Auxiliary Sat Phone antenna?

[DaktariEd]

I just picked up a Globalstar GSP1600 sat phone from OutbacKamper (thanks, Mark!) :jumping: and have yet to try it out.

But here's my question/situation: I want to be able to take incoming calls from my answering service when I am "on call" but out in the boonies. The sat phone requires a clear line-of-sight to the satellites. I presume that means it still won't receive while in my tent. Globalstar offers a hands free get up that includes a rooftop antenna to bring the signal inside.

Now, rather than spending a mint on their entire hands free setup, does anyone know an aftermarket roof mount antenna alone that might be available? :confused:

Any other ideas than to hang the phone outside the tent at night? :Wow1:

Thanks for the input!
:camping:
Ed

[DesertRose]

hang the phone outside the tent at night?
Ed

I think this is the best solution, Ed - especially since you're always kind enough to send us your itinerary when you're out camping alone.

We always have wanted a sat phone.

:jump:

[flywgn]

Ed, I can't address you question about the Globalstar (hence I shouldn't be responding...but I'm bored from packing :D )...but my Magellan Worldphone also needs 'line of sight' to the satellite. For some reason, unknown to this English/French major, tent canvas doesn't seem to make any difference. If I point the 'dish' towards the satellite from within our tent, I still get a signal strong enough to take and make (is that anything like "shake and bake"???) a call.

I take it that you haven't tried it in your tent yet, so maybe you'll discover that you can still be 'on call' regardless...YUCK!

[BajaXplorer]

Ditto what Allen said. Tent should not be a problem.
BX

ps: Hi Allen, Hi Diana, Been awhile, was afraid you had swallowed up by the Idaho Black Hole.
BX

[DaktariEd]

DesertRose (aka, Roseann): That's it! You're off my itinerary list! :shakin:

flywgn/BajaXplorer: I hope to get the phone activated tomorrow, then try it out this weekend. The "catch" with my tent is that it is a rooftop Maggiolina Airland, so it has a fiberglass top. Not sure how that will affect reception.

Guess I'll find out soon enough!
:)
Ed

[BajaXplorer]

I will be interested in how the phone does or doesn't work in your Airland. I was thinking canvas or ripstop nylon.
Just a thought, but the satellite will most likely not be directly overhead, so placement of the phone against the tent wall facing the satellite would get optimum performance (if there is to be performance). Good luck.
BX

[PCRover]

Fiberglass is use to encapsulate all kinds of antennas, so a fiberglass tent top shouldn't have much effect on the phones operation.

[BajaXplorer]

Good point Gary. If I wasn't so feeble minded it might have occured to me. I have sat comms in my truck with a satellite tracking antenna on roof. Guess what the antenna dome is made of? Yup, it's fiberglass. Sometimes I'm sharp as a marble. You may be OK after all Ed, I hope do.
BX

[DaktariEd]

See? That's what these forums are so good at.
Pointing out the obvious that we fail to see...
LOL!
:D

[PCRover]

See? That's what these forums are so good at.
Pointing out the obvious that we fail to see...

Yeah, it is funny how that happens. It is just another way of thinking out load. :D