I wish someone would take us on a trail walk. Also a checkin on a campground and a BLM drive through if you know what I mean. Kind of like a GoPro experience. One or all of the above. We do totally appreciate every video!
So Thankful for all the information and training you provide for us nomads!! You have helped me grow into full timing with a lot less stress and anxiety.
Cool thanks Bob and Roxy! I think that I might have to get the SPOT when I start going far out. I like that it has remote road side assistance. That's a big one for me. And the cost is way affordable. Like you said other road side assistance like AAA and Good Sam are 100.00 a year and they don't go off road. The other features are cool too. Looking forward to seeing more about the In Reach. Thanks again.
thank you Roxy and Bob for this much needed information....I am single and have many serious health issues I have lived with for years....now I am able to go out to areas I want that are desolate and not worry....I will soon be back stateside and ready to explore those desolate areas I so loved.....love your information on you tube Bob and I love your courage Roxy...hope to meet up one day...
Safety is a major concern of ours as we start planning our trips. We will never be more than weekend warriors, but some of those weekends turn into weeks, and some added protection like this is always a good thing. Thanks for sharing!!
Thanks for the info Bob... I have you and your Mom in my thoughts and prayers !!! I'm down sizing and in the process of buying a used RV. I hope to be on the road in a month or so and hope to meet you on the road. I will be doing a Vlog and taking video with a drone of our beautiful country, maybe I can interview you when we meet!!! Enjoy the Journey !!!
Thanks for letting us meet your Mom and sister. Family is wonderful. LoveCody and his adventures. Am praying for you and your family. I heard you say you are not a Christian. Not sure about your Mom and sister but I am and will pray for what ever the journey holds. I have come to love you and your humanitarian efforts for those seeking a life they can survive and enjoy on ANY BUDGET. Keep up informative videos. 🙏♥️🤗
Excellent series of videos! I'm toying with the idea of purchasing one of these devices, and I am so glad someone is testing them out and providing feedback on them! Thanks for sharing!! :-)
Hi Bob & Roxy! Wondered if you have any experience or opinions of the goTenna, also available on Amazon. I love that you did a series on GPS & safety OTR! I have been following your channel (and plan to look up Roxy's) and find it so encouraging! You show people that if they want it [lifestyle], they can have it! I shared your link today on FRVW, as there has been a huge growth of new members who may not have found you yet, and all of the wonderful folks out there willing to share their experiences with us in your videos. Namaste 🌞🌎
GoTenna has no network endpoint. ie: useless. They donated the ones they couldn't sell to Costa Rica after that hurricane, then nobody in the country could get ahold of anybody. Boy were they pissed.
Great topic, and not often discussed, so thanks. These can be used for so many great things. For a primary device to alert authorities in an emergency situatioin, I've decided to carry a PLB. If I ever need this thing, it HAS to work. Is my subscription paid? Are my batteries charged? Will the signal break through the tree canopy? Will the signal get out of this canyon? Will this thing work in this country? Will the private company know what to do for where I am? Did I set it off by accident? These are all questions I don't want to have to ask in an emergency. With a PLB, you register it with the government. You give them certain info like your name, address, emergency contacts, and how you anticipate using it. I like that. I put something like... "experienced rider will often be exploring back country roads and trails on a dual-sport motorcycle, and am unlikely to activate this device unless the situation is dire". This could easily be something like, "Often enjoying the back country in my RV without cell service. If activated, please send help." This is not to knock the other devices. I could make the case to have both. Use a Spot or the InReach for tracking or texting, etc. It may even work in an emergency, but also keep a PLB on you for the sole purpose of being an emergency life saving device. Buy once, register once, change the battery every 6 years or so, no subscriptions. ua-cam.com/video/S2IQrQxmv00/v-deo.html
SPOT sounds great BOB!! especially for me with health issues it would work great... great info to you and your friend here! more safety videos like this would be great BOB. Thank you again! ps. 350$ is well worth it
Maybe you could contact the companies and they would let you test the emergency functions for free. That would be a cool review. Just get clearance first, then see how long it takes for help to arrive.
if anyone has asugestion as to where a single female on SSI with no car can move too get away from California I would appreciate it. good job Bob and friend
Broke down in Alaska. Luckily had a second hand Iridium sat phone. After waiting on hold for half hour $$$$ for AAA lol.... I arranged through Canada my eventual extraction along with the vehicle. Glad I had the sat phone.
