The Best 10 Gadgets For Off Grid Communication
Image courtesy of ~zipporah~ at Flickr.com
Having a smartphone is something that already puts us in touch with the world anywhere we are. It is possible today to stream video, audio and to post instantly and let the whole world know our whereabouts, the food we are eating and the music we are listening to. But what happens when we lose signal? What if we go outside the range of our cellular network? Being disconnected from the world is not something we will always do on purpose, sometimes we go off grid without intending to and that can be stressful. Staying connected is a necessity we have today more than ever, even for those who choose to venture off the beaten path it may be imperative to stay connected to the world at least virtually.
Today in Don Burn’s Tumblr we want to take a look at some gadgets designed for those who want to adventure, disconnect from the physical world or take their work to faraway places but stay in touch with the vast worldwide telecom infrastructure. Here we have some of the best gadgets that make it possible to shorten distances in this ever-growing connected world.
The goTenna Mesh is a nifty little device that turns your smartphone into a fully capable off grid communicator. The small unit allows you to communicate without using cell towers, Wi-Fi or satellites. You can send messages, share GPS locations and have a 1-to-1, group conversations or broadcast to other devices located several miles away. One of the coolest features of the goTenna Mesh is the ability to download maps so you can have GPS navigation offline, so even without any cell service you can see your exact location at all times.
Image courtesy of DopiesLife.com at Flickr.com
The JAQ Charger is an off-grid charging device that uses a fuel cell powered by salt water to charge your electronics. The charger uses a one-time use credit card sized cartridge that can charge your phone once before being replaced. The company is currently looking for a way to make their device even more environmentally friendly by providing users a way to exchange their used fuel cells for new ones at a lower cost.
A very simple yet effective idea that charges your phone while allowing you to set a temperature to keep your hands warm. This small device combines the comfort of a hand warmer for cold weather and the usefulness of a USB charger without re-inventing the wheel. Great for outdoor lovers who prefer the colder weather.
The Beartooth is a great device that connects with your smartphone wirelessly and allows you to use it as a walkie-talkie to communicate with other users. The device is sold in pairs so it is a great addition to your gear when camping, backpacking, traveling or any other activity that takes you to places where you will have no cellphone coverage but want to stay in touch with those who are traveling with you.
Outdoor Tech Turtle Shell 3.0
Not every device in the list has to be all business. The Turtle Shell 3.0 is a power bank that allows you to charge your other electronics but it is also a powerful speaker with a 25-hour battery life that is waterproof and it can even float.
The inReach SE is a powerful satellite communicator that allows you to send and receive messages when off grid and without cell phone service. The battery can last up to 100 hours and connecting the device with your smartphone can unlock many more features. Its rugged design goes perfectly with its GPS capabilities to accompany you anywhere you choose to go.
Another great device to communicate off grid with other users that have a Gotoky as well. It connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth and allows you to call, text and share locations. It has a feature that lets it function as a location beacon for other devices and rescue services with a reach of 20 kilometers or more depending on signal obstacles.
The Spot gen3 is a simple device that communicates with your loved ones letting them know your GPS location and even custom messages to let them know you are OK or need help. The S.O.S button sends a distress signal to local emergency response in the event of an emergency no matter where you are around the world.
Image courtesy of Stephan Ridgway at Flickr.com
The Iridium Go is designed for the most serious users that need full Internet services anywhere. The device gives you access to satellite-based Internet from anywhere in the planet. You can connect several devices within a 100-foot radius from the Iridium Go. While the data services may be a bit limited, you can communicate via voice and text easily from literally anywhere.
Thuraya SatSleeve Hotspot
Another satellite-based Internet-connected device that lets you access the Internet from anywhere in the world. Compatible with both Android and iOS operating systems, the Thuraya SatSleeve Hotspot is a great way to stay connected even if you are completely off grid.