Anyone try those "Spot" GPS Messanger systems?

BrianMaguire · 12-24-2008, 09:38 AM

They apparently can send a message, "I am OK" or a 911 Alert with your GPS coordinates. Anyone have one of these?

Erich_870 · 12-24-2008, 10:33 AM

My co-worker has one. He sent me updates when he was on a moose hunt earlier this fall. It worked great up here in the deep valleys away from all civilization and infrastructure so it shouldn't have any trouble in Oregon.

He would send the "Okay" message once he was at his hunting spot for the day and again that evening when he got back to camp.

Erich

Rusty · 12-24-2008, 10:40 AM

I have one and wouldn't leave home without it! Works great for my outdoor travels. VERY CHEAP Insurance and might be a lifesaver as well!

Rusty

Wheels · 12-24-2008, 11:57 AM

I have one and used it on my Colorado Mule Deer hunt this year. Works great. I sent a few "ok" messages to my messengers via e-mail and they were able to click on a Google Maps link that provided a satellite photo and the coordinates of my location.......also with road names, creek names, etc. The only downfall is that you have to program your "ok" and your "help message" prior to going into the field. So, If your stranded (out of gas/broke down) and you press your help button, your messengers will receive your call for help via an e-mail or cell phone (text message) but they wont know exactly what the problem is until they find you.

In other words, if you could type a message on the SPOT device while out in the woods, that would be better. That way whoever was coming to help you would know to bring gas or tools.

The "help" button is for situations where you need help in some way but it is not life threatening. The 911 button is used for serious, life threatening situations.

Anyway, just my experience. I really like it. Could definitely be a lifesaver for those who are in remote areas on occassion. You could even use it on road trips where you don't have cell service and you are in a 911 situation.

Wheels.

Bait O' Eggs · 12-24-2008, 01:09 PM

My buddy got one and I tracked him thru his Idaho hunt.

We had a complicated message sequence set up so we could communcate a bit which was scrapped, and we only went with a few things.

1 Spot - Everything is fine wish you were here
2 Spots in less than an hour - Buck down
3 Spots from the same location (non runway) - Big Buck down, starting to cape
3 Spots from the runway in less than an hour - Call the airport I want out of here

We talked about 2 spots on the hour meaning something, or on the half hour meaning something, etc...

No spots in the evening, meant he was dead or walked off and lost his Spot.

He tried to send some spots and they didnt make it, he tried to send 3 from the runway in less than an hour and only got two of them out, etc...

He had problems telling when it was locked on and the message was sent.

The whole device is not a bad deal by any means, but I hear a better model is not far from coming out.

beardbuster · 12-25-2008, 07:00 AM

I have the first model and it worked great for us. We did the same thing as well. My message states "Checking in, every thing's fine". I had no problem sending the messages when I used it and it stays in my backpack next to my GPS at all times.

dla · 12-29-2008, 03:35 PM

I got one for Father's day and put up a review after 6 months of use. Follow the link in my signature line. Hope the information helps.

Chesapeake · 12-29-2008, 04:00 PM

My wife got me one for christmas. I registered it and tested the OK function. It sent my location to E-mail and texed my wifes cell. On Google earth it was within about 10 feet.

I didnt pay for the Tracking service, just figure I can send an OK message every now and then so if I do break a leg in a deep canyon where it doesnt work they will atleast have a last OK signal to start looking from.

The biggest reason my wife wanted it was for tuna fishing, and my annual wilderness deer hunt.

Etonfish · 08-19-2009, 01:46 PM

Bump

I'm thinking about buying on of these before hunting season. It looks like everyone's reviews are pretty good and the cost is really pretty reasonable.

Has anyone used the tracking feature? Is it worth the extra $50 per year?

Bobberman · 08-19-2009, 02:34 PM

I didn't require the "I'm OK" feature so I went with a PLB. No monthy fees is a nice feature.
I got it from Lurking out Loud and was impressed with the speed of delivery and price.

Turk_E_Killer · 08-19-2009, 02:49 PM

Big 5 has a few of these Spot's around and they are really slow so you might be able to negotiate the price.

ehunter · 08-19-2009, 03:57 PM

Brian Oregonmuley has used his for a couple of years if you PM him unless he see's this he can give some good info. I know he likes his.

Chesapeake · 08-19-2009, 04:00 PM

You dont need to pay for the tracking feature, just hit the OK button alot.

Also in our terain they tend to take a bit to send a message. If it was trying every 15 minutes in our woods it would probably only get a few out an hour anyway.

Mine has always worked for me, though sometimes it takes it a while to get the job done. I just send a message every now and then so if I am delayed they atleast have a general area to start looking from. Its alot better than only having my vehicle parked at a trail head to start loking from.