Wow...ok..if my mom was traveling like you...I'd be contributing to the last option of your choice...and getting sinlings to kick in too to give you and us peace of mind
these are great devices..i had no idea that these existed...thank you...i have people who've asked me to call in everywbere...this is so much easier...
Bob an intriguing&informative video series thank you. On to another question i have noticed Cody running around in most of your videos since you frequently are in desert country do you worry that he'll happen upon a viper and get bitten or have you trained him to avoid any rattlesnake's? I must say I do worry about him being injured he must be your BFF!!
I think because she is reviewing their product and doing such a good job with it that they should reach out to her and offer her a new one with a lifetime subscription for free
I am thinking one of these would be great for me . I plan on biking across state towing an ulralite camper . One day I am going to cross the country with my Wohnwagen . At least thats a dream I have at this moment . I am not as worried about injury / accident as much as I am about illness . Spiking a 105 degree fever in the middle of nowhere , or as in my case a particularly bad seizure is a real danger . Epilepsy does not believe in a schedule .
Hey Bob, In the comment section of the first video of this series, there was a bit of discussion about ham radios. Apparently, they are both cheaper to buy and operate vs the devices you and Roxy have tested...and there are hand held models too. Do you know any van dweller that uses a ham radio? There could be a good interview there.
What you failed to mention is...the Inreach uses the Iriduim system which is a pole to pole system and will have you covered almost 100% of the time. The SPOT device uses the Globalstar system and has holes in it. An example is it won't cover most of the Pacific ocean. Also, if your in one place with the SPOT and can't get reception...you have to move to another location. However, if you're not in site of a satellite with Inreach...stay put and eventually a satellite will come over you and give you a signal. Ü
Bob, I'm not sure how receptive you are to environmental concerns that your subscribers may bring up but , here goes ! A better way for cleaning oneself after relieving themselves is a squirt bottle with plain old water and a recycled toilet paper. It doesn't take much water and does the trick. Wet wipes are not easily biodegradable and many are not. I actually do this no matter where I am because it works so well. Let's all focus on leaving as little a footprint as we possibly can. I love your videos and always find them very informative. I'm in the market for a small class C rv and will be joining you nomads in the wild !
I appreciate the information as I want to incorporate as much zero waste ideas into my van life. So thanks for the info. Takes me back to my days in Mali.
Wish the services were like a satellite radio subscription, when I got my service you could by a lifetime subscription for 500.00, I got mine 20 years ago and as newer radios became available , I could call xm radio and they could transfer that lifetime subscription to the new radio for free.....sweet👍
A few mistakes in this video. Spot has nothing to do with Delorme or Inreach. Totally different companies. Delorme and Inreach are owned by Garmin now. I have the Inreach by Delorme and they have several plans. You can pay very little a month and can pay as you go like a cell phone. The spot requires you to pay for a year at a time and that infarct is not included with the cost of the device. The Inreach renders a Spot obsolete. The Inreach is superior in every way. There is also 4 models. I bought mine for 200.00 at GPS City during a sale. There are 2 from Delorme and 2 from Garmin. Garmin purchased Delorme but they still make the Delorme version. The Delorme version has a few less features but costs much less. These devices are a life saver and are well worth the investment. If you have specific questions send me a message.
It creates a waypoint of where you are (GPS location) at that moment. Think of a waypoint as a Pin on a google map. It's a bit more than a pin though, it can connect the waypoints and see your progress you've made.
What if you have a sprained ankle and you're out in the middle of nowhere, it could be storming or night is soon to fall and you can't walk.... why wouldn't that button be OK to push
If you're sure that your only choices are get help now or die, then push that button. They just want you to be sure you have no other option because you're calling out the big guns.
Just wondering about troll issues.... is there anyway that they can track through these different devices - without permission or invitation? Just wondering if it puts these ladies locations at risk? I hope not!
This is all great, till your in need of off-grid rescue, then you are screwed. You are then responsible for all cost involved in the rescue. Here at Yosemite National Park there is a warning if you are in need of swift water rescue you will be responsible for all costs incurred. I have a friend who lost her home as she was unable to pay off a life flight bill which was tens of thousands.
