Re: [Paddlewise] SPOT - Yes, it floats but....

From: alex <al.m_at_3web.net>
Date: Wed, 8 Oct 2008 12:35:05 -0700
> This past week I tested my "SPOT" in the lake.  As indicated by the
manufacturer, the device floats and it is indeed water resistant.  The
problem?  I discovered that when allowed to float by itself, it floats face
down.  When I last I checked, there are no satellites on the bottom of the
lake.  :(  If your "SPOT" gets separated from you and your gear on the lake,
distress messages are only being received by beavers and fish.  This could
be a problem.

If any emergency beacon gets separated from you, this could be a problem.
This is why I believe in what somebody here said (meaning on-deck storage VS
on-PFD) - "what's not on me, is not with me".  I don't think that many other
emergency communication tools provide upright floating of unit by itself.
Though, VHF and PLB will transmit as long as the antenna is out of water
(but transmission may not be same good as with upright orientation).

Btw, - is this only what manufacturer says (no transmission with face down),
or did you try to send a signal with unit floating upside down?
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Received on Wed Oct 08 2008 - 12:37:30 PDT

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