Many trips will have at least one "texting" (inReach) device, which are the best way to communicate with everyone on the planet, except for the Grand Canyon Emergency Dispatch. In order to communicate with the Grand Canyon Emergency Dispatch, you need to initiate the communication with a voice call. The Globalstar satellite phone is the best method of communication from the bottom of Grand Canyon, but it is not perfect. You will need a big enough patch of southern sky to detect satellite, good power, protection from temperature extremes, water, and sand. A satellite phone can save lives in emergencies, reassure those who have been left at home, and keep your work life from stalling in your absence. Remember though – you are making a satellite phone call from the bottom of the Grand Canyon!
How to use the SAT Phone
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Rotate the orange tipped antenna so that it points upward.Keep the antenna vertical during use. You may adjust the handset angle for ease of use.
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Press and hold down the power key for three seconds.The display will show the number of your phone immediately after powering up.
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Once activated you may punch in the phone number you wish to dial.Always include “1” and the area code.For example, to dial the NPS Emergency Dispatch number, enter 1 (928) 638-7911.
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The phone is ready when you see the satellite reception icon (a 3 forked Y) and bars that indicate signal strength in the upper left corner of the screen.If you are in a location with a very limited skyline this may take a few minutes.If you do not get satellite reception immediately when the phone is turned on, press, and hold the * key and select option 2 – Globalstar.The phone will cycle through search modes including satellite, digital and cell until it locates a satellite – in Grand Canyon, you just want it to concentrate on finding a Globalstar signal.If it is easy to move to a location with a broader horizon, do so, this will enhance your reception.
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When you want to place the call press “send.”The screen will display the elapsed time of your call.
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Do not touch antenna while phone is in use – this interferes with reception and causes high power usage.Keep the antenna pointed UP.
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When you are finished with the call press “end.”
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When you re-dial the same number by pressing “send” again.
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Once you are finished, press, and hold down the power button for three seconds and swing the antenna back into the handset.
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The screen will be blank when the unit is off.
Check Messages on the SAT Phone
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Enter "*86"
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Press “1” to interrupt the message.
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Enter the security code – the last four digits of the SAT phone number (listed on the side of the phone.
Battery Life
The phone’s battery with a full charge provides approximately 3.5 hours of talk time or 9 hours of standby time. PRO provides a backup battery in a separate ammo can which can be used to power the phone, or to recharge the in-phone battery. Keep the backup battery right side up if at all possible. It is a gel cell so it will not leak acid even if flipped. Keep the spare battery and the phone itself from getting hot in the sun or from freezing.
Recharging the Battery
Remove the covers from batter terminals. Hook the red clip to the positive (+) terminal of the battery, and the black clip to the negative (-) terminal. Attach the charging plug to the phone, being careful to orient it properly. The phone can also be used while it is charging on the spare battery. It takes approximately 2.5 hours to charge the phone battery to 100%. Before putting away the spare battery, replace the terminal covers to avoid accidentally losing the charge.
Handy Phone Numbers
Grand Canyon NPS Emergency Dispatch - (928) 638-7911
Lake Mead Emergency Dispatch - (800) 680-5851
Meadview NPS - (928) 564-2918
Hualapai River Runners - (928) 769-2219 or (928) 769-2210
Hualapai Diamond Creek Road Crew - (928) 769-2246
Professional River Outfitters - (928) 779-1512 or (800) 648-3236
Emergency Evacuation Procedures
The GCNP Noncommercial River Trip Regulations state the procedure for performing a rescue request by satellite telephone and selecting and preparing the helicopter-landing zone. A copy of the Emergency Evacuation Procedures should be kept in a known and available location during your trip. Please notify every boater of the location of your backboard table, first aid kits, and satellite phone. Familiarize everyone with how to use it.