2012 DAME Award-Nominated inReach™ is First Affordable Satellite Communication Solution Providing Two-Way Text Messaging, Remote GPS Navigation and SOS Alerting for Boaters
YARMOUTH, Maine – Oct. 25, 2012 – DeLorme, the innovation leader in personal satellite messaging, tracking and navigation technology will be exhibiting the inReach™ two-way satellite communication solution at the 53rd Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, Oct. 25-29.
inReach has also been nominated for the esteemed Design Awards METS (DAME), recognized around the world as the most prestigious design competition for new marine equipment and accessories.
“It’s a true honor for DeLorme to be nominated for a DAME award and to be in the same company as the other ground-breaking products and technologies, ” said Patrick Shay, DeLorme vice president and general manager.
inReach is the world’s first affordable two-way communication solution and allows boaters of all types to stay connected when voyaging on waters beyond cell phone range. inReach provides two-way text messaging and email, SOS alerting, message delivery confirmation, remote GPS Follow-Me/Find-Me tracking and locating, and worldwide global coverage over the Iridium® satellite network. The device is compact, lightweight, waterproof, buoyant, impact-resistant and it can maintain satellite signal lock even in difficult GPS environments.
“Whether on a sailboat, powerboat, cruiser or trawler, anyone who enjoys boating can take advantage of the innovative inReach communication solution. It’s much more than an emergency beacon, ” said Shay. “The complete inReach experience also provides peace of mind through its remote tracking and locating features, along with the convenience of two-way text messaging from anywhere on the globe, social media posting capabilities, and unlimited downloadable maps and charts.”
For boaters on a day-long cruise, extended voyage or remote fishing expeditions beyond traditional cellular coverage, inReach provides two-way communications capabilities and emergency alerting anywhere on the open waters.
inReach can be used as a standalone device or can also be paired wirelessly with popular smartphones and tablets, enabling interactive text messaging and emails. inReach automatically transmits its GPS position at regular intervals. Friends and family can log onto DeLorme’s Mapshare website to view the sender’s latest position, breadcrumb trail and message history on a map display. They can also ping the inReach at any time to get an instant update of its current location.
DeLorme’s free Earthmate app controls the interface between the inReach and smart mobile device. The app installs on a smartphone or tablet and supports free downloads of topographic maps or NOAA nautical charts, providing a portable backup GPS navigator if the boat’s primary navigation systems should fail. It also enables full two-way texting with any mobile or email address when boating beyond the range of shore cellular networks or VHF radio.
In the event of an emergency, the inReach SOS button, which has built-in protection against false alarms, will trigger a distress alert with delivery confirmation. inReach takes the ‘search’ out of search-and-rescue by automatically activating remote tracking for any SOS alert and sending message and tracking data to an international search-and-rescue coordination center, providing frequent updates of the user’s GPS position coordinates. This allows rescuers to efficiently hone in on the user’s location, whether stationary or on the move. It also allows search-and-rescue authorities to communicate with the user to ensure that it is not an accidental activation, determine the nature of the emergency and reassure the sender that help is on the way. BoatUS, a West Marine and DeLorme partner, is also offering a special program to make inReach satellite service available to contact TowBoatUS and Vessel Assist.
In addition, DeLorme recently introduced the new inReach Auxiliary Power Adapter (APA). Especially designed for inReach, the APA conserves batteries and maintains power to the device via connection to a standard 12V cigarette lighter outlet.
inReach operates over the Iridium satellite network, providing truly global two-way satellite communications, high network reliability and low-latency data links of less than 60-second delivery of messages end-to-end anywhere on Earth, even in areas outside of traditional cellular coverage.
“The comprehensive functionality of the inReach solution can provide an important augmentation to existing emergency communication tools for users in the marine community, ” said Shay. “Providing affordable global communication capabilities outside the reach of cellular networks or VHF radio that doesn’t compromise on safety or performance is a priority for us.”
DeLorme is exhibiting in TrawlerPort Booth 1606 at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Journalists interested in meeting with DeLorme should contact Jim Rhodes to schedule an appointment: 757-753-1238 or jrhodes@rhodescomm.com.
About DeLorme:
DeLorme is a longtime leader in innovative mapping and GPS products, and most recently the company has earned numerous prestigious awards for inReach, its groundbreaking integration of GPS navigation and satellite technology. inReach is the world’s only affordable, personal two-way satellite communications solution. The ability to develop all the critical components necessary to compete in these fast-changing technologies distinguishes DeLorme as a provider of unique solutions for both the commercial and government markets. DeLorme is based in Yarmouth, Maine, U.S.A., and is home to Eartha, the world’s largest revolving globe. To learn more, visit www.delorme.com.
