Conachair
Guest
Anyone using this? I've just heard about it and initially looks pretty good, not a huge amount of cost details on google - anyone here know more?
TIA
TIA
Inmarsat mini c
- Thread starter Conachair
- Start date
KellysEye
Well-Known Member
We have Inmarsat C. As far as I know Mini C is the same service with more modern (smaller) kit.
There is no voice on C, just email and other text. The email is expensive and we would only use it as emergency backup.
Two things you do get are an emergency button (even quicker than an EPIRB, another backup) and free two day weather forecasts and nav hazard info. We use the weather as our primary source on long passages - you have to do no more than switch it on at the right times.
Coverage is global but there are variations in forecast format. For example, the east Atlantic is handled very well by France and the forecast is split into regions. The west Atlantic is handled by the USA in one long forecast that you have to read through to find your lat/long. It also doesn't give any details for areas with winds less than twenty knots, it just says 'all other areas less than twenty knots'. Not very helpful but at least you know there is nothing nasty around.
I suppose if you value a 'backup Epirb' and you don't want to mess about pulling down weather faxes or GRIB files then it's worth having. Otherwise...
There is no voice on C, just email and other text. The email is expensive and we would only use it as emergency backup.
Two things you do get are an emergency button (even quicker than an EPIRB, another backup) and free two day weather forecasts and nav hazard info. We use the weather as our primary source on long passages - you have to do no more than switch it on at the right times.
Coverage is global but there are variations in forecast format. For example, the east Atlantic is handled very well by France and the forecast is split into regions. The west Atlantic is handled by the USA in one long forecast that you have to read through to find your lat/long. It also doesn't give any details for areas with winds less than twenty knots, it just says 'all other areas less than twenty knots'. Not very helpful but at least you know there is nothing nasty around.
I suppose if you value a 'backup Epirb' and you don't want to mess about pulling down weather faxes or GRIB files then it's worth having. Otherwise...
Talbot
Well-Known Member
Purchase price is semi reasonable
rate for use is a different matter
rate for use is a different matter
Conachair
Guest
[ QUOTE ]
you have to do no more than switch it on at the right times.
[/ QUOTE ]
Is it like navtex then where there are broadcast times for weather or does it store weather and you get it next time you log on?
[ QUOTE ]
I suppose if you value a 'backup Epirb' and you don't want to mess about pulling down weather faxes or GRIB files then it's worth having. Otherwise...
[/ QUOTE ]
Weather sounds handy but all I'm really after is something to send a "I'm still alive" tiny email to family when on longer passages or get in touch with falmouth if i found a boat full of refugees offshore or something like that, where i wouldn't care about cost. Seems to cost per byte but how much would a, say, 20 word email cost to send? Other options for me are blimmin expensive. Install ssb or get satphone and pricing there seems non too cheap and as far as i can make out the payg runs out after a time. Personally I'm quite happy out there on my own but me mum worries a bit
you have to do no more than switch it on at the right times.
[/ QUOTE ]
Is it like navtex then where there are broadcast times for weather or does it store weather and you get it next time you log on?
[ QUOTE ]
I suppose if you value a 'backup Epirb' and you don't want to mess about pulling down weather faxes or GRIB files then it's worth having. Otherwise...
[/ QUOTE ]
Weather sounds handy but all I'm really after is something to send a "I'm still alive" tiny email to family when on longer passages or get in touch with falmouth if i found a boat full of refugees offshore or something like that, where i wouldn't care about cost. Seems to cost per byte but how much would a, say, 20 word email cost to send? Other options for me are blimmin expensive. Install ssb or get satphone and pricing there seems non too cheap and as far as i can make out the payg runs out after a time. Personally I'm quite happy out there on my own but me mum worries a bit
KellysEye
Well-Known Member
>Is it like navtex then where there are broadcast times for weather or does it store weather and you get it next time you log on?
You need to have it switched on when the weather reports are sent out. Four times a day - UTC 04.30, 10.30, 16.30, 22.30. We only check twice per day.
>Weather sounds handy but all I'm really after is something to send a "I'm still alive" ...mum
Ah yes, the mum factor, know exactly what you mean I don't have the current cost (we haven't used the email facility for years) but it was based per character. The equipment supplier should know or contact Stratos +44 (0)207 562 4826* who can put you in touch with an email supplier. If you are only sending very short messages it certainly won't break the bank.
* that number may have changed
You need to have it switched on when the weather reports are sent out. Four times a day - UTC 04.30, 10.30, 16.30, 22.30. We only check twice per day.
>Weather sounds handy but all I'm really after is something to send a "I'm still alive" ...mum
Ah yes, the mum factor, know exactly what you mean
I don't have the current cost (we haven't used the email facility for years) but it was based per character. The equipment supplier should know or contact Stratos +44 (0)207 562 4826* who can put you in touch with an email supplier. If you are only sending very short messages it certainly won't break the bank.* that number may have changed
Bilgediver
Well-Known Member
I suggest you read up on Mini C so that you understand what the system is and what it can provide.
