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11-10-2022, 04:57 PM
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#1
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Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 79
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Satellite Communicator's
Looking for info about GPS etc. satellite communicators. Can anyone recommend a brand or type that is the most appropriate for back country travel? Thanks.
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11-10-2022, 07:26 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2019
Location: Denver Colorado
Posts: 820
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We have no personal experience but talked to several that rav about starlink for handling all there back country communication needs.
__________________
2002 e350 window eb,
7.3
CCV high top
Conversion in process. Lol
Denver, CO
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11-10-2022, 09:47 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Oregon Ciry Oregon
Posts: 2,854
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We use a Garmin inReach. Pairs with your phone so you have full access to your contacts for text messaging. Location information is sent as part of the text message. Have used to to send my camping location information to someone who was running late for our trip.
__________________
Larrie
Read detailed trip reports, see photos and videos on my travel blog, luinil.com.
Current van: 2002 Ford E350 extended body camper with Colorado Camper Van pop top and Agile Offroad 4WD conversion.
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11-10-2022, 10:05 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: West Central Mountains, Idaho
Posts: 479
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Also use a Garmin InReach device. Find the ability to text while in the backcountry valuable both as a safety measure and piece of mind. Texting with just the unit is rather cumbersome, but when paired with a smart phone quite convenient. My unit requires a monthly subscription of about $13. The SOS feature allows for communication directly with personnel who will route the call to appropriate entities.
__________________
2001 Sportsmobile RB50 7.3
West Central Mountains, Idaho
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11-10-2022, 10:27 PM
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#5
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Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2022
Location: California
Posts: 11
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For years used a SPOT when off roading on two wheels. (findmespot. com) I wouldn't recommend them today as I think there are better choices like the above mentioned Garmin InReach. The SPOT we used was limited to three pre-defined messages that goes to family or friends.
1. Everything is great, just checking in to say Hi
2. Oh Crap, I am screwed, send help but at least I am physically ok
3. Ah Geez, send a helicopter with a basket. (this also notified Search and Rescue)
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11-10-2022, 10:48 PM
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#6
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Member
Join Date: Oct 2018
Posts: 47
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I also use the Garmin InReach. An excellent way for others to keep track when I share my trip. I've used the InReach for help when I was far away and stuck in deep, deep mud! Very consistent coverage and long battery life.
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11-11-2022, 05:34 AM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: TN
Posts: 10,239
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SierraVanCampers
For years used a SPOT when off roading on two wheels. (findmespot. com) I wouldn't recommend them today as I think there are better choices like the above mentioned Garmin InReach. The SPOT we used was limited to three pre-defined messages that goes to family or friends.
1. Everything is great, just checking in to say Hi
2. Oh Crap, I am screwed, send help but at least I am physically ok
3. Ah Geez, send a helicopter with a basket. (this also notified Search and Rescue)
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We have a spot that we got about 3 years ago and it has a full keyboard and you can send any message (text/email) but it is a clunky device compared to any modern phone. Kind of like the keyboard was designed in the 80's, heavy push buttons. Anyway, it does work and we pay a yearly subscription of $100ish I think.
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11-12-2022, 06:48 AM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: Phoenix
Posts: 187
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We have an InReach for backpacking and hiking, but have recently purchased a Starlink RV package for use in the van for an internet connection when cell service is poor or unavailable (which has become for frequent the further “afield”we go). We have only tested it at home and used it once when our Cox internet provider was “down.” We will take it with us for our upcoming Death Valley trip in December. Although Starlink is expensive for the hardware (dish and router), the monthly service can be activated and deactivated when you are not going to be off grid.
__________________
Scott
2019 Transit 350 HR Eco Quigley 4X4
“Vandemic”
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11-17-2022, 10:16 AM
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#9
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Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2019
Posts: 22
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Ditto the others that use the Garmin InReach. It is useful for creating routes, prior to an outing, and waypoints, following a route or creating one as you go. You can also track your movement and share with others. I use the InReach much for messaging, when cell service is not available or the signal too weak to be of use. It has an SOS button, in case of an emergency. There are various levels of coverage one can subscribe to and you can choose to have continuous coverage or turn it on and off on a monthly basis, if you like.
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11-17-2022, 06:22 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2019
Location: CDA, Idaho
Posts: 201
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Another nod to the in reach. If you use iOS devices it can also act as a Bluetooth antenna for better GPS reception when using something like Gaia on an iPad or iphone in the van.
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______________________________
2001 E-350 V10 EB50 Penthouse
4.56 gears w/ARB Rear Locker
4X4 Quigley
Agile RIP
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