Personal Locator inReach SE

[pampa]

is anybody using them? or have experience with them? I'm considering it as an alternative to an spot locator

[ducatijim]

I would have been, but mine never made it here from usps in the States!!!

[pampa]

I would have been, but mine never made it here from usps in the States!!!
I was looking at the NZ representative although have seen that overseas is more accessible $$

[RMOTO]

I was looking at the NZ representative although have seen that overseas is more accessible $$

This is worth a read if you are looking at a PLB from overseas for NZ use

http://beacons.org.nz/PurchaseorHire.aspx#Shouldn%27t%20buy

[neels]

We tried one out at work, seemed pretty good and tracking via the interwebs was excellent, the communications bit worked pretty well too.

[Gman71]

Always have one on me in jacket in case shit hits fan. Can't be used to track you however, at least mine can't. It's just there to call the flying taxi.

[Padmei]

Always have one on me in jacket in case shit hits fan. Can't be used to track you however, at least mine can't. It's just there to call the flying taxi.

http://www.inreachdelorme.com/product-info/inreachse.php

This is what I think I've been waiting for - being able to text & emergency.
Are you sure you can't track? It says on this page others can ping you (whatever that means?) to see where you are.
Any ongoing costs? I know i shouldn't say it out loud but I can't bring myself to spend $200 or whatever a year for spot tracking :pinch:

double edit- I see you have to pay for its sattelite use

Are there any better alt apart from smart hone apps, spot & normal plb?

Edit: Is there anyway to arrange with the rescue people a trial drill to see if it works without a chopper dropping down on the front lawn?

[neels]

There are a few plans depending on what you want to do, but i think it's more pay for what you use than a spot, from the website you can ping it and if its on it returns it's location.

Sent from my electric telephone

[R650R]

Asked Uncle google, some interesting info here http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Personal-Locator-Beacon-Reviews/DeLorme-InReach-SE-Satellite-Messenger

Seems to be an expensive option, good if for some reason you need to send txts from remote areas.
Would rather stick with a GPS PLB as you know in life or death it is 100% reliable where as this device still relies somewhat on third party services.

[GSers]

Like most of these things its all well and good as long as you can operate them yourself. Make sure your riding buddies know you are carrying such a device so they can operate if you happen to be out for the count.
May be we need a sticker for our bikes denoting that there's a PLB etc etc on board in case of emergency.
Same with tracking unless someone is watching your every move and notice that you have stopped how long do they wait before they panic if they cant communicate with you.

Which ever way when you are riding solo you have to be responsible for your own well being and hope that like insurance you don't really have to use it. especially in the case of EQC.

GSers

[pampa]

This is worth a read if you are looking at a PLB from overseas for NZ use

http://beacons.org.nz/PurchaseorHire.aspx#Shouldn%27t%20buy

is that link working?

[pampa]

Asked Uncle google, some interesting info here http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Personal-Locator-Beacon-Reviews/DeLorme-InReach-SE-Satellite-Messenger

Seems to be an expensive option, good if for some reason you need to send txts from remote areas.
Would rather stick with a GPS PLB as you know in life or death it is 100% reliable where as this device still relies somewhat on third party services.
well i want to text yes. my idea is: 'honey i drown bike but im fine will be late'
but want plb ability too :confused:, and tracking

[neels]

well i want to text yes. my idea is: 'honey i drown bike but im fine will be late'
but want plb ability too :confused:, and tracking

That was our interest at work as well, something between all good and an emergency callout where there is no cellphone coverage, just a message to say send help and the location. I think they've just released another model of the inreach, must read that email and see what its all about.......

[pampa]

That was our interest at work as well, something between all good and an emergency callout where there is no cellphone coverage, just a message to say send help and the location. I think they've just released another model of the inreach, must read that email and see what its all about.......

is this one? http://www.beacons.co.nz/iridium-tracking-device-xidc104368.html or newer

[pampa]

according to site its

$22.95 per month plus initial buying. its expensive initially but if it works servers my purpose and its not too much monthly

[neels]

is this one? http://www.beacons.co.nz/iridium-tracking-device-xidc104368.html or newer
I'll have to have a look and see what I can't find, having a look here (http://www.alwaysinreach.co.nz/) it's the same as what we had a play with, worked sending text messages to/from Milford sound when all the other comms was down and tracked a helicopter flight out no problems.

[R650R]

I've always thought being out of reach was one of the bonuses of motorbiking.
If you have to have one, don't tell the Wife... the last thing we need is for women to know that we can be got hold of at any time while out riding....
Do you know the repurcussions of an unreplied txt message for some!!! :)

[ducatijim]

Just to let everyone know......

DO NOT purchase one of these OVERSEAS......

You will be stung au$170 OVER and ABOVE the regular activation fee of fifty bucks.

PROTECTIONISM at its finest!!!!

[vegeman]

So what ya gonna do/buy?...well...

I've going to visit wright communications today and have a look at the Iridium GO. These are definitely more expensive $1399 but offer voice capability as well. BUT now after catching up with this thread and seeing that new inreach SE unit...I'm now more confused on what I want. I'm like you pamps, I want to basically be able to communicate to the family/friends should I also have an 'issue'..I owe it to them, and myself since breaking my leg, as even if I just have mechanical issue..I don't want them freaking out.

