Well now here we go again. More Tales. I just bought a Spot II�the Satellite GPS Messenger.
On my tours out West it is not uncommon that I am out of the cell coverage. This one shot comes to mind�on the way to Death Valley. [image: Posted Image]
On another occasion I was following a R6 thru some twisty sections near my home and he went off the road over a bank and then into a tree. Fortunately as I was one corner behind, I saw the dust bloom and pulled over. Of course there was no cell coverage! After another traveler saw my bike and stopped to assist; I rode up the road to call 911. The rider is ok �.now.
And there are the threads about the missing lone rider who just disappears and is found six months later. Sometimes I even hesitate to read these stories as �����..does this happen to you tooooo. Kind of an Ostrich thing I think.
Therefore my goal is for a device to provide location or tracking information to my bride, relatives and friends as well as to provide lat/long coordinate information and notice to emergency personnel.
Seems like I had a couple of choices. The much discussed SPOT locator or a proper PLB (Personnel location beacon) system. I also looked at a corporate thingy from Garmin which attaches to the Zumo series which is used in some fleet systems but they do not sell individual applications of the device. So there you have it; two GPS systems or would that be three with my phone.
This winter I had a chance to attend the Outdoor Retailer Trade Show in Salt Lake City. You can ski in Salt Lake too. I spent a long time in the Spot and ACR Electronics booths talking to the staff�explaining my needs and listening to the pro and cons of the respective systems. Of course one can read the thread in advrider which goes on ad nauseam with the normal histrionics.
I decided on the Spot as they had just released an updated and more refined version the Spot II. The introduction was a disaster as there was an instant recall and a PR nightmare. More about that later.
But before I pulled the trigger I went in late February to Big Bend Texas with a LD rider who rode 92k miles last year. He uses a Spot I. My wife was delighted to see our tracks on Google maps and follow the entire trip. The OK signals at the start and end of each day were really all she needed to keep on shopping without concern. This is the kind of buy in a guy needs. The communication became even more important as BB National Park is in a virtual cell hole.
Especially here at the Southeast corner on the Rio Grande River: [image: Posted Image]
On the way back as I was coaxing big miles out of my tank in West Texas.................I wondered who would see me ...ever again. Decision confirmed...now do it! [image: Posted Image]
And then there was the whole summer Alaska trip.............and a review of the Verizon coverage. Lots of white out there ...not snow but communications no man's land.
Next - Why the Spot won out and setting up the device.
I own and use a SPOT II and found it to be quite useful.
You pay extra for the TRACKING feature, but in my situation I believe it's worth the $49.99 per year fee.
I have other sources for the roadside assistance, so I didn't add that $30.00 feature.
The product works as it's described in the manufacturers information and I have NOT had any problems. As perviously stated the recall for this device was a trainwreck. Take a look at the "reviews" or a thread on another forum and you'll find that a lot of people were unhappy with the service (lack there of) when the recall was in effect. I was able to call customer service and verify that my NEW SPOT II was in fact free of defects with a quick check of the serial number. I did keep all the packaging and information in case the whole thing had to go back. I also made the choice to purchase at CABELA's outdoor store since they have a very supportive return department.
The Spot II fits into the pocket on my jacket - left arm and the signal has a clear view of the sky. I may mount the unit on the bike, but that might be a mistake if I'm thrown in an accident and separated from the unit (and the bike). Another good reason to keep your cell phone WITH YOU and not in the tank bag or the luggage.
RAM makes a great mount that is very secure. The arm band that came with the Spot II is OK... but not to my liking.
It works. My girlfriend can track my progress on long trips and her peace of mind is assured. The buttons are a little difficult to operate, but there are not going to be any accidental signals. With a gloved hand I have to press hard to activate my "all is OK" signal.
1. Because of the gen II Spot fiasco I was terrified of getting a defective unit. So I went to REI as there return policy is tops as well. This was important to me as the last thing I want is to be waiting on the mail if I returned the unit. My Alaska trip looms.
2. My unit did not track on my first trial run :beer: Not a good start especially as I had waited a long time to help ensure the quality issue was resolved.
3. After spending time with Spot on the phone WE determined it was the unit not operator error...ie ME!. Bless REI.....new unit in hand. It works...no questions asked. BTW trying to understand the spot Web site to control and configure the unit when the SPOT is not working is a nightmare.....very frustrating! And the freaking lights on the unit appeared to be testing just fine.
You pay extra for the TRACKING feature, but in my situation I believe it's worth the $49.99 per year fee.
I thought I read somewhere the fee is $99 a year.
The ACR device is probably the more reliable emergency rescue device as it goes directly out on the SAR frequency of 406mhz. The signal is very reliable I am told. But you have to turn it on and operate it!!!! Also the device is huge compared to the SPOT especially the newer SPOT II and is twice as expensive although the best annual service plan is less than half the cost but also offers considerably less services.
However the ACR does not offer the routine tracking option that the SPOT has. Plus the SPOT tracking feature regularly provides lat/long positions every ten minutes to whoever you want to follow your journeys...essentially unlimited folks can monitor your journey via the web. The bottom line is that you leave the SPOT on at all times (except at night as your position is already located). So if you ride into the ditch the device will continue transmitting your location ie you do not need to turn it on. If you are able you can also transmit various alerts...up to SOS etc.
