Beckley, Bob . 2001. Field Evaluation of the Magellan GSC-100 Global Communication Device. 0167 2337. Missoula, MT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, National Technology and Development Program. 4 p.
Describes the field evaluation of the Magellan GSC-100 hand-held, text-based global communication device. The device uses the ORBCOMM low-Earth satellite constellation to relay text messages called Global Grams. It also allows users to receive up-to-date weather reports for the United States and for up to 200 miles offshore. Employees on the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest evaluated the Magellan GSC-100 during the 2000 fire season. Messages took from several minutes to several hours to be delivered. At this time, the Missoula Technology and Development Center feels the GSC-100 has potential as a field communication device in areas with poor or no radio or cell phone coverage, or for persons with hearing impairments. The GSC-100 should not be relied on for emergency use, or as the sole means of communication, because of possible delays in the delivery of messages.
Keywords: e-mail, messaging, satellites, telecommunications
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