A gps based tracking device
December 24, 2015 9:05 AM Subscribe
I'm looking for a (cheap) tracking device that is independent of cellphone signals, and preferably allows for contact. The device should work in Mexico.
So a couple of weeks ago we had a scare when two students from my institute didn't turn up after their day out in the field and there was no way to contact them. Apparently the car broke down, and they didn't have a cellphone signal, and they didn't bother trying to find a way to let us know. Meanwhile , we mobilised all the local enforcement agencies, the whole deal trying to find them, (we assumed the worst, i.e. a kidnapping or some other cartel related disaster). Luckily noting of the sort happened, but I want to try to put some sort of device with the car/the students that allows us to know where they are. Cell signals are notoriously unreliable and so a phone will not do, unless there is some way to track the GPS receiver itself. We don't have a lot of money, so any subscription based service is probably a no go. Any suggestions will be welcome. Also note that the terrain around here is very hilly.
So a couple of weeks ago we had a scare when two students from my institute didn't turn up after their day out in the field and there was no way to contact them. Apparently the car broke down, and they didn't have a cellphone signal, and they didn't bother trying to find a way to let us know. Meanwhile , we mobilised all the local enforcement agencies, the whole deal trying to find them, (we assumed the worst, i.e. a kidnapping or some other cartel related disaster). Luckily noting of the sort happened, but I want to try to put some sort of device with the car/the students that allows us to know where they are. Cell signals are notoriously unreliable and so a phone will not do, unless there is some way to track the GPS receiver itself. We don't have a lot of money, so any subscription based service is probably a no go. Any suggestions will be welcome. Also note that the terrain around here is very hilly.
Best answer: Did you see the SPOT Gen3? Similar to the unit you linked to, but it allows for an SOS message, an OK/check-in message, and one pre-programmed custom message, along with GPS tracking.
posted by Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug at 9:09 AM on December 24, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug at 9:09 AM on December 24, 2015 [1 favorite]
so does the spot connect (seems to be cheaper, and allows messaging).
edit: not sure it is cheaper, sorry.
edit2: it's more expensive up-front, but the subscription is lower.
but maybe it would be cheaper to let them surf the net for a while and see what the cartels can do.
posted by andrewcooke at 9:14 AM on December 24, 2015
edit: not sure it is cheaper, sorry.
edit2: it's more expensive up-front, but the subscription is lower.
but maybe it would be cheaper to let them surf the net for a while and see what the cartels can do.
posted by andrewcooke at 9:14 AM on December 24, 2015
I was just reading about personal locator beacons and satellite messenger beacons for backcountry wilderness hiking. Looks like the SPOT Gen 3 recommended above does everything you want and works in Mexico.
posted by erst at 9:16 AM on December 24, 2015
posted by erst at 9:16 AM on December 24, 2015
Response by poster: Oops, don't know how I missed that. It does look like SPOT gen3 is a good option (despite the subscription). Any other options? (so I can present these to the Director of my institute?)
posted by dhruva at 9:30 AM on December 24, 2015
posted by dhruva at 9:30 AM on December 24, 2015
Best answer: The DeLorme InReach is comparable and worth looking at, it's roughly a direct competitor to the SPOT. One or the other should have the closest balance of options for your needs. They do best with a clear line of sight to the satellites so a really heavy forest canopy/steep ravine or buried at the bottom of equipment are a real issue.
posted by sammyo at 9:37 AM on December 24, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by sammyo at 9:37 AM on December 24, 2015 [1 favorite]
With the DeLorme InReach 2, you can do the freedom subscription plan, which is $25 a year, plus $17 a month (with tax) for the months you choose to use it. Also, a current $50 rebate until the end of the year.
I bought one earlier this year to use while hiking. I mostly used it to send text messages to my wife (with GPS coordinates) to let her know I was doing fine. The user interface is a little awkward, but it works well enough.
posted by ShooBoo at 11:53 AM on December 24, 2015
I bought one earlier this year to use while hiking. I mostly used it to send text messages to my wife (with GPS coordinates) to let her know I was doing fine. The user interface is a little awkward, but it works well enough.
posted by ShooBoo at 11:53 AM on December 24, 2015
I'll also throw my support in for the DeLorme InReach. It's becoming the industry standard in the outdoors industry and from what I hear (I've only used the InReach) it is more versatile than the SPOT. I worked on a trail crew and our office has phased out all their SPOTs and replaced them with InReaches.
posted by Deflagro at 10:26 PM on December 24, 2015
posted by Deflagro at 10:26 PM on December 24, 2015
Response by poster: Ok thanks a ton. I'll propose either of these two to the higher-ups and see how it goes.
ShooBoo: can one send messages to the device as well?
posted by dhruva at 1:39 PM on December 27, 2015
ShooBoo: can one send messages to the device as well?
posted by dhruva at 1:39 PM on December 27, 2015
can one send messages to the device as well?
I have not done it myself, but yes you can. Here's the online user guide.
posted by ShooBoo at 10:52 AM on December 28, 2015 [1 favorite]
I have not done it myself, but yes you can. Here's the online user guide.
posted by ShooBoo at 10:52 AM on December 28, 2015 [1 favorite]
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by dhruva at 9:06 AM on December 24, 2015