SPOT Satellite Messenger

[Bruce Moore]

We bought one a SPOT at the Seattle Boat Show. They've introduced a new smaller device, and the outgoing model was discounted by West Marine and Spot is tossing in a $50 rebate. We're interested in the automated check-in feature, the assistance request capability, and certainly the emergency help request and location service. I'm also interested in the cruise tracking feature (recording your cruise on a Google map) and the ability to associate stories and pictures with your cruising on Spot Adventures.

Have you used one? Know someone who has? Impression and lessons learned welcome.

Cheers

 

[Texas Steve]

Bruce:

We've had ours for a year. Bought the basic service and the rescue package. Seems to work just fine, but you do have to be out in the open. I decided to buy based on input from others on the C-Brats site. The cruise tracking would be neat, but we haven't made any extensive trips to justify the cost. Lesson learned is... wait another year and save money on the unit!

Texas Steve

 

[baz]

Hmmmm - "Requires $99 annual subscription" per http://www.rei.com/product/784892

No matter, this device is certainly worth looking at and since you've bought one I'm expecting a FULL report. 😉

The customer reviews at the above link are a good starting point for anyone interested in this device/product.

The customer support for this device appears to be a serious -ive from one or more of the reviews I've read. That is too bad!

Here's one and I have no clue how relevant it is today...

"Comments about SPOT II Satellite GPS Messenger:
After I first ordered this I received a message that it was back ordered. After a month and a half I finally received it just in time for the winter backcountry season. I just got it activated and have taken it on one trip. Today I get an email saying that the divice has problems and they are conducting a voluntary exchange and new updated units will not be available until sometime in early 2010. I will be without it during the prime time of the season I bought it for. "Spot LLC is conducting a voluntary return on new SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger (SPOT-2) devices purchased since October 1, 2009. During recent testing, we discovered that some of the new SPOT 2 devices might not meet battery and messaging operating specification. Please see findmespot.com/exchange for details.

BOTTOM LINE No, I would not recommend this to a friend"

...and here's another

"Comments about SPOT II Satellite GPS Messenger:
To the contrary to what it is stated in description all over the Web, the SPOT 2 does not float by itself. Not with lithium batteries installed. Attach it to something that floats if you don't want to loose it in the water.
The Spot 2 is the best available satellite communicator in case of emergency. The new model is so small that you don't have any reason not to wear one in your pocket. I love it. A lot of safety for so little ounces.

BOTTOM LINE Yes, I would recommend this to a friend"

...and more comments (not looking very good at all 🙁 )

"The Spot2 is being recalled because it apparently may not work??!! Your guess is as good as mine because you don't seem to be able to get any straight answers from findmespot.com who provide the Spot2. They can't even tell me when a replacement unit will be sent. What they will tell you is early 2010 whenever that may be.

But wait this gets better - one has to subscribe to services such as the basic annual services and add-on's such as GEOS International rescue which I did. Now very obviously one would not take the risk to travel with a satellite messenger that may or may not work and no loan unit are offered until this is sorted out so you would assume that the annual services paid for in advance would be suspended and reinstated once the replacement unit has been delivered because after all why should the consumer carry the can for a defective product???
Well here comes the kicker...findmespot.com will give you ONE extra month??!!! Never mind the fact that you loose out on 3-4 months - nobody knows just how long because findmespot.com don't seem to be able to answer this simple question either.

In summary this is the single worst purchase I've ever made and would never ever again consider any of the findmespot.com products because of their terrible customer service and if they can't seem to get the basics right I dread to imagine what could happen if I needed to use this product in a real emergency.

My recommendation to REI is rethink your relationship with findmespot.com - they don't seem to be very customer service driven and as for the product...you've read my review!!!

To the people that read this my advise would be to much rather purchase an EPIRB (coverage is also much better apparently and you don't have to pay annual services fees!!) or if you really need a satellite messenger with rescue/distress function contact GEOS directly!!

I hope this helps and you too don't get burnt the why I did. Also please note that this is no reflection on REI who have always been great.

BOTTOM LINE No, I would not recommend this to a friend"

 

[Snug Tug]

We've had one of the original spot trackers for almost a year now. It has worked great for us. The tracker unit was free at the time when signing up for one year of service.

