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2022 Atlantic Crossing Weather Tools Webinar (Part 1)
2022 Atlantic Crossing Weather Tools Webinar (Part 1)
Atlantic Crossing Webinar (Part 1) was recorded 13th October 2022.
Keryn McMaster avatar
Written by Keryn McMaster. Updated over a week ago

Here is the link to the webinar recorded video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/BWdDLDFxZJA

Below, we answer the seven most commonly asked questions, and please reach out to our support team at https://www.predictwind.com/contact-us/ should you have any other questions.

1/ What are the three things I need to make the system work
2/ What is the data speed of the Iridium GO! and what functions can I use it for?
3/ Can I access the PredictWind weather data via other devices if I don't have an Iridium GO!
4/ Why do I need extra SIM Cards?
5/ What devices are compatible with the Iridium GO and Offshore App?
6/ Can I find out more about GPS tracking?
7/ How do I set up my boat polars

1/ What are the 3 things I need to make the system work
You need the Iridium GO Hardware, Data & Airtime Plan and PredictWind Subscription:

  • Hardware: Pricing for the Iridium GO can be found here. We recommend the Marine Pack for US$1199 plus shipping and local import duties/ customs taxes. The marine pack includes Iridium GO, wall mount, an external antenna with cabling, crucial to a good satellite connection. Each order from our website will also include a Free SIM card.

  • Data & Airtime Plan: We have 3 data/airtime plans for the Iridium GO. The airtime plan allows your Iridium GO to connect with satellites, so you can make phone calls, send & receive SMS and email and download all the PredictWind weather data. The most popular plan by far is the Unlimited plan. This has 150 minutes of voice calling, unlimited data, and unlimited SMS messaging. The Iridium GO airtime plans are a month-by-month subscription. The billing cycle is from the 1st of the month on a calendar month basis.More information on our Iridium GO pricing can be found here please scroll down to see the details for all 3 plans.

  • PredictWind Subscription and App: You will require the 'Standard' or 'Professional' forecast subscription to PredictWind to access this weather forecasting service, routing, departure planning, and GPS tracking. We sell 3 month & 1-year subscriptions. To purchase the subscription, please follow the links here

2/ What is the data speed of the Iridium GO! and what functions can I use it for?
A/ The connection is very slow at 2.4 kbits/s (12 Kbytes/min) and so is not be suitable for online social media, browsing the WEB or Skype/ What's App. If your main requirement is SMS messaging, voice calls, email, GPS tracking & accessing weather data (using PredictWind Offshore App) the data speed is acceptable, especially when you have the Unlimited data plan.

3/ Can I access the PredictWind weather data via other devices if I don't have an Iridium GO!
A/ Yes, the PredictWind Offshore App supports the Iridium GO but also many devices from high-end satellite systems, Global Star, Starlink, and any satellite devices that connect via an optimizer. If you have an SSB with a Pactor modem or an older sat phone like an Iridium 9555/9575 that supports email requests, the data can also be transferred via email.

4/ Why do I need extra SIM Cards?
A/ We recommend multiple PredictWind SIM cards because it is the cheapest way to reconnect the service, after disconnecting the service, for example when you are wintering the boat. You cannot activate a SIM card that has previously been used. A new PredictWind SIM card costs US$10. There is no expiry on the lifetime of a SIM card. For this reason, we recommend purchasing additional PredictWind SIM cards when purchasing the equipment.
Please note that the billing cycle for the first month is pro-rated (for example activation on the 15th of the month will only incur 50% of the monthly charge). You can also change Iridium GO! plans month to month, and step down to the GO! Basic Plan when only needing the service as a backup.
For full PredictWind terms and conditions please see https://www.predictwind.com/about-us/iridium-go-terms-conditions

5/ What devices are compatible with the Iridium GO and Offshore App?
A/ Only Apps certified by Iridium will work with Iridium GO!

  • The PredictWind Offshore App for PC, Mac, iOS and Android is certified by Iridium, and specifically designed to work with the Iridium GO! To access PredictWind weather data while offshore using the Iridium GO you will need to use the Offshore App

  • To make voice calls, send SMS and email you need to have an Android or Apple device. The mobile device connects to the Iridium GO wifi and becomes your handset. You use the Iridium GO App and Iridium Mail App.

6/ Can I find out more about GPS tracking
A/ PredictWind can provide a customized GPS tracking web page for your boat. This web page can be accessed by your friends and family and does not require them to have a PredictWind account. The web page can be viewed in a web browser, or embedded in your blog or website. Check out our Help Centre Section on GPS tracking at https://help.predictwind.com/en/collections/1680697-gps-tracking for more information.

7/ How do I set up my Boat Polars

To set up your boat polars, follow the Help Centre article https://help.predictwind.com/en/articles/2884506-how-to-set-up-boat-polars-all-platforms


Thank you all for your support.

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