I'm renting a sat phone from Explorer for my July trip to Zim (Southern). I have a choice of two models, the Iridium 9555 or the 9505A. Any of you guys have experience with either model in Southern Zim?

Thanks,

Mike

Both work equally well - 9555 is smaller - more like your cordless phone at home. The 9555 has an antenna that is stored within the body of the phone while the 9505 is a larger phone with a swing out antenna. Either is good to go.

quote:

Originally posted by CCMDoc:
Both work equally well - 9555 is smaller - more like your cordless phone at home. The 9555 has an antenna that is stored within the body of the phone while the 9505 is a larger phone with a swing out antenna. Either is good to go.

Not sure on this but isn't one text capable and the other not?

Depends on the firmware on the 9505/9505A. The first ones can receive but not send but those with the updated firmware can do both.

The 9555 can as well as the newer 9575 Expedition model.

quote:

Originally posted by CCMDoc:
Depends on the firmware on the 9505/9505A. The first ones can receive but not send but those with the updated firmware can do both.

The 9555 can as well as the newer 9575 Expedition model.

Everyone.....don't misunderstand that question about texting. It's not like I can't live without LOL, ROLMFAO, WERD, and K for 21 days or so.

Actually texting can be cheaper than calling.

Thanks Guys.

Mike

Texting's not in my repertoire when in Africa. My 9505A fits the bill.

Mike,

You might want to check with your safari operator to see what he has available. If he has a satphone, Interent, Skype etc available in camp before renting anything.

Mark

quote:

Originally posted by Use Enough Gun:
Texting's not in my repertoire when in Africa. My 9505A fits the bill.

My boss has the later model that accepts text. When I needed to relay him a message (per his instructions) all I had to do was go to the Iridium website, put in a code and type up the message. When he turned on his phone it was there. Used less than one minute and with the time zone differences it made things very easy.

Yes, you're absolutely right. Mine does that.

I just bought a 9575 from Andy at Explorer. I have had a 9505 for years and it worked great until last year when the antennae snapped on me. I would opt for the fixed antennae and the 9575 if available as it is much smaller, can track your movements similar to SPOT, but works in Africa and can text. It is a sweet phone.

After renting a BGAN unit on my last trip, I decided to purchase one so I can check in via email. It made being away from work a lot easier.

9555. I had one for two+ months in Southern Zim and for three in RSA. No sat phone is perfect, but the 9555 works well when you get in the right spot.
Best of luck,
Brian

I have owned both models and they both work similarly: just be warned that iridium works with low orbit satellites, thus, high trees gives them heartburn.

quote:

Originally posted by RichP470:
I just bought a 9575 from Andy at Explorer.

I had a 9505 for years and it worked like a champ. I then attempted to buy a 9555 several months ago and it arrived DOA. Returned for a refund just in time to see that 9575 come out looking like a great piece of gear. It will be my next purchase!

THe only negative about the 9575 is the stupid connector that MUST be attached to the bottom in order to charge the phone.

An extra piece to break or lose.

Unfortunately, Iridium has always been funny about their charging units. Even on the early 9500 and 9505 the phone side of the charging unit was bulky and inconvenient. That it is now a separate piece is probably not a step in the right direction.

----------and all this time I've thought
everyone went on these way out there hunting trips
to get away from work and this stuff!! NO??

I can understand for emergency reasons, but, work?? Nah!!
George

quote:

Originally posted by georgeld:
----------and all this time I've thought
everyone went on these way out there hunting trips
to get away from work and this stuff!! NO??

I can understand for emergency reasons, but, work?? Nah!!
George

Work is the only way some of us make it into these "way out there hunting trips". Plus my wife's parents still talk about getting a call from the middle of Zambia. Why not share the thrill a bit?

quote:

Originally posted by georgeld:
----------and all this time I've thought
everyone went on these way out there hunting trips to get away from work and this stuff!! NO??

I live and work overseas and travel a lot. I keep my sat phone for emergencies so I don't have to worry about buying a new SIM wherever I go and for when I am outside the range of a cell tower.

thank you both,
know a good many of you and I used to myself own/operate business's.
But, we all need a break from them at times.
That's what I was getting at. For me, hunts and other trips are a way to get away from all the hassle's in life to enjoy myself and get a breather. Sure helps refresh my mind.
Wish you all well and great hunts,
George