SPOT Messenger and Emergency Response,

Submitted: Thursday, May 21, 2009 at 11:53
ThreadID: 69027 Views:4590 Replies:3 FollowUps:7
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Hi Team,
I know there are a few members here who have a SPOT Messenger and a few more thinking about the plunge.

So when I fell over these couple of posts on Adventure Riders Australian section I thought others on here would be interested.

It would appear one of the Adventure Riders Australian members had cause to press the 911 button and found out what happens.

See: Link The most interesting posts are 132 & 134 on this page. (Page 9) As well as post 136 on page 10, the first post on page 10.

Adventure Riders is a sort of ExploreOz for motorcyclists the world over.

Geoff

Geoff,
Landcruiser HDJ78,
Grey hair is hereditary, you get it from children. Baldness is caused by watching the Wallabies.

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Reply By: Member - Stephen L (Clare SA) - Thursday, May 21, 2009 at 13:08

Thursday, May 21, 2009 at 13:08
Hi Geoff
Very interesting reading. To be honest, I have been aware of them but have not taken much notice, as I have the GME PLB.
It just goes to show that at least they were prepared and it probably saved the riders life.
You can never put a price on any piece of equipment that can save your life in situations like that.

Take care

Stephen
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AnswerID: 365957

Follow Up By: Geoff (Newcastle, NSW) - Thursday, May 21, 2009 at 13:18

Thursday, May 21, 2009 at 13:18
Hi Stephen,

It was an interesting read.

I've seen quite a deal of discussion around various Australian sites on what would actually happen if you pushed that button. Now we know what happened in that case at least.

They really aren't a substitute for your PLB but it's nice to know something that you are potentially staking your life on actually works.

Geoff

Geoff,
Landcruiser HDJ78,
Grey hair is hereditary, you get it from children. Baldness is caused by watching the Wallabies.

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Reply By: vk1dx - Thursday, May 21, 2009 at 14:23

Thursday, May 21, 2009 at 14:23
The worry I have with them is that they are a commercial operation and as such are driven by money. As opposed to the Government based EPIRBs.

I wonder what would happen if you forgot to renew your subscription before this "Hey lets go for a drive this weekend" sudden impulsive trip just to get away for a bit.

Still, they would be better than nothing. It all helps.
AnswerID: 365962

Follow Up By: Geoff (Newcastle, NSW) - Thursday, May 21, 2009 at 16:56

Thursday, May 21, 2009 at 16:56
They sure are better than nothing but I really don't see them as a replacement for an EPIRB.

Maybe a complimentary bit of kit for what these blokes use them as. Basically on long remote rides they send home "I'm OK" messages so the family know all is well.

They also enable the tracking through Google Maps so the mates that couldn't come can follow the ride and get jealous!

Geoff

Geoff,
Landcruiser HDJ78,
Grey hair is hereditary, you get it from children. Baldness is caused by watching the Wallabies.

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Follow Up By: vk1dx - Thursday, May 21, 2009 at 16:58

Thursday, May 21, 2009 at 16:58
Too true Geoff
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FollowupID: 633723

Reply By: Member - Mike DID - Thursday, May 21, 2009 at 15:18

Thursday, May 21, 2009 at 15:18
One of the NSW Emergency Services use them - they told us "don't press that button unless it's an absolute emergency - it'll cost us $4000 if you press it".
AnswerID: 365965

Follow Up By: Zebra400 - Thursday, May 21, 2009 at 17:26

Thursday, May 21, 2009 at 17:26
Mike R

Let's clarify the help buttons here. SPOT has 2 'emergency' buttons. The Help button and the 911 button.

The HELP button will send a message to your list of email and/or mbl phone number contacts (that you set up before the start of your trip). The emergency msg will be sent to your contacts every 10 minutes for 24 hours unless you cnacel it vis the SPOT unit. This allows your contacts to make contact with emergency services and let them know where you are and that they need help.

The 911 button (this is the button you are referring to above) is the other emergency button. If the SPOT user activates the 911 button, the emergency services in the USA will be notified along with the SPOT's last location. They will then pass is info onto the emergency services in the country where you are located.

Both the Help & 911 buttons require the SPOT user to push and hold the button for 5 seconds to activate. The SPOT user can cancel either message by pressing and holding the relevant button again for 5 seconds.

Sending a normal position flashes a green light on the unit while sending a Help or 911 message flashes a red light. So you can see it is easy to see whether you have pushed and held the wrong button. Still mistakes can be made by the PICNIC!

Finally, if you request 911 assistance, then you should expect that it may be a costly exercise to recover you. So I agree with you, you would only push the 911 button if you absolutely sure you needed emergency assistance.

Laurie
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FollowupID: 633726

Follow Up By: warfer69 - Friday, May 22, 2009 at 13:29

Friday, May 22, 2009 at 13:29
Hi There

There is another option

Spot



Spot-Search and Rescue Insurance
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FollowupID: 633872

Follow Up By: Zebra400 - Friday, May 22, 2009 at 14:06

Friday, May 22, 2009 at 14:06
Sorry, I forgot to mention the insurance cover. I actually have the insurance cover.

However, I still think the SPOT user only hits the 911 button if they are absolutely sure they need emergency assistance. So far, we haven't had to activate the 911 button yet. I hope that it stays that way.

Laurie
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FollowupID: 633881

Follow Up By: warfer69 - Friday, May 22, 2009 at 14:13

Friday, May 22, 2009 at 14:13
*Sorry, I forgot to mention the insurance cover. I actually have the insurance cover. *


LOL
No worries Laurie,I actually rang them to make sure my info was valid,well available and covered in Aussie.I havnt read the fine print but i think you'd hav to be a dill not to take it out,i dont believe its expensive either...
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FollowupID: 633882

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