It is no secret to some that I'm a gear freak.  And a few also know that I use a SPOT device when in the back country ... especially important IMO when traveling solo.

A newly announced product will finally eliminate many of the weaknesses of the initial implementation of the SPOT by coupling a smart phone with   (You need to Login or Register.  So, not only will you now be able to transmit your location, but short text messages as well. :)  So, for example, if you want to let someone know that you want to be picked up at such-and-such a location at a specified time, that will now be possible.  (More likely ... I'm having so much fun, I think I'll stay for another day!)

dd

What a neat way to let the boss know you retired...that's right, you already did that. 8-) ;D

DD --

Have you ever thought of offering a seminar (series?) on your use of hi-tech mapping, communication, and related equipment?  

You could offer the seminars remotely, using a web conferencing system, or somehow tie it into the QJ website???  (I'm probably writing nonsense, but that has never stopped me in the past...)  

I'm in the dark ages when it comes to this world of wilderness canoeing, but I'd tune in.  

prouboy

I wonder how long it will take them to go the other way....GPS on the Smartphone with SD card supported map data? ::)

Was wondering, How much the SPOT connect cost and how much is the usage fee?

I just looked and it was $170 witht the same basic fee as a reular spot ($100 per year). You get 5 mesages free or you can buy bundles of messages $30 for 100 msg or $50 for 500 msgs. I emailed spot a bit ago to see what phones might work with it. It mentions androids but I have an iphone. The concern I thought of is that a phone bettery isn't going to last that terribly long even if you enter fulloy charged and shut it off when you're not sending a message. I think you'll use too much battery turning the phone on and off all the time. I suppose you would need to start carrying some sort of charger for your phone either solar or something that would let you charge a phone battery from some other sort of battery. I think it's almost starting to get too complicated for a long trip. They also make sell a GPS unit that you can use with the spot connect instead of using your phone. Gets very expensive though, $550 plus the same service fees.

For the sake of this discussion, I'll play Devil's Advocate and ask, When is enough, enough?
I'm not a tech-guy at all. I don't have a problem with others being that way, as long as their tech-gadgets don't interfere with MY quite and solitude ;)
We had a recent discussion about keeping electronic gear charged on long trips. Seems the more tech-gear you have, the more batteries/chargers etc you need to keep it up and running.

We all talk about trimming the load, so at a certain point isn't having all the toys adding to that problem.

We hear about all kinds of things people do to lighten their loads. A few ounces here and there without sacrificing utility/reliability is the goal. But batteries are heavy for there size. Extra ones, plus chargers plus dry-boxes etc would seem to add weight faster than you could lose by cutting ounces here and there?

Now for the people who are dropping serious body weight, I guess you could have your high-tech cake and eat it too. PJ's recent 80 lb / PX90 weight loss is a good example. Theoretically he could add a significant amount of tech-comfort gear, still be way under previous tripping weight and with his increased strength/cardio, have it both ways if he wished.

I'm just wondering what is the tipping point IF there is one, with all these new gadgets?

I guess if you could have a GPS/Fish Finder/Spot/Sat phone is one small package and with low battery consumption, then everyone could have their cake and eat it too?

Then the question would be, " How can you decompress/disconnect, if your available 24/7"  :-/

ST, you're right when you ask, when is enough enough, but I think it also depends on your reason for bringing what you do as well as your reason for tripping. If your sole reason for tripping is to unplug then bringing gadgets probably is counter to that. If your sole reason for tripping is fishing then go ahead and bring the gadgets for that and since you're already bringing a bunch of stuff why not bring a little more. I think most of us fall some where in the middle and have a multitude of reasons for tripping. Gadgets really end up falling into that catagory of extra gear that might or might not be worthwhile.
I'm really pretty gadget less, at the moment the most electronically advanced thing I bring is a walmart headlamp, but I've been looking at spots since I take groups of kids (keep their parents content) and I'm getting into more soloing (keep my wife content) Since I've been looking I've been looking at everything but like you said, how do you know when enough is enough. I'll probably end up with one of the spots by summer but the slippery slope of adding gadgets makes me a little hesitent. Of course it's always fun to get new toys, just not as much fun to carry them, pay for them, or ending up being followed by those technological frustrations we're trying to escape.

Interesting.  I haven't solo tripped yet, but when I do I'm sure my wife would like for me to be able to check in with her.  Sat phone is probably the best option, but very expensive last I checked.

