Last March we reviewed the Delorme plus Spot solution and found it to be a useful device with some major shortcomings. With the introduction of the Delorme inReach 2 way satellite communicator, those short-comings have been addressed. The Delorme inReach brings two way communication to any connected Android or PN60W GPS unit by pairing them with a small and highly portable satellite communicator.
The major distinction between the Spot device and the inReach is the utilization of the Iridium satellite array. Using the Iridium network increases the quality of communications and introduces a much needed two-way component that is lacking on the Spot solution. While the Spot device could take up to 20 minutes to transmit a short one-way message, the inReach sent our test messages in less than 30 seconds. Replies to the device were just as quick. Like the Spot device, the inReach also includes an integrated SOS beacon that will summon emergency response crews in the event of a life-threatening emergency. The inReach can also be used as a stand alone device sending pre-scripted messages to key contacts, tracking, and SOS features.
Upon arrival, we created our Delorme account and selected a data plan. The plans range from a $9.95 per month Safety plan that includes SOS and 10 messages per month, a $24.95 Recreation plan with 40 messages per month and unlimited tracking, and a $49.95 Expedition plan that includes 120 messages and unlimited tracking. (Overage fees are $1.50, $0.50, and $0.25 per message depending on the plan selected). All plans include unlimited SOS, but it is worth noting again it can only be used in life-threatening situations.
After establishing an account, our device was ready to use. We downloaded the free Android application onto a Galaxy Tab 7+ and paired the inReach in a matter of seconds. Upon opening the Android application, the user can download the Delorme base map as well as free detailed topo maps for any regions they may be traveling too.
Within the application, you can send messages to email or SMS recipients, display your position on the map (with pinch zoom and panning), enable or disable tracking as well as set the tracking interval, or send an SOS message. The application is very well designed and intuitive. If you’ve used a GPS or messaging solution on a smartphone, you’ll have no problem using the inReach application. The application also integrates with your device and on-line Delorme address book to facilitate message sending.
Both SMS and Email messages where sent and received within 60 seconds. This is an amazing accomplishment given our experience with the very slow Spot on-way messaging.
When your SMS message is received, the recipient can reply via SMS. Embedded in the SMS message is also a URL-shortened link to the map displaying the GPS coordinate from which the message was sent. The map also displays whether your response was received by the inReach user (a very handy feature). Email responses require a bit more effort as the recipient is required to visit a web page to respond. The web page shows your GPS location and allows a 160 character response to be transmitted back to your inReach device. In our tests, both email and SMS send and receive worked flawlessly.
The Delorme Explore site allows you to track the location of the device, send messages to the inReach user, or submit a tracking request. You can also enable MapShare which creates a public or password protected portal to track and interact with the inReach user. Maps available via the web site include aerial, topo, and road maps. Here is an example of the detail provided in the aerial map tracking:
With this rich feature set and tightly integrated application and web experience, there is no reason anyone would select a Spot device over the Delorme inReach. The inReach represents the true integration of two-way satellite messaging for recreational users at reasonable price points.
Pros:
Quickly acquired satellite signal and GPS coordinates
Seamless pairing with Android device
Integrated Map/Messaging/SOS application on Android
Messages transmitted within 20 seconds
Two-way messaging
Integrated tracking with user-defined intervals
Stay in-touch when cell coverage is absent
Stand-alone usage for tracking, pre-scripted messages, and SOS
Cons:
No iOS device support (iPhone, iTouch, iPad)
No ability to download aerial maps within application
No social network integration (e.g. Post to Facebook or Twitter)
Purchase the Delorme inReach Satellite Communicator for Android
Purchase the Delorme inReach Satellite Communicator for PN-60W GPS
