nomocom
Well Known Member
Other threads cover Spot subscriptions and the original transmitter. Here are a couple comments on the new SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger (not the SPOT Personal Tracker).
It worked fine communicating numerous times around town, but more importantly "I'm OK" 3 days in a row from the field. These signals came out of moderately challenging locations (canyons). I made sure I set it out away from trees and gave it 20-30 minutes to allow for GPS fix and the transmission of the outgoing message.
1) I like the protected 911 and Help buttons. The button covers should eliminate the sort of nuisance trips others have reported.
2) Adds a message button that can be customized. In my case, I use it to let family know trip is extended due to non-emergency reasons and there are no worries. This to me is a huge plus. Stay calmly on the ground and let the weather improve (or the fish continue to bite), without family worrying about tardiness.
3) Substantially smaller and lighter than 1st generation.
The PLB is staying in the flight bag. The reviews on the SPOT system are mixed. So, until I hear of consistent performance, the SPOT I'll use to let family know I'm ok and where I am, and occasionally that the trip is extended. If there is a life-threatening emergency, I don't want to be wondering if the message is getting out, I'll be using the PLB.
I'd like to hear user reports on the newer unit. The PLB isn't much to carry in the airplane, but it is significant in the pack. If the SPOT were reliable, I'd likely leave the PLB at the airplane and just carry the SPOT in the pack.
It worked fine communicating numerous times around town, but more importantly "I'm OK" 3 days in a row from the field. These signals came out of moderately challenging locations (canyons). I made sure I set it out away from trees and gave it 20-30 minutes to allow for GPS fix and the transmission of the outgoing message.
1) I like the protected 911 and Help buttons. The button covers should eliminate the sort of nuisance trips others have reported.
2) Adds a message button that can be customized. In my case, I use it to let family know trip is extended due to non-emergency reasons and there are no worries. This to me is a huge plus. Stay calmly on the ground and let the weather improve (or the fish continue to bite), without family worrying about tardiness.
3) Substantially smaller and lighter than 1st generation.
The PLB is staying in the flight bag. The reviews on the SPOT system are mixed. So, until I hear of consistent performance, the SPOT I'll use to let family know I'm ok and where I am, and occasionally that the trip is extended. If there is a life-threatening emergency, I don't want to be wondering if the message is getting out, I'll be using the PLB.
I'd like to hear user reports on the newer unit. The PLB isn't much to carry in the airplane, but it is significant in the pack. If the SPOT were reliable, I'd likely leave the PLB at the airplane and just carry the SPOT in the pack.