inReach 2-Way Satellite Communicator
Submitted: Sunday, May 20, 2012 at 10:11
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PeterDyce
These gadgets are sold by
DeLorme
Two DeLorme Drive
P.O. Box 298
Yarmouth, ME 04096
USA
http://www.delorme.com/default.aspx
They llook brilliant. Has anyone had any experience with them??
Pete
Reply By: Geoff in SA - Sunday, May 20, 2012 at 12:00
Sunday, May 20, 2012 at 12:00
hi Peter,
looks very clever and the US pricing is vey good.
running costs of less thsn $100 pa is affordable for anyone on the move.
But i think costs here in Aust will be jacked up to make it uenreasonable
i would carry one just to be ablle to txt in remote areas,
AnswerID:
486287
Follow Up By: Echucan Bob - Monday, May 21, 2012 at 17:21
Monday, May 21, 2012 at 17:21
Geoff,
I think you underestimate the costs. For anything but basic tracking, which
the Spot GPS will do, the cost is $25 a month. If you go basic at $10 a month, each message is $1.50, and each tracking point is 25c (which could mount up quite quickly).
Bob
FollowupID:
761642
Reply By: Member - Chris & Debbie (QLD) - Sunday, May 20, 2012 at 17:21
Sunday, May 20, 2012 at 17:21
Looks impresive Pete but unless I read it wrong they may
be bit useless outside of America/Canada.
The topo maps that come with it are for US/Canada only, and for the subcription plans says they are exclusively for U.S.-based activations by individual consumers.
Chris
AnswerID:
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Follow Up By: PeterDyce - Sunday, May 20, 2012 at 18:47
Sunday, May 20, 2012 at 18:47
Chris, I was interested in the comms rather than pairing it with a mapping system.
The possibility of affordable 2-way comms is a a winner for me - not that I want be chattering on it all day, every day,
I have written to the AMSA ( Australian Marine Safety Authority) and to see if they have any knowledge experience of people using them.
I have also written to Delorme Customer Service to ask if there are plans for Australian users..
Will let you know any developments.
Pete
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: Member - Chris & Debbie (QLD) - Sunday, May 20, 2012 at 20:05
Sunday, May 20, 2012 at 20:05
If thats the case Pete, what would the difference be between the In-reach and
the Spot Communicator (not Spot2)?
Chris
FollowupID:
761565
Follow Up By: Bazooka - Sunday, May 20, 2012 at 21:23
Sunday, May 20, 2012 at 21:23
You'll probably get the same response from DeLorme that they've given about their handheld GPS - no plans for OS expansion or OS agents.
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Follow Up By: PeterDyce - Monday, May 21, 2012 at 09:53
Monday, May 21, 2012 at 09:53
Chris
My understanding is all the Spots only have one way comms. - work on an old GlobalStar constellation. The inReach uses the Iridium constellation- newer, more satellites,hence quicker fixes, much more reliable - used by US governnment, defence.
Bazooka
Yes it gets to me that US companies commonly only consider their domestic market.
I know the US market is the biggest consumer market in the world but does that mean the rest of the world doesn't count??
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Follow Up By: mikehzz - Tuesday, May 22, 2012 at 08:06
Tuesday, May 22, 2012 at 08:06
You can only send messages with spot, you can't receive...yet
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761687
Follow Up By: Member - Andrew (QLD) - Tuesday, May 22, 2012 at 09:03
Tuesday, May 22, 2012 at 09:03
It should be noted that this Company is privately owned by a disabled veteran, which may influence his decision to support only his country and gain business recognition from the US government and Military.
Their technology is potentially world leading, especially their GPS receivers, though it is a shame that the full capability of these devices haven't been extended worldwide eg mapping products etc.
Andrew
FollowupID:
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