BillConner wrote on Jan 17^th, 2013 at 9:30pm:


Bill, You are correct. I was going from memory and my impression of what the symbols meant. Knowing the complains I had heard, I was thinking Spot had an absolute fix. But since it wasn't designed to receive signals it probably can't display a message sent light.

Jim  J - were I on Lake Superior other than very near shore I'd consider a PLB.  Like you, in the Q, I do not worry with a Spot.  (I use second button to say pick me up with intent my location will be obvious where - ep or whatever in case I'm out early or other than where planned - and third one to say - trouble, I can't move or get out myself but not in meed of immediate assistance - which leaves a challenge for my sons (I only send that one to them - my wife would get upsate and sons are very thoughtful and familiar with the area) to decide if they can arrange something or shoud call for emergency services or leave me to hit SOS after no one shows.

Intrepid - I think it auto offs so I just make sure both lights illuminate   and then forget it.  I agree though it would be better if it said "sending" rather than sent, but I just looked and my spot 2 just shows an envelope with a contrail, so less - or more - uncertain as to meaning.

BillConner wrote on Jan 15^th, 2013 at 2:57pm:


Bill, No I haven't. I think the issues with the early models and not knowing if the "I'm OK" messages were getting through created a lack of trust. My guess?? Some outfitters/guides expressed a lack of confidence in Spots. They had used PLB before and trusted them.

We'll use both on Lake Superior. One of us will carry the Spot and the other a PLB. In Q I'll just use a Spot. Mostly to send "I'm OK" to tripping partner's loved ones at home, and it still has a SOS feature.

intrepid_camper wrote on Jan 15^th, 2013 at 3:16pm:


Mine too. I turned mine off after getting the message sent light. Half my messages didn't get through. After talking to Spot Support, I was told to let it run about 15 mins longer. Spot Support told me the light really meant the message was "being" sent, not already sent. So I'm thinking it should be labeled a message "sending" light 

I have rented from

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I bought but have read that some outfitters do rent.  I assume their rental includes editing the list of recipients and the messages.  Not the best user interface (last I used it in the summer) but maybe 15 minutes to create a new list of email or txt addresses and custom messages.  Lynn from VNO can fill in details - I know she is on CCBB and BWCA boards.

BillConner wrote on Jan 16^th, 2013 at 2:05am:


Bill I read the same reviews about customer service. That is a shame, you ALWAYS want your clients best interests at heart.

The exception is the folks who purchased insurance for the unit......evidently you are taken care of pronto if that is the case.

As for renting......can you rent a SPOT? I hate renting anything except for a post hole digger and a car.......I certainly wouldn't rent a SAT phone or PLB. Way to much chance for abuse in the renting world IMO.

AS to renting a SPOT,  -how's that work? Do you just link up with with the renter, and then have your 'homebodies' take assurance in knowing that 'somebody' knows where you're at?    What's a pbl, or plb, or whatever?   As you can probably tell,I really have'nt embraced much of anything developed in the tech world yet. I'm trying... (a little bit).

I learned after testing at home that after pressing a button to just let it sit till it auto offs.  I have not had clear sky problem - generally set on fire ring when we first make camp so usually off by time we are set up.  I read comments and a lot of negatives seemed about money and cost and customer service.

I have found that the satellites must be low in the southern horizon re: the BW and Q; as I need to position the SPOT definitely facing south to get the best and fastest results.  I also have NOT had luck in sending from under trees or in the tent (which is usually under a tarp as well).  It has worked well placed on the dash of my car and facing out the window.