Data Communications solutions (Accessing the WWW)

 

There are several ways of connecting a system GSM, GPRS, WiFi and Sat Phone

 

GSM/GPRS

When close to shore the simplest way is via your mobile phone which will most likely support GSM/GPRS. GPRS is faster and can be paid for by the amount of data rather than time. So slow connections are not an issue. GSM is the oldest and slowest. Just like dialing up a server and so charged by the second. One way of increasing your coverage for GPRS is to buy a GPRS booster (see product tab GPRS boosters). This will increase your coverage by approx 10Km and so surfice most of the way say from England to France.

 

We suggest taking a tablet with Bluetooth fitted to enable easy connection to your mobile and hence connection to the Internet.

 

WiFi

When in a Marina there will most likely be a WiFi hot spot. Your tablet can connect to this using it's built in WiFi module just like any other Computer. This gives you broadband access to the Internet and so is the best time to download lots of data.

 

Sat Phones

The slowest data connection is via Iridium with a 2400 baud transmit receive rate. The major advantage here is that you will have access any where.

 

Alternatives are dependent on where you intend to sail, How big your yacht is and how much data your likely to want.

As yet their are no Bluetooth Sat Phones so you will require a data cable to connect the Sat Phone to your tablet. This works well via the Active Bulkhead mounts that come as an accessory for your tablet. They all have a serial port for this purpose