Just "upgraded" from the original Spotx (no bluetooth) to the bluetooth version. Used the original one on a recent RV trip cross country from the east coast to the west coast then up to Alaska. Had the tracking on the entire time along with checking for messages every 30 minutes. Used the checkin feature every few day to let the family know we were still OK. Also clipped to the outside of the backpack on short hikes. Went to national parks in Alaska and was VERY happy to have a device in the RV and on the hikes that could contact the outside World just in case. Got one for my son and daughter just in case of issues in the World.
Comparing the Zoleo, InReach and this. I'm leaning towards the SpotX for the dedicated phone# and tracking. Very thorough review, thanks so much. Will be checking out your other videos now too.
Nah, spot hasn't been relevant since 2012. Globalstar satellite phone network it uses it really bad and keeps getting worse. Better to use a inreach that works on the more robust iridium.
Great video. I am thinking of going with the spot x after Bullitt went bankrupt and now my Motorola defy doesn't seem to send messages. I have a question, when you send a check in messages is the location in a clickable link that opens in a mapping program? Thanks
Yes, there is a clickable link and it will write out your coordinates and elevation in the message too, as well as a link that will bring you to a map on the Spot website where the message recipient can see your location pinpointed on the map. This is what it sends out: Device Name: Steph's SPOT X Latitude: 37.59359 Longitude: -119.01781 Altitude: 2939.0 m | 9642 ft GPS location Date/Time: 08/14/2023 15:56:33 CDT Message: This is the default SPOT Check In message. Please update. Click the link below to see where I am located.
Question. Can you communicate between devices? I see that it sends a message to the satellite and then transfers it back to the grid, but if the grid is down will it act as a no voice walkie-talkie but with texts? Thank you.
Great question! Upon further research into the SPOT devices here’s what I found “SPOT X users can also message one another in the backcountry, device-to-device” However, I was not able to test this feature out, as I only had one device while testing. Here’s the article that talks about the device to device communication. (sleddermag.com/gear/spot-x-2-way-messenger/#:~:text=Communication%20is%20not%20required%20to,%2C%20device%2Dto%2Ddevice.)
The iPhone app/bluetooth connection sucks from my 2 plus years of ownership. Half the time I use the app warning error messages or no confirmation the text was sent. I end up using the SpotX keyboard or the auto messages I created.
I was referring to cell service, and sending and receiving messages (and being able to connect to the SpotX Bluetooth) with the SpotX in areas with and without cell service.
After using for a few years, for me using Offshore fishing out to 60 miles, I am not happy with the device. Always very slow sending/receiving. Sometimes, might not send for about 10 minutes. Clear sky, no obstructions. Also, it will not work if any 5G is around when near or on shore. Connectivity in the app via bluetooth fails to stay connected for no good reason. I am going to cancel my subscription and go for the Garmin InReach Mini2.
@@terrellspaulding5456 In order to activate the spot tracking you have to connect to the satellite. When at the dock, and 5G is in the area, the SPOT will not connect to satellite. So have to stop the boat about 10 miles out to start the connection which takes a while and then activate the tracking. This will be a problem anywhere there is an active 5G network around, the SPOT is not usable until out of the 5G range.
It was slower in dense forested area. The antenna needs a clear view of the sky to work the most efficiently. But it still worked in the trees, it just took longer to send / receive messages. Most of the forest I tried it in still had some patches of sky here and there. Make sure to prop it up using the stand or something else so the antenna is pointed towards the sky, and it is faster as well.
It's JUNK. Buyer beware. They give you NO Way to opt outof billing! You need to UPDATE it constantly with a home computer. Utterly worthless if your traveling. THEY KEEP CHARGING ME. They give you NO way to stop them! NO WAY....UTTER THEAVES.
just dispute the charge to your cc and they have to stop or give a reason. BTW you did not indicate why updating is bad and in what way the device is worthless.
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Just "upgraded" from the original Spotx (no bluetooth) to the bluetooth version. Used the original one on a recent RV trip cross country from the east coast to the west coast then up to Alaska. Had the tracking on the entire time along with checking for messages every 30 minutes. Used the checkin feature every few day to let the family know we were still OK. Also clipped to the outside of the backpack on short hikes. Went to national parks in Alaska and was VERY happy to have a device in the RV and on the hikes that could contact the outside World just in case. Got one for my son and daughter just in case of issues in the World.