You can make the "911" and "OK" messages say whatever you want, and you can add or delete contacts as you wish. You can make the message say "big buck down, send the packers" ect......

Its just a GPS and messenger combo that links up through the satelite phone systems, its operation isnt any kind of miraculous thing. Its limited in operation just like a GPS and Sat-tel. Keep your expectations in line with reality and you'll be happy I think. Its not an EPIRB or PLB. DIfferent animal all together.

Chug · 08-19-2009, 04:01 PM

I played with one.. Like the orange, The feel is nice.. but had some Quarks in the blinking light end. Other then that.. good to have.

next Version should be tad better. For what it does, It lets folks know were your at.

Some info: http://www.equipped.org/blog/?p=113

dla · 08-19-2009, 04:03 PM

I'm on my second year with Spot. I like it. The 2nd generation is coming this fall - very improved. 1st generation has been very good for me. Regardless of the hardware, you need the service. You can upgrade the hardware later since they give it away with a 2 year subscription. I personally love the TRACK feature.

Here's some info you might find helpful:
https://sites.google.com/site/hobbyh...er-information

flipperdog · 08-20-2009, 05:12 AM

Works very well, and in the backcountry ya never know!!

Eagleclaw · 08-20-2009, 05:45 AM

Bimart has them on sale Now.... 99.99 after 50.00 rebate

Central OR Bowhunt · 08-20-2009, 05:47 AM

Dont forget....this is a GPS You CANNOT depend your life on it

Etonfish · 08-20-2009, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eagleclaw

Bimart has them on sale Now.... 99.99 after 50.00 rebate

Thanks. I stoped by REI last night and they were $150, but luckily they didn't have any. I'm not close to a bimart, but I think I will make a trip.

divebumor · 08-20-2009, 08:41 AM

According to "SPOT" the 911 feature will work when the message feature will not. I would get all the literature I can on this device. As a former SAR guy I think that I would trust my life with the "SPOT" before an ELB since the ELBs are for I am in trouble now and that is when seconds count. With the "SPOT" I can send a message every so offten and then the SAR guys and gals have somewhere other than my truck to start from.
I really wish I had the extra $ this year to get one since after seeing it at the 2008 Sportsman Show and talking to a rep from the Manufacturer and also to someone that was asked to test it and the give a review at the show and they made it sound like a great device.
As with any piece of electronic equipment be prepared for failure but I think it is well worth the money and I am going to try and get the money before my hunt.
Best of luck in your search.

Chesapeake · 08-20-2009, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by divebumor

According to "SPOT" the 911 feature will work when the message feature will not. I would get all the literature I can on this device. As a former SAR guy I think that I would trust my life with the "SPOT" before an ELB since the ELBs are for I am in trouble now and that is when seconds count. With the "SPOT" I can send a message every so offten and then the SAR guys and gals have somewhere other than my truck to start from.
I really wish I had the extra $ this year to get one since after seeing it at the 2008 Sportsman Show and talking to a rep from the Manufacturer and also to someone that was asked to test it and the give a review at the show and they made it sound like a great device.
As with any piece of electronic equipment be prepared for failure but I think it is well worth the money and I am going to try and get the money before my hunt.
Best of luck in your search.

I'm unsure of your mention of the "911" working when other functions dont. All data out of the SPOT leaves on the same antenna to the same satelite, to the same server. I'm unaware of any other way.

Maybe thier server handles "911" different, but it has to get there first.

With my SPOT it seems to get reception just like my old yellow Garmin E-trex did. I understand this and plan accordingly. My Garmin 530HCX gets reception everywhere, my SPOT does not. If they improve the NEW SPOT to get reception more like the 530HCX then I'll upgrade.

Chug · 08-20-2009, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chesapeake

I'm unsure of your mention of the "911" working when other functions dont. All data out of the SPOT leaves on the same antenna to the same satelite, to the same server. I'm unaware of any other way.

Maybe thier server handles "911" different, but it has to get there first.

With my SPOT it seems to get reception just like my old yellow Garmin E-trex did. I understand this and plan accordingly. My Garmin 530HCX gets reception everywhere, my SPOT does not. If they improve the NEW SPOT to get reception more like the 530HCX then I'll upgrade.

My understanding after reading the Blog on Spot II.. it will have the new GPS antenna. Should be good in the deep dark Timber, or concrete jungle.

Chesapeake · 08-20-2009, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chug

My understanding after reading the Blog on Spot II.. it will have the new GPS antenna. Should be good in the deep dark Timber, or concrete jungle.

I'm a see it to believe it kind of guy. I'll wait for some customer reveiws.

dla · 08-20-2009, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chesapeake

I'm a see it to believe it kind of guy. I'll wait for some customer reveiws.

