ZOLEO Satellite Communicator User Manual
Getting Started
- Charge your ZOLEO device using the included micro-USB cable. Connect the cable to the device and a power source. The charging time is approximately 2 hours.
- Download the free ZOLEO app on your Android or iOS smartphone or tablet.
- Turn on your ZOLEO device by pressing and holding the power button until the LED lights turn on.
- Enable Bluetooth on your smartphone or tablet and open the ZOLEO app.
- Follow the in-app instructions to create an account and activate your ZOLEO device. You will need to choose a monthly subscription plan.
- Pair your ZOLEO device with your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth.
Using the ZOLEO App
- To send and receive messages, open the ZOLEO app on your smartphone or tablet. You can send messages to any SMS text number, email address, or another ZOLEO app user.
- When outside of cell coverage, your messages will be transmitted via the Iridium satellite network. When cellular or Wi-Fi is available, the app will use these networks to send messages.
- To request a weather forecast, tap the weather icon at the bottom of the screen. You will receive a detailed 5-day forecast for your current location.
- To share your location, enable the Location Share+ add-on. You can choose a sharing interval and view your breadcrumb trail on a map within the app.
Using the ZOLEO Device
- To send a check-in message, press the check-in button on the device. Your assigned contacts will receive a message with your location coordinates. Each check-in message sent via satellite will incur a cost.
- In case of an emergency, press and hold the SOS button on the device for 3 seconds. This will send an SOS alert with your location coordinates to the 24/7 emergency monitoring service.
Troubleshooting Tips
- If your ZOLEO device is not connecting to your smartphone or tablet, ensure that Bluetooth is enabled on your device and that the ZOLEO device is powered on.
- If you are unable to send or receive messages, check your subscription plan and ensure that you have not exceeded your monthly message limit.
- If your device is not charging, try using a different micro-USB cable and power source.
- For optimal battery life, adjust the message check interval in the app settings. The device's battery lasts for 200+ hours when checking messages every 12 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check my remaining satellite messages?
Currently, there is no way to check the number of remaining satellite messages within the app. To monitor your usage, keep track of the number of messages sent via satellite.
Can I use the ZOLEO device without a smartphone or tablet?
Yes, the ZOLEO device can be used without a smartphone or tablet to send check-in messages and trigger an SOS alert. However, for full functionality and two-way messaging, a smartphone or tablet with the ZOLEO app is required.
Can I use ZOLEO globally?
Yes, the ZOLEO device can be used globally. However, monthly subscribers must have a billing/payment address in the US, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand.
How do I activate and deactivate my subscription?
You can activate and deactivate your subscription through the ZOLEO app or by logging into your account on the ZOLEO website. When not using the device, you can suspend your subscription for $4/month to maintain your dedicated phone number and email address.
How do I update my check-in contacts?
To update your check-in contacts, open the ZOLEO app and go to the settings menu. From there, you can add, remove, or edit your check-in contacts.
FAQ [continued]
Product FAQ:Q: What are the monthly subscription plans? Can I cancel service when I’m not using it?
A: ZOLEO offers monthly subscription plans starting at $20 per month, with options for 25, 250, or unlimited satellite messages. Cellular, Wi-Fi, and SOS messaging are included in all plans. After the initial three-month commitment, you can suspend your service for just $4 per month. However, you must pay for at least three months of the contract price before you can suspend service. Plans are currently available in the USA, Canada, and Australia but work globally.
Q: Can I keep my regular cellular carrier for when I’m not using the ZOLEO device? I only want to use it when I go to a cabin off-grid.
A: Yes, you can keep your regular cellular carrier for when you’re not using the ZOLEO device. The ZOLEO app is designed to work using your cell connection, Wi-Fi connection, or the ZOLEO Communicator’s satellite connection. When you’re in range of cell or Wi-Fi, the ZOLEO app will send messages using those connections. When you get out of range, connect the app to the ZOLEO Communicator, and you’ll have seamless global coverage with the Iridium Satellite Network!
Q: Can you send pictures over the SMS satellite link?
A: No, you cannot send images via the ZOLEO app. The messages may include alphanumeric text and emojis, perfect for quick check-ins and longer conversations. The app is free to download and use over Wi-Fi or cellular so that you can check out messaging before making a purchase.
Q: Can I still send an SOS without my smartphone?
A: Yes, you can still send an SOS without your smartphone. The ZOLEO Communicator has a physical SOS button allowing an SOS to be triggered even if you don’t have access to the ZOLEO app. The ZOLEO Communicator also has a physical Check-In button to send updates quickly.
Q: Can I satellite text someone who uses a Garmin for satellite texting?
A: You can send ZOLEO messages via SMS, so if their Garmin account can provide such a destination, it seems like it would be possible.
Q: How can you check your number of messages used? If this is lacking, it seems disingenuous and on purpose.
A: Currently, there is no option to view the usage on the ZOLEO App, but there are plans to add this feature in the near future. The ZOLEO app will note all messages sent by satellite with a small icon next to the time stamp. Check-in messages and weather forecasts retrieved by satellite will also count as messages. ZOLEO will be rolling out a message use notification feature in the first quarter of 2021 to help manage the usage on non-unlimited plans.
Q: Can I send a message to a landline phone number?
A: Most landlines don’t accept text messages from cellphones or other devices. In cases where someone does not have a cellphone, they can run the free ZOLEO app on an Android or iOS Tablet (iPad) to complete app-to-app messages or they can use an existing email address.
Q: Can you check somewhere what your message credit balance is? Assuming you do not have an unlimited plan, does the app show you how many msgs are left?
A: Currently, there is no option to view the usage on the ZOLEO App, but there are plans to add this feature in the near future.
Q: Can I check my Gmail account or only the ZOLEO email account?
A: The ZOLEO app and communicator do not allow you to check existing email accounts. ZOLEO will allow you to send messages by ZOLEO app-to-app, to and from a ZOLEO SMS (text) number, and by ZOLEO email address.
Q: How much do the top-up bundles cost in the US for the $20/month plan?
A: There is a 20 Message Top-Up for $8.00 and a 75 Message Top-Up for $15.00.
Overall, the ZOLEO Satellite Communicator is a rugged, GPS location-aware device that links with the free ZOLEO app on your smartphone or tablet to keep you connected when outside cell coverage. With monthly subscription plans starting at $20 per month, you can send and receive messages globally, declare an SOS in case of emergency, check-in with loved ones to let them know you’re OK, and request detailed weather information to help you stay safe. The device is built to last with long-lasting Lithium-ion battery life and MIL-STD 810G shock-resistance and superior dust- and water-resistance (IP68).
Specifications
| Brand | ZOLEO |
| Model Number | ZL1000 |
| Item Weight | 5.3 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 3.58 x 2.6 x 1.06 inches |
| Country of Origin | Malaysia |
| Item model number | ZL1000 |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. |
| Warranty | 2 year manufacturer warranty |
| Battery Life | 200 Hours |
| Voice command | Buttons |
| ASIN | B07X59RH7T |
| Customer Reviews | 4.6 out of 5 stars 1,406 ratings 4.6 out of 5 stars |
| Best Sellers Rank | #2,144 in Electronics |
| Date First Available | March 24, 2020 |
| Are Batteries Included | Yes |
| Voice command | Buttons |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 3.58 x 2.6 x 1.06 inches |
| Connectivity Technology | Bluetooth |
| Map Type | Satellite, Australia, North America |
| Battery Life | 200 Hours |
| Control Method | App |
| Weight | 5.3 ounces |
| Dimensions | 3.58 x 2.6 x 1.06 inches |
| First Available | March 24, 2020 |
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