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Sat. phones
by W. Pat Comer
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I hear you already, " what part of backpacking light does a sat phone
pertain to?" OK ,places I go some times there is no one coming by for months, no trails, and no cell service. For my wife's piece of mind ( she is freaked out about bears ) and my safety if something happens ( I'm older with a big honkin plate in my neck and once in a while I fall and go boom ) I have considered renting one ( $40 a week, $1.50 per min. airtime ) for certain places I go. Has anyone here tried them? I'm willing to pack the weight if it is worth it in reality to drag one along. It would be good also if I decide to stay a few extra days here or there not to have someone needlessly looking for me back in God's Country. Pat C. _________________________________________________________________ Booking a flight? Know when to buy with airfare predictions on MSN Travel. http://travel.msn.com/Articles/aboutfarecast.aspx&ocid=T001MSN25A07001 |
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RE: Sat. phones
by Jerry Goller
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There is a new product called Spot coming out. It will cost $150 and about
$10 a month, as I remember. It uses satellite tracking technology. You have 4 buttons you can push. The first sends your position (built in GPS) and asks *family* ( you decide the message and who it is sent to before hand), next is I'm OK, next is your position on Goggle Map ( for later route display at home) and the last is 911 (you decide who gets it before hand, I think). Pretty interesting and certainly a proven technology. We're going to test them. Jerry http://www.BackpackGearTest.org : the most comprehensive interactive gear reviews and tests on the planet. -----Original Message----- From: BackpackingLight@... [mailto:BackpackingLight@...] On Behalf Of William Comer Sent: Thursday, August 30, 2007 11:42 AM To: BackpackingLight@... Subject: [BackpackingLight] Sat. phones I hear you already, " what part of backpacking light does a sat phone pertain to?" OK ,places I go some times there is no one coming by for months, no trails, and no cell service. For my wife's piece of mind ( she is freaked out about bears ) and my safety if something happens ( I'm older with a big honkin plate in my neck and once in a while I fall and go boom ) I have considered renting one ( $40 a week, $1.50 per min. airtime ) for certain places I go. Has anyone here tried them? I'm willing to pack the weight if it is worth it in reality to drag one along. It would be good also if I decide to stay a few extra days here or there not to have someone needlessly looking for me back in God's Country. Pat C. _________________________________________________________________ Booking a flight? Know when to buy with airfare predictions on MSN Travel. http://travel.msn.com/Articles/aboutfarecast.aspx&ocid=T001MSN25A07001 +-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=+ BackpackingLight Mailing List To unsubscribe, send a blank message to: BackpackingLight-unsubscribe@... Post messages by E-mailing them to: BackpackingLight@... +-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=+ Yahoo! Groups Links |
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Re: Sat. phones
by Allen Freeman
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http://www.globalcomsatphone.com/spot/
Strikes me as being of limited usefulness, as you have no way of communicating specifics about your situation. -- ~~~~~ Allen F. Freeman allen@... www.allenf.com On 8/30/07, Jerry Goller <jerrygoller@...> wrote: > There is a new product called Spot coming out. It will cost $150 and about > $10 a month, as I remember. It uses satellite tracking technology. You have > 4 buttons you can push. The first sends your position (built in GPS) and > asks *family* ( you decide the message and who it is sent to before hand), > next is I'm OK, next is your position on Goggle Map ( for later route > display at home) and the last is 911 (you decide who gets it before hand, I > think). > > Pretty interesting and certainly a proven technology. We're going to test > them. > > Jerry |
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RE: Sat. phones
by Jerry Goller
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That should have read "satellite *cargo* tracking technology". The GPS only
needs about a 1 second lock to transmit it's position. It has a first transmit accuracy of over 99%. The technology has been around for awhile and is stable. Somebody at Globalstar just realized it could be used for this. Pretty cool. Jerry http://www.BackpackGearTest.org : the most comprehensive interactive gear reviews and tests on the planet. -----Original Message----- From: BackpackingLight@... [mailto:BackpackingLight@...] On Behalf Of Jerry Goller Sent: Thursday, August 30, 2007 12:23 PM To: BackpackingLight@... Subject: RE: [BackpackingLight] Sat. phones There is a new product called Spot coming out. It will cost $150 and about $10 a month, as I remember. It uses satellite tracking technology. You have 4 buttons you can push. The first sends your position (built in GPS) and asks *family* ( you decide the message and who it is sent to before hand), next is I'm OK, next is your position on Goggle Map ( for later route display at home) and the last is 911 (you decide who gets it before hand, I think). Pretty interesting and certainly a proven technology. We're going to test them. Jerry http://www.BackpackGearTest.org : the most comprehensive interactive gear reviews and tests on the planet. -----Original Message----- From: BackpackingLight@... [mailto:BackpackingLight@...] On Behalf Of William Comer Sent: Thursday, August 30, 2007 11:42 AM To: BackpackingLight@... Subject: [BackpackingLight] Sat. phones I hear you already, " what part of backpacking light does a sat phone pertain to?" OK ,places I go some times there is no one coming by for months, no trails, and no cell service. For my wife's piece of mind ( she is freaked out about bears ) and my safety if something happens ( I'm older with a big honkin plate in my neck and once in a while I fall and go boom ) I have considered renting one ( $40 a week, $1.50 per min. airtime ) for certain places I go. Has anyone here tried them? I'm willing to pack the weight if it is worth it in reality to drag one along. It would be good also if I decide to stay a few extra days here or there not to have someone needlessly looking for me back in God's Country. Pat C. _________________________________________________________________ Booking a flight? Know when to buy with airfare predictions on MSN Travel. http://travel.msn.com/Articles/aboutfarecast.aspx&ocid=T001MSN25A07001 +-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=+ BackpackingLight Mailing List To unsubscribe, send a blank message to: BackpackingLight-unsubscribe@... Post messages by E-mailing them to: BackpackingLight@... +-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=+ Yahoo! Groups Links +-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=+ BackpackingLight Mailing List To unsubscribe, send a blank message to: BackpackingLight-unsubscribe@... Post messages by E-mailing them to: BackpackingLight@... +-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=+ Yahoo! Groups Links |
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RE: Sat. phones
by Jerry Goller
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Well, all I really need to tell them is that I'm here and I need help......
;o) That is all a PLB will tell them. Granted, it will also continue to transmit but for about $350, at least, difference, I'll just periodically send my position. And, of course, no comparison to sat phone for cost. It also lets you send "I'm here and I'm fine" messages to your wife when ever you please. That would be great for longer trips. Strikes my as exactly what I've been looking for at a price I can afford. Jerry http://www.BackpackGearTest.org : the most comprehensive interactive gear reviews and tests on the planet. -----Original Message----- From: BackpackingLight@... [mailto:BackpackingLight@...] On Behalf Of Allen Freeman Sent: Thursday, August 30, 2007 12:39 PM To: BackpackingLight@... Subject: Re: [BackpackingLight] Sat. phones http://www.globalcomsatphone.com/spot/ Strikes me as being of limited usefulness, as you have no way of communicating specifics about your situation. -- ~~~~~ Allen F. Freeman allen@... www.allenf.com On 8/30/07, Jerry Goller <jerrygoller@...> wrote: > There is a new product called Spot coming out. It will cost $150 and about > $10 a month, as I remember. It uses satellite tracking technology. You have > 4 buttons you can push. The first sends your position (built in GPS) and > asks *family* ( you decide the message and who it is sent to before hand), > next is I'm OK, next is your position on Goggle Map ( for later route > display at home) and the last is 911 (you decide who gets it before hand, I > think). > > Pretty interesting and certainly a proven technology. We're going to test > them. > > Jerry +-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=+ BackpackingLight Mailing List To unsubscribe, send a blank message to: BackpackingLight-unsubscribe@... Post messages by E-mailing them to: BackpackingLight@... +-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=+ Yahoo! Groups Links |
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Re: Sat. phones
by W. Pat Comer
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I'm going to try and reply to all the replies to this in one email here.
Tim, I looked long and hard at PLB/s the problem I saw was they are a tool for when the SHtT with no callback in case a situation changed. I don't consider all situations I would encounter to be need for SAR. Last I saw the PLB I liked was $600. Jerry, I have seen one article on the device you mentioned and I really LIKE the idea I just have not seen much else and I think they are about a year away? which really does fit my next summer time line ok. I will be looking into them a lot more between now and then. I also like the fact I can't be called on it but in some ways don't like I can't be called if a family emergency would come up. It does look like an excellent tool though! Allen, I think you and I are seeing the *spot* unit in the same way. One last thing is with the phone I could call for a horse if I wanted/needed it on the way out. Spot packs are a nice option if you have never tried it but I'm thinking that is a little too OT for the list. _________________________________________________________________ A new home for Mom, no cleanup required. All starts here. http://www.reallivemoms.com?ocid=TXT_TAGHM&loc=us |
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RE: SPOT was Sat. phones
by W. Pat Comer
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You know now that I have the website and have read more and thought about it
more I REALLY like this. It would work for me when I do trail maint. here in OH as well. I really do not get cell coverage on the sections of the Buckeye/North Country trail that I work on ( sometimes alone ) and sometimes using a chain saw cutting out "widow makers" by my self. _________________________________________________________________ A new home for Mom, no cleanup required. All starts here. http://www.reallivemoms.com?ocid=TXT_TAGHM&loc=us |
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RE: Sat. phones
by Jerry Goller
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They are supposed to be out pretty quickly.