There are several other communication possibilities with the Spot. All of lthese message options go thru the Globalstar satelite system. So the SPOT uses both the GPS and the Globalstar SAT systems. You can send unlimited OK message to up to 10 accounts (cell text and emails). I will find an example of a message later but basically is it a short message (that you can compose before hand on the Spot web site) which says basically I am OK (my Alaska trip will say for example "We are OK. Alaska 2010." ) plus it will give your lat/long and time plus a link to a Google Map where you can see the OK position on the map. You can send as many of these you want. For instance I will send OK when we leave in the morning (no bear attacks or severe HOs) and certainly another when we arrive at the day's destination. To send the non emergency OK message the unit must be on and then you just press welllllllllll ............the OK button. :laughing6-hehe: There has been some discussion already about the button pushing being a more deliberate process but for a guy who frequently sets off his car alarm in the garage just by taking the keys out of his pocket........ I like the idiot proof buttons and the SOS message even has a cover over it!.
The buttons were one of the improvements with the SPOT II. The SPOT I was bigger and had a less sensitive GPS receiver and some of the messaging was more archance. But the batteries lasted longer (AA versus AAA).
Feeling the pressure the ACR guys JUST offered a new service. There are two levels but the best level gives you an surprise surprise an OK option out to up to 5 email or txt accounts. OK plus position and time...which is all you really need to know.
So here are the message options:
1. OK ....already described
2. Another special message......I arrived at our special secret place whatever but again you have to compose beforehand on the SPot site. And if you already have Internet just send it rather than configure the Spot site and then send it via hte Spot.
3. Help.................broken down I need a pickup whatever....come get ME!!!! Most likely sent to folks who really love you and just love the whole MC gig!
3. SOS
All of the message options have a protocol procedure to ensure that there is a GPS signal and that there are multiple attempts to get the message out. This procedure is well described in the hard copy manual ...not much of anything else though.
[image: View Post]JayWalker, on 09 June 2010 - 03:43 PM, said:
Quote
You pay extra for the TRACKING feature, but in my situation I believe it's worth the $49.99 per year fee.
I thought I read somewhere the fee is $99 a year.
Tracking is $50 but there is a promotion going on so I paid nothing for that. So I paid the $99 and a few other goodies.
What is the general consensus on the company? Will they still be around in 3 years or will this just be a useless device with no support due to bankruptcy?
[image: View Post]Lee 2002, on 09 June 2010 - 07:14 PM, said:
This really interests me....
What is the general consensus on the company? Will they still be around in 3 years or will this just be a useless device with no support due to bankruptcy?
Well they seemed to have enough money to design and engineer a new version and then fix it. THis product has all kinds of applications for a hiker, MTB, boaters and of course MC folks. I seemed to remember actually they are part of a larger company but can not remeber what. I will have to check it out....maybe a Globalstar derivative.
:laughing6-hehe:
Here is what an OK message says...keep in mind you could write more stuff in the OK message: This message got out into email in about 90 seconds or so.
Todd Spot
Latitude:32.61795
Longitude:-116.93236
GPS location Date/Time:06/09/2010 17:01:13 PDT
Raising the safety factor for millions who step into the outdoors each year,
SPOT notifies friends and family or an international emergency rescue
coordination center with status messages based on situation and need. Ask for
Help (or SPOT Assist), Alert S.O.S., Check-In/OK and Track Progress-all with the
simple push of a button. http://www.findmespot.com
Looking for a great way to share SPOT tracks and waypoints, stories and photos?
Head to http://www.spotadventures.com and see how users are creating their
adventures and sharing them!
I set up a tracking site, with a password, so my family could keep tabs on me. The level of anxiety seemed to be reduced and everyone is more relaxed when I take off for a few days. Except the dog. He still sits by the door and wait for me to come home and play "stick".
I was disappointed with the tracking at first since my previous travels did NOT suddenly appear. My Bad. The site will show only those locations AFTER the set up. Previous locations and routes will not appear. That makes sense. You can SORT each time the device was activated so one trip will NOT run into another.
The unit does NOT automatically update your location. It's tied in with each time you press the OK or Message buttons. I go about every ONE HOUR when I can remember. I can calculate the rate of travel as well as the actual locations AFTER the fact. I was there... but to see the route on a map is kinda neat. Wonder if you can copy it and then download to a GPS?
The messages are predetermined and you can certainly log in and change the text whenever you have internet access. The message goes to my girlfriend's phone and email as well as to my son. I can specify WHO gets the each message. I guess the Emergency Button has specific additional EMS and SAR messages as well as what I put in.
So far I've logged FOUR trips. The last one was almost 2000 miles.
No problems. I am delighted with what the Spot II does. And it does everything it said it would do. We really need photos - I'll work on that for tomorrow.
Ahhhh. I don't carry this thing everywhere I go. At some point in the future we'll ALL have "big brother" watching our every move, good or bad. For now it's all good.
