FAQ about Iridium Go! and Iridium Go! exec

Iridium Go is for anyone who wants to stay in touch or communicate anywhere on the planet in voice or data mode. It's a stand-alone device for emergency services and GPS geolocation. Its mobility makes it ideal for nomads (travelers, yachtsmen, motor-home owners, transporters, adventurers, isolated workers, reporters, diplomats, military personnel and, more generally, anyone who lives in areas beyond the reach of cell phone networks). Nomadic means mainly mobile or tablet use. It also works at altitude.

This technology lets you use your smartphone as if it were a satellite phone.

Better still, your tablet can be connected to this wifi hotspot and you'll be able to check your emails, send, twitter, access your social networks, share photos, receive GRIB weather files. It's the ideal travel companion.

Ability to create and view emails in offline mode, queue emails for faster sending, retrieve emails from external accounts.

More than a modem, you'll be able to take advantage of GPS geolocation and send an SOS signal in the event of distress. 

This box is compatible with your computer, but is clearly for advanced use. We strongly recommend that you seek the assistance of our technical consultant for installation, configuration and use.

Iridium GO works anywhere in the world. Network access even to the NORTH and SOUTH poles is included.

The original packaging includes the following:

● WIFI/Satellite modem with folding antenna.

● A lithium battery

● Universal AC travel charger with 4 international adapters

● USB charging cable

● 12v DC adapter (car charger)

● An anti-sun protective shell

● Legal information brochure

● GEOS emergency services brochure

With its built-in antenna and battery-powered case, Iridium GO connects quickly and automatically to the Iridium satellite constellation. This creates a Wi-Fi access point around the device with a radius of around 30 meters (100 feet).

To optimize signal performance, we recommend using a clear external antenna and isolating the housing and antenna from any electromagnetic interference (electronic, mechanical, electrical). Voice mode and the SOS button are available at a signal strength of 1/5, while data is available at a signal strength of 3/5.

The Iridium Go is a stand-alone box with the following features: 

Length: 81.7 mm (3.22″) - Width: 119.81 mm (4.69″) - Depth: 33.44 mm (1.32″) - Weight (approx.): 300g (with battery) / 225g (without battery).

Iridium GO works anywhere in the world, including the NORTH and SOUTH poles.

18 knowing that two system accounts are already registered: guest (admin) and SBD (Module iridium Message).

An external antenna improves satellite signal reception, especially in cloudy conditions. It does not improve throughput, but makes the signal more reliable for telephone reception and faster file downloading. It is mandatory on boats with thick or steel hulls, and on some recent boats with a high level of electronic equipment. The external antenna is used to transfer the satellite signal outside the boat, but does not improve the WIFI signal, as the WIFI antenna is internal.

Connect the small end of the external antenna adapter cable (sold separately) to the device and the large connector (TNC) to your Iridium-certified external antenna.

Attach the Iridium GO device and place the external antenna in an unobstructed location. Raise the antenna to switch on Iridium GO and register on the Iridium network. The antenna should be above balconies to improve the signal if a satellite is not stacked vertically.

The device's internal antenna must be kept raised during Iridium GO operation.

Battery standby time is up to 15 hours and battery talk time up to 5 hours. With automatic GPS position transmission, standby time is up to 8 hours.

Standard uncompressed data transmission speed is 2.4Kbits per second. This is equivalent to 0.3kb/s when the satellite is reachable. Thanks to Iridium-optimized applications, this data rate can be accelerated by a factor of 15. Iridium data communications are ideal for small GRIB weather files and text-based e-mails.

Whether you're sending an e-mail with an attachment or downloading a GRIB file, it's advisable not to exceed 50KB in size. A 10KB file will take less than 5 minutes to download, and a 100KB GRIB file will take an average of 30 minutes, with the possibility of interruptions that may block the download. 

Iridium GO comes with a universal AC travel charger with 4 international adapters and a DC 12V cigar-lighter adapter to work with the maximum number of power sources.

No & Yes, your e-mail client doesn't support Iridium-optimized compression and TXT encoding. Generally speaking, they encode e-mails in HTML format (Gmail, Icloud, Hotmail or OUTLOOK, Thunderbird or Mail clients from Apple...). Only the Iridium MAIL application lets you communicate by e-mail free of charge.

To use your favorite mailbox in IMAP mode only, you'll need OneMail from OCENS, which we offer as part of our subscription.

