Which Sat Phone Email Client?

[BigAlNZ]

Hi Folks,

Firstly I want to say sorry in advance if this has already been thrashed, but I could not find the answer on the forums.

I want to know what software, email client to be exact, people are using while at sea with there Iridium Sat Phones.

On our last trip we used ASTMail, but I was not happy with it, we had real trouble sending mail, and had to connect 3x to send one message. I see quite a few other options like:

1. XGate by GMN

2. OCENS

3. Sailamail (not Sailmail)

4. UUPlus

I like the look of XGate, and it seems popular, it also sends a text when a mail arrives, but I would love to hear others opinions on here, and experiences.

Does anyone ever bother to time there sending when a satellite is just starting its pass (as opposed to finishing and having the satellite hand the call off to the next satellite risking a broken connection mid-email).

Cheers

-Al

[JeanneP]

my delivery skipper friend uses XGate, but he's on a delivery so I can't ask how it's working for him. When he's back in touch I'll ask.

[MMNETSEA]

Hi Al,

First, fully understand that you are questioning Satellite software phone connection for email; therefore I may be off topic.

Here is one good site that does evaluate Iridium vs. Inmarsat :- CLICK

Here is a site where forum discussion covers the subject :- Press here

Cruiser log has covered the subject of communicating via HF radio to a ISP such as Sailmail and Winlink click on this :- LINK

Richard

[BigAlNZ]

Originally Posted by JeanneP

my delivery skipper friend uses XGate, but he's on a delivery so I can't ask how it's working for him. When he's back in touch I'll ask.

Thanks JeanneP - that would be good.

[Jon D]

We use XGATE - works off any connection so if you use muliple i.e. aircard, wifi or sat phone client adapts to all. Works as advertised.

[BigAlNZ]

Originally Posted by Jon D

We use XGATE - works off any connection so if you use muliple i.e. aircard, wifi or sat phone client adapts to all. Works as advertised.

I am definitly leaning towards XGate - I like the feature where you get a text when you get a email waiting at the server - nice!

Have you ever sent small pictures with it? Size? How long did it take to send?

-Al