DeLorme 2-way Iridium-based satellite text messaging system

[Doryman]

This thread was spun off from an existing SPOT thread at member request. The original post:

[thataway]

First, thanks to Warren. He scooped Panbo! I felt that this is so important an advence in communication, that it needed to be pulled out of the "SPOT" umbrella, since DeLorme seems to be going off on their own (I would not be surprised if SPOT is not far behind (or ahead as you look at it).

In the past two way satellite texting has been expensive for the message units, and for the equiptment. This allows a communicator by DeLorme (InReach) to work with the PN60 Delorme GPS or an Android phone (i phone not yet supported due to programing difficulty with the app). There is bluetooth communication from either the PN 60 or an Android phone and the InReach. The InReach as a stand alone is a GPS tracking device, as well as a communicator with 3 outgoing messages, and capable of receiving an incoming message. When paired with the PN60 or Android phone, you can have texting up to 160 characters, and you can build the contact list on the fly--instead of having to have pre-arranged contact lists.

I see this as competition which is a real plus between SPOT and DeLorme.
The Iridium satellite system has a better track record (Delorme) than the Globalstar ( SPOT). Coverage is somewhat limited in both to the major land masses and population areas (High Lattitudes, S. Pacific, part of S. Atlantic and Indian Oceans are left out of both)

The costs for texting are not published--but the hardware is relitatively inexpensive, as is the basic service plan (tracking and communication with a rescue center).

It is worth reading the blog, and comments on other forums. Apparently this should be out in late 2011. Probably be a good Christmas present for the Boat. But there are a lot of questions to be answered. (Costs, who staffs the emergency centers, interference issues etc)

[Sam Walker]

Good Afternoon, Folks. I have been in direct contact w/ the DeLorme folks regarding their new tool about which you have been speaking. The Public Safety Agency for which I work is looking at it for a Blue Force tracking concept. As usual, Dr. Bob is spot on (pun intended). I also have been told that the device will be both inexpensive to obtain and to operate. As Dr. Bob stated, it should first be available in October of 2011. Additionally, it is supposed to be compliant w/ the PATS (Personnel Accountability Tracking System, not Pat Anderson's) requirement that the Department of Homeland Security has put out. This should mean that it will be ruggedized and up to military style abuse. I am expecting to have at least one in my hands to test before the end of the year. Of course, I will report my findings here as they would relate to the C-Brats, Cutwater, Marinaut, and Tug Nutter communities.

[Doryman]

HERE is more info from DeLorme.

Warren

[Sam Walker]

Good Evening, Folks. Here is what I received from my DeLorme Rep two days ago.

http://blog.delorme.com/2011/06/03/delorme-inreach-two-way-satellite-communication/

It has similar info but several different pics from what Warren posted on Tuesday.