HikeArizona.COM

I am think about buying the delorme inreach. Anybody have? I would like to get some input on it. I know it's not a gps. I am looking at it as a safety device.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=hikearizona ... ikearizona

Widowmaker wrote:I am think about buying the delorme inreach.

I've had the inReach SE for about 6 months and am happy with it. I used to use a SPOT so its nice to have 2-way text messaging now. I haven't had any problems sending or receiving messages, even in canyons. Battery life is good, about 90-100 hours per charge. It is expensive though, I have the middle plan and it's about $33 per month. When you look at their monthly plan price structure, keep in mind that they tack on the same taxes and fees that the cell companies do.

@Dave1
Is there a monthly charge and an additional charge for usage, ie: sending out messages? or is it all wrapped into one monthly bill?

Depends on the plan. With the one I have I get 40 free "type on the fly" messages and unlimited preset messages per billing cycle.

Those plans have gotten a lot better. Is there delivery confirmation for the Preset Messages? And I assume they include a gps fix. If so, it's getting hard not to justify moving up from a Spot.

@w h a
It keeps a history of all messages sent and received. It also has a screen with basic location info: coordinates, elevation, speed, heading, accuracy.

My InReach SE shut off while on the trail this past weekend and I couldn't get it to turn back on. The battery meter showed plenty of life last time I checked it so I had no clue what was wrong. Well apparently it has some sort of bug. Delorme's website shows the soft reset procedure: Hold down the "X" and "down arrow" buttons simultaneously for 60 seconds. This worked for me and the unit seems to be working ok now. Of course I didn't know about the reset until I got home. Luckily I didn't need to send help message. If you have an InReach, you may want to remember the reset.

For a true "safety device", I think the personal locator beacons give the best chance of quick rescue when the doo-doo hits the fan, so when I'm headed "out there" I carry an ACR PLB-375 for peace of mind. GPS plus direct contact with SAR via two global satellite systems. Pricey to buy, but no subscription fees, and if you ever do need to use it they replace it for free. But there's no back-and-forth messaging, trip logging, etc, it's strictly an emergency-only distress signaler.

@toddak

toddak wrote:it's strictly an emergency-only distress signaler.

This is one reason I went with the Spot. I don't turn it on until I need it. But mostly it keeps my wife and son happy just in case I am running late they want tot know.

toddak wrote:... it's strictly an emergency-only distress signaler.

That's no longer entirely true. There is a program by which you can use the self-test feature to send the equivalent of an "OK" message. It uses power, so you probably wouldn't send them very often.

@big_load
Is the program to send a message something approved / provided by ACR, or has someone figured out a clever technique? I'd be interested in any info you've got.

@toddak

it'll kill your power. I wouldn't mess with it. After researching all my options, I bought the ACR. I spent a lot of money for a device that will send out the strongest signal on the market for 30 hrs. with a 6 year battery. I feel it would be unwise to compromise that. If you want to send out messages, get a SPOT or a DeLorme (though, you'll be transmitting with half the power at best).

@Widowmaker

definitely different tools with differents strengths and weaknesses. Though, with that said-- I would go the Delorme over the SPOT anyday. The Delorme offers more and sends a stronger signal.

Tough_Boots wrote:After researching all my options, I bought the ACR. I spent a lot of money for a device that will send out the strongest signal on the market for 30 hrs. with a 6 year battery.

Since ACR is not the only recognized PLB supplier in this market, in your research conclusions I'm just curious how you ranked the PLB I decided to buy back in Dec'10 ? Was it even included in your research analysis?
My PLB: Kannad XS ER GPS
(a high end PLB unit with good power output (5 watts) and a good antenna to transmit for ~48hrs to get my distress message out..my first unit battery will expire in March'16)

@Grasshopper

I would say they are similar enough to not warrant the Kannad retailing for $200 more. Both are 5 watts and have a 406 MHz signal with a 121.5 MHz local homing signal. The ACR beats the Kannad in regards to positioning (66 channel GPS to Kannad's 50). Depending on where you get your info, the Kannad is up to 48 transmission hours but a minimum of 24 and the ACR just claims an average of 30 hrs. They both have pretty much the same battery life. You have a SPOT, too, if I remember correctly. Seems like you have all you bases covered and a small fortune in PLB's in your pack

@Tough_Boots
T-hank-S Kyle.. I knew you did a thorough analysis before deciding on your ACR ResQLink 406.. I was just curious. I own the Kannad PLB only and not a SPOT (I don't have enough love to warrant a SPOT) ;)
PS- Wish Joe B could move a few of these (I'm guilty) "off topic" PLB forum comments to a PLB forum subject thread..

toddak wrote:Is the program to send a message something approved / provided by ACR [?]

Yes, there's info about it on their web page. Tough_Boots is right, though, I don't use it because I'd rather save the battery for emergencies. My loved ones are trained to deal with no word from me until I'm supposed to be out.

http://www.acrartex.com/products/catalo ... s/406link/

@big_load
Ah yes, the 406link service, for a fee, and they don't seem to mention the effects on battery life. Agreed, best to consider it emergency only.

So here is my question. I have spot which I love just because when I am late I can send a message that say this. I am ok I am still hiking which puts my family at ease.
So if I can do that why can't I send a text via gps using my phone?