BajaNomad

Spot X and Somewear satellite communicators

Goyo - 6-9-2018 at 06:24 PM

I've read various discussions on this forum about the inReach and Spot devices. Last month, Spot introduced Spot X. Still too new to have many reviews. But the few reviews on the REI website aren't too favorable. Sounds like they still need to iron-out some glitchy bugs.

Also, a new product is slated for release this summer. The Somewear Hotspot will allow you to use you phone out in the middle of nowhere. But I think it's just telephone and not Internet. The gadget will be more expensive that inReach and Spot. And there are three proposed monthly service plans, which also seem pretty expensive. Good to see more products hitting the market. I'd provide the links, but I don't know if that's against the forum's rules.

David K - 6-9-2018 at 06:35 PM

If to inform fellow Nomads, please post the links. If you are selling them, use the classified ads forum.
Last year, I used the inReach Explorer over 7 months in Baja... border to Cabo and it was fantastic. I could text or email anyone, my friends could see where I was and my track, I had a live map with my location using my cell phone with the free ap that couples the map with the inReach.

caj13 - 6-10-2018 at 01:57 PM

what did that cost, if I may ask David?

David K - 6-10-2018 at 04:23 PM

I wish I knew the exact numbers, but it belongs to Baja Bound who got it for me to use for my mapping and road guide research trips. I think the unit was three-hundred-something dollars and then there is monthly or annual subscription, so you can activate it only when you use it. I bet it is all on the Garmin/InReach (formerly DeLorme) website?

4x4abc - 6-10-2018 at 05:56 PM

the inReach comes with or without navigation features
$260 without, $300 with GPS
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I6EY01C/ref=oh_aui_sear...

Lowest annual fee is around $300

If you only plan to send out an SOS, the unit is helpful as a standalone

If you want to use the messaging features, an iPhone or iPad is a must - they function as a large screen for the inReach and also serve as keypad. Typing with the inReach by itself is almost impossible.

Battery life is short - so you constantly need a charging device if you keep your unit running (to monitor incoming messages etc)

Navigating or track recording has too many bugs to be useful.

PaulW - 6-11-2018 at 07:31 AM

Inreach
Harald, try my methods
I have good success making valid GPS/.GPX tracks. My success is the result of lots of track points. Now days I am using 10 min intervals and 2 sec log interval. More is better, but limits of internal memory is an issue. Sync before and after each trip. Multiple days work fine by shutting off between days. With lots of points constant DC power is required due to small internal battery size.
Navigating using a tablet or phone works ok, but faint screen is a definite drawback and the phone is just to small for follow a track or follow a map on the Inreach app Earthmate.

Paco Facullo - 6-11-2018 at 08:17 AM

Hey, I have a brand new never activated inReach explorer that I bought but but haven't used. I did open the box and look at it but that's all.

New on Amazon $299.99 w/ tax $330.00

I'll sell mine for $225 and $10 shipping = $235... Anyone interested ?

As long as you are a long time member I will send it to you for your inspection BEFORE you pay for it.

[Edited on 6-11-2018 by Paco Facullo]

HeyMulegeScott - 6-11-2018 at 10:59 AM

Quote: Originally posted by 4x4abc  
the inReach comes with or without navigation features
$260 without, $300 with GPS
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I6EY01C/ref=oh_aui_sear...

Lowest annual fee is around $300

If you only plan to send out an SOS, the unit is helpful as a standalone

If you want to use the messaging features, an iPhone or iPad is a must - they function as a large screen for the inReach and also serve as keypad. Typing with the inReach by itself is almost impossible.

Battery life is short - so you constantly need a charging device if you keep your unit running (to monitor incoming messages etc)

Navigating or track recording has too many bugs to be useful.



FYI that link and price are for the older Delorme model. The Gamin screen is twice the size of the Delorme and daylight readable according to the product manager.

David K - 6-12-2018 at 06:33 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Three2tango  
Quote: Originally posted by 4x4abc  
the inReach comes with or without navigation features
$260 without, $300 with GPS
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I6EY01C/ref=oh_aui_sear...

Lowest annual fee is around $300

If you only plan to send out an SOS, the unit is helpful as a standalone

If you want to use the messaging features, an iPhone or iPad is a must - they function as a large screen for the inReach and also serve as keypad. Typing with the inReach by itself is almost impossible.

Battery life is short - so you constantly need a charging device if you keep your unit running (to monitor incoming messages etc)

Navigating or track recording has too many bugs to be useful.



FYI that link and price are for the older Delorme model. The Gamin screen is twice the size of the Delorme and daylight readable according to the product manager.


That is the exact model I used all last year... Garmin bought DeLorme and they may have different models now... but it would seem the Explorer is still for sale. The screen has brightness adjustments so no problem seeing it in the daytime. It is really enhanced if you couple it with your smartphone using the free Earthmate app. You get a bigger and more detailed topo map with your location moving on it plus the ease of the texting keypad of your phone instead of the slower to use key on the Explorer.