Well, that answers a burning question of mine. I've seen the signs at Yosemite and GC. Wondered if anyone actually used the rescue service with these devices.
There is a type of certificate one can buy to help with the cost of rescue should it be needed. I think it's different in each State. I used to have The Colorado Hiking Certificate, it cost $15 a year and helped with the cost of helicopters etc. With the inReach one can purchased rescue coverage with the membership which helps with the costs. I don't remember the cost off the top of my head, but it was somewhere in the region of $20. This is available to anyone, with out without a rescue device, it just requires a bit of research first. I may do a blog post of this one day, its something we didn't think about when we were making the videos.
JR What I hear you saying is that it could break the bank to use the emergency signal for rescue. But isn't that still better than dying out on a rock somewhere in the desert?
Joan Hazelgrove She was on a hike and found herself in need of medical attention. What is sad is now she wish they would have left her out there. I've seen the collection letters, they were horrifying. I guess my point is that most of her rescue involved tax payer funded services, and of course myself I would rather face the debt. I tried helping her with an attorney, bankruptcy, etc.,
I'm wondering where you get your info on ResQLink 'outrageous fines' for something like a "sprained ankle"!?? A doctor would tell you some sprains can be as bad as, if not worse than, a break. Personally, if I had a SERIOUS injury and I was alone in the middle of bear country, I would consider that LIFE THREATENING!!
Todd W: Thank you for the input. I commented, yesterday, on the initial video comparing the 3. I already OWN the ResQLink+ and have read ALL info. Common sense is a major factor no matter what means of communication one chooses. BTW...given recent reports on the consumer gouging practiced by ambulance, medevac, etc., if there's a way the medical/emergency/insurance industry can bankrupt you....no matter where you are in need of services....the risk is forevermore.
Study and get a ham radio license... its easy now because their is no morse code requirement... you can get into it for about %450 and no you dont need HF to run a thousands watts of power
$50 will get you an entry level dual band radio with is great for weather reports ...check the link below www.amazon.com/BaoFeng-UV-5R-Dual-Radio-Black/dp/B007H4VT7A/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_504_bs_t_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=ZD1YY9ZTA3KXR81XHJ9Q
Unless you get a general class license you will be limited to UVF and UHF frequencies which are line of sight. An HF set will require a pretty heavy power supply unless you operate QRP (low power). You will also need a suitable antenna. HF sets are not portable (except in a vehicle). So if you are "out there" on foot in a remote location with significant terrain, the type of amateur radio you can very with you will do you very little good.AA1ZS
As an amateur radio operator chances are good my rig will a include HF,VHF, UHF capabilities. Even at that I'd have Mobile phone as well, because mobile phone coverage in improving as time moves on. HF is often hampered by poor prorogation and VHF/UHF infrastructure in non existent in many places. All the power in the world is useless when you can't receive the station you need to communicate with.
Actually very few rigs have HF plus VHF and UHF capability. Furthermore the rigs that do are not portable (i.e., hand held). They can be run in a vehicle, but you will need a big vertical antenna to do any HF work. Ham radio is fine for a vehicle, but not for a hiker in remote areas since hand held radios are all VHF/UHF and limited to line of sight transmission. Furthermore in many areas there are few or no repeaters that you can reach. Where I am there is exactly one repeater I can hit, but only if I connect my VHF/UHF radio to the J-pole antenna I have on my tower.
I'm not one to post things but theres simpler phone apps to install and use that do the same thing. These are only good for when you're way out and no cell service and need emergency dying help!
Josh You need to clarify that it only does what the ResQlink does. The others send prerecorded messages, mark your trail progress and return route, and let those you wish see where you are. So it's only the same thing as one of these devises, not all three.
Understanding we did to take what we read on the web with a grain of salt, but reading the Amazon customer reviews about the Spot, isn't confidence boosting.
A free easy way to track where you have been is with a smart phone and google photos. photos.google.com/ Turn your location "on" on your phone and any pictures or videos you take can be viewed on a map. Also, you can then search within Google Photos for places and all photos taken in that location will pop up. With my Google Pixel XL, all photo storage is free and unlimited. This backs up all your photos in the cloud and in case you switch phones or it gets lost or damaged they will be preserved. Also, Google maps works for free and without a cell signal, but the satellite aerial map layers will likely not work. You can still download the roads or trails in the "off Line" mode and see where you are at all times.
