We will cover several important issues including new developments and products in the field of emergency communication devices. The discussion will include a new entrant into the market by the Delorme company, under the "inReach name. This small handheld device utilizes two way communication with orbiting satellites for emergency rescue, at a reasonable consumer price. One of the benefits is that it relies on the Iridium system of satellites. The following is from the Equipped to Survive Website (http://www.equipped.org/blog/?p=356):
We will also discuss the newest SPOT devices of which most are familiar. The Spot is in its second generation with several improvements over the initial offering.Delorme Introduces inReach – First 2-Way consumer satellite messaging device
inReachDelorme has announced their long-awaited two-way satellite messaging device, the inReach. Unlike Delorme’s first SEND, which was a SPOT product that utilizes the Globalstar satellite system one-way messaging capability, inReach works on the Iridium system that provides full two-way communication, with obvious benefits.
The interface with the device can be through a DeLorme Earthmate PN-60w GPS, as previously, or with any Android smartphone. TWo=way text capability means that in an emergency you will be able to communicate with the commercial emergency response coordination center (CERCC), which in this case is the same as used with the SPOT devices, GEOS. This has obvious advantages over one-way communications.
Pricing for the device and for the subscriptions is still not yet announced, though Delorme indicates that it does plan to offer three subscription levels: Safety, Recreation, and Pro, with prices starting at $9.95 per month for the safety plan and increasing to offer more in-plan message and tracking units.
Availability is expected this Fall.
The comparison to PLB (personal locator beacons) devices is unavoidable and we will bring some of these into the discussion, including the McMurdo and the ACR devices.
As a quick , but important note, each of the above devices are reviewed by Doug Ritter at his Equipped to Survive website: http://www.equipped.org/. ETS is a founding outfitter for OAUSA and you will find some very valuable and informative reviews of outdoor products on his website.
Lastly, there is another product on the market that supports 2 way messaging using satellite technology - the Geo Pro Messenger. It is a bit more pricy (about $700.00) than any of the other devices but it offers some impressive performance for those in remote locations who need 2 way communication capability and for emergency signaling use, see: http://www.roadpost.com/geopro_messenger.aspx. From their website:
Join us with your experience, observations or questions.The GeoPro Messenger device supports global two-way text messaging, data collection, tracking, hassle-free check-ins, and makes it easy to call for help and communicate details about the emergency to assist first responders.