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News
May 2011 - The Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show
The Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show is
First run over 55 years ago, the Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show still features
For Wright Satellite Connections it was a perfect and very successful forum to show case the latest marine satellite communications solutions. Such as the FleetBroadband 150, 250 and 500, Thrane&Thrane TT-6006A Message Terminal, which is the world’s first touch-screen GMDSS terminal, Iridium 9555 Satellite Phone, and Inmarsat IsatPhone Pro…etc
It was an exciting and fulfilling event, and great to get be amongst it - look out for us next year!
April 11 - Inmarsat IsatPhone Pro firmware upgrade
What this firmware does
· Enables GSPS 2.4kbps circuit switched data services for use with AST’s onsatmail and/or X-Gate (independent email software) and/or Amosconnect
· Enhancements to the network connection sequence
· An audio warning will sound when a user is in call and signal strength goes low. To enable this feature go to Menu>Settings>Call settings>Low signal alert
·
Using onsatmail from AST
Onsatmail works with the IsatPhone Pro using the new firmware release (ver4.0.0). To make onsatmail work the IsatPhone Pro modem drivers are loaded into the PC and then Dial Up Networking (DUN) needs to be made from the network connections page on the Operating System. Once this is done onsatmail can then use this DUN within the software using the current VPN facility inside the onsatmail "calling settings" by adding a new calling location.
The software will then call up using the Inmarsat short dial code (28#) and connect. It will pass emails etc as per normal. IsatPhone Pro data is based on a standard circuit switched connection running at 2.4Kbits/sec connecting directly to the Inmarsat server. onsatmail uses a compression algorithm which will deliver up to 10 times compression so it is possible to get around 20Kbits/sec throughput using standard word files etc. Download HERE
If you have any questions or have issues downloading the firmware, please contact us today:
email: info@satconnections.co.nz
tel: 0800 SATCOM
March 11 - Saved by Iridium: Stranded Sailors Rescued - Iridium 9555
With no sails and no engines, the Iridium 9555 is the sole source of communication for these stranded sailors. Joe Apa, Stratos, explains how the Iridium 9555 is used to get help fast.
March 11 - Saved by Iridium: Mountain Climbers Rescued - Iridium 9555
Silvina Graziadio, Tesacom, knows that the Iridium 9555 satellite phone can be trusted in critical moments. Hear how the Iridium 9555 is used by team members to coordinate a mountain climber's rescue in Argentina.
February 11 - 2011 Round North Island Two Handed Race
Wright Satellite Connections (WSC) is proud to have provided the 2011 Round North Island Two Handed Race with satellite communication & safety equipment.
The RNI race started
Download the RNI Two Handed Race Case Study Here
December 10 - IsatPhone Pro deploys in crisis zones accross globe
IsatPhone Pro is being widely adopted for use in crisis zones by aid agency Télécoms Sans Frontières (TSF).
The global handheld phone is being deployed in Haiti and Indonesia in the wake of natural disasters, as part of an emergency communications kit for relief workers.
Emergency response efforts are being renewed in Haiti as a deadly cholera epidemic becomes the latest tragedy to hit the country following January’s devastating earthquake. IsatPhone Pro is also being used by TSF teams in Indonesia's Mentawai Islands in the aftermath of the tsunami that claimed hundreds of lives in October.
October 10 - Update your Iridium 9555 / Inmarsat ISatPhone Pro now!
|
Iridium 9555 Firmware Version HT11001 |
Inmarsat ISatPhone Pro Firmware Version 4.0.0 |
| Download | Download |
If you have any questions or have issues downloading the firmware, please contact us on:
email: info@satconnections.co.nz
tel: 0800 SATCOM
October 10 - AST Appointed as IsatPhone Pro Repair Partner 
October 2010, AST announce that they have been appointed as an Inmarsat IsatPhone Pro Repair Partner.
This accreditation allows AST’s in-house engineers, based at the Norfolk and Hampshire offices within the UK, to carry out certified repairs to Inmarsat’s IsatPhone Pro Satellite Handset.
As one of the selected launch distribution partners, AST has carefully considered the needs and wants of the market, and has put together unique, market-leading packages – offering customers the ultimate combination of the IsatPhone Pro handset, service and AST’s value added packages which now includes the new appointment as a Repair Partner.
With extended warranty options, 2 stage dialling, quarterly and annual plans, together with hardware and airtime packages only seen before in the GSM market, AST offers a complete peace of mind solution, with options for no up-front capital outlay.
June 10 - New Iridium 9555 Satellite Handset Case Study Available -Tarawera Ultramarathon
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Wright Satellite Connections (WSC) is proud to have provided the International Tarawera Ultramarathon with satellite communications & safety equipment.