Interesting idea Kenneth! My biggest concern with your scenario is if someone got lost, having downloaded their target location but not their unintended destination. Do you need cell service to upload your photos?
yes he would need cell service to upload photo's or a wifi connection. i can almost say that neither of those would work in the boondocks. and then you have other issues also with it connecting to the nearest server wich could me miles away in a different location and it may be to late when they find him!!!
This would not be valuable for finding a lost hiker. I only posted it since you personally wanted a way to track where you have been (for a record of your travels). Yes, one needs a cell or wifi signal to sync. ones photos with their google account.
Yes, this is just a introduction type of video, and see what I thought type of video. There are extensive details available online, it would be impossible to cover every little details in the videos, they would be very, very long... :-)
Nomad for Nature and Tranquil Light Photography - How a device is powered is NOT a little detail. Admitting the oversight of a very important aspect in the (Review, not introduction as the title states) would have been much better than counting the power source as too small of a detail to consider. I would say it's the biggest thing to consider when your life could depend on it, and when also considering an exploration, hike, or travel. It's not like you would be calling the producer of the video a dumbass to acknowledge the oversight.
What I can tell you is that the batteries never ran low on the Spot, however, I was charging them each night in my vehicle. This is something I will be sure to test out and when Bob and I do a final video at the end of this year (after I've used them longer) I will address any concerns and questions we didn't think of. I didn't have much time to prep for this video (due to an emergency which called Bob away unexpectedly). So please forgive this oversight. As you can tell, I'm far from a pro at this.
They actually covered that (except battery life because obviously they wouldn't know it then) in the first video when they said which devices they would be reviewing
Some of you people want to make my original comment out to be more than it clearly was. I didn't want to start any trouble. This is a comment section, and I made mine. It was merely a comment. If it were directed at me, I would have simply said something like, "Wow, I didn't think of that. Good point; I'll be sure to include that in a follow-up." I wasn"t expecting excuses or justifications. This seems to be a common problem with some content providers. If they don"t see an outright compliment or over-the-top praise, it automatically becomes a negative criticism worthy of a stern reply. I'll be sure to put sugar on top next time, damn.
These videos are really informative. I am starting to travel alone and definitely think one of these would be worth the money. Blessings, Helen
I wish someone would take us on a trail walk. Also a checkin on a campground and a BLM drive through if you know what I mean. Kind of like a GoPro experience. One or all of the above. We do totally appreciate every video!
So Thankful for all the information and training you provide for us nomads!! You have helped me grow into full timing with a lot less stress and anxiety.
These technologies are amazing and important if travelling alone or remote spots. THANK YOU for the great review!
Cool thanks Bob and Roxy! I think that I might have to get the SPOT when I start going far out. I like that it has remote road side assistance. That's a big one for me. And the cost is way affordable. Like you said other road side assistance like AAA and Good Sam are 100.00 a year and they don't go off road. The other features are cool too. Looking forward to seeing more about the In Reach. Thanks again.
thank you Roxy and Bob for this much needed information....I am single and have many serious health issues I have lived with for years....now I am able to go out to areas I want that are desolate and not worry....I will soon be back stateside and ready to explore those desolate areas I so loved.....love your information on you tube Bob and I love your courage Roxy...hope to meet up one day...
Safety is a major concern of ours as we start planning our trips. We will never be more than weekend warriors, but some of those weekends turn into weeks, and some added protection like this is always a good thing. Thanks for sharing!!
Thank you Bob & Roxy!!! 💚
Love your videos. Love Roxie. She's great to try out each new product.
Roxi and Bob, I really like the way you break the devices down and examine all aspects of them. I look forward to the Satellite phone review.
Roxy is awesome!
Love Cody prowling around in the background.
Thanks for the info Bob... I have you and your Mom in my thoughts and prayers !!! I'm down sizing and in the process of buying a used RV. I hope to be on the road in a month or so and hope to meet you on the road. I will be doing a Vlog and taking video with a drone of our beautiful country, maybe I can interview you when we meet!!! Enjoy the Journey !!!
