DeLorme has a device that does this.

It is called InReach

Www.inreachdelorme.com

Rich

Sent from my electronic leash

On Oct 30, 2012, at 12:07 PM, Antony Marsh <apetermarsh@ME.COM> wrote:

> Excellent write-up Ken.  Thank you.
> 
> We are driving from Naples Florida to Anchorage in the Spring and then traversing part of the Alaskan Highway - before I get too old to see or remember how to drive or where I'm going - you know what I mean. The adventure has been on my bucket list since working "up there" with Princess Cruise Line in the late '70's.
> 
> Cell service in AK is great in the big cities but not all there once you get "out and about".  So - if our dedicated GPS units talk to satellites for their info - why doesn't some company invent/design/manufacture a GPS unit that connects not to bluetooth/wi-fi but to the satellite?  The unit is already talking to the beasties anyway.
> 
> Seems to be a no brainer to me - but then what do I know. If any of the list knows of such a device please pmail for my absolute attention.
> 
> Hope all in the path of Sandy are safe.
> Peter Marsh
> Naples Florida
> On Oct 30, 2012, at 11:39 AM, Loren Busch <starwagen@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> 
>> RE: Traveling Across The US
>> Great write up Ken, great information.
>> Let me comment on a couple of things.  Ken's experience with cell phone GPS
>> mimics mine.  The cell phone requires data connection for the GPS
>> applications (most of them that is, at least one does not) to work.  The
>> answer is to go to a dedicated GPS unit, all map data is onboard.
>> Another solution for Internet access, assuming yhou have data connection on
>> you cell phone, is to use a small, free program called PDAnet.  A simple
>> Google search will find it.  Downloaded and installed on your computer and
>> smart phone and with the phone connected to the USB port on the computer
>> you will have Internet access.  I was amazed to find this working in the
>> middle of the Mohave Preserve where I had no voice connection at all and
>> just a weak data connection.
>> And for those seeking campgrounds (other than commercial RV parks) there
>> has emerged an incredible file of around 16,000 campgrounds across the US.
>> Free to use online or you can buy the file to load into your GPS or Streets
>> & Trips for $6!  Check out <http://www.ultimatecampgrounds.com/uc/index.php>