As well as safety checks and coordinating support movements, race organisers reported back using the supplied Iridium 9555 satellite handsets through SMS, emails, or calls themselves.
The handset itself was also used to send back blog updates and emails, as well as light Internet browsing. The organisers commented "the Iridium 9555 worked brilliantly for sending back safety messages, blog updates, and emails to the entrants' families and supporters, fantastic stuff."
Download the Tarawera Ultramarathon Case Study Here
May 10 - FleetBroadband 150 Trial on the RV Kaharoa.jpg)
Wright Satellite Connections Ltd is proud to announce the success of an Inmarsat SAILOR FleetBroadband 150 (SAILOR FB150) trial. The New Zealand Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research Vessel Kaharoa trialled the SAILOR FB150 on a successful international research operation.
Government and patrol vessels demand optimum reliability levels for their communications. This sector has now reached a point where significant data transfer is a real requirement, and SAILOR FB150 fits the bill absolutely in terms of size and performance.
The SAILOR FB150 offers standard IP data speeds of up to 150kbps and simultaneous voice capability. This service is provided through the Inmarsat Generation-4 Satellites and is available on a global basis.
The SAILOR FB150 allowed the crew to enjoy data exchanges of up to 150kbps, which compares very favourably to the 2.4kbps speeds that were achieved using the Kaharoa’s Mini M terminal. This higher data speed and the ability of the SAILOR FB150 to access the Internet meant that crew were able to facilitate the administration of operating a vessel on an international voyage.
The crew of the Kaharoa were greatly impressed with the voice quality over the two existing Satellite Terminals that are installed onboard the vessel, “It doesn't have the echo or buzz and there is not so much of a delay when compared to our other terminals,” says Kaharoa’s Master, Simon Wadsworth.
May 10 - New Iridium 9505a Satellite Handset Case Study Available - Bima Earthquake Relief
Wright Satellite Connections (WSC) is proud to have provided Lyndon Tamblyn with satellite communication equipment for his latest emergency relief mission.
Lyndon travelled to Indonesia's Sumbawa Island in November 2009 as part of an emergency relief team to assist the local community in recovery from a 6.7 magnitude quake.
As well as coordinating support movements, Lyndon reported back using the supplied Iridium 9505a satellite handset.
Download the Bima Earthquake Case Study Here
April 10 - ALERT : BGAN LaunchPad Software Update - Version 4.0.1
Inmarsat advise all BGAN customers to install BGAN LaunchPad 4.0.1 which is available from Here.
New features in this release:
- Support for SUN Java distribution during installation on Windows PC
- Supports for Spanish, Japanese and Chinese language
- Support for Windows 7 OS
- Support for Netbooks
WSC recommend that all BGAN customers run the latest versions of firmware.
If you have any questions or have issues downloading the firmware, please contact WSC customer support here.
April 10 - Auckland International Boat Show
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The 2010 Auckland International Boat Show was once again a resounding success with over 220 exhibitors booking months in advance; showing hundreds of imported and exported vessels and the latest in marine technology from New Zealand and around the world.
Over 26,000 people passed through the gates of the boat show over the four days, an increase from 23,200 in 2009. For Wright Satellite Connections it was a perfect and very successful forum to show case the latest and soon to come marine satellite communications solutions. Such as the FleetBroadband 150 (FB150) solution, which is a cost-effective broadband service providing both data and voice, simultaneously, through a compact antenna.
Other products showcased were the new marine Iridium OpenPort, which, is the world’s first and only global voice and data service specifically engineered for the maritime market. Iridium OpenPort offers true IP connectivity with up to three phone lines available for simultaneous use. Equipment is easy to install and surprisingly affordable. The high performance SAILOR 6200 VHF series (SAILOR 6210 VHF, SAILOR 6215 VHF DSC Class D, and SAILOR 6216 VHF DSC Class D) were also be promoted as an ideal product for the Fishing and Work Boat segments; offering all the strong features and performance expected from a SAILOR VHF.
It was an exciting and fulfilling event, and great to get be amongst it - look out for us next year!!!
April 10 - WSC Satcomms Road Show
Wright Satellite Connections is proud to announce that the first ever Satcomms Road Show has been a hit! The Road Show included speakers from leading networks such as, Inmarsat, Iridium, Thrane, and Stratos, who spoke briefly on what’s new in satellite communications, and shared an exciting glimpse of what’s to come.
The Road Show itself was held on the 3rd, 4th, and 5th of March in Christchurch, Wellington, and Auckland respectively. It was “fantastic” to meet so many customers and engage in conversations ranging from: quite unique uses of the Iridium 9555 satellite phones, emergency response and critical connections with BGAN, positive experiences with the use of the latest 150 FleetBroadband, as well as sharing in the excitement of what’s to come in this dynamic chapter in global communications.
