Thanks for purchasing your Iridium GO! satellite system from PredictWind. It’s great to have you on board.
This article has everything you need to start, so please carefully follow each step.
We know that setting up any new system on your boat can be challenging! This essential Iridium GO! set-up video tutorial will help you learn all the key points needed to get the Iridium GO! working. It is a MUST WATCH video for anyone who has never used the Iridium GO. https://help.predictwind.com/en/articles/5390136-iridium-go-the-essential-setup-guide
The Iridium GO! system is not a plug-and-play device; it requires some of your time to get it up and running, so we suggest putting aside a few days for this. The more time you spend on proper set-up now, the easier life will be later!
TOP TIPS FROM THE PREDICTWIND SUPPORT TEAM:
⭐ Allow 1-3 days to get the system installed and tested
⭐ ⭐ Install and test the system at least 2 weeks before heading offshore, so you have time to iron out any issues
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ You will need good internet to activate the SIM card and download Apps during this setup phase
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ The PredictWind forecast subscription (Standard/ Professional) and the Iridium GO airtime subscription (Basic, GO! Plus or Unlimited) are two separate services. You will need both services to utilize the Iridium GO! and PredictWind forecasting.
STEP 1: CHECK YOU HAVE EVERYTHING
Make sure everything you ordered has arrived. The SIM cards, in particular, are a small items that can be mistaken for packaging, so double-check the box and all wrapping before discarding them.
IRIDIUM GO! UNIT
EXTERNAL ANTENNA MARINE KIT:
ACCESSORIES:
STEP2: Installation
It is essential that you correctly mount the Iridium GO! and external antenna to ensure a strong satellite connection and signal.
Detailed instructions on mounting the Iridium GO! unit and external antenna can be found here
STEP 3: Activation
To connect your Iridium GO! to the Iridium satellite system, so you can make voice calls, send/ receive SMS & email, and download PredictWind weather forecasts, you need to ACTIVATE the SIM card.
To complete the activation of your Iridium GO! SIM card click here
You will need the SIM card number printed on the card, the IMEI number printed on the box and also found under the battery, your credit card and billing address.
The activation process will be complete and your Iridium GO! unit will connect to satellites within 15 minutes.
In the first month, billing is prorated, so you can choose to activate your SIM card at any time during that first month. For subsequent months the billing period begins from the 1st of the month to the final day of the month.
⭐ We highly recommend the UNLIMITED plan for your Iridium GO! airtime. Full details on plans we offer can be found here
STEP 4: HOW TO USE THE IRIDIUM GO! FOR CALLING, SMS AND EMAIL
We have found that the instructions that come in the box from Iridium are hard to follow and even have significant errors which can lead to unnecessary frustration, so we have created our own instructions for you.
By carefully following the instructions, you will save time and avoid mistakes in the setup process. Take your time, and go step by step, and it will be easy.
Click on the links below for detailed instructions on how to make calls, and send & receive SMS messages or email.
STEP 5: HOW TO USE THE IRIDIUM GO TO GET WEATHER FORECASTS
You will need the Standard or Professional level of PredictWind Forecasting subscription to access our weather data, routing, planning and GPS tracking.
Click here to check your PredictWind forecast status and purchase Standard/ Professional if necessary.
To access PredictWind weather data via your Iridium GO! you need to use our Offshore App. The Offshore App will allow you to download GRIB files, weather routes, departure planning, GMDSS text forecasts and satellite imagery via the Iridium GO! or a WEB connection.
The Offshore App is compatible with Windows 10, macOS 10.13 or later, iPhone/iPad iOS 11.4 or later, and Android 6 and above devices.
You can download the Offshore App here
Please watch the video tutorials here, so you do not miss out on any important features.
⭐ We recommend using the Offshore App on a regular internet or cellular connection whilst you learn the product.
SUPPORT:
Our support team is world-class and collectively have sailed around the world 7 times in Whitbread and Volvo teams. We also have ex Americas Cup team-mates and sailing national and international champions. We understand the importance of this system for your communication, weather and safety needs. We are here to help!
We can be contacted at https://www.predictwind.com/contact-us/
We also have a great help center for all aspects of PredictWind at https://help.predictwind.com which would be worth taking the time to look at.