Personal Locator inReach SE

[neels]

is this one? http://www.beacons.co.nz/iridium-tra...idc104368.html or newer

I'll have to have a look and see what I can't find, having a look here 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

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

[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

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

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...