SPOT Messenger Question?

Thanks, John

Hi, realise SPOT is not a replacement for EPIRB, have a Sat Phone also, so should about cover all eventualities.

Spot is a quantum leap above Epirb for bush travel.

Hi Cantiva,

Why do you think that a Spot beacon would not serve the same purpose as an EPIRB ?

KK

I should have been more specific, when I say EPIRB I meant PLB - Epirb's/PLBS and the supporting infrastructure is purpose built around dependably finding and rescuing people from life threatening situations; Spot is a messenger tracking device that as one of its functions can act as a plb. You can ring emergency services on normal telephone numbers but 000 close to gaurantees you'l get through with prioirty...same sort of thing (maybe not a good example in sydney!) If you do a search on the web "epirb vs spot" there is plenty of interesting reading, spot's are not renowned for their dependability where epirb's its all about dependability. They are a lot of money up front but if looked after should last a good few years. Satalliute phones are good but they also can be tempermental beasts and under Murpheys law you know when that will be....!

Hi again Cantiva,
If you activate an EPIRB that does not have a built in GPS it could take many hours before your position can be fixed.

The location of a Spot beacon or an EPIRB with GPS will be fixed immediately the signal is received. The only difference then is that there is an earth receiving station in Australia for the EPIRB and the Spot beacon signal will be received in the USA. A simple direct call from the USA to Australian authorities will only take a couple of minutes. So as far as I can see in an emergency situation there will be no real difference between an EPIRB and a Spot beacon. In a non-emergency situation the Spot beacon can be used to send other signals but the EPIRB can not, so which is the most useful ?

KK

Thanks

Thanks, the series 2 looks to have too many bells and whistles, stuff I won't use.

Ian,

Fair point, but if need service or a warranty claim, I won't know until I'm very remote and then it won't matter if the service is in Australia or overseas.

The live tracking may be free, but you still haver to pay $115 USD for basic connection.

Bob