We don’t have onstar in the car or a phone at the cabin. Cell phone service is great at the vista points but everywhere else it’s out of range. I’d be using it up in the Sierras.
I’ve been looking at SPOT and McMurdy fastfind 210 and figured it was worth asking in here about what works or doesn’t.
Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.
http://www.flyanglersonline.com/articles/readerscast/2010/readerscast20100913_RaymondFairweather.php
Read this, I will not travel without my Spot, not sure where you got the sketchy reviews?
Mine has not failed me, yet!
GMRS radios require an $85.00 license that most of the ads don’t tell you about. Found that out the hard way!! Read the small print in the instructions! 38 bucks for the radios and 85 for a license??!!
try onstar fmv http://www.onstar.com/web/fmv/home
Some of the GMRS radios are limited in range without repeaters or supplemental towers and antenna, a SPOT maybe better, as the Sat service is near 100% over head cover would be the only limiting factor, I have been in canyons with only 2 ft of sky visible and the spot sent the OK msg. even works indoors as long as it can see the sky…
Hi Jill,
If it’s primary use is really for emergency communications in the Sierra, then I’d ask those who’ll likely be responding to an emergency communication. For instance the Placer, Eldorado, Sierra, Alpine County Sheriffs Department, or whatever county your cabin is in. If their dispatcher / operator can’t help you, ask to speak with a SAR coordinator. Next, I’d ask at the nearest forest service / ranger district office and then ask the question of those who also have cabins in that area.
Good luck, Dave
I checked with the local sheriff’s station and was told they have no preference. They did warn that a false sense of security comes with those devices. I agree. We did look at onstar but it’s part of the car - even the type you purchase and add on and we’re looking for something more independent. I changed my original post as I went back and looked at the SPOT reviews. Even went further online and read some more about it. I may give it a try after all. It offers the chance to send my position to loved ones as I travel and that seems nifty.
Thanks all for your input. I’ll update once I make the final decision and try whatever it is out in the woods.