The Best Affordable Satellite Comms for Civilians

[@puckingfickles]

I love Lucas with the shooting gear, but I always get excited when Issac has some nerd tech that I have never considered

[@vaas-one]

It’s nerd until your dumbass won’t die BECAUSE of it. Then it’s just cool. People are idiots and I love it! 🤣

[@propnut7085]

He need to do more! Like one on Meshtastic and iTAK.. again

[@williamsadler8832]

cant just be a shooter an not need to know the nerd stuff behind it

[@dominikuczak7294]

Same

[@TheNorseAmerican]

I’ve grown old and boring, I only like Isaac’s tech videos it seems

[@BlindViking]

Issac's tech reviews are always great. Explaining things we didn't even know existed.

[@MiamiMidwest]

Fantastic information

[@andrewmcglynn4107]

The entertainment value was out of this world! Audio crew earned their keep on this one for sure

[@SS0895]

God this channel is quickly becoming my favourite. The production is high quality

[@Zack-kn8uy]

I honestly don’t think people understand just how extremely informational this channel really is

[@RedTSquared]

The production quality of these shows just blows my mind. We need more of these episodes!

[@guysavard5090]

Lately I’ve been into Isaac’s content over other Trex offerings. Fascinating topics, gear and technology.

[@Hiker_who_Sews]

I'm a bit over 70, and remember late one afternoon watching Sputnik pass across the sky. My dad worked for the Air Force, and he knew things. From there to here, all in a lifetime.

[@miguelmanning4079]

I sell very expensive GIS/Mapping GNSS/GPS units, and I studied/taught Geology and Geography. We used physical topo maps and a compass, and now digital maps. Listening to Issac talk about satellites and GPS is awesome!

[@paulrettig1507]

I've had in reach for over a decade. I use it when on the Great lakes, when on the ocean, when hunting, and when traveling to out of state family to keep them informed of my position & ETA. It's a great piece of equipment for all these activities, and peace of mind.

[@manuelescobedo3546]

This is a very good video, you never know when you’re going to have an Emergency, cellular phones can do so much.

[@choiceblade]

Considering fully the consistent density and power of your content coupled with the respectful, discrete, succinct and helpfully humorous delivery compels me let you know how grateful I am. This channel ranks across the very broad range of my high priority, niche interests among my top 5 and not only because your subject matter is currently relevant to me. It's highly digestible and entertaining, without patronizing me. Thank you for all that you guys do.

[@DF4Trap]

I have been using the Inreach explorer +. It is one of my favorite communications devices. I have no complaints and the ability to communicate with other Garmin devices in the field makes it useful when no service is available. Security is an issues, costlyas well. Great information thanks for sharing.

[@RoamGaming]

as an ex-military satellite controller, i approve of this video. :)

[@adhamhwomble8345]

Can't the sats get hacked at they listen to our communications

[@JonHunter80]

Correction, Once Military always Military. you should know that if you really were as you claim

[@RoamGaming]

@@JonHunter80 i am definitely ex. I know this because i no longer shave twice a day. :)

[@RoamGaming]

@@JonHunter80 although some might claim that the 1st Satellite Control Battalion was never really military in the first place regardless of the uniform. :)

[@CIA_Alien]

Yea, knowing where everyone is at all times.

[@DuckingAround58]

I got the Garmin inReach Mini 2 for my motorcycle trips. I quickly learned the SOS button can also be used to call for moto vehicle assistance such as tow trucks. It now goes everywhere with me

[@Aluttuh]

but you have to pay a monthly subscription right?

[@DuckingAround58]

@@Aluttuh $13 a month

[@Aluttuh]

@@DuckingAround58 Bleh, thanks for the reply. Cant stand paying hundreds of dollars for a tool to then have to pay a subscription to even use it...

