Camper Australia Zoleo Satellite Communicator Review 2023
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- čas přidán 2. 08. 2024
- WHAT IS ZOLEO?
ZOLEO is a global satellite communicator that offers a unique and seamless connection to its users, utilizing satellite technology to send two-way messages via a smartphone or tablet. With SOS alerts and 24/7 emergency monitoring, ZOLEO is a great choice for safety and connectivity whilst off the grid.
With 80% of Australia being outside of mobile coverage, it’s a no-brainer that a satellite communicator is the first choice for safety.
SO, WHAT IS A SATELLITE COMMUNICATOR AND WHY DO I NEED ONE?
For us at Camper, Safety is number one and honestly, I reckon professionals will flock to the ZOLEO as well as remote tourers. Imagine you are a farmer with limited radio coverage, and you send workers out to check on dams, stock or fences - with a ZOLEO Global Satellite Communicator, you can communicate in real-time with your contacts.
The same goes for remote families and communities - with a communicator like the ZOLEO, you can keep in contact with kids on their way to and from school and with families living outside of traditional communication range.
There is also a Check-In function which we utilised the most. A simple one-press button on the device or on the app sends a simple message to programmed recipients. The message includes your GPS position and the time of day.
HOW THE ZOLEO COMMUNICATES VIA SATELLITE
The ZOLEO global satellite communicator works with your smartphone or tablet to send messages over the Iridium satellite network, this is handy for when you’re outside of mobile coverage.
The Iridium satellite network is made up of 66 cross-linked satellites that orbit 780 kilometres above the Earth. Travelling at more than 30,000 kilometres an hour, each satellite makes a full orbit of the planet every hour and a half. That means one passes overhead every ten minutes.
If your ZOLEO device has a clear line of sight to the sky, it will be able to connect to an Iridium satellite and allow its user to communicate with their contacts no matter where on earth they are.
WHY DO WE LIKE ZOLEO?
There is one small but important detail with the ZOLEO Communicator, the device has one registered, local phone number regardless of who has connected to it.
As an example of why this is handy, think of a lone worker out in the field. They could be coming home later than expected and be out of mobile range, instead of driving back to get into mobile reception and risking fatigue, he can simply take out his phone and text his work team and family when he will be returning.
We also love the Check-In function when on remote shoots. It is suggested you tell three people where you are going when heading remote but as plans change and things happen like road closures, you may stray off your expected path so being able to let family know nightly where we are stopped gives them critical info should they need to send in help.
As of January 2023, a communicator was A$345 which is not bad when comparing it to its main rival in the Garmin inReach which at best, we saw at $542 (on special at Anaconda). The ZOLEO is much cheaper to buy and to operate comparatively.
Zoleo Prices in Jan 2023
WHAT DOES A ZOLEO SATELLITE COMMUNICATOR COST?
As of January 2023, a communicator was A$345 which is not bad when comparing it to its main rival in the Garmin inReach which at best, we saw at $488 (on special at Anaconda). Garmin’s plans vary in cost with their most basic starting at $20 per month for only ten 160-character limit texts and unlimited check-ins. For a plan with unlimited 160-character limited messages, Garmin charges $99 per month plus an annual program fee of $54. The ZOLEO is much cheaper to buy and to operate comparatively
WHERE CAN I BUY A ZOLEO COMMUNICATOR?
You can purchase a ZOLEO satellite communication device from a variety of retailers, both online and in-store. Some options for purchasing a ZOLEO include:
Online retailers: ZOLEO devices are available from several online retailers, including Hema Maps, Snowys Outdoor, Anaconda, Amazon and Sat Phone Shop.
In-store retailers: ZOLEO devices may be available at outdoor and electronics stores in your area. You can use the store locator tool on the ZOLEO website to find a retailer near you. - Auta a dopravní prostředky
Great vid… and luv the background music. 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
To me a PLB is always the first to have. A 7 year battery and it connects to the Australian emergency services. I’m pretty sure the zoleo connects to an international service in the USA. I’m thinking of getting one for the messaging to keep in touch with family.
I have one and use it when going out beyond the black stump . uses australian mobile number so very easy number connection.
How are you finding battery life Micheal? Its the one thing we couldn't really test, we used maybe 50% over a week so don't know how long it will really last.
@@CamperTrailerAustralia
I had the unit on 24hrs for 7 days while in the VHC. Would charge it when i noticed that the orange charge light would come on about every 2 days this included sending text messages and Messages that i sent to my family saying that I was OK. The unit checks for messages every 12 minutes. You can make this shorter, but there is really need. So never went any where near the danger zone of battery empty. As that will do no good if you need to push the RED BUTTON.
how much for the sos service?
Y zoleo can't cover the Caribbean
What the heck is the calvary? :)
Calvery in that context means bring in all the rescue services etc.
Calvery I. It’s original meaning means soldiers and horses
I think he meant cavalry..he got it a bit wrong. Good video though.
@@user-cv9oi5jp6s Correct!
Nearly £40 per month haha costs more than a phone lol