globalstar sat-fi2: good ergos, pricey data: with a form factor that\'s cabin-friendly and a performance boost from the first-gen device, the $499 sat-fi2 portable satcom brings good utility.

When we evaluate the first global stargen Sat-
Among the aviation consumers in December 2014, we had no impression of its performance and shape. But the latest-gen Sat-
Fi2 is world sahead.
This is necessary because there is fierce competition in the inReach series of mgarmin\'s portable satellite communications company.
Portable aircraft are also available here.
Via voice communication, Wi-
This is the function and hardware of the cockpit.
Very friendly, we think.
Fi2 is a trustworthy competitor in price.
Sensitive market for portable satellite communications. Here\'s a look.
LEO of the global star (Low Earth orbit)
The constellation forms a network with 24 ground stations as a bridge to connect traditional telecom networks on six continents, providing communications to more than 120 countries. The current-
LEOsatellite constellation offers low generation
Speed bandwidth (72 Kbps)
, No different from the speed dial modem-
Voice calls, text messages, emails, and text websites are all great.
No plans to download videos and other big files.
This performance is best left to more expensive still satellites.
Broadband network based on the ground.
Still, the next-generation LEO com satellite promises to provide connectivity up to 1 Mbps, and we are still waiting for performance.
It is worth mentioning that global star is an early market participant who is fairly affordable in terms of bandwidth.
SPOT Connect and SPOT x correspondents use LEO satellite to send text messages via SMS, email, Twitter, and Facebook.
Global star SPOT product transfers more than 1.
3 billion message ayear, while connecting the device in a location outside the cellular coverage.
According to the company, there are already more than 6100 rescuers using SPOT satcom products worldwide.
The end of the global star-to-
Sat-Terminal Services-
Live software, Sat-
Install the Fi app on your tablet, smartphone or laptop, firmware download app, my account website and asatellite airtime subscription. The Sat-
The Fi2 device is assigned as a10-
Digital phone number via Sat
Fi applications capable of providing satellite telephone services (
Including voice mail)
A mobile phone, tablet or laptop.
Better hardware for Sat
Fi2 is a small device that can be easily hidden in a flight bag or large map pocket, or temporarily placed on glareshield.
Equipment weight 12.
6 ounces and measures 2. 9 by 1. 5 by 5.
Flip the 8 inch and hasan points-Satellite/wireless networkFi antenna.
The device has a built-in
Lithium polymer batteries provide up to two hours of talk time and 28 hours of talk time when standby. A Micro-
The USB port is used to charge the battery and update the device firmware. The Sat-Fi2 is dust-and water-
Resistant and able to withstand high impact from operating temperatures as low as 4 degrees and up to 95 degrees F.
It runs up to 21,320 feet MSL.
Two additional hardware ports provide connectivity to external satellite antennas (non-aviation)and DC power.
The power of the ship can be accessed via a USB cigarette lighter adapter or panel-mounted (and TSO\'d)
USB charging port, micro connected to the deviceUSB port.
When turned on, theSat-
Fi2 will draw power from the battery when the battery is charged.
External power ports will hold 10-to 48-
Volt powersource--
An auxiliary power adapter protected by a fuse or hardwired to the electrical of the aircraft.
When powered by an external power port, the internal battery is not charged.
The power supply will be automatically backed up using the onboard battery (
Consider uninterrupted power supply)
When powering from an external power port.
To charge the device, connect the micro provided
USB data/power cord to Sat-
The Fi2 USB port and plug it into a computer or a backup AC power adapter. The Sat-
Fi2 will perform self-inspection by flashing the status indicator on the rightto-left then left-to-right sequence.
If the power indicator is flashing in red, the battery needs to be charged further.
Let the device charge until the power LED turns green.
USB data/power port cover needs to be installed correctly after charging (turn theD-
Ring screw clockwise)
Ensure the waterproof performance of the equipment.
The internal battery cannot be replaced on site.
Similar to GPS receiver, Sat-
Fi2 requires a full view of the sky.
We took the Sat for our trial-
Fi2 is located on satellites 114 and 172 and is placed on the aircraft\'s glareshield, which is capable of connecting to the LEO satellite.
For the best reception, the antenna needs to fully stretch out and point to a straight line.
On 2016, global star released a TSO-
Part 23 non-certified satellite antennas
Pressurized aircraft.
When the antenna first supports global starsgeneration Sat-
Fi product, it does not work with SatFi2.