[@DuckingAround58]

@@AluttuhI get that. Normally I am the same way but I do get enough use out of this to justify it. The weather data alone has saved my motorcycle rides

[@bmw_m4255]

​@@Aluttuh just dont but one meal at Taco Bell a month and you're good

[@vaas-one]

Guys. You guys ROCK IT when it comes to this kind of education and perspective content. I for one, value it and value ALL of you at Trex enormously. We are brothers and we are friends, and we are one (in many ways) and I cherish your efforts. And this is because of the grander vision.

[@JMurcc]

um wut lmao tf

[@piotrnowak7730]

Thank you for sending me down another rabbit hole

[@The_PotionSeller]

Between Isaac and S2 undrground, I always am looking at new and interesting tech to check out

[@TREXARMS]

S2 Underground is very cool.

[@griffithclipson5769]

​@@TREXARMSya'll put me on to atak... so appreciative of you guys.

[@PatrickKQ4HBD]

I wish they'd put out more War Kitchen content.

[@The_PotionSeller]

@@PatrickKQ4HBD agreed. Sounds like they're stretched really thin rn, man sounds more worn out with every video. Maybe when things calm down in world events

[@Ryan-T-Hart]

The production volume of this video is GREAT!

[@PhilTParker]

I have the Garmin InReach Explorer Plus and I love it. Do I use it? Only to test and probably less often than once a year. Why have it and pay $50 a month (more or less)? Simple. I don’t ever want to be away, out of touch and unable to get help, especially being a married man. So it’s an insurance policy of sorts for me. I use the phone app primarily but have used the device just by itself. Its rugged, gets the job done, and gives me that sense of comfort. I also keep it in a small faraday bag in case of a solar flare event (like the Carrington one 100 years + ago) or the occasional nuclear attack. Again, love it, well made and gives me peace of mind.

[@TheBobwatermellon]

Deep in the mountains of Colorado my 66i takes about 7 minutes to get a text message out. Slow but has not failed me yet, very nice to have.

[@thedoorider]

I have had an inReach since the program inception with Delorm. And have used inReach on 3 sides of the planet with great results!

[@loarmistead]

The InReach is great. I have mine with me everytime I go innawoods for hiking or MTBing. Saw a recent video on KZbin where a hiker had to use their InReach to be helivacced out of a remote trail in the PNW after going into afib. From SOS to helicopter arrival was about 90 minutes.

[@markswishereatsstuff2500]

She received a $50K invoice for the ride.

[@kennethfarquhar8518]

@@markswishereatsstuff2500 let me guess you would have rather stayed and died ? Not everyone cares about $$$ as much as human life . @debglad -Glade you made it out aunt Deb . So nice of Chris P to do your go fund me raising 3100$ more then the goal for your helicopter bill. ❤

[@paulrettig1507]

​@@markswishereatsstuff2500that's why you pay the $26 per year for the rescue insurance.

[@jmfarouche6688]

@@paulrettig1507i pay $47 / mo for helicopter air ambulance in Missouri USA- im getting ripped

[@averageusercommenter199]

This was WONDERFUL exposure to a technology I'd never before REALISTICALLY considered until NOW. Thank YOU!

[@FRMN8R_T4R]

Wife and I were wildland firefighters. She also worked for the USFS as a ranger. Lot of the time we were sent to areas well outside of cell coverage. Outside of a rare land line at a ranger station or fire camp, satcomm via the Garmin inReach's we bought were a lifeline to stay in comms with each other when we were in austere conditions (via text). Starlink mobile seems REALLY promising.

[@mondavou9408]

First time finding your Channel. 1.53 MM subs!? Come on KZbin algorithm! What took you so long? This channel is GOLD! New Sub 1.53MM +1 ha ha

[@ImbuedBeard]

I have one of the large Garmin InReach devices that's saved my ass before. I was on a solo cross country endure motorcycle trip from Mexico to Canada. While I was in Mexico my phone got stolen and I had no normal way to call back home. I was able to text my family from the InReach and let them know what happened and where I was. I was able to navigate back to the US and get a new phone. It took a few days so I only had the Garmin for all navigation and communication. If I didn't have it then, I have no idea what I would have done. It's great for any outdoor activity or trip. The plans can be a little pricey, but it's an amazing backup. Highly recommended.

