SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger
Review / Interview
December 2008
Spot Satellite GPS Messenger is first GPS-enabled device for outdoor recreation that lets you send messages to your friends and family along with your exact location which can be viewed on Google Maps. Don't go any further without it. You will enjoy your trip more, knowing that you can be flexible with your itinerary and not cause anyone to worry. And if there is trouble, you can summons help without calling in the cavalry - but you have that option too - regardless of whether or not you're in cell phone coverage.
More often there are situations when you would like someone to know where you are without necessarily initiating a Search and Rescue response. The SPOT Emergency/Messaging System provides three message options:
"OK" - which usually means you're just checking in with your contacts or marking a location or yourprogress,
"HELP" - which communicates to your contacts that you are in trouble and could use some help, and
"911" - which is transmitted directly to authorities communicating a life-threatening emergency requiring professional rescue.
Like traditional emergency locator beacons, SPOT sends messages via a satellite network, providing global coverage over most of the world's landmass and coastal regions. However, the SPOT device is typically less expensive than an ELB, but an annual subscription for service is required. Basic service includes unlimited emergency and non-emergency messaging. A service upgrade is available for tracking.
Earlier this year, I interviewed Derek Moore, Public Relations Manager at SPOT LLC, the company that sells and services the SPOT Messenger. Here is the text of the interview:
TbGPS: Derek, I've been using the Spot Messenger for several months and am very pleased with its design and reliability. As a boater, I value the messaging feature, which allows me to notify my family when I'm falling behind schedule. Moreover, the Spot Messenger gives me the flexibility to explore without my loved-ones worrying. Although I have never had to transmit a "911", I have sent numerous "I'm OK" messages and I am confident the device would rescue me if necessary. So, I can see where this device would be valuable for any outdoor activity where your last-known-whereabouts is critical information. But I must admit I have some apprehension using the device because I don't fully understand your emergency response procedures. Can you explain what happens when the "911" button is pressed - either by accident or in case of a real emergency.
Moore: When using the 9-1-1, the distress message sends the user's GPS coordinates every 5 minutes to the GEOS emergency response center who operates much in the same way as the AFRCC. GEOS will contact the appropriate PSAP or authority for the area. In an Urban area, this would be local police or county sheriff’s office, State Park would be the park office themselves or SAR for the area.
TbGPS: If I understand you correctly then, the air force would not be called in for a 911 signal from a skier down in the backcountry of, say, Vail, right?
Moore: You are correct that the GEOS emergency response center used by SPOT updates various PSAP, SAR and or public service agency contact lists to that they work with the most appropriate rescue authorities available for a specific geographic area. If a 911 signal was sent from the backcountry of Vail, GEOS would contact the local authorities for that region (county sheriff, SAR etc.) and not contact the Air Force unless for some reason it was necessary and it would be the up to the local authorities to make that call.
TbGPS: Derek, I know recreational boaters appreciate your product, especially in non-life-threatening situations, like being adrift. When I set out on a cruise or fishing trip, I include the phone number of the local boat tow service in the "Help" message. Can you tell our readers how seaworthy your device is?
Moore: SPOT is water-proof with a rating of 30 minutes at 3 meters and SPOT floats. In fact, Derek Crook was a sea kayaker saved by SPOT in Feb. as he was attempting to circumnavigate Tasmania and a wave destroyed his boat off of Conical Rocks. SPOT was his only equipment that floated with him and wasn't lost.
TbGPS: How far offshore does the Spot Messenger work?
Moore: SPOT works hundreds to thousands of miles offshore as you can see on the coverage map on our web site at http://findmespot.com/ExploreSPOT/Coverage.aspx
TbGPS: How long do batteries last?
Moore: SPOT runs on two AA batteries and has a rating of one year just powered on, 14 days in track mode and 7 days in 911 mode.
TbGPS: Derek, please explain to prospective users the benefit of the tracking subscription option.
Moore: SPOT service comes with an optional Tracking function which enables the user to update their GPS waypoints automatically every 10 minutes. The user can go into their account and reference their breadcrumb trail or create a shared page and send the custom URL for others to share in their adventures online and in real-time.
TbGPS: Thanks Derek. That’s really all the questions that I have. Is there anything you would like to add?
Moore: SPOT is a unique product. Because of its multiple functions and portability, it can benefit anyone who spends time in the outdoors especially when traveling outside of cellular service. Early adopters have been campers and backpackers, maritime and general aviation.
TbGPS: That sounds like the majority of the patrons at TravelByGPS.com
Moore: Yes. Outdoor recreation is a key market for us, not only for emergency preparedness, but also the ability to stay connected with family and friends at home with the OK message functions and online tracking. Other emergency PLB products don't allow for these other message functions.
TbGPS: Thanks again, Derek Moore - Public Relations Manager for SPOT, LLC.
