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SPOT Satellite Messenger and Tracker

 
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windymesa





Joined: 06 Jan 2004
Posts: 76
Location: Peoria, Arizona

PostPosted: 12/4/2007, 3:46 pm    Post subject: SPOT Satellite Messenger and Tracker Reply to topic Reply with quote

I was wondering if anyone has purchased and used the new SPOT Satellite Messenger and Tracker... available now at REI for around $150 ... considerably cheaper than the Personal Locator Beacons. If so, what do you think of the unit?

http://www.globalcomsatphone.com/spot/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=PPC
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Davis2001R6





Joined: 12 Dec 2003
Posts: 5591
Location: Italy

PostPosted: 12/4/2007, 5:18 pm    Post subject: Reply to topic Reply with quote

I like the unit and the price, just not the service contract. $150 a year for unlimited usage.

I guess it is cheap compared to buying a PLB though.
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Suz





Joined: 27 Nov 2005
Posts: 3186

PostPosted: 12/4/2007, 6:43 pm    Post subject: Reply to topic Reply with quote

that's actually very cool!
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windymesa





Joined: 06 Jan 2004
Posts: 76
Location: Peoria, Arizona

PostPosted: 12/5/2007, 12:52 pm    Post subject: Reply to topic Reply with quote

Here is a better information site : http://www.findmespot.com/

Basically, the costs are as follows:

1.) The initial unit cost is $150

2.) $100 a year fee for:
ALERT 9-1-1:
Dispatch emergency responders to your exact location. Unlimited usage included.
CHECK IN:
Let contacts know where you are and that you’re okay. Unlimited usage included.
ASK FOR HELP:
Request help from friends and family at your exact location. Unlimited usage included.

3.) Upgrade Services:
TRACK PROGRESS:
$49.99/yr USD Tracking Upgrade Option
Send and save your location and allow contacts to track your progress using Google Maps™.
GEOS Search & Rescue Benefit
$7.95/yr USD (if purchased at initial activation. $150.00 USD afterwards)
Provides up to $100,000 USD of additional search and rescue resources, including helicopter extraction around the world and reimbursement benefits – underwritten by Lloyd’s of London – for any emergency service expenses incurred. For more information, including terms and conditions, visit http://www.geosalliance.com/sar

hhhmmmm........ wonder if they would rescue me from an "Antarctica Adventure Cruise" Say What?
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Shawn
I'll sell you map to Lost Dutchman mine!




Joined: 03 Jan 2003
Posts: 2592
Location: Ahwatukee, AZ

PostPosted: 12/5/2007, 2:59 pm    Post subject: Reply to topic Reply with quote

To quote my son when he was waaay to young to know what he was saying,

"It's a f%$#@&% miracle."

Ain't technology grand.
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The bear went over the mountain to see what he could see.
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windymesa





Joined: 06 Jan 2004
Posts: 76
Location: Peoria, Arizona

PostPosted: 12/6/2007, 4:46 pm    Post subject: Reply to topic Reply with quote

I bought it at Cabela's last night, set it up, and tested it out....
...... it really is a f%$#@&% miracle.
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GTG
Was lost but now am found




Joined: 30 Dec 2002
Posts: 2387
Location: Peoria, Arizona, originally from Rocket City, USA

PostPosted: 12/6/2007, 4:59 pm    Post subject: Reply to topic Reply with quote

Time to go get lost now? Only true way to test it maybe? Laughing

GTG
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Davis2001R6





Joined: 12 Dec 2003
Posts: 5591
Location: Italy

PostPosted: 12/6/2007, 5:04 pm    Post subject: Reply to topic Reply with quote

Let me know how you like. I take it your going to get the unlimited tracking on it too right?
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windymesa





Joined: 06 Jan 2004
Posts: 76
Location: Peoria, Arizona

PostPosted: 12/7/2007, 9:29 am    Post subject: Reply to topic Reply with quote

Yes...I did get the unlimited tracking option for at least the first year to test it out.... that's about 5 bucks more a month.. which means I substitute Bud Light for my favored Blue Moon draft drink up .

I'm lost most the time, but it won't help me find myself... there is no lat/long readout or map of your location like what you get with a Garmin GPSMap 76 or Garmin Etrex for example. It only sends your location to other people so they can find you, or your body.

The tracking would give me a "track" of my route... which I don't care about... I can get that from my GPS.... but it would 1.) give my family a good guess as to the final location of my body in case I don't have time to push the 911 button before I get hit with the rock slide.... give them closure... speed up the insurance payment.. etc. Smile and 2.) Share your travels in real time with family and friends who are wondering where oh where in the Wind River Range you are tonite. Say What?

I will let you know how it works out. Beer
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Davis2001R6





Joined: 12 Dec 2003
Posts: 5591
Location: Italy

PostPosted: 12/7/2007, 10:09 am    Post subject: Reply to topic Reply with quote

Quote:

I'm lost most the time, but it won't help me find myself... there is no lat/long readout or map of your location like what you get with a Garmin GPSMap 76 or Garmin Etrex for example. It only sends your location to other people so they can find you, or your body.


That brings up a good point. Why haven't they just combined a GPS and a PLB/Spot tracker thing. The technology is definitely out there, maybe next year.
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Shawn
I'll sell you map to Lost Dutchman mine!




Joined: 03 Jan 2003
Posts: 2592
Location: Ahwatukee, AZ

PostPosted: 12/7/2007, 12:07 pm    Post subject: Reply to topic Reply with quote

windymesa wrote:
2.) Share your travels in real time with family and friends who are wondering where oh where in the Wind River Range you are tonite.

All this assumes, of course, that you actually show up at the trail head when the opportunity is presented.
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