[@PatrickKQ4HBD]

You would have stopped somewhere and bought a Mexican phone.

[@PhilTParker]

So there is one more usecase for InReach devices…loss of a cell phone!

[@PowderMill]

👍🏻 Thank you Isaac! I USED to come by for the 2A videos… Now I keep returning for the comms talk! You were dead on with Hytera DMR/Analog 2-way gear. I bought a PD-782G2 based on your older videos. I ended up selling all of our family Motorola XPR7550e and MD’s and 2x RD’s. Hytera mastered the “pseudo trunking” and, most importantly, the FPP field programmable features are absolutely the BEST. Thank you again. 73 KD2MKZ

[@sirtango1]

Last experience I had with satcoms was that depending on which carrier you went with and where on earth you were, coverage wasn’t guaranteed 24/7. You need a bird above the horizon to get signal. Just because you have a satellite phone doesn’t necessarily guarantee that you can make a call anytime you please. Download an airtime coverage chart for the areas you plan on visiting to see what times you are able to place a call! We had them at work and I tested them on a monthly basis not too far from where you were. I was in the mountains of SW Va. 😊 There we’re times where I would only have coverage for 10 minutes out of an entire hour!

[@adamr8628]

So that might be an advantage of something like an inreach mini? Because a text will continue to keep trying to send, but a phone call will have to be continually dialed until there is a signal? what I mean is if you're injured, you might only have one chance to send out a message instead of continually dialing over and over.

[@sirtango1]

@@adamr8628 also you could lose consciousness through pain, medical conditions or blood loss. A rescue team doesn’t just show up when you press the button. There are several steps they go through before they send out a rescue team.

[@adamr8628]

@@sirtango1 Exactly. You don't have to explain the steps necessary for a rescue team to me. I've been on them 35 years and counting. I'm a Flight Nurse/Paramedic on a helicopter. But I appreciate your comment because some people don't understand that.

[@QuasiMotard]

The SPOT-X is also a great stand-alone handheld satellite communicator. The best feature is the included QWERTY keyboard that looks similar to the old Blackberry phones. You don't need a smartphone to use it. Their service gives the SPOT its own mobile number that can be used for bidirectional SMS messages. I've been carrying the SPOT-X for my off-road motorcycle adventures for several years with great success. Cheers! 😉👍 --QM

[@Alan.livingston]

I’ve been using a spot-x for hunting trips in outback Australia so I can sms home each day. Love it. It is very expensive though.

[@silvermine2033]

A comment to boost the KZbin algorithm!

[@greggullett1272]

Same

[@silvermine2033]

@@greggullett1272 Right on!

[@isaacbotkintrex]

A reply to boost your boost!

[@silvermine2033]

@@isaacbotkintrex Awesome!

[@TheBrandicus]

Boosting

[@richallcorn]

PERFECT SOURCE EVALUATION of these ... I "knew" this because I've done my homework, but your research was much better than mine way, and confirmed my decision. "THANK YOU" for the help/advice and information!

[@jonwebsterabbott]

This video was well timed. Our Neighborhood Emergency Response group was discussing what kind of comms to use in the event cell service and landlines went down.

[@W8RIT1]

kinda curious...what was decided? I'm sure CB and FRS were brought up since they are fairly common for people. I'm wondering if amateur radio was brought up. Heck, your neighborhood could even set up it's own temporary "internet" in case the internet does go down for an extended period of time thru HSMM mesh networking.

[@TrullaCæmentarìí]

Meshtastic nodes

[@Hikingguy]

Thanks for the shoutout!

[@jjdepaz1]

This almost felt like a Bill Nye episode. I love it so much!! Keep it up fellas. More subject matter, more videos!! I’m here for it.

[@sabastian4858]

Yeah or that Tyson guy. They are great actors.

