The latest satellite tracking device is the DeLorme PN-60w which can
do text messages along with position data via SPOT. It does this but
it is not user friendly. The text entry process is not easy (although
you can put in 14 preselected messages and send the one that is
appropriate like "Task complete."). SPOT charges extra for texting.
(50 cents a message or 100 messages for $29.99 or 500 for $49.99).
SPOT will let you upgrade a SPOT 1 to a SPOT 2 but requires new
service for the DeLorme. Out of the box the DeLorme needed a firmware
upgrade and the user needs to download data from a computer to the
DeLorme so computer-challenged pilots might get frustrated setting it
up.
Position data still do not include altitude although now the pilot
could manualy put it in.
The SPOT device is separate from the DeLorme. The two communicate via
bluetooth so the SPOT could be placed somewhere with a good view of
the sky out of the pilot's reach.
Once up and running the DeLorme has status information that gives
insight into when the last message went out and how many meassages
have been sent.
Think wave,
JP