I'm going to get the 2nd generation when it becomes available and give my 1st gen to my son. I really like the 1st gen, but it doesn't TRACK under canopy. Not a big deal to me, but I've heard the 2nd gen is better. Also the 2nd gen is smaller, lighter and has "boo-boo" covers over the 911 and help buttons. SPOT really listened.

Chesapeake · 08-20-2009, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dla

I'm going to get the 2nd generation when it becomes available and give my 1st gen to my son. I really like the 1st gen, but it doesn't TRACK under canopy. Not a big deal to me, but I've heard the 2nd gen is better. Also the 2nd gen is smaller, lighter and has "boo-boo" covers over the 911 and help buttons. SPOT really listened.

I'll wait for your write up on the new model. I realy liked your write up on the old one. First class. Pretty sure that was yours anyway.

Etonfish · 08-20-2009, 10:37 AM

I called spot to get some more information and thought I would share what they told me.

The new spot will be coming out in a few months, but they don't have a date yet. She said it will have a much more powerful antenna, but she wouldn't say how well it would do in forested areas. She didn't sound to optimistic.

She also told me they are running a promotion for a free spot with the purchase of the basic plus tracking service and a 2 year agreement. Use the code PQ2009 at checkout.

She didn't know whether or not I would be able to upgrade the newer spot onto the service plan, but said there was a 30 day cancellation policy. Sounded like they would know within 30 days what the deal would be, so I went ahead and ordered the spot. Based upon the reports here, I will probably be happy with the old one anyway.

I'll let you guy know what I think in a couple weeks.

Twodogs · 08-20-2009, 04:44 PM

Just a note i got burned on the rebate when i bought mine.
Took 5 months to get a card that told me i needed to go to a rebate web site to get my rebate and that site was a deadend.

Twodogs

thedesertdrifter · 08-20-2009, 07:45 PM

I dont know if I like mine but my wife likes it. she gets the" I am ok "and does not worry and that makes it worth its weight in gold. I get to stay out longer when she is not worried.

srupp · 08-21-2009, 10:58 AM

Interesting read..Central or bowhunt..sorry you are missinformed this is NOT a traditional GPS...it IS an emergency communication device..its sends preprogrammed information to those YOU select..in the IM OK MODE AND HELP MODE..this for when you want to check in..and it DOES give those you send the message to a map with GPS location on it..and a satalight photo can be accessed.

The 911 bypasses your 'contact list" and is for true emergencies and goes to a centre where the appropraiate rescue/help agencies are dispatched

The new generation will be out this fall..

take the unit out place LOGO facing up press on till blinking then press OK till blinking then BOTH will blink in unison leave for 10 minutes greater than 99% success for reception

Steven Rupp

Pro staff I SPOT

B.C. CANADA

Chug · 08-21-2009, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by srupp

Interesting read..Central or bowhunt..sorry you are missinformed this is NOT a traditional GPS...it IS an emergency communication device..its sends preprogrammed information to those YOU select..in the IM OK MODE AND HELP MODE..this for when you want to check in..and it DOES give those you send the message to a map with GPS location on it..and a satalight photo can be accessed.

The 911 bypasses your 'contact list" and is for true emergencies and goes to a centre where the appropraiate rescue/help agencies are dispatched

The new generation will be out this fall..

take the unit out place LOGO facing up press on till blinking then press OK till blinking then BOTH will blink in unison leave for 10 minutes greater than 99% success for reception

Steven Rupp

Pro staff I SPOT

B.C. CANADA

Sounds like you deal with SPots?.

Just a thought.. Or wish. For Spot III
Any way to Plug a Cell phone into unit for external Key board? Like a Mini USB port. With that, just keep your Pre-programed Messages.. Then if your in the field.. Conditions change... Plug in your Cell phone. Re-write the Message.. Turn Cell off.. Hit send on the Spot device.? Walla, Buddy will bring your med's & Pack boards. OR dispatch Officer to your location in low response mode.

would be a dandy feature.. to be able to text on the unit.

Kinda takes the fun out of search & Rescue now. makes finding lost persons easy.

. BUT.. we still have people get lost... I'll just keep SAR pack ready...

srupp · 08-22-2009, 06:55 AM

hmmmm good wish .....wrong system this system is simplex not duplex...

cheers

Steven Rupp

Wheels · 08-22-2009, 09:45 AM

only other problem I see is if you are in an emergent life and death situation and someone is bleeding out, 15 minutes is a long time to wait before the 911 center is finally notified. Although 15 minutes is probably not too bad when you look at the big picture of the entire event. Better than spending multiple nights in the woods, etc. before getting help.

dla · 08-22-2009, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wheels

only other problem I see is if you are in an emergent life and death situation and someone is bleeding out, 15 minutes is a long time to wait before the 911 center is finally notified. Although 15 minutes is probably not too bad when you look at the big picture of the entire event. Better than spending multiple nights in the woods, etc. before getting help.