[@Superabound2]

Bill Nye ain't shit

[@mattyjluke]

Please keep these videos coming!

[@Bogo___]

Im always impressed with the production level on these kinds of videos

[@MrKakemann1]

These are some of the best type of videos.

[@benjaminwagner3969]

Exactly the content I enjoy from you guys. And I kid you not, just watched this, went outside to burn one, and there was a string of new sats. Crazy timing.

[@flying-with-ryan]

Awesome video. I fly GA aircraft and recently watched a video about how unreliable the emergency locator built into the aircraft I fly actually is. The video recommended investing in an actual satellite based locater. This video does a great job of explaining how they work and their benefits. I’ll be purchasing one soon.

[@bmw_m4255]

Your elt is perfectly accurate if you have the proper 406 type

[@tduenchan]

As a dinosaur who was around on 9/11; RIM bLackberry (two way text pagers) was the only network that did not go down on that day. Cellular and landlines wend down on the East Coast. RIM had connection to the geosynchronous satellites and still worked throughout in Manhattan and Washington DC. Glad that the this possibility is once more available now that RIM is not in the communication. (Monthly subscription required).

[@DeSmith-o4b]

Welcome to 2024, ham radio JS8Call is now the current tech. It's free and is almost global.

[@mixmix1487]

Isaac and his tech is the only reason I subscribe. Thank you sir.

[@BobBob-ks7rh]

This needs to be a weekly segment.

[@nemesis851_]

Back in 1998 I borrowed a Sat phone from Motorola for a discussion at University One of the points I mentioned was the user price for usage alone was $8/minute

[@jerryrichards8172]

I haven't come across these types of videos. I just watched the drone video. I'm really liking it I hope you keep making them. ❤

[@WeaponsJunkie]

This intro is great production

[@gansior4744]

Isaac's videos are always one of the kind

[@stevenbekkering4323]

Thanks Issac. Always glad to see your videos

[@AdventureWidely]

My family has a large Garmin installation - watches, sensors, etc, for all of the outdoor adventures we do. However, we carry a SpotX and not an InReach. My reason for this, is single purpose. The InReach units with GPS begs to have a dead battery when you really need it, because you're likely to use it for nav. We've had good luck with the SpotX, and having a keyboard on the unit itself makes it usable to send SMS when needed.

[@johnmerz1968]

You guys knocked it out of the park, again. Love the topics and the detail given. I love the content and the increase in videos with real world subject matter that civilians can apply to their everyday lives.

[@blakslee720]

Interesting to see you guys exploring this tech. It has been/is relatively common among sailors to communicate with family on shore

[@johnbigham6189]

You and your channel are excellent. Thank you for all you provide us!

[@adamjones1641]

Keep these series coming...

[@BrandenJackson_]

I like a mixture of the two. Solid shooting a watching the competition between the guys entertaining.

[@MicajahMcCurry]

Brandons a great addition, best into to date imo

[@peytonvoight6297]

I can’t believe that people don’t click on these videos! S tier information here!!!

[@noahdeville2764]

Trex puts out some of the highest quality videos. Love the video and am definitely considering getting a devise.

[@paranormalwithdave]

Issac: “hey, I’m going to show you stuff you’ve never heard of that you’ll now want to spend the next 6 months or more learning about” Well played, sir. Well played.

[@millerbrosmediaoffgridflyf7767]

This was produced and edited very well, great info also!

[@shanehoff9950]

The videography here is badass. Nice work

[@mouthbreather280]

I want to take a moment to recognize how far production quality has come on this channel. I was impressed with the Brett Cooper night vision video, and this video has that same next level professional production quality in every aspect. Super excited to see this level of content going forward. Great job!

[@bradydavidow4470]

I love all the content lately!

[@DetlevObst]

Very well done video, both in content and in video production itself. Glad to have stumbled across your channel -Time well-spent!

