Why Combine Starlink with Cellular Connectivity?
Cellular Integration Makes Starlink Better! No technology or solution is perfect. There are always pros and cons, advantages and disadvantages to every option. This is why we tend to find more than one solution to a problem and either pick the one that most closely...
Finding Cellular Data Plans for Routers and Hotspots
Knowing what plans are available for your router, and for your travel plans, is complex. Sea-Tech Systems has compiled a quick overview of the various cellular data plans designed for routers that are from trustworthy suppliers. There are many options and even the...
Raymarine Axiom Wireless Features Overview
Raymarine's latest "Raymarine Live" online video episode covered Axiom Wireless Features and is a great overview of what you can do with mobile apps, Navionics syncing between mobile and chartplotter, connecting to SmartTVs, and more. For those of you with a Raymarine...
FCC Approves change to amateur radio rules – Allowing PACTOR4 use!
Effective January 8th, 2024, the FCC's symbol rate limit rule on Amateur bands will change. The FCC will remove it's baud rate limit and replace it with a 2.8khz bandwidth limit. Excerpt: In this document, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission)...
Establishing a VPN Connection to your Starlink connected boat
What it takes to set up a VPN connection to your boat’s onboard network through Starlink satellite Internet (and other connections)
Leading Peplink USA Distributor features Narwhal Wi-Fi Onboard Systems in new Case Study
Frontier US, a leading distributor for Peplink technology in the USA has featured Narwhal Wi-Fi Onboard in a new Case Study published this month. FrontierUS has recognized how Narwhal combines a whole host of features into a simple to acquire, simple to install and use, turnkey solution for boaters.
Why you need a backup communications solution…
Inmarsat Services are down in the Asia-Pacific region It’s the morning of April 18, and if you are an Inmarsat customer in the Western Pacific Ocean area, you have likely been offline for just about 48 hours so far. No calls, no weather downloads, no emails, etc. ...
Starlink Hardware and Plan Matrix
We've compiled the data from all of the recent updates announced by Starlink including any updates that were made to wording on their website and in terms and conditions. This matrix/comparison of plans is the most accurate information we can get as of Oct 1, 2023...
Should I Get Starlink RV Standard, RV Mobile, or Maritime for my boat?
(as of Feb 4, 2023) (As of Oct 1, 2023, many of the following details have changed) The answer to this question depends on your overall expectations and how much risk you can accept... If you need connectivity while in-motion on your boat, get RV Mobile or Maritime...
Reduce Data Usage and Save Money While Cruising
If you are travelling and relying on cellular and/or satellite-based Internet for your communications, there are a several easy things you can do to reduce how much data your devices use on a day-to-day basis. If you implement the following changes, you can...
Starlink for RV’s Available Now: What it Means For Boats
Just about a week ago, our prior post described the latest updates from Starlink including current network status, coverage, and the new portability feature. The newly announced Starlink for RVs expands on portability with some additional flexibility. A Bit of...
Starlink Portability feature officially available (what this means for boaters)
Portability (i.e.: Stationary Roaming) Is Official Last week, Starlink officially announced Portability as a feature along with an add-on monthly fee to enable it. Basically, portability is the same as "roaming" that many users had been using for free the last few...
Sailing Dark Angel puts Sea-Tech’s Marine Electronics Advisor Service to the Test
Dave and Lisa of the YouTube channel Sailing Dark Angel came by our Annapolis Boat Show booth this past October wondering how to get their AIS and VHF upgraded and ensuring it's all integrated properly. Needing technical help with their DIY upgrade and install, they...
Streaming Video through Slow & Expensive Connections
Optimizing Streaming Video for Use Over Slow or Expensive Connections Are you trying to stream movies and tv shows on your boat? Does it use too much cellular data? Do you have trouble streaming on the Marina Wi-Fi? Hoping to use satellite Internet for streaming but...
Accessing the Web via Low-Bandwidth Satellite Connections
Have an Iridium handset or Go, Fleet One, Pilot, Certus 100/200/700 or other low bandwidth and/or high cost/MB satellite connection? Wanting to find a way to access the web with that connection? While a slow satellite connection won't grant you access to the entire...
