SPOT Gen4 Satellite Communicator

Personal satellite messengers from acr, garmin & spot. One way or two-way satellite communicators are idea l when you’re beyond the boundaries of cellular service.

With the increased availability and lowering costs of two-way satellite communicators, it makes sense to have one on most backcountry trips. The core functionality of these devices is to provide assistance in the case of an emergency through the use of their sos feature, but combined with two-way texting functionality they have become exceedingly useful tools. If you activate the sos signal, your call will be routed through the geos headquarters who will dispatch local search and rescue personnel to your location while maintaining a text-based dialogue with the activator. Before heading into the backcountry, be sure to have an active subscription on your device and schedule a test with geos to ensure you understand how it works.

Spot x uses satellite communication to allow users to send sms and email messages to any phone number or email address worldwide, without the requirement of mobile phone service. In short—you can text from the backcountry. The device also provides s. O. S. Emergency signalling, tracking, navigation, and other messaging features.

Garmin inreach mini 2 - black hgs-0260-201 spot x - 2 way satellite messenger w/bt hgs-2000-011 spot satellite gps messenger gen 4 hgs-2000-012 zoleo seamless global messaging system hgs-zole-o-1.

Garmin Montana 700i Satellite Communicator

I know this firsthand. After using a spot for 8 years, i’ve switched to a garmin inreach explorer+. The inreach explorer+ isn’t perfect, but it’s vastly superior to the spot gen 3, even if you don’t use the entire range of capabilities provided by the inreach+ and just use it to text and communicate with loved ones via satellite. In the following review, i’ll explain the major benefits, weaknesses, and quirks of the garmin inreach explorer+ in addition to explaining the ins and outs and weakness of its different subscription pricing tiers. If you’re trying to decide between the garmin inreach and the spot gen 3 satellite communicator, i can also give you some insight into why i switched from using a spot to a garmin inreach explorer+ and haven’t looked back.

Overview: the garmin inreach messenger is a small, rugged satellite communicator lets you stay in touch with others when you're off the grid. Messenger pairs via bluetooth with compatible smartphones or select garmin devices, allowing you to send and receive text messages, either through your phone's cellular network or the global iridium satellite network. The garmin messenger™ app is required on your smart device. The inreach messenger has a built-in rechargeable battery and comes with a usb charging cable. The device's dimensions are: width-2. 511", height-0. 879", depth-3. 107"; weight-4 ounces. Note: a subscription is required to use the iridium satellite network.

ACR Electronics ResQLink 400 Personal Locator Beacon

Personal locator beacons (plbs) like the ocean signal rescueme plb1 or our former pick, the now-discontinued acr resqlink+ have one function: to send a distress signal. These small, lightweight, inexpensive, and nearly indestructible units offer no texting or two-way communication; they won’t function as a gps, won’t track you with waypoints, give you a weather report, or link to social media. As far as keeping the people back home informed of your whereabouts and state of health, using a plb is a “no news is good news” thing. All the satellite messengers we considered come with a monthly subscription cost.

Best Personal Locator Beacon

By bruce beckmann, alpine rescue team background adventurers exploring the backcountry should always carry a device capable of sending a satellite message. When an emergency arises and no cellular signal is available, having the ability to send an “sos” or a message via a satellite may save a life, your own or someone else’s. There are now three primary types of devices that use satellites to communicate: 1)   personal locator beacon (plb) 2)   satellite messaging devices, or just “satellite messenger” 3)   satellite capable cellular phones. In brief, a plb sends a one-way sos signal to a satellite that is then ultimately relayed to the local sheriff; there is no two-way communication between the hiker and the sheriff.

Cell phones can be used to call 911 when encountering an emergency situation, but what do you do when there is low or no cell phone service? plbs or personal locator beacons and satellite messengers provide ways to make emergency calls when your cell phone has no service. These two communication methods are beneficial to hikers and backpackers on a long trek through the wilderness. Some campers that set up camp far outside of a cell phone tower range may find that plbs or satellite messengers come in handy. When you activate either plb or satelite messenger of indicating an emergency or s.

Nobody ever wants to have to call for help on an adventure. But when you do need a hand—whether it’s because you missed a turn and can’t find your way back or because you took a tumble and broke a leg—you’d better make sure whatever lifeline you have works. That’s where a personal locator beacon (plb) or satellite communicator comes in. Whether you’re in the middle of the atlantic ocean or deep in a utah canyon, a network of satellites is ready to hear your call for help. But not all units are made alike. Some devices do nothing more than sos, while others let you keep in touch with and reassure friends and family off the grid, and still others bundle a full comms hub with precise gps capabilities and even a camera to create a single all-in-one device.

Do You Need a Satellite Messenger? Maybe!

Stay in touch while in remote areas! the small, rugged inreach messenger provides global two-way text messaging even in areas without cell coverage. Trigger an interactive sos direct from the device, check in with family and friends using preset messages or use the garmin messenger app to draft messages to send through the messenger. With up to 28 days of battery life- keeping in touch has never been easier! inreach satellite subscription required, sold separately. Ga02672.

Loss of signal is something we have all experienced at some time. Depending on the situation, it can mean inconvenience, frustration, anxiety, lost productivity or even loss of life. Bullitt satellite connect is for those times you are out of cellular or wifi connectivity. Globally, mobile phone users lose signal for tens of billions of hours each year …. Americans alone lose cell coverage for over 22 billion hours annually**. Bullitt satellite connect provides total peace of mind for those that live, work, and play on the fringes of coverage and a highly resilient back up for essential communications.

Spot x offers a wide range of service plans on a monthly or annual basis making the messenger cost-effective for a variety of users. Plus, unlike other satellite messengers, all incoming messages are free of charge to the spot user. View service plans the spot x is a lightweight satellite messenger - weighing under 200g the spot x interface is a 18" micro usb port this messenger can operate in temperatures from -20°c to +60°c!.

Spot- intrinsic blue personal satellite messenger and tracking the easily identifiable blue spot is™ is certified intrinsically safe meeting class i, division 1, groups a-d under ul 913 and csa c22. 2 no. 157. These certifications allow companies operating in potentially combustible environments where the presence of flammable gases or vapors may exist such as oil and gas and natural resources including mining, transportation and government, to take advantage of spot messaging functionality. Certification was completed by met laboratories, inc. • certified intrinsically safe to class i division 1 groups a-d • ul 913 • csa c22. 2 no. 157-92.