Wow, I'm really ambivalent about this gadget. I've ridden for over 45 years, coast to coast and border to border, and never felt the need or desire for something like this. I guess I can see the nicer points of it, but I've just never felt I had to keep in touch so much I guess. I don't use a cell phone, twitter, facebook, etc., either though. For someone who has to touch base with people and let them know they are okay and they are where they should be I guess it has its place. A good idea I guess but just not for me. As a excellent safety line for hikers, out-of-bounds skiers, open sea boaters and the like though.
[image: View Post]solohvs, on 09 June 2010 - 08:57 PM, said:
I set up a tracking site, with a password, so my family could keep tabs on me. The level of anxiety seemed to be reduced and everyone is more relaxed when I take off for a few days. Except the dog. He still sits by the door and wait for me to come home and play "stick".
I was disappointed with the tracking at first since my previous travels did NOT suddenly appear. My Bad. The site will show only those locations AFTER the set up. Previous locations and routes will not appear. That makes sense. You can SORT each time the device was activated so one trip will NOT run into another.
The unit does NOT automatically update your location. It's tied in with each time you press the OK or Message buttons. I go about every ONE HOUR when I can remember. I can calculate the rate of travel as well as the actual locations AFTER the fact. I was there... but to see the route on a map is kinda neat. Wonder if you can copy it and then download to a GPS?
The messages are predetermined and you can certainly log in and change the text whenever you have internet access. The message goes to my girlfriend's phone and email as well as to my son. I can specify WHO gets the each message. I guess the Emergency Button has specific additional EMS and SAR messages as well as what I put in.
So far I've logged FOUR trips. The last one was almost 2000 miles.
No problems. I am delighted with what the Spot II does. And it does everything it said it would do. We really need photos - I'll work on that for tomorrow.
Ahhhh. I don't carry this thing everywhere I go. At some point in the future we'll ALL have "big brother" watching our every move, good or bad. For now it's all good.
Yea it is pretty easy to set up the site. You can password it or open it up to whoever you want. There are a bunch of options on how you set up the site.
As regards the auto tracking function you can do this in addition to the way you are doing it. By turning on the unit and also engaging the right button (boot tracks symbol) you enable auto tracking. Have to have the Tracking feature though $$$$. [image: Posted Image]
This auto sends out your position every ten minutes. But if you want to mark a particular position your method is the best by far...as you know that a location is marked. In a way it would be equivalent to marking a waypoint on the go with a GPS.....great view, overlook or Top of MT ...whatever. Keep in mind you can not name a position folks just mark it so to speak.
You can see on these spot tracks the 10 minute track function in action. (Note these may be gone in a few days but I will post up another example soon). If he was sending out OK messages they also would be shown on this site. Example Spot Tracks
As regards the tracks ...yes you can download them in GPX format to Mapsource and eventually a GPS or even Google Earth if you like. I have played with this already but it is not a slam dunk if you are doing lots of intricate exploring.
Now these tracks are no subsitute for a proper GPS track log as a GPS stores hundreds more points and with the latest GPS units record more when you need them. And with the Spot if you are doing a lot of turns you may not have an accurate picture of exactly where you went because in 10 minutes you could do a loop around a lake and be back before you send another position report.
Here is an example lifted from my Spot page with the Sat view of both a track point and an OK message. The points #27 & 28 are numbered. A direct line is normally drawn between the points as you can see in the previous example. [image: Posted Image]
1. In a RAM mount on the bike
2. In Jacket/jersey
3. OEM Spot Arm Band
Performance seems to be comparable. Don't think I have missed a single GPS signal. Most likely I will not mount in the Tank Bag for long trips as that will be full of crap ....and I still like to have a Map showing. The Spot II claims an improved GPS ant over the previousl generation. I would say that the Zumo Sirf chip is still better as I can pull in a signal indoors but less certain with the Spot II. But an improvement over the Spot I from everything I hear. GPS performance is important as often on tour I am in the trees, canyons etc. Spot recommends that the SPOT and GPS devices be separated a bit.
One advantage of a visible SPOT is that you can see it is working, messages going out ....and that it is turned on. Also if you want to mark a particular location it is right there. [image: Posted Image]
I ended up using an old FRS radio holder instead of the RAM spot holder. THis way I can keep the SPOT protective case on and take advantage of the security clip as a second point of security.
Most likely for tour use I will keep the camera on the left grip, Zumo on the center and move the Spot to right clip on (RAM ball shown on the left fork here). I like being able to check the status of the machine. With the SPOT basically you turn it on in the morning and shut it off at night. I believe the buttons are too difficult to use on the move.....why anyway just another distraction.
I was a little worried about battery life on the smaller Spot II triple As but the life was pretty much up to spec.
Got about 6 days of 12 hour days on first batteries plus almost three weeks of partial testing leading up to the tour start etc.
12 days of 12 hours days on second set of batteries.
Still going on third set after 8 days of use.
When the batteries start to fade the on/off button blinks red. This is one advantage of seeing the unit instead of having it in a pocket. I found that you can get maybe 12 hours of tracking after that. THis test was on the Alaskan Ferry (part of return leg) so the unit was often working hard trying to receive and send a signal. The ferry was the only place where I had a problem with getting through unless of course I was topside. Best to change the juice really when the unit on/off button starts to blink red as you never know when you are going in the ditch.
