Overland bound International Rescue

[Roger352]

What about setting up a International Rescue service for members. All you have to do is offer your services be it a fully equipped workshop to offering someone a cuppa in there time of need and anything in between while on there journeys should accidents happen.

 

[Craig M]

I think that is the idea behind the OB Helper option in your 'Personal Details':



Which would be used in conjuntion with the Members Map..

 

[MA_Trooper]

I think that is the idea behind the OB Helper option in your 'Personal Details':

View attachment 30807

Which would be used in conjuntion with the Members Map..

Indeed it is. But I think we could make it easier to use. Perhaps all members who have that flagged will show as a specific color on the member map so folks can search helpers in the area the are in via the map. Or a message could be sent out to all helpers in a 50 mile radius of the senders location. @Michael?

 

[Craig M]

Indeed it is. But I think we could make it easier to use. Perhaps all members who have that flagged will show as a specific color on the member map so folks can search helpers in the area the are in via the map. @Michael?

That would be very helpful!

 

[Roger352]

That would be good

 

[Mike W]

Would also be nice if we could list or tag the types of assistance that can be offered.

 

[Michael]

You can do this now, for things like roadside assistance or minor issues. How do we make it more apparent/obvious. The way to do it currently is:

1. Go to Member Map
2. Enable radius filter and select radius
3. Start conversation
4. Provide details in the conversation
5. Send

For more serious matters we are talking to Global Rescue about a partnership to provide more extensive services like extraction in case of Civil unrest or medical emergency. That is beyond what members can provide, but might provide piece of mind for some. What do you guys think?

 

[ELY-9999]

What about setting up a International Rescue service for members.

I sure could have used that kind of service a month ago and still need some kind of help to salvage my Skoolie (School Bus Conversion). Blew the motor 60 miles east of Quartzsite and was impounded to Glendale Arizona. Been trying to find anybody who might be able to help find me a Storage Facility and a good Mechanic to swap the motor. I had already written it off as a loss, but I am still hopefull.

It is a very nice 2002 Shorty Freightliner with the 5.9 Cummins 24 Valve, has the double overdrive / 6-Speed Allison Transmission, tires are all like new, cruise control and no rust. I had put a rebuilt head on it, upgraded all the locks, new lift pump and much more.

If you know of any resources in Glendale AZ who might be of service, please let me know.

See the whole album here: http://www.skoolie.net/forums/members/19429-albums1306.html

 

[Road]

Problem with the map, at least for me all the time, is you just can't get the map to load at all in OB Talk, because it switches you to an error page on the site and logs you out in the process. I've mentioned this a few times in different places and to different people over the last month or so and it is still that way. When you then log in to the site (tho already logged in to OB Talk), you get the same error page and have to navigate again to the map.

Then, whether clicking on 'map' in the instance above on a mobile device, OR when in a browser on your laptop or desktop, all members do not show up in a given area if you search by location, though will appear if you search for them by name.

For example, go to the map and put Portland ME USA in Jump to Location and see who shows up as default for the greater Portland area. I see four pins, three black and one yellow. No legend anywhere saying what the colors mean, though it's been discussed elsewhere and seems to change from time to time. I don't show up as one of the pins, but should. As should @Big110. That's the only other active person I know in the immediate area.

The only members that do show up for me every time, when searching by location, are four members that were either active for only a day after joining or have not been active in months. Hardly likely to be members willing to help someone from away, or to even know someone may need their help. Though I am certainly willing to help anyone passing through, I don't even show up to anyone doing a location search.

If you search for me by name, or search for @Big110, we show up in the Portland area, as we should.

But it does no good to have to know a member's name if what you are looking for is someone to help as you pass through an area. I can only assume it is happening in other map locations too.

Check your area without searching your own name and see if one of the pins is actually you. Sometimes you'll see a little popup with the name when you hover, sometimes you have to click on the pin for the pop up. That I don't show up unless searched for by name happens for me whether in Safari, Firefox or on laptop, cell phone, or ipad.

I find the map very frustrating to use. Certainly not useful at all if someone needed my help passing through Maine and didn't know names, or should I need someone elses assistance when passing through their part of the world.

I think the map has the potential to be very useful, but it's not there yet, not by any means.

 

[ELY-9999]

Problem with the map, at least for me all the time, is you just can't get the map to load at all in OB Talk, because it switches you to an error page on the site and logs you out in the process.

Yep I can confirm that even on my desktop: Not in the map unless I search your name.

 

[ELY-9999]

What about setting up a International Rescue service for members. All you have to do is offer your services be it a fully equipped workshop to offering someone a cuppa in there time of need and anything in between while on there journeys should accidents happen.

The current map is getting somewhat conjested, a good thing :)
We might do better having a separate map for helpers and those who aprove being contacted, I know that the capabilities of thes kinds of maps are limited and can easily be conjested / overloaded.

I also know how much work such things are to maintain and Michael seems to have taken on most of the load for our Overland Bound site. I can appreciate that he is so protective for us all, as you just can't let everyone in to help as a colapse of the site as well as protection from malware and mailicious behavior is a huge risk. Had my own site for awhile and it is a full time job, you need help but only from those you know you can really trust.

 

[Ripley1046]

I know nothing of the logistics involved, but I'll put my idea out there anyway.

What about having a Help or SOS button on the header, or nav section of the page? You would need to punch in your location once you click it, but then it could narrow down the radius to a set parameter (say 50 miles) and have a one click send to all members in said radius with a field for explanation, or maybe even some preset messages (I'm broken down, lost, need a shop, need advice, or a true SOS call 911 for me because I can't get through).

