Spot - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

10/18/2009 02:14:56 AM · #5

There are some other people on here that use those. For the record, products like this ACR transponder are a far far far more proven and reliable technology.
They cost more to begin with, but I've talked to a lot of people who had problems with the SPOT rebate (never got it and never got a response back) and that doesn't mesh with me customer service wise when it comes to an emergency transponder. The service fees add up quick too.

Niten

Canon EOS-20D

10/18/2009 11:11:20 AM · #6

Originally posted by spiritualspatula:

I don't see a price for the annual service. Does that mean there isn't one? It looks like a good item. It has a beacon signal that could bring them right to you. Sometimes GPS cords are off and would only get help real close. In fact this guy Thursday had sent 2 signals with cords and appeared that he had moved a short ways. He did not move, he was laying in cold water.(at least some I dont know how much was in the water but he was there for 6 hours before they got to him. They had to carry him out to a heli. He fell at 2pm and was on the heli at 10am. Busted up but alive.

MikeO

Fujifilm x100

10/18/2009 11:44:44 AM · #7

Originally posted by Bear_Music:

Steve Davidson could have used one of these :-)

R.

Yeh, I remember that episode. That was some 'adventure'

dacrazyrn

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

10/18/2009 01:16:29 PM · #8

Originally posted by spiritualspatula:

There are some other people on here that use those. For the record, products like this ACR transponder are a far far far more proven and reliable technology.

Sources????
SPOT and PLB's are 2 different things in the first place. PLB is only gonna be used once, it is GPS and radio beacon enabled, you cannot change the battery, has a stronger signal (last I checked). SPOT is all GPS, can be used ALL the time for different pursuits, less powerful (not sure about the new one-but would still think so).
Personally, the SPOT has worked for me 100%, but I have not used the 911 system either. tested all the rest over the last year without fail (CO mountains and UT canyons). Most problems people have with SPOT is operator error. They don't read the instruction manual...go figure. People expect these things to be instant access, like their stupid cellphone. Even Sat phones may take a few minutes. Know the features AND limitations for any device you have.
I got my rebate within 2 months (pretty fast considering others I have gotten)
I have the "old version" and will be getting a "loyalty upgrade" for the new MORE POWERFUL and more features SPOT.

10/20/2009 12:34:45 AM · #9

Originally posted by dacrazyrn:

Originally posted by spiritualspatula:
There are some other people on here that use those. For the record, products like this ACR transponder are a far far far more proven and reliable technology.

Sources????
SPOT and PLB's are 2 different things in the first place. PLB is only gonna be used once, it is GPS and radio beacon enabled, you cannot change the battery, has a stronger signal (last I checked). SPOT is all GPS, can be used ALL the time for different pursuits, less powerful (not sure about the new one-but would still think so).
Personally, the SPOT has worked for me 100%, but I have not used the 911 system either. tested all the rest over the last year without fail (CO mountains and UT canyons). Most problems people have with SPOT is operator error. They don't read the instruction manual...go figure. People expect these things to be instant access, like their stupid cellphone. Even Sat phones may take a few minutes. Know the features AND limitations for any device you have.
I got my rebate within 2 months (pretty fast considering others I have gotten)
I have the "old version" and will be getting a "loyalty upgrade" for the new MORE POWERFUL and more features SPOT.

You said yourself that the PLB is stronger; therefore more effective for transmitting in difficult scenarios. That's the source. I never said they were the same thing, but if I'm worried about something saving my ass, I wouldn't go with the weaker signal. Secondly, PLB's have been used in a S&R application for years and years. I trust SARSAT 406MHz over comm. satellites. Their track record is long and successful. I'm not saying SPOT is faulty; I'm saying it doesn't have the long record behind it.
I agree a lot of problems people have had has been due to user malfunction, but I've also talked to numerous people who had issues with it not acquiring a signal when the SPOT was in the open, unobstructed, and with typical tree cover.
The SPOT has a lot of nice features to it, I agree. It's more useful than a PLB, to be honest, because it has more functions. However, for me, I would only be using it to save my ass in a "I'm screwed moment" and I want something that is designed for that, and only that, and has been used for years just for that purpose.