On several days of the tour we were without any cell coverage so all "loved' ones really appreciated the OK messages we sent at the start and end of the ride everyday. Turns out quite a few were also following the Alaska adventure vicariously. I also had preprogrammed a special message when we made the ferry in Haines.
I still have to download my Spot Trackpoints and change my emergency/contact profiles for local San Diego use. The Spot website is a bit slow which can mean changing it during the trip can be be a bit of a pain on slow campground Wifi.
Here is the setup on the KLR. The distance between the Zumo and Spot was enough to prevent interference between the units. [image: Posted Image]
I used it for a cross country trip but in a moving van. At least the AC worked.
Estimated battery life would be about 14 days of tracking and ok buttons (with best Lithium batteries) as long as you have a clear shot to the sky. Temps and the quality of LI batteries will of course impact life as well as leaving it on overnight in your tank bag when you forget about it.
Based on my recent tests you have about 2 days of tracking available (12 hour days) when the on/off light starts flashing red indicating low batteries. After that the unit just shuts off but you probably will loose tracking before that. For a motorcycle I would change the batteries when you pull in for the night so that you have some tracking time in case something untoward happens.
THe Spot website is greatly improved now and gives more options to setup and adjust profiles.
It even works when boating. Maybe even better as we were only going about 5 knots. Not sure how far out into the Pacific if works....not GPS satellites but Globalstar would be the issue. [image: Posted Image]
Somehow.....This guy passed on ....V4 power I guess. Another crappy day in San Diego. [image: Posted Image]
I will continue using the OK buttons at the start and end of the day ie departure and safe arrival. Here is an OK from Valdez AK. Having these emails in your own inbox (9 others can get the alerts) when you get back allows you to really zoom in to exactly where you were. You can really see why it was a big mistake to build old Valdez at the end of the Glacial run off on the right of the screen shot. [image: Posted Image]
Henceforth I probably will be using the special message to indicate ...hey guys this location is special ....zoom in and get a good sat view of what you are missing. Glacier, Lake, Mt Range, Curvy road etc
PS In some remote areas you can not blow up the images to get fine detail but that is not a Spot problem.
Spot just announced another SPOT device at the CES show in Las Vegas - the Connect which links to a Droid/Iphone so you can use your Spot with your smartphone.
[image: View Post]BonusVFR, on 09 January 2011 - 11:06 PM, said:
Spot just announced another SPOT device at the CES show in Las Vegas - the Connect which links to a Droid/Iphone so you can use your Spot with your smartphone.
Note sure it is better than a standalone unit but.............
Yes, I just saw that too. Seems a bit pricvey to me--but I'm turning out to be a cheap bastage nowadays... I'm sort of interested by this type of cheap insurance policy and way to keep my family informed when I go riding alone, so I'm going to try and keep an eye on it.
Is there anything else interesting out there for this purpose?
C
PS Speaking of which, anyone understand why we shouldn't buy a second-hand Spot device that has been previously activated? Is there no way to activate is a second time in our new location?
[image: View Post]PolarBear, on 12 January 2011 - 03:30 PM, said:
Is there anything else interesting out there for this purpose?
ACR Electronics makes a consumer EPIRB (PLB). http://www.acrelectronics.com The ACR Personal Locator Beacon is actually a more fail-safe product .... but it is a lot less user friendly.
ACR is more fail-safe due to the lower broadcast frequency used and power output. This power and frequency will allow for better foliage and weather penetration. The signal is also monitored by two seperate satellite constellations. The ACR unit can also be triangulated via satellite, thus allowing location if it should fail to make GPS contact. The ACR PLB also has a second broadcast frequency that is used as a homing beacon for properly equipped rescue personnel.
ACR is much less user friendly because the batteries are not user replaceable, larger physical size, higher cost, and lack of a "breadcrumb" trail feature and no "Check-In/OK" feature (until very recently). The new Check-In/OK feature is limited in the number of uses (due to non-user replaceable batteries), a notification list limited to 5, and is meant more as a "self test" feature.
Summary ---- If you are going to be riding and want some insurance that allows some small amount of communication with friends and relatives then the SPOT is for you.
If you are a person who absolutely wants the best possiblity of rescue response in an accicent, no matter where in the world, then the ACR unit is more purpose built for emergency notification. (ACR EPIRBs are used by pilots and sailing vessels the world over)
Personally, for the travelling I do the SPOT is a better choice. If I were going it alone on an epic journey with no set itenerary, crossing international borders in deep, dark jungles then the ACR unit would be a better choice.
Thanks to my Air Force radar technician friend, Karl, for sorting out all the freqency/power differences for me.
Thanks Lee. This is very interesting. I do think that the Spot or any other similar device would be better suited to my needs, but the info you provided is very interesting.
Thank you
C
One thing I forgot to mention is that ACR units do not require yearly subscription fees (unless you want the Check-In/OK functionality), so costs would be recovered yearly. If you just want emergency lifesaving response then the ACR unit is cost free after initial purchase.
[image: View Post]PolarBear, on 12 January 2011 - 08:56 PM, said:
Thanks Lee. This is very interesting. I do think that the Spot or any other similar device would be better suited to my needs, but the info you provided is very interesting.