Jerry http://www.BackpackGearTest.org : the most comprehensive interactive gear reviews and tests on the planet. -----Original Message----- From: BackpackingLight@... [mailto:BackpackingLight@...] On Behalf Of William Comer Sent: Thursday, August 30, 2007 1:47 PM To: BackpackingLight@... Subject: Re: [BackpackingLight] Sat. phones I'm going to try and reply to all the replies to this in one email here. Tim, I looked long and hard at PLB/s the problem I saw was they are a tool for when the SHtT with no callback in case a situation changed. I don't consider all situations I would encounter to be need for SAR. Last I saw the PLB I liked was $600. Jerry, I have seen one article on the device you mentioned and I really LIKE the idea I just have not seen much else and I think they are about a year away? which really does fit my next summer time line ok. I will be looking into them a lot more between now and then. I also like the fact I can't be called on it but in some ways don't like I can't be called if a family emergency would come up. It does look like an excellent tool though! Allen, I think you and I are seeing the *spot* unit in the same way. One last thing is with the phone I could call for a horse if I wanted/needed it on the way out. Spot packs are a nice option if you have never tried it but I'm thinking that is a little too OT for the list. _________________________________________________________________ A new home for Mom, no cleanup required. All starts here. http://www.reallivemoms.com?ocid=TXT_TAGHM&loc=us +-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=+ BackpackingLight Mailing List To unsubscribe, send a blank message to: BackpackingLight-unsubscribe@... Post messages by E-mailing them to: BackpackingLight@... +-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=+ Yahoo! Groups Links |
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RE: Sat. phones
by W. Pat Comer
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Yes, It said on the site in Nov. some time. It looks like startup will be
150 for the unit and another bill for the service per year. The sat phones are short of 500 for a refurbished unit and a buck or so per minute with no contract per year if you like. At the end of 3 years the money difference would be a wash with the SPOT adding 100 bucks each year to the total. Now you and I know the yearly fee will most likely go down after lots of units get into the field though. I'm thinking a few folks sharing one unit would get the SPOT at a pretty good overall price/value though. >They are supposed to be out pretty quickly. > >Jerry _________________________________________________________________ Find a local pizza place, movie theater, and more .then map the best route! http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&ss=yp.bars~yp.pizza~yp.movie%20theater&cp=42.358996~-71.056691&style=r&lvl=13&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=950607&encType=1&FORM=MGAC01 +-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=+ BackpackingLight Mailing List To unsubscribe, send a blank message to: BackpackingLight-unsubscribe@... Post messages by E-mailing them to: BackpackingLight@... +-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=+ Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BackpackingLight/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BackpackingLight/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: mailto:BackpackingLight-digest@... mailto:BackpackingLight-fullfeatured@... <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: BackpackingLight-unsubscribe@... <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ |
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Re: Sat. phones
by mnferwerda
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Pat,
This spring I used one in Big Bend Nat'l Park. I balked at carrying one but for my wife's peace of mind I rented one. It weighed less than a 1 lb, didn't carry the spare battery, and I used it for a week. Orginally I only planned to call in an emergency but, again, for my wife's peace of mind, I probably called her about 5 times during the week. The sat phone actually worked very well, loud and clear, but with a little bit of delay, and only dropped a call once. There are several satellite "networks" out there, My phone used Iridium, which is supposed to be the most reliable. Mark --- In BackpackingLight@..., "William Comer" <ohiooutdoorsman@...> wrote: > > I hear you already, " what part of backpacking light does a sat phone > pertain to?" OK ,places I go some times there is no one coming by for > months, no trails, and no cell service. For my wife's piece of mind ( she is > freaked out about bears ) and my safety if something happens ( I'm older > with a big honkin plate in my neck and once in a while I fall and go boom ) > I have considered renting one ( $40 a week, $1.50 per min. airtime ) for > certain places I go. Has anyone here tried them? I'm willing to pack the > weight if it is worth it in reality to drag one along. It would be good also > if I decide to stay a few extra days here or there not to have someone > needlessly looking for me back in God's Country. > > Pat C. > > _________________________________________________________________ > Booking a flight? Know when to buy with airfare predictions on MSN Travel. > http://travel.msn.com/Articles/aboutfarecast.aspx&ocid=T001MSN25A07001 > |
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RE: Sat. phones
by Jerry Goller
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I like the fact that I can send my location, and that I am alright, as often