Thanks for your take!
Excellent information
Thanks for watching!
Comparing the Zoleo, InReach and this. I'm leaning towards the SpotX for the dedicated phone# and tracking. Very thorough review, thanks so much. Will be checking out your other videos now too.
Nah, spot hasn't been relevant since 2012. Globalstar satellite phone network it uses it really bad and keeps getting worse. Better to use a inreach that works on the more robust iridium.
Great video. I am thinking of going with the spot x after Bullitt went bankrupt and now my Motorola defy doesn't seem to send messages. I have a question, when you send a check in messages is the location in a clickable link that opens in a mapping program?
Thanks
Yes, there is a clickable link and it will write out your coordinates and elevation in the message too, as well as a link that will bring you to a map on the Spot website where the message recipient can see your location pinpointed on the map.
This is what it sends out:
Device Name: Steph's SPOT X
Latitude: 37.59359
Longitude: -119.01781
Altitude: 2939.0 m | 9642 ft
GPS location Date/Time: 08/14/2023 15:56:33 CDT
Message: This is the default SPOT Check In message. Please update.
Click the link below to see where I am located.
@@thegoodridesnow thank you!!!
Question. Can you communicate between devices? I see that it sends a message to the satellite and then transfers it back to the grid, but if the grid is down will it act as a no voice walkie-talkie but with texts? Thank you.
Great question! Upon further research into the SPOT devices here’s what I found “SPOT X users can also message one another in the backcountry, device-to-device”
However, I was not able to test this feature out, as I only had one device while testing.
Here’s the article that talks about the device to device communication.
(sleddermag.com/gear/spot-x-2-way-messenger/#:~:text=Communication%20is%20not%20required%20to,%2C%20device%2Dto%2Ddevice.)
The iPhone app/bluetooth connection sucks from my 2 plus years of ownership. Half the time I use the app warning error messages or no confirmation the text was sent. I end up using the SpotX keyboard or the auto messages I created.
Thanks for your take.
What did you mean by "some I had service, some I didn't"? Do you mean cell service, or the SpotX wasn't working?
I was referring to cell service, and sending and receiving messages (and being able to connect to the SpotX Bluetooth) with the SpotX in areas with and without cell service.
How is the reception in a large 5G network area?
After using for a few years, for me using Offshore fishing out to 60 miles, I am not happy with the device. Always very slow sending/receiving. Sometimes, might not send for about 10 minutes. Clear sky, no obstructions. Also, it will not work if any 5G is around when near or on shore. Connectivity in the app via bluetooth fails to stay connected for no good reason. I am going to cancel my subscription and go for the Garmin InReach Mini2.
Thanks for your take.
Why would you use satellite for messaging if you have a 5G wireless signal? Seems like you would just use your phone in that instance.
@@terrellspaulding5456 In order to activate the spot tracking you have to connect to the satellite. When at the dock, and 5G is in the area, the SPOT will not connect to satellite. So have to stop the boat about 10 miles out to start the connection which takes a while and then activate the tracking.
This will be a problem anywhere there is an active 5G network around, the SPOT is not usable until out of the 5G range.
Have you used it in the tree line? If so, how was the reception
It was slower in dense forested area. The antenna needs a clear view of the sky to work the most efficiently. But it still worked in the trees, it just took longer to send / receive messages.
Most of the forest I tried it in still had some patches of sky here and there.
Make sure to prop it up using the stand or something else so the antenna is pointed towards the sky, and it is faster as well.
Globalstar sucks even on a clear sky. Get the Iridium inreach if you want to do that.
Most didn’t have service? That’s not good right
It's JUNK. Buyer beware. They give you NO Way to opt outof billing! You need to UPDATE it constantly with a home computer. Utterly worthless if your traveling. THEY KEEP CHARGING ME. They give you NO way to stop them! NO WAY....UTTER THEAVES.
Oh man! Good to know.
just dispute the charge to your cc and they have to stop or give a reason. BTW you did not indicate why updating is bad and in what way the device is worthless.
Junk you still need to pay for service