Thank you
C
Not much has changed with the ACR since my discussion earlier. A very good option for pure emergency use. For me I am quite satisfied with the Spot II and Spot service. Not sure I lost any signals/position reports for my entire Alaska, BC and Yukon trip. I did not get a few tracks out on the Ferry on the way back but I was several decks down under real steel.
Smartphone apps are getting better but again you need a cell service unless you connect with the new Spot Connect announced at CES. Based on what I have read there is no reason for me to change to the Connect ...............even if I had a Smartphone. I like the standalone no hassle Spot.
Lots of folks buy a used Spot I and change the service with Spot. The first generation has better battery life but the GPS receiver is not as good so reception in heavy cover may not be as good.
So far so good and very handy if you are in remote areas without cell service which is what the West is all about.
[image: View Post]BonusVFR, on 13 January 2011 - 01:34 PM, said:
[image: View Post]PolarBear, on 12 January 2011 - 08:56 PM, said:
Thanks Lee. This is very interesting. I do think that the Spot or any other similar device would be better suited to my needs, but the info you provided is very interesting.
Thank you
C
Not much has changed with the ACR since my discussion earlier. A very good option for pure emergency use. For me I am quite satisfied with the Spot II and Spot service. Not sure I lost any signals/position reports for my entire Alaska, BC and Yukon trip. I did not get a few tracks out on the Ferry on the way back but I was several decks down under real steel.
Smartphone apps are getting better but again you need a cell service unless you connect with the new Spot Connect announced at CES. Based on what I have read there is no reason for me to change to the Connect ...............even if I had a Smartphone. I like the standalone no hassle Spot.
Lots of folks buy a used Spot I and change the service with Spot. The first generation has better battery life but the GPS receiver is not as good so reception in heavy cover may not be as good.
So far so good and very handy if you are in remote areas without cell service which is what the West is all about.
I checked with 2 local retailers here. They both currently carry the 1st Gen. Not to hard of a sell to the wife once I explained how it works/ what it does.
[image: View Post]Gerrys02800, on 13 January 2011 - 03:13 PM, said:
[image: View Post]BonusVFR, on 13 January 2011 - 01:34 PM, said:
[image: View Post]PolarBear, on 12 January 2011 - 08:56 PM, said:
Thanks Lee. This is very interesting. I do think that the Spot or any other similar device would be better suited to my needs, but the info you provided is very interesting.
Thank you
C
Not much has changed with the ACR since my discussion earlier. A very good option for pure emergency use. For me I am quite satisfied with the Spot II and Spot service. Not sure I lost any signals/position reports for my entire Alaska, BC and Yukon trip. I did not get a few tracks out on the Ferry on the way back but I was several decks down under real steel.
Smartphone apps are getting better but again you need a cell service unless you connect with the new Spot Connect announced at CES. Based on what I have read there is no reason for me to change to the Connect ...............even if I had a Smartphone. I like the standalone no hassle Spot.
Lots of folks buy a used Spot I and change the service with Spot. The first generation has better battery life but the GPS receiver is not as good so reception in heavy cover may not be as good.
So far so good and very handy if you are in remote areas without cell service which is what the West is all about.
I checked with 2 local retailers here. They both currently carry the 1st Gen. Not to hard of a sell to the wife once I explained how it works/ what it does.
Hello Gerry,
How much if you don,t mind me asking? I probably wouldn't mind a 1st gen myself if it were cheaper and just for keeping domestic peace... This is the kind of stuff that gets you more kitchen passes... :happy: :blush:
How much if you don,t mind me asking? I probably wouldn't mind a 1st gen myself if it were cheaper and just for keeping domestic peace... This is the kind of stuff that gets you more kitchen passes... :happy: :blush:
C
C, thats the screwy part. 1st gen or 2nd gen is the same price @ $169.00 then your 99.00/year hook up. A buddy of mine is going to Calgary next week. His trip is work related and will see what some of the stores down there have. for the same price, I can wait for a 2nd Gen.
That's what I thought. You'd think that they'd want to clear them out, especially that they have pretty much the same functions, but I guess someone missed Business 101 in his training... :blink: I'm thinking about a used one for $50-60 (especially cause you still need to pay that $99/year) or so, but I'm still unsure about the possibility to activate of such device a second time.
C
I would not pay the same price for a Gen 1 or 2. There are several advantages of Gen 2 but battery life is not one of them. However from what I read there is not a flood of riders that want to get rid of the older version. The Spot II has been out since last spring so they should be available anywhere. I am surprised there are Gen Ones still available in the sales channel as I thought they had previously discounted them to move them out.
I'm keeping an eye on a couple of auctions on Fleabay; if I can get a used Spot1 for $20 or so, I think it's probably good enough for me and I'll have money left over for cold barley soup at the end of the long rides for the Nelson trip next summer. :fing02:
Bought a Spot 2 today from Best Buy. A thanks to PolarBear who PM'd me a few days ago with a Price of $120.00 from Amazon.ca. I printed out the price, went into BB today and they matched the price. Bonus - They gave me an additional 10 % off.
My wife liked the idea as I am on the road for work / camping and of course the bike ride's.
