Using a Satellite Device with Ok Alone

When you’re outside cell service—on offshore rigs, remote wilderness, or in vehicles—your satellite device can send SMS to Ok Alone just like a basic phone. You’ll use PIN-based commands to start/end shifts, check in, request help, and more.

1. Supported Devices & Integrations

• ZOLEO: Full integration—follow the ZOLEO setup guide - Using OK Alone with ZOLEO for Remote Status Updates – OK Alone
  
  

• Globalstar SPOT: See the SPOT integration instructions.
  
  

• Other SMS-capable devices: Any device that can send and receive SMS to a custom number will work.

2. Country-Specific Phone Numbers

Send your SMS commands to the number for your region:

• Canada: [phone] or [phone]

• USA: [phone]

• UK: [phone]

• Australia: [phone]

• New Zealand: [phone]

• Ireland: [phone]

3. Checking In via SMS

Use the format <PIN> <action>:

Action	Command Example	Result
Start	123456 start	Begins a shift
Check In / Start	123456 ok	Sends/checks in; starts if needed
Help	123456 help	Sends an emergency alert
End	123456 end	Ends the current shift
Status	123456 status	Returns your current status

 

• To send an additional message just add the message after the action: 
    PIN action message

 

4. Pre-Set Message Templates

Many satellite devices let you program “pre-set” messages. Save your three essential commands as templates to save time:

• PIN ok (start/check in)

• PIN help (emergency alert)

• PIN end (end shift)

You can include default text or coordinates in each template as needed.

5. Including Location Coordinates

If your device supports auto-attaching GPS coordinates, enable it in your device or provider portal (e.g., Garmin’s explore.garmin.com). Otherwise, manually add latitude/longitude after your action:

• PIN action 33.812511,-117.918976

6. Check-In Reminders on Satellite Devices

• You’ll receive SMS reminders when a check-in is due, just as you would in the app.

• If your satellite device has an inbound number assigned, Ok Alone can send shift start, check-in, and end-shift reminders there.

• You may also run both the mobile app and satellite device together: start your shift in the app for visual reminders, then check in via SMS when out of coverage.

7. Dashboard Setup for Satellite-Only Users

In the Ok Alone dashboard, choose Older Phone when adding a worker who uses only SMS or calls. This ensures they receive SMS-based setup instructions rather than app download links.

8. Sending a High-Risk Check-In

To shorten your next check-in interval during a hazardous task, send:

• 123456 highrisk 10 – set up a high risk for 10 minutes
• 123456 highrisk 30 – set up a high risk for 30 minutes
• 123456 highrisk 60 – set up a high risk for 60 minutes
  
  
  
  

9. Automated Status Replies (Comms Plan)

If your account includes the Comms plan, enable Automated-Comms-Reply under Dashboard > Settings > Company Settings. You’ll then receive an instant status SMS whenever you send any valid command.

10. Feature Limitations

• Worker-Down alerts and other advanced mobile-app functions are not available via SMS.

• Some device-specific features (e.g., SOS button) may not integrate—consult your provider.