BigTreeWalker Posted February 4, 2017 Posted February 4, 2017 Just saw this on Indiegogo. It looks quite reasonable and a good item to have in your pack. It does require a $36 yearly data plan (1st year is included in the price). It does require cell service to work though. For some areas in the country especially out west that service is spotty, so even though it's a great idea it won't work everywhere. But if you have cell service where you go it might be just the ticket. https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/ping-the-world-s-smallest-global-gps-locator-bluetooth#/
norseman Posted February 6, 2017 Admin Posted February 6, 2017 My kids have a free app that tracks cell phones by number. As is my understanding so long as you have a cell phone with battery on your person? You can be tracked....
BigTreeWalker Posted February 6, 2017 Author Posted February 6, 2017 But that again only works where there is cell service. But it would be handy if you were injured or lost in an area with cell service. Through the research I've done into various locators I've found that acquiring your position is fairly easy. It's when you need to relay that position to someone that the difficulties and costs arise.
norseman Posted February 6, 2017 Admin Posted February 6, 2017 I used InReach in the oilfield, works with GPS, no cell. But also requires a monthly plan.
BigTreeWalker Posted February 6, 2017 Author Posted February 6, 2017 The monthly plan is the communication part since GPS doesn't. This unit is one of the better systems on keeping tabs on you or others location. But it takes 2 units to communicate with each other. The only subscription there is for satellite imagery. https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/82797#overview
Guest Cryptic Megafauna Posted February 7, 2017 Posted February 7, 2017 (edited) 19 hours ago, norseman said: My kids have a free app that tracks cell phones by number. As is my understanding so long as you have a cell phone with battery on your person? You can be tracked.... They track you through the cell towers. One reason not to speed if you have a phone in the car. Usually a state police spotter on an interstate gets your plate and stingray gets your signal location. Estimate your speed and get a email verification from the holder of the plate and the probably have enough to get you. So if you get an odd email about your car don't reply. 4 hours ago, BigTreeWalker said: The monthly plan is the communication part since GPS doesn't. This unit is one of the better systems on keeping tabs on you or others location. But it takes 2 units to communicate with each other. The only subscription there is for satellite imagery. https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/82797#overview Why do you need a GPS locater, out of interest? I worked on an app for something like this. Edited February 7, 2017 by Cryptic Megafauna
norseman Posted February 7, 2017 Admin Posted February 7, 2017 23 hours ago, BigTreeWalker said: The monthly plan is the communication part since GPS doesn't. This unit is one of the better systems on keeping tabs on you or others location. But it takes 2 units to communicate with each other. The only subscription there is for satellite imagery. https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/82797#overview The InReach SAT can communicate with cell phone texts. http://www.cabelas.com/product/DeLorme-InReach-SE-Satellite-Communicator/1924980.uts?productVariantId=4039505&WT.tsrc=PPC&WT.mc_id=GoogleProductAds&WT.z_mc_id1=04052764&rid=20&gclid=CIqwx9HR_tECFcVefgod804Dhw&gclsrc=aw.ds This new one has tracking capabilities! https://www.thegpsstore.com/Delorme-inReach-Explorer-2-Way-Satellite-Communicator-P4050.aspx?gclid=CNv6lunS_tECFc6XfgodfEcEdQ
BigTreeWalker Posted February 7, 2017 Author Posted February 7, 2017 I just brought that new one to everyone's attention because is was simple, lightweight and cheap. GPS locators that someone else can locate are for personal safety for those that spend a lot of time in the woods. But if you need cell service or a satellite subscription for it to work it gets spendy over the long run or it just isn't effective. I don't usually need anything other than the usual map and compass to locate where I am, but it's more for peace of mind for loved ones to be able to locate you in an emergency. EPIRB's are for boats. PLB's are for personal use and are lighter but the battery life for most is 24hrs. Both Norseman and myself mentioned a couple other alternatives available to sportsman. There have been some others mentioned here in the forums. They all have their strong points and drawbacks. My advice is to not rely on cell coverage when in the outdoors.
wiiawiwb Posted February 14, 2017 Posted February 14, 2017 (edited) Norse...the InReach Two Way satellite looks good. The plans are reasonable too. https://explore.garmin.com/en-US/inreach/content/docs/consumer-inreach-fees-us-only.pdf I already have a PLB otherwise I'd be all over that Two Way. Edited February 14, 2017 by wiiawiwb
Guest Cryptic Megafauna Posted February 14, 2017 Posted February 14, 2017 all smart phones all have gps chips now so as long as you have a plan that includes satellite, you're good to go.
norseman Posted February 15, 2017 Admin Posted February 15, 2017 How do you get a cell phone plan that includes satellite?
BigTreeWalker Posted February 15, 2017 Author Posted February 15, 2017 You don't. You can get a Sat phone hot spot but it costs about $60 a week just to rent. For more information on Sat phones versus cell phones look here. http://www.getgds.com/blog/cellular-vs.-satellite-understanding-the-differences I started this thread considering reasonable. Sat phones are anything but reasonable.
norseman Posted February 27, 2017 Admin Posted February 27, 2017 Found this BTW! https://www.beartooth.com/?gclid=CMC8r-S-r9ICFUaNfgodSrEJFg
BigTreeWalker Posted February 27, 2017 Author Posted February 27, 2017 Interesting. In that it uses and extends the range of something most of us have without extra expenses. Other than buying the unit itself, of course.
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