Satellite communicators - Spot, Zoleo, Garmin Inreach etc.

[ex terra lucem]

Hello folks.If anyone is looking for an emergency comm's device,take a look at the Spot Gen 3.I am currently in W.A.prospecting and have just bought one.It's great for mapping,checking in to let people know you are ok and also works as an epirb.200 dollars for the device,200 dollars for the annual subscription I have been sending my own co-ordinates to my email address, and it works globally.The mining co's are using them for mapping and emergencies.I find it to be very useful,granted it is a little more expensive than an epirb,but you also get much more stuff.Cheers,happy hunting.

 

[jarrahrules]

Hi guys. Just wondering if anyone has or uses a "spot Gen 3" eperb. Are they any good.

Thanks

 

[toecutta]

not an epirb

think of it as a gps attached to a satellite phone that only sms's your location to specific phone numbers (pre programed or emergency services)

there are pros and cons for these in emergency situations

they are really good at tracking progress / letting your loved ones know your progress on a trip

cheers

jason

 

[jarrahrules]

Okay Thanks.

I've got it wrong then. thought it was an all in one.

Anyone using such a beast

 

[SCROUNGER]

How much are they? Good idea i reckon. Especially if you don't need the full epirb. Problem is if they only run in conjunction with sat phone.

 

[jarrahrules]

on the add it says epirb.

 

[SCROUNGER]

??????????????? Who's selling them jarrah?

 

[jarrahrules]

they are on ebay. but it cost a subscription as well.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/141172776048?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

Link above.

 

[jarrahrules]

I'm heading west for a month by myself and my wife worries. But i thought i would need or want a iperb as well.

 

[SCROUNGER]

Cheers mate. Personal epirbs are great if you're out in the scrub by yourself i reckon. I'm often in the mountains away from phone reception etc and my wifes the same. I'll check them out, thanks.

 

[Nanjim]

I just bought a PLB
GME MT410G ACCU SATO $349....
For my up coming trip to the Nth West

Cheers Nanjim
Jim

 

[toecutta]

i had an earlier SPOT version - replaced it with a second hand satphone and telstra prepaid SIM

sorry if i confused you... a SPOT Tracker sends to the satellite network (there are 2 satellite networks each once again with pros and cons) no separate satphone needed

do u want it for emergencies (PLB), status non criticle location alerts (SPOT), or general communications (SatPhone)

http://www.epirb.com/difference_between_EPIRBs_PLBs.php

http://beacons.amsa.gov.au/

 

[Westaus]

Or you could look through the site sponsor trades as a suggestion perhaps 8.(

https://www.prospectingaustralia.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=10498

You can always discuss pricing and options I would be sure of it.

Westaus
Custom Fit Safety

 

[jarrahrules]

Thanks Westaus I will check them out like you say they are a sponsor trade.

 

[jarrahrules]

i had an earlier SPOT version - replaced it with a second hand satphone and telstra prepaid SIM

sorry if i confused you... a SPOT Tracker sends to the satellite network (there are 2 satellite networks each once again with pros and cons) no separate satphone needed

do u want it for emergencies (PLB), status non criticle location alerts (SPOT), or general communications (SatPhone)

http://www.epirb.com/difference_between_EPIRBs_PLBs.php

http://beacons.amsa.gov.au/

Hi Toecutta.

I walk a fair way from the camp and car when out west looking for the elusive patch, havn't found one yet, But i don'r think i would carry the heavy sat phone on me. That may sound silly as the epirb may be the same weight.
I thought of a sat phone but would leave at camp or car??????

Maybe i should do that???

JR

 

[SCROUNGER]

I didn't know either about the site sponsor. I like the look of that small hand epirb. Will investigate. Cheers westaus.

 

[mbasko]

Just my opinion but if I was going to WA & going to be alone I would not be without a satellite phone at anytime. Anything else wouldn't be adequate in my opinion & its the only way to know for sure that you have reached some type of emergency contact or other contact "promptly" - nothing else can let you know that.
For me a sat phone will be my next purchase to compliment my PLB which will then become a last resort back-up.

 

[PabloP]

I have both a Sat phone and an Epirb, plus Rino GPS/UHF and mobile phone, so what I take, each day while actually detecting will depend on how far I will be from the vehicle and/or others. I will rarely take all units due to the weight & bulk, but play it by ear, using what I hope is common sense.

The spot wouldn't be suitable for my situation, but I can envisage situations where others could find them very handy.

Rob.

 

[jarrahrules]

I have both a Sat phone and an Epirb, plus Rino GPS/UHF and mobile phone, so what I take, each day while actually detecting will depend on how far I will be from the vehicle and/or others. I will rarely take all units due to the weight & bulk, but play it by ear, using what I hope is common sense.

The spot wouldn't be suitable for my situation, but I can envisage situations where others could find them very handy.

Rob.

Think i may get a sat phone and a Eperb know.
I just bought a couple of those Rino radios just need to upload maps etc. That's a pest.
I bought two so that when my wife goes with me we can communicate. She doesn't detect so stays at camp and reads books.

 

[blisters]

Delorme inreach is an option for two way text messaging and sos capability. You can also interface them to your smartphone to send/receive. I reckon they hit the mark for real time tracking in case you have an accident plus the two way texting for contact for when you are on your own.
Jon