[image: View Post]Gerrys02800, on 23 January 2011 - 05:02 PM, said:
Bought a Spot 2 today from Best Buy. A thanks to PolarBear who PM'd me a few days ago with a Price of $120.00 from Amazon.ca. I printed out the price, went into BB today and they matched the price. Bonus - They gave me an additional 10 % off.
My wife liked the idea as I am on the road for work / camping and of course the bike ride's.
That worked?!?!? :blink: I'M going to have to try that one day... Good for you to get one and with such a good discount!!! Now Big Brother will be watching you.... :biggrin:
[image: View Post]PolarBear, on 23 January 2011 - 08:10 PM, said:
[image: View Post]Gerrys02800, on 23 January 2011 - 05:02 PM, said:
Bought a Spot 2 today from Best Buy. A thanks to PolarBear who PM'd me a few days ago with a Price of $120.00 from Amazon.ca. I printed out the price, went into BB today and they matched the price. Bonus - They gave me an additional 10 % off.
My wife liked the idea as I am on the road for work / camping and of course the bike ride's.
That worked?!?!? :blink: I'M going to have to try that one day... Good for you to get one and with such a good discount!!! Now Big Brother will be watching you.... :biggrin:
Cheers man!
C
Amazon.ca or com will not normaly work @ Best Buy. So, I told the young lad, that I can email GPS City for a price match, then bring that email to him if need be. click on anything at BB, right under their price is a Lowest Price Guarantee and 10%.
Big Brother is hooked to your Safeway card. just saying.
In addition to the SPOT Connect there is a new player, Delorme inReach, about to join the market. Looks interesting for you folks who want an emergency and tracking satellite device. More options out there!!!!! :cheerleader:
Used gen ! spot for years in the Gulf of Mexico,Laguna Madre and on road trips from Mo. to Oregon . Really nice to check in with family and friends with the email link to them showing the google map of my location at the end of the day. The unit NEVER failed to show my locale. People must have used the extraction policy because when I first used the unit the policy(from LLoyds oh London)was for 200K , now the policy is for 100K.
GET ONE if you travel alone!!![image: nevada and east 002.JPG]
Hoping to meet up with a guy in Dawson City YK .....he has a Spot too so we will be monitoring our progress.
HEY YOUR SPOTLESS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yea tracks only stay up on the site for about a week I think. One of these days I will have to fool around with SpotWalla which can store them longer. You can always download the SPOT site tracks to a GPX file for viewing later. But I have my GPS tracks for more detail anyway.
And the email OKs can be saved ...........forever. Valdez... one of the highlights. [image: Posted Image]
Alaska 2010 was my first major tour with the SPOT...worked fantastic and was really helpful when out of cell coverage (maybe four days). Most of the time it even worked on the Ferry on the way back thru the Inland Passage.
Been busy this year with 4 MC tours plus a few other misc adventures.
Bargain Alert!!! Best Buy has the silver version of the SPOT 2 Satellite GPS Messenger for $79.99 (about $70 off the going price). Far as I can discern, the unit is identical to the orange one, except for the color. (I read one opinion, that because SPOT is trying to market the unit to car drivers as a roadside assistance aid, that they came up with the silver color as a somewhat classier alternative to the orange one.)
I had been considering getting one, more for desert riding/hiking, than road riding, but think it be useful on the road, too. Though cell coverage is better than ever, I still ride solo for long stretches without cell coverage. I've ordered one and plan to also activate the tracking feature. (Also ordered a handlebar RAM mount off amazon.com.) That way, my wife can see where I've been, should I fail to check in. She is concerned about my solo desert riding on my KTM and I suppose she has a point. For those who hike or bike off-road, SPOT also offers SAR (Search and Rescue) insurance for $12.95 a year.
I'd like to know where most of you keep the device when riding. For me I try to keep it on the front of my body within reach of either arm. Logic being that 1) if it is on my bike and I cannot get to it, I'm screwed. 2) if it is in my camelback and I have a broken arm or dislocated shoulder, i'm screwed.
I have used SPOT for a couple of years (street and dirt rides). I LOVE the check-in feature. I enjoy talking to my wife, but not having to call every few hours sure eliminates other headaches that arise via casual conversations with the Mrs. :^)
Never had to use it for 911 but did use the special message once to let wife know I had a problem, would be delayed, did not need assistance, and would contact her when I get into cell coverage. Especially like to chart neat "rest" areas that I discover along the way.
.
[image: View Post]redrider2011, on 21 February 2012 - 02:10 PM, said:
I'd like to know where most of you keep the device when riding. For me I try to keep it on the front of my body within reach of either arm. Logic being that 1) if it is on my bike and I cannot get to it, I'm screwed. 2) if it is in my camelback and I have a broken arm or dislocated shoulder, i'm screwed.
I have used SPOT for a couple of years (street and dirt rides). I LOVE the check-in feature. I enjoy talking to my wife, but not having to call every few hours sure eliminates other headaches that arise via casual conversations with the Mrs. :^)
Never had to use it for 911 but did use the special message once to let wife know I had a problem, would be delayed, did not need assistance, and would contact her when I get into cell coverage. Especially like to chart neat "rest" areas that I discover along the way.
