5 April 2024 Update from Bullit: We would like to confirm that the the Bullitt Satellite Messenger service is live and fully operational. Since being acquired in February 2024 by RCD 2023 Limited (a UK registered company), the service has continued without interruption and continues to be the world’s leading direct to device NTN messaging service. As part of our investment, RCD is very pleased to confirm that it will honour the service agreements and data plans for the thousands of existing subscribers who signed up to the Bullitt Satellite Messenger service prior to April 3rd 2024. From April 3rd 2024, the following price plans will be immediately available to all new subscribers with others to follow: SOS satellite assist only - $4.99 per month Everyday messaging (up to 80 messages per month) - $9.99 per month* Premium messaging (up to 300 messages per month) - $29.99 per month* Freedom (unto 250 messages per year) - $59.99 as one off annual payment* *All messaging plans include SOS Satellite assist. Further information on data plans can be found on the bullitt.com website. For more information in other currencies please see website. The following devices are and remain compatible with the Bullitt Satellite Messenger service: Cat S75 motorola defy satellite link Ulefone Armour 23. We are pleased to announce that we are also working closely with a number of other device manufacturers to add NTN messaging capability to their product portfolios through 2024 and beyond. Please note that RCD is not a device manufacturer and our customer support centre is only able to help with enquires regarding the SOS or satellite messaging service. Please also note that the promotional offer of 12 months free of charge SOS assist and basic messaging previously offered when purchasing a Cat S75 or motorola defy satellite link expired on 30th December 2023. Anyone purchasing an NTN satellite compatible device from April 3rd will require a data plan to enjoy satellite connectivity. Aside from the continued support for existing customers, RCD has committed to make significant investment to add new features and capabilities to the service and platform over the coming months ensuring that Bullitt Satellite Messenger sets the gold standard for Mission and Business critical NTN comms. We are in the final stages of testing for a new tracking feature and portal and this update will be released in the coming weeks. As early as June, we will be launching Bullitt Satellite Messenger for Business providing SME’s and channel resellers the ability to manage their services, accounts and billing all in one place via the Bullitt For Business Portal. We will also be Launching Bullitt Satellite For Enterprise an SDK and NTN Connectivity platform enabling developers and Enterprises to add NTN connectivity to an existing application or solution to support both mission critical comms and NTN NBIoT. There will be lots more updates on our website over the next few weeks.
I'm a retired satellite engineer and I feel that I need to make a few comments as use of these devices can be critical and reliability, above all else is critical. The Defy device uses the Inmarsat L Band satellites which are geostationary birds, meaning they stay in essentially the same point in the sky at all times. They orbit approximately 22,200 miles above the earth and in North America, the satellite being used will be I-4 located at 98 degrees WL. So what do this all mean to a hiker in the wilderness. First, the L band frequency band tends to penetrate well in foliage and in rain, so that's good. The bad thing is that you MUST have a clear view of the sky to the south an occlusion is a real possibility. So if you're below a ridge or on the wrong side of a peak, the signal will be blocked. And the problem gets worse the further north you go, and the further east or west you go from 98 degrees WL, it makes the possibility of occlusion slightly worse. So no imagine that your injured in the bottom of a ravine or on the north side of a peak. You simply won't get service. That's extremely bad for a distress device. So what's better. Well, the Garmin InReach is much better as it uses the Iridium LEO constellation. The way the satellite orbits are setup, you're guaranteed to get service regardless of physical location. There maybe some delay until a bird passes overhead, but you will get your message through. So essentially no more occlusion, unless you're in a cave! For most people this is a far, far superior device, if you value the device for actual emergency use. So what's the best? Well in terms absolutely positively getting a distress message out, use a PLB (Personal Locator Beacon), but be sure to get one with an integral GPS capability. PLBs use the Cospas-Sarsat system on 406mhz. There are multiple satellites in this system, using a multitude of orbits. So with a VERY favorable frequency for weather, rain penetration, etc, etc AND that frequency is ONLY used by the rescue community. The downside is that these devices are not messaging devices so casual texting is not possible. However there are now devices that have a RLS (Return Link Service) feature that indicates with a light or a text display, that your distress call has been received and localized and has been forward to the relevant government authorities for action. i hope the above is useful. Just to restate my main point, reliability of the rescue function is of the utmost importance, so choose your device and service wisely. FYI.