[@frankhujsa821]

I’m in the first hundred seconds of this video and I already know this is going to cost me hundreds of dollars.

[@RickyRicardo-on6zm]

At least

[@roberttaradash6356]

This was fantastic. Thanks Isaac.

[@mikef5694]

Something like the Garmin Montana 700i is really attractive to me because you have a GPS (with turn by turn navigation) as well as your satellite communicator all in one package. You definitely pay for it, but it checks off a lot of boxes.

[@ckbhack]

67i can do turn by turn also

[@mikef5694]

@@ckbhack from the factory? I was under the impression that “City Navigator” was the only way to get turn by turn directions?

[@WilliamRNicholsonLST-1195]

Good Video & exactly what I needed to sea ! I am Nick , NavyBlueSmoke , LST-1195 & looks like I will be moving to an isolated Philippine Island with No cell service. I obviously need a low cost text service to maintain contact with the uncivilized world & your video fit the bill Perfectly ! Thanks Much & May Creator God Bless You n Yours ! Nick , Baracks admitted worst enemy , ASK Him ! ..............

[@ResourceAnalytical_com]

For any device that depends upon communication with satellites for its use, especially under crown canopy, it is always best to turn the device on and let it warm up and acquire birds several minutes (20 or so) under open skies first before use, especially before stepping off into canopy. It is more difficult for devices to initially acquire birds under canopy than under clear skies, and it is more difficult to hold them under canopy if they have not been intitially acquired in open skies.

[@crossfiregaming9541]

What an amazing video and so much information I had no idea about, Awesome job Issac and thanks so much for sharing. I been seeing this video pop up on my feed for awhile now and so thankful I finally plunged into it beginning to end!

[@SassyPants34]

As a pilot the garmin inreach is a great level of redundancy for when the cellphone satelite services are not vaible or when iphone dies etc.

[@rustyshackleford81]

Damn, I tried sending that Garmin an SMS but you have to receive a message from that number to be able to send one. Nice, honestly makes me want one more for my kids on vacation @ Norris lake.

[@isaacbotkintrex]

It's very cool; the "tunnel" back to my device through that number has to be opened by me sending you a message first. That way multiple conversations can happen over a smaller number of numbers that Garmin keeps open.

[@Chsemrtn]

I get a 50% discount via my employer, any of the hand helds with maps and inreach tech would be a fantastic option for a grid down scenario. Might just have to look at picking one up.

[@robg8433]

Signal Corps....Go! 🏁

[@Project_Tribe]

I need my computer re-imaged

[@phillychzstk325]

Wow. Isaac is a giant!

[@Loyal69]

Isaac I need more knowledge dumps like this. Please! Even more vook reviews my dude.

[@VariableKnife]

Isaac doesn’t MISS, absolute stud

[@bootlegengineer2367]

I love Issac’s videos. So much good information.

[@cameronpike1513]

Isaac is a genuine genius. 👍

[@JJSafetyLLC]

Awesome info! We see a lot of this technology in the workfield. Makes sense to utilize it on another level.

[@W8RIT1]

@7:20...it also sure helps if you are holding the radio steady so the radio can acquire a good lock on the sat signal...waving it around can extend the time for sync....and maintaining a solid enough signal, especially with a low gain antenna that you already acknowledge is problematic.

[@WoodyXRay]

I’ve been using my Garmin Inreach for several years now. Fortunately, I’ve never had to use the SOS function, but the ability to text from anywhere is really useful. I also use the GPS function and get weather forecasts.

[@Kryp7iic]

I'd be interested to learn how you would integrate the ATAK civ/ open source version with this and starlink. You did a video on it a few years ago but I have to imagine there is a better solution to comms and coordination available or soon to be available.

[@belliduradespicio8009]

something like this is definitely being used in ukraine

[@PatrickKQ4HBD]

I don't know. You'd definitely be running into bandwidth limitations immediately.

