RE: [Paddlewise] SPOT - A few observations

> > This week, I triggered an "OK" inside a subway tunnel.  SPOT claimed
> that
> the transmission was successful.  Unlikely.  It can't even get a GPS
> signal
> inside the tunnel.

[Steve Holtzman] The SPOT will NEVER claim any transmission was successful.
It only shows when a message was sent. It has no way of knowing (nor does
any locator beacon) if a message was received. So all you really know is
that while you were in a tunnel, the SPOT tried to send a message.

For an OK message, it makes 3 attempts. For a HELP message it sends it every
5 minutes for an hour, and for a 911 message, it continues sending that
message until the batteries die or you turn it off manually.

No type of radio works well in deep gorges. While in the Grand Canyon years
ago, our only emergency radio system was to call overhead aircraft when they
were visible and ask them to relay. Otherwise, there is NO RADIO
COMMUNICATION from the floor of the canyon.

Your expecting too much if you think a personal locator will be effective in
areas of skyscrapers. Your cell phone and 911 would be a much better choice
in that situation. Your SPOT is designed for wilderness areas where there
are no other types of communication available. On the water, it should be a
back-up to your VHF.

Steve Holtzman

 

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