Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Gear Forum :: Got a DeLorme PLB - now what?
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muddyfeet |
quote LindenTree3: " Yes, but not exactly. It pairs with bluetooth, but the only phone functionality that works through the satellite is the Inreach app, which, IMO is clunky and doesn't offer much better functionality than the inreach device itself. With phone, it is slightly faster to txt, and a little easier to plan routes/waypoints with the larger phone touchscreen, but overall the bluetooth is not a feature I find useful. quote Atb: "there is insurance available for SAR charges up to $50k per trip, $100k annually. Should I bother? 1st, I've been on dozens of trips and have not had anything REMOTELY approaching an evac issue arise, and I wouldn't do so lightly in the future. 2nd, does SAR charge for services if you are rescued in the BWCA? Quetico? We'll be on the US side up the Gunflint, but interested generally what people do." I don't think the insurance is worth it. Unless you regularily travel to foreign countries where there is a potential need for medical evac, the chance of needing it does not outweigh the annual cost. The question of weather SAR should be charging for services has been around for a long time. It might seem logical to expect those who require rescue to cover the expense, but the caveat is that a potential large $AR bill would deter people from seeking help who actually need it, or delay people from making the call until they are in much worse shape. So in the US, there may be fines and/or medical costs to be paid, but in most locales SAR doesn't charge for rescue. |
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MikeFF |
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BeaV |
Of course you have to pick a plan. You might want to add email contacts. Setup your MapShare. Whatever information you enter on the computer, will be transferred to your device by "syncing" the computer to your device and hitting the red "sync" button. Syncing also downloads any updates from Garmin. And test the tracking and email features before you leave for the trip. |
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Atb |
That's exactly where I'm looking. I got the thing a week early to work all the kinks out, which I'm glad for. It's nice because I can validate the result of what I think I sent. My inclination was to skip the insurance as well, it's more for piece of mind and comfort for the family. Mapshare looks pretty fun. Looking forward to seeing how it goes! |
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GreyOwl |
I just got an Explorer+ last month and have had fun learning to use it trips here locally. In a couple weeks a buddy is taking it with him on a trip in Quebec. I'll get to see what being on the receiving end is like before take it on a two week trip in September. |
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Atb |
Things I would do differently: *tell people explicitly what to expect from my posts and tracks *avoid allowing daughter to interact with folks on the other end - promotes home sickness *plan to use the weather forecast, it was accurate and useful *bring a power bank, I did this and appreciated using the device freely knowing I could recharge Thanks for all the help pre-trip. You guys are great! |
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Atb |
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Atb |
Great example on the non-life-threatening injury. I'd hate to hit the SOS for something like that. Good to know the weather is worth it...I was wondering about that. I'll report in when I get back on how it worked out. |
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4keys |
quote MikeFF: "What is the cost for that insurance? I'm planning to bring my son next year when he is 6. My wife did ask if I would bring a Spot, but I told her I didn't think I would. If the cost wasn't extraordinary she might appreciate that too though." One outfitter rents Spots for $ 25 /day for 1-3 days, $5 each additional day. I thought that was reasonable for my peace of mind when my son did a 9 day solo this spring. He did not want to do the Sat phone because " 2 way communication defeats the purpose of a solo mom" . |
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Atb |
Registering the device, there is insurance available for SAR charges up to $50k per trip, $100k annually. Should I bother? 1st, I've been on dozens of trips and have not had anything REMOTELY approaching an evac issue arise, and I wouldn't do so lightly in the future. 2nd, does SAR charge for services if you are rescued in the BWCA? Quetico? We'll be on the US side up the Gunflint, but interested generally what people do. I'm normally a fan of getting away from gadgetry, but I'll admit I'm kind of excited that bringing my kid forced me down this path. Seems like a good safety precaution, and my wife will appreciate daily text updates and location tracking. |
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BeaV |
The tracks can be fun for those at home to follow and useful to go back and see where you were at at certain times. The nicest feature of the InReach over a Spot is that if you need help but not an emergency, you can email someone to request help without setting off a panic with loved ones and bothering first responders. For instance, say I break a leg on a rocky portage. It's not life threatening and I sure don't want search and rescue crews out in the night trying to find me. I just might want a little help to meet me somewhere- that's where the 2-way communication would be useful. |
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ghamer |
In addition to all the advantages already given here, it gives us the capability of helping others who we may run across who need help. We have used the weather forecast feature and found it very accurate. It was especially helpful in our last trip in early June where we exited via Snowbank ... wind was forecast, so we got an early start. Got back to the entry point minutes before the wind kicked up! |
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4keys |
quote MikeFF: "What is the cost for that insurance? I'm planning to bring my son next year when he is 6. My wife did ask if I would bring a Spot, but I told her I didn't think I would. If the cost wasn't extraordinary she might appreciate that too though." One outfitter rents Spots for $ 25 /day for 1-3 days, $5 each additional day. I thought that was reasonable for my peace of mind when my son did a 9 day solo this spring. He did not want to do the Sat phone because " 2 way communication defeats the purpose of a solo mom" . |
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LindenTree3 |
quote BeaV: "On that page make sure you provide the emergency contact information so that if you ever have to hit the "SOS" button, GEOS and first responders know who to contact to find out who you are and what you're doing. Also, tell whomever you list as that person knows they'll be contacted if help is summoned. I consider this(these) contact(s) as my shore contacts and they know when I'm on a trip and where." BeaV, I realize I'm preaching to the choir with you, and good points, I want to get a Delorme at some point. It sounds like you can Bluetooth your Delorme In Reach to your cell phone for Maps and texting. I may have to go this route. You basically use your Delorme as a Hot Spot. I have a SPOT, and do not leave without a Float or Trip Plan in AK. My boss is listed in my SPOT's profile if I ever hit the SOS button. She is a planning section cheif for a wildfire emergency team in AK. I know she will not let me down. Every time I solo I tell her when and where I'm going, where I hope to overnight, and when I expect to return. |
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Atb |
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