as I like. Although I'm certainly not ignoring the safety factor, it's big attraction for me would be peace of mind for my wife. I solo backpack in deep winter in the mountains. She has great faith in me but we have a son now so I think it would make her happy to know that Jack isn't going to get a Daddycicle..... ;o) Jerry http://www.BackpackGearTest.org : the most comprehensive interactive gear reviews and tests on the planet. -----Original Message----- From: BackpackingLight@... [mailto:BackpackingLight@...] On Behalf Of William Comer Sent: Thursday, August 30, 2007 3:21 PM To: BackpackingLight@... Subject: RE: [BackpackingLight] Sat. phones Yes, It said on the site in Nov. some time. It looks like startup will be 150 for the unit and another bill for the service per year. The sat phones are short of 500 for a refurbished unit and a buck or so per minute with no contract per year if you like. At the end of 3 years the money difference would be a wash with the SPOT adding 100 bucks each year to the total. Now you and I know the yearly fee will most likely go down after lots of units get into the field though. I'm thinking a few folks sharing one unit would get the SPOT at a pretty good overall price/value though. >They are supposed to be out pretty quickly. > >Jerry _________________________________________________________________ Find a local pizza place, movie theater, and more..then map the best route! http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&ss=yp.bars~yp.pizza~yp.movie%20theater &cp=42.358996~-71.056691&style=r&lvl=13&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=95060 7&encType=1&FORM=MGAC01 +-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=+ BackpackingLight Mailing List To unsubscribe, send a blank message to: BackpackingLight-unsubscribe@... Post messages by E-mailing them to: BackpackingLight@... +-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=+ Yahoo! Groups Links |
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Re: Sat. phones
by hikelite2000
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Use the MikeB code
http://tinyurl.com/2lk6q3 --- In BackpackingLight@..., "Allen Freeman" <allen@...> wrote: > > http://www.globalcomsatphone.com/spot/ > > Strikes me as being of limited usefulness, as you have no way of > communicating specifics about your situation. > -- > ~~~~~ |
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Re: Sat. phones
by scriv.ener
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I agree with Tim, a PLB may be your better bet. It'a honking up-
front cost, $600 pre-discount for the versions which include GPS coordinates in the outgoing signal, but it's compact and there's no monthly charge. It won't help if you "decide to stay a few extra days," but how often does that happen where, say, you couldn't send a message out with someone else? I had a chance to use a satellite phone at Edison Lake/VVR, and found the audio clear and strong, like that on a cell phone. The instrument, though, was big and bulky, kind of like the early Motorola cell phones dubbed "the brick." And in any event, as I understand the technology, you are subject to the same broad access to empty sky requirements of GPS (and PLBs). In other words, neither works particularly well in deep, narrow canyons, nor with heavy tree cover. For those not in the know, PLBs come in two basic versions, those with GPS coordinate detection and transmission, so that the signal source is declares its locale to within the error plotted at time of transmission (could be as low as 30 feet) and those without, which then require a homing signal to identify your bleaching bones to rescuers. (Nah, I take that back, the batteries will die long before your bones start bleaching.) The latter often does have an option to hook up to the GPS you might carry anyway, you just have to get the appropriate cable. Knowing how cables can get pricey (and lost) and how simple is the PLB function (mash one button for a few seconds), the $100 price difference ($80 if you get the REI 20% discount) seems worth it to me. Before I'm next solo on a remote trail (thanks for the idea, Amy), I'll have one of those. --- In BackpackingLight@..., "William Comer" <ohiooutdoorsman@...> wrote: > > ...places I go some times there is no one coming by for > months, no trails, and no cell service. For my wife's piece of mind > piece of mind and my safety I have considered > renting one ( $40 a week, $1.50 per min. airtime ) for > certain places I go. Has anyone here tried them? ... It > would be good also if I decide > to stay a few extra days here or there not to have someone > needlessly looking for me back in God's Country. |
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RE: Re: Sat. phones
by W. Pat Comer
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There is a pretty good discussion over there on SPOT. It is a mirror on what
is being talked about here also, we just have not hit all the highs and lows. I like the thought it could be a rental item also. >From: "hikelite2000" <hikelite2000@...> >Reply-To: BackpackingLight@... >To: BackpackingLight@... >Subject: [BackpackingLight] Re: Sat. phones >Date: Fri, 31 Aug 2007 00:46:16 -0000 > > >http://tinyurl.com/2lk6q3 > _________________________________________________________________ Messenger Café open for fun 24/7. Hot games, cool activities served daily. Visit now. http://cafemessenger.com?ocid=TXT_TAGHM_AugHMtagline +-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=+ BackpackingLight Mailing List To unsubscribe, send a blank message to: BackpackingLight-unsubscribe@... Post messages by E-mailing them to: BackpackingLight@... +-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=+ Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BackpackingLight/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BackpackingLight/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: mailto:BackpackingLight-digest@... mailto:BackpackingLight-fullfeatured@... <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: BackpackingLight-unsubscribe@... <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ |
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RE: Re: Sat. phones
by Brian Lewis-4
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I had a backcountry phone experience yesterday that puts the Satellite (vs.
