Bushwalk Australia

Hi all,

Does anyone know if it is possible to purchase a device that will allow me to connect to the internet (possibly through a wireless hotspot) whilst in the bush? I won't be within phone tower range, so a device connecting to the satellites would have to be the way to go. I know devices such as the Spot Connect allow for phones to send messages via satellite internet, but I am looking for something that could possibly be used to give internet to a laptop or similar device, that would allow me to share photos or update a blog whilst in the bush.

Any info would be much appreciated.

Alex.

Check out InReach.

you can do it through the Iridium network see http://www.iridium.com/ProductList.aspx?productCategoryID=29

Andy

satellite data is very $$ as far as i know. However if you are in places with poor or marginal reception, there may be antennas and signal boosters that could help. Not sure of the power consumption though.

Ideal application for "spot connect". You download the app on your phone. It pairs with your smartphone. You can then send emails, SMS or post on Facebook, via the satellite network.

http://www.gpsoz.com.au/spot/spot_connect.htm

They are about $250 inc gst.

I might consider one myself. However, these would NOT replace a plb.

The other thing to make sure of is any website that you are connecting to is not full of adverts etc that sucks up the bandwidth. Keep it simple is the main point here. What do you actually want to access? Weather, text messaging or facebook and youtube!

Some blogging programs have sms to blog features which would be much better (even with smaller images). I cant imagine using a satellite connection to connect to a full WYSIWYG blog interface - costs and speed would be terrible!

Not including the monthly access fees, a quick look online shows data transfer via satellite costs $5 a megabyte.
Depending on what sites you frequent this could get expensive very quickly.

Receiving just purely text emails you could get about 30-40 per mb (keep in mind you also have to send so it would be more like 15-20 messages each way).
Once you start loading images it will get painful.

you might be able to do updates via twitter SMS? Not 100% on how that would be implemented, but I'm pretty sure it can be done.

If it's just email you're after then this might be easier: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sailmail

Allchin09 wrote:Hi all,

Does anyone know if it is possible to purchase a device that will allow me to connect to the internet (possibly through a wireless hotspot) whilst in the bush?

If you want two-way internet connection, you need a sat phone service with data. Look at Iridium and Thuraya, depending on the phone, you may need an optional data cable. Speeds are relatively slow compared to home internet, think slow dial-up modem speeds. I wouldn't bother with wireless as it will just chew power on both devices for no net benefit.

If you are happy with text messages, then either the Spot Connect or InReach will do the job. The InReach can receive as well as send messages.

Stating the obvious here, but can imagine what extra conveniences at even more affordable prices we'd have in another 5 years.

There is nothing convenient about not being able to be incommunicado when out bush.

It depends where you are, but in Vic Alpine NP, and Kosi NP, it is surprising where you can pick up a mobile signal.

3G is back to line-of-sight, so while you will get nothing in the valleys, it is surprising how far away you can pick up a signal when you are on a mountaintop.

Of course, this approach doesn't work in SW Tasmania.