Re: [Paddlewise] SPOT anxiety

> unit may not be able to get a signal for any number of reasons,
> including being broken. How does one inform the contact people to
> expect no further messages from the SPOT unit unless there is cell
> coverage in the area, so they do not call the calvary unnecessarily?

Rather than informing the contact people to expect no further messages,
wouldn't it be easier to tell them this on the Day One, calling from the
destination airport - expect no further messages until such and such date,
give or take 2 days?  I already said this on another forum, - most trips do
not justify sending OK messages every day or every 48 hours. There are VHF
and PLB to deal with emergencies - they are not perfect, but they exclude
confusion caused by third parties involved (often emotional or not thinking
straight). If you are pinned down somewhere and experiencing food and water
shortage, then (coorect me if I'm wrong, 'cause I'm not absoultely sure
there) - this is an emergency and warrants using a PLB or "emergency" button
of SPOT (have never seen one, but I understand there is such a button).

> Personally, I find the lack of any confirmation attached to any of
> the messages sent to be somewhat disquieting. I much prefer a VHF
> radio, or a satellite radio, where I can relay more than "I'm fine"
> or "I'm not fine" and I can tell pretty much right away if there's
> anyone receiving them.

This is what bugs me in PLB too - no confirmation.  But at least, PLB is
sending distress signal with GPS coordinates
continuously, so if works at all and you are not in some cave, it will reach
satellite at some moment.  VHF gives you a confirmation, but they are very
short-range - few miles at sea level, and satellite phone will not work
where SPOT or PLB doesn't - in steep north-facing canyon for example (in
Northern hemisphere).
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