SPOT) discussion in some context for me. I was attempting to do section I (north) of the PCT back and forth as a sort of 200 mile solo training hike, but 50-some miles into it on day 3 I had an old foot problem resurface and decided that my best option was to turn back (ugh). I had started at Snoqualmie Pass and was a little more than halfway to White Pass the night before last, and figured I would have to get back quite close to Snoqualmie Pass before I would have cell coverage to let me wife know what was happening. I ended up walking just 17 or so miles back yesterday when I met folks coming the other way and we all discovered there was cell reception at that location ... 39 miles away from Snoqualmie Pass. Given the foot issue, I called my wife and using the GPS I told her confidently and precisely where I was (there are a lot of PCT road crossings in that area), and she came and picked me up. I think my foot will heal a lot faster for not having to do those extra miles. SPOT wouldn't have done me any good in that situation. A satellite phone certainly would have, but the weight + bulk + cost tradeoff make me happy with the multifunction smartphone I carry now (includes GPS, phone, PDA, etc). So long as I can walk, there are increasing opportunities these days to walk to high ground facing relatively more "civilized" areas with cell towers. Not a panacea, but a good tradeoff for me. To top it off, it rained like crazy in Seattle last night, I was glad not to have ended up spending that extra night outdoors! <g> Brian Lewis |
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RE: Re: Sat. phones
by Jerry Goller
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If I understand all that SPOT does, it would have helped you. One of the
buttons is Help from Family. It also sends your GPS coordinates along with the message. Your wife would have known you needed help and where you were. Jerry http://www.BackpackGearTest.org : the most comprehensive interactive gear reviews and tests on the planet. -----Original Message----- From: BackpackingLight@... [mailto:BackpackingLight@...] On Behalf Of Brian Lewis Sent: Tuesday, September 04, 2007 12:29 PM To: BackpackingLight@... Subject: RE: [BackpackingLight] Re: Sat. phones I had a backcountry phone experience yesterday that puts the Satellite (vs. SPOT) discussion in some context for me. I was attempting to do section I (north) of the PCT back and forth as a sort of 200 mile solo training hike, but 50-some miles into it on day 3 I had an old foot problem resurface and decided that my best option was to turn back (ugh). I had started at Snoqualmie Pass and was a little more than halfway to White Pass the night before last, and figured I would have to get back quite close to Snoqualmie Pass before I would have cell coverage to let me wife know what was happening. I ended up walking just 17 or so miles back yesterday when I met folks coming the other way and we all discovered there was cell reception at that location ... 39 miles away from Snoqualmie Pass. Given the foot issue, I called my wife and using the GPS I told her confidently and precisely where I was (there are a lot of PCT road crossings in that area), and she came and picked me up. I think my foot will heal a lot faster for not having to do those extra miles. SPOT wouldn't have done me any good in that situation. A satellite phone certainly would have, but the weight + bulk + cost tradeoff make me happy with the multifunction smartphone I carry now (includes GPS, phone, PDA, etc). So long as I can walk, there are increasing opportunities these days to walk to high ground facing relatively more "civilized" areas with cell towers. Not a panacea, but a good tradeoff for me. To top it off, it rained like crazy in Seattle last night, I was glad not to have ended up spending that extra night outdoors! <g> Brian Lewis +-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=+ BackpackingLight Mailing List To unsubscribe, send a blank message to: BackpackingLight-unsubscribe@... Post messages by E-mailing them to: BackpackingLight@... +-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=+ Yahoo! Groups Links |
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Re: Sat. phones
by alpinepedestrian
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of course, his wife would have had a worrisome few hours while she was
driving to pick him up, wondering "what's the problem?" "is he hurt?" "how bad is he hurt"... but maybe SPOT has another button that you use when you've got a real emergency? In which case, maybe the worries wouldn't drift over into "oh my God, what has happened to him!" --- In BackpackingLight@..., "Jerry Goller" <jerrygoller@...> wrote: > > If I understand all that SPOT does, it would have helped you. One of the > buttons is Help from Family. It also sends your GPS coordinates along with > the message. > > Your wife would have known you needed help and where you were. > > Jerry > > > |
