SPOT hangfires?

[Swami]

I've used the SPOT satellite personal tracker/signal device for several weeks now, and so far it has been reliable but not flawless. I'm wondering if others have learned any hangfires or dos 'n don'ts about using this thing?

For instance, if I'm lazy and send a message while sheltering beside a large tree, the SPOT signal does not always go thru. This might be because I routinely turn the thing off after its first signal transmission (usually within 60 seconds) rather than leaving it on to repeat the signal. Reliability seems also to drop off beside tall solid objects like chimneys and big boulders, solid things that block a chunk of sky.

Also, is it just me, or does the the message time appear incorrectly in the header of some emails? SPOT apparently uses Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Even though the msg arrives as directed and is account-logged at the correct time, the correct GMT date/time stamped on the message header is mislabeled, in my case, as Pacific Standard Time (PST). Maybe some software issue with my ISP? I'm not complaining, just trying to fine-tune the method for using this thing.

I have another question.
Anyone know how far you can drop kick SPOT without impairing its functionality?

 

[Dam Dave]

So leave it on, it has a 1 year battery life, it will last 7 days even when sending a 911 every 10 minutes. Battery is good for 1900 OK messages

I leave mine off, but I am not sending a OK every time I stop, but its in my pack if I need it.


From Spot:

Battery Life
Includes 2 AA 1.5V lithium batteries; under normal usage a full battery charge should meet or exceed the following

* Power on, unused: Approx. 1 year
* SPOTcasting tracking mode: Approx. 14 days
* 9-1-1 mode: Up to 7 consecutive days
* SPOTcheck OK/√: 1900 messages


Operating Conditions
SPOT works around the world virtually anywhere

* Operating Temperatures: -40°F to +185°F (-40ºC to +85ºC)
* Operating Altitude: -300 ft to +21,000 ft (-91 m to +6,492 m)
* Weight: 7.37 ounces (209 grams)
* Dimensions: 4.38 x 2.75 x 1.75 inches (approx. 111 mm x 69 mm x 44 mm)
* Floats in water
* Waterproof to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes
* Humidity Rated:
o MIL-STD-810E Method 507.3, 95% to 100% condensing
* Salt Fog Rated
o Per MIL_STD 810E Method 509.3, 5% NaCl, 95% distilled water
* Vibration
o Per SAE J1455
o Random, 20 Hz to 2000 Hz, 0.04g2/Hz, one hour per axis
* Drop
o Dropped twice on all six sides from one meter onto hard surface.

 

[Weekday Warrior]

I leave mine on

takes to long to get message out if you turn it on, hit button, then turn it off.


just make sure the button isn't gettin pressed in your pack lol

 

[XC700116]

the tall terrain thing is an inherent difficulty for any GPS system, it blocks the satellite system. Like putting your direcTV dish in the basement. They work off what is called "line of sight" meaning if you can't see through it, it can't send a signal through it.

Just for info, if you're ever in trouble and need to get the help signal out either get to the open with it or have someone get it there. Then have some type of signaling to your actual location for the S&R team. ie flare, light, or some type of marking.

 

[Wade]

The real weakness with SPOT is the GlobalStar Telephone satellites. They only orbit as far north as 54 degress. So, that means they are to the south predominately. So, to send a good message reliability. Make sure you have as much open sky as possible, and a good view of the southern sky.

The GPS chip they used isn't the most sensitive, but it is very easy on the batteries. If the GPS doesn't work, you can pretty much bet your location message isn't going to make it either.

Also, orient the SPOT so that the SPOT logo is pointing straight up, and towards the south. That's suppose to be the best orientation for the antenna.

 

[Swami]

Dam Dave! Hold on!
Dropping it twice on all six sides from one meter onto a hard surface just ain't the same as drop kick! LOL!
Thanks for that juicy spec sheet, how the heck did I miss that?

And thanks for the other info to optimize performance.
I keep the unit powered-down when I stuff it in my pack because that eliminates the possibility of accidentally issuing a 911 or other unintended signal.

I guess stout trees and tall rocks can all effectively block signals if you're right next to 'em. SPOT instructions say that the unit will attempt to send a 911 signal even if it can't get a GPS fix. Has anyone discovered if this is also true for the other two message functions?
And has anyone else run into the time description error (PST vs GMT) in received messages?

 

[Wade]

You might notice they list a bunch of MIL-SPECS but they don't list MIL-SPEC-901C which is shock and vibration. MIL shock and vibration is brutal.

 

[Ancient Sledder]

I bought one about 6 weeks ago and have had no problems. I even tested it under the power pylons at "Pipeline" up at Powder King. I do agree that the time display isn't 100%, but I can live with that. I got mine at Glentel.com up here in Alberta.