Thanks for letting us meet your Mom and sister. Family is wonderful. LoveCody and his adventures. Am praying for you and your family. I heard you say you are not a Christian. Not sure about your Mom and sister but I am and will pray for what ever the journey holds. I have come to love you and your humanitarian efforts for those seeking a life they can survive and enjoy on ANY BUDGET. Keep up informative videos. 🙏♥️🤗
Excellent series of videos! I'm toying with the idea of purchasing one of these devices, and I am so glad someone is testing them out and providing feedback on them! Thanks for sharing!! :-)
Glad you're finding them useful Gray!
Hi Bob & Roxy! Wondered if you have any experience or opinions of the goTenna, also available on Amazon.
I love that you did a series on GPS & safety OTR! I have been following your channel (and plan to look up Roxy's) and find it so encouraging! You show people that if they want it [lifestyle], they can have it!
I shared your link today on FRVW, as there has been a huge growth of new members who may not have found you yet, and all of the wonderful folks out there willing to share their experiences with us in your videos.
Namaste 🌞🌎
GoTenna has no network endpoint. ie: useless. They donated the ones they couldn't sell to Costa Rica after that hurricane, then nobody in the country could get ahold of anybody. Boy were they pissed.
Excellent information, thank you for sharing!!🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Great topic, and not often discussed, so thanks. These can be used for so many great things. For a primary device to alert authorities in an emergency situatioin, I've decided to carry a PLB. If I ever need this thing, it HAS to work. Is my subscription paid? Are my batteries charged? Will the signal break through the tree canopy? Will the signal get out of this canyon? Will this thing work in this country? Will the private company know what to do for where I am? Did I set it off by accident? These are all questions I don't want to have to ask in an emergency.
With a PLB, you register it with the government. You give them certain info like your name, address, emergency contacts, and how you anticipate using it. I like that. I put something like... "experienced rider will often be exploring back country roads and trails on a dual-sport motorcycle, and am unlikely to activate this device unless the situation is dire". This could easily be something like, "Often enjoying the back country in my RV without cell service. If activated, please send help."
This is not to knock the other devices. I could make the case to have both. Use a Spot or the InReach for tracking or texting, etc. It may even work in an emergency, but also keep a PLB on you for the sole purpose of being an emergency life saving device. Buy once, register once, change the battery every 6 years or so, no subscriptions.
ua-cam.com/video/S2IQrQxmv00/v-deo.html
Bob has the best hair on UA-cam.
Kurt, it's a whole lot better than mine that's for sure ;-) Just sayin'
KurtAspaas ...I was thinking the exact same thing
That was the best information yet Bob and Roxie. Thanks so much. You've made my family happy.
Thank you Bob for doing this video series! And thank you Roxie too!
thank you for all the good things you can get .
SPOT sounds great BOB!! especially for me with health issues it would work great...
great info to you and your friend here! more safety videos like this would be great BOB. Thank you again!
ps. 350$ is well worth it
These videos have been very informative, thank you so much!
Maybe you could contact the companies and they would let you test the emergency functions for free. That would be a cool review. Just get clearance first, then see how long it takes for help to arrive.
Thank you, Bob. Very good and informative video. Also, the video is very clear and sharp, what kind of a camera are you using?
if anyone has asugestion as to where a single female on SSI with no car can move too get away from California I would appreciate it. good job Bob and friend
very helpful information! Thanks Bob.
This was a great video. Good to know that it is out there.
The SPOT thing sounds like a good investment thanks for doing this for us
Thanks, Bob and Roxie. This video answered many questions for me. Keep up the great videos.
Broke down in Alaska. Luckily had a second hand Iridium sat phone. After waiting on hold for half hour $$$$ for AAA lol.... I arranged through Canada my eventual extraction along with the vehicle. Glad I had the sat phone.
Thanks for the info. Will look forward to your next video.
Wow...ok..if my mom was traveling like you...I'd be contributing to the last option of your choice...and getting sinlings to kick in too to give you and us peace of mind
Fabulous scenery! Han you for letting us know but these "protection" devices!
Very helpful information! Enjoying the series very much. Thanks!
Thanks for watching Patricia!
Good to know! They didn't have very good reviews on Amazon.
Very good Bob, don't forget my First Aid question I asked at the RTR . What do you consider a good first aid for full time RVer
these are great devices..i had no idea that these existed...thank you...i have people who've asked me to call in everywbere...this is so much easier...
