If you've been considering a SPOT satellite tracker, now might not be a bad time to buy.    (You need to Login or Register currently has a sale running for the Spot 2 (Silver).  Priced at $49.99 with free shipping to a local store, the price is right. 

BTW:  I've been using a SPOT (1) for about 5 years now and it has worked well for me.  The SPOT 2 units are about 1/3rd smaller.

dd -

What's the annual service fee... around $200/year?  $100/year?

Jimbo   8-)

I've used SPOT 1 for a couple years...never had any problems and my wife/kids/friends like it...basic service is $99...they have some added features you can buy like tracking that add a bit more to the cost....

Is this right ?:
Looks like base service is 99.00/yr
      (You need to Login or Register
and then there are the additional services:
      (You need to Login or Register

dd: Do you (or others) use smartphone/spot to txt?

zski wrote on Mar 15^th, 2012 at 9:49pm:

Is this right ?: Looks like base service is 99.00/yr       (You need to Login or Register and then there are the additional services:       (You need to Login or Register dd: Do you (or others) use smartphone/spot to txt?

~ $100 for basic service is what I've been paying plus a few $$'s extra to get the 911 extraction cost insurance.

I guess I'm too cheap to spring for the Spot Connect (smartphone to Spot via bluetooth).  I say that, yet I spent more than that on a paddle at 'copia.  The ability to compose and send messages is appealing though.

dd

That SPOT sure was handy last summer in WCP for me. I would likely of been there quite a little while with very little in the way of options since my truck was whisked away from my EP. Even if I could of gotten back with some help it would of been a long wait :P.

This year it is SPOT and SAT phone. The SAT's are smaller than I first imagined. My wife's mouth dropped open when I told her I was getting one. I hate renting stuff.........Now I just have to figure out how to get her on board. Should I smack her around a little or should I heat some massage oil in the microwave????........Maybe just a little groveling (I'm good at that)  ;D.   

I'm just curious, but what is the attraction to this technology? 

Same question goes for weather radios, GPS, etc...  To me, part of the thrill of wilderness travel is going to a place where I am cut off from the modern world.  A little risk to me adds a bit of excitement to the trip.  I'm as inconsistent and hypocritical as hell, cuz I like to have a map, and I enjoy all the creature comforts of modern canoe camping.

I suppose solo canoeing is another matter, or is it?

prouboy

So dd, what do you think about those SPOT2 "Geek Squad" protection plans?  Are they worth it?  Do you bother with them?

Jimbo   8-)

Jimbo wrote on Mar 16^th, 2012 at 2:23pm:

So dd, what do you think about those SPOT2 "Geek Squad" protection plans?  Are they worth it?  Do you bother with them? Jimbo   8-)

From my experience, if you get a working unit, you are good to go for an extended period (unless you abuse the device).

However, if the unit doesn't function normally you should seek a replacement post-haste.  That means you're going to plunk down another wad of cash to get "findmespot" enrolled.  So, I'd highly recommend testing the unit as soon as practical after receipt.  You might also remember that you've gotten "pre-trip" test messages from me in the past.  I always do that as well to make sure my distribution list of recipients is still functional.  Lastly, I always start a trip with a new set of batts.  Previously used batts get "recycled" into other, less critical devices (e.g., flashlight), where they can serve as a backup in an emergency.

On an informational note, I seem to remember that this sale ends on March 17th.

One final consideration.  The SPOT 1 unit floats (if you use the recommended lithium batteries).  The SPOT 2 does not (the size reduction eliminated air pockets) and is only waterproof to 1 meter for 30 minutes or so ... make sure you teather it to something that will float.

dd

Jimbo wrote on Mar 16^th, 2012 at 2:23pm:

So dd, what do you think about those SPOT2 "Geek Squad" protection plans?  Are they worth it?  Do you bother with them? Jimbo   8-)

Jimbo
I was wondering the same thing........if you read the reviews posted online you find out some interesting tidbits of info. First off, the company does not seem to have a good customer service track record (maybe that has changed?). Secondly, the people who had the "protection plan" were given immediate and preferred treatment. It seems some units work flawlessly and others have some glitches. I sprang for the added service so I wouldn't have to blow a fuse if I had to deal with less than helpful customer service folk.

MT

Quote:

I'm just curious, but what is the attraction to this technology? ... I'm as inconsistent and hypocritical as hell, cuz I like to have a map, and I enjoy all the creature comforts of modern canoe camping.

So you have answered your own question, haven't you? To me, A GPS is to a map what a kevlar canoe is to an aluminum canoe.  Or what a led head lamp is to a 2-D battery handheld.  Or a canvas tent is to a nylon.  Etc.  We make decisions on which of the technologies we wish to bring with us. (Although I do put things like phones and radios in another category because they bring things from the outside world into the wilderness.)

My Spot 2 arrived at my local Best Buy today, so this evening I dropped in to pick it up.

As I was completing the paperwork, I noticed that the sale price on-line was in variance to that shown on the store's receipt.  The on-line price was $49.99.  The store receipt said $34.99.  By the time I got home, I had an e-mail waiting that said that I had received a $15.00 additional discount.

