Advice re Sat Comms Devices??

[Out-Station]

Hi all, hope the weekend treated you all well. I know a few on here have had a bit to do with sat based comm's systems, in reach, sat phones etc. I'm looking at getting something (interested in the Garmin In Reach). Really just so under regular conditions i can check in via text with the familly etc when on multi day trips away from home but also emergency alarm.

Priority requirements
-affordable to run
- Texting to to and from mobiles
- Distress alarm/position


Not high priority
- voice calls
- historic track of position

Keen to hear about any thoughts/experiences that others may have had with these gadgets?

Scott

[disorderly]

This is what we have..It seems to fit your criteria...

http://www.ausfish.com.au/vforum/sho...garmin+inreach

[wahoofishingcrew]

I also have the inreach to check in with home by text msg, works perfect. Highly recommend

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[Out-Station]

Disorderly, thanks, so still going well by the sounds, a mate of mine had one and he had some issues re the reliability of the texting, long delays, didnt go through at all, have you seen any of that?
Scott

[disorderly]

Disorderly, thanks, so still going well by the sounds, a mate of mine had one and he had some issues re the reliability of the texting, long delays, didnt go through at all, have you seen any of that?
Scott

Havent used it in a while mate...probably best to ask Wahoo ..sounds like he is a more active texter...

Basically for us its just a waterproof safety device in case we ever end up in the water..

I hope your mate's experience isnt usual..I may have to use it this week and check it...

Edit ..the missus says that the message goes through Garmin to the recipients phone carrier...so it depends on who they are with and how good that service is..
She also mentions that email is quicker and more reliable.but who is also available on the spot to receive an email..?

[Any_Weather]

Gday outstation, I have a Thuraya phone and it is pretty reliable for texting. Pretty ordinary for calls but. It is only $15 per month with no contract. I think the texts are about 50c each but would need to check that. I only use it when out overnighting out of normal phone service to make sure someone knows where I am. I think it was around $1000 to buy. I have only had it about1 year but seems to work ok. It takes a while to acquire satellites but sends messages ok once it does.

Cheers
Lee


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[Out-Station]

Thanks Wahoo, Disorderly, yep, my familly all telstra mobiles so if anything will work that should!

Lee, is that like stand alone phone or do you have the skin that you can put your smart phone into, must be the standalone phone basis the price?
the sat phone options seems to be cheaper to run but more up front.

Scott

[Any_Weather]

Yes Scott, stand alone phone. It is also an Australian phone number so receiving calls is free and free for the caller on the unlimited mobile plans these days


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[disorderly]

I think you need to think about what the purpose of the device is before deciding between a phone and inreach type device.

For us the choice was easy..the most important feature of the Garmin inreach was the one button GEOS emergency response capability for if we ever end up in a bad situation where we dont have the time or situation to be able to stuff around trying to phone people and organising a rescue..such as a capsize or collision with something in the water...having our track and location sent to rescuers is also great.

Having the 2 way communication via texting is a bonus and as i have previously mentioned being able to text back and forth and keep up to date on a rescue attempt would be comforting..

GEOS Global Emergency Monitoring for inReach (roadpost.ca)

The Mapshare feature may be of interest for those whose freinds or family might want to track your movements in real time ...probably get this for my son when he gets his next boat so we know where he is when he is out at the reef...

Setting Up MapShare for an inReach Mini | Garmin Customer Support

[TheRealAndy]

I took an inreach to Antarctica, works a treat. Its a tracking device first, communications device second, and a rescue device 3rd. IF you want a rescue device first, then buy an epirb.

[Greg P]

Zoleo is another option to consider along the lines of the Garmin.

[Out-Station]

Thanks everyone, Greg, saw the Zoleo, i liked it as well. I think one thing in common is that they all expensive to run "per trip", as a few say though, cheap when i needit!! Next job is to put togther a cost comparison as best i can on the Zoleo, in reach and sat skin options and go from there. Thanks everyone for your input, i was concerned i was missing other options in my searches but ill work on these 3 for now basis feedback.

Thanks everyone.

Scott

[disorderly]

Thanks everyone, Greg, saw the Zoleo, i liked it as well. I think one thing in common is that they all expensive to run "per trip", as a few say though, cheap when i needit!! Next job is to put togther a cost comparison as best i can on the Zoleo, in reach and sat skin options and go from there. Thanks everyone for your input, i was concerned i was missing other options in my searches but ill work on these 3 for now basis feedback.

Thanks everyone.

Scott

I.'m not sure how these compare ..

https://www.findmespot.com/en-au/

and I would love to see your cost comparison when you have done it..

[TheRealAndy]

I.'m not sure how these compare ..

https://www.findmespot.com/en-au/

and I would love to see your cost comparison when you have done it..

I had a spot tracker, still do actually. Changed to the Garmin Inreach for some reason, cant remember why but its usually cost related!

[wahoofishingcrew]

Havent used it in a while mate...probably best to ask Wahoo ..sounds like he is a more active texter...

Basically for us its just a waterproof safety device in case we ever end up in the water..

I hope your mate's experience isnt usual..I may have to use it this week and check it...

Edit ..the missus says that the message goes through Garmin to the recipients phone carrier...so it depends on who they are with and how good that service is..
She also mentions that email is quicker and more reliable.but who is also available on the spot to receive an email..?

Text messages go through immediately, also replies come straight back. I use the app on my phone to send/receive, makes it much easier than typing on the actual device.

Week ago used it at northwest island, and this weekend 140km NE of yeppoon... No issues at all. Crazy good bit if technology

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