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SPOT GPS
Has anyone used this product? I am doing a fair amount of trail running & think it might be a good investment.
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Has anyone used this product? I am doing a fair amount of trail running & think it might be a good investment.
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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.