SPOT GPS Messenger? - Page 2

Barney · 10-26-2012, 11:55 AM

I know some people complain about OK messages not arriving on time or at all. Many of them say that every 3rd or 4th message will go through.

Grandpa · 10-26-2012, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barney

I know some people complain about OK messages not arriving on time or at all. Many of them say that every 3rd or 4th message will go through.

Like I said, Some messages are late through T mobile but on time with verizon. It may be a phone service glitch rather than spot. That is our opinion. Especially since the computer log is always current.

Pathfinder1 · 10-26-2012, 12:59 PM

Hi...

Do any of you SPOT users have the (I think) newest one? Cabela's now has the new one for sale for just under a hundred bucks.

I also just read where they are also now being used for trips to the stores, restaurants, etc. as a possible 'other' lifesaving feature.

Grandpa · 10-26-2012, 01:03 PM

Mine is original old. The new ones even have a roadside assist button to contact your roadside provider such as AAA. If I had the new model, it would always be with me. Our little towns out here are a long ways apart and cell service is sketchy at best once off the main interstates.

Gondor · 10-27-2012, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grandpa

Like I said, Some messages are late through T mobile but on time with verizon. It may be a phone service glitch rather than spot. That is our opinion. Especially since the computer log is always current.

I also heard that OK/Check In messages are not logged on Google Maps in spite of the device showing that they were sent out. I'm just saying what I heard.

Cappy · 10-27-2012, 08:15 AM

do these things come with a monthly service fee like cirus radio or are they free with purchase like gps??

Bojib · 10-27-2012, 08:38 AM

A Spot is one of those things I've considered getting since I heard of them several years ago.

I used to go out and ride ATVs often, and usually alone. For that activity in particular it would have been worth it, I think my chances of getting hurt were far greater than they are when I'm hiking.

Maybe if I received one as a gift I'd use it, but for some reason I've just never wanted to take the plunge and buy one.

Judy Ann · Today, 08:12 PM

My old SPOT has never had any issues with getting messages to my family using both their cell phone numbers and e-mail addresses. I always test it the night before a trip to make sure that everyone gets a message including someone at work. I turn mine off since I don't pay for the tracking feature. I send an "I'm okay" message nightly or another button that I use to send a "Wish you were here" message when I hike to an unusual location, a peak, or anywhere I had not previously planned to hike or travel to. Dad pulls up locations and monitors progress and worries less to know where I'm set up to sleep at night. If there have been bear warnings or other concerns regarding the trip, they get more messages throughout the day.

I think it was Grandpa that passed on advice regarding being late sending out a message and family calling the local rangers for a search and rescue. I leave at least one number as a contact person familiar with where I'm planning on hiking and camping for them to call if they get worried during that 48 hour period when they might not have heard from me. That person will/can assist them regarding my whereabouts and help them make any necessary decisions, however there is the SOS button and a cell phone both of which can be used to reach out in an emergency.

My 80 something parents are a little calmer with this arrangement and the whole family is able to follow adventures via satellite in areas where there is no cell phone reception.