SPOT Satellite Messenger

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Reviewed by 6 Trailspace users

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Description

The SPOT Satellite Messenger is a locator beacon made by SPOT. It has an average rating of 4 stars (out of 5), based on 6 user reviews.

Here's what other sites are saying:

From CampSaver.com:
"The Spot Satellite Messenger can alert emergency responders to your GPS location or allow contacts to know where you are and that youre okay. You can send and save your location and allow contacts to track your progress using Google Maps.Users can also"

From Campmor:
"With the SPOT Satellite Messenger, you and your loved ones have peace of mind knowing help is always within reach. SPOT is the only device of its kind, using the GPS satellite network to acquire its coordinates, and then sending its location - with a link to Google Maps - and a pre-programmed message via a commercial satellite network. And unlike Personal Locator Beacons, SPOT does more than just call for help. Tracking your progress, checking in with loved ones, and non-emergency assistance are also available, all at the push of a button. And because it uses 100% satellite technology, SPOT works around the world - even where cell phones don't. Functional Specifications Four key functions: Alert 9-1-1 - Dispatch emergency responders to your exact location SPOT sends one message every 5 minutes until power is depleted or 911 is cancelled. Ask for Help - Request help from friends and family in your exact location SPOT sends one message every 5 minutes for one hour or until Help is cancelled Check In - Let contacts know where you are and that you're okay SPOT sends three identical messages to the SPOT service for redundancy. The first of those three messages is delivered. Track Progress - Send and save your location and allow contacts to track your progress using Google Maps SPOT sends one message every 10 minutes for 24 hours or until SPOT is powered off. Size: 4.38 X 2.75 X 1.5" (111 mm x 69 mm x 44 mm) Approximate Weight: 7.37 ounces (209 grams) Coverage: SPOT works around the world, including virtually all of North America, Europe and Australia, portions of South America, Northern Africa and Northeastern Asia, and hundreds or thousands of miles offshore of these areas. See coverage on findmespot.com for maps and current coverage. Battery Life: (Includes 2 AA 1.5V lithium batteries) Power on, unused: Approx. 1 year SPOTcasting tracking mode: Approx. 14 days 9-1-1 mode: Up to 7 consecutive days SPOTcheck OK/v: 1900 messages Floats in water Waterproof to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes Requires Subscription Services click here for more details"

From REI:
"With a SPOT Personal Tracker, Backpacker April '08 states, ''Now you can call in a rescue—or simply send the OK signal—from anywhere.''. The world's first satellite messenger, SPOT sends your coordinates and messages via commercial satellite to inform others of your location and status. Offers an affordable alternative to personal locator beacons, satellite phones and cell-based GPS trackers. Provides virtually full coverage in North America, Europe and Australia. Also covers portions of South America, northern Africa and northeastern Asia, along with thousands of miles of offshore areas. ''Alert 911'' function dispatches emergency responders to your exact location. Use ''Help'' feature to request assistance from friends or family. ''Check In'' allows you to transmit your location and that you are okay. Track your progress by sending and saving points along your route to Google Maps™. GPS satellites determine location; reliable SPOT satellites transmit information. Rugged unit floats, works in extreme temps and altitudes and can be submerged up to 1m. Weighs less than 8 oz. and is small and easy to carry. Optional features include SPOTcast automatic tracking service and guaranteed extraction assistance in countries lacking emergency services. 2 AA lithium batteries (included) provide 1 year of power (unused), 14 days in SPOTcast mode and 7 days in 911 mode, or 1,900 SPOTcheck ''OK'' messages. Requires $99 annual subscription; $7.95 for optional extraction assistance in countries without emergency services (available at www.findmespot.com)."

From Tahoe Mountain Sports:
"Probably the coolest and most functional piece of gear to hit the outdoor market in years, the Spot Satellite Messenger has all the capabilities to signal your emergency, track your progress, and more | The Spot system enables communication with friends and family when you want it, and emergency assistance when and where you need it | Works on a satellite system, so it will still work when your cell phone does not | 4 Main Features: 911 Alert - Spot will send your exact location and a distress signal to the worldwide Emergency Call Center who will notify the appropriate responders | Check In - This function sends a text or email to your contacts showing them your exact location on Google Earth Maps. This function also stores waypoints so you can check out your progress when you get home | Track Progress - Your contacts can track your progress in real time provided by Google Maps | Ask For Help - This function allows you to send a non-emergency message to your contacts | Additional cost"

User Reviews

SPOT Satellite Messenger
Reviewed by PilotChuck, Sep 29, 2009

"You've done a terrific job in your review, however, having owned a used the SPOT unit for the past 18 months let me give you the REAL skinny on this unit! The concept is great!

However, SPOT's customer service is terrible! The annual usage fee is expensive for an unreliable service."

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SPOT Satellite Messenger
Reviewed by steven, Sep 21, 2009

"This is an awesome product and I never hit the trails without it. I hike alone and spend extended period of time in the back country and this gives my wife peace of mind as well as a little extra comfort for myself.

The functions are fairly simple if you read the directions and it is accurate to within 50 feet of my actual location."

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SPOT Satellite Messenger
Reviewed by woods114, Jul 10, 2009

"The SPOT is unique in what it does. To my knowledge, there isn't any other product that's out there that has the same price point and performs the same function. So it's hard to assign a star rating to it when the device isn't perfect.

If it works for you in your activity, in your area, you're probably going to be a happy customer."

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SPOT Satellite Messenger
Reviewed by smartacus, Aug 19, 2008

"This is an affordable, effective device for reassuring your loved ones that you're okay--or, if necessary, summoning emergency services. I'm thrilled that a consumer device like this exists for a reasonable price. My only complaints are with the interface."

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SPOT Satellite Messenger
Reviewed by Mike Peterson, Jul 01, 2008

"I hike, bike, and ride motorcycles often. This has been a great addition just in case something goes wrong. Originally I bought it for personal safety, but it has also provided an unintended benefit for family and friends who can track my progress."

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SPOT Satellite Messenger
Reviewed by Rose Thompson, Feb 09, 2008

"My husband got us this for extended horsepacking trips that I and my neighbor friends take. We've only used it hiking so far but it has worked very well from places we don't get cell coverage. Your message shows up on pre-set email addresses and/or a text message on a cell phone."

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