All of our long range communication at sea is done using an Iridium Go!, a small satellite modem (and yes, the exclamation point really is part of the name, probably thanks to some overly enthusiastic marketing person). The Go is like a rudimentary WiFi hotspot that only allows a single connection at a time, and we usually connect to it with a phone or tablet.
We use it regularly – we send and receive emails and texts, we download weather forecasts at least twice a day, and of course we post these updates.
Every time we use the device, the whole process seems slightly amazing. The signal from the Go travels up to one of a fleet of 20 or so satellites in low-earth orbit, and then is bounced back down to a data center somewhere on earth, where it joins the normal, terrestrial internet. That such a system is available to allow average folks like us to stay in touch essentially anywhere on the planet is remarkable.
What the system is not is fast – connection speed tops out at 2400 baud. By way of comparison, that’s about 25 times slower than old dial-up internet, and about 1000 or 10,000 times slower than typical internet at home. So, it’s easy to understand why we can’t really send or receive pictures, or large documents, or anything other than text.
It’s also not as reliable as land-based internet. So, if for some reason we don’t post for a day or two, please remember that the most likely cause is some issue with Go, instead of some safety issue with us.
Day Eight: 167nm
38 18.0S 96 15.7W
