DeLorme InReach vs. Spot Connect

[Bill McIntyre]

I have one of the first generation Spots on my boat, and its been great for sending my wife "OK" messages when I'm safely anchored at the islands. It also has functions for SOS and for calling for help when not in immediate danger, but luckily I haven't had to try those functions. The downside is that its one-way communication. You don't know for sure that anyone received it, and you don't know if anyone is coming to help.

So I'm looking at the two devices listed in the title. The review describes their capabilities. The Spot seems to pair to my cell phone and let me send custom messages like "I'm frigging sinking" or "I love you honey" or "the engine won't start and I need a tow" but it still doesn't let me have acknowledgements.

The deLorme seems to do everything the Spot Connect does plus let me receive acknowlegements, but of course its more expensive.

Does anyone have personal experience with either unit? If so, I'd appreciate hearing what you think.


http://www.wired.com/reviews/2012/10...essengers/all/

[Castronova]

Bill, any luck with info on these units? I've been looking at the spot as well. I'm not sure receiving messages is worth that money (upfront or subscription). I need one for going to the Dry Tortugas, 80+miles one way. I figure something is bound to happen if we keep going. I think the SOS is the most important aspect, second would be the "I'm ok"... maybe the spot is the way to go?

I think the only difference between the connect and the other spot units is the phone messaging with bluetooth... is that right?

[petrel]

I know you didn't ask, but for what it is worth, you can get a handheld satphone for less than the cost of a good custom speargun. If you have a mechanical or medical difficulty for which you could use a little guidance, the satphone is the way to go.

A satphone does not take the place of a PLB or EPIRB, but it is a very handy thing to have if you are interested in two way communtications.

[Diablo Loco]

Originally Posted by Bill McIntyre

I have one of the first generation Spots on my boat, and its been great for sending my wife "OK" messages when I'm safely anchored at the islands. It also has functions for SOS and for calling for help when not in immediate danger, but luckily I haven't had to try those functions. The downside is that its one-way communication. You don't know for sure that anyone received it, and you don't know if anyone is coming to help.

So I'm looking at the two devices listed in the title. The review describes their capabilities. The Spot seems to pair to my cell phone and let me send custom messages like "I'm frigging sinking" or "I love you honey" or "the engine won't start and I need a tow" but it still doesn't let me have acknowledgements.

The deLorme seems to do everything the Spot Connect does plus let me receive acknowlegements, but of course its more expensive.

Does anyone have personal experience with either unit? If so, I'd appreciate hearing what you think.


http://www.wired.com/reviews/2012/10...essengers/all/

Bill,
I have not used one of the InReach, but i have done research on these units.

My buddy U/C Spearo have a SPOT on his boat and has it on when we dive. The system is pretty cool. My brother-in-laws (4 of them) and I were talking about doing a hiking trip somewhere this year. I went on-line to check out similar items, like the SPOT. That is when I came across the InReach.

With the Spot, you can only send pre-loaded messages or press an emergency button. Because the InReach is used in connection with your Iphone or Android phone, you can send texts and receive texts, just like if you were in the middle of the city. You are not limited to cell phone coverage, because the link is through satellite, it has coverage no matter where you are (except underwater or in a cave). You can also use the phone to see where you are on the topo or marine map.

Yeah, they are more expensive, but you also can do a hell of a lot more communication with the InReach than you can the SPOT. If you wanted anymore or better communication, you'd be better off with a sat phone.

I looked on Ebay to see if I could find any of these units. Ii found a few that were used for sale. People had used them for a trip they went on and no longer needed them. These units usually ended up being sold for about a $100 or less. I contacted the company and asked them if there were any issues with buying used and reactivating. They said that there were none.

If my brother-in-laws and I do go on this trip, I will will be getting one of these units. I think they are ten times better than the SPOT for what they do. Here is the website

http://www.inreachdelorme.com/produc...smartphone.php

http://www.inreachdelorme.com/product-info/

[Bill McIntyre]

Originally Posted by Castronova

Bill, any luck with info on these units? I've been looking at the spot as well. I'm not sure receiving messages is worth that money (upfront or subscription). I need one for going to the Dry Tortugas, 80+miles one way. I figure something is bound to happen if we keep going. I think the SOS is the most important aspect, second would be the "I'm ok"... maybe the spot is the way to go?

I think the only difference between the connect and the other spot units is the phone messaging with bluetooth... is that right?

Here is a post I received on anther board.

Hey Bill,

My wife bought me the DeLorme for my Bday last year. It sync's straight to my phone and the apps are very easy to use. It even has a tracking function to show trip details for wives or kids to log-in online and follow you while you are on the boat or hunting/hiking etc...

I think I pay a flat fee monthly that allows 15 text messages sent and received, additional 7cents per message, which is not bad. You can opt for the bigger badder plan if you are a txt whore and can't keep off the phone.

The downside is... she actually knows when I've received a message and expects the response back, which can be tricky to manage when at Clemente and all I want to do is keep off the radar.

I love her, but she takes advantage of the text privileges and continues to text me back.... However, if this allows me more time "out of cell range" and off the grid. I've been really happy with the service it provides.... more importantly, the peace of mind it provides my better half = more diving.

It will come as an additional benefit when we have kids and emergencies come up.

Just my quick thoughts.

[HOLDFAST]

My buddy is in alaska right now getting ready for hunt! InReach works like a champ, and displays locationon computer! Very easy Ilove it!

[HOLDFAST]

He is at camp it work's he's NW of anchorage alaska I'm in corpus christi tx