SPOT Satellite Messenger

[cruiserlarry]

Since we are all about the great outdoors, and communications, I thought everyone should know about one of the most significant new communication devices for the outdoorsman:

The "SPOT" satellite personal tracker

This device is relatively inexpensive, and could provide your friends and family with peace of mind when you venture out into the unknown...

A basic summary:

"With the SPOT Satellite Messenger, you and your loved ones have peace of mind knowing help is always within reach. SPOT is the only device of its kind, using the GPS satellite network to acquire its coordinates, and then sending its location – with a link to Google Maps™ – and a pre-programmed message via a commercial satellite network. And unlike Personal Locator Beacons, SPOT does more than just call for help. Tracking your progress, checking in with loved ones, and non-emergency assistance are also available, all at the push of a button. And because it uses 100% satellite technology, SPOT works around the world – even where cell phones don't."

For more information go to SPOT SATELLITE PERSONAL TRACKER

This might be a good device for trail leaders and tailgunners to have on longer or unfamiliar trail runs, in case of problems....

[ki6kui]

That link is not correct, it sends you to a parked web page. I think what you were looking for is http://www.findmespot.com.

[cruiserlarry]

That link is not correct, it sends you to a parked web page. I think what you were looking for is http://www.findmespot.com.

My bad. I corrected my link, and checked it to make sure - I should have done that the first time - Thanks...

[Lucrum]

Larry are you guys selling these? Thanks

[ki6kui]

I just saw this at HRO. I asked the salesperson how well it worked, and he only had second hand information.

Does anyone have first hand experience with this device? How well does it work?

[cruiserlarry]

Larry are you guys selling these? Thanks

Not at this time, but it is under consideration depending on the response / demand the unit generates. We've heard nothing but positives about the SPOT, and don't have any local sources, so we are talking to GlobalStar about becoming a dealer...

[ki6kui]

...so we are talking to GlobalStar about becoming a dealer...

Better hurry before Wal-mart gets a hold of it.

[Cnynrat]

I just saw this at HRO. I asked the salesperson how well it worked, and he only had second hand information.

Does anyone have first hand experience with this device? How well does it work?

I don't have any first hand experience, but my eye doctor is on the local Search and Rescue team, and he reports that they have completed a few successful rescues with these devices locally.

Anyone interested in this technology may want to head over to the Equipped to Survive web site (one of our Outfitters BTW), and read/listen what they have to say about the SPOT vs. Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs). While not completely dismissing the SPOT, he does raise some interesting questions about the SPOT. There is a different business model between these two devices, and different interfaces with the search and rescue community. I'm not saying don't buy a SPOT, but there are some good questions to consider before you make your decision.

For those that aren't aware, PLB's are generally similar to the SPOT, but the business model is very different. You pay full price for a PLB (generally around $4-500 last time I checked), but there is no monthly fee. With SPOT the initial cost of the device is essentially subsidized and you make up for that through the monthly fees. With a PLB your emergency message is received directly by the Search and Rescue community, with the SPOT your distress call goes to 911. The SPOT does have some features that PLBs do not, namely the tracking feature and different types of messages that you can send. With the PLB there is no tracking, and the only message is basically a full emergency alert.

IMO, when it comes to something this important, it's a good idea to educate yourself and make an informed decision about which technology best meets your needs.

[OLLIE]

I have bought the SPOT messanger prior to my Summit Kokopelli trip. It worked amazingly. My wife, as well as the families of the people with me, were able to see exactly where I was within 10 minutes at any given time. I posted the link for you all to monitor as well. When I go out on the trails where there is no cell reception I can just hit a button every so often to send a message to one or several different people to tell them everything is ok. With the full service package you also get a pretty substantial insurance that covers any rescue services you might require if emergency services are triggered. I love it so far...

[unwiredadventures]

I also have a SPOT.

My wife loves receiving the "OK" messages. When I'm away with one or both kids, the "OK" email messages let her know we're ok and she gets a Google Map link to our present location.

I have my "OK" button set to send my wife and email message as well as a text message to her cell phone.