Backcountry Pilot • Inreach versus spot??which one is better and why

Inreach versus spot??which one is better and why

A general forum for anything related to flying the backcountry. Please check first if your new topic fits better into a more specific forum before posting.
33 postsPage 2 of 21, 2

Re: Inreach versus spot??which one is better and why

Prosaria wrote:
tcraft wrote:So just looking at the current prices after initial purchase and it appears inreach is actually a buck or two cheaper for the basic package per year?? Is this not correct, could somebody please tell me that has paid for one and is currently in a contract if this is actually true or are there some hidden fees?

If this is true then the inreach would be the obvious choice in my opinion



Lot's of people don't know about the enterprise plans that Delorme offers for pilots. You are not limited to the plans listed on the website. These enterprise plans allow up to one minute tracking. I pointed this out in the other thread that is linked up there by Phil...

The enterprise plans are based on Bytes used. I have the "Delorme 2" plan which is good for 3,000 bytes and costs $22.95 per month. There is a GOES fee of $2.95 per month so my total is $25.90. 3,000 bytes is almost *8 hours* (In the other thread I said 20 hours which is wrong) of tracking at 2 minute intervals. The bytes are shared between tracking and messages. If you go over your usage it is around $5 per 1000 bytes. Last year, I went over during the summer months, and was below my limits during the colder months. Net it was cheaper to pay the overage fees than to buy a bigger plan for the year. You must call them to get these plans, they are not available if you activate or change plans online.

I have no dog in this, but want everyone to know there is a cheaper way to get one or two minute tracking intervals than by using the "Extreme Plan" for $80 a month.


Thanks for this reminder. I switched to this plan today. I'm confused as to why these plans are only offered via phone, and not advertised. Nevertheless, I think for an aircraft, this is by far the best plan. I suppose you could upgrade one level in summer, but as you say, more than likely, paying the overage fee would make more sense.

MTV
mtv offline
Knowledge Base Author
User avatar
Posts: 10515
Joined: Sat Feb 25, 2006 1:47 am
Location: Bozeman

Re: Inreach versus spot??which one is better and why

Kind of a tangent, but I was just checking the latest on related iridium products.

The 9575 Iridium Extreme has standard phone and SMS capability as previously noted. It also has GPS reporting capability. The basic plans I was looking at will send individual location coordinates to a pre-set SMS number at user-determined intervals. This is included in basic plans at no extra cost. Basically you would program your buddy's SMS number, and every minute or ten, it will send another SMS with those coordinates. For a fee of $30/mo, it will combine up to 200 individual points into a track, more like a SPOT or InReach does. This cost is in addition to voice and SMS plans. Of course it also has an SOS button, that can simultaneously deliver one voice call and three SMS texts when activated. The default phone call goes to a national rescue center in the lower 48 (not sure what center), and then gets routed appropriately based on the SOS's embedded GPS location. Or you can substitute you own emergency phone number.

Another cool product is the Iridium GO! It's a palm-size Iridium-based satellite connection that supports voice and data on up to five devices simultaneously on a 100' radius hotspot. It also incorporates a SOS button similar to the Extreme. It appears that it could be used to receive weather products in the cockpit, when paired with an iPad or phone, etc.
denalipilot offline
Supporter
User avatar
Posts: 2789
Joined: Mon Oct 15, 2007 4:53 pm
Location: Denali
Aircraft: C-170B+

Re: Inreach versus spot??which one is better and why

rw2 wrote:
Bonanza Man wrote:Best feature is the inReach turns on and puts itself into tracking mode automatically when it senses external power. It also shuts itself down automatically when I turn the master off.


How does that play out in a wreck? I'd hate to be knocked out and have the inReach shut itself off, but I can't be the first person to have thought about that, so what's the plan?


Both sides of that equation are user settable so if you don't want it turning off automatically you can do that.
Bonanza Man offline
Posts: 909
Joined: Fri Jul 07, 2006 3:42 pm
Location: Seeley Lake

Re: Inreach versus spot??which one is better and why

mtv wrote:
Thanks for this reminder. I switched to this plan today. I'm confused as to why these plans are only offered via phone, and not advertised. Nevertheless, I think for an aircraft, this is by far the best plan. I suppose you could upgrade one level in summer, but as you say, more than likely, paying the overage fee would make more sense.

MTV



After they switch you to the enterprise plan they should have told you to plug your inReach into a computer so it updates. The update will add the necessary firmware so you have the ability to get less than 10 minute tracking and some other options.
Bonanza Man offline
Posts: 909
Joined: Fri Jul 07, 2006 3:42 pm
Location: Seeley Lake

Re: Inreach versus spot??which one is better and why

Scott,

Actually, their instructions were to take the device outside where it could see the sky, let it upload the new data, and that worked fine.

