New Gear
u inReach The ability to stay in touch on long journeys to remote locations has until recently been limited to satellite phones and Spot, a system that allowed outbound communication to provide real-world tracking and even emergency response via 11sp_lasso_01.pdf 1 2/4/2011 8:57:03 AM satellite.
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Spot had a major limitation, however: the communication is only one-way – outbound, and highly limited in the information you can send. A company called inReach is taking advantage of that shortfall with a new device that allows messages back and forth via satellite. It is still a long way away from a full-blown satellite communication link offering, say, access to the internet or voice connections, but it does provide send-andreceive texting. It also has the ability to track your location anywhere around the globe – but with a catch that most of the best features only work if coupled with another device. Paired with iPhones, iPads, iPods or Android phones and tablets you can use the phone or tablet for a keyboard to send and receive messages. No device? Then you get a choice of three predetermined messages using inReach only. With a device, you can send and receive both SOS and regular personal messages. This has the advantage of being able to specify the type of SOS – as there’s a big difference between being marooned on a desert island and being in the water and at risk of drowning. This can also help in the deployment of rescue resources – no need to send the entire Pacific coast guard fleet to do what a friend can do. Delivery confirmation means you’ll know when your message is received. An app called Earthmate (doesn’t everything have an app these days?) enables free downloads of DeLorme topo maps and NOAA nautical charts. This effectively turns a device coupled with inReach
into a GPS for navigation. Naturally, the disadvantage is you now need two devices and two battery sets to do the work of one device (a handheld GPS), but with the extra feature of text capability. It’s worth noting you won’t be able to get Canadian charts; at least not yet. A subscription is required to use, as with Spot, and runs from the lowestcost package of $14.95 per month plus a charge per text (of 95 cents) and track point (25 cents) or an expedition rate of $49.95 a month with a limit of 250 texts. Text addicts will probably adore this device, and it is a step forward in terms of utilizing the capabilities of satellite technology, but not for those on a budget trip. For the non-techies among us, waiting till at the dinner table to tell the story may just have to do, as has sufficed throughout history. www.inreachdelorme.com TM
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7/26/2012 10:07:19 AM