I have also used the DeLorme inReach extensively, and found they work quite well for non-emergency communication and are rugged.
They are often quick to send/receive messages but sometimes can take over an hour to send. This seems to vary based on terrain (worse in valleys, canyons, and forested areas), but sometimes can occur even with a clear view of the entire sky. Because of the potential lag time with messaging, in case there was a true emergency, I was more comfortable carrying both the DeLorme and a ResQlink EPIRB. I have never triggered the SOS function on either of the devices. I also recommend carrying a small backup USB battery pack with the DeLorme. The battery life is good on the devices, but this provides little extra insurance. Anyone I know that has used them both has ranked DeLorme above SPOT, but I have never used the SPOT. -- Kelly J. Iknayan Dept. of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management University of California - Berkeley 130 Mulford Hall #3114 Berkeley, CA 94720 iknay...@berkeley.edu On Tue, Mar 28, 2017 at 2:00 PM, Reichenborn, Molly < molly.reichenb...@wichita.edu> wrote: > I have technicians working in isolated areas without cell phone service in > Kansas, USA. I want the technicians to be able to request emergency (EMS) > and non-emergency aid (e.g. need assistance with stranded vehicle) in these > areas if needed. I’ve been looking into SPOT gen3 units ( > http://www.findmespot.com/en/index.php?cid=100) and would appreciate > feedback from anyone who has used these for terrestrial fieldwork. I’d like > to know how well these devices stands up to rough handling and weather > conditions in the field, if it can send messages in varied weather > conditions (e.g. cloudy days), any issues with the service plan required > for the unit/customer service, and any comments on emergency or > non-emergency personnel response to aid requests from these devices. > > > I’d also appreciate suggestions for alternative devices that can provide > these services. The SPOT unit can provide “I’m OK” alerts to check-in with > preset contacts and track movement – these features are preferred, but not > required, for alternative devices. > > > > Molly M. Reichenborn > Research Project Manager > Wichita State University > Department of Biological Sciences > molly.reichenb...@wichita.edu > > >