Here's my thoughts/observations

I like that the inreach SE can work with or without the smartphone ie pre-load messages etc. The GO only has a emergency button if not paired with phone. (at least its the important button)
SE has IP67, GO is IP65 (probably not that big a deal...but being truly waterproof means it can on my boat)
SE has 100hr battery life, GO is 15hr (but will I actually have it on while riding...hmmm, I thought about saving battery and using it as an emergency device, so batt life probably doesn't matter BUT SE can do 100hrs, so perhaps I would then)
SE is smaller so will probably fit in my purpose built SPOT pocket on my Klim jacket, GO is jus that little bit bigger
SE is a whopping $800 cheaper!...so really need to consider is voice calling a requirement...hmmm
SE has cheaper montly fee's of $22.95 NZD, GO is $33USD. = approx $40NZ

Now that I have typed this up, it seems to me that SE is the unit to get. As mentioned by R650R, perhaps adventure riding is about not talking, a txt for those times that you need help is all that is required.

...I'll still go and see the GO, but I'm pretty sure that I will get the SE now

[ducatijim]

...I'll still go and see the GO, but I'm pretty sure that I will get the SE now

Just be sure to buy it locally!!!!

[Big Dog]

I would have thought you would have it turned on all the time you were out so that if you failed to present for dinner you could be geolocated?


Stupid phone / Tapatalk, apologies in advance.

[pampa]

Just be sure to buy it locally!!!!

thanks for the advice :clap:

just to be clear, you're not the local rep are you? :baby:

[pampa]

Nice analysis, thanks.

I have thought about it (talk) and calling is definitely not a requirement. Moreover when it costs that much more, and eeven less considering the battery duration. I recall a couple of years ago a hunter got badly lost, although he had a GPS to guide himself but it run out of batteries and he was buggered. I don't want another concern or at least as little as possible and battery is one of those things that tend to fail when you actually needed it. Also 15h is close to ride time I had on the Dusty but (13-14hs). In battery sense a plain PLB is got several + cause they last years.



So what ya gonna do/buy?...well...

I've going to visit wright communications today and have a look at the Iridium GO. These are definitely more expensive $1399 but offer voice capability as well. BUT now after catching up with this thread and seeing that new inreach SE unit...I'm now more confused on what I want. I'm like you pamps, I want to basically be able to communicate to the family/friends should I also have an 'issue'..I owe it to them, and myself since breaking my leg, as even if I just have mechanical issue..I don't want them freaking out.

Here's my thoughts/observations

I like that the inreach SE can work with or without the smartphone ie pre-load messages etc. The GO only has a emergency button if not paired with phone. (at least its the important button)
SE has IP67, GO is IP65 (probably not that big a deal...but being truly waterproof means it can on my boat)
SE has 100hr battery life, GO is 15hr (but will I actually have it on while riding...hmmm, I thought about saving battery and using it as an emergency device, so batt life probably doesn't matter BUT SE can do 100hrs, so perhaps I would then)
SE is smaller so will probably fit in my purpose built SPOT pocket on my Klim jacket, GO is jus that little bit bigger
SE is a whopping $800 cheaper!...so really need to consider is voice calling a requirement...hmmm
SE has cheaper montly fee's of $22.95 NZD, GO is $33USD. = approx $40NZ

Now that I have typed this up, it seems to me that SE is the unit to get. As mentioned by R650R, perhaps adventure riding is about not talking, a txt for those times that you need help is all that is required.

...I'll still go and see the GO, but I'm pretty sure that I will get the SE now

[vegeman]

I see that there is now an inreach explorer which has a full gps as well so I've placed and order with the NZ agent. My garmin has a few intermittent probs so having another rugged gps has to be a good thing.

[ducatijim]

thanks for the advice :clap:

just to be clear, you're not the local rep are you? :baby:

I guess I should have been clear about that.....

No.

[buggsubique]

The Plbs I've imported from the states are programmed for the states, and can only be registered in the states, but if you leave it unregistered, it will still transmit, the HEX code will contain the ID for USA, the US Rescue Coordination Centre will be notified, and upon seeing the location (NZ), will immediately forward that info to the NZRCC.

A better, safer option is to get it reprogrammed (yes, it's possible). I've imported two ACR ResQLink PLB's and Wilco Marine Services (http://yellow.co.nz/y/wilco-marine-auckland-central) are the NZ agents and can reprogram the country code inside the PLB firmware from US to NZ for $80-$90. Then that PLB can be successfully registered at beacons.org.nz, providing the NZRCC with your contact details, NOK details etc.

[R650R]

The Plbs I've imported from the states are programmed for the states, and can only be registered in the states, but if you leave it unregistered, it will still transmit, the HEX code will contain the ID for USA, the US Rescue Coordination Centre will be notified, and upon seeing the location (NZ), will immediately forward that info to the NZRCC.

A better, safer option is to get it reprogrammed (yes, it's possible). I've imported two ACR ResQLink PLB's and Wilco Marine Services (http://yellow.co.nz/y/wilco-marine-auckland-central) are the NZ agents and can reprogram the country code inside the PLB firmware from US to NZ for $80-$90. Then that PLB can be successfully registered at beacons.org.nz, providing the NZRCC with your contact details, NOK details etc.

I spoke with lady on phone at RCCNZ as confirmation email took awhile when registering mine (they are pretty busy day to day).
Anyway she said they will respond to any beacon activation immediately registered or not. In the case you mention though that extra few minutes of phone/email ex America could be difference between life and death but is essentially the same as if a foreign vessel or tramper was in distress here.
Registering it is good as it helps them know what they are looking for if no other comms or witnesses. Mine is registered for use hiking, mountain biking, sea kayak and motorbike.
You can nominate three numbers to have family and friends fretting over your disappearance or to gather further info but I usually forget to tell them where im going anyway unless serious mission to whopps...