SPOT used in Wy. rescue

[Dam Dave]

I think the only way to tell if the message was sent is when the lights stop flashing. As long as they are flashing, it's still trying to communicate with the satellite and will do this for I believe -13 days continuously.
I look at this like a beacon, it's not a guarantee that you're going to be rescued/found but at least I'm adding some insurance.

You are correct, if 2 lights are flashing, it is still talking, when only the ON light is flashing, message was Sent OK,

From Spot:
Functional Specifications
SPOT features four key functions that enable users to send messages to friends, family or emergency responders, based upon varying levels of need:

Alert 9-1-1 – Dispatch emergency responders to your exact location, SPOT sends one message every 5 minutes until power is depleted or 911 is canceled.

Ask for Help – Request help from friends and family in your exact location, SPOT sends one message every 5 minutes for one hour or until Help is canceled

Check In – Let contacts know where you are and that you’re Okay, SPOT sends three identical messages to the SPOT service for redundancy. The first of those three messages is delivered.

Track Progress – Send and save your location and allow contacts to track your progress using Google Maps™ SPOT sends one message every 10 minutes for 24 hours or until SPOT is powered off.

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
* SPOT casting tracking mode: Approx. 14 days
* 9-1-1 mode: Up to 7 consecutive days
* SPOT check OK/√: 1900 messages

 

[Dam Dave]

Dam Dave - I left it on the entire time, so since both lights were flashing, I believed the message would be sent. It wasn't. I sent all of the OK messages on Saturday and wasn't home until Monday to check to be sure they were received, that is when I discovered they weren't.

2fun

Interesting, mine works in my pack just fine, I purposely have tried it in some bad spots and have gotten them, have you asked Spot about this?

Who did you call to add spotcasting. I didn't choose that option at sign up but would like to add it now, I don't see a way to add that later on the web site.

 

[2fun4u]

Interesting, mine works in my pack just fine, I purposely have tried it in some bad spots and have gotten them, have you asked Spot about this?

Who did you call to add spotcasting. I didn't choose that option at sign up but would like to add it now, I don't see a way to add that later on the web site.

I haven't called the people who are letting us demo the SPOT (Gem State Communications) yet to talk to them, I will be doing that tomorrow. I thought it was a little weird too after all I have read and heard about them.

Gem State Communications stated that you could start that spotcasting at any time, but I think you have to sign up for a full year - it's $49.95. I would probably start with who you purchased it from to see if they can start that service. I can't imagine you couldn't add it.

I will be testing this thing again this weekend and will post again next week to let you all know what happened.

2fun

 

[apache]

We have been demoing one here at work and I was totally sold before I actually took it with me. Now, i'm not so sure...............here's why:

I was headed to the Trinities (Idaho) and hit the button 3 times:

1) hit the okay button at Deer Creek Lodge, mountains on 2 sides, clear to the sky and an open lake - that message never came through.

2) When we got to the parking lot to unload, hit the button again - mountains on 2 sides, pretty big parking lot and open - got that message.

3) Rode in quite a ways and went down a hill to play on a hill. Hit the okay button again there - mountain on one side, trees on the other, open to the sky (few clouds). That message did not go through.

So 1 out of 3 messages came through. The #3 scenario would be where you would be in a 911 situation, and that message never came through.

In all instances, the "on" light and the "okay" light were flashing in sequence, which, in my understanding, means it is talking to the satellite, so I assumed I would get all three messages.

We are doing very detailed tracking of when/where/how/etc., the buttons are pushed and it would be interesting to hear if anyone is doing this also.

2fun

correct me if I'm wrong, but SPOT uses the Global Star satellite system.

Global Star has very poor coverage in North America, sometimes you can wait for hours for a signal. even when you get one it often drops after a few seconds. I've had a Global Star phone for a year now, and I'm NOT renewing my contract. just the other day I needed a heli rescue.
my sat phone could not get a signal. after an hour of trying I gave up and hitched a ride to a mountain top where I still could not get a signal on my sat phone, but I got reception on my cell phone and called for help. pathetic!!!

SPOT is a one way device so you never really know if your signal was received, which is the most important part. what do you do after sending a signal that may not have made it... stay put? start walking out? try to reach real help?

the BC government just dumped Global Star as their sat phone provider, reason is bad coverage.


SPOT sounds like a good device, but until they start using the Iradium satellite system, or the Nasa satellite system it wont be effective.
there are other options out there that are better.
some of these post above sound a LOT like advertising be ware.

check this out, no monthly or annual fees.

www.deakin.com/index.cfm?action=dis...oup_id=184&product_id=572&product_sub_id=6601

 

[black swan]

thumbs UP!

SPOT sounds like a good device, but until they start using the Iradium satellite system, or the Nasa satellite system it wont be effective.
there are other options out there that are better.
some of these post above sound a LOT like advertising be ware.

QUOTE]

so many opinions from a person who has yet to use one. I have used mine daily since 12-19-07. 99% success rate. Before you tell people not to try a safety device, you should test it yourself or not voice your OPINION.

