Looking for a reliable way to stay connected when off-grid? The ZOLEO Satellite Communicator offers seamless messaging over satellite, cellular, and Wi-Fi networks, ensuring communication even in the most remote locations. Its robust design is certified to meet the demands of outdoor enthusiasts. This review will cover the setup, features, and performance, helping you decide if ZOLEO is the right tool to keep you linked to the world no matter where your adventures take you. Having this device provided peace of mind for me while overlanding the Colorado BDR and exploring trails in Moab.
Key Takeaways
- The ZOLEO Satellite Communicator provides global messaging capabilities, safety features like SOS and check-in buttons, and rugged durability with MIL-STD 810G and IP68 ratings, all supported by the Iridium satellite network.
- Ease of setup and use is assured with the ZOLEO mobile app, offering extended messaging, weather forecasts, multilingual support, and companion connectivity via Bluetooth, alongside flexible subscription plans and activation.
- ZOLEO is competitively priced at $200 with a solid build and features including emergency services connectivity, extended battery life, location sharing, and tracking functionalities, though it lacks some features like group messaging and explicit weather forecast accuracy details.
Introducing the ZOLEO Satellite Communicator
The ZOLEO Satellite Communicator Device is a global messaging and safety system that promises to keep you connected even beyond cell coverage. The device offers the following features:
- Operates on the Iridium satellite network, providing global messaging capabilities with an active subscription plan
- Rugged design with an IP68 rating for dust and water-resistance
- Meets MIL-STD 810G standards for shock resistance, making it suitable for various off-the-grid activities.
The ZOLEO device is bolstered by a companion mobile app that enhances its capabilities. With the free ZOLEO app, you can:
- Send extended messages
- Receive weather forecasts
- Share your location
- Experience multilingual support
The device comes with Check-in and SOS buttons, offering safety features that work independently of a connected smartphone.
Various certifications, including FCC, CE, and ISED, strengthen the credibility of ZOLEO by attesting to its compliance and the reliability of its technology. Established industry players like Beam Communications and Roadpost Inc. back the device, reinforcing its reliability. Next, we’ll explore the setup process and usability of the ZOLEO device.
Setting Up Your ZOLEO Satellite Communicator
Setting up the ZOLEO Satellite Communicator involves the following steps:
- Go to www.myzoleo.com/activate and select your country. This will determine available rate plans and currency.
- Gather the necessary items for setup: your ZOLEO device, a credit card, and contact information for your emergency (SOS) and one check-in contact.
- Input the ZOLEO device information.
- Select an email and SMS number tied to your home country.
- Choose a messaging plan.
- Provide details for your SOS and Check-In contacts.
There’s an activation fee of $40, and users are entered into an initial 3-month term contract. The good news is that you can cancel or suspend any time after that. Once the service term is satisfactory completed, users can suspend their ZOLEO service. However, users can still maintain their number and email for a nominal fee, granting flexibility for seasonal or infrequent use. After signing up online, the ZOLEO device will be ready for use within minutes, operating on the Iridium satellite network.
The ZOLEO app, available for download from the Google Play or Apple store, connects to the device via Bluetooth. Without Wi-Fi or cellular access, a user must ensure the device has an unobstructed line-of-sight to the sky to connect via satellite. To confirm the device setup and connectivity, users should send a test message outdoors with the device logo facing up and under clear sky. Next, we’ll explore the features and functionality of the mobile app.
A Guide to ZOLEO Mobile App
The ZOLEO mobile app, available for both iOS and Android devices, is the heart of the ZOLEO experience. The registration process is straightforward – accept terms, provide a username and mobile number, and verify through an SMS code received on a network-connected device. The app requires user location access, contact access, and permission to send notifications for full functionality.
One of the key features of the ZOLEO app is its app-to-app messaging capability. You can send messages by selecting the compose message icon and choosing from existing ZOLEO app contacts. If your contacts don’t own a ZOLEO device, they can be invited to the free ZOLEO app to communicate with you.
The app’s multi-language support enhances accessibility for a global user base. Interestingly, the ZOLEO device can be shared with friends, allowing them to connect via Bluetooth and utilize the owner’s messaging plan. We will now examine the device’s design and user interface in more detail.
