SPOT Tracking/Signal Devices

[DancesWithKnives]

Anyone had any experience with the SPOT devices that permit you to signal for help and allow folks to track your progress? I've been carrying an ARC Aquafix PLB but haven't used the SPOT system. Just curious.

DWK

[swamp]

http://www.rei.com/product/751974

read what ski camper had to say in the product review:

If you are reading these reviews you are likely comparing the ACR personal locator beacon to the SPOT messenger beacon.The SPOT beacon appears less expensive until you factor in that the SPOT beacon requires a subscription service of [$] if you want to track yourself on google maps. There is no service charge for the ACR it is tracked by NOAA using your tax dollars. With a battery replacement life (unused, knock on wood) of 5 years, that is[$]for the ACR and [$] for the SPOT beacon.Also note that although the SPOT claims to be a sattelite signal, it has a limited service coverage that does not include Hawaii, central and south Africa, Indonesia, India, Nepal and most of the oceans of the world.The ACR is build rock solid and built for one purpose only. I trust that it will do that job for me when I need it to.

[DancesWithKnives]

Thanks!

I like the sturdiness and dependability of my ACR. The new model is even a little lighter and smaller. It's interesting to hear what others have to say.

Eventually I'll add a satphone to my gear but I'm waiting for the price/size to come down even further.

DWK

[Scout]

I've got a buddy (LittleBuck on the "old" forums) that recently picked one up. He got it after a fall he took while helping me look for a deer this past November. It's new...so he's not played with it a lot. With that said...it seems like a pretty decent system. You've got the ability to send an "I'm okay" message to email and cell phones with the capability to see exactly where they are on a map (and the provision of their coordinates). He'll have to play around with it some more to see exactly how well the coverage is going to be.

It seems just a tad bit bulky to me....but it's small enough, I guess. I'd rather see it be the size of a small GPS like the Etrex. The button config is okay, but I do see a small danger of it being set off (emergency) in a pack by something hitting the recessed button.

The first time he attempted to practice with a "I'm okay" message....it didn't go through. He attempted in from inside a cabin so it makes me wonder about it's reception in very dense cover.

[Bushman]

We are probably talking about two different technologies here, but for short range within a few miles where is your buddy and is he okay, what is wrong with a set of Garmin Rino radios? I have a pair as does my hunting buddy and you can tell exactly where he is and how far and when he takes a step even. You don't even need to key the mic or say anything, just be on the same frequency and all in the size of an Etrex. They take all the fun out of hide and seek, but are they ever terrific in a big woods.

[DancesWithKnives]

I'd be interested to hear any reports your pal may have after using his SPOT a few times. Thanks for the preliminary report!

A friend of mine has a pair of rhinos and I like using them a lot. The only downside is that they are real battery eaters. And you're right that they don't fill quite the same long-range distress signal function for which the ACR and SPOT are designed. Nonetheless, good equipment!

Thanks,

DWK

[Scout]

We are probably talking about two different technologies here, but for short range within a few miles where is your buddy and is he okay, what is wrong with a set of Garmin Rino radios? I have a pair as does my hunting buddy and you can tell exactly where he is and how far and when he takes a step even. You don't even need to key the mic or say anything, just be on the same frequency and all in the size of an Etrex. They take all the fun out of hide and seek, but are they ever terrific in a big woods.

The Rino's work great as long as you've got a buddy hunting with you. It's the times you may be alone...or heaven forbid, both of you are lost ("It's got to be his fault...I knew I shouldn't have listened to him":D) that you really need something like the SPOT. It's also something that could stay in a vehicle when not taken in the woods. Remember the little computer geek guy that went for a drive in the mountains with is family in that horrific snow storm. After getting lost and staying in the vehicle for a time...he decided to go "walk" for help. I'm betting a SPOT would have been a real lifesaver for him.