Convert your smartphone to an EPIRB

Tradewinds

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www.laurelberrystudio.com
Just seen this

SATcase.png


http://www.satcase.com/

What do you think of the concept?

Not sure myself.
 
I don't fancy getting that out in a meeting. But looks fun.

Edit: Can't use the camera with that case. :(
 
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So, basically it's a case you put your phone into that makes it into a satelite phone, a epirb, and also apparently a VHF radio....

But the details are "coming soon".

Fantasy *******s to attract dosh from suckers.
 
So, basically it's a case you put your phone into that makes it into a satelite phone, a epirb, and also apparently a VHF radio....

But the details are "coming soon".

Fantasy *******s to attract dosh from suckers.
 
The EPIRB bit seems to be a bit of a sideline - the main point is that it's an Iridium phone, using your smartphone as the user interface. Not a bad idea in itself.

However, this particular "product" smells like vapourware to me. I doubt any actual hardware, even prototype, has been produced. The number of radios purportedly inside the thing (Iridium, 406, 121, ch16, avalanche beacon, X-band radar SART, 243MHz "military emergency") is implausible. This is the electronics equivalent of a concept car, dreamed up by a designer with no actual engineering involvement.

Pete
 
I think the EPIRB function is the wrong angle to go for as I'm failing to see any advantage over a PLB. It's bigger than the latest PLBs and I can't see it being any cheaper.
The brochure however, suggests its also (amongst other things) a satphone and a VHF working on channel 16 (though it lists this as UHF).
Truly all things to all people. maybe...

Edit: You guys all type quicker than me!
 
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On FB, Twatter, several press releases

"In the background, we've been quietly developing a smart product with intelligent applications and a unique set of services for Adventurers, Mariners, Aviators, Remote/Lone and Tele-medicine Workers, with patents now pending.

We are currently at the pre-production stage, which is expected to be available in the second/third quarter 2013."
 
On FB, Twatter, Pinterest and more, with several press releases

"In the background, we've been quietly developing a smart product with intelligent applications and a unique set of services for Adventurers, Mariners, Aviators, Remote/Lone and Tele-medicine Workers, with patents now pending.

We are currently at the pre-production stage, which is expected to be available in the second/third quarter 2013."


Whoever it is, they appear to be media-savvy. Its on a remarkable variety of reviewing sites in the last 3 weeks
 
Be warned
Years ago we bought our fax machine & installed it into the office
To test it the salesman sent a picture of Nigel Mansell via the fax
Just as it came out the machine my elderly mother visited us & said
" What's that?"
"It's a fax machine"
"What does it do?"
"Well you can send pictures of Nigel Mansell over the phone line"
Reply
" Ask a question & get a silly answer. You must think I was borne yesterday"
With that she turned on her heels & walked out
 
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