CT4ME Posted April 10, 2013 Report Share Posted April 10, 2013 DeLorme has announced a new GPS/Satellite tracker that may be of interest to aviators out there, and could steal some SPOT customers. The InReach SE (Screen Edition)... $299, uses GPS and the Iridium Satellite network, to track you and allows you to send text messages and post to social sites. Of course, like the SPOT or PLBs, the unit can summon help in case of an emergency. Like SPOT, InReach uses the GEOS Search and Rescue organization. The biggest differences between it and the SPOT: a screen, more reliable Iridium coverage, TXT messages or emails sent/received (& interactive 911), rechargeable battery (100 hrs) and the ability to track all the way down to 1 minute intervals. There is a monthly charge, starting at $9.95 (tracking is extra)... but tracking packages start at $11.95 a month. Special Aviator packages have adjustable tracking intervals, otherwise the unit tracks in 10-minute increments (just like SPOT). Oh, it will also (optionally) connect with your phone or tablet. Tim DeLorme_inReach_Brochure.pdf DeLorme_inReachSE_SellSheet_Aviation.pdf Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Lee Posted April 11, 2013 Report Share Posted April 11, 2013 Hi Tim, Pretty cool. Spot may surely have some competition now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
josjonkers Posted April 11, 2013 Report Share Posted April 11, 2013 Comparing to my 10 minute spot, it looks a lot more expensive. Nice gadget and if you really need every 2 minute update it may be for you. Comparing the closest equivalent plan (recreational) to my SPOT, I will stick with my SPOT at almost 50% less. So, no I don't think this is much of a competition (at least for me). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Meade Posted April 11, 2013 Report Share Posted April 11, 2013 I bet glider pilots do a PIREP on it soon. They are always looking for good ways to notify of land-outs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CT4ME Posted April 11, 2013 Author Report Share Posted April 11, 2013 I'm not dumping my SPOT anytime soon but, still, there are some nice features. For some folks, the extra $$$ is not too much to ask for the extra reliability and coverage the Iridium network brings to the game. Not to mention the ability to send/receive texts, or have a more frequent tracking times. Plus, the InReach has confirmation of all messages sent (including 911), where the SPOT just sends a few extra times and hopes it gets through. Having speed, course, and altitude available as part of the track is definitely one-up over the SPOT. The ability to "chat" with your rescuers in pretty nifty, too. I haven't thought it through yet, but your subscription also gives you access to unlimited downloadable maps and charts, which go to your phone or tablet. Paired with the device, you have an off-line moving map. I'm sure that will save someone $$$ If nothing else, it will ignite (again) the debate over PLB vs alternatives like this...I personally like that both SPOT and InReach use the GEOS system. Some folks say, because it's not a government entity, that it's not as good. But it is my understanding that GEOS are the "mercenaries" of Search and Rescue. Paid pros who "get r done". The same organization is paid to rescue hostages or lost executives worldwide, and handling medical emergencies and evacuations. I'm sure having the $100,000 rescue payment available doesn't hurt. Tim oops... edited original... battery life is 100 hours (not 10!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samifer Posted May 20, 2014 Report Share Posted May 20, 2014 just bought one of these bad boys the other day and plan to do a bunch of flying all around northern canada this summer I will make sure i update on how it goes I can already tell ya that i love the maps on my samsung tab and phone .... i didnt even know that they both have built in gps units and thats all they needed was the maps to work off line!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlyingMonkey Posted May 20, 2014 Report Share Posted May 20, 2014 I looked at these, SPOTs, and PLBs, and ended up with a PLB. It was $279 and has no subscription. Even the cheapest SPOT at $10-15/mo will cost more than a PLB in short order. My reasoning is that the primary use for me is the SAR capability, which is superior in a PLB, especially if (like me) you only have a 121.5MHz ELT. As for the rest: (1) I have a phone for texts, I have tested it and it works to at least 7500ft for sending texts. (2) If I want others to track my flights, I will get flight following and they can track me through flightaware.com. Of course FF is not a sure thing, but it's free. YMMV, but there is my calculus. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CT4ME Posted May 20, 2014 Author Report Share Posted May 20, 2014 Yeah, but with one you carry it and hope you never have to use it (and replace it every 5 years). The other you can actually use every day for flying, biking, hiking, & just traveling. Out here in the West, tracking with FF isn't often an option. Even if they have the time, they lose you in the mountains unless you're flying over 10K. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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