Good review. I've watched many and done my own testing and learned a few new details here. Since they'll dispatch police I've included mine in my EDC kit (powered off until needed). Interestingly, our ski hill has no cell service so this can come in handy if I need to contact someone at home or end up injured in the trees (note the drawback of the receiver needing the app installed on their phone).
Excellent review. I’ve been looking at getting something like this recently. I used to be very blasé when out and about but I’m getting more conscious on my safety as retirement age gets closer! I don’t do a massive about of hiking at the moment so the monthly costs of the alternatives put me off as there will be quite a lot of time I just won’t use it. I’ve subscribed to your channel so will be keeping and eye out. BTW. I copied some of your route the other weekend up to Waun Fach and wild camped around there. Had a shocker with the weather as well! But really enjoyed it. Keep up the great content.
Thanks mate. I’m really pleased that the review has helped you. I feel the same way about walking solo, and my wife appreciates being able to keep in touch, even tho she understands that the peaceful solitude is what I enjoy. Sorry that you got such bad weather in the Black Mountains, but at least you got to get out there anyway, eh? More videos are in production; I’ve just finished filming the modifications to the Lanshan 1, and later this month I’ll be on the Offas Dyke path.
I bought a bright yellow PLB last year. Pricey at €299 here in Ireland, and it only has the emergency signal feature, so doesn't allow messaging. It, however has no ongoing charges, and for most of my walking i find that once one is on or near high ground, even in wilder areas, a mobile signal can often be obtained. As a solo walker/camper my other half was very happy i got the little device. Good video Charles
Thanks mate. I agree that our other halves benefit from these most, for peace of mind. But I also enjoy knowing that I can be contacted if there’s an emergency at home, too.
Thank you very much for the video. I think a lot of people forget that this device is mostly for emergency purposes. When I'm hiking in the woods, I don't want to constantly text back and forth with my significant other. The reason for being out the hiking is the peace and quiet, not social media and constant texting. For the money I think I will give this a try. A lot cheaper than the Garmin 67i or the Garmin enrich mini 2. Never mind if I get the basic plan with 30 messages which I will not use for the reason stated above but only for emergencies.
Great video and new subscriber here. I think you've convinced me to go for one of these! Do you know if there's been any update on the app message notification glitch you mentioned? I think bolt-ons now available from a search on their site last night? Thanks again - Ben
Thanks Ben; I like your channel, too :-) I think that the message notification glitch is now fixed, and there's red dot on the App icon when there's a new message. Hopefully. A Bolt-on facility and live tracking option are both in an update that is currently being beta tested by GPS training (the UK importer). I'm told that it'll go live in mid-December, but I'm not holding my breath lol
If you are having troubling getting a connection, the trick I use is I stand on one foot and rub my tummy, while holding the communicator as high as possible over my head. Works most of the time.
The best Defy review so far. However I have been having trouble to have stable satellite connection while I'm out on the mountain for hiking or trail running. Even I immediately check in after it vibrated, the messages weren't out still. Huge bummer for me.
@longsuferinghiker have you tested charging the Defy with an auxiliary solar charger in the field? Ie: one is out for an extended period and recharing is needed?
In the UK solar chargers aren’t a very practical solution as we don’t get enough consistent solar power. It’s better to use power banks, which are dependable and less bulky. For example my Nitecore NB10000 can recharge my phone about 5 times and weighs only 150g. I’ve used it to charge the Defy, and it took about the same amount of time as charging it at home.
I charge mine with a 15watt folding 6 panel solar charger when I hike the Appalachian trail, takes about 25 minutes to charge up and works flawlessly here in Pennsylvania backcountry where cell service is like a black hole 😂
Pretty sure these use INMARSAT I4 so only 3 satellites. Each satellite covers 120 degrees. The only generation had 4 satellites each covering 90 degress and you'd need a briefcase size antenna to link up with them.