This is no alternative to Navtex. It is a cheap form of getting data type messages to and from ashore at relatively slow data rates. The system might have to be commissioned by a service rep and you will have to employ a satellite service accounting authority for billing purposes.
The data speed is pretty slow and you may have to operate with Seamail or a similar program which compresses the emails etc.
It is possible some folk on livaboard use this set up.
Mini C
This is no alternative to Navtex. It is a cheap form of getting data type messages to and from ashore at relatively slow data rates. The system might have to be commissioned by a service rep and you will have to employ a satellite service accounting authority for billing purposes.
The data speed is pretty slow and you may have to operate with Seamail or a similar program which compresses the emails etc.
It is possible some folk on livaboard use this set up.
Mini C
KellysEye
Well-Known Member
Sorry, meant to say that to use Inmarsat you need a licence which means taking a course. It's normally added to the Long Range (SSB) course as an optional extra but may be available standalone.
KellysEye
Well-Known Member
>This is no alternative to Navtex.
Correct, it gives ocean weather not the Navtex inshore weather.
> The system might have to be commissioned by a service rep
Incorrect, we fitted ours ourselves.
>and you will have to employ a satellite service accounting authority for billing purposes.
Correct.
>Seamail or a similar program
Incorrect, you don't use an email programme as such, the software is built in and you sign up with a supplier who forwards the email.
Correct, it gives ocean weather not the Navtex inshore weather.
> The system might have to be commissioned by a service rep
Incorrect, we fitted ours ourselves.
>and you will have to employ a satellite service accounting authority for billing purposes.
Correct.
>Seamail or a similar program
Incorrect, you don't use an email programme as such, the software is built in and you sign up with a supplier who forwards the email.
Conachair
Guest
[ QUOTE ]
I suggest you read up on Mini C so that you understand what the system is and what it can provide.
This is no alternative to Navtex. It is a cheap form of getting data type messages to and from ashore at relatively slow data rates. The system might have to be commissioned by a service rep and you will have to employ a satellite service accounting authority for billing purposes.
The data speed is pretty slow and you may have to operate with Seamail or a similar program which compresses the emails etc.
It is possible some folk on livaboard use this set up.
Mini C
[/ QUOTE ]
Got a bit more info now, orig post was sent crouching in a shadow in only place I could find free wifi so was easier to ask here /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif Pricing seems hard to find, couldn't find cost of unit but cost of a little email seems low, no-one here using it?
I suggest you read up on Mini C so that you understand what the system is and what it can provide.
This is no alternative to Navtex. It is a cheap form of getting data type messages to and from ashore at relatively slow data rates. The system might have to be commissioned by a service rep and you will have to employ a satellite service accounting authority for billing purposes.
The data speed is pretty slow and you may have to operate with Seamail or a similar program which compresses the emails etc.
It is possible some folk on livaboard use this set up.
Mini C
[/ QUOTE ]
Got a bit more info now, orig post was sent crouching in a shadow in only place I could find free wifi so was easier to ask here /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif Pricing seems hard to find, couldn't find cost of unit but cost of a little email seems low, no-one here using it?
Troutbridge
Well-Known Member
The fact nobody is using it might tell you something /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
I brought an Iridium and signed up with Mailasail. Costs are £140 per year + calls. there are various call plans, but pre-paid are better value. Included in the price is an email compression program, a web diary service (basically a blog with a position map). There is also a weather service. You send an email to the NOA site and by return get what you want. Mailasail provide you with linked addresses to the weather site. You can also make voice calls! Cost are 0.79p per minute (on the pre-paid 500 minute plan, which cost me $750US). I have an SSB but have not bothered to to go to the expense of getting a Pactor modem, the Iridium is so easy to use.
I brought an Iridium and signed up with Mailasail. Costs are £140 per year + calls. there are various call plans, but pre-paid are better value. Included in the price is an email compression program, a web diary service (basically a blog with a position map). There is also a weather service. You send an email to the NOA site and by return get what you want. Mailasail provide you with linked addresses to the weather site. You can also make voice calls! Cost are 0.79p per minute (on the pre-paid 500 minute plan, which cost me $750US). I have an SSB but have not bothered to to go to the expense of getting a Pactor modem, the Iridium is so easy to use.
charles_reed
Well-Known Member
been researching it in a desultory manner as an alternative to the nicked SSB.
Only the Furuno unit appears to operate on a 12v supply and mini-C appears not to be GMDSS compatible.
More reliable data download/upload than SSB, excellent footprint, but at a cost per Mb comparable with G3 cellular. Far lower price than standard C units and more reasonable power consumption.
So good for comms no good for a squawk for help. Appears early days yet to actually purchase.
Only the Furuno unit appears to operate on a 12v supply and mini-C appears not to be GMDSS compatible.
