Hi hoveronly,
we have iridium phones fitted - into the station box - so everybody can hear.
Had some problems with calls from base not coming through - but that could be a providerproblem, we´re checking on this.
When working - very good quality.
New gadget is the datamode, which allows base to send messages and new coordinates to the GPS (helimap) - and sending short burst messages down with status, position, heading and speed, so that base is informed about our whereabouts.
Talking is not that expensive - compared to a few more minutes flight time cause you don´t have the information needed.........
Data mode is even cheaper
Greetings Flying Bull