Thanks please keep us updated on what happens when you go over the allowed amount. Taking it out of next months seems ideal but I want a definitive answer on how it’s handled.
I've just had an update; if you reach your data limit then no messages will be sent, even SOS messages (!!). Apparently the 'bolt on' facility will be available in October, but I'm not holding my breath as it was originally scheduled for July.
Looks good, but little confused. If you had fallen off those rocks on Dartmoor, out of sight of the satellite. Does that mean sos won't work either ??. Excellent video, and very informative, thank you.
Yes, that's true; no satellite connection = no SOS functionality. But, to be fair, any satellite communications will have the same weakness. That was a very rare situation and I mention it just to illustrate the point.
@longsufferinghiker very valid point though, as I'd presumed they covered you in any situation. Still walkers on Dartmoor in such a fall, with 2 broken legs, 2 broken arms and 6 bust ribs they would probably simply roll home and not bother anyone.
Once you have established a satellite connection the messages are pretty much instant; just like sending a text message. That’s another advantage over other systems that have to spend time searching for a satellite each and every time you send a message
The SOS button looks fairly large and easy to push. Maybe too easy? Is it too easy to accidentally send an SOS? Also does the bluetooth connectivity put a significant drain on your phone?
There’s no significant drain on the phone battery. As for the SOS button, it’s a worry, but it has to be easily accessible in an emergency. I’ve seen some people using bulldog clips as a safety cover for the button.
You have to press and hold the sos button down for a few seconds, if it's accidentally pushed one time it won't send sos and if it does , it doesn't call search and rescue immediately they actually get ahold of you and ask what your emergency is before deploying say a chopper .
Well what a waste of a product it would be, if it didn't have a built-in locating chip. To correct your assumptions, it does have GPS, Glonass, Galileo and Beidou. If the phone was the source of your location, this wouldn't be much of an SOS device, as phones are way too fragile. The MDSL has flaws, because it needs a direct visibility to the satellite. I went back and forth between this and InReach-device, went with this solely because of the price. Got a PLB too for a reliable SOS device, if things went south when I was in a place that did not have direct visibility to the satellite. So I carry two devices now. If money was no issue and I had frequent use for the device, I would've gotten InReach for sure. This is primarily a communication device for me, SOS device as secondary function but nice to have. Would not use this as the only SOS device, it is too hit&miss, if the view is obstructed.
The main activity of the company that’s in receivership was the manufacturing of phones. There’s talk of a new company continuing which will focus on the satellite messaging service. In the meantime (18th Feb 2024) the service is still working….
Good review. I've watched many and done my own testing and learned a few new details here. Since they'll dispatch police I've included mine in my EDC kit (powered off until needed). Interestingly, our ski hill has no cell service so this can come in handy if I need to contact someone at home or end up injured in the trees (note the drawback of the receiver needing the app installed on their phone).
Excellent review. I’ve been looking at getting something like this recently.
I used to be very blasé when out and about but
I’m getting more conscious on my safety as retirement age gets closer!
I don’t do a massive about of hiking at the moment so the monthly costs of the alternatives put me off as there will be quite a lot of time I just won’t use it.
I’ve subscribed to your channel so will be keeping and eye out.
BTW. I copied some of your route the other weekend up to Waun Fach and wild camped around there. Had a shocker with the weather as well! But really enjoyed it.
Keep up the great content.
Thanks mate. I’m really pleased that the review has helped you. I feel the same way about walking solo, and my wife appreciates being able to keep in touch, even tho she understands that the peaceful solitude is what I enjoy.
Sorry that you got such bad weather in the Black Mountains, but at least you got to get out there anyway, eh?
More videos are in production; I’ve just finished filming the modifications to the Lanshan 1, and later this month I’ll be on the Offas Dyke path.
I’m just uploading an update video with some answers to the questions. Hopefully you will find it useful
Great review thank you. I look forward to hearing about any updates to mitigate the issued you have identified👍
I’m just uploading an update - hopefully it addresses the outstanding issues
Thank you for sharing your experience!!