The Iridium GO is designed for wireless connectivity over WIFI networks and is not configured to support direct wired connections between a computer and the Iridium GO.

Yes, it is possible, but you need to be registered with FocusPoint - Overwatch and Rescue. At Advanced Tracking this service is included in the unlimited package.

To activate the distress service via the Iridium GO application:

Go to the Iridium Go application and select - Settings - SOS.in Service GEOS select "do not use" and validate.

(This deactivates the GEOS usage request already included in your package)

Then in "call recipient" enter this phone number: 0016197178549.

And in "message recipient" enter this email address: [email protected]

Then Save (top right)

We'll take care of commissioning at GEOS!

To log in to the Iridium GO application, press the Login button at the bottom of the application home screen to enter your username and password.

The default username is "guest" with the password "guest" (username and password are case-sensitive, all lowercase).

Two applications on each platform: 

- The "Iridium GO" app is available on the Google Play store and the Apple iOS App Store, and enables you to manage your satellite connections, the GEOS emergency service, send your GPS position, send/receive SMS messages and contact your loved ones or the emergency services by phone.

- The "Iridium Mail & Web" application The Iridium Mail & Web application, which enables you to send and receive e-mails, browse the web (strongly discouraged due to low bandwidth), interact with social networks (Facebook and Twitter posting), send low-quality photos, get weather updates and update your travel blog by e-mail, is available on the Google Play Store and the Apple iOS App Store, and enables you to communicate via DATA, either by e-mail or on social networks. You need to create an account at https://www.iridium.com/iridium-go-mail-web-app-setup/ and follow the instructions in English.

- For sailors, yachtsmen or regatta sailors, you can make GRIB queries directly on your favorite software without using the Mail & Web application. Compatible with PredictWind Offshore, Weather4D, SailGrib WR, Avalon OffShore, Timezero Navigator, Squid or QtVlm applications.

All devices can connect via WIFI (Smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop). 

Your smartphone will be used as a satellite phone, and your tablet, connected to this wifi hotspot, will enable you to check your emails, send, twitter, access your social networks, share photos, receive GRIB weather files. You'll also be able to create and view emails in offline mode, place emails in a queue to send them faster, and retrieve emails from external accounts.

Use with your computer requires special OcensMail software (license) - click here for more information.

To use your Iridium Go only from a laptop or fixed computer (on-board computer) with a WIFI wireless connection, connect to the iridium SSID access point and visit the web page http://192.168.0.1 . The default credentials are login "guest" and password "guest". This will enable you to configure the GEOS emergency service and your GPS position.

You can't call from your computer.

For GRIB requests, you can use your favorite weather routing software, please consult their documentation: PredictWind, Weather4D, Timezero Navigator, Squid or QtVlm.

To send or receive e-mails, with or without attachments, you'll need software that can compress your data. You'll need either a subscription to the service offered by OCENS Mail (paying monthly, quarterly, half-yearly or yearly license) or a subscription to the service offered by OCENS Mail (paying monthly, quarterly, half-yearly or yearly license).

As for updating your social networks, this is often a feature included in the above software.

It is possible to make only one voice call OR one data call at a time, but it is possible to send SMS while a voice or data call is in progress. However, it is not possible to make a voice call and connect in DATA (no GRIB request during a call).

160 characters.

1000 characters.

Up to 5 devices can be connected at the same time to make calls (one person at a time), receive e-mails and send SMS. SMS, email and data requests can be sent and received at the same time. It takes from 1 to 3 minutes to send or receive an SMS. 

Launch the Iridium GO application, log in and click on the Call icon.

The numbering sequence is as follows: 

00 + [Country code] + [Phone number without leading zero], 

Example 1: To test satellite network operation free of charge: 00 14 807 525 105 or +14 807 525 105 (Service in English)

To reach Advanced Tracking: +33 494 231 551

Your friends and family can access the site: https://messaging.iridium.com, link to the official iridium.com website. 

You need to enter your subscription number starting with 8816, then in Reply Email, your loved one needs to enter his or her e-mail address to receive your reply. It is limited to one message of 160 characters, a maximum of 5 messages every 10 minutes and a monthly maximum of 150 SMS messages. As soon as your Iridium GO picks up a satellite signal (even in standby mode), it will send you a new SMS message, which can be consulted in the Iridium GO application. It takes about 2 to 10 minutes to receive an SMS.

Another alternative is MailToSMS, a function included with the iridium service.

To do so, please provide your email address below: [email protected] . You will receive the message as an SMS in Message under the "iridium GO!