We're in the Florida Keys at the moment. Feel free to look at our tracker page by clicking below or pasting the link into your browser:

http://share.findmespot.com/shared/face ... FgdZOyVaIR

It's been cool here in the keys (mid 60s for high temps) but it's better than all that snow back north!

 

[Bruce Moore]

Thanks Snug Tug crew. Your tracker page is great - one of the reasons I bought the device and service. And Texas Steve, glad to know it's working for you.

Baz, I did my own research and read many of the same reviews, but went for it largely on the recommendation experienced mariners such as Capt. Richard Rodriguez, Zenith Maritime instructor and Vessel Assist captain in the San Juans. I've followed all of his assistance calls on The BitterEnd Blog, which actively reports on hazards and mishaps in the San Juan Islands during the boating season.

 

[baz]

...snip...

Baz, I did my own research and read many of the same reviews, but went for it largely on the recommendation experienced mariners such as Capt. Richard Rodriguez, Zenith Maritime instructor and Vessel Assist captain in the San Juans. I've followed all of his assistance calls on The BitterEnd Blog, which actively reports on hazards and mishaps in the San Juan Islands during the boating season.

Bruce -- I didn't mean to downplay the device and I'm sure you had done reviews etc. The device does sound very promising and thanks for posting it.

 

[hardee]

Hi, I just peeked in on the tug site from C-Brats and saw the questions re SPOT. We have had ours for just over a year. Purchased the "tracking" and the "rescue" insurance. (He it's cheap if you need it). We use SPOT in two situations: traveling by car, and by Boat. Both take us into Zero Cell Service areas frequently.

For use on the boat, we have a program set up with family that makes a "Float Plan" virtualy fool proof. Each participant has an e-mailed copy of our basic plan info, (Boat, truck and trailer info, with equipment, license numbers, radio channels, and general operating area) that they keep on the computer. We also have this printed and in the truck and boat. When we are ready to get on the water, launch and leave the dock, we activate the "Check In" button. This sends a text message to the appropriate phones or e-mails the computers. After the message is recieved (monitored by the text message coming to Deena's phone) (and this usually takes about 2-3 minutes,) we switch to the "Tracking" mode and it puts down a waypoint every 10 minutes. At the end of the days travel, when safely tied up, returned, or anchored. we switch from tracking to "Check In" and effectivly close out our float plan for the day. Next day we travel, same same -- "Check-In OK" = We are up and off for the day. Tracking as we go. End of day, switch to "Check-In" again, and it is understood we are safe and sound.

Should we not check in, usually by or before dark, it is a simple matter to go to the SPOT website, look up our Track and see where it stops. A phone call to us would confirm we are OK and forgot, or if there were to be just an end to the track, it would show position and time. A good location to give athorities to begin a search. Harvey / SleepyC

 

[baz]

Hi, I just peeked in on the tug site from C-Brats and saw the questions re SPOT. We have had ours for just over a year. Purchased the "tracking" and the "rescue" insurance. (He it's cheap if you need it). We use SPOT in two situations: traveling by car, and by Boat. Both take us into Zero Cell Service areas frequently.

For use on the boat, we have a program set up with family that makes a "Float Plan" virtualy fool proof. Each participant has an e-mailed copy of our basic plan info, (Boat, truck and trailer info, with equipment, license numbers, radio channels, and general operating area) that they keep on the computer. We also have this printed and in the truck and boat. When we are ready to get on the water, launch and leave the dock, we activate the "Check In" button. This sends a text message to the appropriate phones or e-mails the computers. After the message is recieved (monitored by the text message coming to Deena's phone) (and this usually takes about 2-3 minutes,) we switch to the "Tracking" mode and it puts down a waypoint every 10 minutes. At the end of the days travel, when safely tied up, returned, or anchored. we switch from tracking to "Check In" and effectivly close out our float plan for the day. Next day we travel, same same -- "Check-In OK" = We are up and off for the day. Tracking as we go. End of day, switch to "Check-In" again, and it is understood we are safe and sound.

Should we not check in, usually by or before dark, it is a simple matter to go to the SPOT website, look up our Track and see where it stops. A phone call to us would confirm we are OK and forgot, or if there were to be just an end to the track, it would show position and time. A good location to give athorities to begin a search. Harvey / SleepyC

That feedback was very useful and 'Spot on". Thanks.... 🙂