The background is stunning. I had to keep reminding myself to pay attention LOL 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Great information. Safety first, always!
Bob an intriguing&informative video series thank you. On to another question i have noticed Cody running around in most of your videos since you frequently are in desert country do you worry that he'll happen upon a viper and get bitten or have you trained him to avoid any rattlesnake's? I must say I do worry about him being injured he must be your BFF!!
Cody has amazing survival instincts. Thanks for the concern!
Thanks to you both. Great products. Be careful ,safe journeys
I think because she is reviewing their product and doing such a good job with it that they should reach out to her and offer her a new one with a lifetime subscription for free
You could shoot them a note...
That's a great idea Bob I think I will
You never disappoint. Thank you so much!
Very helpful, thanks.
Useful information and no translation needed.
Thanks for watching Charles!
I am thinking one of these would be great for me . I plan on biking across state towing an ulralite camper . One day I am going to cross the country with my Wohnwagen . At least thats a dream I have at this moment . I am not as worried about injury / accident as much as I am about illness . Spiking a 105 degree fever in the middle of nowhere , or as in my case a particularly bad seizure is a real danger . Epilepsy does not believe in a schedule .
awesome video, thanks Bob!
Interesting and informative.
Thank You both
Hey Bob,
In the comment section of the first video of this series, there was a bit of discussion about ham radios. Apparently, they are both cheaper to buy and operate vs the devices you and Roxy have tested...and there are hand held models too. Do you know any van dweller that uses a ham radio? There could be a good interview there.
Great idea David!
Would a CB radio be an alternative emergency communication device too?
love these!
What you failed to mention is...the Inreach uses the Iriduim system which is a pole to pole system and will have you covered almost 100% of the time. The SPOT device uses the Globalstar system and has holes in it. An example is it won't cover most of the Pacific ocean. Also, if your in one place with the SPOT and can't get reception...you have to move to another location. However, if you're not in site of a satellite with Inreach...stay put and eventually a satellite will come over you and give you a signal. Ü
Wait.. irridium isn't geosynchronous?
is there a test button on the arc because I wouldn't want to be in an emergency and have that not work
The fireman/ ex forest ranger I bought my Rv from recommends the Gen3 spot
Good to know Theresa!
Good review!.
Bob, I'm not sure how receptive you are to environmental concerns that your subscribers may bring up but , here goes ! A better way for cleaning oneself after relieving themselves is a squirt bottle with plain old water and a recycled toilet paper. It doesn't take much water and does the trick. Wet wipes are not easily biodegradable and many are not. I actually do this no matter where I am because it works so well. Let's all focus on leaving as little a footprint as we possibly can. I love your videos and always find them very informative. I'm in the market for a small class C rv and will be joining you nomads in the wild !
I appreciate the information as I want to incorporate as much zero waste ideas into my van life. So thanks for the info. Takes me back to my days in Mali.
Wish the services were like a satellite radio subscription, when I got my service you could by a lifetime subscription for 500.00, I got mine 20 years ago and as newer radios became available , I could call xm radio and they could transfer that lifetime subscription to the new radio for free.....sweet👍
A few mistakes in this video. Spot has nothing to do with Delorme or Inreach. Totally different companies. Delorme and Inreach are owned by Garmin now. I have the Inreach by Delorme and they have several plans. You can pay very little a month and can pay as you go like a cell phone. The spot requires you to pay for a year at a time and that infarct is not included with the cost of the device. The Inreach renders a Spot obsolete. The Inreach is superior in every way. There is also 4 models. I bought mine for 200.00 at GPS City during a sale. There are 2 from Delorme and 2 from Garmin. Garmin purchased Delorme but they still make the Delorme version. The Delorme version has a few less features but costs much less. These devices are a life saver and are well worth the investment. If you have specific questions send me a message.
good reviews
Hi I'm listening to the video about these devices and you say that "they can see it", my question is what exactly are they (your family) seeing?
It creates a waypoint of where you are (GPS location) at that moment. Think of a waypoint as a Pin on a google map. It's a bit more than a pin though, it can connect the waypoints and see your progress you've made.
I like the spot.
Thank you
i believe spot system has its own satellites. delorme was inreach system originally but lately garmin bought delorme and inreach system...
