Starlink or Garmin in reach

[Red90]

In Oz we carry a PLB (smaller, cheaper version of a marine EPIRB.
Under or about US$200, 7 year battery life, zero subscriptions, one way emergency only communication signal.

https://www.gme.net.au/au/emergency-safety/mt610g/

It needs to be registered with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.
https://beacons.amsa.gov.au/registration/
In the event of activation (for 'life threatening' situations only), the authority will check what they can to establish that it is not a false alarm and will then (depending on its location) send out a fixed wing aircraft to have a look, then effect an appropriate response depending on the needs which may include drops of supplies or helicopter evacuation.
This is "typical".

'We had confidence': Mum of Perth man stranded with family in SA outback tells of fear turning to relief

The parents of a Perth man stranded with his wife and children in South Australia's remote outback have expressed deep relief after finding out their family is safe — but the travelling group is still facing a potentially lengthy wait for floodwaters to drain away.

www.abc.net.au

Perth family rescued after spending days stranded in Simpson Desert

www.9news.com.au

Rescued family's bogged campervan retrieved from Simpson Desert by outback publican

A customised campervan belonging to a Perth family who got stuck in the Simpson Desert has finally been recovered, more than a month after the rescue.

www.abc.net.au

There is NO CHARGE for the official rescue services.
Recovery of the vehicle would be another question.

The cheapest, most effective, life saving protection for those who travel into remote areas possible.
Would not leave home without one.

Surely the US has something similar?
Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 motorhome

PLBs are worldwide. They are on every ship and plan. The problem is there is no two way comms, which is a big deal in the rescue.

 

[Shawn686]

How much power does the starlink require?

From the starlink site for the mini:

Power Consumption	Average: 25-40W
Input Rating	12-48V 60W (12v short Starlink cable coming soon in Shop)
USB PD Requirement	100W, 20V/5A Minimum (with Starlink USB-C to Barrel Jack Cable Accessory)

 

[rruff]

^ The phone will pick up the signal directly from the satellites... and if we can use the phone as a hotspot, we shouldn't even need that stuff.

 

[Peter_n_Margaret]

PLBs are worldwide. They are on every ship and plan. The problem is there is no two way comms, which is a big deal in the rescue.

Virtually every 4WD in Australia carries a UHF radio, as do most aircraft which they also use to communicate with local police.
In the case of the news article rescue above, they also dropped a sat phone to provide long range coms to family.
Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 motorhome

 

[crazysccrmd]

How much power does the starlink require?

My mini draws about 20 watts. It needs a 100 watt USB-C PD or also works with a 65 watt USB-C PD with a short cord.

 

[Jeep or Tacoma]

Weboost cell phone booster any one have extra using this system in the inyo myns white mtns and death valley area? Is there any cell signsl there at all ?

 

[Bill Ruttan]

I believe

There is also another option with no monthly fees. These are typically used for boaters for rescue at sea but also work well for inland rescues. It is not a 2 way communication device but only a reuse device using gps. They are a bit larger than the inreach devices. These have been in use for many years. This is similar to what was mentioned earlier in this thread.View attachment 878130

While not exactly ‘two-way’ communications, Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) are now available with Return Link Service (RLS). RLS will give the user notification that their PLB emergency signal HAS been received.

 

[Bill Ruttan]

Weboost cell phone booster any one have extra using this system in the inyo myns white mtns and death valley area? Is there any cell signsl there at all ?

There is cell service in the vicinity of Furnace Creek in Death Valley.

 

[KarstenP]

Just met a guy at our offroad drivers training yesterday and we were talking about emergency comms. He was skiing in the Italian alps 3 yrs. ago when an avalanche hit his group and took 3 of them with it. He used his InReach to call for help, got an immediate response and the first helicopter landed 20 minutes later. All 3 of them were saved, thanks to InReach's fast response.