I was wondering how many other riders carry SPOT on their rides? I am self employed with flexible ride times. Hurry home “Daylights burning” load the bike get on the internet and update my GEOS (Global emergency operating system) Bio for the ride and go hit the trails. It’s hard to find riding buds during the week and in such a short notice. Spot lets me check in with family and friends via cell text and email through the spot device. I take spot on all group rides as well. Another tool in my pack. :thumbsup:
Spot
Started by Jethro1, Nov 10 2009 07:11 AM
36 replies to this topic
Posted 10 November 2009 - 07:11 AM
I was wondering how many other riders carry SPOT on their rides? I am self employed with flexible ride times. Hurry home “Daylights burning” load the bike get on the internet and update my GEOS (Global emergency operating system) Bio for the ride and go hit the trails. It’s hard to find riding buds during the week and in such a short notice. Spot lets me check in with family and friends via cell text and email through the spot device. I take spot on all group rides as well. Another tool in my pack. :thumbsup:
Posted 10 November 2009 - 07:18 AM
I have one and so do a whole lot of the other posters here. Like everyone I hope never to have to really use it, but the checkin functionality is great. I've found that out in the wide open desert it works very well. In the dense Sierran forests, not as well. Riding alone is a lot easier to sell to my wife with it.
Posted 10 November 2009 - 08:07 AM
Your rite, Spot is a great sell. That's why I got mine originally. Now I wouldn't ride without it.
Posted 10 November 2009 - 09:57 AM
johnnyairtime said:
never leave home (on a ride) without it.
Same here, I think it gives me more piece of mind than my wife :lol:
Posted 10 November 2009 - 10:36 AM
I've had one for a couple of years. It needs a very open area to send your location info. Better than nothing or a cell phone that doesn't work.
We use it to check in with the wife and the end of the riding day with an OK.
I believe that if you were injured in a canyon or under trees, you would have to climb a hill/tree to send the location info. Several weeks ago, I received info that SPOT was coming out with a better unit this month. Nothing so far, though.
Bob
We use it to check in with the wife and the end of the riding day with an OK.
I believe that if you were injured in a canyon or under trees, you would have to climb a hill/tree to send the location info. Several weeks ago, I received info that SPOT was coming out with a better unit this month. Nothing so far, though.
Bob
Posted 10 November 2009 - 11:41 AM
AngryShawn said:
Same here, I think it gives me more piece of mind than my wife :lol:
Posted 10 November 2009 - 12:52 PM
bobc1 said:
Several weeks ago, I received info that SPOT was coming out with a better unit this month. Nothing so far, though.
Bob
Bob
U mean this?
I's already out.
I carry one anytime I am riding/driving/biking/hiking/kayaking/fishing ect. in remote locations. It's invaluable.
-Blake
Posted 10 November 2009 - 02:46 PM
Well BG, that's the one. Has anyone used it, yet?
Does it locate itself better than the original one?
Thanks,
Bob
Does it locate itself better than the original one?
Thanks,
Bob
Posted 10 November 2009 - 03:42 PM
Update:
Currently, the only place to purchase the new unit is www.bestbuy.com
http://www.bestbuy.c...9511012&st=spot
$150.
SPOT advises that the new unit has a stronger signal than the old one. It also allows a custom message to be sent to another group of people, in addition to the old "Help" group.
SPOT also said that the unit should be available on their website by December. They hinted that there may be a rebate for existing customers to upgrade.
The reviews on BB's website were very good. It looks like the new unit will work better in locating itself and sending the message. It also has a better system of LED's to tell you whether the message was sent or not.
Bob
Currently, the only place to purchase the new unit is www.bestbuy.com
http://www.bestbuy.c...9511012&st=spot
$150.
SPOT advises that the new unit has a stronger signal than the old one. It also allows a custom message to be sent to another group of people, in addition to the old "Help" group.
SPOT also said that the unit should be available on their website by December. They hinted that there may be a rebate for existing customers to upgrade.
The reviews on BB's website were very good. It looks like the new unit will work better in locating itself and sending the message. It also has a better system of LED's to tell you whether the message was sent or not.
