I haven't been able to get it to work with google earth very well thoughjust curious wrote:Skytrac can be configured to use Google Earth as well.
//=S=//
A parent's only as good as their dumbest kid. If one wins a Nobel Prize but the other gets robbed by a hooker, you failed
A parent's only as good as their dumbest kid. If one wins a Nobel Prize but the other gets robbed by a hooker, you failed