Pieps Global Finder

Video Description From Vimeo
The Pieps Global Finder is a unique outdoor device for navigation, massage handling and companion rescue – does not require GSM coverage! There are two models to choose from; Light version or Iridium with a satellite modem.

The field of applications reaches from alpine mountaineering, mountain biking to general outdoor activities in the backcountry. Besides basic GPS functionality (positioning, tracking, waypoint navigation) the PIEPS Global Finder broadcasts its own actual position over the cost-free 800 MHz-ISM radio band. This broadcasted information can be received by other PIEPS Global Finder devices and can be used directly in waypoint navigation. With the special “Emergency” function, this signal will be sent by multiplied power and can be received over large distances. Additionally, the PIEPS Global Finder IRIDIUM has an integrated satellite modem, which will grant a secured two-way transmission of the emergency signal via a low orbit satellite network - from everywhere on earth!

More info here: http://everythingfortheoutdoors.blogspot.com/2012/08/pieps-global-finder.html

GPS: Ultra low power GPS, -160dBm SuperSense®, Helix antenna,
magnetic compass, barometer, waypoints, track recording and trackback
guiding.
RADIO: Transmission and reception of position-data and emergency
calls using the ISM-band (range up to 6 miles) or the satellite network.
MESSENGER: Transmission and reception of position, ID data, text and
emergency messages using free ISM-band as well as subscription
based use of satellite network.

• Weight: ~ 200 grams
• L x W x H: 5.9” x 1.8” x 1.1”
• Digital Radio: 868MHz IMS-Band, 250mW
• Sensors: Magnetic 3-axis compass, Barometer, 3D Accelerator
• Optional Sat Modem: Iridium
• Power Supply: Li-Ion, 200 hours
• Connectivity: USB

Tackling Seven Summits in the Alps by Foot and Bike

Last month, Wolfgang Fasching of Austria tackled an adventure that leaves many in awe. He summited seven peaks in the Alps in 10 days, traveling from one peak to the other by bicycle. 

• Mont Blanc (4,810 m, France)
• Gran Paradiso (4,061 m, Italy)
• DufourPeakin the Monte Rosa massif (4,634 m, Switzerland)
• Grauspitse (2,599 m, Liechtenstein)
• Zugspitze (2,962 m, Germany)
• Grossglockner (3,798 m, Austria)
• Triglav (2,864 m, Slovenia)

Each peak sat in its own country and Wolfgang ended up biking a total of 683.5 miles and climbing a total of 52,493.4 feet. With the help of the Pieps GlobalFinder, Wolfgang was able to track his journey and communicate to his team the whole time via satellites. In real-time his team was able to see his every move on Google Earth. After the fact, we can no see his entire route, the messages he sent from the bases and summits of each peak, and where he started and stopped each day.

Read the official trip report here.

Explore his map on Google Earth here.

The Pieps GlobalFinder is really making it easy for people to share their adventures with their loved ones and to the general public, while at the same time providing tools to navigate, communicate, and request emergency assistance.

Learn more about he Pieps GlobalFinder here.

Watch a video explaining all the GlobalFinder features here.

Pieps Global Finder

"HELLO FROM THE SUMMIT OF RAINIER. PERFECT WEATHER AND GEAR. JAKE. 210014 has sent this message on: 10-08-2012 14:00:58 UTC from position: latitude 46.85292°, longitude -121.7604°, altitude 4417m. You are welcomed to check 210014 shared track Google Earth."

At the start of a typical day of work, this was the email that greeted every Liberty Mountain employee at 8:02 am. Jake Hirschi, Climbing Buying Manager at Liberty Mountain, decided to hit up his fellow employees at the office while he was busy "working" on the summit of Washington's Mt Rainier. At 14,411 feet elevation, Jake relied on his Pieps Global Finder to send out this mass-email to his co-workers. Not only did he send a quick little message from the top, but his message also contained a link that allowed the office-dwellers to see his live progression on the mountain using Google Maps and Google Earth.

Minutes later, Jake was on his descent back to the bottom of this massive mountain when he started receiving reply messages from his co-workers.

"Good Job!"

"Be safe."

"Get back to work! :)" 

Instead of packing his GPS, satellite phone, and smart phone, Jake was able to have all those items in one device, the Pieps Global Finder.

"I hope everyone has a better understanding of the Global Finder and its potential in our market. Especially for big mountains or extreme locations where you should have a GPS navigator with you incase of white out conditions, which can happen year round up there. I didn’t have to take a separate GPS, a separate phone (no service up there anyway), I had it all in one device that worked the way I expected it to work."  -Jake Hirschi

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The Pieps Global Finder is a personal navigation-location-communication device that provides safety and fun in one single device. Its most highlighted features include the following:

• Sending and receiving messages in real-time (SMS, E-Mail, text and position messages). Full global coverage, even in polar regions.
• “LIVE-Tracking”: Satellite-technology for tracking and positioning via web.
• Special Emergency-button for alerting emergency response teams via satellite. Inclusive search and rescue insurance with worldwide coverage.
• Optimized GPS-features for outdoor use with comfortable management on PC/Mac (tracking, waypoint navigation, positioning).
• Permanent weather observation: display of protocol (reduced air pressure) and more services via E-Mail or SMS.
• Li-Ion technology assures stable power supply also under extreme conditions.

The Global Finder can be used in many different ways, such as:

NAVIGATION- Easy and functional.

• GPS
• Compass
• Altimeter
• Waypoints & tracks
• Go-to function
• Trackback function

COMMUNICATION- Stay in touch in the most remote places on earth.

• Send short messages, emails, and social posts
• Receive short messages and emails
• Independent from cell networks
• Global coverage via Iridium Satellite Network

INFORMATION- Conveniently receive weather information while traveling in the mountains.

• Information services (e.g. weather)
• Barometer showing current air pressure and trends
• Path-time-altitude-statistics

LIVE TRACKING- Real time position tracking.

• Track viewing on online maps and Google Earth's 3D maps
• Air tracks detached from the ground
• Height and speed profiles
• Postings indicated on maps
• Integration into social networks

EMERGENCY CALL

• Global SOS function
• Initiate rescue operations, coordinated by GEOS
• Search and rescue benefit

With the Pieps Global Finder, you can take on your most desired adventures while tracking it, reporting it, and with an entire rescue plan at the tips of your fingers.

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Recently, during the 2012 Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, Outside Magazine awarded the Pieps Global Finder with the Gear of the Show Award, calling it a "WUNDERGADGET."

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Thankfully, this video exists to better show the application of the Global Finder. Even the most skilled writer can't fully illustrate the intuitiveness of this device. Someone either has to watch it or use it in action to completely grasp the potential that the Pieps Global Finder can bring to any adventure or stunt.

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Since 1972 PIEPS has led the development and manufacturing of avalanche beacons. When it comes to manufacturing and developing mountaineering equipment, Pieps know-how as well as 30 years of experience in the development and manufacture of avalanche search beacons ensures the quality of their PREMIUM ALPINE PERFORMANCE products.

“In an emergency only one thing counts: unconditional, hands-on reliability!"

Liberty Mountain is the exclusive U.S. distributor of Pieps mountaineering products.