Change Video Conference Settings to Save Money on Data
Video Conferencing consumes ALOT of data. If you are using Zoom, Teams, or Google Meet services there are some ways to reduce the data usage. Sea-Tech has done some testing with Video and Audio calls with Zoom and Google Hangouts as well as voice calls with Skype....
Changing Wi-Fi Settings On Your Device to Save You Money
One of the challenges cruisers have with Internet usage on board a boat, especially one with a below decks Wi-Fi network that has access to the Internet through cellular and/or satellite networks is that many devices like to upload and download data in the background...
New Firmware and App Update for Iridium Go Users
Iridium has released a new Firmware update (v.2.1.22) for the Iridium Go, as well as an App update for iOS devices. These two updates combined resolve a recent timestamps bug that started on or about August 29th, 2021. If you have not rebooted or used your Iridium...
Which Marine Radar is compatible with my…. fill in the blank?
(Updated May 8, 2024) Many of my discussions with customers come around to discussing marine navigation and electronics since these are linked in some ways to communications projects. And one of the common questions is what sort of radar they should get that will...
Can I use Starlink on my Boat?
Short Answer is: No, you can't really use Starlink on a boat, yet! But let's talk about what it will take to get there and when you might expect it to be available. Full disclosure: Sea-Tech Systems is a satellite services provider, we also have Starlink in use at our...
Shortening Antenna Cables in your Sea-Tech Systems Kit
Several of our Sea-Tech SSB, WiFi, cellular, and satellite communications kits come with pre-made antenna cables, with lengths sometimes selectable during ordering. However, Sea-Tech knows that estimating cable lengths is difficult in a boat and most often our...
How do I get high-speed Internet on my boat like s/v Delos?
(note: the alternatives to viasat section of this article was updated for 2023 on 01 Oct 2023) If you are a subscriber of Sailing SV Delos YouTube channel you may have seen their recent episode showing their new high-speed satellite Internet installation. In the...
9 Ways To Save Money On Cellular and Satellite Internet
If you are traveling and relying on cellular and/or satellite based Internet for your communications needs, there are a several easy things you can do to reduce how much data your devices use on a day-to-day basis. If you implement the following changes, you can...
What Cellular Devices Are Available For My Boat?
This question is often asked on forums, especially now that the formerly cruiser-approved Wirie Pro is no longer available, is what is available to enhance or leverage cellular for Internet access on a boat rather than marina WiFi. Since cellular coverage is...
Choosing a VHF DSC Radio and AIS Transponder Combination That Works
(Last updated Nov 18, 2021) A question that comes up often by customers and in online forums is how to properly integrate an AIS Transponder with a VHF Radio that supports DSC calling, and may or may not also have an AIS receiver built-in. How do you make sure you can...
Sending a Free SMS to a Satellite Phone From The Web
Looking for a quick and easy way to send a message to your family member or friend's satellite phone using your computer? Sending an SMS message is easy and free! Just follow the links below for the specific satellite network you are sending to and fill out the...
Moving Your Business Aboard at Annapolis Cruisers U – April 25, 2019
Announcement! Sea-Tech Systems owners and fellow cruisers Richard and Devon Anderson will be teaching their new course Moving Your Business Aboard at Cruisers University this spring in Annapolis. If you are interested, will be in the area, or are attending the...
HF/SSB WeatherFax Reception Using Your Smartphone Or Tablet
Do you have an HF SSB or Amateur radio on your boat, or thinking of getting one? Do you want to know how to receive free NOAA Weatherfax images using your iPhone or iPad? If so, Read on! Weatherfax is an invaluable source of weather condition...
New Firmware Update Available for SPOTX
Globalstar/SPOTX has released a new firmware update for their SPOTX two-way messenger. It's not required but definitely recommended to upgrade when you have the time. This October 15th, 2018 update contains the following: Improvements New Main Menu Layout Added a...
Using your Iridium Go! Satellite Phone
After activation, and receiving your satellite phone number from your provider, you can use your Iridium Go! satellite hotspot to make and receive calls and text messages. First, Download the Iridium Go! and Iridium Mail and Web Apps to your smartphone or tablet. ...
Using your Iridium 9555 or 9575 Satellite Phone
After activation, and receiving your satellite phone number from your provider, you can use your Iridium 95xx satellite phone to make and receive calls and text messages. Placing a call from an Iridium Handset: Calling a North America number Take the phone outside to...
