Sort of figuring some of the Snowcat folks might be using some of these things.
I'm looking at using one for both rural short and also long distance motorcycle riding. But wondering if they are actually practical for motorcycle use in case of an emergency? I often ride alone, typically in rural areas. While I have cellphone coverage in most areas, there are some areas that are pretty sketchy for coverage and I sort of figure if I am lying broken in a ditch, having 1 button to push to call for help, which also sends out my location, might come in handy.
In ALL cases the unit needs to be stuck to your BODY and not to your BIKE because if you are injured and separated from your bike (say it skidded down a slope and you are broken at the top of the slope) so I'm ONLY looking at units small enough to strap to your arm, stuff in your pocket, etc. Some SatNavigation units (Garmin Montana) offer rescue functions but if the unit is mounted to your bike it may be out of reach if you are injured, especially if the bike slides away.
GARMIN makes a few communicators, but the InReach Mini is probably the macdaddy of all with its tiny size. It is both a stand alone unit and it also will connect to a smartphone for some added functionality. The TINY screen can actually give you some information, allow you to read simple text messages, etc. Realistically you need to use the InReach Mini with your Smartphone, so the Mini acts as a conduit and the Smartphone lets you more easily access the features, send messages, etc. As a stand alone, InReach Mini lets you send an emergency signal for rescue if you crash or are injured and a bunch of other stuff, but the interface looks awkward and, again, it is all very small. Also allows you to "drop breadcrumbs" on a map so your friends can follow your journey. About 2" by 3.5" and 5 ounces. About $350 + monthly subscription fees. Rechargable battery lasts about 100 hours.
SPOT uses a different satellite network than GARMIN, has a low end unit called the SPOT GEN 4 that just sends signals 1 way, with limited function, but also can drop breadcrumbs to a map, sends a "check in" message, has 1 additional customizable message, also has the ability to send a NON-emergency message in addition to an emergency message. Cost is $99, monthly fee is about $12.
SPOT also makes a unit with a full keyboard, called the SPOT X and the cost is $199 and has MOST of the features offered on the $349 GARMIN InReach Mini. Most reviews say the InReach Mini does a better job, with more feedback, but that all comes at a high cost to get the functions. The new version of the SPOT X includes Bluetooth to connect the unit to your Smartphone for some added ease of use and for some additional mapping functions.
Among other companies, ARC makes the ResQLink rescue beacons, they do 1 thing and only 1 thing. Send a help signal that brings in help. The beacon connects directly with a rescue center, which coordinates with authorities in your immediate location. Couple of models, but roughly $315, no added fees. Battery lasts for 5 years then needs to be replaced by the factory.
There are other brands of beacons, there are other brands and types of satellite communicators. Most of the small/light satellite communicators have a simple RESCUE button that allows you to call for help without the use of a cell phone. But most also connect to your cell phone and give you added functionality.
RESCUE BEACON:
1 time purchase price and it does 1 thing, brings help. Good for 5 years before battery needs replacement.
SATELLITE COMMUNICATOR:
Monthly subscription fees, some are only available on annual basis, others can be switched on/off as needed, ($150 to $600 per year depending on chosen plan) + purchase price. They do several things, if you need any of those things.
Anyone use any of these things? Given that cellphone coverage is pretty easy to find in most areas of North America is there really much need for a Satellite Communicator as an emergency device for moto travel?
I'm looking at using one for both rural short and also long distance motorcycle riding. But wondering if they are actually practical for motorcycle use in case of an emergency? I often ride alone, typically in rural areas. While I have cellphone coverage in most areas, there are some areas that are pretty sketchy for coverage and I sort of figure if I am lying broken in a ditch, having 1 button to push to call for help, which also sends out my location, might come in handy.
In ALL cases the unit needs to be stuck to your BODY and not to your BIKE because if you are injured and separated from your bike (say it skidded down a slope and you are broken at the top of the slope) so I'm ONLY looking at units small enough to strap to your arm, stuff in your pocket, etc. Some SatNavigation units (Garmin Montana) offer rescue functions but if the unit is mounted to your bike it may be out of reach if you are injured, especially if the bike slides away.
GARMIN makes a few communicators, but the InReach Mini is probably the macdaddy of all with its tiny size. It is both a stand alone unit and it also will connect to a smartphone for some added functionality. The TINY screen can actually give you some information, allow you to read simple text messages, etc. Realistically you need to use the InReach Mini with your Smartphone, so the Mini acts as a conduit and the Smartphone lets you more easily access the features, send messages, etc. As a stand alone, InReach Mini lets you send an emergency signal for rescue if you crash or are injured and a bunch of other stuff, but the interface looks awkward and, again, it is all very small. Also allows you to "drop breadcrumbs" on a map so your friends can follow your journey. About 2" by 3.5" and 5 ounces. About $350 + monthly subscription fees. Rechargable battery lasts about 100 hours.
SPOT uses a different satellite network than GARMIN, has a low end unit called the SPOT GEN 4 that just sends signals 1 way, with limited function, but also can drop breadcrumbs to a map, sends a "check in" message, has 1 additional customizable message, also has the ability to send a NON-emergency message in addition to an emergency message. Cost is $99, monthly fee is about $12.
SPOT also makes a unit with a full keyboard, called the SPOT X and the cost is $199 and has MOST of the features offered on the $349 GARMIN InReach Mini. Most reviews say the InReach Mini does a better job, with more feedback, but that all comes at a high cost to get the functions. The new version of the SPOT X includes Bluetooth to connect the unit to your Smartphone for some added ease of use and for some additional mapping functions.
Among other companies, ARC makes the ResQLink rescue beacons, they do 1 thing and only 1 thing. Send a help signal that brings in help. The beacon connects directly with a rescue center, which coordinates with authorities in your immediate location. Couple of models, but roughly $315, no added fees. Battery lasts for 5 years then needs to be replaced by the factory.
There are other brands of beacons, there are other brands and types of satellite communicators. Most of the small/light satellite communicators have a simple RESCUE button that allows you to call for help without the use of a cell phone. But most also connect to your cell phone and give you added functionality.
RESCUE BEACON:
1 time purchase price and it does 1 thing, brings help. Good for 5 years before battery needs replacement.
SATELLITE COMMUNICATOR:
Monthly subscription fees, some are only available on annual basis, others can be switched on/off as needed, ($150 to $600 per year depending on chosen plan) + purchase price. They do several things, if you need any of those things.
Anyone use any of these things? Given that cellphone coverage is pretty easy to find in most areas of North America is there really much need for a Satellite Communicator as an emergency device for moto travel?