My pleasure!
I bought a bright yellow PLB last year. Pricey at €299 here in Ireland, and it only has the emergency signal feature, so doesn't allow messaging. It, however has no ongoing charges, and for most of my walking i find that once one is on or near high ground, even in wilder areas, a mobile signal can often be obtained. As a solo walker/camper my other half was very happy i got the little device.
Good video Charles
Thanks mate. I agree that our other halves benefit from these most, for peace of mind. But I also enjoy knowing that I can be contacted if there’s an emergency at home, too.
Great review. Thank you!!!
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you very much for the video. I think a lot of people forget that this device is mostly for emergency purposes. When I'm hiking in the woods, I don't want to constantly text back and forth with my significant other. The reason for being out the hiking is the peace and quiet, not social media and constant texting. For the money I think I will give this a try. A lot cheaper than the Garmin 67i or the Garmin enrich mini 2. Never mind if I get the basic plan with 30 messages which I will not use for the reason stated above but only for emergencies.
I couldn’t agree more John. For me, it’s mostly about giving reassurance to my family back home in case of emergencies.
Thank you for your review
My pleasure!
Great video and new subscriber here. I think you've convinced me to go for one of these! Do you know if there's been any update on the app message notification glitch you mentioned? I think bolt-ons now available from a search on their site last night? Thanks again - Ben
Thanks Ben; I like your channel, too :-)
I think that the message notification glitch is now fixed, and there's red dot on the App icon when there's a new message. Hopefully.
A Bolt-on facility and live tracking option are both in an update that is currently being beta tested by GPS training (the UK importer). I'm told that it'll go live in mid-December, but I'm not holding my breath lol
Outstanding video! I just picked one up and am looking forward to giving it a go.
Hope you find it useful!
Very informative. Thankyou.
You’re welcome 🙂
@@longsufferinghiker I can see me getting one!
Great review!
Thanks!
If you are having troubling getting a connection, the trick I use is I stand on one foot and rub my tummy, while holding the communicator as high as possible over my head. Works most of the time.
Don't forget to sing the National Anthem at the same time... ;-)
The best Defy review so far. However I have been having trouble to have stable satellite connection while I'm out on the mountain for hiking or trail running. Even I immediately check in after it vibrated, the messages weren't out still. Huge bummer for me.
That seems to be a common problem
Tempted now. Wife won't be happy. Great review. Cheers.
Yes I understand BUT what's more important, staying safe and in contact or going out with nothing?
@@bobtosi9346thats what I said to her. 😂
She's thinking...
Is that a good sign? 😁
@longsuferinghiker have you tested charging the Defy with an auxiliary solar charger in the field? Ie: one is out for an extended period and recharing is needed?
In the UK solar chargers aren’t a very practical solution as we don’t get enough consistent solar power. It’s better to use power banks, which are dependable and less bulky. For example my Nitecore NB10000 can recharge my phone about 5 times and weighs only 150g. I’ve used it to charge the Defy, and it took about the same amount of time as charging it at home.
I charge mine with a 15watt folding 6 panel solar charger when I hike the Appalachian trail, takes about 25 minutes to charge up and works flawlessly here in Pennsylvania backcountry where cell service is like a black hole 😂
Hi Dad!!!
Pretty sure these use INMARSAT I4 so only 3 satellites. Each satellite covers 120 degrees. The only generation had 4 satellites each covering 90 degress and you'd need a briefcase size antenna to link up with them.
@lobgsufferinghiker is there a function to test the SOS function?
Sadly no, there doesn’t appear to be any way of testing the SOS.
Thanks please keep us updated on what happens when you go over the allowed amount. Taking it out of next months seems ideal but I want a definitive answer on how it’s handled.
I've just had an update; if you reach your data limit then no messages will be sent, even SOS messages (!!). Apparently the 'bolt on' facility will be available in October, but I'm not holding my breath as it was originally scheduled for July.