I want something for when I’m mountain biking in the woods without cell service. Many times in the woods under tree foliage. Will this device work or should I go with something else?
@@daaronrudloff8037 I think the choice of this device really depends upon how much you value reliability in terms of getting messages sent and/or received. This service is simply not going to be as reliable as an Iridium based service in conditions of heavy foliage. Also you can easily get into a place where the signal can be occluded with the Defy type service. Can I ask a question? Are you wanting only text/sms service or voice service also? You mentioned 'no cell service' and I'm not sure what your requirement is. But of course improved reliability comes at a price. FYI.
@@mikehinz3096 text service only, voice not required. Just want to send text to my wife every 45-60 minutes to let her know I haven’t crashed and am okay lol
Thanks for taking the time to outline the pros and cons, and also the reasons why some things will have an outcome at certain points in time of use, compared to others. Much appreciated.
Extremely useful info. Thank you for breaking it down. I already have a Garmin Montana without the in reach because I wanted the disposable battery option and no extra features. So, I just need a simple SOS and minimal message device in case shit happens. I hike alone almost all the time and in the middle of Idaho, you don't see many people.
When I first started using my defy link I was holding it my hand, moving it, pointing it in various directions. The satellite connection was unreliable. Suspecting that bobbling it around might be causing the connection drops, though, I started hanging it on a tree or placing it on the ground in the middle of a clearing. So far under those conditions it's been flawless.
Had I realized that it would never work whilst on a northerly aspect with any kind of skyline it'll be of no use. Any terrain other than open sky means it's of little use. Sorry Bullitt but you have to help people understand, who are looking for a better priced option, that the service requires light of sight to the south and a skyline around 25degress if you're in the UK, Scotland i.e. 57 north. I'm actually shocked that they don't highlight this aspect for users even in low mountain terrain. It's technology which is ideal for non essential tracking being promoted as suitable for off cellular activities. Correct but easily misconstrued. Bummer!
Sorry if this is completely off topic What is the name of the hiking video where you were in the Los Angeles national Forest and hiked to that old tree? Thank you in advance
Yeah. The comments from people saying it struggled were enough to delay my purchase but the poll is more useful and that percentage is concerning so I'll wait 6 months and see if it appears better then.
I live in Ohio, and the first time I tried to connect it informed me of a firmware update. Once that was done, I went outside in my back yard and it took about 4 minutes to connect the first time. Subsequent connections took only about a minute or less outside. I have since made connection inside my home which locked and stayed connected for days just laying on a nightstand. Connecting from inside takes a little longer than outside. I have never had any issues with loss of connections and I am VERY happy with it.
Nice, yea I tested exetensively this weekend and it connected well. Sometimes I had to power cycle but it worked everywhere. Even in the center console of my car.
I tested it at home and it seemed to work fine. Brought it out on a hike, part of which was out of cell coverage and it lost connection and didn’t re -connect until I was nearly back at the car. Tried facing south, turning it off and on, etc. Returned it the next day and purchased a 67I. I use a handheld gps anyway so it made sense to pony up for the Garmin and get inreach and gps functionality while only having to carry one device.
Tested this out on a 3-hour drive from Ohio to New York. Had it on the dash, and when there was little or no trees on the sides of the freeway, it eventually got a signal and kept it. With enough trees, it eventually lost the signal. Even just placing it in the center console storage seemed to be preventing it from finding a signal. This seems to be a good indication for anyone looking for emergency connectivity when driving through remote areas, which is part of why I bought this. Will be curious to see how it does on a remote hike I’ll be doing next weekend.
I am looking for something to use on about 3-4 camping trips to places where there is no cell coverage. I just need it to message family so we don't have to drive 30 miles to find cell coverage everyday while on the trip. So, I love the price point and the free basic service for a year. I don't mind having a few connection issues. I see it getting better with time. I think I will get one. I will use your link to the product, so maybe you will get a little something. Thank you for the review and advice.
