A question for owners of Delorme InReach devices
Submitted: Monday, May 23, 2016 at 08:49
ThreadID:
132494
Views:
3554
Replies:
7
FollowUps:
15
This Thread has been Archived
Member - Rich
Hi
I am considering getting one of these devices.
I have used Spot 1 messenger for many years but it's lack of two way communication is an issue for me.
At this point I am not interested in a Satphone.
One of the uses for this device is to alert some one if you have mechanical difficulties in a remote area.
Has any one used one of these devices in this situation. My concern is that sending messages to some one you don't know is problematic in that they would probably not respond.
So what do people do. Do they just message a known person with details and get them to track down help or just hope for a response. If so it probably is not much better than What is offered by Spot.
Richard
Reply By: vk1dx - Monday, May 23, 2016 at 09:15
Monday, May 23, 2016 at 09:15
And what if you are after two way medical or
first aid help. Useless.
I know what you said but we have a satellite phone so that a doctor or nurse can tell us what to do.
I respect your choice - don't agree but respect it.
Cheers
Phil
PS (added edit): I meant to add: What if you needed advice on binding a broken leg with a bit of bone sticking out the side. Two way text with vital statistics, explanations and a bit of panic thrown in, is not what I would like to rely on.
Somehow I deleted this bit when I got a phone call. Sri.
AnswerID:
600461
Follow Up By: LAZYLUX16 - Thursday, Jun 09, 2016 at 14:25
Thursday, Jun 09, 2016 at 14:25
Hi Phil just asking an opinion.Seems so much technology out there.I traveled years ago old Landcruider petrol.No satphone no nothing just lots of water fuel and 2 spares.Did a lot of traveling in the hot seasons. Lucky I suppose nothing went wrong.
Now married with a 6 year old son.I would like to go
Gary Junction Rd and onto
Rudall River.Have 150 litres of fuel,water 90litres and .2 spares.Have purchased satphone .My question is will the satphone be enough security or you think need backup like PLB .We will be going solo in 2010 Hiux Diesel. Cheers
FollowupID:
870508
Follow Up By: vk1dx - Thursday, Jun 09, 2016 at 16:14
Thursday, Jun 09, 2016 at 16:14
For us I believe it could be.
However to be honest I haven't studied that area for a drive so I can't say for sure. Our car also is maintained with the moto to "bring us home". Cost is not the driving force. If it was then I would sell the car and build a shed for my model trains, which I will when either of us are not able to drive. My wife was also a nurse until we met. Is yours or do you have any
first aid skills etc. This makes a difference. My wife is also an excellent off road driver having been an Australian Rally champion with her Mother. Just quietly, shhhh. She is better at it than I.
So I won't put my left kanacka on it, other than to say that it would be for us.
We also don't have any interest in the almost edictive way that people have to remain in 100% contact 24/7. In all of our Madigan trip I made one mobile call to
Birdsville to confirm a cabin booked after
the desert. That's ONE phone call ONLY in four weeks. The boys also don't bother us or send texts every five minutes etc etc etc. Nice and quiet trip - just us and nature.
FollowupID:
870513
Reply By: Member - Rich - Monday, May 23, 2016 at 10:34
Monday, May 23, 2016 at 10:34
Thanks for comments on satphones. I am not excluding them as an option but am starting my research with the Inreach
The plans for a casual user are better on these devices as can suspend them for a small fee.
Richard
I should add that my initial question re lack interactivity with the Inreach is sort of what you guys are saying
You are right that trying to get
critical information via SMS would be limiting and difficult
Richard
AnswerID:
600465
Follow Up By: Member - ACD 1 - Monday, May 23, 2016 at 11:31
Monday, May 23, 2016 at 11:31
Richard
I can suspend the cost associated with my satphone for free...
... I just don't make a call!
It doesn't cost me to reactivate the service either...
... I just make a call!
Once I've payed for the credit - no more costs. I can even use it in an emergency to make a call without credit. I can even receive calls without credit and I can update my credit with an SMS from my sat phone if I run out.
Can any of the Spot/Inreach type devices can do this?
That and the lack of instantaneous two way voice communication made my decision easy.
Tracking type devices have a place, but not as a primary emergency communication device.
Cheers
Anthony
FollowupID:
869818
Follow Up By: vk1dx - Monday, May 23, 2016 at 13:20
Monday, May 23, 2016 at 13:20
We have a Prepaid account for our satellite phone and only put funds into it before a remote trip. We only have the phone for emergencies and not for chatting etc.
We have only made one call on it since we got it years back. That was from the back verandah at
home to our house phone and when the house phone rang we hung up. As said - just for emergencies so the loss of any unused credit is of no concern. A bit like insurance.
Phil
FollowupID:
869825
Follow Up By: Member - Rich - Monday, May 23, 2016 at 13:45
Monday, May 23, 2016 at 13:45
Phil
Thanks for your comments as
well
Both are very similar in that you get a prepaid and top as required
Irmastat seem to be only ones who do that
I have some thing to look into I guess
Thanks again
FollowupID:
869828