Spot Messenger units

**stringmachine** · 08-03-2008, 06:47 AM

Recently Matt07 went to the summit and shared with us their trip VIA Spot messenger. I followed them and then realized how well this product worked. and how it could become one of the best offroad/Trail Tools we all could have with us just in case of Crisis. Thanks for letting us know and see how well this works. I just added it to my Wish list . This could save a life or have help get to someone sooner .
Not sure If Matt was the first to post on this , So sorry if I missed the first posting info person on this..

SPOT Satellite Messenger and Personal Tracker - Globalcom

***uphill*** · 08-03-2008, 07:33 AM

I bought a Spot from Matt.

I tested my Spot Messenger with my family back home on the Kokopelli Trail run after the Summit and it worked well. I'm pleased NOT to have needed the 911 feature but you never know when that might happen. For me it's cheap insurance.

**Mtbcoach** · 08-03-2008, 07:42 AM

Yeah, I should have talked to Matt about this at the FJSummit. My wife suffered for 5 days while I had my girls with me on the Rubicon during Rubithon. I think that she has told all of our friends, in explicit detail of her anxiety during these days.

With one of these, at least she would know where to find the bodies...

**stringmachine** · 08-03-2008, 07:43 AM

I of course sent a link of these to my wife for my wish list and when she asks me what it is all about I will then tell here about the safety features of this also. Like you Said Cheap insurance and if one of our loved ones even travels somewhere out of town, at least if we loose contact or they get stuck we can send help quickly.. or locate them.. I am really loving this technology.

**nevadaesh** · 08-03-2008, 07:48 AM

Quote:

stringmachine previously said:

Recently Matt07 went to the summit and shared with us their trip VIA Spot messenger. I followed them and then realized how well this product worked. and how it could become one of the best offroad/Trail Tools we all could have with us just in case of Crisis. Thanks for letting us know and see how well this works. I just added it to my Wish list . This could save a life or have help get to someone sooner .
Not sure If Matt was the first to post on this , So sorry if I missed the first posting info person on this..

SPOT Satellite Messenger and Personal Tracker - Globalcom

I have had my SPOT for several months now. I don't have the trip feature though. I use mine on every expedition I do, as I will this next weekend going into Death Valley for 3 days. Every morning I send an "I'm OK" message back to the wife and a close friend to let them know, at least, I haven't driven over a cliff and can't get to SPOT. Hope I don't have to ever use "Help" or "911".

It is always in my rig whenever we take it out, even on day trips.

**VDM** · 08-03-2008, 08:54 AM

I think this should be added to safety/recovery gear for everyone. I'll be talking to Matt about one of these.

**Janet** · 08-03-2008, 11:51 AM

I have used a SPOT on my bike trips since they came out. They offer a lot for a reasonable price in my book. We all have people that want to know where I am and that I am ok. It allows me to not have to comunicate with people at home but lets them keep up with my location. I do have the tracking so folks can see where I am as I progress, and I send an "I'm OK" message at the end of my riding day.

J.

1leglance · 08-03-2008, 12:29 PM

I got mine in Jan and wrote it up here but at that time folks didn't really seem that interested
http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forum...messenger.html

I used mine recently to track the Continental Divide Expedition and folks all over were able to watch our progress for 22 days.

In all the time I have had mine the only issues are if I don't give it a clear view of the sky, you need to keep your unit on the dash or back window.

I have talked with a number of search & rescue folks and they are all very pleased with the SPOT's and have had great results.

**spincycle** · 08-04-2008, 03:28 PM

I own a Spot, have used it, and recommend it highly. However, it's worth noting that, like early GPS units, it is sensitive to both motion and its view of the sky. It's true that even medium tree cover can be a problem for them as they search for GPS sats and for a sat to send a message to. I had mine (as a test) on continuous "I'm ok" check-in mode during a couple Ouray runs, and the received marker points are unevenly spaced and sporadic.

However, if one were truly stranded (i.e., Todd without Dom and a crew to help and no tools), you'd be better off placing it, stationary, on a rock with a full, clear view of the sky.

Other than that, the Spot simply can't be beat for the money. It's a permanent resident of my glovebox, for sure. Simple, cheap & effective.

**stringmachine** · 08-04-2008, 04:09 PM

maybe each club should purchase one and whom ever is leading the trail , Lets say I am leading a group of trail runners I should have one with my group and the other groups should have one person in their group that has one and on? or at least everyone should know where it is, if something were to happen to the leader.. my nother 5 cents input