Pretty sure Rich has been using it. He once posted his whereabouts from one of those moto bike trips to the dessert online for us to track. For most of the trails I run around here a cell phone is adequate for the emergency call. But if I had the opportunity to run more remotely I'd absolutely consider it. Have always wanted a watch with a little panic button I could push in an emergency that would just send my location with a distress call. From what I understand, this is pretty much that idea.
The primary purpose of the SPOT is for those cases where you get LOST! I have had the opportunity to test this device at as part of a SAR team I belong to. It gets pretty decent coverage, but there are some dead spots. So it should most definite be a last resort option. Additional, be aware that there is debate at many of the state and national levels regarding charging a fee for each time the device is activated. It costs 1000's of dollars each time a SAR team is activated, and many states want to try and recoup sme of that cost.
I use a first generation SPOT. They will release a version three, with outgoing text messaging capability, later this month, I believe.
I think it's way overkill for trail running. Remote mtn biking, cycling, or hiking, it would be more useful. One of my friends is a member of the local SAR team and his advice is to get a satphone instead: if you have a device that see satelites (spot, GPS, or satphone) might as well have a device that allows you to have a conversation with 911 folks, tell them what the situation is, etc.
That said, about $200 + an annual sub is potentially a small price to pay for piece of mind and the ability to press Ok, help, or 911 buttons if you need it. However, be warned about the tracking feature: once you tell your SO that you'll be checking in, they can track you, etc, they'll start to freak out if you don't, they can't, etc. The big issue with the 1st gen spot is that UI is very, very bad. I have to carry around a cheat sheet to remember what buttons to push and flashing lights to look for and even then I screw it up = I usually keep an eye on my cell at stops and send Joanne a text when I can.
I'm planning a 4-5 day back country moto-tour before IMSG and plan to rent a satphone for the week.
Gina, I have looked into it as well. But I held off due to a fairly large amount of quality complaints that came up in my searches - and bad support from the SPOT folks. Mike
I bought one for use mtb'g in Mexico. Seems to work ok. Other than sending "ok" messages to friends, it gives a little piece of mind in the middle of nowhere. It does require line of site to satellites, more or less. Tree canopies, deep canyons, can be a problem. On the other hand, it has a certain cool gadget cachet.
Sat phone's an option, but then my office would somehow get the number, etc. etc.
Comments
I believe Rich has something he uses when he is out on the trails. Paging Coach RIch!
I use a first generation SPOT. They will release a version three, with outgoing text messaging capability, later this month, I believe.
I think it's way overkill for trail running. Remote mtn biking, cycling, or hiking, it would be more useful. One of my friends is a member of the local SAR team and his advice is to get a satphone instead: if you have a device that see satelites (spot, GPS, or satphone) might as well have a device that allows you to have a conversation with 911 folks, tell them what the situation is, etc.
That said, about $200 + an annual sub is potentially a small price to pay for piece of mind and the ability to press Ok, help, or 911 buttons if you need it. However, be warned about the tracking feature: once you tell your SO that you'll be checking in, they can track you, etc, they'll start to freak out if you don't, they can't, etc. The big issue with the 1st gen spot is that UI is very, very bad. I have to carry around a cheat sheet to remember what buttons to push and flashing lights to look for and even then I screw it up = I usually keep an eye on my cell at stops and send Joanne a text when I can.
I'm planning a 4-5 day back country moto-tour before IMSG and plan to rent a satphone for the week.
Thanks for the input!!
I have looked into it as well. But I held off due to a fairly large amount of quality complaints that came up in my searches - and bad support from the SPOT folks.
Mike
I bought one for use mtb'g in Mexico. Seems to work ok. Other than sending "ok" messages to friends, it gives a little piece of mind in the middle of nowhere. It does require line of site to satellites, more or less. Tree canopies, deep canyons, can be a problem. On the other hand, it has a certain cool gadget cachet.
Sat phone's an option, but then my office would somehow get the number, etc. etc.