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ZAF
Posted: 8/30/2026 12:37:33 PM EDT
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I wanted a SAT Phone for hunting, (especially when in So Afrika); but couldnt quite justify the cost. I could have rented one; but didnt because I want one. Honestly Ive never had a connection problem even deep in the bush; but I want one. Ive had more issues hunting in the woods of Pa Ga and Tx My solution was a Garmin SAT Texting device. The unit was reasonably priced (way cheaper than a SAT Phone) and the monthly rate isnt bad (cheaper if you pay yearly). Its never failed me, you can even preprogramme an Emergency text thats activated by just pressing the RED button. My message was a nod to Warren Zevon "Send lawyers, guns and money, the shite has hit the fan". You can set it to send daily or hourly "location pins" to folks back home. My one complaint is the keyboard is set up ABCD, instead of like a typewriter ASDF-JKL;. You can interface your smart phone for a "normal" keypad; but that means keeping two devices charged. Im open to other suggestions if you guys are Tech savvy |
Joined:
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ZAF
Joined:
Aug 2026
Posts:
334
EE: 0% (0)
ZAF
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Originally Posted By NAM: Honestly, nowadays I'd just do Starlink and wifi calling/messaging. Heck, some newer phones already come satellite ready, and dont even need the starlink terminal. OMG I am dated. Starlink never occurred to me. I guess I should have posted that I bought the Garmin device in 2014. Back then there was "simpler" version that was basically a push button emergency beacon and two different versions of SAT phones. Low orbit SAT phones were cheaper but didnt cover the far north or as far south as So Afrika. The High orbit ones were full global. Those were more expensive; but the ones you wanted if you were serious. The Garmin was a High Orbit device. When we honeymooned in Kimberly for a Lion hunt, I texted the kids from the Garmin. I thought theyd think it was cool; but teenagers being teenagers, it was just an annoyance.... Ive looked into those walkie talkies that use cell phone towers and claim they have no monthly fee (its a yearly fee). They seem more gimmick then useful. They are suppose to reach coast to coast but if the towers are down how well can they work and if theres no cell service in the area???? |