SPOT Global Phone...5/14 now talking the Delorme inReach as well

BOSS1

BOSS1

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Sep 16, 2008
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Greetings,

I made a pass through Cabelas the other day and they had a brochure on the SPOT global phone. See it here:

http://findmespot.com/en/index.php?cid=123

I'm just starting to research it a bit. Probably not for me for a year or two after the bugs get worked out and it becomes comes on something of even a basic 'smartphone' platform, etc., but definitely something you might want to consider if you are finding yourself 'out there' beyond cell phone coverage. Cheap insurance if you bust your leg at 0-dark-30 fifty miles from home.

But If I were putting in more serious trail time these days out away from civilization, I'd probably pick one of these up.

Just thought I'd pass it on for inquiring minds/gadget gear folks that might be interested. Definitely shows some promise.:thumbup:

BOSS
 
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I was reading reviews in REI on SPOT products
They were creamed by the very poor customer service and poor performance
A common comment was "I hope it will work when I need it"
 
Since I started hunting solo I've been carrying one of their basic trackers. You can program a couple different messages (I had mine set for "all clear" for when I was snacking on some grub around noon and "back in camp" message for at night). Gave the wife a lot of comfort when I was out for a week with no cell access.

Clark
 
Yes, it seems the reviews, as with many things, are a bit mixed. I am thinking there are probably a few bugs to work out, and future generations might operate with higher reliability. The other side of the coin is operator error...many times a factor as well.

And alternative might be the Delorme units...REI is having a sale on the inReach Satellite Messenger...about $100 off their normal price starting with a sale tomorrow (May 15):

http://www.rei.com/product/877499/delorme-inreach-explorer-satellite-messenger

I'm not 100% up to speed on this one, but it appears to be text only (no voice)...if that matters to ya.

Still, an asset to consider...if I had the spare coin, I'd pick one up.

BOSS
 
I have purchased two inReach SE units, as an upgrade to the Second Generation SPOT units we were using.
I will be issuing them to our research teams for our field work this year.

You are correct that they are text only, but two-way.

Initial field tests have been good and so far I am happy with them.

We will be using them every day of the week, for multiple messaging events.

I hope to get around to doing a report for folks here on my experiences in the fall/winter.
 
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