By the way, SPOT sends a SMS up 3x evertime, when the 1st message is received the next 2 are ignored. 2 people were rescued lastnite in w.colorado via their SPOT cordinates.

Maybe you should ask those 2 guys that "survived" if SPOT works.

ray

 

[Dam Dave]

SPOT is a one way device so you never really know if your signal was received, which is the most important part. what do you do after sending a signal that may not have made it... stay put? start walking out? try to reach real help?



check this out, no monthly or annual fees.

www.deakin.com/index.cfm?action=dis...oup_id=184&product_id=572&product_sub_id=6601

The device you are recommending is also a one way device with no way of knowing if your message got through, a PLB allows you to ONLY send a distress single, nothing else, all or nothing, I looked at them and almost bought one, but I like the OK/Check in feature and the send my buddies to help me button on the SPOT, I also like that it sends my contacts a Google Earth GPS track of my location.

 

[apache]

SPOT sounds like a good device, but until they start using the Iradium satellite system, or the Nasa satellite system it wont be effective.
there are other options out there that are better.
some of these post above sound a LOT like advertising be ware.

QUOTE]

so many opinions from a person who has yet to use one. I have used mine daily since 12-19-07. 99% success rate. Before you tell people not to try a safety device, you should test it yourself or not voice your OPINION.

By the way, SPOT sends a SMS up 3x evertime, when the 1st message is received the next 2 are ignored. 2 people were rescued lastnite in w.colorado via their SPOT cordinates.

Maybe you should ask those 2 guys that "survived" if SPOT works.

ray

like I said I've used the same system of satellites vie a sat phone for a year now.
how many times have you reached help using your spot?
how do you know there isn't a better device out there?
maybe you should look at whats available before recommending one product.
most people only buy one device. they should know all the facts before picking the one they will have.
the professionals I know such as government surveyers and miners use the device I posted the link for. it has no fees, it uses a dedicated search and rescue satellite and a radio signal. you have to sign a legal document that holds you responsible for a false call, even if you are not the one that sent it.
kind of like owning a gun.
unlike SPOT it works every time.
granted it is still a 1 way device. but as 1 way devices go it is my choice.

 

[Dam Dave]

unlike SPOT it works every time.

are you sure the PLB works every time...........I can test the SPOT every time I leave the house, can the PLB do that..........

like I said, PLB's are good devices, but for me the SPOT does more

 

[black swan]

read the directions......

all this confusion......why?

to send an OK message, it is simple once the unit is turned on..."ON" light is flashing.
i recommend you wait 1-2 minutes while the spot determines your location. My best results/accuracy was after waiting 2-3 minutes upon turning unit on.

Then, press the OK button......it will start flashing in sequence with the on light. *****VERY IMPORTANT********info below.......

The SPOT does not transmitt for aprox. 90-150 seconds after it is activated-alarmed. at which time the OK light GOES SOLID GREEN FOR 5 SECONDS at which time your message has been sent!!

please read your manual before going into the woods.

wait for the OK light to go solid for 5 sec, done...simple

 

[Dam Dave]

the professionals I know such as government surveyers and miners use the device I posted the link for.

Thats funny, I am a professional, I work for the Government and do snow surveys, I use the SPOT because it works, and I paid for it with my own money

 

[Wade]

Hey 2fun4u, I took mine into the Trinities also. I had mine on in my backpack when you, me, steve and the boys took that ride. I had the same problem. The Trinities Mountains are basically south of were we ride. The Global Star satellites are primarily in the southern skies. They only orbit 54 degrees north latitude. That means the satellite is almost always south. So, you need to get up on a ridge where you have the best line-of-sight of the Southern sky. Another thing to do, is point the top-front, of the unit (where the big "SPOT" logo is) at the southern sky, and hold it there. The GPS will almost always work, the satellite signal to the global star is the problem. From the Trinities pass, I'm sure you could get all your signals out. From Roaring Creek, you may have problems.

Here's the tracking data I took. This should have sent one message every 10 mins. You'll notice huge gaps in the data. Remember, this only sends one message, your OK button sends 3 messages for each press.
01/02/2008 12:46:28 AM Track
01/02/2008 12:34:24 AM
01/01/2008 11:44:17 PM
01/01/2008 11:34:22 PM
01/01/2008 11:14:21 PM
01/01/2008 10:54:43 PM
01/01/2008 09:24:24 PM
01/01/2008 08:47:25 PM
01/01/2008 08:24:56 PM
01/01/2008 08:17:57 PM
01/01/2008 07:27:57 PM

Another thing about the Global Star satellite. This unit uses the pager channels, not the voice channels. The satellite can be many times further away, and still get the message through. It's a data rate versus distance transmitted. This unit sends the data very slow, so if you can see the satellite, it can receive you. Voice isn't like that, the satellite has to be very near you.

Sorry guys, I'm just an MSEE.

 

[Snow Hog]

I look at this like a beacon, it's not a guarantee that you're going to be rescued/found but at least I'm adding some insurance.

all must remember, help is only coming due to volunteers and underpaid rescue workers. technology is great but 50% of the benefits is that you paid a great deal of bucks to send a distress call that the above respond to. technology is not the answer to ill planning or reckless abandon.