ZOLEO’s Design and User Interface
With an IP68 rating, protection from dust and water, and meeting MIL-STD 810G standards for shock resistance, the ZOLEO device is designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor adventures. Its ruggedness is further enhanced by a solid construction and professional-grade build, making it valuable for use in remote and harsh environments.
The functionality of the ZOLEO device includes:
- Internal GPS chip for location accuracy
- Audible message alerts with selectable tones
- LEDs indicating various device statuses
- Bluetooth connectivity with up to a 50-meter range
Despite its robust features and rugged build, the ZOLEO device is designed to be lightweight, and has a long-lasting battery, contributing to its appealing design and user experience. Next, we’ll assess the device’s messaging capabilities.
Assessing ZOLEO’s Messaging Capabilities
One of the standout features of the ZOLEO Satellite Communicator is its ability to transmit messages using its messaging system. The device prioritizes cellular service over satellite when available, helping to mitigate satellite usage and lower costs. Its ability to switch seamlessly between satellite, WiFi, and cellular networks ensures cost-effective message delivery.
ZOLEO’s messaging system offers the following features:
- Reliable messaging using the extensive global coverage of the Iridium satellite network
- Unified inbox within the ZOLEO app for messages from satellite, WiFi, and cellular
- Seamless communication experience
- Mobile app connects to the ZOLEO device via Bluetooth for message exchange over the Iridium satellite network
The ZOLEO app facilitates two-way messaging with different character limits: app-to-app (900+), email (up to 200), SMS/text (up to 160). Next, we’ll test the accuracy of the weather forecasts provided by the ZOLEO communicator.
Weather Forecast Accuracy Test
The ZOLEO communicator offers a weather forecast feature that allows users to share their GPS coordinates and obtain AerisWeather™ forecasts on demand, enabling weather forecasts location sharing. These forecasts include current conditions, hourly forecasts for the next 44 hours, and daily forecasts for the coming 5 days.
However, there is no specific information available regarding the accuracy of the weather forecasts provided by the ZOLEO communicator. This might be an area of potential improvement for the ZOLEO device, especially considering the importance of accurate weather forecasts for outdoor adventurers.
Nonetheless, given the breadth of information provided in the forecasts, it’s clear that the ZOLEO communicator aims to equip users with a comprehensive picture of the weather conditions. We will now look at the performance of the Emergency SOS feature in critical situations.
Emergency SOS Feature in Action
The SOS button of the ZOLEO Satellite Communicator is a crucial safety feature. Once activated, it connects to a 24/7 expert monitoring service to ensure that help is dispatched. After an SOS alert is initiated, users can maintain communication with a 24/7 emergency response coordination partner through the ZOLEO app, facilitating detailed exchanges regarding the emergency.
The device’s GPS accuracy is 2.5m/8.2ft under ideal conditions, utilizing the Global Navigation Satellite System for precise tracking, which is crucial during search and rescue operations activated by the SOS feature. The ZOLEO device requires users to enter two SOS contacts prior to use, offering a layer of safety preparation, and provides non-emergency assistance through the Medical Assist option for travel or adventure situations.
The SOS feature certainly adds an extra layer of safety and security for users, especially in remote locations. Next, we’ll discuss the device’s battery life and charging options.
ZOLEO’s Battery Life and Charging
The ZOLEO device comes with the following features:
- Micro USB charging port
- Internal battery capacity of 1430 mAh
- Over 200 hours of battery life on a single charge under typical usage conditions
- Battery longevity based on checking messages every 12 minutes, a common usage pattern for the device.
A 1.5 A charger can fully charge the ZOLEO device in approximately 2 hours. However, when using a lower-powered 500 mA charger, the full charge time increases to about 5 hours.
The device’s extended battery life is crucial in emergencies, providing prolonged operational periods when recharging may not be possible. Next, we’ll evaluate how ZOLEO performs in terms of location sharing and tracking.
Location Sharing and Tracking with ZOLEO
ZOLEO offers a check-in feature that lets zoleo users inform designated contacts about their safety and share their location. The Location Share+ feature adds functionality that allows sharing of location updates at a chosen interval to a user’s check-in contacts.
