Who uses a Spot Messenger?

[NoWiser]

I use a SPOT. It's as much for the piece of mind of the family back home as it is for me. I hit the button most mornings and evenings and they love being able to follow me around and know what I'm up to. It really eases their minds knowing I'm safe.

 

[bbrown]

shaun - do you have any more info on this? Was he texting back and forth between a couple in-reach devices or was he using a sat phone to text the in-reach unit? The outfitter I guide for and I were trying to figure out how well this would work for checking on drop camps, packing out meat and obviously the emergency factor if it was ever needed. Seems like it would work great and save a ton of saddle time riding up to check on camps.

 

[colonel00]

Yeah, there is another thread on the InReach. I picked one up to use this year and I really like the idea of two-way messaging.

 

[shaun]

shaun - do you have any more info on this? Was he texting back and forth between a couple in-reach devices or was he using a sat phone to text the in-reach unit? The outfitter I guide for and I were trying to figure out how well this would work for checking on drop camps, packing out meat and obviously the emergency factor if it was ever needed. Seems like it would work great and save a ton of saddle time riding up to check on camps.

It was device to device I am almost positive. We ran into one of the packers he had camped out and that was how they kept him in touch

 

[bbrown]

Thanks

 

[dangerousD]

For those using the Spot, have you had trouble with failed messages or reception being poor? Sounds like its sort of send a message and hope for success with no way of knowing if your message or SOS went thru since it uses the simplex communication protocol whereas the DeLorme uses duplex for two way messages and confirmation.

 

[colonel00]

For those using the Spot, have you had trouble with failed messages or reception being poor? Sounds like its sort of send a message and hope for success with no way of knowing if your message or SOS went thru since it uses the simplex communication protocol whereas the DeLorme uses duplex for two way messages and confirmation.

This is one of the main reasons I went with DeLorme. In an emergency situation, I want to know that the message was received. That and it would be nice to know an ETA for emergency services as well as updating them on status. When I am chasing caribou up on the Slope this year 100 miles from the nearest help, I didn't want to risk pushing the SOS button and just hoping the signal went through. With that said, I can still see where a Spot device can have a niche and I too am interested to hear what people have to say.

 

[Buster]

My spot 2 gives me confirmation that the message has been sent. I can't remember right now, but I believe it is the color and sequence of the blinking light.

 

[Snyd]

I've used my Spot 2 on the North Slope a couple years numerous times. No problem. If you use the SOS button it will keep "sending" until you manually shut it off or it runs out of battery power.

The only time I had issue with mine was when sending an ok message and shut it off before it was done.

There are accounts of people being rescued on the North Slope and other areas of Alaska from using a SPOT.

 

[amp713]

It tells you to leave it on for a certain amount of time before and after sending and mine too has a light sequence to tell you it sent. Maybe that was on newer generations? Im not sure on that part....

 

[Snyd]

It tells you to leave it on for a certain amount of time before and after sending and mine too has a light sequence to tell you it sent. Maybe that was on newer generations? Im not sure on that part....

Yup, gotta leave it on. No need to have it on a certain amount of time before sending. Only after pushing one of the message buttons.

I think that most guys that have had problems it was operator error....directions???... don't need no stinkin directions!!!!....... Granted, there can be satellite or other com issues at times as well but that can be true with any electronic device.

I know someone personally that used their SOS button when finding another injured party. North of Fairbanks in the hills fairly remote. ATV accident, my friends came across it, they are trained rescuers like myself. In fact I helped train them. They hit the SOS button and performed CPR until the chopper arrived. The victim did not survive. In fact the victim was showing no signs of life when they arrived on scene. Sad situation but the SPOT worked.

A lady tried a solo fly-in raft float in the Brooks Range a couple years back. She got in some trouble, hit the SOS button and was rescued out of the Northern Brooks Range.

 

[amp713]

I just think it said having it on 10 minutes before use helps it send easier as it has time to find the best signal but that could be just someones opinion at the company

 

[Bonedalien]

ive carried one for awhile now. never had to use it but like knowing its there

 

[colonel00]

FWIW, there are two Spot 2's in the bargain cave at my Cabelas for $80 plus 20% off on top of that. Nit sure how good of a deal that is but I could pick them up if people wanted them.

 

[Mtnboy]

FWIW, there are two Spot 2's in the bargain cave at my Cabelas for $80 plus 20% off on top of that. Nit sure how good of a deal that is but I could pick them up if people wanted them.

That's a pretty good deal I think, I paid $100 for mine.

 

[JustOneMoreShot]

That was a great deal. I just checked and couldn't find them in the bargain cave.

 

[colonel00]

Shoot me a PM and I can see if they are still there at mine. I figure roughly with tax and postage they would end up right around $80.

 

[IanF.]

Have a spot, works fine really gives my wife comfort. Hearing from friends in the Yukon that the deformed inreach is a nicer option and allows for custom messages. Also remember it's not just the unit you have to purchase but also the subscription.

 

[Timberghost]

Just picked up a delorme Inreach. Been using it for 3-4 days now. Works very well so far. Sent some test texts and emails and they all got thru.
Good piece of mind for the back country. Keep it together, rob