Satellite SOS and SMS communication
|
| j.9. 02. 2020 17:19:02 |
Hello.
I'm interested if anyone in Slovenia is already using any satellite messengers. These are relatively small devices (100 to 300g heavy), useful, of course, in areas without GSM signal. They enable satellite SMS sending, continuous tracking (and real-time data sending to GEOS center) and distress call via special button.
And precisely about the SOS button, I can't get any concrete info on usability here. SOS call is automatically forwarded via satellite to US GEOS center https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=dENvi0yoo51ib0Zh8L4El6, which is connected to rescue services (SAR) in over 150 countries, including Slovenia. I emailed our www.sos112.si center for confirmation, but no response.
Of course I don't want to rely on a device useless in critical moments. GEOS is commercial, in need they notify local SAR (Search And Rescue). When registering (sub from ~15 EUR, enter data - relatives contacts etc.). But no confirmation they send to local rescuers this and other info: e.g. last track points, SOS comms transcript, that caller reachable only by SMS not phone, nor if during rescue comms go direct to local team or via GEOS (delays, info loss etc.). Garmin seller (service InReach) says it works great. That's all. Would love if someone shares experiences.
Opened new thread as it doesn't fit "Phones". If not ok, please move.
Also: Used GPS for a while, know satellite issues (deep valleys no signal, tree canopies, wrong coords, batteries etc.). Glad if debate on actual messenger experiences.
Thanks!
|
|
|
|
| JM202014. 02. 2020 17:58:44 |
I have been using Garmin inReach for about a year and a half. Abroad, I send SMS and emails home via it. If I'm in the "wilderness", I no longer use the phone, even if there's signal.
Two-way communication works without issues, checked. And family can easily reply back via their phones to your inReach.
Battery lasts a huge amount of time for me (I doubt average user can drain it in about 1 month for example).
True, under dense canopies (e.g. jungle) signal interference can occur. Which is expected anyway.
GPS location has been accurate to a meter or two for me so far in Europe, North America and elsewhere.
Haven't pressed the SOS button yet (luckily). Given the paid service and optional packages, I personally trust GEOS.
Haven't seen any users of such devices in Slovenia. Abroad there are tons and they say you can rely on them.
|
|
|
|
| JM202014. 02. 2020 18:47:30 |
I found this on Garmin Support:
http://download.garmin.com/InReach/inReach_Field_Experience_Webinar-SOS.pdf
Presumably GEOS understands over 200 languages and dialects, hehe.
EXCLUDED TERRITORIES
The GEOS SAR entitlement extends to all countries of the World subject to the following
excluded territories and are subject to change:
• Afghanistan
• Chechnya
• Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
• Iraq
• Israel (West Bank, Gaza Strip and Occupied Territories Only)
• Libya
• North Korea
• Somalia
• Syria
| (+1) |  | |
|
|
|
|
| j.18. 02. 2020 14:13:05 |
Ooo, JM2020, thanks a lot! At least one!
I'm currently mostly at home and in neighboring Italy and Austria, but still think I'll get this thing. Most valuable to me is tracking (for my family), of course location ping and two-way SMS communication. Better not mention the red button out of caution .
Only hesitating between device types: inReach SE+ and inReach Mini. First has more power and battery, but also twice as heavy (230g vs 100g). What are your experiences?
Good luck!
|
|
|
|
| JM2020alt19. 02. 2020 16:59:17 |
I also initially thought whether to get something like that or not. On the other hand, better prevention or you need to be properly equipped in mountains/wilderness. Definitely such a device is an expense, but "safety first" for me.
There are other companies besides Garmin, check the net a bit.
I have Explorer+. SE+ is without topo maps. Mini is "mini" version of Explorer without big screen/visual maps. They say it's highly praised.
Weight is relative. If someone is among ultralight hikers, grams matter. For day or multi-day visit to SLO mountains (where you have only "day" gear) +/- 100g is - in my opinion - insignificant.
|
|
|
|
| j.19. 02. 2020 17:56:51 |
I think almost identically, safety first. Of course not ultralight, but over time my backpack started accumulating quite a bit of stuff besides regular gear, "just in case" items. Phone with navigation, spare battery, first aid, various small things (candle, lighter, cords..), bivy sack, sometimes small crampons besides real ones, etc. And Mini price is much lower too.
Don't really need maps, have them on phone that uses only 10-15% battery per day in airplane mode (gaiagps serves me great, sometimes help with mapy.cz).
I'll take a day or two to think and probably buy the Mini version.
