Sounds like a good deal. Thanks for the info.....
Ace
Ace
Just got my new SPOT!! (satellite locator)
- Thread starter AaronBND
- Start date
Can you text between units?
No texting between units! When you sign up for your account online, you put in what you want it to say as a default general message. Like mine says, "I am ok and will be back in town soon". On the "HELP" button I have it set up saying "This is Aaron and I need help ASAP" along with three buddies names and phone numbers so my wife can send them out after me. The 911 button is all automatic from the satellite to Houston to Search and Rescue. These units are super easy to work, strong and waterproof. The cool thing is, it sends a message to a cell phone and a email address and it has the GPS coordinates right there in the text and email. Along in the email it has a link to click on that sends you to a webpage in google earth that shows your exact whereabouts on a topo map. Really cool stuff!
Great idea, thanks for the info!!!
My christmas wish list just changed. Please let us know how it works in the tree's, but I'm buying one no matter what....
For God Sakes, don't buy it from REI. They hate snowmobilers.
Call a sled shop. Highmark Rec in Boise had a stack of these things for right at $150 I think. Call them.
Highmark_Rec
Call a sled shop. Highmark Rec in Boise had a stack of these things for right at $150 I think. Call them.
Highmark_Rec
I got a response from GEOS. They do cover residents of Canada as well.
Still waiting for mine. It's stuck in customs.
got mine yesterday - had to use a friends US address to activate it. Phoned customer support and was told that Canadian availability is the end of the month then I got a response from my email to support (I've got no patience) and they say cdn activation is Dec 5th. Either way I'm set. Heading to avalanche field training this weekend. This will be nice to have since the rating is extreme where we're riding.
I'm not 100% sure but I heard the spot devices are using the Globalstar constellation of satellites to provide their service. As anyone who has a Globalstar sat phone knows, coverage is far from 100% all the time, despite the coverage maps they publish . This is supposed to get better as they just launched 2 new satellites, however, full coverage is not due to be restored until 2009. So as great as this device sounds, everyone should be aware that there is no guarantee you'll have coverage everywhere all the time.
My question is this: does the device tell you that it has successfully transmitted your message after you hit the button? I'd hate to be in a no-coverage window and assume my 911 message went through when it actually didn't. At least with the phone, you know you didn't get through.
. This is supposed to get better as they just launched 2 new satellites, however, full coverage is not due to be restored until 2009. So as great as this device sounds, everyone should be aware that there is no guarantee you'll have coverage everywhere all the time. My question is this: does the device tell you that it has successfully transmitted your message after you hit the button? I'd hate to be in a no-coverage window and assume my 911 message went through when it actually didn't. At least with the phone, you know you didn't get through.
SPOT sends your GPS coordinates to a GEOS Emergency Response Center every 5 minutes until canceled , allowing you to keep moving if necessary. Emergency responders are then continually updated with your last known location. If you pass out after activating, it will continue to send a distress every 5 minutes until canceled or the batteries fail................ will a Sat phone do that............... I don't think so, but what ever makes you happy
Here is a good, comprehensive... seems to be non biased view of the spot.
http://www.equipped.org/SPOT_ORSummer2007.htm
And here
http://www.equipped.org/blog/?p=77
Looks good.... Thanks for the lead on this.
Compared to my PLB (GPIRB), I really like not having just an all or nothing ability to call for help.
The route tracking option may help in a rescue situation as well.
http://www.equipped.org/SPOT_ORSummer2007.htm
And here
http://www.equipped.org/blog/?p=77
Looks good.... Thanks for the lead on this.
Compared to my PLB (GPIRB), I really like not having just an all or nothing ability to call for help.
The route tracking option may help in a rescue situation as well.
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Thanks, great info in those links.
D
darkeyes
Member
However...take a look at the author's last comment: "I’m not inclined to suggest that you bet your life on the device at this time. Let’s see how it really works first."
It's your LIFE - I encourage taking a hard look at a PLB by ACR Electronics. While initially more expensive, it is a proven technology and is used by our Military, Coast Guard and is monitored by NOAA.
ACR PLBs use LEOSAR and GEOSAR satellites for a much quicker and much more reliable transmission than SPOT. SPOT uses the same technology as SAT phones, and we all know how reliable the connection has been with those.
One big difference between the devices is the way agencies look at the received signal. A PLB transmission is considered a VERIFIED missing person.
Other benefits of an ACR PLB include:
- no subscription
- proven technology
- ten year battery life (rated at 5 yr)
- government monitoring
- reliable signal connection
Re-read the two links posted about SPOT. The author says he is hesitant to recommend the device. Then search the ACR PLB MicroFix. http://www.acrelectronics.com/ You will find nothing but recommendations.
I think it is fantastic that fellow snowmobilers are taking their safety seriously, and it is not my intention to discourage purchasing a survival tool. Just do the research and realize there may be a better product out there.
PM me for more details or if you are interested in purchasing a PLB.
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Good question.
I tested mine last night, and No, it does not. It WILL indicate that it is transmitting, however you must be looking right at it, as the light for the button goes solid for five seconds when it's transmitting. My test "Okay" message took five minutes. I do wish it indicated a sucessfull transmission. Even so, I purchased one knowing all this before hand. I carry a sat phone on occasion, and as others have said the connection can be pretty crappy. This is a short transmit burst, rather than a conversation, so I hope a higher likelyhood of success.
I told my buddy it doesn't work for beans so he needs to buy the ACR. Then we will be set.
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