MTV
mtv offline
Knowledge Base Author
User avatar
Posts: 10515
Joined: Sat Feb 25, 2006 1:47 am
Location: Bozeman

Re: Inreach versus spot??which one is better and why

I was about to ask if anyone had any experience with the Iridium Go. Seems pretty slick being able to combine calls, texting, tracking, SOS, and a rudimentary Internet connection. Also has third party apps that can get aviation weather information I believe.
Renegade offline
User avatar
Posts: 241
Joined: Mon Mar 26, 2007 2:24 pm
Location: Dallas, TX King Salmon, AK
Big fish, Beavers, and Bears!
http://www.alaskarainbowlodge.com

Re: Inreach versus spot??which one is better and why

mtv wrote:
Prosaria wrote:
tcraft wrote:So just looking at the current prices after initial purchase and it appears inreach is actually a buck or two cheaper for the basic package per year?? Is this not correct, could somebody please tell me that has paid for one and is currently in a contract if this is actually true or are there some hidden fees?

If this is true then the inreach would be the obvious choice in my opinion



Lot's of people don't know about the enterprise plans that Delorme offers for pilots. You are not limited to the plans listed on the website. These enterprise plans allow up to one minute tracking. I pointed this out in the other thread that is linked up there by Phil...

The enterprise plans are based on Bytes used. I have the "Delorme 2" plan which is good for 3,000 bytes and costs $22.95 per month. There is a GOES fee of $2.95 per month so my total is $25.90. 3,000 bytes is almost *8 hours* (In the other thread I said 20 hours which is wrong) of tracking at 2 minute intervals. The bytes are shared between tracking and messages. If you go over your usage it is around $5 per 1000 bytes. Last year, I went over during the summer months, and was below my limits during the colder months. Net it was cheaper to pay the overage fees than to buy a bigger plan for the year. You must call them to get these plans, they are not available if you activate or change plans online.

I have no dog in this, but want everyone to know there is a cheaper way to get one or two minute tracking intervals than by using the "Extreme Plan" for $80 a month.


Thanks for this reminder. I switched to this plan today. I'm confused as to why these plans are only offered via phone, and not advertised. Nevertheless, I think for an aircraft, this is by far the best plan. I suppose you could upgrade one level in summer, but as you say, more than likely, paying the overage fee would make more sense.

MTV
CapnMike offline
Supporter
User avatar
Posts: 842
Joined: Wed Mar 05, 2014 11:25 am
Location: Kamas, Utah and Sandpoint, Idaho
"If my wings should fail me Lord, please meet me with another pair" - Led Zeppelin
"It's all going in my report..." - CapnMike

Re: Inreach versus spot??which one is better and why

Renegade wrote:I was about to ask if anyone had any experience with the Iridium Go. Seems pretty slick being able to combine calls, texting, tracking, SOS, and a rudimentary Internet connection. Also has third party apps that can get aviation weather information I believe.

I have looked into it, but have held off buying one for now. It's my understanding that the Iridium GO! is a solid unit, but that the satellite network it relies on isn't yet robust enough to fully support its capability in terms of speed and bandwidth. Iridium is said to be upgrading, with completion anticipated in 2017. Where it stands now is that you can text and email decently, but browsing/ streaming is sluggish. In other words, it still only offers a "rudimentary" internet connection, as you put it, but that should improve in a year or two. I personally see it as a great option for a remote cabin, where you can power it off a small solar panel, or car battery, etc. I'll be watching it.
-DP
Last edited by denalipilot on Fri Oct 30, 2015 12:30 am, edited 1 time in total.
denalipilot offline
Supporter
User avatar
Posts: 2789
Joined: Mon Oct 15, 2007 4:53 pm
Location: Denali
Aircraft: C-170B+

Re: Inreach versus spot??which one is better and why

I just bought four InReach SE units for work. Through the end of the month there is a $50 rebate per unit if you live in Alaska. I understand there may be another rebate period coming up during the holidays. One irritation when buying multiples is that they want distinct email addresses to register each one. I would rather use one email address to manage all four, but they couldn't accommodate that for some reason. If you get ten or more then different volume terms apply.

Is anyone able to recommend a good protective case that's also small and light?

-DP
denalipilot offline
Supporter
User avatar
Posts: 2789
Joined: Mon Oct 15, 2007 4:53 pm
Location: Denali
Aircraft: C-170B+

Re: Inreach versus spot??which one is better and why

...technology continues to improve...and newer models with more capabilities are introduced....