I had to return mine after multiple attempts working with tech support, they said others are having the exact problems I was, the app isn’t working properly with iPhones, they couldn’t give me a time frame when they expect the app to be fixed. I also had problems connecting to satellite, even with open sky, no trees for miles. After playing with it for about an hour it overheated…I don’t like the SOS button is exposed, it’s in a location I rest my hand while holding and easily pressed. I’m not sure the device would even work properly in an emergency, if I’m injured or fell and can’t move I won’t be able to just wander around hoping for a signal. I don’t feel it’s ready for market and will give users a false sense of security, it could cost someone their life.
We are having similar issues using an iPhone. Everything Tech support has suggested has not worked. My 12 month free plan expired after one month, at least that is what the App thinks. I can’t even log into the App to see it now, it doesn’t recognize my password and if you try to reset the password the reset screen appears momentarily then disappears. Tech support has asked for screenshots of error messages but I can’t even get those now.
@@lauramoore8273 I’m so glad I returned it. I got the Garmin Montana 700i, huge learning curve but once I got it all figured out it’s awesome! Really a game changer for me. Not just the security of the SOS, but a lot more communications options and having all the maps with satellite is great for the remote areas we go. The first time out with it I was able to help someone get un-lost, so that was affirming. Garmin support team is far better.
I just discovered and subscribed to your channel recently. I just wanted to say great channel! I Didn't know SoCal had such beautiful mountains and backcountry. That said, I hope you and your family stay safe from Hillary and the SoCal wilderness areas don't get too much damage from Hillary.
Took mine to a local parking lot with clear skies to test right after purchasing it. Would not connect to satellite until I power-cycled the unit. Connected immediately after that. Have not tested since.
@@Hikingguy I’ll be testing it out on some upcoming road trips, and one remote hike in the coming weeks. I’ve got a 90-day return window with REI, should know by then if this is worth keeping. I was trying to talk myself into the inReach Messenger when I saw this had been released. The price point is perfect for my intermittent needs. Hoping any issues we experience are fixable via firmware.
I'll be very interested in your Defy SOS video. Currently I've had two different support agents tell me that an SOS can only be sent via satellite and another say it can be sent via IP and the App. Seems kinda important to know for sure.
Thanks for the updated review on this. I watched your initial review from a few weeks ago and while I'm still very intrigued by this product, the connectivity issues are mildly concerning. However, I think I will still aim for this particular product vs Garmin or Zoleo just based on one factor. Price. I'm trying to get more into hiking and so far, the trails I've been on have had full cell service so havent had a need for one of these. However, if I do go more off the beaten path and hike into the back country, I obviously want a way to contact people. Garmin and Zoleo make very compelling arguments for their devices but I go out so in frequently that I cant justify the price of those devices or their plans. That's not the case with the Motorola. The cost of the device, plus the cost of their most basic plan still makes this extremely tempting. Even when I go camping with my family and we dont have cell service, it would be nice to have a lifeline back to the world. I look forward to your future videos about this device and services.
I think an iPhone 14 or greater with an added rugged case is probably the best option. I used to have a Defy 10 years ago before I got my first iPhone the 6s about 7 years ago. Will likely be upgrading in the near future. These Satellite Link products like this Defy or the InReach are very expensive. I'd rather just have an all-in-one device that does everything. Investing that money into a phone with a bigger screen instead and more detailed mapping I think will help you more with safety when you are out hiking or in the mountains. I do get that these products are great for those who can afford them though and want more redundancy.
I use the Zoleo system for text messaging and have found it to be incredibly reliable. The permanent phone number allowing it to be contacted is a cherry on top.
Yes, that permanent phone number (for $4 a month) is a major plus. You can give it to friends and colleagues and not have to revise it repeatedly. For Defy, I talked with one of their reps and I'm still confused as to whether that text number I'm assigned is real or just a pseudo-number.
For me, I was considering the Garmin at $180 a year, or the Motorola Defy Satellite Link at $60. Not including the cost of the device. It was either that or no satellite device. For me, it’s low hanging fruit to have a way to connect to family when out and about in areas with little to no cell service. Will be testing more in the coming months.
Thank you for the review and just to follow up with what I yhink is a critical problem, if you send a message from the Defy to an iPhone user, they will NOT get a notification. If they bring the app to the forefront, the notification pops up, but at that point, you're already seeing the message. For me, this is a critical fail as my wife will not see important messages unless she opens the app to check. Also, it appears this has been an issue for more than a month based on app store reviews. This makes me really nervous about trusting this service even if it gets fixed.