Thanks for the info babur!
Ok Bob, thanks.
What if you have a sprained ankle and you're out in the middle of nowhere, it could be storming or night is soon to fall and you can't walk.... why wouldn't that button be OK to push
If you're sure that your only choices are get help now or die, then push that button. They just want you to be sure you have no other option because you're calling out the big guns.
Skycall in Salt Lake rents these devices just for special trips.
iPhone has find friends, like find my iPhone, my family follows me on that. I'd get just a simple strictly need help in case of no cell service
when if ever having to do locater .i like to know who gets the signal to come help you?
I was asking about the Spot.
Just wondering about troll issues.... is there anyway that they can track through these different devices - without permission or invitation? Just wondering if it puts these ladies locations at risk? I hope not!
This is all great, till your in need of off-grid rescue, then you are screwed. You are then responsible for all cost involved in the rescue. Here at Yosemite National Park there is a warning if you are in need of swift water rescue you will be responsible for all costs incurred. I have a friend who lost her home as she was unable to pay off a life flight bill which was tens of thousands.
Well, that answers a burning question of mine. I've seen the signs at Yosemite and GC. Wondered if anyone actually used the rescue service with these devices.
There is a type of certificate one can buy to help with the cost of rescue should it be needed. I think it's different in each State. I used to have The Colorado Hiking Certificate, it cost $15 a year and helped with the cost of helicopters etc. With the inReach one can purchased rescue coverage with the membership which helps with the costs. I don't remember the cost off the top of my head, but it was somewhere in the region of $20. This is available to anyone, with out without a rescue device, it just requires a bit of research first. I may do a blog post of this one day, its something we didn't think about when we were making the videos.
JR What I hear you saying is that it could break the bank to use the emergency signal for rescue. But isn't that still better than dying out on a rock somewhere in the desert?
Joan Hazelgrove She was on a hike and found herself in need of medical attention. What is sad is now she wish they would have left her out there. I've seen the collection letters, they were horrifying. I guess my point is that most of her rescue involved tax payer funded services, and of course myself I would rather face the debt. I tried helping her with an attorney, bankruptcy, etc.,
Mandatory insurance for back country hikers and explorers.
I'm wondering where you get your info on ResQLink 'outrageous fines' for something like a "sprained ankle"!?? A doctor would tell you some sprains can be as bad as, if not worse than, a break. Personally, if I had a SERIOUS injury and I was alone in the middle of bear country, I would consider that LIFE THREATENING!!
Todd W: Thank you for the input. I commented, yesterday, on the initial video comparing the 3. I already OWN the ResQLink+ and have read ALL info. Common sense is a major factor no matter what means of communication one chooses.
BTW...given recent reports on the consumer gouging practiced by ambulance, medevac, etc., if there's a way the medical/emergency/insurance industry can bankrupt you....no matter where you are in need of services....the risk is forevermore.
Study and get a ham radio license... its easy now because their is no morse code requirement... you can get into it for about %450 and no you dont need HF to run a thousands watts of power
$50 will get you an entry level dual band radio with is great for weather reports ...check the link below
www.amazon.com/BaoFeng-UV-5R-Dual-Radio-Black/dp/B007H4VT7A/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_504_bs_t_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=ZD1YY9ZTA3KXR81XHJ9Q
Boafeng UV5R ham radio $27.95 Free shipping
www.randl.com/shop/catalog/index.php?cPath=360&sort=3a&action=buy_now&products_id=71417
Unless you get a general class license you will be limited to UVF and UHF frequencies which are line of sight. An HF set will require a pretty heavy power supply unless you operate QRP (low power). You will also need a suitable antenna. HF sets are not portable (except in a vehicle). So if you are "out there" on foot in a remote location with significant terrain, the type of amateur radio you can very with you will do you very little good.AA1ZS
As an amateur radio operator chances are good my rig will a include HF,VHF, UHF capabilities. Even at that I'd have Mobile phone as well, because mobile phone coverage in improving as time moves on. HF is often hampered by poor prorogation and VHF/UHF infrastructure in non existent in many places. All the power in the world is useless when you can't receive the station you need to communicate with.