I don't begrudge others who bring lots of electronics into the backcountry, as long as they don't interfere with me.  I've run into groups using 2-way radios up and down the lake who were very noisy and inconsiderate, but most people are generally polite.  My camera and headlamp are the only electronic device I bring on trips these days.  I used to bring a watch, but now I find I'm much happier without one, and adjust to the natural ebb and flow of things.  You can have your fish finders, bug zappers, GPS, weather radios, telescopes, iPods, or whatever else you want to carry in.  Just carry it out too  :)

solotripper wrote on Jan 26^th, 2011 at 6:18pm:

For the sake of this discussion, I'll play Devil's Advocate and ask, When is enough, enough?... ...I'm just wondering what is the tipping point IF there is one, with all these new gadgets?..."  :-/

Thank you, ST.  My sentiments almost exactly.

My tripping point is when these new gadets require so much time to learn with all their bells, whistles and other add-ons.   When my head starts to ache and feel like exploding and my eyes get glazed then dry, it's time to pack up the canoe and head out...leaving those damn things behind...

I take a SPOT now (what, a few buttons, only 3 types of messages, cool) for my wife and kids...and a clip-on LED headlight...that's enough for me for now.

OK.  I lied.  I also take a little point and shoot DIGITAL camera, on which I haven't used almost all of the various settings, and a DIGITAL voice recorder, which is like the SPOT and has buttons like a basic VCR...

Speaking of VCRs, they're hard to find nowadays, and cost more than DVD players...geez.   ;D

Who said the Devil needs an advocate here? :-/ :-/

I bring a fish finder, mated to my canoe. The only caller I take is from Mr. Waldo Laker.

Back to the topic originally introduced by DD. Anti-techno rants can be posted elsewhere...

Quote:

Anti-techno rants can be posted elsewhere...

My post was a reasonable question, not intended as a rant about tech-no gadgets.
I know dd is a self professed gadget freak, but he also writes about his tricks to lighten his loads and streamline his methods.

 Adding new gizmo's of any kind your trying to find a balance you can live with. I'm sure dd has weighed the pro's and con's of all his gear.

Asking about the proverbial tipping point, whether mental/physical didn't seem an improper question.

[/quote]...Back to the topic originally introduced by DD. Anti-techno rants can be posted elsewhere...

Ok, fine, old-salt.  My bad for helping us get off track. I would never think to upend someone I hold with such respect...and I mean that very respectfully...although others might not.    

Anyway, as DD so eloquently noted in his original post, “…, if you want to let someone know that you want to be picked up at such-and-such a location at a specified time, that will now be possible….”

OS, could you please pick me and my son up at Nym entry on July 3, 2011?  Thx!   Of course, I'll text you a day or two prior.   :)

 

I'll try to have my phone on that day. :o Unfortunately, you may have to wait a few days for me to get there. :-?

However, some might be confused regarding my position on technology. I favor technology & use it daily. It is my choice to choose to bring my fish finder & to not bring a GPS, Spot, etc. I have no issue with those who do. And yes, I carefully count my batteries.

I also don't see any issue with those who choose to stay 'plugged in' on a canoe trip, and don't see that as an intrusion on solitude & privacy. I think it is an unreasonable expectation to visit the BW or Q and expect to avoid all encounters with fellow travelers.

Now, back to DD's new toy!

DentonDoc wrote on Jan 26^th, 2011 at 2:21am:

It is no secret to some that I'm a gear freak.  And a few also know that I use a SPOT device when in the back country ... especially important IMO when traveling solo. A newly announced product will finally eliminate many of the weaknesses of the initial implementation of the SPOT by coupling a smart phone with   (You need to Login or Register.  So, not only will you now be able to transmit your location, but short text messages as well. :)  So, for example, if you want to let someone know that you want to be picked up at such-and-such a location at a specified time, that will now be possible.  (More likely ... I'm having so much fun, I think I'll stay for another day!) dd

I have the Delorme PN60/W GPS with Spot. I got it back in November and it has been great. It does what you mentioned above but through the GPS. It sends a signal every 10 minutes to a tracking site. Those tracks are available to whomever you want to see them. It has not missed a post so far. You can send the canned messages to one person or you can group contacts.

I have mildly autistic son who goes on river trips with me. 5 or 6 days of no contact used to worry his mom to death. Now she feels connected. Every 10 minutes she can see where we are on the water. She gets our ok messages when we set up camp and a goodnight message from our son.

I would recommend it to anyone who wants to stay in touch without being in touch so to speak, If you want to track your progress real time in Google maps/earth with no intervention.  If you need to send an SOS I have no doubt it works.

The spot device works independent of the GPS or Phone. The messages come from the GPS or phone but the SOS can be activated from the spot device itself.


all in all a good system

Thank you for the info!! Thought about getting one for solos- piece of mind for the family. Or is it peace of mind?? whatever.