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#286774 - 10/16/17 04:36 PM Delorme inReach Lock Failure
jshannon Offline
Addict

Registered: 02/02/03
Posts: 647
Loc: North Texas
Forgive me if this has been mentioned. I could not find it in a search. There are reports of lock failure of some inReach units leading to at least one SAR response.

Early Report
http://packrafting.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=5732

Roman Dial site
https://packrafting.blogspot.com/2017/09/inreach-fail.html

Garmin Response
https://andrewskurka.com/2017/garmin-responds-faulty-sos-lock-button-inreach-se-explorer/

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#286775 - 10/16/17 05:38 PM Re: Delorme inReach Lock Failure [Re: jshannon]
Doug_Ritter Offline

Pooh-Bah

Registered: 01/28/01
Posts: 2197
Thanks for posting that!
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#286778 - 10/16/17 07:19 PM Re: Delorme inReach Lock Failure [Re: jshannon]
gonewiththewind Offline
Veteran

Registered: 10/14/08
Posts: 1517
Yes, thanks. I carry an inReach on a regular basis. I have had no unintentional emergency calls, but I will be more careful in how I carry mine.

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#286781 - 10/17/17 02:03 AM Re: Delorme inReach Lock Failure [Re: jshannon]
chaosmagnet Offline
Sheriff
Carpal Tunnel

Registered: 12/03/09
Posts: 3819
Loc: USA
Now I am absolutely sure that I will not purchase this device.

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#286785 - 10/17/17 04:21 PM Re: Delorme inReach Lock Failure [Re: chaosmagnet]
hikermor Offline
Geezer in Chief
Geezer

Registered: 08/26/06
Posts: 7705
Loc: southern Cal
Originally Posted By: chaosmagnet
Now I am absolutely sure that I will not purchase this device.


Agreed. Perhaps the money that would have been spent on such a device could be better utilized in other emergency items?
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#286786 - 10/17/17 04:46 PM Re: Delorme inReach Lock Failure [Re: jshannon]
gonewiththewind Offline
Veteran

Registered: 10/14/08
Posts: 1517
If all you are looking for is an emergency beacon (read PLB), then the inReach is not a good option. The inReach allows for 2 way communication which is not based on a cell network. It also allows for near real time tracking of the person. In addition it has a PLB function. As has been stated numerous times in the past, many rescue personnel would rather you have a 2 way communication capability than just a PLB. I think that with some care in how it is carried or packed, there is little to worry about. I have been carrying the newer version of the inReach (the Explorer) for several years with no mishap. The tracking and 2 way comms are near priceless when needed, and no cell phone can be counted on to work in as many areas as the inReach.

If you are venturing beyond cell phone coverage, and need a communications capability, the inReach works. Now we know that it may require a bit more care in how you pack or carry it. That information is helpful.

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#286787 - 10/17/17 05:11 PM Re: Delorme inReach Lock Failure [Re: chaosmagnet]
Doug_Ritter Offline

Pooh-Bah

Registered: 01/28/01
Posts: 2197
Originally Posted By: chaosmagnet
Now I am absolutely sure that I will not purchase this device.


Note that this references the 2 generations older devices. The current inReach made by Garmin is a significantly different device and does not have this issue.

Having some means of signaling distress is, IMHO, essential. If I were king, I would make them mandatory if beyond cell phone range. If I were king, I would change a lot of things. :=)

What device you choose depends on your needs. The most basic is a PLB. It summons rescue, but that's all it does. Devices such as SPOT and inReach and a Sat Phone cost more and do more, which may or may not be of value to any particular person.
_________________________
Doug Ritter
Editor
Equipped To Survive®
Chairman & Executive Director
Equipped To Survive Foundation
www.KnifeRights.org
www.DougRitter.com

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#286788 - 10/17/17 05:20 PM Re: Delorme inReach Lock Failure [Re: jshannon]
Russ Offline
Geezer

Registered: 06/02/06
Posts: 5357
Loc: SOCAL
As I understand the issue was with the DeLorme InReach and the current model is the Garmin InReach SE & Explorer — significant changes.
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Better is the Enemy of Good Enough.
Okay, what’s your point??

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#286789 - 10/17/17 06:00 PM Re: Delorme inReach Lock Failure [Re: jshannon]
gonewiththewind Offline
Veteran

Registered: 10/14/08
Posts: 1517
I carried the old, original inReach for a while as well. I never had any problems. They were networked, so I could track all of them from mine. It was a nice feature.

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#286790 - 10/17/17 07:22 PM Re: Delorme inReach Lock Failure [Re: gonewiththewind]
hikermor Offline
Geezer in Chief
Geezer

Registered: 08/26/06
Posts: 7705
Loc: southern Cal
I must say I am not impressed by the manufacturer's response cited by the OP. I was venturing into the wild well before PLBs came about, and so far I have cheated death -usually by preparing carefully and exercising good (well, good enough, anyway) judgment and making sure my skills were up to the challenge.

I wonder how many people acquire a PLB as a panacea, thinking that when they get into a tight, they will just mash on the button and the Ready Red Hot Rescue Ranger will appear in a flash? Lots of people are far more rational and there are circumstances where I would certainly advocate a PLB, but basic skills are just as essential as ever...
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