I was recently given a SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger as a gift from a family member and figured I would make a post about it. Basically it's a GPS device that enables one way sending of predefined messages and coordinates in case of emergency. Since I spend a fair amount of time surrounded by mountains in the middle of nowhere this seems like a good thing to have. The unit has four different messages it can send. The first is an 'ok' message, indicating that all is well - This can be used to check in periodically and alert outsiders of your location. The second message is a custom one. Before you leave you can enter a custom note which can be sent out at any time. I currently have this set up to alert friends and family that I'm ok but will be returning later than planned. The third message is a general help message. This could be used in cases of vehicle breakdown, minor injury, etc. The fourth and final option is an all out S.O.S. - used in cases of true emergency, when you really do need the search and rescue helicopter! The S.O.S. message is sent directly to the 'GEOS International Emergency Response Center', which alerts the appropriate agencies for your region. Each message gets sent out in an email to whichever addresses you have set up. The email includes a google map with your current location and whichever message you've selected.
This seems like a really usefull tool and it brings with it some added peace of mind while driving in the wilderness. I would like to at some point start a mailing list or otherwise of individuals in the 4x4 community who could be added to our help message list, and vice versa. It would be nice to know that you could call on a group of 4x4 enthusiasts to help you out of a tight spot, without resorting to a full blown search and rescue operation! If anyone stumbles on this post who is interested and/or happens to own a spot or similar device, let me know and let's get it started.
We used one of these when I did the westcoast trail a few years ago. Friends and family could track our progress in real-time, and it was good to be able to check in at the end of the day.
I've been thinking about this more lately.. I'm thinking that I might set up some sort of generic email address @vioffroad.com that people can enter into their spot devices. I can then have any SPOT messages sent to that address posted here on the site automatically. That way anyone with a SPOT can simply add the address to their device once, and any calls for help that they send will be posted here as well. Once we get some real traffic to the site other members could head toward the beacon if they were near by.
Sounds like a good idea, none the less try to link the posts to here. Even if they don't have a device they could head to that general direction, or give others the heads up.
Wouldn't mind getting one of these, quite often get into sticky situations with no cell service.
These things are great! I've had one for a couple of years. Never had to hit the emergency button but it is awesome for checking in and marking a location for yourself if you don't have another GPS on you. I think the idea of having members calls for help, or even the OK's for that matter pop up on here is an awesome idea. I know I would feel better knowing that half a dozen other people with 4X4's may be on there way to help me out of a jam.
I have had one of these for a few years now and they are a great thing to have along. Whenever you send a message, weather a check in or a I'm in trouble message they all come with a hot link to google maps with your exact location on it and the GPS coordinates so it's pretty easy to find you if you are in trouble.
I was thinking of getting one of these spot connects, they also have the on device buttons, but will also allow data to be sent from my tablet device. or so i hope. Need to reaserch how it connects be it blue tooth or wifi, or the phoes 3g antenna. if its a 3g conne tion my tab wont be compatible as its wifi only, Would be a nice addition if it works.
Sounds in the add its blutooth.
http://www.cabelas.ca/product/32766/spot-connect-smartphone-satellite-co...
It connects via Bluetooth. You still have to pay $100 a year for the service too. Looks like it could help out in an emergency.
looking a little further into it, its not much more convenient than the prearranged messages besides being able to get out details and this text feature costs extra, I suppose the real convenience is the direct fb/ twitter link they provide which comes in the standard package however if you want custom messages you have to pay extra for it, that and you cannot receive info over this model, so updating a map you missed in your device is not gonna happen. "UPDATE" just read that this spot connect will allow a device without GPS capability to use the systems GPS for location tracking locally on your phone. My bet is the GPS is much more powerful than that of my tablet. could increase functionality for guys going this route:" definitely worth having if you spend extra on the type and send, if I was to buy one of them however I would almost prefer the phone they offer, but that's way out of my price range.