Your loved ones can reach you, but it costs around €10/min per call. You can reach your loved ones or contacts on earth and this is included in the voice package, so it's free. 

The Iridium GO application is configured by default with a "guest" user name and a "guest" password.

The Iridium GO device does NOT have a WIFI password if it is not configured.

To set the WIFI password, go to "Wi-Fi settings" on the "advanced" icon -> via the Iridium GO application or from the Advanced Features portal (192.168.0.1) of your browser.

Use the Restore button to erase passwords, or log in as another user (if created) to 192.168.0.1 on your browser.

Check the following points:

a) SIM card installed,

b) Antenna in raised position,

c) Clear line of sight to the sky.

● Your antenna should be up and the Iridium GO device has a clear view of the sky.

● Your smartphone must be connected to the Iridium GO via the WIFI Network.

● All calls made from the Iridium satellite system must be in international format. See "How to make a call."

● Check the signal strength indicator. If the signal is weak, make sure you have a clear line of sight to the sky and that there are no interfering buildings, trees or other objects.

● Has a new SIM card been inserted? Check that no new restrictions have been imposed.

Your personal device MUST be connected via WIFI to Iridium GO (e.g. "Iridium-XXXXXX") for the Iridium GO application to work.

Please check your wireless network settings, as they may have changed to another WIFI network (such as your home or office Wi-Fi).

We advise you to set your phone to Airplane mode with Wifi enabled.

Check the following points:

● The charger is correctly connected to the device and the electrical socket and its contacts are clean and dry.

● Battery contacts are clean and dry.

● Battery temperature: If the battery is hot, allow it to cool before recharging.

● Battery performance diminishes after several years of use. You may need to replace it.

● Make sure you've installed an Iridium-approved battery.

Check that audio parameters are enabled in the advanced options.

Check that the WIFI network of the Iridium GO SSID peripheral unit is connected to the PC. Type the address 192.168.0.1 into a browser. If DHCP has been disabled and the static address is unknown, use the Restore button on the device.

First you need to make sure that you have subscribed to the Advanced Tracking service.

Tracking is free if you have an Iridium GO Unlimited subscription. Click here

Alternatively, you can subscribe to the tracking package for €15/month incl. VAT: Click here

To activate tracking via Iridium GO, you need to power up the box and activate tracking via the Iridium GO application.

Go to "Settings" - "Tracking" - put in "fast gps recipient" the email address : [email protected] then select the frequency you wish - the number of positions Example: one position every 2 hours. Finally, in "recipient tracking", enter the following e-mail address again [email protected].
Here you can enter several email addresses for other applications!

To stop tracking, check "no update" in the periodicity selection box - then validate by clicking "save".

If you want permanent tracking, you'll need to leave the Iridium GO on all the time if you have an unlimited package.

Some phones and tablets require a secure WIFI network. Indeed, your smartphone or tablet may not stay connected to the iridium GO's WIFI network if you are not WPA-2 enabled.

In that case, here's how to set a WPA-2 password on your Iridium Go wifi :

- Connecting to the Iridium Go WiFi network

- Open the Iridium Go app

 -On the Home screen, click on the Advanced icon > Wi-Fi settings > Security > select: WPA2 Encryption

Return to Wifi settings, and add a password (minimum 8 characters), then Save.

You will be prompted to restart your Iridium Go.

You'll now need to reconnect to the Iridium Go WiFi network using the password you've chosen.

If you encounter any difficulties, please check your connection to the Iridium Go network by following the instructions below:

- Set your phone or tablet to Airplane mode.

- Activate only the Wifi network (without 3G or 4G). Then connect to the Iridium Go Wifi.

Now open the Iridium Go application to check that the connection is via Iridium Go.

First, you need to set your smartphone or tablet to airplane mode.

Then activate Wifi and connect to your Iridium GO's Wifi network.
Once connected, open the Iridium GO application.

Go to Settings and select "Message".
Here you should find the following number: 00881662900005

If not, enter this number and confirm.

Now you should be able to send and receive SMS messages.

Iridium GO! exec works anywhere on the planet's surface with a clear view of the sky.

Iridium GO! exec requires connection to the Iridium® satellite network. The rotating antenna must be vertical to the ground and have a clear, unobstructed view of the sky. For optimum performance, the antenna should be able to "see" the whole sky from about 8 degrees above the horizon. The proximity of tall buildings or similar structures, leafy trees and mountains can impair performance by blocking the signal between the antenna and the satellites. Having a completely clear view of the sky plays a very important role in optimizing performance, as Iridium satellites move across the sky from north to south or vice versa during a connected call.

