I've been using SPOT since 2009 and have found it valuable. A couple of years ago I upgraded to the Gen3 and now the SpotX that was released in June 2018. The SPOT-X is like a rugged and durable Blackberry, which allows you to send more detailed messages given on your current situation, and it's two-way. It comes with the features of Gen3, plus on-screen navigation compass, and its own phone number for two-way texting. Batteries are rechargeable with a USB-Micro cable. The service fee varies by plan and monthly or annual terms. Given the two-way nature, I only limit the contact to the same contacts in my check-in/help contacts.
I use an ACR ResQLink+ but the Spot follows the same principal. I went with ACR because I decided it was better to pay more up front and avoid a subscription fee. The main reason I chose ACR is that the battery is good for 5 years and it's a 406 MHz beacon which means it uses the COSPAS/SARSAT system (backed by international search & rescue treaties). Only feature I feel like I'm missing out on is the ability to send messages, but the coverage is better on 406 MHz beacons vs Spot's proprietary systems. Nice review, always interested to hear about different types of gear and what you use.
Can also suggest the Delorme InReach machines. Uses the iridium network giving 100% worldwide coverage unlike SPOT machines afaik. Also gives ability to talk with rescue services over txt messaging so you know you've been heard and help is on its way.
For me, it took a few trips to really figure out the best configuration for the messages. I hardly ever use the "I'm staying here longer" message, but it's good to know that it is an option.
Yep, works if you follow the directions supplied, learn it, very simple and it takes anywhere from 3 to 7 mins where I'm located 49th p. I even run the tests it suggests before heading out (just don't forget to disable the call out) on mine before heading to confirm it works. It does!
I had to rent a Jeep the last time my wife and I went to Escalante, our Jetta couldn't make it to Coyote Gulch :) They gave us one of those to carry with us. I really liked having something just in case a worst case scenario happened. I'll probably pick one up in the future :)
My last trip off off road in Utah I decided to just rent a Sat phone. I used a company called Mobal to rent - it was easy (no affiliation) and I we recommend it highly. The downside might seem like cost - but for an occasional trip, it is easy to wrap that cost into the whole trip (perspective I suppose!). Oh, and you can't dial 911 on a cell phone, so you need to know WHO to call and have the numbers in advance. Just sharing another alternative!
I now have a different satellite messenger that allows two way communication via text, but with the Spot Gen3, I was able to set those custom messages via their website after logging into my account.
The limited global coverage is only one thing. In my experience, even in regions where Globalstar (which is the sat network this messenger is using) has coverage, the sat uplink is much more 'fragile' and less reliable than Iridium. That means there are occasions where with the Spot Gen3 my (emergency or other) message was not getting through to the satellite network, and as there is no feedback, there is no way of telling whether the message was received.
Tim Parter That is very interesting to read. My experience has been great so far, and every message has sent, including some from within some narrow canyons where I didn't expect any reception. It would definitely be nice to have a 2 way confirmation of the message being sent.
The Spot Gen3 service quality may depend on the latitude you are operating at (because of the possibly different azimuth of the satellite track relative to your horizon at different latitudes). Globalstar support doesn't want to be dragged into discussions on principal limitations of their satellite system. I battled for 2 years with these problems of missing tracking points, and eventually changed to the Garmin inReach (formerly Delorme) that is using the Iridium satellite network (and offers two-way messaging, and - through third party service providers - offers programmable, automated alerts in case of no movement, no signal from the tracker, etc). The experience has been good so far. With Globalstar, initially assuming that the issue of missing tracking points was a *random* problem, I upgraded my Spot Gen3 sat subscription to 2 min tracking. But that also didn't help: If the signal was blocked (for whatever reasons), even sending more or repeat messages from that area/location didn't make a difference.
You can customize the pre-programmed messages through the Spot website when you login. After you do that, hitting each of the buttons will send the pre-programmed message. When you're out in the field away from a cell signal, there is no way to change it.
Could have been much better. Show app and online features/settings on separate screen when sending messages... . Explain some of the nuances and finer points....Only two batteries? Mine uses 4 but it is 2019 model. What about charging? It does not have built in charger. Did you help people that you mentioned back in 2012. If so, using help or so's?
I just received my spot today .waited one and a half week for it overhere in Ukraine. My old one was taken away few weeks ago while I set up camp. Had it for eleven years. FB kayak cobber BAD ROADS GOOD PEOPLE I call this latest project.walking six months here and Moldova. Use the spot for many years and does the work ok...now see how this new generation works. What I don't like is that they put a USB...my opinion the less openings the less funerable for water and damp conditions. A few weeks more and then into Moldova
I mountain bike in Colorado a lot. I ride in areas with no cell signal and I ride solo 80% of the time. This gives me great peace of mind.
It sure would be great for those situations. I like how it gives added peace of mind.
I've been using SPOT since 2009 and have found it valuable. A couple of years ago I upgraded to the Gen3 and now the SpotX that was released in June 2018. The SPOT-X is like a rugged and durable Blackberry, which allows you to send more detailed messages given on your current situation, and it's two-way. It comes with the features of Gen3, plus on-screen navigation compass, and its own phone number for two-way texting. Batteries are rechargeable with a USB-Micro cable. The service fee varies by plan and monthly or annual terms. Given the two-way nature, I only limit the contact to the same contacts in my check-in/help contacts.