@@longsufferinghiker wow that’s the worst possible choice I wish they just charged a lot extra per text
I totally agree
Update on the update. The UK importer says that SOS messages WILL actually be sent even if you have no data allowance remaining *sigh*
Is the SOS button warded to prevent accidental transmissions? I can't find anything online that addr4esses this, but it appears that it is not.
No, there’s no guard to prevent accidental triggering of the SOS button. But it would need to be pressed hard for 5 seconds, which helps.
Looks good, but little confused. If you had fallen off those rocks on Dartmoor, out of sight of the satellite. Does that mean sos won't work either ??. Excellent video, and very informative, thank you.
Yes, that's true; no satellite connection = no SOS functionality.
But, to be fair, any satellite communications will have the same weakness. That was a very rare situation and I mention it just to illustrate the point.
@longsufferinghiker very valid point though, as I'd presumed they covered you in any situation. Still walkers on Dartmoor in such a fall, with 2 broken legs, 2 broken arms and 6 bust ribs they would probably simply roll home and not bother anyone.
@bechilled3875 at least it would be downhill 😁
How long does a message take to send or receive.
Once you have established a satellite connection the messages are pretty much instant; just like sending a text message. That’s another advantage over other systems that have to spend time searching for a satellite each and every time you send a message
how do i find out which satellite the Defy uses in North America?
I believe it’s the Inmarsat 3-F5.
www.pivotel.com/inmarsatcoverage
It works extremely well here in Pennsylvania
The SOS button looks fairly large and easy to push. Maybe too easy? Is it too easy to accidentally send an SOS? Also does the bluetooth connectivity put a significant drain on your phone?
There’s no significant drain on the phone battery.
As for the SOS button, it’s a worry, but it has to be easily accessible in an emergency. I’ve seen some people using bulldog clips as a safety cover for the button.
It has to be pressed for five seconds…
You have to press and hold the sos button down for a few seconds, if it's accidentally pushed one time it won't send sos and if it does , it doesn't call search and rescue immediately they actually get ahold of you and ask what your emergency is before deploying say a chopper .
Cool, but the lack of notification, and risk of reaching message cap before pushing SOS, both defy the purpose of a SOS messenger.
Just to be clear, I don’t believe that the SOS messages are included in the data allowance, but it’s certainly worth checking!!
All other reviews I’ve seen say that SOS are free.
So what is left is reaching the message cap on trip, your loved ones go crazy not hearing from you.
I don't think the unit has a GPS receiver so that is why it is not logging your route (waypoints) - but your phone can with the correct app. [2c]
That could explain it. But I think there's a GPS receiver somewhere, because on the App you have the option to add your location to your messages?
Well what a waste of a product it would be, if it didn't have a built-in locating chip. To correct your assumptions, it does have GPS, Glonass, Galileo and Beidou. If the phone was the source of your location, this wouldn't be much of an SOS device, as phones are way too fragile. The MDSL has flaws, because it needs a direct visibility to the satellite. I went back and forth between this and InReach-device, went with this solely because of the price. Got a PLB too for a reliable SOS device, if things went south when I was in a place that did not have direct visibility to the satellite. So I carry two devices now. If money was no issue and I had frequent use for the device, I would've gotten InReach for sure. This is primarily a communication device for me, SOS device as secondary function but nice to have. Would not use this as the only SOS device, it is too hit&miss, if the view is obstructed.
Real question is: can you send emojis?
OMG I can’t believe that I missed that! But I’ve just checked, and the answer is yes 👍. Not GIFs tho 😁
😂😂😂
That might be a more compact way of communicating instead of burning unnecessary characters. Those messages are precious.
BANKRUPT!!!!!!
The main activity of the company that’s in receivership was the manufacturing of phones.
There’s talk of a new company continuing which will focus on the satellite messaging service.
In the meantime (18th Feb 2024) the service is still working….