Users can start and stop location sharing sessions and set the intervals using the ZOLEO app’s location-sharing icon. Users can add Location Share+ services, an optional subscription, to any plan for an additional $6 per month. This allows them to share their location with predefined contacts through a secure share map URL and enjoy unlimited location share messages.
Recipients of location updates through the ZOLEO app can view a breadcrumb trail on the map that includes each recently reported location with GPS coordinates, battery status, and a timestamp. The system also displays the most recently reported location for easy reference.
Regular check-ins are crucial, especially in remote areas; they reduce the potential search area if users are incapacitated and unable to manually send a distress signal. Next, we’ll compare ZOLEO with its competitors.
ZOLEO vs. The Competition
When it comes to pricing, here are the options:
- ZOLEO: $200
- Garmin inReach Messenger: $300
- Garmin inReach Mini 2: $400
- SPOT Gen4’s annual subscription starts at $203.51 USD
ZOLEO is positioned as an economical choice compared to the others, and SPOT Gen4’s subscription is slightly less than ZOLEO’s plans after the initial period.
One of ZOLEO’s unique selling points is its dedicated number and email address for messaging, which provide consistent contact information. However, the inReach Mini 2 stands out for its screen size and standalone functionality, including basic navigation capabilities.
One disadvantage for ZOLEO is the lack of group messaging capabilities, a feature that the inReach Messenger and Mini 2 offer. Nevertheless, ZOLEO provides versatile subscription plans that cater to different user needs, from basic check-ins to comprehensive messaging services.
Finally, we’ll discuss whether the ZOLEO Satellite Communicator is a worthy investment.
Is the ZOLEO Worth Your Investment?
The ZOLEO Satellite Communicator is considered an investment-worthy device for its target audience. Here are some reasons why:
- It provides reliable communication in emergencies, which can be crucial for travelers and adventurers.
- It offers regular check-ins, ensuring that you can stay connected even in remote areas.
- It has received the Product of the Year Award, indicating its high quality and performance.
- It comes with a 2-year warranty, giving you peace of mind and further justifying the investment in the device.
While the device does have a few areas for improvement, such as the lack of group messaging capabilities and the need for more detailed information on the accuracy of its weather forecasts, it offers a well-rounded package of features at a competitive price point.
Considering its robust features, seamless global messaging capabilities, user-friendly interface, and affordable pricing, the ZOLEO Satellite Communicator is not just a device; it’s a reliable companion for those who venture off the beaten path.
Summary
From its rugged design and easy setup process to its impressive messaging capabilities and emergency SOS feature, the ZOLEO Satellite Communicator sets the bar high for outdoor communication devices. Its seamless network switching and global coverage make it a reliable partner for those who venture beyond cell coverage.
While it does have a few areas for improvement, its strengths far outweigh the minor shortcomings. The ZOLEO device’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is evident in its 2-year warranty and the accolades it has received, including the Product of the Year Award.
In conclusion, the ZOLEO Satellite Communicator is a worthy investment for outdoor enthusiasts, adventurers, and anyone who values safety and reliable communication during their off-the-grid adventures. So, are you ready to conquer the great outdoors with ZOLEO?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use ZOLEO without a subscription?
ZOLEO requires a monthly subscription for active service to transmit messages via the Iridium satellite network. However, you have the option to suspend or change plans when needed.
What is the difference between ZOLEO and inReach messenger?
The main difference between ZOLEO and inReach messenger is that inReach has the best overall blend of performance, features, usability, and value, while ZOLEO is more economical and offers a user-friendly system and a dedicated phone number. Choose the one that best fits your needs and budget.
Does ZOLEO work as a GPS?
Yes, ZOLEO works as a GPS and sends your current position with the SOS signal in case of emergency, allowing rescuers to locate you worldwide.
What is the ZOLEO Satellite Communicator?
The ZOLEO Satellite Communicator is a global messaging and safety system designed to operate in areas without cell coverage, providing a reliable means of communication.
How do I set up my ZOLEO device?
To set up your ZOLEO device, simply visit www.myzoleo.com/activate, select your country, and follow the on-screen instructions. It’s a straightforward process that will help you get your device ready to use.