Joe Crato Posted November 6, 2023 Report Share Posted November 6, 2023 Question? Before I go cutting into my console does anyone have sold information that a VHF radio will work down in Flamingo? Back in the day we rigged a long antenna wire to zip tie to our poles if we had an emergency south of Chokoloskee. Wondering if that type of rig will get me reception down in Flamingo incase of an emergency. I run from Islamorada to Flamingo and would hate to be stranded. TIA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wanaflatsfish Posted November 6, 2023 Report Share Posted November 6, 2023 5 hours ago, Joe Crato said: Question? Before I go cutting into my console does anyone have sold information that a VHF radio will work down in Flamingo? Back in the day we rigged a long antenna wire to zip tie to our poles if we had an emergency south of Chokoloskee. Wondering if that type of rig will get me reception down in Flamingo incase of an emergency. I run from Islamorada to Flamingo and would hate to be stranded. TIA Joe, I struggle with this all the time.... I have a HPS 23 with a T-Top and an ICOM and found that for the most part I only use it offshore.... When I had my RF18, yes, like you, I would zip tie a extension wire on my hand-held and rigged up my on board battery to attach....with a 21 foot push pole, I could reach Naples/Marco SEATOW from out front....I struggled when back in rivers, etc... The only way to be absolutely safe is with a SAT phone....I have one with the minimal service which is about $40 a month...I have my Capt's License and Business so for me, it's an expense...but, even before this, I have ALWAYS HAD A SAT PHONE...an alternative is a Delorme OR SPOT communicator, about $25 or so a month that will allow you to text and email and it will track you at all times when you initiative this option...so, if you do breakdown, everyone knows where you are when you send an alert.... For me, I'll give up my morning Starbucks Coffee once a week and keep the SAT Phone....I test it ever week or so (call myself) and always before heading out on the water....it's just peace of mind.......I also carry an EPIRB in the event of a catastrophic life threating event.... BTW, during a hurricane that hits the keys or other areas....cell towers go down and the SAT Phone is the only communication you might have...I have also taken mine on trips to remote areas of Brazil, Chile, and Central America..... Hope this helps.... DC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Seither Posted November 6, 2023 Report Share Posted November 6, 2023 Just remember Spot or Inreach Sat could communicators sometimes takes a while for text to get through to the folks your trying to reach, I also believe that the New I Phones have a SOS with sat communications, some of the other forum members have commented on this 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Crato Posted November 7, 2023 Author Report Share Posted November 7, 2023 7 hours ago, Wanaflatsfish said: Joe, I struggle with this all the time.... I have a HPS 23 with a T-Top and an ICOM and found that for the most part I only use it offshore.... When I had my RF18, yes, like you, I would zip tie a extension wire on my hand-held and rigged up my on board battery to attach....with a 21 foot push pole, I could reach Naples/Marco SEATOW from out front....I struggled when back in rivers, etc... The only way to be absolutely safe is with a SAT phone....I have one with the minimal service which is about $40 a month...I have my Capt's License and Business so for me, it's an expense...but, even before this, I have ALWAYS HAD A SAT PHONE...an alternative is a Delorme OR SPOT communicator, about $25 or so a month that will allow you to text and email and it will track you at all times when you initiative this option...so, if you do breakdown, everyone knows where you are when you send an alert.... For me, I'll give up my morning Starbucks Coffee once a week and keep the SAT Phone....I test it ever week or so (call myself) and always before heading out on the water....it's just peace of mind.......I also carry an EPIRB in the event of a catastrophic life threating event.... BTW, during a hurricane that hits the keys or other areas....cell towers go down and the SAT Phone is the only communication you might have...I have also taken mine on trips to remote areas of Brazil, Chile, and Central America..... Hope this helps.... DC Thank you, this is exactly what I wanted to know and more! I can definitely find something to give up to afford a SAT Phone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bamaskeet Posted November 7, 2023 Report Share Posted November 7, 2023 I’ve had the same concern when I’m over 40 miles offshore of St George Island. For the last couple of years I’ve carried a Garmin In Reach, so I can text to Sea Tow in case of a breakdown. The unit cost me $350 plus a $13 monthly subscription fee. I'm am very close to canceling my subscription and upgrading my iPhone to a 14 or 15. Because you can satellite text when a cell tower is not available for free. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Crato Posted November 7, 2023 Author Report Share Posted November 7, 2023 I was just made aware of the iPhone SOS, I’ll be looking into that. Thanks for the info! I usually fish weekdays in the Florida Bay and sometimes there’s no one around, just want that last base covered. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waterman18 Posted November 7, 2023 Report Share Posted November 7, 2023 I don't think I'd rely on the IPhone Satellite. I carry an Inreach also and have used it to text back and forth. It Bluetooths to your phone and you use an App to send and receive . Vey reliable . 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Seither Posted November 7, 2023 Report Share Posted November 7, 2023 Son uses one of the new Spot sat communicators, works well, I’m using VHF and a PLB, South Louisiana there is marine traffic and manned platforms all over but radio comms can be spotty, has anyone on the forum used the new iPhone 14 or 15 SOS function for sat texting? