Spot 2 satellite tracker questions ?

[bird dog]

Anyone here have experience with them, pros and cons??

[RomanLA]

Anyone here have experience with them, pros and cons??

I have the original Spot. I used it on the John Muir Trail and Middle Fork of the Salmon. I've gotten a message out every time. You just have to make sure you have a clear sky. I'm planning to upgrade to the Connect soon.
http://www.findmespot.com/en/index.php?cid=116

[Cowper]

Lupe has the Spot II and will likely respond with first hand experience.

From my studies of various units and options:

Be sure to get the "second generation" unit; some folks have difficulty getting satellite fixes with first generation units. Spot 2 is second generation.

Other rescue beacons like the FastFind have the advantage of a stronger signal, and no monthly fee, but do not have the option of sending out a "non-emergency" call for help by friends. Your only option with those units is a full-blown emergency search-and-rescue type call, which can result in fines if your situation is not deemed "life threatening".

For the Spot 2 specifically, I would say:
Cons:
1) Monthly Fee
2) Very limited message capability - must be a short "pre-programmed" message set up while you still have internet access
3) Unlike a GPS, won't tell YOU where you are, only tells OTHER PEOPLE where you are

Pro:
1) Available option for reasonably priced "rescue insurance"
2) Option to send "I'm OK" message to friends
3) Option to send - "Need help" message to friends without a full blown emergency call out of SAR teams. This is perfect for paddlers that get into situations like, for example, having to walk out of the woods when the creek or river gets too high.
4) Unlike a GPS, can be handed to another person, and in 1 minute you can tell them how to use it. So in a group situation, if for any reason one person has to separate from the group, you can hand that individual the Spot, with confidence that you will be able to find them later once they have sent out their location.
5) Some "fluff" features (for an extra fee), like allowing folks to track you on line in real time.

Due to the many pros listed above, you can probably guess that there is a Spot II on my future purchases list.

(PS - Don't be surprised if one of the Moderators moves this thread over to the "gear review" forum.)

[bird dog]

thanks

[Cowper]

Your question got me to browsing http://www.findmespot.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; where I found

1) The Spot 2 is now called the "SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger"

2) There's a rebate available until July 31, gets the price down to under $100.

FYI, I believe Ouachita Outdoor Outfitters stocks these...

[CAPTAIN ALEVE]

The newer Spot is a big improvement over the original. I still have had it fail once in a while to send a message from under moderate tree cover (no leaves) or in a deep valley. Well worth the initial purchase price ($150) and annual fee ($100) overall. I keep my wife udated with my position starting from where I leave my truck and then just every so often. It only takes a few minutes to find the satellites and get an "I'm OK" message out. She can tell whether I am still exploring or if I am heading back to the truck by looking at my position on the map that comes with the email. Knowing when to expect me back is something she much prefers over not knowing where the heck I am. No whip sounds, please; it's just love.

Captain Aleve, alias Mike Coogan

[Kayakin Cole]

I took my spot with me to Chile and it worked just as it should. Being able to send the OK message to family and friends was great with me being away from cell phone service for 14 days. It worked at every take out and shuttle including the deep gorge on the 22 saltos. However, I wish I would have tried it while being inside the cayon walls to give it a true test of the "open sky" rule. Anyhow, I too had several questions before I purchased mine and now looking back I'm very glad I did.