For

Niten, the user fees I was referencing were for the SPOT. PLB's do not have service fees. They do have expensive batteries every 5 (for ACR at least) years, however. It's rumored ACR will replace your battery for free if you need to activate it for an emergency, but I'm not sure one that one.

dacrazyrn

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

10/20/2009 01:26:36 AM · #10

thing was only launched in Dec 2007. Reported 250 rescues so far. Not bad. They should get creative like the gubment with that. "Over 10 million unlost and saved." hehehee.
The ACR's warranty can be voided if YOU change the battery also. just a note.
I actually prefer to not rely on anything to save my ass, but me. SPOT helps my 7 yr olds mother not worry about us going out into "the backcountry." Great for 4-wheelin, too. Bust an axle...can send Help signal to a friend for parts, tow, etc.

10/20/2009 01:41:37 AM · #11

Yeah I know it's new. That's my whole point. I'd trust something more established for that utility.
I'm currently the same way- prefer not to have one. If you're getting lost you probably were unprepared for the scenario in the first place, and shouldn't be relying on some electronic device to be your safety. I've been considering one because I mostly solo, including some class IV stuff, and there's always that chance...
but realistically if you fall on something like that you're screwed anyway (dead).

The SPOT does have good uses, just not ones I'm all that interested in.
I've heard both sides of the spectrum, from dodgey to great, so I'm waiting for a more definitive answer before I get one so my girlfriend can follow me along on the map :)

jbsmithana

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor 12-24mm f/4.0G IF-ED

10/20/2009 01:53:39 AM · #12

The Spot has some uses but in my opinion is far down the list for survival.

You need to first have the proper backcountry training in survival, orienteering, first aid, and the like. Then you need to be properly equipped and carry what you need with you and know how to use it. Lastly you should not be out there alone unless you are very experienced and well equipped.

My fear is something like this encourages people to take chances and put themselves in situations they are not trained to handle.

With that said it is just another tool but one that provides an added benefit of allowing someone to track you which could be handy at times. But it does not replace the fact that you better know where you are and how to survive if caught out longer than expected.

10/20/2009 01:57:22 AM · #13

Originally posted by jbsmithana:

Ditto. GPS devices have done the same thing. I was just talking to a guy who had no idea how to triangulate or read a map or any basic orienteering skills because he relied exclusively on his GPS.

jbsmithana

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor 12-24mm f/4.0G IF-ED

10/20/2009 02:06:18 AM · #14

Originally posted by spiritualspatula:

Originally posted by jbsmithana:
The Spot has some uses but in my opinion is far down the list for survival.

You need to first have the proper backcountry training in survival, orienteering, first aid, and the like. Then you need to be properly equipped and carry what you need with you and know how to use it. Lastly you should not be out there alone unless you are very experienced and well equipped.

My fear is something like this encourages people to take chances and put themselves in situations they are not trained to handle.

With that said it is just another tool but one that provides an added benefit of allowing someone to track you which could be handy at times. But it does not replace the fact that you better know where you are and how to survive if caught out longer than expected.

Ditto. GPS devices have done the same thing. I was just talking to a guy who had no idea how to triangulate or read a map or any basic orienteering skills because he relied exclusively on his GPS.

Yup. I love my GPS but unless you know how to transfer that info to a map, for that matter carry a topo map and know how to read it, it is next to worthless. Anything that works on batteries can and will eventually fail in the wild, especially if it is cold. Like I said I love my GPS and it's track back features but I know I can figure out where I am and where I need to go with just a map and compass also.

Niten

Canon EOS-20D

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

10/20/2009 11:56:26 AM · #15

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dacrazyrn