If you attended either of the shows, and would like some of the photos taken please contact us. We are also interested in hearing your views. Please click contact us and send us a brief email with which show you attended and share your thoughts.
April 10 - Commonwealth Polar Expedition
Wright Satellite Connections (WSC) is proud to inform you that the Women’s Commonwealth Polar Expedition has been a success. WSC provided the vital communications technology that was critical for the polar expedition. We provided Iridium Satellite Phones for both safety and communications purposes – the only phones with true global coverage, and a perfect choice for a polar adventure.
The Commonwealth Women’s Antarctic Expedition included women from eight countries - Brunei, Darussalam, Cyprus, Ghana, India, Jamaica, New Zealand, Singapore and the United Kingdom - brave blizzards, crevasses and temperatures below minus 40 Degrees as they ski 800 kilometres to the Geographic South Pole in 2009/10.
March 10 - WSC announces first Mobile Satcomms Road Show
Wright Satellite Connections invites you to the first ever National Mobile Satcomms Road Show. You will have the opportunity to be updated on current and up and coming mobile satellite communication systems.
The road show will include speakers from Inmarsat, Iridium, Thrane, and Stratos who will speak briefly on what's new in satellite communications and share a glimpse of what's to come.
3rd March 2010 Christchurch - Copthorne Hotel Commodore (Ward Room)
4th March 2010 Wellington - Copthorne Hotel Oriental Parade (Nicholson Room)
5th March 2010 Auckland - Tamaki Yacht Club Mission Bay (Commodore Room)
Register at 9.00am and finish with light finger food at 12.00 midday.
For more information and/or to guarantee your seat please RSVP Nigel at info@satconnections.co.nz.
Hope to see you there,
The Team at Wright Satellite Connections
February 10 - WSC announced as Inmarsat's only accredited Service Provider in New Zealand
Wright Satellite Connections was announced as New Zealand's only Accredited Service Provider. The accreditation process includes competency requirements in Customer Service, Technical Support and Sales.
Inmarsat has introduced this accreditation process so as to ultimately enhance end-user customer satisfaction and enable end-users to make a more informed choice in regards to Inmarsat service providers.
Wright Satellite Connections is very proud to have been named as the region's only Accredited Service Provider and believe that the extra benefits and access to the Inmarsat network that this accreditation gives us will greatly benefit our clients.
February 10 - FleetBroadband 150 wins sailing innovation award
Inmarsat's newest maritime service, FleetBroadband 150 (FB150), has won an innovation award just nine months after its launch.
Sail Magazine, which reports on cruising and sailing news for seafarers of all abilities, picked the low-cost FB150 as the most innovative new electronics product in its annual awards.
"FB150 delivers to small vessels the same quality of service that large merchant fleets expect from Inmarsat," commented Kyle Hurst, maritime market manager at Inmarsat.
February 10 - WSC Alert: FleetBroadband LaunchPad Software Update - Version 1.4.6
The latest version of LaunchPad for FleetBroadband and Explorer 727 terminals is now available from AST.
For further information and to download the latest version of LaunchPad please contact us here.
February 10 - Global handheld phone gears up for June launch
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The first images of the IsatPhone Pro have been released to coincide with the announcement of the first call to be made using the new global handheld phone. The IsatPhone Pro, which will be launched in June, will offer satellite telephony - with Bluetooth for hands-free use - as well as voicemail, SMS text and email messaging. Location data will also be available to the user to look up or send in a text message.
"The first call is a significant milestone, and we're pleased with the voice quality in initial tests," said Helen Stalker, commercial director of Global Satellite Phone Services at Inmarsat.
Robust handset
"IsatPhone Pro is the ultimate combination. It's a robust handset that's easy to use, has a long battery life, and offers a reliable global network connection. And it's provided by Inmarsat, the market leader, with 30 years' experience in providing global mobile satellite services." The IsatPhone Pro has successfully passed a number of key milestones ahead of its launch in June.
January 10 - IMPORTANT ALERT : onsatmail Version 6.074 Now Available
A new version of onsatmail (Version 6.074) is now available, all existing users of onsatmail (version 6.059) will need to upgrade. The new version includes improved services and functionality - for further information and to download an upgrade or to become a new onsatmail user please click here www.onsatmail.com
The onsatmail satellite e-mail service provides reliable Internet e-mail over mobile satellite phones such as Iridium, Inmarsat's Mini-M and Inmarsat B terminals, Globalstar and Thuraya. In addition onsatmail will connect over pay-per-byte systems such as Inmarsat's MPDS and BGAN service and standard Internet links.