You can connect to your Iridium GO! exec in any of the following ways:

On your Iridium GO! exec device, access the "Show Wi-Fi access credentials" option in the settings menu. Then launch your Iridium GO! exec application and follow the on-screen instructions to scan the QR code with your personal phone's camera.

OR

In the network settings of your personal phone, select Iridium Wi-Fi. You will then be prompted to enter a password, which you can find by using your Iridium GO! exec, In your personal phone's network settings, select Iridium Wi-Fi. You will then be asked to enter a password, which you can find using your Iridium GO! exec, by navigating to the "Show Wi-Fi access information" option in the settings and pressing the "Show password" button. Enter the password in your phone's network settings. The default password is "password".

No. Sending a text message to a number is not supported, but you can use chat applications like WhatsApp, WeChat, Line, Viber when connected to the Iridium GO! exec Wi-Fi.

Please note that you will often be connected to the Iridium GO! exec Wi-Fi but there will be no active satellite connection, so the phone may detect this situation as "no internet". However, you need to stay connected because in the event of an incoming call, your Iridium GO! exec will alert you and your smartphone will ring, allowing you to answer the call.

Your Iridium GO! exec has no tracking or fast GPS functionality. However, when SOS is launched, your device will show you your Tracking coordinates, enabling you to relay the coordinates by reading them off the screen.

No, the Iridium GO! exec must be used in conjunction with the Iridium GO! exec companion application. You can find the Iridium GO! exec companion application in your smartphone's app store (Google Play Store and Apple App Store).

The product supports 4 simultaneous users connected via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Bluetooth is used to send notifications such as incoming calls, device battery status, network status, etc. to your Iridium GO exec application.

The SIM card holder on the Iridium GO! exec is spring-loaded. To remove it, you need to push your SIM card in so that the spring pushes it out.

The Iridium GO! exec is water-resistant to IP65 when all ports are closed.

Your Iridium GO! exec comes with a battery charge of 70% or more. To unlock your device from storage mode, you need to connect it to the USB-C charger, plug it into a power outlet and charge it.

The Iridium GO! exec complies with IP65 standards and is protected from dust and dirt when all ports are closed.

For optimum performance of your Iridium GO! exec, please observe the following temperature guidelines: -20°C to +50°C (operation), -20°C to +60°C (storage), 0°C to 45°C (battery charging).

The gray protective cover supplied with your Iridium GO! exec provides thermal protection for the device when in use. Although not necessary for use of your Iridium GO! exec, it is recommended for use in direct sunlight.

The Iridium GO! exec weighs 1200g / 2. Ibs.

All devices come with a predefined password, which we recommend you change during initial configuration. You'll find the default Wi-Fi password on the label on the back of your Iridium GO! exec.

Users can also find the default password in the device settings, under Wi-Fi credentials.

After accessing the voicemail system with the default "password", you can change the password by accessing the administrative menu (press '3'), then selecting the change password option (press '1').

The default PIN for accessing voicemail on all Iridium GO! exec devices is 1234.

If you share your Iridium GO! exec with a friend or family member, be sure to provide them with the screen access code (if enabled), so they can unlock the device. You can also choose to share the administrator code (if enabled).

They can download and install the Iridium GO! exec application on their smart device, and use it to connect to the device's Wi-Fi to make calls and establish data connections. The Iridium GO! exec can connect up to 4 devices at the same time.

You may notice it during prolonged calls or while charging. Heat is produced by the electronic components of your Iridium GO! exec and is completely normal.

The Iridium GO! exec application will inform you if a firmware update is available when you download the latest version. The device's firmware can be updated with the application.

When you connect the device to the Iridium GO! exec application, it will inform you if a new firmware update is available. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the firmware update.

To make sure you always have the most up-to-date information, you should check that your application is updated with the latest version on the corresponding application store. Each time there is a new firmware update, Iridium launches a new version of the application to include this new firmware.

The Iridium GO! exec can charge a smart device with the USB-C cable via the headset's USI/external charging port. The Iridium GO! exec must be switched on for a smart device to be charged.

Yes, the Iridium GO I exec device allows you to make two calls at the same time. These calls can be made from any combination of the device and the application, or from SIP phones (connected via Wi-Fi or the Ethernet port).