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Dave Posted November 7, 2023 Report Share Posted November 7, 2023 Thought this might be helpful: https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/reviews/camping-and-hiking/personal-locator-beacon/iphone-emergency-sos 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Crato Posted November 7, 2023 Author Report Share Posted November 7, 2023 10 hours ago, Waterman18 said: I don't think I'd rely on the IPhone Satellite. I carry an Inreach also and have used it to text back and forth. It Bluetooths to your phone and you use an App to send and receive . Vey reliable . I’ll look into that as well, thank you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Crato Posted November 7, 2023 Author Report Share Posted November 7, 2023 1 hour ago, Big Dave said: Thought this might be helpful: https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/reviews/camping-and-hiking/personal-locator-beacon/iphone-emergency-sos Thanks for the article! I’m heading to Flamingo next week and plan on asking the Park Rangers what they see working best. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wanaflatsfish Posted November 7, 2023 Report Share Posted November 7, 2023 With the opening of the new hotel....I would think that at some point a multi-company CELL TOWER would be set up....that would be a game changer. DC 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bamaskeet Posted November 8, 2023 Report Share Posted November 8, 2023 21 hours ago, Waterman18 said: I don't think I'd rely on the IPhone Satellite. I carry an Inreach also and have used it to text back and forth. It Bluetooths to your phone and you use an App to send and receive . Vey reliable . Please elaborate on why not rely on the iPhone satellite. I think it’s STARLINK. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Seither Posted November 8, 2023 Report Share Posted November 8, 2023 They all report to either Iridium or Global Star Sat Network, Big Dave link has pros and cons for major brands but the I phone ranked right in there with the others, so I would say it's pick your favorite, Apple service is free for I believe 2 years if I'm remembering right but I bet that changes! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
THE OUTLAW Posted November 9, 2023 Report Share Posted November 9, 2023 Just checked out the STARLINK . Sounds like it could have potential, for the future. Right now , it’s only available on T Mobile . I have the Bluetooth SPOT , it links , to your phone , and you use your phone , to text anybody , anywhere . The SPOT just basically becomes your antenna. My buddy has the In Reach, and I think It is a little faster but other than that , the SPOT has been there for me . 🇺🇸🏴☠️ 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wanaflatsfish Posted November 12, 2023 Report Share Posted November 12, 2023 go on YOUTUBE and compares the various sat systems and iPhone.. using iPhone for sat communication another...... sat machine comparison DC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Seither Posted November 12, 2023 Report Share Posted November 12, 2023 Good review Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rubble Posted November 13, 2023 Report Share Posted November 13, 2023 As crazy as it may sound, I've picked up cell service at the Rogers River Bay Chickee. Heard my phone chirping out on the boat one night and looked to find that I was receiving texts. I had 1 to 2 bars. Was a clear and calm night. Had spotty reception during the day but apparently there is cell signal out there. Not sure if it was coming from Homestead, Choko or maybe up on 41 around Miccosukee Village? Another option might be to get a cell booster like the Wilson Amplifiers. https://www.wilsonamplifiers.com/vehicle We used to fish out of a fish camp on Lake Tiger between Lake Wales and River Ranch. There was rarely a cell signal out there but we could get plenty of signal using the booster. Also used it in the mountains in KY for work. I was impressed with it but those things only lasted a few years and they aren't cheap. Plus, they are bulky as they have to have a cord to power, the booster, Antenna (w/ cord) and the phone receiver (w cord). Considering price and all of those items, Sat Phone sure seems appealing. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Seither Posted November 13, 2023 Report Share Posted November 13, 2023 Having used sat phones overseas I’ll sat this, they work Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
THE OUTLAW Posted November 13, 2023 Report Share Posted November 13, 2023 The new cell tower in EC really has extended the range of the cell phone . 🇺🇸🏴☠️ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jim33042 Posted November 13, 2023 Report Share Posted November 13, 2023 I have a friend who has garmin echomap ultra gps, said he has the active captain app and texts via the gps Satellite and WiFi in the garmin unit. I know he's sent me pics from areas he's had no cell service before... not sure the whole setup, but could be another option if you're already using a [newer] Garmin. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rubble Posted November 14, 2023 Report Share Posted November 14, 2023 On 11/13/2023 at 11:30 AM, THE OUTLAW said: The new cell tower in EC really has extended the range of the cell phone . 🇺🇸🏴☠️ Is that a new tower? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mangroovin Posted November 16, 2023 Report Share Posted November 16, 2023 Its kinda sad that with all the technology out there that there is no optional package for a cell phone to work off satellite. Im sure outdoors folks would pay for it. Part of me likes the "off the grid" adventure but then there's also the safety factor if you got stuck in the Glades or had some kind of medical emergency. Sat phone at least for now is the best thing overall in my humble opinion. Of course I've never owned one.......lol.😁 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bamaskeet Posted November 16, 2023 Report Share Posted November 16, 2023 I just traded in my iPhone 12 for a iPhone 15. I canceled my $13 a month subscription on my Inreach. I’m looking forward to run offshore Thanksgiving weekend to catch some red snapper and send a few texts to my friends. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
THE OUTLAW Posted November 16, 2023 Report Share Posted November 16, 2023 3 hours ago, Bamaskeet said: I just traded in my iPhone 12 for a iPhone 15. I canceled my $13 a month subscription on my Inreach. I’m looking forward to run offshore Thanksgiving weekend to catch some red snapper and send a few texts to my friends. Please elaborate on this ? I have researched this and can only use satellite for SOS . 🇺🇸🏴☠️ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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