PureTrack now supports all 3 major brands of Satellite trackers: InReach, SPOT and Zoleo. But with mobile phones adding Satellite support do you need one at all? and which one? Or should you get a PLB (Personal Locator Beacon)?
There are three main functions provided by all brands of Satellite trackers:
All devices offer an SOS rescue button. Press it, and a search and rescue operation is launched.
Live tracking is the key feature that is integrated with PureTrack. Share your location easily and merge data with all our other tracking data sources e.g. ADSB, OGN, Cell phone apps etc.
Satellite data is expensive and slow, so all satellite trackers only transmit your location every 2.5, 5, 6 or 10 minutes depending on the device and plan. But it works anywhere with a clear view of the sky. Combining with a cell phone tracking, you add far faster updates (every few seconds) but know that when out of cell phone coverage, your satellite tracker will always be working, just at a slower rate.
Live Tracking can be critical if you have an accident. You may not be in a state or position to be able to manually activate the SOS button. Or after a crash, you might not have a clear view of the sky. With live tracking, your last known position from the breadcrumb will be vital to help find you.
Message capabilites vary depending on device. The basic SPOT device can send pre-defined messages only. Zoleo, InReach and SpotX devices allow sending any message from your phone through the satellite network.
These can be very useful for gliding and paragliding, e.g. to let retrieve crew know you've landed out, need a retrieve, or need a 4WD to get you.
If you have bought a phone with satellite capabilities, such as the iPhone, why bother buying a satellite tracker? And what about satellite texting?
Satellite texting is just around the corner, after a delayed launch in 2023-2024. Apple already has emergency SOS satellite rescue BUT you have to be in a state to be able to use it. It requires time, and the ability to move around to point the phone in the right direction.
There is no satellite live tracking on cell phones yet.
This is the key reason a satellite tracker is still essential for flying remotely, if you have an accident and can't activate your phone satellite tracking, it's of no use.
A PLB is long term the cheapest satellite rescue option. No monthly contract is required, but it is limited in capabilities: SOS rescue only. No tracking or custom messages are possible.
An ELT (emergency locator transmitter) is similar to a PLB, except usually installed in a boat or aircraft, and activate automatically on a crash or sinking.
Again with no live tracking, a PLB is only useful if you are able to activate it.
Unfortunately all satellite devices cost a lot to run with steep annual/monthly plans, here's a rough chart as to which does what. Compare plans and prices for what you need on their websites.
| SPOT 4 | Zoleo | InReach Mini | iPhone | PLB | |
| Live Tracking | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| SOS | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Satellite Messages | Pre-defined | Yes | Yes | Not yet | No |
| Integrate into PureTrack | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Purchase Cost | $$ | $$ | $$$ | $$$$ | $$$ |
| Ongoing Cost | $$ | $$$ | $$$ | $ (TBC) | None |
See all supported trackers with links to their websites on our supported trackers page. And integrate your Zoleo, Garmin InReach or SPOT tracker into PureTrack from your dashboard
