Zoleo is a gray and green rugged satellite communication device about the size of a deck of cards. The Zoleo will keep you connected with the folks who are most important to you when cell coverage is unavailable.
By connecting the Zoleo Satellite Communicator to your phone via the app you will be able to communicate with anyone no matter where you are on the planet. You will be able to by texting if the device is not capable of sending video or images. What you can send is your GPS location. The person receiving you will be able to use their app to pinpoint your location. Emergency responders can also use that information to locate you.
How Does Work?
Zoleo works on the Iridium satellite network. The Iridium network is a constellation of 75 satellites that are in low Earth Orbit about 485 above the Earth. This Orbit is optimized for stronger and faster connection through smaller antennas with lower power requirements.
Why Should You Get One?
Why should the Zoleo be a part of your practical prepper tool kit? Peace of mind. Preparing for the unexpected makes this ideal back-up communication device if say for example the earth bound cellular network around you goes down or becomes unavailable.
Have you ever received the notification “Mobile network not available”? There are a variety of reasons this has happened. In my experience it has happened at football games more recently it happened to me when the Texas Power Grid went down.
What I Like Most About It?
What I like most about the Zoleo is that you really don’t need a phone. IF you decide to go camping off grid you Zoleo satellite communicator can send a check notification automatically at your desired interval or whenever you push the check-in button. I like this feature because I don’t have to use my phone to let folks know that I am ok and moving according to plan.
What happens if there is an emergency there is an SOS button that lets the folks at GEOS know your exact location.
What is GEOS?
GEOS is the world leader in emergency monitoring and response. They’ve supported rescues in more than 140 countries, saving many lives in the process. Their experts are standing by 24/7/365 to respond to your SOS, track your device and notify the proper contacts and emergency responders in your area. Staffed with expert watch standers, SAR mission coordinators and duty officers, the GEOS International Emergency Response Coordination Center (IERCC) is located in a secure data center that remains fully self-sufficient even if the outside world “goes away”.
When the IERCC receives your SOS message, they will notify your emergency contact and emergency responders in the area. While help is on the way, GEOS will continue to text back and forth with you, providing updates and critical information until your situation is resolved.
Technical Specifications
Physical
- Ingress Protection: IP68; dust- and water-resistant (to 1.5 m (4.9 ft) for 30 min)
- Shock-resistant: MIL-STD 810G
- Power input: Micro-USB Type B connector
- Covered SOS button prevents false alarms (also cancellable)
- Audible alerts for messages (user-selected tone)
- Internal GPS chip, location-aware (accurate to 2.5 m (8.2 ft))
- LEDs for: messages, SOS, check-in, and power
Power
- Battery: Rechargeable internal Lithium Ion
- Battery life: 200+ hours
- Charging time: 2 hours using 1.5 A charger
Connectivity
- Satellite network: Iridium
- Connects via Bluetooth LE (one device at a range of up to 50 m (164 ft))
- Global Navigation Satellite System: GPS, GLONASS
- GPS accuracy: 2.5 m (8.2 ft) under ideal conditions
Certifications
- FCC, CE, ISED, ITU, RCM, GITECKI, REACH ROHS, Iridium approved
- EN 60945 maritime navigation and radio communication equipment (EMC) emissions & immunity tested
-Vince