I'm wondering where the "sweet spot" re features and price may be for the current line of Delorme InReach Units ? I notice they even have units with smartphone inter-connectivity. These also can be used with an iPad mini:
.
from a Delorme advertisement:
When paired with an iOS( iPhone,iPad,iTouch) or Android mobile device, InReach has the ability to send & receive text messages, from any place on the globe. The two-way messaging capability applies to both personal and SOS communications


DeLorme AG-008449-201 inReach Two-Way Satellite Communicator for Smartphones
Image
DeLorme AG-008727-201 InReach Explorer Two Way Satellite Communicator with Built in Navigation
Image

So in 2015... what are the "sweet spot" current options for casual flyers with casual missions ?
Denali offline
User avatar
Posts: 809
Joined: Sun Sep 16, 2012 1:30 am
Location: East Coast USA

Re: Inreach versus spot??which one is better and why

mtv wrote:
Prosaria wrote:
tcraft wrote:So just looking at the current prices after initial purchase and it appears inreach is actually a buck or two cheaper for the basic package per year?? Is this not correct, could somebody please tell me that has paid for one and is currently in a contract if this is actually true or are there some hidden fees?

If this is true then the inreach would be the obvious choice in my opinion



Lot's of people don't know about the enterprise plans that Delorme offers for pilots. You are not limited to the plans listed on the website. These enterprise plans allow up to one minute tracking. I pointed this out in the other thread that is linked up there by Phil...

The enterprise plans are based on Bytes used. I have the "Delorme 2" plan which is good for 3,000 bytes and costs $22.95 per month. There is a GOES fee of $2.95 per month so my total is $25.90. 3,000 bytes is almost *8 hours* (In the other thread I said 20 hours which is wrong) of tracking at 2 minute intervals. The bytes are shared between tracking and messages. If you go over your usage it is around $5 per 1000 bytes. Last year, I went over during the summer months, and was below my limits during the colder months. Net it was cheaper to pay the overage fees than to buy a bigger plan for the year. You must call them to get these plans, they are not available if you activate or change plans online.

I have no dog in this, but want everyone to know there is a cheaper way to get one or two minute tracking intervals than by using the "Extreme Plan" for $80 a month.


Thanks for this reminder. I switched to this plan today. I'm confused as to why these plans are only offered via phone, and not advertised. Nevertheless, I think for an aircraft, this is by far the best plan. I suppose you could upgrade one level in summer, but as you say, more than likely, paying the overage fee would make more sense.

MTV


Dammit - I somehow whacked off my question to MTV when I posted this the first time...

MTV - How has the plan been working for you since you switched in February? Are you happy with the tracking you're getting? How many hours are you averaging per month right now?
CapnMike offline
Supporter
User avatar
Posts: 842
Joined: Wed Mar 05, 2014 11:25 am
Location: Kamas, Utah and Sandpoint, Idaho
"If my wings should fail me Lord, please meet me with another pair" - Led Zeppelin
"It's all going in my report..." - CapnMike

Re: Inreach versus spot??which one is better and why

I'm also on the Delorme 2 plan. I'm pretty sure I flew over my data the last two months. I'll check my Bill and report back.

I'm personally very happy with the tracking. So's my family. We haven't used the two way messaging other than in a test, but it's nice to know that it's there.

https://share.delorme.com/camtom12
CamTom12 offline
User avatar
Posts: 3705
Joined: Sun Jul 08, 2012 1:08 pm
Location: Huntsville
FindMeSpot URL: https://share.delorme.com/camtom12
Aircraft: Ruppe Racer
Experimental Pacer
home hand jam "wizard"

Re: Inreach versus spot??which one is better and why

CamTom12 wrote:I'm also on the Delorme 2 plan. I'm pretty sure I flew over my data the last two months. I'll check my Bill and report back.

I'm personally very happy with the tracking. So's my family. We haven't used the two way messaging other than in a test, but it's nice to know that it's there.

https://share.delorme.com/camtom12


Well, I knew what we flew last month was fairly ridiculous, but I hadn't done the math yet.

We flew almost exactly 30 hours, and tracking is on every time I take off. The Delorme 2 plan when used only for tracking (2 minute intervals) is good for slightly less than 7.7 hours. My bill wasn't bad considering, at ~$70 including all fees. I'm going to go ahead and upgrade our plan. The next level plan is good for 8,000 bytes (close to 20.5 hours at 2 minute tracking intervals) at less than $10 per month more and the overage costs are a little less.
CamTom12 offline
User avatar
Posts: 3705
Joined: Sun Jul 08, 2012 1:08 pm
Location: Huntsville
FindMeSpot URL: https://share.delorme.com/camtom12
Aircraft: Ruppe Racer
Experimental Pacer
home hand jam "wizard"

DISPLAY OPTIONS

Previous
33 postsPage 2 of 21, 2

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 21 guests

Latest Features

Latest Knowledge Base