Thread: inReach Two way SMS, GPS etc

Well, in the absence of any advice against this I have taken the plunge. I have ordered the inReach communicator.

I discovered that both available service providers offer the same general terms etc. It seems SMS (sending and receiving) and tracking etc works world wide. SOS emergency callout is cordinated formally in Australia, but is subject to "goodwill" in other countries. This means the Australian rescue services are not coming but will inform the rescue services for the country you are in.

There are some differences in the plans offered eg number of included messages and tracking points etc. I have opted for the Australian owned one (track4ever) and they supply the unit directly too.

There is an option for premium service which has added features and assistance. If anyone is interested I'll let you know how I get on with this system.

Just thought I would let you know.

The inReach has arrived and I have set up a service plan and it does everything it says it does.

The system uses GPS satellites for location data and the Iridium satellite system for communications. It is truely global as compared with other systems eg Spot.

It uses AA batteries. Lithuim (recommended), NiCad, Alkaline all work.

With just the device on its own you can send one of three SMS messages that you predefine when setting the unit up. (These can be changed but requires direct web access) It sends tracking information (position altitude speed and time) to the web accessable to those you allow. You can give individuals permission to ask for a tracking point. This can be automatic or require your confirmation. And it sends an SOS (no I haven't tested this feature). When a message is sent you receive an acknowlegement the message has been received...very reassuring.

Paired by blue tooth to Android or iOS (Apple) tablet or smart phone and the features expand.

Send and receive SMS up to 160 characters.
Face book, Twitter and email can be sent. Web based replies to you can be received (I've not yet tried these functions).

And its water proof and floats. The unit is intelligent in that you can't turn it off if the SOS is activated unless you formally cancel the SOS. It will store messages if you are indoors etc and send when the satellites are accessable.

It is dearer than Spot, but cheaper and I think more practical than a sat phone for off the grid coms.

Thanx for the follow up posts, great to hear (read) your thoughts.
I've already got a Spot2 but it's interesting to watch whats new.

Stevo

Another feature that may be of interest is the ability to provide GPS services via Bluetooth. Thus a non GPS tablet can be paired and display moving maps. Or you can reduce battery demand on your phone/tablet by turning off the GPS in the phone/tablet.

I'm off to NZ flyfishing in a few weeks and I have several weeks in the Arctic after that. I'll have plenty of other times with the D4 off the grid including rhe Simpson. Those experiences should test it out.

I hope I don't need to test the SOS button.