Satellite Messengers and GPS Trackers
Example of Map View and Messages sent to Troop with inReach Mini
Many of our Scouting Adventures take us to places where there is no Cell Service. This is more than just an inconvenience as it may take us hours or even days to hike to a point where cell service is available. In the event of an emergency, this could lead to extreme delays in getting help.
Troop 60 generally has 2 Satellite Messengers maintained by our Adult Leaders. These devices allow our remote teams to contact help and communicate with our homebase pretty much anywhere in the world. We send updates to our home base team generally 2+ times a day to let them know where we are at and that everything is OK.
In the event of an emergency, we can hit the SOS button on either or both of our Satellite Messengers and wait for help to arrive. If a trip needs to be cut short or we need special supplies, we can contact our home base and meet the resupply team at the trailhead.
Location in South Korea during World Jamboree Aug 2023 using inReach Mini
We limit communication with our Scout Team to essential messages only. Only Key Personnel are allowed to contact the Outing Crew to avoid distractions and unnecessary charges.
AM and PM location
Weather/road conditions
Medical evac
Troop 60 Assets and Links:
Belongs to Mr. B
Location and messages viewable by Troop Family
inReach 1 Map - view team updates
Contact Committee Chair for password
General Updates only
"At Camp" with coordinates
"Everything is fine, just checking in" with coordinates
inReach #2
Belongs to Mr. F
Maintained by Safety Team
Intended for backup emergency use only
Messages are private
Zoleo
Belongs to Mr. B
Good for extended (High Adventure) Satellite Tracking
Also has SOS button for emergencies
Used to update account
inReach Mini
Trackers
Messengers allow you to send and receive text, while Trackers allow you to track the location of the user. Many Messengers also allow you to set up tracking, but for this section, we will just talk about dedicated trackers.
Tracker come in a few different types:
Satellite or Iridium Trackers
1 or 2 way communication with satellite network
Requires clear view of sky
Can be used almost anywhere in the world
GPS Tracker
Requires cell coverage
Sim card style trackers work like a cell phone to transmit and receive data
Sim coverage determines coverage area - some are international and other are not
Requires a subscription
Network style trackers connected with a network - i.e. AirTag uses huge network of Apple devices
Requires inclusion in network
Requires cell service to work
No cell service = no live remote tracking
Bluetooth Tracker
Uses Bluetooth technology
Does not require sim card, cell service or clear view of sky
Limited range - 50 feet
GPS Logger
Uses Satellites to record location
Location data can be downloaded later
Data is NOT transmitted
Great for mapping out routes after returning home or base camp
GPS
Uses Satellites to determine location
Used for navigation and for mapping and not so much for remote tracking
Zoleo Satellite Tracking
GPS Trackers
GPS Trackers have great utility. By the name, you would think they work like a Satellite Messenger and communicate through satellites. Nope, these generally rely on cellular service or a network of local phones. No cell service means no real time tracking.
These are fantastic for outings in urban areas, camp, Scout Jamboree and places other places with cell coverage.
These have limited utility in wilderness areas where there isn't cell coverage.
Tracki GPS Tracker
GPS Tracker showing location of High Adventure Crew using web app
Uses include:
Allows us to turn Sat Messengers or phones off to conserve battery life for emergency use
Allows you to track the one Scout or his/her backpack that always gets left behind
Keeps track of the team to make sure they are on the planned route
On ALL THE TIME
Track team if they go off course (route/weather issues, emergency, lost)
Geofence feature alerts us when tracker crosses boundaries
Key route points
Arrive/Leave camp
Enter off limit areas
Used to track teams should they separate
One team heads out to find water
One team heads out for resupply
One team heads out to get help
One team decides to explore and the other doesn't
Our Tracker also comes with an SOS button and 2 message buttons
These are nice features, but reliability is questionable
For security reasons, tracking information is shared only with Key Personnel.
Tracki in S Korea
Satellite Compatible Phones
Phones able to communicate via Satellite are available and are in development. Currently, we are relying on Satellite Messengers and GPS Trackers and will phase into better technology as it becomes available and proves to be dependable with the functions we need.
