SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger

Heinz,

I have been using a SPOT tracker for about 12 months now and I think that they are great.

There was a recall on the second generation unit because of a very short battery life. The one that I have is still on the same set of batteries.

If you are using it just as a messenger to send "I am OK" to a pre arranged phone number or email it is a one off purchase of the unit. If you wish to have the tracking of the trip this will cost more on an annual basis.

The tracker is a good idea if you have family and friends that are interested in where you are going.

It is in my interest with the trips that I do that I am able to be tracked and to date have not had any problems with the unit.

Wayne

I've recently purchased the second generation model. At this stage I've been experimenting with it in the backyard. It can send the pre-programmed message/s to both a mobile phone and email. Both methods receive the message and your coordinates whilst the email provides a link to maps that show your actual location. It only takes a minute or two for the message to be received on the mobile phone.

I also purchased the insurance for if you press the SOS by mistake that covers the cost of an unrequired emergency rescue.

Heinz

I bought one just before Christmas and its been excellent.

Its almost the ultimate gadget: it receives GPS satellite signals, it transmits to the satellite phone network (possibly the Globalstar network), and anyone can track your progress on Google Earth.

I intend posting my tracking page address for my next trip up the Mt Davies Rd in a few months.

To be the ultimate gadget it needs a display showing current GPS position, satellite status etc and it needs to be hackable to do something it wasn't intended to do (like perhaps to plug in a mike/headset to make satellite phone calls).

The basic subscription is $115 USD and another $45 for the tracking option (it sends your position every ten minutes). I wasn't interested in the emergency 911 feature. I bought a Ram cradle which I affixed to the dash board. So far its survived in the car on 40 degree days in direct sunshine.

I accidentally bought a second one which arrives in a few days (series 1, new in box) if you want to buy one cheap.

I hear that the series 2 units are heavier on batteries.

Bob

Hi Heinz,

I have a SPOT 1 and they are great. I now have heaps of friends with them and no problems. I bought it from www.piplus.com.au They are the distributor. They also have a list of Austhorised Resellers on the page.

At this stage the SPOT 2 has been recalled. It will be a while before they are re-released. If you see any on EBAY etc DON'T BUY THEM as you will have to return it.
Buying from an Authorised Australian dealer means that if there is a warranty issue then support and warranty is within Australia. I don't want to risk sending back to the US if there is any problem at MY expense.

I know a guy who bought a SPOT 2 from EBAY and now has to try and get it back to the states and changed over. The EBAY seller wants noithing to do with it...

SPOT 1 has had no problems I know about and is very good on battery life. It is 2 x AA lithium batteries that come with it (Energizer Photo ones). SPOT 2 needs 3 x AAA lithium batteries and will only only give about a third of the battery life.