Spot Tracker unit question

I've recently purchased a Spot Tracker via the ExplorOz shop, and registered it to include the live tracking / breadcrumb trail function. It works fine sending the"ok" messages, and all message including the gps coordinates come through to everyone on our contact list perfectly. I cannot get it to come through with the breadcrumb trail to anyone on the shared list we created though. Has anyone out there got this function working - the company in the US weren't very forthcoming with information.
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Reply By: equinox - Sunday, Feb 20, 2011 at 16:40

Sunday, Feb 20, 2011 at 16:40
Hi Tony,

I have an old model.
You have to hold the OK button down for a few seconds for the tracking function starts working. If both the green lights are not flashing after about 20 minutes it means only an "Ok" signal went out and not a tracking signal. If this happens you have to start again.

To make sure I always hold the Ok button down for longer than necessary.

I'm not sure if this is your problem, good luck.

Cheers
Alan

Looking for adventure.
In whatever comes our way.



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AnswerID: 446057

Follow Up By: Member - Tony M- Sunday, Feb 20, 2011 at 16:54

Sunday, Feb 20, 2011 at 16:54
Thanks for the info Alan, I'll give that a try. Maybe I'm just reading the handbook incorrectly!!!
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Follow Up By: Andrew & Jen - Sunday, Feb 20, 2011 at 17:08

Sunday, Feb 20, 2011 at 17:08
Tony
I have heard that battery use is high in this mode - it might last 12 hrs or so and at $20 a set of lithium batteries, I don't bother. Especially when there are better ways of keeping a track record.
If all's well, I use mine to send one position report at the end of the day.
If not OK, then send as needed.
Cheers
Andrew
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Follow Up By: Member - Tony M- Sunday, Feb 20, 2011 at 17:16

Sunday, Feb 20, 2011 at 17:16
Thanks for the help Andrew & Jen, You are probably right, just to send one report on reaching camp each night. We're off up the Cape in July, so at least our kids can see where we are each night. Cheers, Tony.
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Follow Up By: equinox - Sunday, Feb 20, 2011 at 17:25

Sunday, Feb 20, 2011 at 17:25
Hi Andrew,
Battery use is very low. I used mine every day in tracking mode for 25 days or so last year and then some more over shorter trips etc..on my second set now.

Cheers
Alan

Looking for adventure.
In whatever comes our way.



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Follow Up By: Andrew & Jen - Sunday, Feb 20, 2011 at 21:29

Sunday, Feb 20, 2011 at 21:29
Hullo Alan
The issue of battery life might have been with an earlier model.
The person who told me about it was working for an organisation that used them in the field to keep track of contractors involved with the recent locust investation. They got quite concerned when they "lost" a few people due to non transmittal and found it was as a result of low battery voltage/life.
Cheers
Andrew
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FollowupID: 718398

Follow Up By: The Landy - Monday, Feb 21, 2011 at 09:17

Monday, Feb 21, 2011 at 09:17
Similar to Alan, I have used mine for 10 hours a day for over a month on a trip last year, and have used it at other times recently, and have only just changed the batteries.

A great device I must add....

Cheers, The Landy

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Reply By: Member - Vin & Lisa - Sunday, Feb 20, 2011 at 17:40

Sunday, Feb 20, 2011 at 17:40
Hi Tony, recently purchased one myself and have successfully set it up to show the breadcrumb trail on our Exploroz profile page via EOTrackMe. I just followed the instructions on this site, there is a section on EOTrackMe under the Members heading. One thing to remember is the SPOT doesn't transmit constantly like an iPhone running UTrackMe, rather the SPOT sends an updated position every 10mins while in tracking mode, regardless of movement or lack thereof. Happy to help if you still have troubles, but definitely check out the instructions mentioned. Cheers, Vin.
AnswerID: 446061

Follow Up By: Member - Tony M- Sunday, Feb 20, 2011 at 18:02

Sunday, Feb 20, 2011 at 18:02
Thanks for your advice guys - I looked up the info you suggested and have printed it out. This looks like a better way to go so we'll give it a try. Very much appreciated, Cheers, Tony.
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FollowupID: 718378

Reply By: Member - Rod N (QLD) - Sunday, Feb 20, 2011 at 19:37

Sunday, Feb 20, 2011 at 19:37
Spot Walla is another option which you can set up for others to see where you are/have been.
AnswerID: 446075

Follow Up By: Member - Kiwi_In_Aussie(Wagga) - Sunday, Feb 20, 2011 at 21:01

Sunday, Feb 20, 2011 at 21:01
I use both SPOT shared page and Spot Walla to inform friends where I am - most prefer the Spot Walla

This is a link to a short trip I did this weekend to test out my brand new Conqueror UEV490 camper trailer

It is only a short trip but shows how Spotwalla works

Livingston NP trek using SpotWalla

cheers and beers

K.A
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FollowupID: 718393

Follow Up By: Member - Kiwi_In_Aussie(Wagga) - Sunday, Feb 20, 2011 at 21:02

Sunday, Feb 20, 2011 at 21:02
oh and I forgot to mention

When you go to the page - play around with the views (map/satellite) and the zoom etc etc

cheers
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FollowupID: 718395

Follow Up By: Member - Kiwi_In_Aussie(Wagga) - Sunday, Feb 20, 2011 at 21:07

Sunday, Feb 20, 2011 at 21:07
and also if you click on each of the breadcrumbs you get to see the co-ords and time etc etc


once again

cheers
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FollowupID: 718396

Reply By: Member - Richard C (ACT) - Sunday, Feb 20, 2011 at 21:03

Sunday, Feb 20, 2011 at 21:03
Tony,
The 'bread crumb" trail appears on a web site which other people can access.

I apologize if you realized that but when reading your thread entry it implied to me that you were expecting these people to be notified of the "trail crumb" . If I have read this incorrectly once again I am sorry.

I have had a SPOT for a few years now and there may be other options as I have not kept up to date with the changes.

re battery life. I have used it in quite a number of trips and have leant it ot other people and I have only changed the batteries twice. The batteries are expensive - about $12 for two but the last a long time.

It is a great device and just recently we used one to help locate and pick up some one from the Vic High Country.


Have fun ,

Richard
AnswerID: 446090

Follow Up By: Member - Tony M- Sunday, Feb 20, 2011 at 22:20

Sunday, Feb 20, 2011 at 22:20
Thanks to you all for your input, fantastic help for me not really understanding how to use it. I'll look more closely into the ExplorOz setup, and take on board the other advice, much appreciated, Tony.
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FollowupID: 718408

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