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GO exec - DataHub - How to enable an extended session on WhatsApp with the Unlimited and PredictWind Airtime Plans
GO exec - DataHub - How to enable an extended session on WhatsApp with the Unlimited and PredictWind Airtime Plans

How to enable WhatsApp for 8 hours with PredictWind Services on the GO exec with the DataHub

Matt Crockett avatar
Written by Matt Crockett
Updated in the last 15 minutes

PredictWind has greatly improved the GO exec service for the PredictWind and Unlimited airtime plan users with a change designed to make your offshore communication and tracking experience more seamless than ever.

Introducing the GO exec DataHub 8-Hour WhatsApp Connection Profile

In the past, every time the DataHub sent a tracking position report, the connection would close after the session, requiring you to reopen it for other activities like WhatsApp. We understand how inconvenient this was, particularly at sea, so we’ve developed a unique profile for users needing continuous tracking and WhatsApp communication.

Here’s what’s new for the GO exec:

  • Connection Open for 8 Hours: The new profile keeps your Iridium connection open for up to 8 hours, the maximum duration Iridium allows.
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  • WhatsApp Communication: You can send WhatsApp text messages during the session. To receive incoming messages, simply refresh the WhatsApp page to reopen the connection.

    • The PredictWind Airtime Plan is limited to WhatsApp text and audio messages only.

    • The Unlimited Airtime Plan allows you to send and receive text, audio, and images.

How It Works

While the GO exec DataHub 8-Hour WhatsApp Connection session is open, you can:

  • Send tracking data and AI polars seamlessly.

  • Use WhatsApp for text communication.

  • Access PredictMail and OHA via the Data Hub.

  • Use the Offshore App to download weather information.

Important Note: Due to the nature of the Iridium connection, incoming WhatsApp messages won’t be delivered automatically. Opening the app on your phone and refreshing your WhatsApp page will check for and deliver any incoming messages.
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WhatsApp shows Connecting at the top of the app while it refreshes. Based on your coverage and connectivity, this may take 45 seconds or more.

Before you Start

This update is exclusively for customers using the DataHub, and your DataHub must be running firmware version 4.22 or later.

  • To update your firmware, review this Help Article: How to Update DataHub Firmware.

  • Before using Apps on the GO exec Unlimited Plan, please review the guide to prepare your device to use apps, which includes to:

    • Set your device to use GO exec or DataHub Wi-Fi in Low Data or Metered Mode.

    • Enable Low Power / Battery Saver Mode.

These steps will minimize the data transfer through the GO exec when connecting to the internet.

How to activate the GO exec DataHub 8-Hour WhatsApp Connection Profile

  1. Update the DataHub firmware to version 4.22. To update your firmware, review this Help Article: How to Update DataHub Firmware.

  2. Ensure your GO exec is powered on and connected to the DataHub.

  3. Either wait for the next GPS Tracking update or send a position report now by logging into the DataHub > Tracking > Tools, click POSITION and wait two minutes.
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  4. On the DataHub > Internet > GO exec > Settings page, check the 'Plan' field displays your GO exec Iridium Airtime plan.

  5. Tick the WhatsApp via Iridium box and click SAVE & APPLY.
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  6. The DataHub will open a GO exec 8-Hour WhatsApp connection the next time it connects using either 'WhatsApp Full' for the GO exec Unlimited Plan or 'WhatsApp Text' for the PredictWind Plan.
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    After 8 hours the GO exec will disconnect. The next time GPS tracking updates another 8-hour connection will be opened.

Frequently Asked Questions

On the DataHub > Internet > GO exec > Settings page. why do I see a Plan type Unknown?

If you've upgraded to DataHub Firmware 4.22 and see the Plan type Unknown on the DataHub > Internet > GO exec > Settings page, this means the DataHub has not yet detected which Iridium airtime plan your GO exec is connected to. To resolve this:

  1. Check that your GO exec is powered on and connected to the DataHub. To verify the connection open the DataHub > Internet > GO exec > Status page. If you can see a signal status and full set of information, including your GO exec phone numbers, IMEI, ICCID and Firmware version number.
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  2. Send a Tracking Position report by logging into the DataHub > Tracking > Tools > POSITION and wait two minutes.
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How can I immediately start a new DataHub GO exec WhatsApp 8-hour connection session and not wait for the next Tracking interval?

To start a new GO exec connection with the WhatsApp Web/App profile internet connection before the next polling interval, send a Tracking Position report. To do this:

  • Login to the DataHub on 10.10.10.1

  • Click on Tracking > Tools.

  • Click the POSITION button.

  • Wait 1-2 minutes while the DataHub opens a new GO exec WhatsApp 8-hour connection.

With the DataHub GO exec WhatsApp 8-hour connection open, how do I use the Offshore App?

To use the Offshore App with the active connection, connect your device to DataHub Wi-Fi and select the Download Method GO exec. The Offshore App connect and use the existing open connection to complete downloading weather routing and GRIBs.

How can I tell the DataHub will activate the new GO exec WhatsApp 8-hour connection?

To see that the DataHub will activate the GO exec WhatsApp connection for 8 hours with the next tracking session:

  • Login to the DataHub and click on Services > Tracking

  • Check that the Profile is 'WhatsApp Full' for the GO exec Unlimited Plan or 'WhatsApp Text' for the PredictWind Plan.

  • The Duration will be 8.0 hours.
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