I use an ACR ResQLink+ but the Spot follows the same principal. I went with ACR because I decided it was better to pay more up front and avoid a subscription fee. The main reason I chose ACR is that the battery is good for 5 years and it's a 406 MHz beacon which means it uses the COSPAS/SARSAT system (backed by international search & rescue treaties). Only feature I feel like I'm missing out on is the ability to send messages, but the coverage is better on 406 MHz beacons vs Spot's proprietary systems. Nice review, always interested to hear about different types of gear and what you use.
Can also suggest the Delorme InReach machines. Uses the iridium network giving 100% worldwide coverage unlike SPOT machines afaik. Also gives ability to talk with rescue services over txt messaging so you know you've been heard and help is on its way.
I appreciate your example messages, as I'm new to the device and was trying to figure out what I might want to have ready for different scenarios.
For me, it took a few trips to really figure out the best configuration for the messages. I hardly ever use the "I'm staying here longer" message, but it's good to know that it is an option.
Yep, works if you follow the directions supplied, learn it, very simple and it takes anywhere from 3 to 7 mins where I'm located 49th p. I even run the tests it suggests before heading out (just don't forget to disable the call out) on mine before heading to confirm it works. It does!
I had to rent a Jeep the last time my wife and I went to Escalante, our Jetta couldn't make it to Coyote Gulch :) They gave us one of those to carry with us. I really liked having something just in case a worst case scenario happened. I'll probably pick one up in the future :)
My last trip off off road in Utah I decided to just rent a Sat phone. I used a company called Mobal to rent - it was easy (no affiliation) and I we recommend it highly. The downside might seem like cost - but for an occasional trip, it is easy to wrap that cost into the whole trip (perspective I suppose!). Oh, and you can't dial 911 on a cell phone, so you need to know WHO to call and have the numbers in advance. Just sharing another alternative!
i have mine but idont know how to put the people and the messegess on my spotgen3 i need help
I now have a different satellite messenger that allows two way communication via text, but with the Spot Gen3, I was able to set those custom messages via their website after logging into my account.
Nice, informative Review, just bought one and waiting to get it delivered. Greetings from Germany!
You'll enjoy it! Super straightforward and easy to use. It looks like they have some nice new plans available too.
Great information; well presented. Thank you.
Thanks Frank! I really do enjoy my Spot. It hasn't let me down.
Great idea! I am really curious about what gear are you using for your trips.
The limited global coverage is only one thing. In my experience, even in regions where Globalstar (which is the sat network this messenger is using) has coverage, the sat uplink is much more 'fragile' and less reliable than Iridium. That means there are occasions where with the Spot Gen3 my (emergency or other) message was not getting through to the satellite network, and as there is no feedback, there is no way of telling whether the message was received.
Tim Parter That is very interesting to read. My experience has been great so far, and every message has sent, including some from within some narrow canyons where I didn't expect any reception. It would definitely be nice to have a 2 way confirmation of the message being sent.
The Spot Gen3 service quality may depend on the latitude you are operating at (because of the possibly different azimuth of the satellite track relative to your horizon at different latitudes). Globalstar support doesn't want to be dragged into discussions on principal limitations of their satellite system.
I battled for 2 years with these problems of missing tracking points, and eventually changed to the Garmin inReach (formerly Delorme) that is using the Iridium satellite network (and offers two-way messaging, and - through third party service providers - offers programmable, automated alerts in case of no movement, no signal from the tracker, etc). The experience has been good so far.
With Globalstar, initially assuming that the issue of missing tracking points was a *random* problem, I upgraded my Spot Gen3 sat subscription to 2 min tracking. But that also didn't help: If the signal was blocked (for whatever reasons), even sending more or repeat messages from that area/location didn't make a difference.
I definitely need to get one of these... ($150 a year isn't bad if you go on a lot of trips...)
How to type a message for Spot 3 Satellite GPS Messenger?
You can customize the pre-programmed messages through the Spot website when you login. After you do that, hitting each of the buttons will send the pre-programmed message. When you're out in the field away from a cell signal, there is no way to change it.
Two double A lithium batteries? Mine takes 4 triple A lithium batteries. The subscription rate is $200.00 per year in 2018.
Could have been much better. Show app and online features/settings on separate screen when sending messages... . Explain some of the nuances and finer points....Only two batteries? Mine uses 4 but it is 2019 model. What about charging? It does not have built in charger. Did you help people that you mentioned back in 2012. If so, using help or so's?
It definitely could have been a better device, but worked well for me. I have since moved on to the Garmin InReach Mini.
Informative review, very helpful. Thanks
Thanks Liz!
I just received my spot today .waited one and a half week for it overhere in Ukraine. My old one was taken away few weeks ago while I set up camp. Had it for eleven years.
FB kayak cobber
BAD ROADS GOOD PEOPLE I call this latest project.walking six months here and Moldova.
Use the spot for many years and does the work ok...now see how this new generation works. What I don't like is that they put a USB...my opinion the less openings the less funerable for water and damp conditions.
A few weeks more and then into Moldova
Thanks Ben. I really appreciate the review.. nice idea.
4 AAA batteries