Now THAT'S a price I can certainly live with!  If you ordered one, I hope you have a similar surprise waiting for you at pick-up.

dd

Puckster wrote on Mar 16^th, 2012 at 3:07am:

I'm just curious, but what is the attraction to this technology?  Same question goes for weather radios, GPS, etc...  To me, part of the thrill of wilderness travel is going to a place where I am cut off from the modern world.  A little risk to me adds a bit of excitement to the trip.  I'm as inconsistent and hypocritical as hell, cuz I like to have a map, and I enjoy all the creature comforts of modern canoe camping. I suppose solo canoeing is another matter, or is it? prouboy

I'm doing a 3 week solo this spring and a SPOT GPS Messenger was a must for my wife.  It's worth it to give her peace of mind.  Also found another use for it.  My trip is part of a sabbatical (I'm a pastor).  I'll hit my "I'm OK" button at every lake and campsite, which will plot me on a map.  A member of the congregation has volunteered to put my developing route on a map and post every other day to the web, allowing everyone to see progress (and part of this is for the per mile pledge people are making to support the church's ministries).  I have no use, however, for gps or anything else.  But I do take my kindle.  Saves me from lugging a bunch of books.

Steve wrote on Apr 5^th, 2012 at 11:16pm:

Puckster wrote on Mar 16th, 2012 at 3:07am: I'm just curious, but what is the attraction to this technology?  Same question goes for weather radios, GPS, etc...  To me, part of the thrill of wilderness travel is going to a place where I am cut off from the modern world.  A little risk to me adds a bit of excitement to the trip.  I'm as inconsistent and hypocritical as hell, cuz I like to have a map, and I enjoy all the creature comforts of modern canoe camping. I suppose solo canoeing is another matter, or is it? prouboy I'm doing a 3 week solo this spring and a SPOT GPS Messenger was a must for my wife.  It's worth it to give her peace of mind.  Also found another use for it.  My trip is part of a sabbatical (I'm a pastor).  I'll hit my "I'm OK" button at every lake and campsite, which will plot me on a map.  A member of the congregation has volunteered to put my developing route on a map and post every other day to the web, allowing everyone to see progress (and part of this is for the per mile pledge people are making to support the church's ministries).  I have no use, however, for gps or anything else.  But I do take my kindle.  Saves me from lugging a bunch of books.

Ahoy Steve......welcome aboard as Old Salt would say.

For a little bit extra you could subscribe to the tracking feature on your SPOT and your people could watch your progress as well as your campsites in real time. Sort of neat.

Going through a few things last night and remembered to check out my SPOT. After all it did stay submerged for about 10 to 12 minutes in Lake Superior last year (fortunately I was in a back bay, not to cold). I am here to report all is well. No corrosion and the unit turned on no problem. Don't be afraid to wear it on your person, even in wet conditions. It will be there when you need it. Just slap it right on your belt. Otherwise when the rapids or a bear takes your bag you might not have it........Just my not so humble opinion (God's workin on me......progress is there but it is slow.......might take a lifetime  ;D ).

zski wrote on Mar 15^th, 2012 at 9:49pm:

dd: Do you (or others) use smartphone/spot to txt?

I do. I have a SPOT that came as a package with my DeLorme GSP. The two are paired together, so I can type a txt on the GSP and the SPOT sends it. Works great, 100% success rate from the Q last year.

Ranger

Ranger wrote on Apr 6^th, 2012 at 6:42pm:

zski wrote on Mar 15th, 2012 at 9:49pm: dd: Do you (or others) use smartphone/spot to txt? I do. I have a SPOT that came as a package with my DeLorme GSP. The two are paired together, so I can type a txt on the GSP and the SPOT sends it. Works great, 100% success rate from the Q last year. Ranger

Does it also receive messages or is it one way communication?

PJ,

It's one-way, only sending messages out. It has the standard SPOT All Ok/SOS options, plus the type & txt.

The message that the recipients receive includes your txt and the link to your location.

Ranger

I'm doing a 3 week solo this spring and a SPOT GPS Messenger was a must for my wife.  It's worth it to give her peace of mind.  Also found another use for it.  My trip is part of a sabbatical (I'm a pastor).  I'll hit my "I'm OK" button at every lake and campsite, which will plot me on a map.  A member of the congregation has volunteered to put my developing route on a map and post every other day to the web, allowing everyone to see progress (and part of this is for the per mile pledge people are making to support the church's ministries).  I have no use, however, for gps or anything else.  But I do take my kindle.  Saves me from lugging a bunch of books.[/quote]

Ahoy Steve......welcome aboard as Old Salt would say.

For a little bit extra you could subscribe to the tracking feature on your SPOT and your people could watch your progress as well as your campsites in real time. Sort of neat.

Going through a few things last night and remembered to check out my SPOT. After all it did stay submerged for about 10 to 12 minutes in Lake Superior last year (fortunately I was in a back bay, not to cold). I am here to report all is well. No corrosion and the unit turned on no problem. Don't be afraid to wear it on your person, even in wet conditions. It will be there when you need it. Just slap it right on your belt. Otherwise when the rapids or a bear takes your bag you might not have it........Just my not so humble opinion (God's workin on me......progress is there but it is slow.......might take a lifetime  ;D ).
[/quote]

Thanks for the welcome, MA.  Yeah, I could do the tracking, but it's $50 and, from what I understand, significantly more battery use.  Since I'll be doing the OK signal on each lake and campsite I think that will suffice.  I would hope no one, including my family, would be bored enough that they want to sit in front of the computer for real time updates!