 

[Dam Dave]

all must remember, help is only coming due to volunteers and underpaid rescue workers. technology is great but 50% of the benefits is that you paid a great deal of bucks to send a distress call that the above respond to. technology is not the answer to ill planning or reckless abandon.

I couldn't agree more, technology does not rescue you, people do, unpaid people most of the time. but you also need to be able to save yourself, I was part of a rescue just 2 weeks ago, I learned a lot that day, that is why I am pushing things like the SPOT and the Bivy sack, be prepared to take care of yourself. Dave

 

[tudizzle]

Hey 2fun4u, I took mine into the Trinities also. I had mine on in my backpack when you, me, steve and the boys took that ride. I had the same problem. The Trinities Mountains are basically south of were we ride. The Global Star satellites are primarily in the southern skies. They only orbit 54 degrees north latitude. That means the satellite is almost always south. So, you need to get up on a ridge where you have the best line-of-sight of the Southern sky. Another thing to do, is point the top-front, of the unit (where the big "SPOT" logo is) at the southern sky, and hold it there. The GPS will almost always work, the satellite signal to the global star is the problem. From the Trinities pass, I'm sure you could get all your signals out. From Roaring Creek, you may have problems.

Here's the tracking data I took. This should have sent one message every 10 mins. You'll notice huge gaps in the data. Remember, this only sends one message, your OK button sends 3 messages for each press.
01/02/2008 12:46:28 AM Track
01/02/2008 12:34:24 AM
01/01/2008 11:44:17 PM
01/01/2008 11:34:22 PM
01/01/2008 11:14:21 PM
01/01/2008 10:54:43 PM
01/01/2008 09:24:24 PM
01/01/2008 08:47:25 PM
01/01/2008 08:24:56 PM
01/01/2008 08:17:57 PM
01/01/2008 07:27:57 PM

Another thing about the Global Star satellite. This unit uses the pager channels, not the voice channels. The satellite can be many times further away, and still get the message through. It's a data rate versus distance transmitted. This unit sends the data very slow, so if you can see the satellite, it can receive you. Voice isn't like that, the satellite has to be very near you.

Sorry guys, I'm just an MSEE.

The device is not designed to work from inside a pack so its pretty good that it connected at all.

 

[2fun4u]

Green light?

all this confusion......why?

to send an OK message, it is simple once the unit is turned on..."ON" light is flashing.
i recommend you wait 1-2 minutes while the spot determines your location. My best results/accuracy was after waiting 2-3 minutes upon turning unit on.

Then, press the OK button......it will start flashing in sequence with the on light. *****VERY IMPORTANT********info below.......

The SPOT does not transmitt for aprox. 90-150 seconds after it is activated-alarmed. at which time the OK light GOES SOLID GREEN FOR 5 SECONDS at which time your message has been sent!!

please read your manual before going into the woods.

wait for the OK light to go solid for 5 sec, done...simple

Like I said, this is just a demo, so I don't have all of the literature. The lights on this SPOT are yellow, and I have never seen a green light ever. When I was attempting to send an okay - I pushed the button, left the SPOT in the same place for a long time and all I EVER saw was the 2 lights flashing in sync. No green anything. The 2 lights flashed in sync for a long time, finally I put it back in my vest and rode on.

I had heard that the global satellites were not the best, and I am glad (??) to hear that Wade has had the same experience. I'll try the pointing thing, it is nice to know though that I could get higher and it would work.

The problem with the PLB that is referred to in apache's post is that the the unit transmits to the 121.5mhz frequency, which for now is designated as the frequency for search and rescue - this goes to the AFRCC (Air Force Recscue Coordination Center) and they contact the local search unit that is closest to the signal. However, those 121.5mhz frequency transmitters will no longer be supported after July 2009 due to the FAA changing to the 406mhz frequency use for this service. Therefore, the 121.5mhz transmitters will be obsolete. All aircraft owners are starting to change to the 406 also, since their older 121.5's will be out of date. The 121.5 will still work, and search and rescue units that have the older equipment for finding the 121.5 will still be able to locate you, but they are all changing out their equipment too - so I would caution anyone who is looking at a PLB and make sure it is the new frequency.

2fun

 

[Dam Dave]

The problem with the PLB that is referred to in apache's post is that the the unit transmits to the 121.5mhz frequency, which for now is designated as the frequency for search and rescue - this goes to the AFRCC (Air Force Recscue Coordination Center) and they contact the local search unit that is closest to the signal. However, those 121.5mhz frequency transmitters will no longer be supported after July 2009 due to the FAA changing to the 406mhz frequency use for this service. Therefore, the 121.5mhz transmitters will be obsolete. All aircraft owners are starting to change to the 406 also, since their older 121.5's will be out of date. The 121.5 will still work, and search and rescue units that have the older equipment for finding the 121.5 will still be able to locate you, but they are all changing out their equipment too - so I would caution anyone who is looking at a PLB and make sure it is the new frequency.

2fun

Good info for sure.