The U.S Forest Service - Flathead National Forest uses SPOT Trackers and also the Delorme InReach device. The SPOT Tracker are great for emergency help and check ins, but just for one way communications. They do have a device that connects to a smart phone and have more functionality with two way communications (text messages) but I haven't used one. They are fairly cheap to get and run from $100 or $150 a year for service. It sounds like the SPOT Gen3s would meet your needs pretty well. The InReach devices are a little more expensive up front but have different plan options and they have better options for two way text type messaging.
From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Reichenborn, Molly Sent: Tuesday, March 28, 2017 3:01 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [ECOLOG-L] Feedback on SPOT devices and suggestions for requesting emergency aid outside of cell service I have technicians working in isolated areas without cell phone service in Kansas, USA. I want the technicians to be able to request emergency (EMS) and non-emergency aid (e.g. need assistance with stranded vehicle) in these areas if needed. I've been looking into SPOT gen3 units (http://www.findmespot.com/en/index.php?cid=100<https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.findmespot.com%2Fen%2Findex.php%3Fcid%3D100&data=02%7C01%7Ckristy.bly%40WWFUS.ORG%7Cc120902d4489427262d208d47622db89%7Cdb6aaa89c7f8485186769cc7f73b3411%7C0%7C0%7C636263339496237268&sdata=eIacbXx5qzHNs1yVGQa1qdpOu9eKKf1ovorgxSchS5U%3D&reserved=0>) and would appreciate feedback from anyone who has used these for terrestrial fieldwork. I'd like to know how well these devices stands up to rough handling and weather conditions in the field, if it can send messages in varied weather conditions (e.g. cloudy days), any issues with the service plan required for the unit/customer service, and any comments on emergency or non-emergency personnel response to aid requests from these devices. I'd also appreciate suggestions for alternative devices that can provide these services. The SPOT unit can provide "I'm OK" alerts to check-in with preset contacts and track movement - these features are preferred, but not required, for alternative devices. <!-- p {margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0} --> Molly M. Reichenborn Research Project Manager Wichita State University Department of Biological Sciences [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>
