SETTING UP
To utilise all the functions of the Iridium GO !, you will need to download the main application , Iridium GO !. There is a secondary app available called Iridium Mail and Web but it ’ s not essential for general everyday use . Both are available for Android or iOS . Most of the account set-up is done through the apps , with the remainder through the Iridium website . The instructions are clear and easy to follow . I certainly had no issues .
Setting up the Iridium GO ! is simplicity in itself . Simply raise the inbuilt antenna and the unit powers on . You need to place the unit in a position where it has an unobstructed view of the sky . This is critical for satellite connectivity and getting the best signal , free from interruption .
I obtained the best performance by mounting the Iridium GO ! on a small tripod and placing it in the most open location within the range of our caravan .
Both the Iridium GO ! and the ZOLEO provide more flexibility over a traditional hand-held satphone .
NETWORK AVAILABILITY
Iridium GO ! uses the Iridium satellite phone network for all its communications . This consists of 66 active satellites in low Earth orbit . This differs from other satellite phone networks , which have as little as one satellite covering our part of the planet .
It means you should be able to access the network as long as you have a clear sky above you . I tried using Iridium GO ! in a variety of locations and , as far as data communications were concerned , I never once had connection issues . It even worked perfectly from the dashboard of our car .
Voice communications required the best , most unobstructed view of the sky possible . This is due to the way the satellite system works . The satellites are constantly on the move . As one satellite moves out of view , another approaching satellite takes over the call . If you have trees overhead , heavy clouds or if you are camped in a valley , this handover from one satellite to another may be interrupted .
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