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RE: Re: Sat. phones
by Jerry Goller
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It does. It has 4 buttons, one of which is 911. The one, I think, goes to
the local authorities. But it has two levels of emergency, in any event. Jerry http://www.BackpackGearTest.org : the most comprehensive interactive gear reviews and tests on the planet. -----Original Message----- From: BackpackingLight@... [mailto:BackpackingLight@...] On Behalf Of Greg Sent: Tuesday, September 04, 2007 2:06 PM To: BackpackingLight@... Subject: [BackpackingLight] Re: Sat. phones of course, his wife would have had a worrisome few hours while she was driving to pick him up, wondering "what's the problem?" "is he hurt?" "how bad is he hurt"... but maybe SPOT has another button that you use when you've got a real emergency? In which case, maybe the worries wouldn't drift over into "oh my God, what has happened to him!" --- In BackpackingLight@..., "Jerry Goller" <jerrygoller@...> wrote: > > If I understand all that SPOT does, it would have helped you. One of > the buttons is Help from Family. It also sends your GPS coordinates along with > the message. > > Your wife would have known you needed help and where you were. > > Jerry > > > +-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=+ BackpackingLight Mailing List To unsubscribe, send a blank message to: BackpackingLight-unsubscribe@... Post messages by E-mailing them to: BackpackingLight@... +-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=+ Yahoo! Groups Links |
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RE: Re: Sat. phones
by Brian Lewis-4
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"But it has two levels of emergency, in any event."
I'm not suggesting that my particular case is the one and only possible situation --- and there's a human tendancy to overweight a personal experience over other possibilities --- but it's still much much better to have actual communication. In this situation, my wife and I probably spent a total of 10 - 15 minutes on the phone before she started driving. We were comparing where my GPS topo map showed me to be so she was very clear where that was on topo software on the computer at home, and then I was talking her through looking on street-level mapping software to relate that information to how she would actually drive there. A hunter drove by meantime and I stopped him to confirm which forest service road I was on, and I relayed that to her. I talked her through how to setup the car GPS so she could monitor where she was as she drove. She in turn told me the route she expected to go, told me about when she would leave home, and from the mapping software gave me an estimate of when she might arrive. It was pretty windy where I was so this allowed me to hole up in a place where I still had cell reception but off-road and wait for her out of the wind, and then start walking on the road before she was likely to show up --- so she could easily find me. I also told her I was low on water, nearest water sources were miles away (I hadn't planned to stop there) so she brought me drinks. I don't think SPOT involves two-way communication? (the thing only has four buttons total, so I think not) If I hadn't known for sure that she was coming, I would at some point have felt obliged to keep going on to where I could get water. And of course, we were able to talk through exactly what was going on, as Greg said, she wasn't worried, and she knew ahead of time exactly how and in what condition she would find me. Again, I don't mean to overstress this one instance, but even two levels of emergency would have made this a substantially less happy experience all around, and possibly just wouldn't have worked --- not knowing ahead of time if she was even home that day, I reckon I would have had to walk considerably farther and tanked up with water first to find a place I could wait an arbitrary amount of time for someone that might or might not be coming soon (it definitely was not a 911 situation). Most likely I just would have walked all the way out instead, with increasing foot pain along the way. I'm not saying SPOT isn't a useful product. Thank heavens we live in a system that offers us a lot of variety in products; something that I don't find quite right for me might be ideal for you. I just don't think that I'll personally find this worth carrying. And maybe someday I'll be laid out somewhere with a broken leg, wishing that I had one of these things after all! <g> Brian Lewis [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] |
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