Re: [Paddlewise] emergency message device - SPOT

The device Bob is writing about is a SPOT.

I have not yet used one but it looks like a very interesting safety gadget
for those of us who go off the beaten track. Especially solo. This device
will send out messages to people you make part of your "Team" that show your
position on GoogleEarth. It costs $150 to buy and then requires that you pay
a service fee to keep it in operation. It does not notify SAR but it does
give your friends and family information on where you have been.

REI in Seattle sells them and there are ten reviews (www.rei.com and search
for "spot"); it seems people either love it or hate it. However there are
some problems. One reviewer mentions that it can take a long time (1.5 hours
in at least one case) for your "help" notice to reach your "team" members
(people you have given access to your account). He did not test the "911"
but felt that a "help" message should go faster. He also says that it
doesn't work when on your belt or backpack... you have to fasten it so it's
upright on a surface (like your kayak).

Team members also have full access to your account so they can
(accidentally) change your settings.

One reviewer added a caveat that this is not an Emergency Locator Beacon
(ELB) and does not activate search and rescue.

Another reviewer says that his 12 year old kid likes to ski out-of-bounds so
having him carry this makes him feel better about it. If my 12 year old kid
did not stay in-bounds he could buy his own damn lift tickets!!!

I encourage everyone who paddles solo to at least read the reviews on
www.rei.com and at least consider the device. In the Rev's case I'd suggest
he actually carry an ELB as well as one of these. All ya need is money,
right?  :P


Craig Jungers
Moses Lake, WA

On Jan 30, 2008 6:58 PM, Bob Carter <revkayak_at_aptalaska.net> wrote:

> A friend of mine who I suspect thinks I am crazy for paddling solo as much
> as
> I do just sent me a note about a new GPS linked device which can be
> activated
> in emergencies to notify emergency personnel that you need help. It will
> also
> allow friends and family to track your progress over the net.
> I will research it a little more and consider carrying one if I think it
> pans
> out. I am planning a 250 mile three week trip this summer and a device
> like
> this may be comforting to my very understanding wife.
> www.findmespot.com
>
> Let me know if anyone has used this device.
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