Long-Range Cellular For Boats – What Features Are Important
In an upcoming post, I will attempt to present the options that I am aware of on the market that provide Long-Range Cellular and WiFi connectivity for boaters. But first, I’d like to detail some of the features that I believe are important in such a solution, features...
When WiFi Isn’t Enough: Cellular Internet Options For Your Boat
WiFi extenders are common upgrades for cruising boats. They improve the connection to shore-based WiFi networks while a boat is in port. There are several WiFi extenders on the market that vary from a DIY approach to a fully plug-and-play solution. Popular DIY...
Posting to Facebook via Satellite is.. Dead, Broken, Kaput!
As of August 1st, 2018 Facebook implemented new changes to their API to limit ability for 3rd party applications to post to Facebook walls and pages. As a result, posting to your wall or page from Globalstar SPOT and SPOTX, Garmin InReach, Iridium Go!, and Xgate Mail...
How To Post To Facebook With Your Iridium GO!
UPDATE 8/3/18: Facebook changed their API and 3rd party app rules as of 8/1 which broke Facebook posting from many apps including InReach, Xgate, and Iridium GO! For now it is unlikely you will get this to work. For more information see this other post on the...
Do I Really Need An HF SSB Radio?
By Steven Bowden, former owner of SeaTech Systems. Every day in my former business I answered the same question: Do I really need a High Frequency (HF) Single Sideband (SSB) radio for long range cruising? Why not just use a satellite phone or satellite hotspot? Why...
Marine WiFi Extenders We Recommend And The Ubiquitous One We Don’t
The Ubiquiti Bullet with an external antenna is a popular marine wifi extender solution for cruisers trying to stay connected to the Internet from their boat. Cruisers like it because it’s inexpensive, and it works for some. In fact, on S/V Mobert, we used one for...
WiFi Extenders and their Antennas….
Over the last couple days, I’ve been helping a fellow cruiser in Mexico with his WiFi extender setup. On advice from another cruiser, he bought a Ubiquiti Bullet M2HP for his wifi extender, and a TP-Link 15dBi omni-directional antenna. Together, he used these to...
SSB Net Schedule
Last updated Nov 20, 2023. Want us to add or correct any information? Email us! Net Time(UTC) PrimaryCoverage Season Days Frequency Happy Hour 0000 Mexico Year-Round Daily 3.968 Mhz Bluewater 0200 Pacific Year-Round Daily 6.516 Mhz Southbound 0200 Pacific Mexico...
How To Get Login Codes Without Cell Service
Our banks, our social media, and even our blogs are increasingly requiring a special code - called two-factor authorization - to log in. Usually, they'll send this code via a text to our cell phone. But what happens when a cruiser doesn't have a cell signal, and...
Staying Connected While Cruising – Workarounds and Secret Tricks
Okay, so we’ve covered our experience so far, and some major tips on how to limit usage in the first place. But of course if you are trying to stay in touch with friends and family, managing a blog and/or Facebook page, or trying to maintain a Vlog on YouTube (good...
Richard Anderson Presents Communications For Cruisers at Pacific Sail!
Richard Anderson is speaking at the 2018 Pacific Sail and Power Boat show in Richmond, CA. Come to the Craneway Seminar Pavilion at 3:30pm on Saturday April 21st, 2017. Attendees will participate in a discussion of the “patchwork quilt” concept of using different...
Staying Connected While Cruising – Mexico Challenges Tips and Tricks
In the last Staying Connected While Cruising post, I shared the details of our mobile phone plans and the differences between the two carriers as we traveled from Washington up through British Columbia, into Alaska, then down the Pacific Coast to California. This...
Richard Anderson Presents Communications for Cruisers for the World Cruising Club in Annapolis!
Richard Anderson is speaking at the 2018 World Cruising Club training series in Annapolis, MD, March 24-25th, 2018. Richard will focus on the communications options available (including new products) for cruising boats and the way that cruisers actually use...
Staying Connected While Cruising – West Coast US and Canada Cell Coverage
So we’ve been cruising up and down the West Coast from as far north as Juneau, AK to as far south as Cabo San Lucas, MX over the past 6+ months and we’ve been using our cellular phones for Internet access heavily (more than WiFi due to availability, and of course more...