More reliable data download/upload than SSB, excellent footprint, but at a cost per Mb comparable with G3 cellular. Far lower price than standard C units and more reasonable power consumption.
So good for comms no good for a squawk for help. Appears early days yet to actually purchase.
Conachair
Guest
[ QUOTE ]
The fact nobody is using it might tell you something /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
[/ QUOTE ]
I got the impression the mini c is quite a new service. With iridium there seems no way out of shelling out cash, prepayed schemes I've seen run out quite quick so you have to use the time. Mini C looks like you pay by character so could possibly be very cheap but haven't seen a web site with a reciever price yet.
The fact nobody is using it might tell you something /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
[/ QUOTE ]
I got the impression the mini c is quite a new service. With iridium there seems no way out of shelling out cash, prepayed schemes I've seen run out quite quick so you have to use the time. Mini C looks like you pay by character so could possibly be very cheap but haven't seen a web site with a reciever price yet.
KellysEye
Well-Known Member
>no-one here using it?
>>The fact nobody is using it might tell you something
Err, we use it, that's why I've been saying what it can/can't do. I don't think many people use it because most people don't need ocean weather.
I think the real issues (talking ocean sailing) are first keeping in touch with other boats on passage and second keeping in touch with home.
The only thing for the first is SSB radio nets and SSB can also be used for the second with a Pactor and email account.
There is no other system that does both. As I mentioned the beauty of SatC is that you don't need to mess about downloading weather faxes, GRIB files etc.
Please don't think I'm knocking any particular system: we have SSB, SatC and Iridium and we use what's best/quickest for each job.
>>The fact nobody is using it might tell you something
Err, we use it, that's why I've been saying what it can/can't do. I don't think many people use it because most people don't need ocean weather.
I think the real issues (talking ocean sailing) are first keeping in touch with other boats on passage and second keeping in touch with home.
The only thing for the first is SSB radio nets and SSB can also be used for the second with a Pactor and email account.
There is no other system that does both. As I mentioned the beauty of SatC is that you don't need to mess about downloading weather faxes, GRIB files etc.
Please don't think I'm knocking any particular system: we have SSB, SatC and Iridium and we use what's best/quickest for each job.
Bilgediver
Well-Known Member
These things used to cost around £1600 so second hand a lot less.. WHen they first came out I commisioned a few on rigs without the expense of engineers however Inmarsat I believe put a stop to this as incorrect procedures and data could throw the system.
The advantage of Inmarsat C is that it is available world wide and there are accessories available for sending regular position reports etc. I believe the Likes of Ellen Mcarthur etc use these as they are also relatively low powered. The antenna is not big.
The advantage of Inmarsat C is that it is available world wide and there are accessories available for sending regular position reports etc. I believe the Likes of Ellen Mcarthur etc use these as they are also relatively low powered. The antenna is not big.
charles_reed
Well-Known Member
Mini C is merely a new piece of low-price, low-power equipment. It uses the same long-standing system, Inmarsat-C which has been about for about 10 years.
Inmarsat-C is data only, works outside real-time.
If you want farther info it's here:-
http://www.inmarsat.com/Support/Inmarsat_C/FAQs/default.aspx?language=EN&textonly=False
Inmarsat-C is data only, works outside real-time.
If you want farther info it's here:-
http://www.inmarsat.com/Support/Inmarsat_C/FAQs/default.aspx?language=EN&textonly=False
philmarks
Well-Known Member
I bought an Inmarsat Mini M transportable (not marine) on EBay $250. Subscription is $19/month, but you can suspend it (which I do when I'm shore based). Air time is billed as incurred (I use KVH), $1.49 per min but calls go through a US network hence Uk is an international call.
Pros:
No licence or specialist set-up
Email (but slow and I never got mine to work)
Good quality voice
Worldwide
Cheap to buy
Cons:
Aerial has to be manually aimed (not a big deal really as it's fairly tolerant of direction)
Weather not available (though I ask my Dad for a quick weather forecast when I call)
Running cost (a matter of opinion IMHO)
Needs a fully topped battery - 13V+ to run)
It works for me. Sure I'd love to have SSB and Pactor but then I add on cost of LRC course and exam and 5 days to do it in and it seems like a lot of moolah to me).
PM me if you want any contact info of people who sell them in Portland, Oregon.
Pros:
No licence or specialist set-up
Email (but slow and I never got mine to work)
Good quality voice
Worldwide
Cheap to buy
Cons:
Aerial has to be manually aimed (not a big deal really as it's fairly tolerant of direction)
Weather not available (though I ask my Dad for a quick weather forecast when I call)
Running cost (a matter of opinion IMHO)
Needs a fully topped battery - 13V+ to run)
It works for me. Sure I'd love to have SSB and Pactor but then I add on cost of LRC course and exam and 5 days to do it in and it seems like a lot of moolah to me).
PM me if you want any contact info of people who sell them in Portland, Oregon.
