Wednesday, Jan 01, 2020 at 08:00
Stephen, I certainly understand that you are
well prepared. And having a
HF Radio , Sat Phone, PLB’s in addition to a SPOT is a different scenario to what was proposed to the OP as an ALTERNATIVE to a Sat phone.
I too have a HF, sat phone and a couple of EPIRBs, and while the situation you outline would be best handled by
the SPOT, it is an extreme edge case. It would only be the best solution if no one was conscious and most importantly there is someone monitoring your progress every few hours and had the confidence to call the authorities, even at the risk of it being a false alarm. I don't have someone monitoring my travels on an hour;y basis. I am often in one location for days, it would be boring viewing. In the end, the issue with your dad thinking you were held up was only clarified by communications means other than
the spot. That's my point.
For most scenarios, if you have a choice of the sat phone or SPOT, the sat phone is way more useful. Except for people tracking you.
I have looked at SPOT several times and would get it if I wanted people to track me in near-live situations. It is good for that. That is a fact Dave LOL.
As per Dave's suggestion to someone considering a SPOT to the OP asking about a Sat phone. They are very different devices. Sat Phone AND spot... sure for the right reason, espcially backed up by the PLB's and HF.
Also Dave, I am interested why you chose to have a SPOT and the PLB? I thought
the SPOT was an alternative to the PLB, albeit a paid service instead of free.
I just think the OP should be advised with the best alternatives for the scenario he / she asked about.
Anyway, that's my take. Happy New year all.
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