I see how the map feature works, but if you think about being somewhere with spotty service, you may only be able to load a click or two, so the fewer steps the better. There are apps that have a help message or emergency message in case you are in a bad area or situation you can send something with one click. Again, not sure the tech on this, but I feel like it could be a beneficial thing.

I know I clicked the helper button, and there are not many members in my area, so if someone is near I would want them to know they can reach out. Even if that means a star or something on the map pin. Maybe a red stripe on the gold pin?

For the record I love that we're having a conversation about how to better help each other. Just not something that happens enough most places.

 

[ELY-9999]

What about having a Help or SOS button on the header, or nav section of the page?

I see what you are getting at @Ripley1046 and what I see in your scenario is a need for emergency services as well as a way to communicate when Cellular services are non-existant. There is an easier and more secure way to fill your requirement than the "Red Emergency Button" on Overland Bound. A Garmin inReach Explorer+ (Satellite Communicator with Maps and Sensors) would fill the bill for every requirement you have mentioned and many Overland Bound Members use them.

These devices can be rented for short excursions, or buy one for yourself. The prices are reasonable and many plans give you more options depending on your requirements. These devices would enable a person to message another and to even connect with Social Media or Overland Bound.

Here is a video on the Garmin inReach Explorer+ (Satellite Communicator with Maps and Sensors):

I will agree that the Member's Map need some work, but you need to understand it is a work in progress in which your input is not only welcome, but required to make it better as we grow.

But for now this that Michael posted works best:

You can do this now, for things like (((roadside assistance or minor issues))). How do we make it more apparent/obvious. The way to do it currently is:

1. Go to Member Map
2. Enable radius filter and select radius
3. Start conversation
4. Provide details in the conversation
5. Send

 

[ELY-9999]

I am not a salesperson or affiliate of any kind with these providers, I am just an end user sharing information.

Here are the devices with pricing and options:
http://www.cabelas.com/catalog/browse/_/N-1100153?CQ_view=grid&CQ_ztype=GNU&CQ_ref=~type-Satellite+Communicators~brand-Garmin


Here is some information with Garmin Plans and Prices:
https://explore.garmin.com/en-US/inreach/#subscriptions

 

[Michael]

Problem with the map, at least for me all the time, is you just can't get the map to load at all in OB Talk, because it switches you to an error page on the site and logs you out in the process. I've mentioned this a few times in different places and to different people over the last month or so and it is still that way. When you then log in to the site (tho already logged in to OB Talk), you get the same error page and have to navigate again to the map.

Then, whether clicking on 'map' in the instance above on a mobile device, OR when in a browser on your laptop or desktop, all members do not show up in a given area if you search by location, though will appear if you search for them by name.

For example, go to the map and put Portland ME USA in Jump to Location and see who shows up as default for the greater Portland area. I see four pins, three black and one yellow. No legend anywhere saying what the colors mean, though it's been discussed elsewhere and seems to change from time to time. I don't show up as one of the pins, but should. As should @Big110. That's the only other active person I know in the immediate area.

The only members that do show up for me every time, when searching by location, are four members that were either active for only a day after joining or have not been active in months. Hardly likely to be members willing to help someone from away, or to even know someone may need their help. Though I am certainly willing to help anyone passing through, I don't even show up to anyone doing a location search.

If you search for me by name, or search for @Big110, we show up in the Portland area, as we should.

But it does no good to have to know a member's name if what you are looking for is someone to help as you pass through an area. I can only assume it is happening in other map locations too.

Check your area without searching your own name and see if one of the pins is actually you. Sometimes you'll see a little popup with the name when you hover, sometimes you have to click on the pin for the pop up. That I don't show up unless searched for by name happens for me whether in Safari, Firefox or on laptop, cell phone, or ipad.

I find the map very frustrating to use. Certainly not useful at all if someone needed my help passing through Maine and didn't know names, or should I need someone elses assistance when passing through their part of the world.

I think the map has the potential to be very useful, but it's not there yet, not by any means.

Thank you for this!

I've grabbed your descriptions, and the developer and I are discussing it sop wee can resolve these issues.

Thank you!

M

 

[MVO]

M.
The Member Map page is not working at 0700 This morning. I am attempting to zoom to Costa Rica but I continually get logged out. I was hoping to get some local info before a trip. I see you are aware of an issue with this problem. Good luck with the resolution.

 

[Overland A Far]

I think the SOS idea is great too. But there are a few other considerations too. First in your trip planning - take a look at the member map and note members along a segment of the route that offer the help. Use the trip forms or your own ledger to note who is local - Part of trip planning!
Second - the SPOT and InReach devices are good and we have used them at work for years however for text or email communication to our co-workers and safety buddies only. Here in Canada they are not the total answer. Satellite location, weather, canopy cover and mountains all play a role in adding difficulty to transmitting or receiving. last summer on a BMW GS Challenge we came across a lady who had wrecked on a remote gravel road (logging road only 40+ miles from town). Her husband and friend had a SPOT and InReach both with emergency distresses sent. Dave and I checked on her then went up the road to a phone booth (point where I knew we could get cell service). I called 911 and got the ambulance out - they never did get a response from either emergency service.
Thirdly - we have a great EMS - 911 system and super health care but the reality is that these ambulance drivers can be located in any town and may not have the foggiest idea of where they are going due to the maze of public, private roads. A local will! And they will know who to call, shops that can tow, do work or where to get parts. Michael - this is a great idea - trust you will devise a good process and for now I will go through the map process - When home I'm available 24/7 and for those of you heading through west central Alberta to Alaska - well I'm close by.