Archive for June, 2009
SPOT Satellite Messenger
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SPOT Satellite Messenger
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 canceled.
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.
Important Note:
Even if SPOT cannot acquire its location from the GPS network it will still attempt to send a distress signal – without exact location – to the Emergency Response Center, which will still notify your contacts of the signal and continue to monitor the network for further messages.
SPOT is designed for maximum reliability. Spot performs a self-diagnostic test each time it is powered on. Additionally, Spot strongly recommends that you send and verify an OK/Check message each time before use. This allows you to evaluate your entire messaging system, from the operational condition of the messenger to the readiness of those you’ve chosen to notify of your messages.
Power:
SPOT has a separate power button to ensure long battery life and to help avoid sending messages accidentally. To turn SPOT on, press the ON/OFF button. You must then wait an additional 2 seconds before activating any SPOT function. When power is on, the indicator light will blink once every 3 seconds. This is also helpful for making SPOT more visible in the dark. To turn SPOT off, press and hold the ON/OFF button for 3 seconds.
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SPOT sends your GPS coordinates to a GEOS Emergency Response Center every 5 minutes, allowing you to keep moving if necessary. Emergency responders are then updated with your last known location.
Because it uses 100% satellite technology, SPOT works virtually anywhere. All it needs is a clear view of the sky.
9-1-1 Emergency Services Powered by GEOS Alliance.
GEOS offers a wide variety of services that encompass security, safety and reliable communications for corporations as well as domestic and international travelers. The GEOS program is delivered through a fusion of state-of-the-art technology with the unparalleled experience of the very best and most respected specialists in the fields of international, personal and corporate protection and communications. To learn more about GEOS and the full range of services offered worldwide, visit http://www.geosalliance.com/sar.
What You Wont Here From The Manufacturer.
The GPS unit transmits to a Globalstar Low Earth Satellite Network. Globalstar satellites are first generation and being phased out due to age and degradation of the electronics. Satellites have modular independent systems. The on board system required to transmitt to SPOT still functions.
If you’re looking strictly for a Personal Location Beacon such as an ACR Microfix, that may be a better choice than SPOT. I wanted to be able to share my treks with family and friends and SPOT Satellite Messenger seems to be the only affordable choice Im aware of.
The yearly subscription varies depending on the features you want enabled. The basic $99 a year will work for most. This excludes the automatic transmissions associated with tracking your route.
Since you can manually transmit your location whenever you have a clear view of the sky, the basic rate is a good deal.
Built solid and so far works without problems. Despite the instructions requiring SPOT have an open line of site to the sky, the device was transmitting successfully when testing inside my home on an overcast day for 12 hours. In the mountains the thick tree cover was a different story, the GPS would only transmit successfully when in the open.
The instructions in my opinion are poor and will require re-reading before you fully understand how Spot Messenger operates. The belt clip is not secure requiring the optional carrying case.
If you’re looking to share your treks with family and friends, SPOT Messenger may be your best bet. The unit pictured is being phased out for a new model. As of 08/26/09 you can purchase the older style for under $100.
If your needs are strictly for a Personal Locator Beacon, then you have more options and may want to continue your research for the best PLB.