Onsatmail uses a specialised data transfer protocol which addresses the low bandwidth, high latency connections typically found in satellite phone data connections. This error tolerant protocol coupled with mail batching, compression and advanced spam filtering provides users with a powerful, easy to us e-mail solution for at sea, in the airport, or at the office.
Onsatmail offers Personal (single-user) and SOHO (multi-user) accounts. Onsatmail is powered by UUPlus in partnership with Applied Satellite Technology.
December 09 - WSC Sponsors the 2010 Tarawera UltraMarathon
Wright Satellite Connections is proud and excited to be providing the vital communications and safety technology for the 2010 Tarawera UltraMarathon. Safety communications is an essential part of any adventure and even more so in this UltraMarathon's case. Therefore, we will be providing airtime and Iridium satellite phones - for both safety and communications purposes - a perfect choice for reliable and truly global communication.
The 2nd annual Tarawera UltraMarathon is 100k, 50-mail (80k) or 55k trail ultra. run from Rotorua to Kawerau in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand. Along way entrants will pass through exotic forestry, native bush, lakes, waterfalls, and follow a beautiful river. Most of the run is on single track trails or forestry roads. Entrants can compete as a solo athlete or as part of a relay team.
November 09 - 505 Emergency Calling - Free Direct Dial Safety Service
For any ocean going vessel, big or small, safety communications is of utmost importance. Previously, safety facilities were available via Inmarsat B, C, M, and Fleet77 terminals, but not FleetBroadband. For this reason, Inmarsat has introduced 505 Emergency Calling exclusively for the FleetBroadband family of terminals. Click here for more www.inmarsat.com/505
Quick Facts:
- 505 Emergency Calling is offered free of charge by Inmarsat, provided it is only used in emergencies
- Designed primarily for smaller vessels that do not require GMDSS-compliant equipment
- Only for use via FleetBroadband 500, 250, and 150
- Calls are directed to a Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre
- Make 505 calls while engaged in an IP connections, but not ISDN
November 09 - Introducing the new Thuraya XT Satellite Phone
Still driven by simple, innovative and powerful ideas to ensure you are always close to home. No matter how challenging the environment in which you operate - Thuraya's satellite voice and data communications allow you to take your world with you.
A Generation ahead in network architecture, product design and performance, Thuraya surges ahead in innovation and technology with each new product; and now, Thuraya presents... Thuraya XT
October 09 - Thrane & Thrane celebrates shipping of 5000th FBB
Thrane & Thrane is proud to announce the September 2009 shipping of the 5000th SAILOR FleetBroadband terminal since deliveries started in December 2007. The 5000th terminal, a SAILOR 500 FleetBroadband, is a major milestone for Thrane & Thrane and was delivered to a UK based Master Distributor, well-known satcoms solutions provider NSSL Ltd.
"Reaching this milestone in such a short space of time reflects how quickly FleetBroadband has been accepted and also how end-users appreciate the quality and reliability of SAILOR products," comments Walther Thygesen, CEO, Thrane & Thrane. "The market for FleetBroadband continues to grow and based on the performance of SAILOR terminals so far, we hope to hit the next milestone of 10,000 terminals much earlier than expected."
September 09 - WSC sponsors the Commonwealth Polar Expedition
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Wright Satellite Connections (WSC) is proud and excited to be providing the vital communications technology that is critical for a polar expedition. We will be providing Iridium satellite phones for both safety and communications purposes - the only phones with a global coverage, and a perfect choice for a polar adventure.
The Commonwealth Women's Antarctic Expedition will see women from eight countries - Brunei, Darussalam, Cyprus, Ghana, India, Jamaica, New Zealand, Singapore and the United Kingdom - brave blizzards, crevasses and temperatures below minus 40 Degrees as they ski 800 kilometres to the Geographic South Pole in 2009/10.
Marking the 60th anniversary of the Commonwealth the expedition aims to demonstrate the potential of greater intercultural understanding and exchange, while at the same time highlighting the achievements of women across the world.
This accreditation allows AST’s in-house engineers, based at the Norfolk and Hampshire offices within the UK, to carry out certified repairs to Inmarsat’s IsatPhone Pro Satellite Handset.
As one of the selected launch distribution partners, AST has carefully considered the needs and wants of the market, and has put together unique, market-leading packages – offering customers the ultimate combination of the IsatPhone Pro handset, service and AST’s value added packages which now includes the new appointment as a Repair Partner.
With extended warranty options, 2 stage dialling, quarterly and annual plans, together with hardware and airtime packages only seen before in the GSM market, AST offers a complete peace of mind solution, with options for no up-front capital outlay.