Trimble Galaxy
Trimble Galaxy Inmarsat-C/GPS Marine Tranciever if you want its full name! All features listed below assume a computer is connected however a subset of the distress feature can be performed in the stand alone configuration.
Full send and receive e-mail capability from anywhere in the world. You have to register for this feature, we use Stratos as our provider, and it works out at just less than a penny a character. Here is a sample-mail I just wrote home and cost, note the abbreviations, lack of spaces & punctuation, every character counts!
"HiSweety30MAwayEngProbsSomethingInProp?2Scared2LookAsFoughtBigTuna4Hr &OnlyGotHead!WillLookL8rMaBStay1NiteIfAlowdWxLookngUp:)ImmNews?Hug4U&PooLuvP,D"
Cost, after software compression, is approx $1.20 for 150 characters.
Full send and receive e-mail capability from anywhere in the world. You have to register for this feature, we use Stratos as our provider, and it works out at just less than a penny a character. Here is a sample-mail I just wrote home and cost, note the abbreviations, lack of spaces & punctuation, every character counts!
"HiSweety30MAwayEngProbsSomethingInProp?2Scared2LookAsFoughtBigTuna4Hr &OnlyGotHead!WillLookL8rMaBStay1NiteIfAlowdWxLookngUp:)ImmNews?Hug4U&PooLuvP,D"
Cost, after software compression, is approx $1.20 for 150 characters.
- GPS. This information is displayed on the screen plus it is sent directly to the SILVA network. See SILVA for a detailed explanation of how all the electronics are configured and see GPS for info on Rosie's other GPS units.
- Standalone Distress, just hit both buttons and the system sends a mayday, our position, course & speed to the satellite. The message will continue as long as the batteries stay in operation.
- Specific Distress feature. If activated via the computer a detailed message can accompany the above mayday i.e. "Pirate Attack" or "Sinking, life raft did not inflate, 4 crew we have EPIRB with us". The message will continue as long as the batteries stay in operation regardless of the ensuing state of the computer.
- Due to the GPS feature the system knows the exact weather to send you for your area. Weather messages come 2-4 times a day depending on location and are free. It has been invaluable as there is always an up to date weather forecast waiting for you when you need one.Distress alerts in your area are broadcast free of charge. Whenever I get one indicating an EPIRB has gone off I instantly find ours to make sure it is not us. So far none have been close enough for us to assist. These messages are free.
- Information messages for your area. These vary from navigation lights out, pirate attack reports, live firing exercises, cable laying etc. Again a free service.
Software
The system has a very detailed installation and user guide. The software that comes with the package is OLD. It is a DOS based program and the computer must be booted to DOS to run it - not just a DOS window. Fortunately another company has provided a free interface that can be used in a windows environment. To configure the system initially I had to use their package but have never used it since, so I doubt you would have to either.
On my last voyage back to the USA the antenna, mounted on the wind generator's pole died (after 5 years exposure to the elements). Kelly was not going to let me go to sea for 40 plus days without e-mail so we are now sporting a brand new satellite antennae. ($1000!)
Both user guide and installation manuals are in the document locker on the stbd side of the salon.
Important Note: The group messages and e-mails are stored in volatile memory in the Trimble and need to be downloaded to the computer before they are safe. When starting the boat the starter motor takes such a current draw that this unit cycles. You should always make sure you have no e-mail messages before starting the engine or they will be lost.
On my last voyage back to the USA the antenna, mounted on the wind generator's pole died (after 5 years exposure to the elements). Kelly was not going to let me go to sea for 40 plus days without e-mail so we are now sporting a brand new satellite antennae. ($1000!)
Both user guide and installation manuals are in the document locker on the stbd side of the salon.
Important Note: The group messages and e-mails are stored in volatile memory in the Trimble and need to be downloaded to the computer before they are safe. When starting the boat the starter motor takes such a current draw that this unit cycles. You should always make sure you have no e-mail messages before starting the engine or they will be lost.
Here's another comment about Paul and Kelly's adventure:
"The book candidly relates many of the problems facing first time ocean sailors with more enthusiasm than experience. I enjoyed reading their descriptions of some neat places that I have also visited. Numerous opportunities for tragedy were safely avoided and the book had a satisfyingly happy ending." - Jerry on Amazon.com
Buy at Amazon (USA)
Other Stores...
Buy at Amazon (USA)
Other Stores...