Bob
Posted 10 November 2009 - 09:20 PM
The uses for spot are endless. I also use mine for hiking and snowshoeing. It would be cool if they could incorpoate spot with my Garmin 60CSx.
Posted 10 November 2009 - 10:41 PM
Jethro1 said:
The uses for spot are endless. I also use mine for hiking and snowshoeing. It would be cool if they could incorpoate spot with my Garmin 60CSx.
Spot uses (globalstar) SAT phone technology to send updates. Your 60CSX is a receive only device (as I'm sure you know).... An "all in one" would be cool, but it's like putting all your eggs in one basket. I prefer a stand alone device... same reason I don't use a Garmin Rhino (for GPS and Radio), but a separate radio as well.
I carry almost 5 devices in severe situations;
1- SPOT
2- Iridium Phone
3- 60CSx
4- 2way - 2meter radio
4- Cellular phone
Posted 11 November 2009 - 12:29 AM
I've been doing some research on one. Looks like I'm putting on my Christmas list.
Posted 11 November 2009 - 08:54 AM
johnnyairtime said:
Spot uses (globalstar) SAT phone technology to send updates. Your 60CSX is a receive only device (as I'm sure you know).... An "all in one" would be cool, but it's like putting all your eggs in one basket. I prefer a stand alone device... same reason I don't use a Garmin Rhino (for GPS and Radio), but a separate radio as well.
I carry almost 5 devices in severe situations;
1- SPOT
2- Iridium Phone
3- 60CSx
4- 2way - 2meter radio
4- Cellular phone
I carry almost 5 devices in severe situations;
1- SPOT
2- Iridium Phone
3- 60CSx
4- 2way - 2meter radio
4- Cellular phone
The battery companies must love you.:smirk:
Posted 11 November 2009 - 09:30 AM
LTK300 said:
The battery companies must love you.:smirk:
Rechargeables!! ;)
Posted 11 November 2009 - 02:36 PM
The SPOT is remarkable with batteries. I put two lithiums in it almost a year ago when I got it. Those two batteries are still going. I'm amazed. My 60Csx is not so thrifty. It gets a fresh set of alkalines almost every time I use it. Good thing they are so cheap at Costco.
Iridium phone? Isn't air time really expensive? Do you just carry it and reserve talking on it for emergencies?
Iridium phone? Isn't air time really expensive? Do you just carry it and reserve talking on it for emergencies?
Posted 11 November 2009 - 02:48 PM
i like this unit a lot better
http://www.acrelectr...2.aspx?sku=2883
doesn't have the extra bells and whistles that the spot has and costs alot more. but, no monthly fees.
http://www.acrelectr...2.aspx?sku=2883
doesn't have the extra bells and whistles that the spot has and costs alot more. but, no monthly fees.
Posted 11 November 2009 - 02:49 PM
cleonard said:
The SPOT is remarkable with batteries. I put two lithiums in it almost a year ago when I got it. Those two batteries are still going. I'm amazed. My 60Csx is not so thrifty. It gets a fresh set of alkalines almost every time I use it. Good thing they are so cheap at Costco.
Iridium phone? Isn't air time really expensive? Do you just carry it and reserve talking on it for emergencies?
Iridium phone? Isn't air time really expensive? Do you just carry it and reserve talking on it for emergencies?
Isn't it? SPOT runs for ever on Lithiums.
...and my 60 is hardwired, never uses batteries unless i remove it off the bike (rarely).
Iridium's are costly, yes. From the phone, to the airtime and monthly. I'm not chatty Cathy on the thing, and only break it out if the need calls for it (mostly in Baja).
Posted 11 November 2009 - 02:50 PM
schrode said:
i like this unit a lot better
http://www.acrelectr...2.aspx?sku=2883
doesn't have the extra bells and whistles that the spot has and costs alot more. but, no monthly fees.
http://www.acrelectr...2.aspx?sku=2883
doesn't have the extra bells and whistles that the spot has and costs alot more. but, no monthly fees.
SPOT has no monthly fees... just a one year, one time charge.
