GPS Training Podcast – number 82

The all-new Motorola Defy, a true ‘budget’ satellite communicator. In this month’s podcast The all-new Motorola Defy, a true ‘budget’ satellite communicatorThe multiband problems many of you have been experiencing and the fixThe Outdoor Show at the Birmingham NEC, get yourself a ticket, and find GPS Training there.Andy’s top tips The all-new Motorola Defy, a true ‘budget’ satellite communicator Last week this was launched and it certainly will be a ‘disrupter’ in this ever-evolving marketplace of two-way satellite communicators. Uses Inmarsat and Echostar satellite systems (Geostationary i.e. always at the same point in the sky) Inmarsat built in uk assembled in Toulouse by Airbus defense, 14 satellites, echostar 10 satellites, L Band high speed – in tests messages 10 – 20 secondsSOS response manned by people – Focuspoint SOS response center (Same one used by Spot Head office Florida , offices in 16 x locations)Works with an app on both Android10 and IOS14Uses both cellular, wifi coverage or satellites – intelligent switch with app to save Satellite messages when not needed using wifi or mobileIf you send a message to someone without the app the message gets them to download the app – app to app messagesProduced for Motorola by a company called Bullitt – who already releasing phones with technology built inbuilt this is a Satellite link, like the Garmin inReach messenger and ZoleoBUT, the big thing is the cost. Both the Zoleo and Garmin products start from £200.00 for the device and monthly cost from £12.99 / £18.00 a month and activation fee, Motorola Defy device for £149.99 includes 30 x messages a month with no fees for a year After year 1 options £4.99 month 30 messages per month , £9.99 a month 125 messages per month ,£29.99 a month 400 messages per month + a great package called freedom pay £59.99 for the year and get 250 x messages total but could be 5 one month then 50 the next (250 total for the year) gets around people who don’t walk/ explore every week etc – use intensively then not at all) SOS assist included Overage bolt-ons available Get device and 1 year subscription for £149.99 or device on its own for £99.99Currently working in Europe and North America and Australia, New Zealand and Latin America my mid 2023 and all other regions before the end of the year- really fro land based eg only approx. 30miles out to sea from coastlinesWaterproof (IP68 rating) meaning it’s sand, grit, dirt and dustproof as well as fully waterproof, MIL Spec 810h, only 70grams, 11mm thickCheck in, share your location and send/ receive messages.SOS button and Check-in button can be used without connected appLive tracking is coming down the line and my answer to the cost of this was – the ‘bolt on price’ is TBCThe only downside I can see is 12 hours of battery life but great for the day walker – just in case based on 2 check-ins and hour, due to size thinking waterproof bag, power bank, only 600mah battery from usb-c hence would not need big power bankAvailable Mid-April this year So my thoughts are for the day walker/ climber/ cyclist/ remote worker this really does make two-way satellite communication accessible. For the ‘explorer’ or those spending a lot of time ‘off grid’ and want a better battery life, grid ref etc (inReach mini) the Garmin and Zoleo products will meet those requirements. As comparison Zoleo 12min tracking 200hrs + Messenger 46 days with 30min tracking, inreach mini2 30 days with 30min tracking To find more about the Motorola Defy please go to our website > GPSTraining.co.uk > GPS Store > Two-Way Satellite Communicators Multi-band problem – Garmin GPSMAP 66sr What was the problem? Solution? in last weeks newsletter Outdoor Show – or to be more precise – The National Outdoor Expo, Birmingham NEC 18th and 19th March GPS Training have a stand – J23 What else is at the show? Over 30 speakers on x 2 stages Inspirational Stage – Ben Fogle, Julia Bradbury, Ray Mears, Helen Skelton (Blue Peter – 6 years) but has also was the first person to South Pole on a bicycleOutdoor Skills Theatre – People talking about – Fell food, How to prepare for an Outdoor adventure, OS are talking, Country walking magazine are talking – The A – Z of places to walk around Britain plus lots more Well over 200 trade stands and on our stand we have – Garmin and Zoleo (Toby from Zoleo on our stand), the two-way satellite communicator. Noticed they have got themselves listed as a separate stand but it is ours, and I have paid for it! LOL Open 9 am – 17.00 pm on both Saturday and Sunday To find out more please just Google – National Outdoor Expo – and we look forward to seeing you at the Birmingham NEC The next thing on this month’s GPS Training Podcast is Andy’s top tips Mark points on a route or track in Basecamp to use when navigating the Route or Track you can check distances to these points not as the ...