Artum Snowbird wrote: Would it work if they just knew where you are? You could use the spot service, but it would not let you talk, just know where you are.
spot connect will also allow you to send text messages from any android or iphone with an application you can download. you do NOT need any cell service to send the text messages from the spot connect. unfortunetly, you can only send messages not recieve them.
I use the spot connect quite a bit when we are dirt bike riding out of cell range to keep DW updated on our status, and with the tracking feature she can see exactly where we are.
you can also select from about 10 preprogrammed text messages to send out. and can have multiple "groups" that you can send messages to.
Cross my fingers, but have not had to use the emergency service
And, finally, a wilson 3W cell phone booster with a yagi directional antenna my very well get you cell phone service.
I have buddies with sat phones. Better than a cell, but there are defnintely places and weather conditions that a sat phone won't get you a signal. And I have found that the spot does need a reasonably clear view of the sky to lock onto the satelite. Otherwise it can take 30 minutes or more to get a fix so you can send message.
2011 Keystone Outback 295RE
2004 14' bikehauler with full living quarters
2004.5 Silverado 4x4 CC/SB Duramax/Allison
sue.t wrote: Is your issue you being able to contact the Outside, or the Outside being able to contact you?
We camp remote ... no cell service, no internet, and even satelite phone is very iffy.
When DH goes out on his own, he carries a SPOT locator. Even so, if he has a life threatening emergency, I won't get the message BUT rescue authorities will.
When we're out in the boonies, there's no way for others to contact us other then have someone find us. We do use the SPOT to "check in" with friends and family, so they know where we are. BUT if they need to contact us. the "authorities" are the only way to do so.
Sat phones are fine ... but unreliable this far North. In your area, might be better.
IIRC you can set the spot up so that when an emergency message "SOS" goes out, you will also be contacted along with the rescue authorities. Also if it is an emergency after sending the SOS, you could send a "Help" message out that can have a pretty long contact list to notify others that you have an emergency and have sent an SOS.
We have a spot and spot connect. nice thing about the spot connect is that with a android/apple phone you can send custom messages as well along with a choice of about 10 preprogrammed messages and to about 10 different contact lists.
Is your issue you being able to contact the Outside, or the Outside being able to contact you?
We camp remote ... no cell service, no internet, and even satelite phone is very iffy.
When DH goes out on his own, he carries a SPOT locator. Even so, if he has a life threatening emergency, I won't get the message BUT rescue authorities will.
When we're out in the boonies, there's no way for others to contact us other then have someone find us. We do use the SPOT to "check in" with friends and family, so they know where we are. BUT if they need to contact us. the "authorities" are the only way to do so.
Sat phones are fine ... but unreliable this far North. In your area, might be better.
sue t.
Pictures from our manyRV Adventures to Yukon & Alaska
Travelling with either the 25' fifth wheel or the 8' truck camper.
Probably at least half of my camping, and most of my ATV trips are in areas without cell phone coverage, often 50 miles or more to the nearest paved road I never worried about it much, but it scares the wife to death. We carry a spot to let the kids keep us on a leash so to speak, and call for rescue service should it be a true emergency situation.
wny_pat wrote: I'd be doing lots of research about Globalstar satellite phones and plans if I were you. Don't know what I'm missing, but they sound cheaper than cell.
phones are quite a bit more expensive and larger than a typical cell phone, and the data is very very very slow. 9Kbaud, so it's only really good for text messages.
but, if you are in remote spots often, it isn't a bad way to go.
It is a matter of definition. What do you mean by "middle of nowhere?"
For me, it means a place where there is no mobile service from anyone, no phones, no electricity. In that "middle of nowhere" your choices include satellite, which works if you are in a place where you can "see" one of the comsats, or 2-way radio systems that have longer range than mobile phones. Those systems usually need to be licensed, and somebody expected to be listening for you.
But it is really relative, cell phone boosters can make one person's middle of nowhere another person's somewhere.
No mobile service for from anyone, no phones, no electricity. I am more concerned about my family getting ahold of me then me getting ahold of them. Mainly in the middle of the night in case of an emergency.
No. Generally not.. First with cell phones you are limited in part by how high you are.. You can gain a great range advantage if you go higher. (Photo of guy on roof talking on cell phone.. I did that once but I was talking to someone about stuff on said roof, I later talked to him about it while we were both on said roof, works good now).
However, a short comment on internet.
Some parks offer Wi-Fi
Some places you can get cellular internet.
Some the only option is 2-way satellite, and in this area there is a new player out that looks interesting http://get.exede.com/deals.html#availability_anchor
if you want to see it in action http://www.twit.tv/hn and watch episode 45 Parts of that were streamed, live via this service.
Those are the parts featuring Bob Heil of Heil Sound, K9EID.
This service should support SKYPE and other VoIP programs like Magic Jack.
Nothin adds excitment like something that is none of your business
Kenwood TS-2000 housed in a 2005 Damon Intruder 377
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