SPoT Handheld Satellite Messenger

[FlyingWil]

We've all heard horror stories about being stranded sans a cellphone (or a signal), SPOT Inc. has introduced the simply-titled SPOT, which operates as a personal GPS-enabled tracking device to inform relatives, friends, and emergency personnel of your status. Among the features are a 911 button that automatically calls in help and gives them your exact location, an Ask for Help button that beams up friends / family, a Check In selection that informs contacts that you're a-okay, and a Track Progress option that sends your location to a Google Map that relatives can monitor. The unit itself is powered by a pair of AA cell batteries, weighs just seven-ounces, floats on water, and is rugged enough to handle most any encounter.

Price wise, the SPOT will run you $149.99 along with a $99 "service fee," but monthly and multi-year options will purportedly be available soon. You can see the pricing here, but unfortunately they have not released a date for the monthly plan. I would advise adding the GEOS Search & Rescue Benefits at the initial activation to avoid the large SAR fees if encountered.

SPOT Handheld Satellite Messenger



Lance with Disabled Explorers did a great review that is on his site here.

[traveltoad]

I thought I would pass this along...

On another board I frquent, a member had the occasion to push the 911 button on his SPOT (a cell phone call was also eventually made). After his rescue (or maybe it was during his helo flight) he did get confirmation that the local Sherif had received his exact location throught the SPOT network. So it appears that the system works.

He also has the extra rescue insurance and will follow up with that as the bills are received.

[raYGunn]

I hope he is OK! I carry one of these and have the optional insurance so I am curious about the outcome.

I use the OK button all the time when I am out of cell range and it has always worked so far.

[OLLIE]

I love mine. I won't leave home without it.

[DaveK]

When you press the OK button, is there any type of confirmation that you have successfully sent the message or do you find out when you return from the trip?

[traveltoad]

When you press the OK button, is there any type of confirmation that you have successfully sent the message or do you find out when you return from the trip?

Good question.

When you turn the SPOT on there is a green led that blinks every couple seconds. When you push the OK button a second green led blinks with the first. When the messege has been sent the second led stops blinking. The process can take 20min or so depending on the location of the satellite(s).

If the messege has not gone through does the second led just keep blinking until the messege is finally sent? Or does the SPOT give you some sort of error messege (like and led changing to red)? I do not know the answer to this. I will bring it to work and try to send a messeg from inside the building and see what happens.

[raYGunn]

Mine seems to keep blinking green even if the message is sent. I set the message to also text my cell phone so if I get in cell range I also get my OK message and know it worked, usually well after the fact. However I keep using it because I check the times and it usually send my location within 20mins of when I start the signal. The device is minimalistic and there are some things I would change but so far I think it's worth it.

[socal_rubi]

I just bought one. I liked the message that was on the inside flap of the box it came in.

"Open this box, and never come home in one"

[gon2srf]

I just bought one. I liked the message that was on the inside flap of the box it came in.

"Open this box, and never come home in one"

That's good!

[BlueFJ]

Does that mean they are in cahoots with the body bag manufacturers?!