Does your Spot transmit at random intervals?

pierre smith · #1 10-10-2009, 02:48 PM

I just installed it on Thursday and while tracking my wife back from the coast, it shows a transmit and as long as 30 minutes before the next ID and then 12 minutes at other times. Is this normal?

Thanks,

L.Adamson · #2 10-10-2009, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pierre smith

I just installed it on Thursday and while tracking my wife back from the coast, it shows a transmit and as long as 30 minutes before the next ID and then 12 minutes at other times. Is this normal?

Ours always falls in the 9-12 minute bracket. Usually within seconds of 10 minutes. We do have to push the OK button for a good 10 seconds after the unit is on...........though. That's for the larger orange model.

L.Adamson --- RV6A

snowbird · #3 10-10-2009, 03:47 PM

It should transmit ever 10 minutes in track mode. Give it as clear a view of the sky as you can, the antennas are under the SPOT logo. To put the unit in track mode you press the "check" button until the light goes out. It will then start flashing and stay in track mode for 24 hours.
I always send a check message to my own cell phone to confirm the functioning, then recycle the power and put the unit in track mode for the flight.

rvbuilder2002 · #4 10-10-2009, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snowbird

It should transmit ever 10 minutes in track mode. Give it as clear a view of the sky as you can, the antennas are under the SPOT logo. To put the unit in track mode you press the "check" button until the light goes out. It will then start flashing and stay in track mode for 30 minutes.
I always send a check message to my own cell phone to confirm the functioning, then recycle the power and put the unit in track mode for the flight.

I think it stays in track mode continuously for 24 hours if not turned off before then. I have used it continuously for 4 hours on a flight leg without interruption.

L.Adamson · #5 10-10-2009, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rvbuilder2002

I think it stays in track mode continuously for 24 hours if not turned off before then. I have used it continuously for 4 hours on a flight leg without interruption.

Mine stays on too. Just haven't went 24 hrs with it. I don't know about the new smaller model, though.

L.Adamson

snowbird · #6 10-10-2009, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by L.Adamson

Mine stays on too. Just haven't went 24 hrs with it. I don't know about the new smaller model, though.

L.Adamson

Corrected my post. It is 24 hrs.

BrentHumphreys · #7 10-10-2009, 09:50 PM

It transmits, but is not always heard by the satelite.

I was VERY dissapointed in mine. I am sure they work better when airborne. On the ground they are very poor.

I took mine to Costa Rica. It was in the optimal position on my backpack the entire trip, in track mode throughout the entire week long trip, and only got about 7 beacons out.

Performance in the US was better, but still very very poor.

I also noticed that it could take 30 minutes to an hour before a beacon would show up on the web page.

Customer service is very poor as well. Plan an hour if you call them.

swixtt · #8 10-10-2009, 09:58 PM

same here. i have the orange one and was less then impressed with my results. flying and wouldn't get a track for over 30min.

Rosie · #9 10-10-2009, 10:08 PM

I too have had some 'holes' in my track readings, but I do have to say that you must give it a clear view of the sky (and then I got less holes). I found that mine cannot sit between the seats of our RV-6A on the backrest bracket and 'see' satellites through the Koger Shade. I now have mine on top of the panel when in track mode, Rosie

L.Adamson · #10 10-11-2009, 07:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rosie

I too have had some 'holes' in my track readings, but I do have to say that you must give it a clear view of the sky (and then I got less holes). I found that mine cannot sit between the seats of our RV-6A on the backrest bracket and 'see' satellites through the Koger Shade. I now have mine on top of the panel when in track mode, Rosie

Ours sits on top of the glare shield and works time after time after time. It obviously must have a good satellite view in that position.

I'm more than pleased with it, as my wife placed her headset on the 911 button, after parking, and we got a call from SPOT assistance in about two minutes.

Now, Im sure than in the last year, there may have been a hole somewhere, but checking the last three cross country flights, when this subject came up a few weeks ago,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, it didn't miss a beat. I have daughter that freaks out about flying, and has a fit.............. if it doesn't update!

L.Adamson --- RV6A