Here’s your chance: Would you please help Jessica determine the best satellite communicator? A raft of new satellite messaging devices has flourished over the past few years (since we last considered these in Brigada). Among them are Garmin’s inReach Messenger ( https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/793265 ), but would you rather send her out with a Garmin inReach Mini 2 ( https://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Lightweight-Satellite-Communicator-Handheld/dp/B09PSKG7C3/ref=sr_1_1 ) or an ACR Bivy Stick ( https://www.amazon.com/Two-Way-Global-Satellite-Communicator-Device/dp/B093R9VPMF/ref=sr_1_3 ). Or is there another one upon which you rely? She’s especially interested in hearing from someone who has carried and *used* one of these. Obviously, the goal is to have something to use when she’s out of cell phone range in mountains or far from the nearest town. Thanks in advance for any help you can lend.
1) Help Jessica Determine the Best Satellite Communicator
Our clients utilize the Garmin inReach. Our clients program the device to contact our Assistance Company for direct assistance in a emergency. The GPS coordinates are relayed with every communication so search and rescue services can be deployed to the clients location. It’s a dependable device, waterproof and good battery life and I’ve never received any complaints or issues with communication and we have clients traveling to remote locations as well as at very high altitude. I believe Garmin also has a built in SOS button which can connect you to emergency services provided by Garmin (charges for services are additional).
Apple introduced Emergency SOS via satellite on the iPhone 14 and 15 allowing users to contact emergency services in areas without cellular reception. I believe it is text based only at this time.
I hope this helps.
I took a Garmin Inreach with me for trips into then-challenging countries such as Saudi Arabia, but never had to call on using it. The default, now, I would think, would be to use an iPhone 14 or higher and use its emergency satellite connectivity. This has the added benefit of hiding this connectivity in plain sight rather than being in a separate unit that might raise eyebrows in many countries.
Adam and David, great input. Thanks for your responses. Anyone else?
I think one needs to determine what they need their device to do. We are seriously looking at the Motorola device because our main goal is the ability to text with our kids. The unit is less expensive and monthly fees are low as well. I believe it will be a good emergency tool.
Motorola Defy Satellite Link – Rugged Handheld GPS Communicator, Two-Way Global SMS Text Messenger, Emergency SOS Alerting – Android iOS Compatible,
Nice, @DannJaynes! Thanks for bubbling it up!
We use a Garmin InReach when we’re in the mountains out of cell range. Works very dependably. The basic safety plan allows for a 10 messages/month. Additional messages are a reasonable cost. You must have a monthly plan to use the service.
Note that personal satellite communication devices are illegal in quite a few countries. The box may work, but it’s illegal. If your intended use is overseas, check the country’s regulations.
Good, Tom. Thanks.
I’ve carried and used an InReach device from even before it was Garmin. Used for daily “All OK messages”. Out bound and in bound short messages with no problem to SMS or email. My older model takes a while to get the GPS lock after a long airline flight and occasionally in tight buildings urban environment can take 4-5 minutes to send a message. Used it in 2016 in Ethiopia when local internet and cell coverage was shutdown (cell phone service was state owned and demonstrations where underway). That was the only comms we had for days and only reason we were able to continue project, without evacuation. The old model with rocker switch to move around on screen keyboard to select EACH letter is SLOW, the cell phone APP link would allow much faster message composition. I’ve used in from 6 continents/multiple islands and a couple of ship decks and maybe a window seat or two where the FCC /FAA wouldn’t matter. No experience with the other device, sorry. Garmin doesn’t support my older models for repair. You need to load pre-se messages and address and synch device before trip. If you send a message before the GPS gets a lock it shows location as 0 / 0 – Atlantic ocean south of Ghana.
Thank you all so much for your thoughtful and detailed input. It is very helpful as I determine my comms device/s for areas I will travel without cell signal and no Wi-Fi. Not only is your advice & lived experience useful as I research devices, it also empowers me to feel more confident as I choose appropriate gear. SOS capabilities and accurate coordinates are a must in case of emergency. “Checking in” with family periodically also desired.
Any additional input welcomed — and all greatly appreciated!
Might be worth checking out Iridium, who is a global leader in this space providing 100% global coverage. I’m not sure if they offer products for consumers, but for ministries who need to be connected in truly remote areas… https://www.bluecosmo.com/iridium