To SPOT or not to SPOT

[OverdriveXJ]

I've been looking into the spot tracking PLB devices, I think its a great idea and my wife likes it also Because I'm always going out on my ATV or (now my jeep) to the vast mountains we have that surround us

I almost pulled the trigger this morning to buy one, but started reading the reviews and they don't have very good reviews. The reviews are sitting about 2.5 stars and the reviews are covering anything from the devides, contracts for service and customer service.

So does anyone have any personal knowledge of these devices from spot, know someone who has one and either loves it or hates it. I've looked into other PLBs but this is econmical and does everything.

 

[WB9YZU]

"PLB" Personal Locating Beacon ?

Interesting idea, never hear of this, but I'll watch the thread as it sounds pretty cool!

-Ron

 

[OverdriveXJ]

"PLB" Personal Locating Beacon ?

Yes Ron you got it. I've known about these for awhile but never really looked into it until a read a thread about adventure jeep build and clicked onto a personal blog of a member here and he had one where you could do live tracking of him.

Then my wife was watching a show where this snowmobiler was lost and alone and they mentioned that if he would have had a PLB it would be so easy to locate him. They found him but they said another 10-30 mins and he would probably been dead from the cold weather...made me think about it even more with me wandering off especially when I take my small boys with me...My wife would have piece of mind, plus with these new ones you can send messages to Facebook or email addresses etc.

 

[westvirginia24976]

"PLB" Personal Locating Bacon ?

Interesting idea, never hear of this, but I'll watch the thread as it sounds pretty cool!

-Ron

I need one of those. Seriously!

 

[ocean_jet]

I have been looking at these myself.

Two things I don't like about the SPOT.

1 - It's subscription based to use their tracking features. The subscription is expensive. I am not sure if basic rescue features work without the subscription.

2 - "official" PLB use a 406 Mhz satellite system specifically officially designated for emergency location and rescue. Typically the 406 Mhz system will get the rescuer within a few miles. Then they also have a 121.5 Mhz short range homing beacon which can get rescuers within 100 feet or so.

SPOT does NOT use this official system. Instead it uses the commercially operated Globalstar satellite system. It transmits your GPS location through GlobalStar, which from what I have read is not as reliable as the official 406 Mhz system. Further, SPOT doesn't have the short range homing beacon.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Distress_radiobeacon





I am leaning toward this:
http://www.amazon.com/ACR-PLB-375-Personal-Locating-Beacon/dp/B005E1OU1A


Much less features than SPOT in terms of trip tracking and non-emergency notification. But it is a true PLB beacon that uses the standard PBL protocol.

I think the SPOT is neat that I can send GPS positions/tracks and pre-programmed messages to tfolks back home.. but when it comes right down to it, the most important feature is the location and rescue features... and I am just not comfortable with SPOT for that.

 

[ocean_jet]

Further, in my research, SPOT has very poor reviews around the internet. Apparently, even the non-rescue features have a lot of issues.

 

[Gonepostal]

I do a lot of backcountry work for in the forests here in Wyoming. On these excursions, I am generally working by myself and although I carry a two way getting reception can be a real challenge. I started packing a SPOT three years ago. I've never had to hit the 911 button, but I have used the check in and tracking features, and they work great as long as there is a clear shot to the satellite. If you are under the tree canopy, the ability of the unit to communicate is inhibited. I have also packed it to Alaska two years ago and played with the check in and tracking while there and the unit work flawlessly. Personally, I recommend the service, it's as cheap insurance and a means to get help. As for the sercvice being expensive, I don't consider a little over ten bucks a month to be that expensive for the service and rescue insurance. I have also verified my results via the google maps page that the unit ties too and it seems more than accurate enough to get help to your position. Just my two cents anyway.

 

[Doc Holliday]

If spot is using GPS, wouldnt that be more accurate? I can deal with contracts and customer service as long as the device is accurate and works when needed. Will follow this thread, coming back from deployment I have money to get into four wheeling and hiking again, having one of these would be nice as long as they dont have any critical problems.
Found some info on wikipedia about the spot.

