Friday Gear Report: SPOT Emergency Beacon

afrankelSurvival, Survival Gear

Satellite communication based emergency beacons have been with us for a few years now. A simple push button device that send out an alert that you are in trouble. They can even let family and friends know our location on timed intervals.

Many of us have seen the SPOT Satellite GPS Emergency Beacon–not bad. But what if you wanted something more.

Meet the DeLarme InEach. Billed as a communication life-line, the device packs a lot of features sorely missing from other satellite communication devices.

  • Interactive SOS
    • Describe your situation in detail to improve emergency response
    • Stay in touch for mutual status updates on your situation
    • Automatic location tracking
  • Two way messaging
  • Message Delivery Confirmation
  • Follow Me Tracking and Location
    • User-selected tracking interval (10 minutes to 4 hours)
    • GPS position accuracy to within 5 meters
    • View tracking breadcrumbs online

One of the more interesting features is the InReach’s ability to pair– via bluetooth and free App–with other devices such as an Smart phones, or PN-60w GPS. This greatly expands the capabilities.

Compatibility

  • iPod touch® (3rd and 4th generations)
  • iPhone® 4S
  • iPhone 4
  • iPhone 3GS
  • iPad® (3rd generation)
  • iPad 2
  • iPad
  • Android phone
  • Android tablet

It is a satellite device so subscription plans are necessary. DeLorme offers for types of plans to fit your budget.

    • $9.95 Safety Plan (the basics)
      • SOS
      • $1.50 InReach Messages
      • $0.25 ea. Tracking Points
    • $24.95 Recreation Plan
      • SOS
      • 40 text messages
      • Unlimited InReach Messages
      • Unlimited Tracking Points
    • $49.95 Expedition Plan
      • SOS
      • 120 text messages
      • Unlimited InReach Messages
      • Unlimited tracking Points