Actually very few rigs have HF plus VHF and UHF capability. Furthermore the rigs that do are not portable (i.e., hand held). They can be run in a vehicle, but you will need a big vertical antenna to do any HF work. Ham radio is fine for a vehicle, but not for a hiker in remote areas since hand held radios are all VHF/UHF and limited to line of sight transmission. Furthermore in many areas there are few or no repeaters that you can reach. Where I am there is exactly one repeater I can hit, but only if I connect my VHF/UHF radio to the J-pole antenna I have on my tower.
What about the Delorme/Garmin/Inreach cell phone, or Iridium cell phone for about 500$
Im wondering what the fine is. $10,000?
garmin is now making the inreach units...
I'm not one to post things but theres simpler phone apps to install and use that do the same thing. These are only good for when you're way out and no cell service and need emergency dying help!
Josh You need to clarify that it only does what the ResQlink does. The others send prerecorded messages, mark your trail progress and return route, and let those you wish see where you are. So it's only the same thing as one of these devises, not all three.
i do alot of motorcyle touring you'd be superized how often you can lose cellphone reception
Understanding we did to take what we read on the web with a grain of salt, but reading the Amazon customer reviews about the Spot, isn't confidence boosting.
Spot how many tows a year
A free easy way to track where you have been is with a smart phone and google photos. photos.google.com/
Turn your location "on" on your phone and any pictures or videos you take can be viewed on a map. Also, you can then search within Google Photos for places and all photos taken in that location will pop up.
With my Google Pixel XL, all photo storage is free and unlimited. This backs up all your photos in the cloud and in case you switch phones or it gets lost or damaged they will be preserved.
Also, Google maps works for free and without a cell signal, but the satellite aerial map layers will likely not work. You can still download the roads or trails in the "off Line" mode and see where you are at all times.
Interesting idea Kenneth! My biggest concern with your scenario is if someone got lost, having downloaded their target location but not their unintended destination. Do you need cell service to upload your photos?
yes he would need cell service to upload photo's or a wifi connection. i can almost say that neither of those would work in the boondocks. and then you have other issues also with it connecting to the nearest server wich could me miles away in a different location and it may be to late when they find him!!!
This would not be valuable for finding a lost hiker. I only posted it since you personally wanted a way to track where you have been (for a record of your travels). Yes, one needs a cell or wifi signal to sync. ones photos with their google account.
wow
Appreciate the informative videos, but I prefer the interviews and vehicle interior views more interesting.
I make the titles as clear as I can so if you'd like to avoid some types of videos it's as easy as not watching them. Thanks for the feedback.
NO MENTION of battery life, type of battery, solar charger, solar powered or not. Pretty big aspect to skip. But thanks for the introduction.
Yes, this is just a introduction type of video, and see what I thought type of video. There are extensive details available online, it would be impossible to cover every little details in the videos, they would be very, very long... :-)
Nomad for Nature and Tranquil Light Photography - How a device is powered is NOT a little detail. Admitting the oversight of a very important aspect in the (Review, not introduction as the title states) would have been much better than counting the power source as too small of a detail to consider. I would say it's the biggest thing to consider when your life could depend on it, and when also considering an exploration, hike, or travel. It's not like you would be calling the producer of the video a dumbass to acknowledge the oversight.
What I can tell you is that the batteries never ran low on the Spot, however, I was charging them each night in my vehicle. This is something I will be sure to test out and when Bob and I do a final video at the end of this year (after I've used them longer) I will address any concerns and questions we didn't think of. I didn't have much time to prep for this video (due to an emergency which called Bob away unexpectedly). So please forgive this oversight. As you can tell, I'm far from a pro at this.
Thank you for responding in a respectful manner Roxy. :)
They actually covered that (except battery life because obviously they wouldn't know it then) in the first video when they said which devices they would be reviewing
Some of you people want to make my original comment out to be more than it clearly was. I didn't want to start any trouble. This is a comment section, and I made mine. It was merely a comment. If it were directed at me, I would have simply said something like, "Wow, I didn't think of that. Good point; I'll be sure to include that in a follow-up." I wasn"t expecting excuses or justifications. This seems to be a common problem with some content providers. If they don"t see an outright compliment or over-the-top praise, it automatically becomes a negative criticism worthy of a stern reply. I'll be sure to put sugar on top next time, damn.
HOW BOUT MORE INSIDE VIEWS? HELLO? MCFLY?