AmosConnect E-mail - Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is AmosConnect?
2. Can I use my existing e-mail account with AmosConnect?
3. How much does it cost to use AmosConnect?

1. What is AmosConnect?
AmosConnect is a free tool that runs on a Windows PC providing the user with the ability to send e-mails and faxes over various satellite networks including Iridium, FleetBroadband, and BGAN.
It is compatible with Windows 2000, 2003, XP, and Vista. It is not compatible with Mac. AmosConnect provides an ultra efficient satellite communications protocol, including error correction. Its benefits are cost savings through:

Automatic message compression of up to 85% on text and database files
Faster connections (reduced initial synchronization and handshake time)
Automatic mid-message crash recovery: If you had been sending a large message when the Iridium call dropped, AmosConnect would try to start as close as possible to where it left off -- reducing your transmission costs.
Delivery, non-delivery, read and unread notifications

USING WITH RUDICS OVER IRIDIUM: RUDICS is not required but does enhance AmosConnect and make it quicker and more efficient. The Iridium RUDICS (Router Based Unrestricted Digital Interworking Connectivity Solution) service is a circuit switched data service intended to be incorporated as part of an integrated data solution. Outfitter Satellite does not charge an additional fee for RUDICS but RUDICS is not available on all plans. In particular, RUDICS is not available on prepaid Iridium plans. RUDICS was originally designed by Iridium to support applications that have many field devices and one central host application. The service allows field devices to directly call the host applications and the host application is able to directly call the field device (ship-to-shore and shore-to-ship.)

With RUDICS the AmosConnect service becomes truly IP based and the analog modem training time is eliminated – again a cost saver. Furthermore, the call connection quality and reliability is increased and throughput is maximized. In order to use RUDICS the SIM card must be activated with RUDICS. By default, Outfitter Satellite offers all postpaid Iridium service including 318 Captain's SIM cards with RUDICS . Unfortunately, RUDICS is not available on prepaid SIM cards.

To make an AmosConnect data call with a card activated under RUDICS use short code 6565.

USING FOR INMARSAT-BASED COMMUNICATIONS: AmosConnect can be used for GSPS (IsatPhone PRO), BGAN, and FleetBroadband. Earlier versions of AmosConnect do not support GSPS so call Outfitter Satellite for support. AmosConnect 8.2 is know to support GSPS (IsatPhone PRO).

2. Can I use my existing e-mail account with AmosConnect?
You will be assigned a unique AmosConnect e-mail account when you install AmosConnect on your PC. A user's regular e-mail account can usually be forwarded to the AmosConnect account if needed. Some e-mail accounts do not support automatic forwarding of e-mails. Please check with your e-mail provider.

3. How much does it cost to use AmosConnect?
AmosConnect (basic version) is free of charge. The customer does pay for satellite airtime and usage. AmosConnect will use compression to minimize the size of the e-mails. If AmosConnect is being used with Iridium the cost will be measured in minutes of air time. If AmosConnect is used over a BGAN, the cost will be measured in MB of data sent and received.