SPOT
SPOT does not use the 406 MHz signal nor the system of satellites. Instead, it depends on the GlobalStar satellite system. It has richer features (for instance, can send many non-emergency signals) – but it does not work in as many places as 406 MHz PLBs – for instance under dense forest canopy or steep canyons.[30] When a user presses the "911" button on a SPOT device an emergency message containing the unit's identification and GPS location is transmitted to the GEOS International Emergency Response Center who then notifies the appropriate emergency agency for the region after first calling the user to ensure the transmission is not accidental.[31][32]
SPOT additionally has the ability to provide non-emergency web based tracking information. This allows family or friends at home to track the holder's progress. The tracking operates by sending a tracking signal to the GlobalStar network every 10 minutes. This feature can additionally be useful to provide location of an individual even if the individual is unable to activate the emergency '911' button.[33]
Typical costs are $169 plus a $99/year service fee for basic services or $150/yr for basic services and tracking services, as compared to around $250 for a 406-MHz PLB with no service fee.

 

[Gonepostal]

If spot is using GPS, wouldnt that be more accurate? I can deal with contracts and customer service as long as the device is accurate and works when needed. Will follow this thread, coming back from deployment I have money to get into four wheeling and hiking again, having one of these would be nice as long as they dont have any critical problems.
Found some info on wikipedia about the spot.

SPOT
SPOT does not use the 406 MHz signal nor the system of satellites. Instead, it depends on the GlobalStar satellite system. It has richer features (for instance, can send many non-emergency signals) – but it does not work in as many places as 406 MHz PLBs – for instance under dense forest canopy or steep canyons.[30] When a user presses the "911" button on a SPOT device an emergency message containing the unit's identification and GPS location is transmitted to the GEOS International Emergency Response Center who then notifies the appropriate emergency agency for the region after first calling the user to ensure the transmission is not accidental.[31][32]
SPOT additionally has the ability to provide non-emergency web based tracking information. This allows family or friends at home to track the holder's progress. The tracking operates by sending a tracking signal to the GlobalStar network every 10 minutes. This feature can additionally be useful to provide location of an individual even if the individual is unable to activate the emergency '911' button.[33]
Typical costs are $169 plus a $99/year service fee for basic services or $150/yr for basic services and tracking services, as compared to around $250 for a 406-MHz PLB with no service fee.

To start off THANK YOU for your service.

I think for the most part any of the PLB locators are great, its more a case of person preference and wanted features. If you are like me and do a lot of playing and working without adult supervision I think having something along the lines of PLB is important. I also volunteer with our local search and rescue. There has been more than one occasion when I wished folks had carried a PLB. In a couple of situations I've seen having one might have saved a life by helping us get there sooner.

 

[old_man]

I'm hoping Santa will bring me one of the new ones. It allows you to send and receive text and short emails when off the grid, and I am off the grid for extended periods of time. The response time is slow, but slow is better than nothing.

 

[ocean_jet]

If spot is using GPS, wouldnt that be more accurate?

I am not an expert at all, but from the research I have been doing, this is my understanding.


SPOT receives a GPS signal from the GPS satellite network (typical GPS function). Then, when you want to transmit anything, emergency or non-emergeny, it uses the GlobalStar network.

PLB's use the Search and Rescue Satellite network (SARSAT - the 406 Mhz network), which is constantly monitored by NOAA and the Air Force. PLBs will use this system to triangulate your location (much like a GPS system would), then transmit your location through the SARSAT, along with your PLB's unique ID (which would be registered to you so they can identify you).

In addition, PLB's today usually include a GPS receiver too. If so, the GPS coordinates will be transmitted through the SARSAT system as well.

Further, the PLB's also have a low range homing device. This sends out a signal that can be directly monitored within a couple miles. This signal does not rely on satellites at all. This allows rescuers to home in on you once they get within a couple miles.



The differences I think worth considering are:

- My understanding is that GlobalStar doesn't have as much coverage as the SARSAT. If you need to transmit a distress signal on SPOT and you do not have GlobalStar coverage, you are SOL.

- PLB's interface directly with the established search and rescue network, continually monitored by government agencies. SPOT relies on privately owned infrastructure, and private services to relay your search and rescue information to the authorities.

-PLB's require no subscription. SPOT does, but I would image they would transmit a distress signal even if it came from a unit where the service has expired... not sure about that though.

-PLB's have a fixed service life of about 5-6 years. They use very strong batteries, and you cannot simply change the batteries. I do not know if SPOT has a fixed service life or not.

