Spot

[Veedy]

Who's got one ? and what do you think of it ?

Any other opinions ?

http://www.findmespot.com:80/explorespot/spotmessenger.aspx

 

[sledskiing]

I have it. It's great... I even integrated it into my sled forum www.sledmods.com. That way anybody it let's everybody know if you are in need of help.

Highly recommended

 

[SnowBigDeal]

We've got one and we sell them.

I like the spot and I like the tracking feature; however, I think their website is in need of some serious help. I talked to the rep and they are working on releasing a better website that is more user-friendly and allows people to see where you are without having to login to your personal account.

It's also great for long road trips so other people can see where you are without having to call & ask.

 

[live2ride]

My parents have one, and it is nice to know where they are at. They live in the mtns, and don't have great cell service or a land line. So far they use it when they go out and ride snowmobiles/snowcat or traveling.

 

[Joe Mama]

I think my wife would enjoy the piece of mind with the tracking feature.

 

[jp@weknowsnow]

We've got one and we sell them.

I like the spot and I like the tracking feature; however, I think their website is in need of some serious help. I talked to the rep and they are working on releasing a better website that is more user-friendly and allows people to see where you are without having to login to your personal account.

It's also great for long road trips so other people can see where you are without having to call & ask.

already done.. http://findmespot.weknowsnow.com

 

[Hooge]

Anybody sell these in Canada? If so how much$$$$$

Thanks

 

[txsnowmobile]

Spot works great used my while sledding in CO. this month and my family in TX. could track our trips every day and I could send them a OK message to let them know that we got home safe.

 

[BroT]

Bit "spotty"

I have one and yes, it does give my wife peace of mind. However, you need to mount them so they have direct access to the sky. I keep mine in my pack and only get about 10 tracks after a full day of riding (should send a track every 10 mins).

Also, have found that really heavy snow will screw with the signal.

That said, I am glad I spent the money.

BroT

 

[jp@weknowsnow]

would love some help testing the 1st API release...! PM me if you've got a SPOT and you are gnarskii....

ttt

 

[Veedy]

Anybody sell these in Canada? If so how much$$$$$

Thanks

http://www.radioworld.ca/

Can anyone explain the main features of this unit ? The website is kinda vague. Can you communicate with it, or is it just a tracking system ?

 

[Veedy]

nevermind..... lol

SPOT is the world’s first satellite messenger. SPOT sends your exact GPS coordinates and selected messages over commercial satellites to tell others of your location and status.
SPOT works around the world, independently of cellular networks.
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
Ask for Help – Request help from friends and family in your exact location
Check In – Let contacts know where you are and that you’re OK
Track Progress – Send and save your location and allow contacts to track your progress using Google Maps™ and Google Earth™
SPOT uses the GPS satellite system to determine a user’s location and the SPOT satellite network to transmit that location and the user’s status.
The SPOT satellite network is a commercial satellite network with a proven 99.4% reliability rate while processing over 6 million messages a month – the equivalent of 2.3 messages per second.
Product Specifications

Satellite coverage works around the world, independently of cellular systems, with outstanding reliability.
7.37 ounces
More affordable and more functional than Personal Locator Beacons (PLB), cellular-based GPS trackers, and comparable handheld devices.
Optional features include automatic tracking service (SPOTcasting) and guaranteed extraction service for countries or regions with non-responsive emergency services.
Coverage
SPOT works around the world, including virtually all of North America, Europe and Australia, portions of South America, Northern Africa and Northeastern Asia, and hundreds or thousands of miles offshore of these areas.

Battery Life
Includes 2 AA 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
Operating Altitude: -300 feet to +21,000 feet
Floats in water
Waterproof to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes
Humidity Rated:
MIL-STD-810E Method 507.3, 95% to 100% condensing
Salt Fog Rated
Per MIL_STD 810E Method 509.3, 5% NaCl, 95% distilled water
Vibration
Per SAE J1455
Random, 20 Hz to 2000 Hz, 0.04g2/Hz, one hour per axis
Subscription service please visit www.findmespot.com for details and pricing plans. Service expected to commence November 1st 2007

 

[RMK7SledHead]

Don't yet, but will own one prior to hunting season this year. Gave up my dual band (analog/digital) phone for a strictly digital one, so no more contact out in the boondocks. When hunting alone for 7-10 days, I gotta let people know I'm ok. Spot seems to be the best (read cheapest and consistent) answer I can come up with.

 

[MARCUSO]

It's a fantastic device.
especially if you are out of cell phone range.
There are many many dealers in Canada.

 

[GODEEP]

The ok button only works maybe 1 time out of 6 when I use it. something wierd there. anyone else have this happen?

 

[Throttle-Up]

Anybody sell these in Canada? If so how much$$$$$

Thanks

We do and we have some left! Clicky below

 

[sled_guy]

The ok button only works maybe 1 time out of 6 when I use it. something wierd there. anyone else have this happen?

Yup, that's my experience as well.

I've had one for a month or so that I got from the snowbigdeal.com guys. It works great when driving. The OK feature works pretty good when in the truck, but when out riding I have seen the 1 in 6 thing as well.

I've been putting it in my handlebar bag for tracking and it picks up about 1/2 of the tracks... which figuring I'm in trees and such that doesn't seem too bad.

It's a cool device. The website SUCKS!!! and is very hard for my wife to figure out.

sled_guy

 

[donbrown]

Any more feedback on this unit? Are they still unreliable with 1/6 button press working?

Where can I get a deal on them?

 

[Ollie]

Glad this got put up.
I am looking at this unit for next season.
What are the various costs with it?
I know it listed 3 different costs for different types of service, but are there any "hidden" or extra charges. I.e., if you use it over X times the cost goes up type of thing.

 

[Sheriff]

nevermind..... lol

SPOT is the world’s first satellite messenger. SPOT sends your exact GPS coordinates and selected messages over commercial satellites to tell others of your location and status.
SPOT works around the world, independently of cellular networks.
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
Ask for Help – Request help from friends and family in your exact location
Check In – Let contacts know where you are and that you’re OK
Track Progress – Send and save your location and allow contacts to track your progress using Google Maps™ and Google Earth™
SPOT uses the GPS satellite system to determine a user’s location and the SPOT satellite network to transmit that location and the user’s status.
The SPOT satellite network is a commercial satellite network with a proven 99.4% reliability rate while processing over 6 million messages a month – the equivalent of 2.3 messages per second.
Product Specifications

Satellite coverage works around the world, independently of cellular systems, with outstanding reliability.
7.37 ounces
More affordable and more functional than Personal Locator Beacons (PLB), cellular-based GPS trackers, and comparable handheld devices.
Optional features include automatic tracking service (SPOTcasting) and guaranteed extraction service for countries or regions with non-responsive emergency services.
Coverage
SPOT works around the world, including virtually all of North America, Europe and Australia, portions of South America, Northern Africa and Northeastern Asia, and hundreds or thousands of miles offshore of these areas.

Battery Life
Includes 2 AA 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
Operating Altitude: -300 feet to +21,000 feet
Floats in water
Waterproof to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes
Humidity Rated:
MIL-STD-810E Method 507.3, 95% to 100% condensing
Salt Fog Rated
Per MIL_STD 810E Method 509.3, 5% NaCl, 95% distilled water
Vibration
Per SAE J1455
Random, 20 Hz to 2000 Hz, 0.04g2/Hz, one hour per axis
Subscription service please visit www.findmespot.com for details and pricing plans. Service expected to commence November 1st 2007

Sounds great Veedy, but will it find the G-Spot?... if so I will take a couple