Global star is working on the latest sat-
Fi2, should be provided in the second half of 2019. TheSat-
The Fi2 antenna/power module is removable, allowing electronic devices to be connected to the docking station, which will provide a hard connection for the ship\'s power supply and the external satellite antenna, and will be equipped with a storage area for the antenna/power module. WI-
Sat\'s FI and firewallFi2\'s built-in Wi-
The Fi access point will allow up to eight personal smart devices to connect and share access to the satellite network, creating a dedicated network on the aircraft. The Wi-
Firadio operates on the 2 Th. 4 GHz (
2400 to 2500 MHz).
During the initial setup, Wi-Fi SSID (network name)
The WPA2 password is configured.
Here\'s a tip: record the SSID and password to easily connect the guest user to the device without making a fuss.
This will allow an appropriate security posture to ensure that user devices connected to a dedicated network or accessing a LEO satellite network are not compromised.
Under ideal conditions, Wi-
The Fi range is about 100 feet--
Obviously enough in most cabins.
Safe front and center in the cabin Wi worldFi, theSat-Fi2 has a built-in
Control traffic and allow in the firewall (orblock)
Access all or a specific web server.
Taking into account that most of the company\'s IT departments will provide guidance in order to be consistent with the Internet usage guidelines acceptable to your company.
The firewall allows control of the domain name, IP address, or port number.
This provides a reasonable security posture when configured correctly.
Can make configuration changes to firewall via global star Sat
When the Fi app is attached with the owner account and the \"my account\" utility on the website. The Sat-
The main application of Fi2 is Sat-
Fi, created an awesome garden that is only allowed Via Sat-Fi app.
To control the cost of bandwidth, apps for tablets, smartphones and laptops will not be able to access the Internet.
Smartphones and tablets-
Apple iOS devices in particular-
Internet chat is essentially.
For example, background apps such as Apple photos upload photos and videos to iCloud for easy photo taking
Stream sharing with other Apple ios devices, while apps like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn are very heavy on graphics.
With access to the open Internet, bandwidth utilization and cost can be quite high if these applications provide nativeaccess.
Globalstar eliminates the additional overhead of updating and synchronizing these applications in the background (to the cloud)
By using this walled garden.
This method contains access to Internet applications (
And network traffic)
Allow smart devices to be used without making any configuration changes.
This is ideal when transitioning from aircraft to FBO, office and home, allowing devices to be on LTE and ground Wi-Finetworks.
There are two types of user accounts: Owner account--
The actual owner of the device with administrator access--
And guest user account.
Both account types are able to make voice calls, send and receive text messages, access emails, post social media posts to twitter, and view local weather.
The owner account has administrative rights, including changing Wi-
Fi password, delete messages in the queue and have access to the My Account utility. The Sat-
Fiapplication allows users to select the login type, administrator, or guest.
Voice calling Sat
The Fi2 device was assigned 10-
A digital phone number that matches the registered country.
As an example, with the United StatesS.
Users can call another US phone number. S.
No long phone number
Distance charges.
The duration of the phone call will be deducted from the minutes pool included in the service plan.
Physical location of Sat-
Fi2 devices are not important during phone calls.
However, with the United StatesS.
Call the international phone number
Distance rates will apply.
Use the satellite phone service, just start the Sat-
Fiapp on a smart device or computer, log in to the app, select the phone and enter the phone number you wish to call.
Including country code and region code (1-416-555-
1212 for example).
The call experience will be similar to a mobile phone call.
With LEO satellites operating on 485 miles of orbit, the IP delay will be high.
Global star uses G.
711 voice compression to minimize the amount of bandwidth required to support phone calls and handle high platforms.
Inbound callers can call you by simply calling your phone number on a mobile phone or landline. If the Sat-
The Fi appis is not running or you choose to ignore the call and the phone call will be directed to the voice mail.
You can use Sat to retrieve voice mail via email
Or use a fixed or mobile phone.
We found Sat.
The voice quality of Fi2 is similar to that of decentcellular phones.
SOS and SAT browsers like global star\'s SPOT x and SPOT Gen 3 satellite messenger
Fi2 provides SOS notification to a 24/7 emergency notification center.
SOS messages can be started directly on Sat-
SOS option on Fi2 device or SatFi application.
Sat-once SOS starts-
Fi2 will send your gps location every five minutes in a row until the SOS is canceled or the device is powered off.
Sat-when SOS is active-
Fi2 should stay where it\'s 360
In order to keep the network connected, the sky can be clearly seen without obstacles.
