Spot GPS - personal Gps tracker

[KDA]

Hi guys,

i was just wondering if anyone is or has been using the Spot Gps device?

I seem to be finding my self going off roading by my self more and more, as friends and family are busy and few day trips/tag alongs around my area, so its not by choice i head out by myself and even though i take extra precautions it still worries me and even more so my partner.

I have looked into an Eprib however is only meant for life threatening situations where you really need the experts to come get you, whats attracted me to this device the Spot Gps is it has several stages of alerts, from im ok, need assistants to send everyone! also having the ability for my partner to log onto the computer and see where i am at that time.

Most of the times im not doing anything major or very technical and im only 30mins or so from the nearest town but mobile reception is zero and if something happens its a long walk or crawl.

So has anyone thought about this device or is someone using it they can recommend to get one or not?

[jjhurley]

One of the members of the MJOC has bought one for sea kayaking and says it works very well.

If I was doing more trips alone as you describe, I know I would be very interested. the Spot product seems to be the best all around package for our needs: certainly better than a straight epirb.

HTH

JJ

[1firefighter63]

doesnt look like a bad idea , wonder if you create an account like a sat phone and activate when heading out only I will look further, might be good for the 4wd club to have in the equipment available to borrow

[KDA]

that is the one catch, you do create an account and pay for a service annually much like service for a satellite phone, and within that payment i think it covers you for a certain amount if your rescued in a life threatening emergency.

[Big Rig]

This is a great idea. I've been thinking of the same kinda thing ... SPOT Personal Tracker

[sschmez]

Hang on to your money for a bit .....

the spot in the link above has been superseded by spot II, which is currently subject to a recall.

I also want one for roughly the same reasons as you've mentioned.... and I also like the tracking function for others to see my progress and to help narrow down the search area if I don't have the opportunity to hit the sos button when it "hits the fan".

Stevo

BTW ..... I often carry a borrowed sat phone - but thats too connected and not what I go bush for .... I'd be much happier to just hit the OK button and let those that care know I'm OK.

[sschmez]

Originally Posted by sschmez

..................which is currently subject to a recall.

link to recall HERE.

[KDA]

Well after weeks of looking around and more research i finally took the plunge and bought a spot 1 gps, My intentions were to buy the spot 2 but after talking with the seller found that the spot 2 model was on very limited release and was recommended to stay with the spot 1 as it is a bit better then the smaller follow up of the spot 2.

I went with a U.S based internet seller and received the item for $120 USD ($90 for a unit brand new + postage) as australian stockists are charging up to $500 for the same item.

So far so good and easy to set up, been testing it at home and looking forward to taking it out next weekend.

[MJB]

Keep us posted on how it goes as it could also be useful for my work situation where I have personnel working alone & often in remote or isolated work areas & in saying that you don’t have to be far off a main road to be remote or isolated from the general public especially if an incident occurs. We do have a remote & isolated work procedure but often is not utilised in short duration situations so this unit may assist.

[KDA]

So far so good.

After a little trouble (on my behalf) setting up mobile numbers all is going well, only problem i had was setting up an australian mobile number using an international company, it was as simple as changing the australian mobile number for e.g 0405 967 899 to the international number +61405 967 899,

Reaction times are quite good, messages display the exact time the unit is set off and long/latitude and message type. Emails come through anywhere between 2-10mins and sms messages 2-17mins but mostly came in around 5-6mins for the sms.

Not exactly straight away but still very pleased especially with the process it has to go through, ill take 17min delay over someone not knowing im in trouble at all any day.

Still waiting to test it in the field next weekend when i go away, especially the live tracking feature, ill keep you updated in how it goes.