Satellite BALL! - Techwatch Support Forums: Digital & Satellite TV, FTA, Cable, Computers, Mobile Phones, Apple and General Tech Forums

Gav · 22-05-07, 04:09 PM

'The hits just keep coming out of Popular Science's Invention Awards -- we already checked out the ring mouse and "slidingly engaging fastener," but Paul Gierow's GATR-com (which stands for "ground antenna transmit and receive) inflatable satellite ball has got to be the most sci-fi invention of the bunch. Designed to provide communications in otherwise inhospitable environments, the six or eight-foot sphere contains a plastic satellite dish that unfolds when the ball is inflated and can be targeted to within one-tenth of a degree. When collapsed, the GATR-com weighs just 70 pounds and fits into two backpacks. The $50,000 ball has already been tested in disaster areas, helping a Red Cross station secure medicine during Hurricane Katrina, and Gierow says he's been inundated with potential clients. We can see why -- not only does this thing dial up a T1 speed connection, it's perfect for exercising your Wookiees.'

Video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uT-nofGhyb0

BGonaSTICK · 23-05-07, 02:07 PM

Bizarre... would have been nice to have seen it working though :?

Not sure I would like to inflate a $50,000 balloon in less than perfect weather conditions either!

madrat · 24-05-07, 12:56 AM

:? Whats the point of it? Its bigger, takes longer to set up and doesn't look as robust as a standard portable dish.

Analoguesat · 24-05-07, 07:38 AM

Its got 2 way transmit/receive capability, and is easily transported. Its not for the hobbyist - its for the disaster relief type market where ease of use, portability and rugged durability are important

BGonaSTICK · 24-05-07, 08:38 AM

... and money's no object

madrat · 24-05-07, 01:26 PM

I hope my life never depends on an inflatable dish

BGonaSTICK · 24-05-07, 01:41 PM

:roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao:

22-05-07, 04:09 PM	#1 (permalink)
Gav Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 542 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Satellite BALL! 'The hits just keep coming out of Popular Science's Invention Awards -- we already checked out the ring mouse and "slidingly engaging fastener," but Paul Gierow's GATR-com (which stands for "ground antenna transmit and receive) inflatable satellite ball has got to be the most sci-fi invention of the bunch. Designed to provide communications in otherwise inhospitable environments, the six or eight-foot sphere contains a plastic satellite dish that unfolds when the ball is inflated and can be targeted to within one-tenth of a degree. When collapsed, the GATR-com weighs just 70 pounds and fits into two backpacks. The $50,000 ball has already been tested in disaster areas, helping a Red Cross station secure medicine during Hurricane Katrina, and Gierow says he's been inundated with potential clients. We can see why -- not only does this thing dial up a T1 speed connection, it's perfect for exercising your Wookiees.' Video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uT-nofGhyb0 __________________

23-05-07, 02:07 PM	#2 (permalink)
BGonaSTICK Dodgy Geezer Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Brighton Posts: 9,718 Thanks: 3 Thanked 166 Times in 60 Posts	Re: Satellite BALL! Bizarre... would have been nice to have seen it working though :? Not sure I would like to inflate a $50,000 balloon in less than perfect weather conditions either! __________________ Dreambox 7000, Skystar2 PCI, Skystar USB, Fibo 90cm on Moteck SG2100, Triax TD110 multi-LNB. Sky + ART cards. 45.0°E - 58.0°W

24-05-07, 12:56 AM	#3 (permalink)
madrat Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Leicestershire Posts: 2,232 Thanks: 11 Thanked 83 Times in 72 Posts	Re: Satellite BALL! :? Whats the point of it? Its bigger, takes longer to set up and doesn't look as robust as a standard portable dish. __________________ *VIRGIN, STOP SENDING ME JUNK MAIL.*

24-05-07, 07:38 AM	#4 (permalink)
Analoguesat manic midlander retired mod Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Scottish Borders Posts: 11,668 Thanks: 21 Thanked 1,339 Times in 990 Posts	Re: Satellite BALL! Its got 2 way transmit/receive capability, and is easily transported. Its not for the hobbyist - its for the disaster relief type market where ease of use, portability and rugged durability are important __________________ Basic forum rules for both satellite & cable: no keys no patches no offering or asking for card shares Anyone pm'ing me for details of card sharing or anything to do with hacking cable will be banned immediately Analogue forever!!

24-05-07, 08:38 AM	#5 (permalink)
BGonaSTICK Dodgy Geezer Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Brighton Posts: 9,718 Thanks: 3 Thanked 166 Times in 60 Posts	Re: Satellite BALL! ... and money's no object __________________ Dreambox 7000, Skystar2 PCI, Skystar USB, Fibo 90cm on Moteck SG2100, Triax TD110 multi-LNB. Sky + ART cards. 45.0°E - 58.0°W

24-05-07, 01:26 PM	#6 (permalink)
madrat Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Leicestershire Posts: 2,232 Thanks: 11 Thanked 83 Times in 72 Posts	Re: Satellite BALL! I hope my life never depends on an inflatable dish __________________ *VIRGIN, STOP SENDING ME JUNK MAIL.*

24-05-07, 01:41 PM	#7 (permalink)
BGonaSTICK Dodgy Geezer Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Brighton Posts: 9,718 Thanks: 3 Thanked 166 Times in 60 Posts	Re: Satellite BALL! :roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao: __________________ Dreambox 7000, Skystar2 PCI, Skystar USB, Fibo 90cm on Moteck SG2100, Triax TD110 multi-LNB. Sky + ART cards. 45.0°E - 58.0°W