Yea at one point I think this worked but an app update whacked it. It is an app update and and easy fix, and doesn't involve the actual device hardware. I'm waiting until a new round of updates are done before I do another review.
Please keep us updated on the overages I actually like being able to use next months messages that’s seems ideal. But either way I’d like to know it doesn’t just stop working if I go over.
Taylor the Nahamsha Hiker doing the AT had her inreach mini hanging on the pack and after days of rain the unit started sending out SOS during malfunction. It got stuck in that mode.
I have a garmin etrex 10. The waterproof rating is ipx7 which is the same as the inreach mini 2 . I used the etrex on my kayak and it was exposed to water splash until water got in it and fogged the window. I took the batteries out and was able to dry it. I keep it from getting wet now.
Correction, no it does not, currently in a remote area of Eryri national park, Wales, no signal at all, extremely disappointed, will be returning and purchasing an inreach 2.
These GPS trackers are expensive, including monthly subscriptions, which are essential. Once you buy one, you are locked in to their ecosystem. What is the most affordable GPS tracker for hiking and trekking?
Satellite is DIRECT POINT TO POINT CONTACT.......Put it in a clearing and it's fine if satellites are within contact of rotation...or....still satellite fixed.
I had to return mine after multiple attempts working with tech support, they said others are having the exact problems I was, the app isn’t working properly with iPhones. I also had problems connecting to satellite, even with open sky, not trees…
thanks' for the information, but my question is, it will work in mexico, most of my hikes and bikepaking is in the north of mexico, try to fine some info but no luck.
Can you use the Defy communicator to send/recieve a message to an inreach user? Or do I basically have to either send/recieve a message to another defy user or someone who has cell service? Some of my family has inreach, some have spotx so I’m curious if I can message either of them.
So you are in the back country, no cell service. If you power down all your devices; smart phone, Moto Defy, will it be necessary to get the Defy restarted to enter the account & password all without a cell connection. My preference would be after setup & connecting the Defy would be to leave the unit off going into the back country?
Have you ever reviewed the Garmin Tread? I am going on a trip to Alaska next year and was planning on getting it. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you
Warning! While I'm still waiting for absolute confirmation from next level Support: SOS will only work with a satellite connection (not wifi). Which basically means only from the device itself and that SOS within the App is kinda useless (just press the damn orange button for 5 sec). Also, the only clear way to cancel an SOS is by pressing the button again for another 5 seconds (the flashing lights should stop). As I understand it, the base station will receive an alert and a cancel if you have a connection. What's not clear is if you press when you don't have signal it should send an alert as soon as you do get a satellite connection, but if you cancel before you get a signal will it halt sending any signal? Another thing I wasn't sure of is whether it can pick up a signal through glass windows. It can!
You're discovering what the reviewer noted, that the Defy system as a whole wasn't quite ready for release. There are a lot of glitches in how it works. I suspect the cellular companies have been pushing hard for Motorola to provide them with something to compete with the SOS function in the latest iPhones, one that is also limited. Haste makes waste.
@@Inkling777 Thanks for your reply. I'm never too happy about being a Beta tester. 😲 I primarily have this for the SOS and it's now clear I don't need the phone for more than setting up the account. So I can wait until they hash things out. I just want to make sure that anyone needing the SOS is clear on the simplest way to use it. Someday Samsung will come out with a phone with a satellite SOS, but then I'll have to wait a few more years for the price to come down. Meanwhile the Deny fulfills my needs (at a good price). Have fun, be safe.
@@larrynova3998 More Degrees of Error. The Defy Button SOS may (?) use wifi via the phone if it's available (I don't remember if I've gotten a definite answer from Support). Regardless, the Response Center will TEXT you. Stick to the Button!!!
I really do not look at anything with a Motorola name on it anymore. They are buying up every small company in various IT markets and not focusing on customer support or improving products. To big for their own good. Working OK is not good enough.
What's Up with the Motorola Defy Satellite Link? There are no satellites just a network of line-of-sight tall and small ground towers and underground cables and communication balloons and floating communication ships talking to each other and to whatever transceiver device you were sold.
