2 Attachment(s)
2 way satellite communicator.
inreach from Delorme.
I had been thinking about a lot of the places we go and how handy sat com would be. I was initially going to bite the bullet and get a phone but this looked like a much cheaper option.
( Alongside a iphone 4s )
Attachment 22091
Weighs 189 gms. Works on the iridium system, has tracking, text messaging,and sos option although it works through Texas they quote average response times averaging 11 mins anywhere in the world. Hopefully i wont have to test it but can text locally as a back up I guess. Internal battery life seems very good, I used it 2-3 times a day for a week and it dropped 30%
Messaging from the unit is a little retarded, selecting characters with a curser but wwowrks well. Puting in contacts direct to to the inreach is a little slow and you need to add +64 and drop the zero.As a better option you can pair it with a smart phone etc which lets you view maps, send texts etc direct from your phone. Just down load the free earthmate app, pair it and your good to go. It adjusts the prefix from your phones contact list as well so its much quicker.
Attachment 22094
I havn't played with the mapping yet but first impressions I wont be leaving the Garmin at home.
Cost was $540.00 NZ which is ok I think but it works on a monthly sub of $23.00US a Month which includes 20 texts and 100 track points . $1.00 per text after that. I had it on Stewart Island for a week and it performed as it should. All messages went through and replies came in a timely manner.
