two way satellite communicator devices

      Spot-X           Garmin-Mini2      Garmin 86i

Times are changing. Nowadays we just have to make sure that we don't avoid dying a completely unnecessary death. 

Today there are mobile phones, there is radio, but nothing has as good coverage as devices with satellite communication. Here, one can always and at any time contact an alarm centre via the satellite network and send an alarm. 

You can also specify your emergency, it helps if the cavalry comes immediately with possible antidotes after a snake bite, to give an example. 

With the message, the current location is always transmitted, a big advantage compared to an emergency call with the satellite phone, where you then have to transmit the correct coordinates in the excitement. 

And more importantly, you can also communicate with family and friends in short messages (160 characters), for example with Message 2 Mail. You can also update your travel blog or offer live tracking.

Services such as a dead man's switch automatically set off an alarm. There are various triggers here, such as movement, standing still for a long time, or regular "check-in".

The best coverage is provided by Garmin (formerly Delorme/inReach), which covers every land, sea and polar region very well. 

Spot still has some blind spots, or regions in Africa, Asia and the Middle East, among others, and quite a lot of area on the sea. 

The devices are available in different sizes, quality, water resistance and functionality. Operation can be a bit tricky, so it is worth using the satellite messenger with the mobile phone app. 

With these mobile devices, in addition to travelling in a vehicle, it is much safer to travel in remote hiking regions, sailing tours or ski tours lasting several days. 

If you install such a device a little more hidden and with a power connection in the vehicle, it is also an excellent protection against theft.

In addition to purchasing the device, a subscription must also be taken out with the manufacturer. The pure emergency call functionality is always quite cheap per month, with life tracking, unlimited messages you can easily increase the price (see footer).

Buying advice

Because of the better coverage of the Irridium satellite network, I clearly recommend Garmin devices. The Garmin Mini two is the best device for most overlanding and hikeing journeys. Then most of us will carry their smartphones anyway - what helps a lot to use those garmin devices very very easy:

Garmin Mini 2: This device is small and light, but it has to be used together with the smartphone to unfold its full functionality. The Earthmate App delivers many Maps, Topo & Satelliteimagery. There is only a small screen on the device itself for basic operation. 

Up to 14 days on battery, with enabled 10min tracking mode.

There has to be a special purpose, to make the use of one of the other devices below really useful, like sailing or a real himalayan mountains expediton:

Garmin GPSMAP® 66i: this device with the large screen can be used for navigation and orientation and as well, for two way satellite communicatons. You can load Topomaps directly to the unit, there is an internal 16 GB storage. 

The battery is good for 35 hours.

Garmin 86i Marine: This device with the large screen is also too usable for navigation and orientation during your marine outdoor activities. For those who like to leave their smartphone at home, this is a device that requires little power even on longer trips and where you are able to write messages directly on the device. Waterproof & floating marine design, remote control for convenient operation of your Garmin autopilot and choose Fusion sea products.

As you probably did already detect, we did use those garmin devices since 2012, from our transafrica journey till our south america trip. My mother did follow my journeys and was always aware that there was progress, did ask if there was none. The Germin device hasnt to be mounted to the frontscreen to get a connection, but it helps inside of towns or deep mountain valleys. 

As you can see, I even was able to record my flight with holding the garmin to the airplane window, from time to time. Below is the garmin tracking of my south america tour:

Garmin Subscription Plans 2022

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