Of course, the SOS mode should only be used during the life cycle-
Threatening an emergency
Additional charges may apply for sending fake mail.
Rescue first press the SOS button, which is located behind the protective cover marked prominently (
Button must be pressed for three seconds)
, Or via the SOS icon on the app\'s home screen.
Once activated, the SOS icon will be displayed on the status bar and the SOS notification message will be sent every 2 times.
Confirm After 5 minutes.
SOS can be canceled in one of two ways: Press the SOS hard button for three seconds, or select cancel SOS from the SOS screen within 10 seconds of activating SOS.
Will the authorities be canceled at the time of sosnofation, if the device ispowered off or sitting
Close the Fi app. The Sat-
Fi2 sends notification with device GPScoordinates to GEOS Global Monitoring Center (www. geosworldwide. com).
GEOS provides SOS monitoring and emergency dispatch through its dedicated international emergency response center (IERCC)
Headquartered in Houston, Texas.
IERCC is equipped with 24/7 people with well-trained personnel who have access to first aid personnel.
The average response time from receiving SOS messages to emergency responders is 11 minutes.
In research and rescue countries (SAR)
Services available for a fee-for-
Service basis, you can upgrade to GEOS member benefits to reimburse ofup to $100,000 for SAR at a cost of $24 per year. 99.
Once an SOS message is received, IERCC will call your emergency contact (s)
To determine if it is a false alarm.
It locates and notifies emergency responders and then maintains an open communication line, including providing updates to where you are located.
IERCCwill will also keep your urgent contact (s)informed.
The leaders of the SAR believe that when trapped in remote areas,
The way of communication helps to have a positive attitude and thus improve the outcome of survival. We agree. The Sat-
With the app, Fi2 will bring your smart device into SOS mode.
A message box is displayed at the bottom of the SOS screen that allows you to type real-
Time information for IERCC emergency responders.
As with other global star products, the service plan can be carried out once a year or once a month.
Global star does not offer discounts for prepaid annual plans.
According to the number of voice minutes, SMS and data (MB)
It took a month.
Unused call times cannot be transferred to next month.
The monthly service plan ranges from $39. 99 to $199.
99 per month, including 40 to 500 minutes of voice, 5 to 75 MB of data, and 25 to 500 text messages.
The extra voice time is $0. 99 per minute.
If there\'s more than one Sat-
Fi2 is on the same account and minutes are put together.
Our wish list, the new Sat-
Fi2 is a big improvement compared to the first onegendevice.
After using Sat
Fi2 and working with global star product managers, we recommend some product enhancements that can be added to the product roadmap completely.
This includes the Hidden ssid, the ability to discard virtual crumbs (
Just like you can use the spot product)
Compatibility with external satellite antennas (
What the company already has)
Extend the Yippy web browser to the aviation app for weather data and include the EFBs in the walled garden ecosystem to enable the EFB app to benefit from satellite connectivity.
So much said, we think Sat-
Fi2 can provide considerable utility for flying beyond cellular coverage and when flying remotely.
The obvious benefit of any satellite communication device is that you can use it inside and outside the aircraft.
For example, on a flight trip to the Bahamas, we found that there was no cycellarservices in places other than Nassau and Freeport.
Products like Sat
Fi2 filled the gap.
For busy executives, the IP connection allows the office cord to stay connected.
Like spot 3 and spot x, website update app, account activation process and Sat-
The Fi app is simple and intuitive. Despite high-
With the aging of satellite infrastructure, the market for portable satellite communication transceiver is becoming more and more competitive.
If you want a portable device with a keyboard, global star Sat-Fi2 won\'t do it--
You need to do this on your smartphone or tablet. But for on-the-
Access to instant messaging, email, voice calls and websites anytime, anywhere, whether on the ground, at the airport or at 18,000 feet, is one of the reliable ways to maintain the network\'s umbilical cord, with some limitations.
$499, we think the global star Sat-
The Fi2 hardware is reasonably priced and performs well enough to do so.
Phil Leston, a contributor to Phil Leston, is a professional, aviation writer and active pilot who has been engaged in IT and telecom business for a long time. CHECKLIST [direct sum]
Suitable size, easy to carry, inside and outside the center. [direct sum]
When the cellular coverage is not covered, it keeps the crew and passengers in touch with the ground. [? ? ]
However, when the performance does not involve ground Wi, you will pay extra for the data feeFi.
CONTACT global star 877-452-5782 www. globalstar.