Re: [Paddlewise] emergency message device - SPOT

Thanks, Steve... I was relying on the reviews that appeared on rei.com.

Craig Jungers
Moses Lake, WA

On Jan 30, 2008 9:27 PM, Steve Holtzman <sh_at_actglobal.net> wrote:

> It does notify SAR when you are in trouble. The system uses the GEOS
> satellite system and service (same one that is used to track commercial
> ships and containers). When a 911 message is received, they notify the CG
> or
> SAR (depending on whether your position is on land or water) for a rescue.
>
> When in a foreign country, they notify the US Embassy or Consulate for
> them
> to notify whomever is able to do a rescue in that location. There is also
> an
> insurance service that you can get for $8 if you sign up for it when you
> register your unit that will cover up to $100,000 for rescue costs.
>
> There are 3 kinds of messages that the unit can send:
>        1. I'm ok and at (location) with a link to a Google Map
>        2. "Help" - Non-emergency, but I need help (SAR folks are not
> notified). Emailed and a link to Google Maps is shown.
>        3. "911" - Emergency - SAR, CG, etc notified. Location is updated
> every 5 minutes after the initial call is made.
>
> A message that I sent almost two weeks ago came in as:
>
> SPOT Check OK.  I'm here and everything is ok.
> Unit Number: 0-7349014
> Latitude: 34.203
> Longitude: -119.2564
> Nearest Town from unit Location:  Unknown Distance to the nearest town:
> Unknown Time in GMT the message was sent: 01/20/2008 18:54:44
>
> http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=34.203,-119.2564&ie=UTF8&z=
> 12&om=1
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