At the Trilogy, we were lucky enough to try two different satellite messengers (SPOT and Garmin).  Only having one unit was not the most scientifically useful test (device to device is the most effective), but we were able to communicate with our Judy Springs aid-station successfully for the first time in our 10-years of the race utilizing the devices and Dan's iPhone connected to wifi. 

After trying these devices, it is my fervent belief that we need to vet and invest in these devices to further improve our communications.  They are not cheap, but for what they will do for our communications, they are worth every penny.  We have the money, and I believe that is what we should be spending our funds on; items that improve our race quality and safety.  As far as how many we would need to purchase, that I am not certain.  Certainly at least two and no more than 7.   These would certainly be most useful at Highlands and Trilogy -- being our most remote races -- but I would imagine there are communication gaps even in Kanawha State Forest where these could be useful.

There is the up front cost of the devices and also subscription fees.  One nice caveat is that you can turn on your subscription month-by-month.  So if you don't need the device, you don't need to pay for the subscription.  You can simply turn on the service when needed.

Here is a nice breakdown of products available if you scroll down to the product comparison chart:

https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/reviews/camping-and-hiking/personal-locator-beacon/garmin-inreach-mini

We did try the Garmin inReach Mini and the SpotX at the Trilogy.  In my opinion, the Garmin was much more useful and effective.  It had better signal coverage, is smaller, and has a smart phone app that allows you to text via your phone instead of device.

This is more informational and I am not certain that we need to act now considering that we really need to make sure we know: 1) exactly what we want 2) how many 3) what the subscription charges will be . . . etc.  I simply want to start the discussion and for us to consider action in the near future because I do not want to be discussing an emergency scenario that played out and think that we could have done something different to improve our emergency preparedness or communication plan/s.

I'm in favor.  Calculate the expected price to get us started and let's vote on it.  

If we have the funds go ahead and get it. You do not need to make a point any further. We trust your opinion and it obviously worked well this year, so to keep up the well expected standard place that order.

@asdolin

What does your communication plan look like at the Frozen Sasquatch?  Are there aid-stations that do not have cell phone or radio coverage?

There are when the leafs are on, but the major one we struggle with Johnson Hollow. Dolin has a game plan.

@asdolin

Will these satellite devices be of use to you guys?

What about Dirty Dog, KT, or Canary?  Does anyone have any intel about their communication needs?

We rely on people's personal cell phones, so yes...simple to use non complicated radios would benefit the southern trailer. I do not want to speak for all the races, but they would be used for sure.

Regarding the initial item above; Flying Feet, possible purchases. FF make our Time Machines, north and south each have two TM's. The battery in one of the south unit needs replaced, cost $30. 

North and South each have one Computer Interface that allows rapid simple transfer of times from the TM to our Race Director software. I would like a second for our north time machine. I time two different races at Trilogy on Sunday and it would be very helpful. The Interface w/bluetooth is $269. I've been talking to Daniel Jarvis and will check with Greg Y to see if they would benefit with a second Interface.   

I move that we approve the spending to replace the south unit battery and to purchase another bluetooth interface for the north Time Machine.

@asdolin

We also have 6-radios that could be utilized.

@acasseday

Second

Vote in favor of purchasing said equipment for the betterment of WVMTR races.

@acasseday

We were very fortunate to have both the Garmin and SPOT satellite devices to test at Trilogy.  We just barely got introduced to both, but as AC said the Garmin seemed more straight forward as it bluetooths to your iPhone, other phones too I suppose. Anywhere there is clear sky to capture a satellite signal it will work. We need a little more research into operation, use packages, and see what deals we might get on a multiple unit purchase.

Bear in mind these are meant to be emergency use devices, not routine aid station to aid station chatter. There is even an SOS button which you don't want to press unless really needed. 

One more communication point. I purchased the 6 Motorola handheld radios we voted on at the Board Annual Meeting at Spruce. These are the units we've been renting at Highlands for years. They work well. We tested them at Trilogy, the big hills did compromise communication. They are very useful for sweeps as they move to and from aid station though. I will bring them to Sasquatch, maybe even Canary to try out. 

I think the best course of action in regard to the satellite communication devices would be for Dan Lehmann and I to research more thoroughly and come back to the board with a proposal.   This would be a large expense and we need to make sure we think every aspect through very clearly and comprehensively.  I simply wanted to begin the discussion now so that you all can be greater informed.  Should we have a proposal prepared sooner than our January meeting, we can simply present it via email to the Board for approval.