Spot

[sailortjk1]

Anybody have any feedback on the SPOT location/tracking device?

Spot Messenger > Home


Looks like you can get them for about $150 which is a lot cheaper than most EPIRB devices. Why would they be priced so much lower than an EPIRB?

I know that on top of the original purchase price that you have to pay a yearly subscribtion and that price differs on the types of services you require.

I guess if you figure they original price plus the yearly subsciption price, that eventually the price would surpass the price of an EPIRB, but they seem to have more features. I understand they can even be used with Google Earth for family members to track your every move.

Any comments would be appreciated.
I am thinking of going this route.
Please if this subject has already been discussed, point me to the thread,
I searched and could not find any.
ThankX,

[AjariBonten]

OH, I thought this was another "Sailing With Dogs" thread ...................

They look interesting; but there is no way they would replace the need for an EPIRB. I don't think they automatically call for help across the board they only contact certain things, right?

Not like an EPIRB which is more like a distress/tracking beacon.

I know, don't flame me guys, my analogies are WAY weak this morning, but I think my premise is valid.

[Freesail99]

OH, I thought this was another "Sailing With Dogs" thread ...................

I was thinking the same thing. But to answer the question, I don't think you should try and replace Eprib with the spot messenger. But the spot messenger would be a great way to keep in contact with friends and family at home.

[rennisaint]

Seems like a neat technology, but check out the coverage map; if you are planning on doing any bluewater cruising you would be up the creek. I'd say it'd be great to use as a way to keep people in contact with you, but definitely not a very valid replacement for an EPIRB. I would consider taking this on hiking and mountaineering trips though, since right now I don't carry any emergency signaling, it'd definitely be a step up.

[sailingdog]

The coverage map has lots of dead spots, and while it is a useful device for keeping friends and family informed of where you are and that you're okay, IMHO, it isn't anywhere close to being a replacement for an EPIRB.

[sailortjk1]

I see that they have a 9-1-1 feature that alerts emergecy agencies with your exact location. This includes the coast guard.
I will check the coverage area, I should have stated, I am only inquiring about the great lakes region.
From their Web page.......



ALERT 9-1-1: Use this function In the event of a life threatening or other critical emergency to notify emergency services of your exact location and that you need assistance. The GEOS International Emergency Response Center alerts the appropriate agencies worldwide – for example contacting 9-1-1 responders in North America and 1-1-2 responders in Europe.
How It Works:

Once activated, SPOT will acquire its exact coordinates from the GPS network, and send that location along with a distress message to a GEOS International Emergency Response Center every five minutes until cancelled. The Emergency Response Center notifies the appropriate emergency responders based on your location and personal information – which may include local police, highway patrol, the Coast Guard, our country’s embassy or consulate, or other emergency response or search and rescue teams – as well as notifying your emergency contact person(s) about the receipt of a distress signal.

[Freesail99]

For the 911 feature, it may be better then nothing at all.

[teshannon]

I posted a thread on the Spot some time ago and got a lot of good input. You might try searching for that thread. Not designed to replace an EPIRB, just keep friends informed of your progress.

[sailortjk1]

I tried a seach and came up with a bunch of unrelated crap.
Te, do you remeber about when?

[teshannon]

Sail,
Within the past 2 months. If you click on my name and go to view all posts you should find it. If not let me know and I'll try.