Flight tracking technologies

Both SPOT and InReach use the Iridium sat phone network, but differences
in antennas and the unit's electronics may affect their relative
performance.

I've been clipping a SPOT Connect to a parachute strap, but that tends to
point the antenna more forward than upwards. Getting some dropped points
as a result.

InReach has a $35 monthly plan now that can suspended after N months,
which seems to be quite reasonable for most of our uses. Cheaper than
paying $25/mo all year long.

-Dave


On Thu, 10 Mar 2016 09:34:21 -0800, JS wrote:

Alternatively you can connect InReach to a cell phone by bluetooth, and
use the phone's texting features.
As Dale points out, you can buy in cheap - if you don't use tracking.
There's a very usable InReach plan that includes tracking for $25 a
month.
SPOT uses a less reliable satellite network than InReach.
APRS works well too. 3-minute intervals for Lat/Lon, Alt, Heading and
Speed.
Like a GPS logger, if not mounted properly any tracker will be
unreliable.
Jim


On Thursday, March 10, 2016 at 8:50:30 AM UTC-8,
wrote:
The down side is that the text format is a virtual keyboard where you
have to tediously select each letter from packets of three much as in
an old telephone keypad.