GoTenna: send messages and GPS-coordinates without network signal

With all of our dependence on mobile phones, the world is still enough places where there is a very weak signal of the network or at all, its absence. This may be the mountains, far from civilization, settlements and other places. The recently launched startup goTenna aims to correct this unfortunate drawback with using a small gadget that connects to your smartphone Bluetooth and can act in the role of a wireless transmitter for communicating with other devices (using the same transmitter). The gadget works with devices running iOS and Android, and creating a peer-to-peer connection capable of communicating within a radius of tens of kilometers.

Transmitter goTenna reminds USB-stick or 3G-modem and has a fairly compact size (about 15 cm in length). your smartphone connection is the protocol Bluetooth 4.0, which is known for its low power consumption, so battery consumption increased work goTenna cause should not.

Link created by the device only need to send text messages, voice calls, of course, are not supported. However, in addition to the messages, you can send (and receive) GPS-coordinates of your friends, it will be very helpful in the campaigns and the use of country goTenna. Shallow channel capacity overlaps long range due to the frequency of 151-154 MHz. Also allows the low frequency signal around obstacles, extending over longer distances.

According to CEO and co-founder of the project, Daniela Perdomo, goTenna range of actions in the line of sight on otkrtyh spaces can reach 15 kilometers. Various obstacles, of course, reduce the signal power, however, it remains at an acceptable level. In a wooded area and natural surroundings, you can count on 5-7 kilometers, and in a metropolis - about 2 kilometers. It also notes that in cases where you are at altitude (eg in the mountains), the radius of action is significantly increased and can reach 80 kilometers.

Peer-to-peer network that creates goTenna, has no relation to the internet, so do not expect to surfing the web and sending tweets. Nevertheless, there have accessory firmware application through which you can send messages and coordinates users and which contains a handy map, with marks all transmitters located nearby. This approach will be very convenient for the coordination of groups of tourists, during your travels, and other such situations when you need to be in touch and coordinate their actions with other participants.

"He can use two people in the Sahara or 5,000 people in the Coachella Fest" - said Perdomo. "This is a very flexible device."

As you can imagine goTenna, mostly focused for use outside of the city and civilization. Daniel suggests that the accessory will take its place among the various trekkers and calls him a target audience of the climbers, skiers, hunters and tourists. The device can either be bought or rented in the tourist centers and other specialized ogranizatsii.

In addition, Perdomo readily admits that goTenna there are other niches and applications: among extreme, volunteer squads, mercenaries and other categories of people up to those who are willing to zombie apocalypse. She also believes that the accessory will be a hit among people who pay attention to the privacy and who want to circumvent censorship repressive regimes. Since goTenna works without the Internet, in the accessory mneshe vulnerabilities and its data can not be intercepted without Special radio scanner, but in this case they are protected, as to send messages to both sides used RSA 1024 encryption.

Pre-order goTenna can do nowBut to send not count until autumn. Price sets of two devices 150 dolllarov.