Satellite Tracking Systems

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Beaver Driver
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Satellite Tracking Systems

Post by Beaver Driver »

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
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kingeddie
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Re: Satellite Tracking Systems

Post by kingeddie »

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
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just curious
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Re: Satellite Tracking Systems

Post by just curious »

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
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kingeddie
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Re: Satellite Tracking Systems

Post by kingeddie »

My memmory returned we use outerlink and it sucks balls , Get anything but
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just curious
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Re: Satellite Tracking Systems

Post by just curious »

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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SeptRepair
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Re: Satellite Tracking Systems

Post by SeptRepair »

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.
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twotter
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Re: Satellite Tracking Systems

Post by twotter »

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!!!
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C-FABH
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Re: Satellite Tracking Systems

Post by C-FABH »

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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just curious
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Re: Satellite Tracking Systems

Post by just curious »

Skytrac can be configured to use Google Earth as well.
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Re: Satellite Tracking Systems

Post by C-FABH »

I shall have to make a few calls :prayer:
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husky
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Re: Satellite Tracking Systems

Post by husky »

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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Changes in Latitudes
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Re: Satellite Tracking Systems

Post by Changes in Latitudes »

I've heard good things about these guys out of Ottawa:

http://www.guardianmobility.com/Air_Solutions.php
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Over the Horn
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Re: Satellite Tracking Systems

Post by Over the Horn »

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/
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Walker
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Re: Satellite Tracking Systems

Post by Walker »

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!
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iflyforpie
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Re: Satellite Tracking Systems

Post by iflyforpie »

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
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Brint
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Re: Satellite Tracking Systems

Post by Brint »

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.
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Re: Satellite Tracking Systems

Post by Dust Devil »

just curious wrote:Skytrac can be configured to use Google Earth as well.
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 though
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