With all the recent discussions about the risks we're taking pursuing our hunting passions outdoors, I've been thinking about emergency communications (emcomm) where there's no cellular phone service. Such capability could prove life-saving in a number of danger scenarios:
1. If you're somehow stuck or suspended in a tree and unable to descend safely
2. After a fall from height or an injury from something falling from above
3. If you're treed by a bear that won’t go away, or mauled by one [several states forbid the carry of a sidearm while archery hunting, even for CCW holders]
4. After an accidental gash from (mis)handling a broad head
5. After a gunshot wound
6. After a venomous snake bite
I started looking at the Garmin inReach Mini 2 satellite communication device, but have a hard time justifying the expense for a "one use" device with such limited functionality. The initial price of the device is $400, currently, and that doesn't cover the cost of the required satellite service. The lowest tier of annual satellite service is about $150/year currently. So for the first two years of ownership, that's going to cost a person ($400+$150+$150) = $700 for the peace of mind of being able to send an SOS via the satellite network to provide your location coordinates and summon emergency rescue service to them.
Enter your latest alternative: A new Apple iPhone that contains satellite emcomm circuitry, to be software-enabled in November 2022.
iPhones that contain the circuitry needed for satellite emcomm are available now. (See below) They will permit emergency SOS text messaging, which sends your location coordinates, as well as "crash detection", which will initiate emcomm to emergency services and automatically include your location coordinates after a crash is detected by the iPhone's built in accelerometers - even if you're injured or unconscious and unable to do so yourself.
I have to inquire further to confirm, but from what I understand, it may also detect and react the same to a hard fall, something that will give saddle and tree stand hunters extra peace of mind. And if you choose to specify family members as emergency contacts in the case of a crash or SOS initiation, they'll be automatically notified of the event as well as emergency services.
The initial release of iOS 16 software doesn't have the emcomm functionality enabled. That functionality is planned for a release in November 2022 via a routine iOS software update. Here are some of the details on the functionality from Apple's website:
Link #1: Emergency SOS via Satellite
Link #2: Manage Crash Detection
So the fine print states that the satellite emcomm service is included "for free for two years with the activation of any iPhone 14 model". I presume that after those first two years, you can choose to extend the term of service. And the iPhone tries to initiate the SOS emcomm via any viable open cellular or WIFI connection first - even if it's not your normal carrier. If open cellular or WIFI service isn't available, it progresses to satellite communication. Note, there are other iPhone models now shipping with SOS satellite emcomm circuitry that aren't iPhone 14, but it does not appear that they'll have the crash detection functionality of the iPhone 14. Regardless, I can spend $700 toward a Garmin inReach Mini 2 and satellite service for the next 2 years, or just upgrade to an iPhone 14 for a little more money, and have the same functionality and one less electronic device to keep charged and carry in the field with me. I know which choice I'm going to make. How about you?
1. If you're somehow stuck or suspended in a tree and unable to descend safely
2. After a fall from height or an injury from something falling from above
3. If you're treed by a bear that won’t go away, or mauled by one [several states forbid the carry of a sidearm while archery hunting, even for CCW holders]
4. After an accidental gash from (mis)handling a broad head
5. After a gunshot wound
6. After a venomous snake bite
I started looking at the Garmin inReach Mini 2 satellite communication device, but have a hard time justifying the expense for a "one use" device with such limited functionality. The initial price of the device is $400, currently, and that doesn't cover the cost of the required satellite service. The lowest tier of annual satellite service is about $150/year currently. So for the first two years of ownership, that's going to cost a person ($400+$150+$150) = $700 for the peace of mind of being able to send an SOS via the satellite network to provide your location coordinates and summon emergency rescue service to them.
Enter your latest alternative: A new Apple iPhone that contains satellite emcomm circuitry, to be software-enabled in November 2022.
iPhones that contain the circuitry needed for satellite emcomm are available now. (See below) They will permit emergency SOS text messaging, which sends your location coordinates, as well as "crash detection", which will initiate emcomm to emergency services and automatically include your location coordinates after a crash is detected by the iPhone's built in accelerometers - even if you're injured or unconscious and unable to do so yourself.
I have to inquire further to confirm, but from what I understand, it may also detect and react the same to a hard fall, something that will give saddle and tree stand hunters extra peace of mind. And if you choose to specify family members as emergency contacts in the case of a crash or SOS initiation, they'll be automatically notified of the event as well as emergency services.
The initial release of iOS 16 software doesn't have the emcomm functionality enabled. That functionality is planned for a release in November 2022 via a routine iOS software update. Here are some of the details on the functionality from Apple's website:
Link #1: Emergency SOS via Satellite
Use Emergency SOS via satellite on your iPhone - Apple Support
With iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro models, you can use Emergency SOS via satellite to text emergency services when you're out of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage. You can also use the Find My app to share your location with people via satellite.
support.apple.com
So the fine print states that the satellite emcomm service is included "for free for two years with the activation of any iPhone 14 model". I presume that after those first two years, you can choose to extend the term of service. And the iPhone tries to initiate the SOS emcomm via any viable open cellular or WIFI connection first - even if it's not your normal carrier. If open cellular or WIFI service isn't available, it progresses to satellite communication. Note, there are other iPhone models now shipping with SOS satellite emcomm circuitry that aren't iPhone 14, but it does not appear that they'll have the crash detection functionality of the iPhone 14. Regardless, I can spend $700 toward a Garmin inReach Mini 2 and satellite service for the next 2 years, or just upgrade to an iPhone 14 for a little more money, and have the same functionality and one less electronic device to keep charged and carry in the field with me. I know which choice I'm going to make. How about you?