Still not quite clear how to send SMS to Slovenian 112 from satellite network (maybe 00 386 112), if something glitches via GEOS, which handles all communication during rescue (language, time delay, additional info to field team etc.). I'll figure it out somehow. Already sent two emails to urszr@urszr.si, no reply yet.
Thanks again, your info is quite encouraging!
|
|
|
|
| JM2020alt19. 02. 2020 18:38:27 |
OK, "silly" question from my side 
Slovenian 112 accepts SMS too, you say? Thought it was only calls. Apparently not, haha (btw, never needed to call, luckily).
You send SMS normally, like from abroad. Doesn't matter if satellite or whatever. It's 386.
If not sure about phone 112, send them email? inReach sends emails too. Does 112 have email?
GEOS should be reliable, I don't know.
|
|
|
|
| j.19. 02. 2020 19:15:30 |
The question is not silly at all. 112 accepts SMS too. If you send SMS to regular GSM it's of course 00 386..., but 112 works differently, without prefix. Even when GSM shows no signal, it tries to find signal from operator you don't have contract with (Austrian, Italian or whatever it gets). I assume it sends message to the SAR (search and rescue) responsible for that area based on triangulation. On the other hand, I once in Croatia Čakovec wanted to call Cammeo taxi +385(01) 1212. Didn't notice I was on Slovenian network and got 112. Was a bit embarrassing when I asked for transport  The emergency help system apparently completely ignored the local +385(01) prefix.
Found at least one case online where GEOS messed up big time in communication (from guy in mountains with broken leg they demanded he give address, when he sent coordinates they didn't understand them). Description here. Guy had SPOT device, but behind is still GEOS.
What I think is key is to alert field rescuers that they can communicate with me on satellite number via regular GSM, but only via SMS or email messages. And fully at my expense. They can't call me. Seems such info would be very welcome to the guys on the ground.
Luckily no one has rescued me yet. Currently (regarding communication method) I'm in phase of asking all friends and acquaintances with any 112 connections, devil if I don't find out how it works.
|
|
|
|
| JM2020alt20. 02. 2020 08:31:21 |
Aha, thanks.
In the link the guy says sheriff and others didn't know how to use coordinates. His family and GEOS had full info. Embarrassing sure, but more rescuers' problem not GEOS?
What do you say, can Slovenian police / mountain rescuers use GPS coordinates? If you find out, let me know please.
(Not doubting SLO mountain service abilities etc., I believe/trust their training and readiness to help, just question of practice and how/what people communicate)
inReach by default sends coordinates to center on SOS, which is forwarded. Your family can be "mediator", I guess, if really needed. As far as I understand the whole principle, GEOS anyway acts as mediator between you and rescuers. Direct contact not needed. Or is it?
|
|
|
|
| JM2020alt20. 02. 2020 08:36:58 |
One more thing...
If person's phone battery dies, phone breaks, or simply no phone, rescuers have nowhere to call. Only option left is rescue by coordinates (for debate assume available). It'll work out.
|
|
|
|
| črow20. 02. 2020 15:41:37 |
Our guys know this and very well.
| (+3) | | |
|
|
|
|
| j.21. 02. 2020 10:16:46 |
Well, slowly we are gathering facts:
1. GEOS actually works
2. GEOS sends the surname and name of the person, location and previous and current SMS communication to the local center (source: Garmin, SLO)
3. SLO rescuers know (and well) how to use coordinates in the format sent by GEOS
4. It is unclear if local SAR centers receive the satellite phone number of the caller and the info that they can contact him directly, but only via SMS (important for the guys in the field; that rescuers in action call their 112 center, which then calls GEOS, GEOS calls the caller and back seems irrational to me. Questionable time loss, language, possible errors in information transfer etc.)
5. It is also unclear if local centers via GEOS receive other data about the caller that he entered upon registration (address, phones of relatives or friends, health condition etc.)
6. Variant without GEOS: callers from the InReach device send SMS to family, who notify 112 and tell everything needed (also satellite number of InReach device for SMS communication)
7. In a very difficult case, when the caller can only press the SOS button, other communications not possible (destroyed GSM phone that via Bluetooth connection with InReach facilitates SMS writing, injury of the caller etc.), one must hope that everything goes via GEOS and works "by the book".
Many thanks to both!
And also: JM2020, I think you are right: 100g (1 deciliter of water) in reality does not represent significant weight compared to other advantages of SE+ and Explorer, which seem to me much more robust devices.
|
|
|
You must log in to post a comment:
If you do not yet have a username, you must first
register.