Spot Satallite Messenger

[suziq]

Hi Everyone,
 
  I saw an article on a " Spot Satellite Messenger "  today & was wondering if any one  out there  has one or have heard of them. If so what is your opinion on them
   
Cheers
Sue.

[Myst]

Hey Sue, tries one a couple of years ago and wasn't for me. Had real issues getting a signal in cloud cover or smoke, and battery life was poor. Handy to be able to send pre determined messages to loved ones though.

Have gone to a true epirb/plb and sat phone if headed remote.

Have heard that the delorme in reach' is great, might be worth a look

[V8100]

Yes my parents used one while travelling aust.  Sent us an email each night of there lat long position think they are well worth it.

Eddy

[CRW]

Hi Sue

Have used on for three years, never a problem with signal came rain hail or shine, cloud fog or smoke is not a problem, had the ability to sent tracks and progress back to 10 people as well as a set SMS to Either 10 mobile no or email addresses as required, great little machine


Cheers
Carl
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

[Tim - Stratford]

We've got them back in our work 4WD's. I've had mixed success with them. One doesn't seem to lock on to satellites for long before it drops out and loses sync. The other one (in a different vehicle) seems to work well, staying in sync and being able to be seen on Google maps. We have them on a RAM mount attached to the windscreen but have used them attached to our packs when out on foot. (Luckily it was the good one that fell off a pack a while back - we 'found' it on Google and a mate had to walk back in to get it a few days later  )

Tim

[SteveandViv]

I think it depends on what you think you need it for. If you feel the need to communicate with others daily then it maybe what you need. If it is for emergency reasons then I would be going with an Epirb. If your really remote then a Sat phone allows you to SMS as well which is what we used.

[fuji]

We've got them back in our work 4WD's. I've had mixed success with them. One doesn't seem to lock on to satellites for long before it drops out and loses sync. The other one (in a different vehicle) seems to work well, staying in sync and being able to be seen on Google maps. We have them on a RAM mount attached to the windscreen but have used them attached to our packs when out on foot. (Luckily it was the good one that fell off a pack a while back - we 'found' it on Google and a mate had to walk back in to get it a few days later  )

Tim

Amazing the department actually care about you guys by buying you proper gear.

[Andrew_C]

The  :police:S + R guys turned up at a search the other day with a pelican case full of them.

[Jaysea]

I think it depends on what you think you need it for. If you feel the need to communicate with others daily then it maybe what you need. If it is for emergency reasons then I would be going with an Epirb. If your really remote then a Sat phone allows you to SMS as well which is what we used.

I agree. You really need to decide your use  I like mine as it suits my travelling. Works well.  The only time I have lost satellite was when I took it for a walk deep into a gorge in the mountains.  Apart from that never had an issue with unit.  I purchased it primarily so my family new where I was each day when travelling solo for an extended period.   As it is only one way communication if I was spending a lot of time remote locations I would get a sat phone but my use just could not justify it.  If you believe the web comments get the spot 3 as it is simple as compared to the one linked to your mobile which appears to have lots of syncing issues.

[Tim - Stratford]

Amazing the department actually care about you guys by buying you proper gear.

That reminds me of a good story........it'll have to wait to Knockwood... 

[Tuco]

Have had our SPOT Messenger about 18 months. So far have been really happy with its performance - especially in poor weather conditions where we do have solar power problems. The SPOT seems to find satellites better than the solar panels grab energy.

We don't use the tracking function and the unit is normally off in the glovebox. We use it whenever we have set up camp in a new location and let the SPOT system do its thing and notify our family and selected friends of out current location.
Also have set to auto add our position to our Facebook page - where all our FB friends ca see exactly where we are if they are interested. Can also be used with Twitter if wanted as well.

I also add the current location to our SPOT Adventures page.

http://www.findmespot.com/spotadventures/index.php/view_adventure?tripid=319815
Click, zoom and drag the map and change to full Google Satellite view - magic!

Very happy, and it does have the ability to raise full S&R in the event of a life and death situation ....

[speedcomm]

I've got a 3rd gen Spot, and think it is the ducks guts, I use mine on the equator in the central pacific where there isn't even meant to be coverage full stop and it works a treat, I use it to log our fishing trips, I'm still on the original batteries that came with the unit at Christmas time, can't believe the battery life. I use it on tracking mode, attach it to the roof of the boat in the morning and grab it off in the late arvo. I'm using the Spot app on my iphone to view the tracks. The 3rd Gen is a fair step up from the 1st and 2nd Generation units, well worth getting.

[ATC]

Im on my second Spot Connect device.

Would move to the new 3rd gen but the Connect is still working.
Talking to the guys in Johny Appleseed GPS a few days ago (where I brought the last ones) the new one has great battery life, and better sync with iPhone / android.

A mate and I share it when doing long trips etc...
He drives a land rover, defender so there is a pre programmed message "The hood is up" when he has mechanical difficulties.

Would I buy one again, yes, but would consider some of the new options like the Delorm, or a Sat Phone.

Currently it suits what I need and the price point was good, I buy the bundle with a few hundred messages included, and the track logging. I'm sure they are making money out of me, but I pay a fee for the 12 months, with no monthly extras.

ATC

[Wortho]

There is also the Spot Hug to help you track down your Trailer, Caravan or boat if stolen.
http://www.findmespot.ca/en/index.php?cid=113

Cheers
Mark

[GraemeL]

I have been trying to decide on one of these as well.

I have read plenty of posts about people who are unhappy with the spot, i am guessing it isn't the new one but the older models.

I like the In Reach because it is a two way communicator so you at least know if they got the message and help is on it's way. It is also on the Iridium network which is supposed to be much better as far as coverage goes.

The overall price for the In Reach is dearer though, but that is to be expected for something that has more options.

[deepop]

I've got one (spot 2) and have used it for a few years now.   Generally very happy with it and like the portability too.   Have had it out 4WDing and then taking it on bush walks and out riding the Mt. bike as well.   

Will also take it when riding the dirt bike if I can find time to get back on it.   

Don't know anything about other units on the market.

[cyberess]

How about the "InReach 2-way Satellite Communicator"?   http://www.alwaysinreach.com.au/   

I had my eye on one for a while, but the subscription  or satellite plan fees seem a bit high.
$20 or $33 or $50 per month, seems a little high

http://www.alwaysinreach.com.au/index.php/component/content/article/11-service/15-rates?%20%20%20%20option=com_content

 

[GraemeL]

That's the one I am looking at getting, it allows for 2 way communication, so in the event of an emergency you would know what is happening, instead of wondering.