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Personal Locator Beacons (Read 12418 times)

BillConner Inukshuk Offline Posts: 665 Location: Thousand Islands Joined: Apr 12^th, 2010	Re: Personal Locator Beacons Reply #10 - Jan 15^th, 2013 at 2:57pm	Quote Print Post
	Jim J Solo wrote on Jan 10^th, 2013 at 7:49pm: Really reliable SOS help is the PLB. Do you know of an instance of a Spot having failed to send an SOS message? I agree a PLB is more robust than a Spot but, are you sure a Spot is not robust enough? I feel 100% comfortable with a Spot.


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intrepid_camper Inukshuk Offline Posts: 1348 Location: Northern Minnesota Joined: Jul 12^th, 2004	Re: Personal Locator Beacons Reply #11 - Jan 15^th, 2013 at 3:16pm	Quote Print Post
	I have used a SPOT for the past several years. I go solo for 1-2 weeks at a time in BW or Q and I do that 3-5 times a season. I send an okay message every day. When I check the map on my computer after I return I find the locator has set my position exactly. I did freak out my "pickup" person the first time I hit the "help" button....repeating urgent messages on his cell phone....until he realized they were coming from the landing where I was waiting for him, a day earlier than planned. I have not had any issues with accidentally sent messages or with messages that did not get sent. On occasion I will have to move the SPOT around camp to be sure a message gets sent; mine has a message sent function which lets me know if it has worked or not. up


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pine_knot Inukshuk Offline Posts: 908 Location: Springboro, Ohio Joined: Mar 31^st, 2009	Re: Personal Locator Beacons Reply #12 - Jan 15^th, 2013 at 4:44pm	Quote Print Post
	I've used the SPOT 1 for three seasons now. Never had a problem. Like IC mentioned, a couple times, I needed to move it near the shoreline to get it to link with the satellites. I know it's sent the ok message when the 2 lights stop blinking together and only one blinks. I'll use the "help" message only if I'm staying at the same site the next night due to weather or because it's a really nice location. Haven't had to send an SOS message....knock on wood....it is fun to get home and see the track and campsites I used during the trip....


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Joe_Schmeaux Inukshuk Offline Posts: 395 Location: Alberta Joined: Mar 23^rd, 2010	Re: Personal Locator Beacons Reply #13 - Jan 15^th, 2013 at 4:47pm	Quote Print Post
	BillConner wrote on Jan 15^th, 2013 at 2:57pm: Do you know of an instance of a Spot having failed to send an SOS message? Check out the stories in the GPS City link I posted earlier. Although the "SOS" and "I'm OK" buttons work a bit differently in their attempts to send messages, I suspect that in practice the two have close to the same reliability. You will have to decide for yourself whether many peoples' problems result from not reading the directions. I assume you would test your unit out for mechanical soundness before going into the wilderness. My SPOT unit worked fine under normal (WCPP) tree cover, and also from inside a tent. I was encouraged by the backpacking mag's tests in Utah slot canyons too (see other link above). So the "clear unobstructed view of the satellites" requirement may not be as bad as it sounds. With a SPOT unit, you do still have to press the buttons. If you are incapacitated under an avalanche for example, a PLB will help you, where a SPOT will not.


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intrepid_camper Inukshuk Offline Posts: 1348 Location: Northern Minnesota Joined: Jul 12^th, 2004	Re: Personal Locator Beacons Reply #14 - Jan 15^th, 2013 at 6:12pm	Quote Print Post
	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.


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BillConner Inukshuk Offline Posts: 665 Location: Thousand Islands Joined: Apr 12^th, 2010	Re: Personal Locator Beacons Reply #15 - Jan 16^th, 2013 at 2:05am	Quote Print Post
	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.


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knafelc Inukshuk Offline Posts: 148 Joined: Apr 22^nd, 2011	Re: Personal Locator Beacons Reply #16 - Jan 16^th, 2013 at 10:50am	Quote Print Post
	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).


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mastertangler Inukshuk Offline Posts: 3111 Location: florida Joined: Feb 1^st, 2010	Re: Personal Locator Beacons Reply #17 - Jan 16^th, 2013 at 12:37pm	Quote Print Post
	BillConner wrote on Jan 16^th, 2013 at 2:05am: I read comments and a lot of negatives seemed about money and cost and customer service. 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.


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BillConner Inukshuk Offline Posts: 665 Location: Thousand Islands Joined: Apr 12^th, 2010	Re: Personal Locator Beacons Reply #18 - Jan 16^th, 2013 at 1:22pm	Quote Print Post
	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.


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Magicpaddler Inukshuk Offline Posts: 1321 Location: Chicago Burbs Joined: Jan 7^th, 2004	Re: Personal Locator Beacons Reply #19 - Jan 16^th, 2013 at 6:14pm	Quote Print Post
	I have rented from (You need to *Login* or *Register* to view media files and links) and (You need to *Login* or *Register* to view media files and links)


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