Just set up my device today, the Delorme InReach Explorer.
Before I explain what it is and why you want one, let me explain what I wanted but could not afford.
For being in the bush during 911 emergencies I thought you needed a Sat phone ($1400) and a rate plan ($250) and a data plan ($250) to call the outside world. For $2000 I decided I didn't need emergency contact THAT badly.
Enter the Delorme InReach Explorer GPS unit. MSRP $389. Street price when on sale $299. This is your typical small color screen GPS device that does most of the things that most people want GPS devices to do. It has a few other features that make it incredible, however.
1.) It is a SMS text device. Via satellite, you can send and receive text messages to any phone or email globally and for cheap. Not $5 a message cheap, but REALLY cheap (or free). More on rate plans later.
2.) It has SHTF button. You can slide a switch over on the device and it sends out an SOS to air rescue globally letting rescue teams know that SHTF and you need help.
3.) It integrates with your mobile phone for purposes of typing messages quickly, sharing contacts, etc. It also integrates with Facebook, twitter, a webpage that your friends can view for trip progress, etc.
Rate plans can be the usual annual type, or they can be monthly. For a $24.95 per year base charge and a $64.95 per month cancel-whenever-you-wish no-contract charge, you can send unlimited SMS text messages via Iridium satellites.
The limitations:
A.) You have to have a view of the sky. Don't try it in the jungle.
B.) Iridium satellites are virtually over the entire world. There is a dead zone in the middle band of Africa it appears (not in safari areas). There is a dead zone in Antarctica. Places like Moz, Bots, Nam, RSA, Zim are all fine, as is Europe, Asia, Oz, North and South America.
C.) Satellites are slow. There is a published 20 minute delay on messages. Real world it appears that the iridium satellites push out all your messages on a 5 minute basis. So don't plan on texting back and forth real time like a teenager but you certainly can carry on a casual conversation with loved ones or important contacts like bush pilots, PHs, operators, parks officials, etc.
What's bad:
1.) First, you can't play with it or use the GPS without first activating. That means paying for services. I had to pay $15 for an ultra basic plan to set the system up and program the device before I leave for my trip.
2.) Second, they will continue to charge you month to month until you log into their website and cancel service.
Overall, highly recommended.
Before I explain what it is and why you want one, let me explain what I wanted but could not afford.
For being in the bush during 911 emergencies I thought you needed a Sat phone ($1400) and a rate plan ($250) and a data plan ($250) to call the outside world. For $2000 I decided I didn't need emergency contact THAT badly.
Enter the Delorme InReach Explorer GPS unit. MSRP $389. Street price when on sale $299. This is your typical small color screen GPS device that does most of the things that most people want GPS devices to do. It has a few other features that make it incredible, however.
1.) It is a SMS text device. Via satellite, you can send and receive text messages to any phone or email globally and for cheap. Not $5 a message cheap, but REALLY cheap (or free). More on rate plans later.
2.) It has SHTF button. You can slide a switch over on the device and it sends out an SOS to air rescue globally letting rescue teams know that SHTF and you need help.
3.) It integrates with your mobile phone for purposes of typing messages quickly, sharing contacts, etc. It also integrates with Facebook, twitter, a webpage that your friends can view for trip progress, etc.
Rate plans can be the usual annual type, or they can be monthly. For a $24.95 per year base charge and a $64.95 per month cancel-whenever-you-wish no-contract charge, you can send unlimited SMS text messages via Iridium satellites.
The limitations:
A.) You have to have a view of the sky. Don't try it in the jungle.
B.) Iridium satellites are virtually over the entire world. There is a dead zone in the middle band of Africa it appears (not in safari areas). There is a dead zone in Antarctica. Places like Moz, Bots, Nam, RSA, Zim are all fine, as is Europe, Asia, Oz, North and South America.
C.) Satellites are slow. There is a published 20 minute delay on messages. Real world it appears that the iridium satellites push out all your messages on a 5 minute basis. So don't plan on texting back and forth real time like a teenager but you certainly can carry on a casual conversation with loved ones or important contacts like bush pilots, PHs, operators, parks officials, etc.
What's bad:
1.) First, you can't play with it or use the GPS without first activating. That means paying for services. I had to pay $15 for an ultra basic plan to set the system up and program the device before I leave for my trip.
2.) Second, they will continue to charge you month to month until you log into their website and cancel service.
Overall, highly recommended.