-For whatever it is worth, I have read many negative reviews of SPOT, specifically stating that messages were not getting transmitted in a timely manner. Not sure how much credence you put in internet reviews, but if there is an issue with signals getting through on a device like this, it concerns me.

-PLB's have redundancy. (Can use both SARSAT and GPS Network for location calculation, and by transmitting on both the satellite network, and having the short range beacon.)

-Cost. Over a 5-6 year service life, SPOT will cost much more then a $250 PLB.

-Features. While SPOT has many cool features, for me, the priority is search and rescue. Further, I believe some of the higher end PLB have many of the same tracking features SPOT has. Of course, the price will go up from $250, and I would guess would also require subscription fees.

 

[ocean_jet]

I almost pulled the trigger this morning to buy one, but started reading the reviews and they don't have very good reviews.

Same thing for me. I was just about to buy the SPOT, and started seeing all the bad reviews. That's when I did the research and learned about the differences between how SPOT and PLBs actually work. The more research I did, the more I wanted to go with a PLB instead of the SPOT.

 

[OverdriveXJ]

Same thing for me. I was just about to buy the SPOT, and started seeing all the bad reviews. That's when I did the research and learned about the differences between how SPOT and PLBs actually work. The more research I did, the more I wanted to go with a PLB instead of the SPOT.

I know its ridiculous the amount of bad reviews, I was asking a guy I know that has used them for years yesterday, He owns/runs www.atvutah.com He swears by them (spot) and I trust his opinion. He says though that the best one is the 1st generation device.

So I'm going to take my time I won't be going anywhere for a couple of months.
I do appreciate all the advice you posted thats some great research.

 

[old_man]

I have read a lot of bad reviews from people who don't own or use one. A lot of people get frustrated because it simply isn't a cell phone. It may take 30 minutes to get a message out due to the fact that the satellites only come over every 10 minutes or so and it is line of site just like GPS. I don't particularly want it as a convenience, I want it for when things go to hell. I worked search and rescue for years.

 

[johnnyc]

In our Search and Rescue unit, the SPOT devices are nicknamed "Yuppie GPS". That's because people will activate the device in non-emergency situations, such as returning from a hike and not being able to find their car. Or just being tired and wanting to be picked up.

 

[johnnyc]

We did a training exercise where I played the part of a lost hiker. I hiked up a canyon off of Ortega Highway with a PLB in my backpack. I found a good hiding place and waited to be "rescued". I watched as the Civil Air Patrol flew overhead trying to triangulate my location. They relayed information to a ground team, who also carried locating equipment. They found me pretty quickly.

 

[WB9YZU]

A lot of people get frustrated because it simply isn't a cell phone.

I hear ya there. People want instant everything.

This got me looking into iPhone related Apps last night.

I have a GPS App for my iphone which will send my coordinates, a message, and a pix if I want to up to 5 email addys, a FB and Twitter Account.

Problem is that there are places even on the Interstate in WI that AT&T simply doesn't cover (I know, incredible )

The iPhone 4 has a stock program (My-iPhone) which can in the background and report your position, and there is a website you can track said person in... But same problem

-Ron

 

[WB9YZU]

We did a training exercise where I played the part of a lost hiker. I hiked up a canyon off of Ortega Highway with a PLB in my backpack. I found a good hiding place and waited to be "rescued". I watched as the Civil Air Patrol flew overhead trying to triangulate my location. They relayed information to a ground team, who also carried locating equipment. They found me pretty quickly.

Cool! What PLB did you use?

-Ron

 

[johnnyc]

Cool! What PLB did you use?

-Ron

Sorry, it wasn't a PLB. It was an ELT, like those found on small aircraft.

 

[Ghost]

I hear ya there. People want instant everything.

This got me looking into iPhone related Apps last night.

I have a GPS App for my iphone which will send my coordinates, a message, and a pix if I want to up to 5 email addys, a FB and Twitter Account.

Problem is that there are places even on the Interstate in WI that AT&T simply doesn't cover (I know, incredible )

The iPhone 4 has a stock program (My-iPhone) which can in the background and report your position, and there is a website you can track said person in... But same problem

-Ron

Which GPS do you use? I have tried Motion X and it seems to no do what I want.