i'll second that, i just had mine activated a couple weeks ago, and have had ever message go through just fine. i make sure i can see the sky , push the button and let it sit for 15 minutes until the light turns solid for 5 seconds, then i know it has been sent. so far i'm happy with it. i even sent it with my wife on a weeks float trip. everyday she got out of the water she sent me an o.k. message. all came through great.