[@JamesMelton]

I've been subscribing to the Forward Observer mentality regarding the collapse of the US not being a full curtain drop, but much more akin to south america and other latin areas. A partial collapse, where politicians create laws and gangs enforce them. We're practically there now with it being a police state. As such, tools like this can be extremely valuable where conventional forms of comms have the plug pulled, but if its a state level scenario, this still has issues for the 9-5 guerrilla. I'd appreciate a better understanding of Trex's thoughts on our future state and how they would be leveraging this tech and toolset.

[@PatrickKQ4HBD]

Can't speak for T Rex Arms, but these devices are called personal locator beacons. If you want to be found, they're great.

[@HaloDude557]

It’s going to look more like a failed state. Basically it will become unfeasible for the average person to have the money to live comfortably, infrastructure will be stretched to the limit (traffic congestion, rolling blackouts, etc.), and crime will tick up.

[@DeSmith-o4b]

The sat companies are just as controllable as the telecoms and most likely also monitored and can be controlled (as the military state deems appropriate) to surveil and shutdown your service. Meshtastic and Lora or ham radio will be the only tech left and those could be jammed by the state. The US could become like South Africa, but suspect the rest of the West would fall first.

[@Kalbee]

It’s always a good video when Isaac is on screen.

[@LoneStarLiving]

Great info. Satellite tech has always fascinated me.

[@Insectoidoverlords]

Thank you so much for doing these tech videos! It's great to hear another side of the hobby.

[@azisandwich]

Camerawork is on point

[@jonsays3762]

Cool. Last time I checked up on this stuff, it was Inmarsat for brief voice conversations while deployed, and then we would use the pots switchboard for an outside line. How fast times change…

[@cpt_constitution5719]

Isaac is a treasure. Thank you.

[@0utrider43A]

I have been using a Spot X as a back up satellite communicator that can be used as a stand alone unit. It can be paired with a cellphone for easier typing.

[@todd-617]

I got a Spot X last year and it's worked pretty good. It's not too expensive and I'm able to let my wife know when I headed into the back country and when I'm headed back out. She always gets the messages quick and they have links to a map so she can see where I sent it from. Haven't tried the emergency button and hope I never have to.

[@bradhaynes6066]

Thanks Isaac. Great content and delivery!

[@cameronalim3656]

That opening was badass

[@PrecisionRifleNetwork]

Excellent. Thanks.

[@LimestoneCoastCustoms]

I'm glad you mentioned Starlink. Here in Australia we are expecting SMS from a Normal 4G & 5G phones to satellite by the end of this year with Voice by the end of 2025. No special phone required!! That is awesome news! I travel very remotely with no cell service for many hours. While I love my HF radio, it is very hit & miss. I use GPS/GNSS satellite tech for my mapping out there & have started to set up a weather satellite receiver/decoder with live maps. Yes, Starlink would provide the internet but that costs a ton!! Especially with the on going subscription costs. Yes, Sat phones are also available, in fact our club that runs the event out there now owns 2 sat phones but I simply can't afford that (in saying that, they don't always work either!) the best I can do is carry a PLB (that the club owns) for when I'm on my own for just in case. I'd love to be able to work out direct communications, ground to ground via satellite, especially between each other on site as normal radios just don't go far enough & most people don't have a HAM radio or their licence. You'd be surprised how little of Australia is actually covered by the cell network, which is kinda good but not for emergencies. A great video!! Cheers! 👍

[@SamKBTrading]

colour grade missing 08:57! Great vid though!

[@jpk9171jpk]

I understand the need and purpose of these for their marketed use. But you’re still relying on 3rd party company and subscriptions for it to work. So for normal applications sure. A military style communication alternative for civilians not so much.

[@thetazva]

Would have been nice to have information on the devices, costs for service and monthly fees and links to where to get them with costs and all information.

[@SnackPack913]

I love Isaac’s videos the best ngl

[@02JP69]

Big fan of the Garmin Montana 700 series. Bit of a chunker but has a great screen and 2 way text using the touch screen just like a cell phone.