The all-new Motorola Defy, a true ‘budget’ satellite communicator.

In this month's podcast

The all-new Motorola Defy, a true ‘budget’ satellite communicator

The multiband problems many of you have been experiencing and the fix

The Outdoor Show at the Birmingham NEC, get yourself a ticket, and find GPS Training there.

Andy’s top tips

  

The all-new Motorola Defy, a true ‘budget’ satellite communicator

Last week this was launched and it certainly will be a ‘disrupter’ in this ever-evolving marketplace of two-way satellite communicators.

Uses Inmarsat and Echostar satellite systems (Geostationary i.e. always at the same point in the sky)

Inmarsat built in uk assembled in Toulouse by Airbus defense, 14 satellites, echostar 10 satellites, L Band high speed – in tests messages 10 – 20 seconds

SOS response manned by people – Focuspoint SOS response center

(Same one used by Spot Head office Florida , offices in 16 x locations)

Works with an app on both Android10 and IOS14

Uses both cellular, wifi coverage or satellites – intelligent switch with app to save Satellite messages when not needed using wifi or mobile

If you send a message to someone without the app the message gets them to download the app – app to app messages

Produced for Motorola by a company called Bullitt – who already releasing phones with technology built inbuilt this is a Satellite link, like the Garmin inReach messenger and Zoleo

BUT, the big thing is the cost. Both the Zoleo and Garmin products start from £200.00 for the device and monthly cost from £12.99 / £18.00 a month and activation fee, Motorola Defy device for £149.99 includes 30 x messages a month with no fees for a year

After year 1 options £4.99 month 30 messages per month , £9.99 a month 125 messages per month ,£29.99 a month 400 messages per month

+ a great package called freedom pay £59.99 for the year and get 250 x messages total but could be 5 one month then 50 the next (250 total for the year)

gets around people who don’t walk/ explore every week etc – use intensively then not at all)

SOS assist included

Overage bolt-ons available

Get device and 1 year subscription for £149.99 or device on its own for £99.99

Currently working in Europe and North America and Australia, New Zealand and Latin America my mid 2023 and all other regions before the end of the year- really fro land based eg only approx. 30miles out to sea from coastlines

Waterproof (IP68 rating) meaning it’s sand, grit, dirt and dustproof as well as fully waterproof, MIL Spec 810h, only 70grams, 11mm thick

Check in, share your location and send/ receive messages.

SOS button and Check-in button can be used without connected app

Live tracking is coming down the line and my answer to the cost of this was – the ‘bolt on price’ is TBC

The only downside I can see is 12 hours of battery life but great for the day walker – just in case based on 2 check-ins and hour, due to size thinking waterproof bag, power bank, only 600mah battery from usb-c hence would not need big power bank

Available Mid-April this year

So my thoughts are for the day walker/ climber/ cyclist/ remote worker this really does make two-way satellite communication accessible.

For the ‘explorer’ or those spending a lot of time ‘off grid’ and want a better battery life, grid ref etc (inReach mini) the Garmin and Zoleo products will meet those requirements.

As comparison Zoleo 12min tracking 200hrs +

Messenger 46 days with 30min tracking, inreach mini2 30 days with 30min tracking

To find more about the Motorola Defy please go to our website > GPSTraining.co.uk > GPS Store > Two-Way Satellite Communicators

 

Multi-band problem - Garmin GPSMAP 66sr

What was the problem?

 

Solution? in last weeks newsletter

 

Outdoor Show – or to be more precise – The National Outdoor Expo, Birmingham NEC

18th and 19th March

GPS Training have a stand – J23