SPOT GPS Tracking device -

[Pseudomind]

Does anyone have any experience with this device? from a casual glance it does not seem to be such a bad idea?

SPOT

If I am reading correctly around $100.00 a year for basic service?

 

[CSR_Admin]

It is a neat device. I have written all about them. You can probably google "yachtjim spot" to find some if it. Not as bulletproof as an epirb but way more useful. We have coupons in our store right now to get a $149 rebate if you buy a spot for $149! Just need to sign up for 2 years of service.

 

[fc3]

Check the data carefully. This thing works on satellite phone coverage, which is far from the most reliable thing going. If you need this, then you probably need a real EPIRB.

 

[Pseudomind]

It is a neat device. I have written all about them. You can probably google "yachtjim spot" to find some if it. Not as bulletproof as an epirb but way more useful. We have coupons in our store right now to get a $149 rebate if you buy a spot for $149! Just need to sign up for 2 years of service.

I have a question/ Lets say you had the Spot device and used it for an emergency. The SPOT device then dies, is the last known GPS location sent from the SPOT logged anywhere with the senders location?

Check the data carefully. This thing works on satellite phone coverage, which is far from the most reliable thing going. If you need this, then you probably need a real EPIRB.

I would agree the EPIRB is probably the better way to go, but for middle of the road method, this item does not appear to be too bad. If I was into a lot of offshore running, then for sure the EPIRB.

 

[CSR_Admin]

It works on a (forgive me if my jargon is not 100% correct) simplex network which is for one-way communication. It is widely used by trucking fleets and the like to monitor where their vehicles are. Sat phones use a duplex network which is a whole different set of satellites and network. The network used by SPOT is actually incredibly reliable. This is a life saving device, so it has to work reliably.

Every time the spot sends out a message the gps position and nature of the alert is logged. So if you hit the 911 button your gps position and status as being in a life threatening situation is logged and the cavalry will start heading your way even if the device dies. Same as an epirb.

 

[Four Suns]

I am not sure I would call a SPOT middle of the road... I put it at the low-end. I like PLBs and EPIRBs as they are rugged and work in all conditions. People think that emergencies are going to be "controlled" and I don't believe they are. For example, there's a great commercial for the car industry's On Star service where there is a wreck and the persons cell phone goes flying out of reach/sight. Great point.

I like this picture:

That EPIRB was struck by lightning and still was able to be activated. Lightning is one of my worst fears... it's not an offshore thing.

I think you can get a PLB for about the same price now... maybe a little more... but it'll work when the going gets tough.

http://www.panbo.com/archives/2008/01/spot_again_the_confusion.html

http://www.powerandmotoryacht.com/boat-electronics/spot-satellite-messenger/

 

[Four Suns]

Every time the spot sends out a message the gps position and nature of the alert is logged. So if you hit the 911 button your gps position and status as being in a life threatening situation is logged and the cavalry will start heading your way even if the device dies. Same as an epirb.

Well.. "maybe"... The EPIRB/PLB signals tie directly into the Search and Rescue (SAR) system. Spot is a commercial company and you have to pay a fee (like a cell phone) and the company's service center will call the authorities. What happens if you didn't pay your fee? EPIRB's have no annual fee...

 

[barryg]

I did a lot of research before my trip to the Bahamas as I wanted to get something.. Last year I just rented an EPIRB from boat us and it was fine, but now it is a little over $100.00 and I hope to do a few trips this year, so I wanted to buy something. I didn't want SPOT as you have to pay fees, and it doesn't connect directly into the SAR's system..

I decided against an EPIRB, as they are registered to that particular boat only, where as a PLB is registered to you, and can be taken anywhere, your boat, someone else's, hiking, camping etc.

I narrowed it down to 2 PLB's , one from ACR, and 1 from McMurdo (revere). Both waterproof and floats, but the ACR only floats in a neoprene case, and you can't activate the GPS with the case on. The battery life when activated is only about 40 hours. Also you have to send the thing in for battery replacement. With the McMurdo, the battery lasts 48 hours minimum, which is longer than the ACR, you can buy the battery and replace it yourself, and it floats in it's own case, no removing anything to do so. The version I got was the FastFind Max G, with built in GPS, and it was a great father's day present from my son... He didn't get it from Jim due to time constraints with our trip, but I'm sure if Jim stocks it, you can get info from him or go online..

A little investment for a lot of peace of mind.

 

[mmcguire2002]

How much did you end up paying for the McMurdo?

 

[Four Suns]

I did a lot of research before my trip to the Bahamas as I wanted to get something.. Last year I just rented an EPIRB from boat us and it was fine, but now it is a little over $100.00 and I hope to do a few trips this year, so I wanted to buy something. I didn't want SPOT as you have to pay fees, and it doesn't connect directly into the SAR's system..

I decided against an EPIRB, as they are registered to that particular boat only, where as a PLB is registered to you, and can be taken anywhere, your boat, someone else's, hiking, camping etc.

I narrowed it down to 2 PLB's , one from ACR, and 1 from McMurdo (revere). Both waterproof and floats, but the ACR only floats in a neoprene case, and you can't activate the GPS with the case on. The battery life when activated is only about 40 hours. Also you have to send the thing in for battery replacement. With the McMurdo, the battery lasts 48 hours minimum, which is longer than the ACR, you can buy the battery and replace it yourself, and it floats in it's own case, no removing anything to do so. The version I got was the FastFind Max G, with built in GPS, and it was a great father's day present from my son... He didn't get it from Jim due to time constraints with our trip, but I'm sure if Jim stocks it, you can get info from him or go online..

A little investment for a lot of peace of mind.

You need to go find another boating board... your answer is way too well thought out.

 

[barryg]

Thanks Gary!!!

Once in a while the brain works that way, but only once in a while..

 

[Westie]

A friend of mine had a spot device with him when he attempted to climb Mount McKinley this spring. It was great to be able to see his progress via a web site with google earth overlays. He would send out a message every couple of hours to plot his location. If needed he could send out the 911 call but never did.