What the MDT Send It Gen 2 is and who uses it
The MDT Send It Gen 2 is a satellite communicator made by Mountain Devices Technology. It is a small handheld device that sends text messages and location data via satellite when you are outside cell coverage — in remote backcountry, on the ocean, or in areas where traditional networks do not reach. Unlike a satellite phone, it does not make voice calls; it is built for short text communication and emergency signaling.
People use the Send It Gen 2 for backcountry hiking, mountaineering, boating, overlanding, and other outdoor activities where they need to stay in contact with people at home or summon help if something goes wrong. The device pairs with your smartphone via Bluetooth and uses an app to compose and send messages. You do not need a cell signal on your phone — the Send It Gen 2 handles all the satellite connection itself.
The device is roughly the size of a deck of cards, runs on rechargeable batteries, and requires a subscription to a satellite messaging service to actually send and receive messages. It is not a phone replacement; it is a safety and communication tool for when you are beyond normal network coverage.
Key Takeaways
- The Send It Gen 2 sends text messages and location data over satellite, not cell networks, so it works in remote areas where your phone has no signal.
- You pair the device to your smartphone via Bluetooth and use the MDT app to write and send messages; the satellite communicator itself handles the connection.
- You must pay a monthly or annual subscription to a satellite service provider to send and receive messages; the device alone does not transmit without an active plan.
- Battery life varies by usage but typically lasts several days to a week of moderate use; you can extend it by turning off the device between messages.
- The device is waterproof and designed for outdoor use, but extreme cold and dense tree cover can reduce signal strength.
How to set up and pair the Send It Gen 2 with your phone
Start by charging the device fully using the included USB-C cable. Power it on by holding the button on the side until the LED lights up. The device will take a moment to acquire a satellite signal — you will see the LED blink or change color as it connects.
On your smartphone, read the MDT Send It app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Open the app and follow the pairing instructions. Turn on Bluetooth on your phone, then select the Send It Gen 2 from the available devices. Once paired, the app will prompt you to enter or confirm your phone number and create a username or account identifier.
Before you leave for your trip, test the connection by sending a short message to someone you know. This confirms that your subscription is active and the device is communicating with the satellite network. Do not wait until you are in the field to discover a setup problem.
Subscription plans and what they cover
MDT partners with satellite service providers, and the specific plans available depend on which provider you choose. Common options include monthly plans (around $15 to $30 per month depending on message limits) and annual plans that cost less per month if paid upfront. Some plans include a set number of messages per month; others charge per message sent.
Your subscription covers the satellite transmission of your messages and the ability to receive replies. It does not cover the device itself — you purchase the hardware separately. Different providers may offer different features, such as weather updates, location sharing, or integration with emergency services, so compare what each plan includes before you commit.
If your subscription lapses, the device will not send or receive messages until you renew. You can pause or cancel most plans without penalty, which is useful if you do not use the device year-round.
Battery life and power management in the field
The Send It Gen 2 battery typically lasts three to seven days with moderate use — sending a few messages per day and checking for replies. Heavy use, such as sending many messages or keeping the device powered on continuously while searching for signal, drains the battery faster. Cold temperatures also reduce battery performance, sometimes by 30 to 50 percent in freezing conditions.
To extend battery life, turn off the device when you do not need to send or receive messages. The device does not need to stay powered on to receive incoming messages; it will power on and alert you when a message arrives if you have it set to that mode. Check your app settings to see if your subscription plan supports this feature.
Bring a portable USB power bank rated for outdoor use if your trip will last more than a week or if you expect to send many messages. The device charges via standard USB-C, so any modern power bank will work.
Signal strength and when the device may not work
The Send It Gen 2 communicates with satellites that pass overhead, so signal depends on your location and sky visibility. In open terrain — mountains, deserts, ocean, or clearings — you will usually get a signal within a few minutes of powering on. In dense forest, deep canyons, or urban areas with tall buildings, the device may take longer to connect or may not connect at all.
Extreme cold can slow the device's ability to acquire a signal, though it will still function. Heavy rain and snow do not block the signal, but the device itself should stay dry. If you are in a location where you cannot see the sky — inside a tent, under a rock overhang, or in a cave — the device will not transmit.
If you are stationary and waiting for a signal, move to higher ground or a more open area. Even a few meters of elevation gain or a step out from under tree cover can make the difference between a successful transmission and a failed one.
Sending messages and receiving replies
Open the MDT Send It app on your phone and compose your message in the text field. Messages are limited to a certain character count — usually around 160 characters per message, similar to SMS text limits. If you need to send more, you can send multiple messages in sequence, though each one counts against your monthly message limit if you are on a capped plan.
Tap send, and the app will show a status indicator as the device transmits to the satellite network. Transmission usually takes a few seconds to a minute, depending on signal strength. Once sent, the message is relayed to the recipient's phone or email address, depending on how you set up your contacts in the app.
Replies come back to the Send It Gen 2 via satellite and appear in the app as incoming messages. If your device is powered off, replies may queue on the satellite network until you power on and reconnect. Check your app settings to see how long messages are stored before they expire.
Common issues and troubleshooting steps
If the device will not acquire a signal, first confirm you are in an open area with clear sky visibility. Move away from dense trees, buildings, or terrain that blocks the horizon. Wait at least five minutes before assuming the device is not working — satellite passes are not continuous, and the device may need time to find an available satellite.
If messages fail to send, check that your subscription is active by logging into your account on the MDT website or in the app. A lapsed subscription is the most common reason for send failures. If the subscription is current, try restarting the device by powering it off and on again, then attempt to send a short test message.
If the Bluetooth connection between the device and your phone keeps dropping, move the phone closer to the device (within 10 meters) and away from other wireless devices that might cause interference. Restart both the device and the app if the connection remains unstable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Send It Gen 2 if I do not have cell service on my phone?
Yes. The device communicates with satellites, not cell towers, so your phone does not need cell or data service. You only need Bluetooth enabled on your phone to pair with the device and use the app. This is the main reason people carry the Send It Gen 2 into remote areas.
What happens if I send a message and no one receives it?
If transmission fails, the app will show an error message. This usually means the device could not reach a satellite at that moment. Try again in a few minutes, or move to a location with better sky visibility. If the problem persists, check that your subscription is active and that you have not exceeded your monthly message limit.
Can I use the Send It Gen 2 internationally?
Yes, the device works worldwide because it uses satellite coverage, not local cell networks. However, some subscription plans may have regional restrictions or higher costs for international use. Check with your service provider before traveling outside your home country.
How waterproof is the Send It Gen 2?
The device is rated for water resistance and can handle rain, splashing, and brief submersion. It is not designed for extended underwater use or diving. If it gets wet, dry it off and allow it to dry completely before using it again.
What is the difference between the Send It Gen 2 and the original Send It?
The Gen 2 is a newer version with improved battery life, faster message transmission, and better signal acquisition compared to the original. If you own the original Send It, you can continue using it with the same subscription plans, but the Gen 2 is the current model and offers better performance in most conditions.