How long do you think it takes with other systems? I know in Canada, SPOT is actually faster than the COSPAS-SARSAT system. And the problem with cell phone service, besides being non-existent, is that you have to direct the 911 folks to your location - great if they know the area, but they usually deal with urban crisis.

And even if you have a GPS with you, there's no guarantee that the 911 response will also have a gps. Your gps gives coordinates in WGS84 format (decimal) - maps use degrees, minutes, seconds. If your 911-responders don't understand the difference they'll never get within 2 miles of you (this actually happened).

ajfishfinder · 08-22-2009, 05:10 PM

I don't know much about them but the big store up in Lacy has them on sale for $150 with a $150 rebate if you sign up for the contract. Might be worth checking out.

SImudBogger · 08-22-2009, 07:19 PM

$119.99 at sports authority starting tomorrow.

Etonfish · 09-01-2009, 10:59 AM

Here is my review of the Spot. I took it on a fishing trip and a hunting trip this weekend. I used the tracking feature both times.

The Spot worked great on the boat, as long as it was on the back deck. In the cabin, it only got a message out about every hour instead of every 10 minutes. I think next time I will try to find a place closer to the window to set it and see if that work better. While I'm fishing, I didn't mind putting it on the back deck, but I didn't want it there when I was running.

In the woods, the Spot did better than I thought. After reading reviews, I was concerned that it would not be effective in the timber. I placed the Spot in an outer pocket of by backpack and just left it there. It didn't get every message out while I was in the timber, but it got one out at least every 1/2 hour. That's enough to let my family know where I am if I don't return on time and can't get a 911 message out.

The device could be more user friendly. The blinking lights are difficult to figure out at first, and there is no way to confirm a message has actually been sent. Overall, I think its a great devise. I would definitely get the tracking feature. I can't imagine trying to hit the OK button often enough to make sure that a message gets out. The tracking does it ever 10 minutes, so even if you only get out 20% of them, you will have a good track. Plus, I was able to program the OK button with an elk down message. I just wish I could have used it

FYI - Looks like they are now widely offering the spot for free with a service commitment. That seemed like a pretty good deal to me.

Edit: I was very impressed with the accuracy of the Spot. the coordinates which were text messaged to me when I tested the Help button were almost exact (+/- only a few feet) when put into google earth.

Read1t48 · 09-01-2009, 11:10 AM

Cabelas is also offering a $150.00 rebate with a 2 yr. basic subscription. With so much talk of the new version, I'm going to personally wait until later in the fall.

BrianMaguire · 09-01-2009, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Read1t48

Cabelas is also offering a $150.00 rebate with a 2 yr. basic subscription. With so much talk of the new version, I'm going to personally wait until later in the fall.

Do you have a link, I went on Cabelas web site and it says $149.

ehunter · 09-01-2009, 03:58 PM

Its on the back page of the fall master catalog. You have to agree to a 2 year basic and tracking subscription with the mfg I have not idea what that cost?

I think the 2 year agreement on their web page is 199. So your cost to get one is 200?

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrianMaguire

Do you have a link, I went on Cabelas web site and it says $149.

BrianMaguire · 09-01-2009, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ehunter

Its on the back page of the fall master catalog. You have to agree to a 2 year basic and tracking subscription with the mfg I have not idea what that cost?

I think the 2 year agreement on their web page is 199. So your cost to get one is 200?

I think my wife already recycled my catalog. Is there a code or link on the page?

ehunter · 09-01-2009, 06:08 PM

There is no number but there is a code# SK-101-Z

I think if you called them they would give it to you over the phone this offer is listed on the Spot home page to most of their retailers.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrianMaguire

I think my wife already recycled my catalog. Is there a code or link on the page?

BrianMaguire · 09-01-2009, 08:30 PM

OK Guys and Gals here is the scoop: the $50 rebate is bogus from cabelas, you can get them for $99 at REI but if you are planning on signing up for a 2 year plan the cabelas deal is the way to go. http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/co...ate_123109.pdf
I DID find that you can get the free tracking by entering the code: "thumpertalk23" for 1 year free. http://www.findmespot.com/thumpertalk

I got one and only opted for the 1 year plan beacuse the new model is comming out late in the fall. I need it now so I got one for now, no need to wait for how little they really are and the value they bring.

Rank Amateur · 09-02-2009, 07:07 AM

Can anybody verify the 2 year plan cost?