.
:goofy:
This being said, your question is a good one...
This deal is only valid in the USA from what I can say. C'mon Bestbuy, where's the love for Canadians?
I've been wrestling a bit with this, redrider. I read on some forum, where a (street) rider lost his SPOT from the supplied armband somewhere along the side of the road. Thought a handlebar RAM mount would be best for my enduro bike, as I felt it more likely to survive a crash attached to the bars, than attached to me. Having it close at hand does have its advantages, though. On the VFR, will probably try the armband or just sticking it in a pocket. Looks like one might be able to rig up a velcro strap to attach the included case to the bike?
I would be very weary of attaching it to me. Kinda like keeping keys in your pocket! They can stab you in case of a fall. Not to mention that in case of a good fall, you would probably destroy the unit. Seems it would be safer somewhere on the bike, somewhere safe (top box? saddle bag? tank bag?!?).
c
Here's another idea from a SPOT 2 review -- the reviewer uses a Pelican 1010 Micro Case. B&H Photo has them under $10. Waterproof and Pelican case tough. Maybe less likely to self destruct in a get-off.
[image: View Post]redrider2011, on 21 February 2012 - 02:10 PM, said:
I'd like to know where most of you keep the device when riding. For me I try to keep it on the front of my body within reach of either arm. Logic being that 1) if it is on my bike and I cannot get to it, I'm screwed. 2) if it is in my camelback and I have a broken arm or dislocated shoulder, i'm screwed. I have used SPOT for a couple of years (street and dirt rides). I LOVE the check-in feature. I enjoy talking to my wife, but not having to call every few hours sure eliminates other headaches that arise via casual conversations with the Mrs. :^) Never had to use it for 911 but did use the special message once to let wife know I had a problem, would be delayed, did not need assistance, and would contact her when I get into cell coverage. Especially like to chart neat "rest" areas that I discover along the way. .
There are lots of opinions on placement but the answer of course is "It depends"
Myself I prefer to mount it on the handlebars so I can see the buttons/lights. That way I can verify that the SPOT is working and tracking or that the batteries are fading and need replacement. If I get separated from the bike and can not reach the bike I know that the Tracking Feature has tracked me right into the "ditch". Eventually somebody will figure out where I left controlled flight! Lots of folks are following my travels on tour.
Having it in front of me also reminds riders such as myself to initiate OK messages when I start and end the daily ride. CRS is a problem for older/mature riders!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I use it for on and off road travels. Here you can see my Orange SPOT machine to the right on the handlebars. [image: Posted Image]
[image: View Post]NMBill, on 21 February 2012 - 03:53 PM, said:
Here's another idea from a SPOT 2 review -- the reviewer uses a Pelican 1010 Micro Case. B&H Photo has them under $10. Waterproof and Pelican case tough. Maybe less likely to self destruct in a get-off.
Based on my experience off road where my bike has taken several unscheduled naps I would not worry too much about damage to the SPOT, unless it sits on the end of the handlebars. The SPOT is waterproof and I tested this every day in Alaska in 2010 and also on a winter tour to Texas last year. [image: Posted Image]
Here I have it mounted on the center tank mount. I moved my GPS to the left handlebar. This is last summer at Stevens Pass in Washington State (where the big avalanch just occured).
New SPOT 2 price for silver version @ Best Buy is $59.99. Normal price is $149.99. Just bought one for $79.99 through BB and they've dropped it again. (Will be requesting a price match.)
Keep in mind that SPOT requires an annual fee of $100, plus $50, if you want the tracking feature.
This is getting more and more interesting... Maybe if I wait another couple fo weeks they'll give them away for free?? :rolleyes: I'm leaning towards getting one now.
c
Time it for your next tour or long outing. I would say it takes about a week to make sure it is working, the tracking enabled and you understand how to set up the website. Probably you should get the device at least a month before a trip in case you have to return it.
I purchased mine for an Alaskan adventure but I use it now almost every time I go out on the weekend.
One of the advantages of the tracking feature is that YOU do not have to remember to operate it once you have activated the feature at the start of the day.
Here we are at the end of a dirt road under a tree last weekend solving most of the problems in the world...it takes some time to do that as you can see by the ten minute tracking locations. Despite the tree coverage ..........the Spot was well spotting. I like the feature as if you have a problem the spots keep piling up at a location even when the conditions are not optimum (clear sky). This is a nice backup if you are unable to get to the SPOT to hit SOS/Help etc. Folks will wonder eventually what you are doing under that tree.
Yes, Bonus, I can see how this is .... useful to other people. They can spot us going from coffee shop to coffee shop and coming home claiming we rode several hundreds km that day... :smile: Busted!!! :sad:
So, I ordered mine a minute ago! $65 shipped to Sumas!! Woohoo!!! :cheerleader: This should calm down the missus when I go riding--that plus a nice (nice!) insurance policy in case anything happens. I better check my brakes before I leave the house...