Yes, the Iridium GO! exec can support two calls and one data connection. Voice call quality may be lower when two calls and one data session are active.

It does not provide device memory, file storage or read/write capabilities. It is used for diagnostics and manufacturing tests.

No. TheIridium GO! adapter is not compatible with the external Iridium antenna connector.

For assistance, please contact your authorized Iridium service provider. Your service provider can help you with service activation, billing and price inquiries.

These applications have been tested and verified to work with Iridium GO! exec :

• Chat applications: WhatsApp, Viber, Line, Signal, Telegram
• Social media: Twitter (open profile)
• Browsing: Opera, Firefox
• Financial applications: Venmo, Zelle
• Home automation: Google Home

Iridium works with partners to offer customized applications for e-mail, weather or specific industry needs to provide more cost-effective and efficient use of the Iridium Certus 100 medium-band data connection. Here are just a few of these applications:

• Iridium Mail by Pivotel
• XGATE from Pivotel
• OneMail by OCENS
• OnSat mail by Applied Satellite Technology
• Predictwind by PredictWind

No. If you try to transfer your SIM card from your current phone or another device, this will not work. Iridium GO! exec uses an Iridium Certus SIM card.

Currently, only Iridium Certus SIM cards provisioned specifically for Iridium GO! exec plans work in the device. Iridium Certus SIM cards provided for other equipment will not work on Iridium GO! exec.

The product is guaranteed for a period of one (1) year from the date of retail purchase. For further information, please refer to the Warranty section of the user manual.

Data on the Iridium GO! exec can be used either wirelessly via Wi-Fi, or by cable via the Ethernet connection. For detailed information, please consult the Help section of the Iridium GO exec application or the user manual.

To access applications that require browsing or Internet access, connect your smart device to the Iridium GO! exec Wi-Fi network. Use the Iridium GO exec application or the Iridium GO! exec device to start a data session via the connection manager, choosing an appropriate activity profile. Use a standard application / web browser as you normally would to access the Internet via the Iridium satellite network. Applications and websites with high graphic, multimedia or video content will not work on this product.

As satellite data connections are slower and more expensive than conventional Internet connections, it's important to allow only the data you want to pass through the satellite network. Activity profiles define the rules for allowing or blocking traffic on the satellite network. Your Iridium GO exec already contains a series of predefined profiles. Or if you want to create your own profiles, you can do so from the setting: Device settings Activity profiles in the Iridium GO! exec application.

It's important to make sure you use the most appropriate activity profile when setting up data connections, as the activity profile will allow you to use the tools you want and prevent other applications on your PC or smart device from also using internet data in the background. And don't leave your connection running when it's not needed. To help you, the Connection Manager function offers a drop-down list for choosing a session duration.

You can monitor your upload and download consumption from the data connection screen (scroll to the bottom). Please note that the figures shown here are approximate values and should not be used for billing purposes. The usage counter can be reset from the Administrator menu or the Iridium GO! exec application, and you can also check your data usage in Settings: Device settings Billing and monitoring in the Iridium GO! exec application.

To check your e-mail with your Iridium GO exec, you can use the Iridium Mail application in your smartphone's Google Play Store. The Iridium Mail application should be available on the App Store at a later date. You need to create an Iridium Mail account. You can also use the Connection Manager function in your Iridium GO! exec application and use your standard messaging application.

Yes, make sure you select the Iridium GO! exec router in the router options.

To configure the SOS function on your Iridium GO! exec, access the SOS tab in the Iridium GO - exec application and follow the steps provided to add emergency contacts who will be alerted when you press the SOS button. Your emergency contact can be IERCC service or any other phone number of your choice.

You must be registered with FocusPoint - Overwatch and Rescue. At Advanced Tracking this service is included in the package.

In "call recipient", enter this phone number: 0016197178549.

On the device : Lift the flap marked SOS and press the SOS button for >1 second. If not already switched on, the device switches on and initiates the SOS.

On the device: Press the SOS icon on the device's LCD home screen, then press and hold the on-screen SOS button for 3 seconds.

Via the application: Use the Iridium GO exec application to launch an SOS by pressing the SOS icon on the application's home screen, then press and hold the on-screen SOS button until the SOS is activated.

NOTE: When triggering an SOS, make sure that the antenna of the Iridium GO! exec is up and that the device has a full view of the sky, or make sure that the antenna of the Iridium GO! exec is down.

an external antenna is connected.