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Iridium OpenPort

Discussion in 'Technical Discussion' started by Yorksafloat, Jun 23, 2009.

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  1. Yorksafloat, Jun 23, 2009
    #1
    Yorksafloat

    Yorksafloat New Member

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    Ensenada, Baja, Mexico
    Is anyone out there using this system (not the handheld Iridiums but the OpenPort system)? I am seriously considering installing this in my boat but I'd really like to get some feedback from an actual user rather than what's in the brochure.

    Jim

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  2. Capt J, Jun 23, 2009
    #2
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    I have never used that, but have used the handheld. My electronics guy tells me there is a iridium base (fixed installation) that you can plug the handheld into on your yacht and that the system works really well for all of his customers. I don't know if that's what you're asking about. But he says so far it has worked very reliably for his customers.
  3. Yorksafloat, Jun 24, 2009
    #3
    Yorksafloat

    Yorksafloat New Member

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    Location:
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    Capt J - The Iridium OpenPort is a large antenna based system (no moving parts) that comes down to a "black box" in the interior of the boat with ethernet and RJ11 jacks. Much higher data rate capability than the handhelds (up to 128kbps up and down). The brochures look really attractive (don't they always?).
    I'm hoping to find someone with actual experience with that system.
    I will be working from the boat and my boss wants to get a warm fuzzy feeling before he agrees to sign up to pay the fairly large monthly bill. Ideally, I would like to find an installed system that I could "rent" for one file transfer just to see how it works (speed, etc.). I typically transfer 8-10 100KB files a day plus another couple of dozen emails.
    Thanks!
    Jim
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  4. thebighawk, Jun 24, 2009
    #4
    thebighawk

    thebighawk New Member

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    Open port

    I have only heard of 1 actually being installed on a yacht. Rate plans are cumbersome like the origional Iridiums.
    One of my suppliers has 5 they want to sell at cost, since no one in Lauderdale is interested.
    FBB150 may be a better way to go when available in late July
    Billy
  5. Yorksafloat, Jun 24, 2009
    #5
    Yorksafloat

    Yorksafloat New Member

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    Location:
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    TheBigHawk -
    I've also looked at the FB150 and the pricing plans don't look any less cumbersome. Can you give me the contact information for the supplier you mentioned?
    Other than the "cumbersome rate plans," why do you think no one in Ft Lauderdale is interested? I know the antenna is not as cool looking....:rolleyes:
    Jim
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