Thanks for the info on this deal guys!! :fing02:
C
[image: View Post]Polarbear, on 21 February 2012 - 03:04 PM, said:
I would be very weary of attaching it to me. Kinda like keeping keys in your pocket! They can stab you in case of a fall. Not to mention that in case of a good fall, you would probably destroy the unit. Seems it would be safer somewhere on the bike, somewhere safe (top box? saddle bag? tank bag?!?).
c
The idea is to keep it on you in the event you become separated from your bike and unable to get to your bike when you need to call for help.
I use the arm band case with mine. Best money I've ever spend was picking up mine. The wife is much happier knowing I'm OK when traveling on the bike or snowmobile.
As I remember it, the Spot II came with an armband in the kit. I used it on a couple of rides including test runs on my bicycle but eventually opted for the handlebar mount for reasons described above.
[image: View Post]Polarbear, on 28 February 2012 - 11:08 PM, said:
Yes, Bonus, I can see how this is .... useful to other people. They can spot us going from coffee shop to coffee shop and coming home claiming we rode several hundreds km that day... :smile: Busted!!! :sad:
So, I ordered mine a minute ago! $65 shipped to Sumas!! Woohoo!!! :cheerleader: This should calm down the missus when I go riding--that plus a nice (nice!) insurance policy in case anything happens. I better check my brakes before I leave the house...
Thanks for the info on this deal guys!! :fing02:
C
The yearly cost is well worth it from my wife's point of view. Especially when you are out of comms for days like I was in Alaska.
She also got me a RoadID thingy from XMAS tooooooooooo!
Received mine last night and, yes, it does come with an armband. Also received the RAM Mount SPOT handlebar mount from amazon. Plan to mount it on my KTM's bars for my solo desert rides. I'm operating under the assumption that if I can't get back to the bike, my wife will eventually notice I didn't come home and consult the tracking feature to see where I might be. Plan to use it on the VFR, too, as there are lots of stretches with no cell service around the Southwest. Perhaps another RAM Mount, the arm band or top of the tank bag, depending on the circumstances. Also picked up a mini Pelican case as another alternative.
Popped the batteries in, activated service (including tracking and the Search and Rescue insurance), stepped outside, activated and sent an "OK" message. Left it outside, as directed by the manual and by the time I went back in the house, heard the message coming through on my wife's phone. Checked the map and it was spot-on (pun intended) locationwise.
There are rather mixed reviews on various sites, but I'm getting the idea that those who were less than happy with the unit may not have exactly understood how the device works and its limitations. Looking forward to a live test desert ride on the KTM this weekend.
The on-line set up was fairly straight forward. Need to look into the on-line features more and explain to my wife what she needs to do, if I send a help message or fail to come home.
Device seemed fairly substantial. Will see how it holds up to the desert. So far, color me impressed. Also got 20 bucks back from Best Buy, since the price dropped to $59.99 from $79.99 a week ago.
One of the neat things about the web setup is that you can construct different profiles. So you can not only keep folks at home informed about your progress but also folks/relatives in the area where you are touring. The Web portal has improved quite a bit since I got "spotting".
[image: View Post]Polarbear, on 28 February 2012 - 11:08 PM, said:
Yes, Bonus, I can see how this is .... useful to other people. They can spot us going from coffee shop to coffee shop and coming home claiming we rode several hundreds km that day... :smile: Busted!!! :sad:
So, I ordered mine a minute ago! $65 shipped to Sumas!! Woohoo!!! :cheerleader: This should calm down the missus when I go riding--that plus a nice (nice!) insurance policy in case anything happens. I better check my brakes before I leave the house...
Thanks for the info on this deal guys!! :fing02:
C
About time you got one !!!!
When Bonus started the thread and I read it what SPOT does I had to get one.My Wife, son and the rest of the family tracked me from home to Vegas etc etc and she could watch where I was from her work. funny enough, 4 wives in the same office bought it for their husbands who ride and it made it easy on them "knowing" their location and the husbands because they did not need to call every 4 hours. Well worth the money @ $200.00 or $59.99.
I had the arm band on the first 2 days, then moved to the brake resivour mount. The idea of sliding on it and destroying it / more body damage to me did not appeal. Like the keys in your pocket. I have a photo... will post it up.
Yeah, funny how we assess the price of keeping peace on the domestic front... You're right Gerry, even at $200, it is cheap--and yes, I've been known to spend more than that to keep SWMBO at ease... :goofy:
c
[image: View Post]Polarbear, on 29 February 2012 - 04:06 PM, said:
Yeah, funny how we assess the price of keeping peace on the domestic front... You're right Gerry, even at $200, it is cheap--and yes, I've been known to spend more than that to keep SWMBO at ease... :goofy:
c
Welcome aboard!
When I am bumming a place on the road folks always ask me for an ETA. I just send them my SPOT link ..................so they can track me and more importantly be waiting at the door with a cold brew!
[image: View Post]BonusVFR, on 29 February 2012 - 10:57 PM, said:
Welcome aboard!
When I am bumming a place on the road folks always ask me for an ETA. I just send them my SPOT link ..................so they can track me and more importantly be waiting at the door with a cold brew!
Now THIS has got to be the best use of the SPOT device I've heard so far!!!!! :laughing6-hehe: :laughing6-hehe: :laughing6-hehe:
End of thread · 65 posts recoveredWayback Machine snapshot 16 Jun 2012
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