Re: [Paddlewise] communication(was Wrath of my wife)

Dave Kruger wrote, "... two disadvantages for using a cell phone (vs. VHF) in an *on-the-water* emergency:  limited battery life, and the CG can not use its
signal to "home in" on you.  Oh, yeah, I forgot:  don't think cell phones come in a truly waterproof version, unlike some VHFs ..."

One issue --- one lost issue, Dave.

In July 1999, the FCC licenced GPS receivers for integration into cell phones; the net effect is that, with these new phones, the owner can press a few buttons and make his/her cell phone into a tactical EPIRB on the cellular system.  Position --- with standard commercial accuracy --- is transmitted to 911 emergency stations or to the Coast Guard on standard dial-up or on the two button dial-up net, where available, along with whatever voice reports are necessary.  Qualcomm is big in this, as is Garmin; there is even discussion going on in Washington of requiring future cell phones to include this capabiltity.  For more details and an example of this technology, see www.garmin.com/navTalk.html.

As to waterproof cell phones, I saw an article in a periodical I receive that included a new, rubber-clad, "waterproof" cell phone now on the market.  (Did not claim "submersible" qualification.)  But I can't find the article.  Will look again if there's interest.

(As to cell phone battery life, I have a new Bell Atlantic system [Don't know the manufacturer] that's good all day and into the night in frequent use without a recharge; for emergency purposes, it'd probably be good for at least a week.)

So I guess we need a submersible, survivable, rugged, hi-viz GPS cell phone that floats and will last a week's expedition on one battery charge --- or that can be converted to AA battery operation.  (Maybe a strobe in the top?)  Piece of cake.  All the building blocks area there.

Jack Martin
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