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03/19/2009 11:34:34 PM · #1 |
I do not work for this company or paid personnel. I just think it is a GREAT device!!
Promotion March 18th-27th
If anyone out there is looking for extra safety when hiking, biking, hunting, fishing, boating, shooting in remote locations or for peace of mind when out and about, look into this.
This is about SPOT, a satellite transceiver that can be used for fun, tracking progress, keeping family updated, used to get help from friends, or even to notify 911 if you are in need of help. Made for "adventurers" who are out of cell phone reach, but could also be good for in car, etc (ie: snowed in, accident, etc)
I have one, and have been playing with it a little this winter. Placing "marks" that people with internet access can see where I am at and how I am doing on a webpage. You can download those points also for any home mapping system also (or GPS).
they are having basically a half price sale. You buy the service for a year, and you get the hardware free (you keep it, no matter, if you don't resign up next year). Service is $150 (for this particular promotion-there are cheaper packages) and you get the SPOT (I got mine for $180 at REI) for free! Good deal.
the promotion link is at
//www.findmespot.com/robby/
Promo code Gordon23
the rest of the website will give you more info.
Message edited by author 2009-03-19 23:49:44.
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03/20/2009 01:32:53 AM · #2 |
I've actually looked at this device before. I frequently do extended solo trips into the backcountry, and it would provide some peace of mind for myself and everybody. I've heard really mixed reviews for it's ability to actually send in mixed terrain, especially having to do with tree cover and steep terrain. The update function is nice, but I've read reviews that loved ones actually became MORE concerned when they didn't get the ten updates per day because of mixed sending luck. IE, you miss one update and it's thought you're in trouble.
I think the updating thing can be kinda cool though. On the OTHER hand... you can get the same functionality from other beacons without the "message" service, so it's purely a safety tool. Take the ACR Electronics Microfix 406 PLB with GPS- same concept and uses standardized beacon technology used by all SAR and Coast Guard etc. It seems insanely expensive at 600, but you don't ever pay for anything other than batteries.
Me? I don't have either as I'm paralyzed by my options :)
It is a good deal though, and makes a better argument for the device cost wise. |
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03/20/2009 01:47:26 AM · #3 |
I have not had a problem with any sending. I heard all that too, so I tested it. I marked times when sent while hiking in tree covered and mountainous area. then compared it to what the website said. the longest lag was a 10 minute interval while I was under heavy forest (and my GPS wasn't getting good reception either).
I have done a few other tests while at home and haven't seen a problem yet., with missing data.
Reading instructions helps, which seem what the biggest problem with the device and users is. It has a built in antenna that "works better when the device is flat" not in an upright position. People apparently expect it to send right when they press the button. just like a GPS it still has to acquire the satellites, and if going from a cold start, that may take a little time (watch a cold started GPS to see this).
All in all, VERY happy (and more so is the boys mother). I didn't purchase the auto update thing/tracking part when I joined. I figured I would save batteries and just manually update at rest stops, etc. Have it available IF I EVER NEED IT.
And yes there are other beacons, and they are way ass expensive!!
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03/20/2009 02:05:45 AM · #4 |
| Ha. I didn't even realize you were from Greeley. Since I might know the areas, being from Fort Collins, where have you specifically used it? I prefer map and compass, but that doesn't help a ton in a whiteout. And yeah, I know what you're saying about using it correctly, but some reviewers had instances where it wouldn't sync and their GPS had no problem syncing for location. Instructions for complex devices are often ignored. I'm pretty confident that's the only reason some products get negative reviews in the first place. |
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03/20/2009 02:15:23 AM · #5 |
Our experience with SPOT involved having the unit mounted to the motorcycle during the 2007 Baja 1000 off-road race.
During the race, it was used to keep all team chase trucks and relay riders advised of the race vehicle's location with a signal every 10 minutes. Procedurally, I monitored the SPOT web page (at my home in Northern California). Using the Lat/Long data, I entered it in a GPS mapping program on which the race course was plotted. I then emailed the course location to satellite phones rented for this purpose. When trouble occurred, the normal tracking message was replaced with a "help" message, and then, later, with an "OK" message. Additionally, it was setup to email me the tracking data messages.
The point is, it performed very reliably and since then, whenever we travel and ride in Baja, it is an essential piece of equipment. |
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03/20/2009 01:32:19 PM · #6 |
Originally posted by spiritualspatula:
where have you specifically used it? |
I have used it in Rocky Mountain National Park, on Cub Lake Trail, Fern Lake Trail, up by Bear Lake, all the way up the Thompson, Poudre, and Rist Canyons, back through Stove Prairie Rd to forest roads back there, and Golden Gate Park.
I always have map and compass too. but this is not a GPS...it sends OUT signals, GPS only receives.
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