How good is the spot gps?

[pappy]

I don't believe that poor coverage is the reason your budy's SPOT didn't work in baja.

I might agree with the possibility of "user error," except there were points in northern Baja so the individual knew how to use the device. Plus, I'm not the first person to make the observation that Baja is not covered well by SPOT.

I have not seen any recent evidence to suggest otherwise. Personally, if I have 300 bucks to waste on a SPOT before my next trip I will settle the debate once and for all. Having the ability to notify family and friends that I'm OK, and where I am, would be reassuring to both them and myself.

 

[richjeeps]

subscribed!

I'm surprised nobody mentioned renting a sat phone rather than buying one. A quick search came up with Verizon Sat Phone rental page. Prices seem reasonable....in fact incomming calls are free.

I personally like this option:
Verizon - Sabre Wideye BGAN Data Terminal

 

[RobRed]

That particular example is designed for broad band versus voice though with a terminal adapter can be used for voice... BUT your idea of sat phone rental is a good one if you know you're travelling ahead of time and can make plans for shipping to you and back to the vendor.

I think communications and in particular emergency comms needs a multi faceted approach to be effective. In an all out emergency the personal locater beacon trumps all, especially if it's got the 121mHz RDF beacon in it. SAT phone is my second choice. For urgent non-emergency the SAT phone, Ham Radio and Cell phone come into play.

 

[CycloSteve]

OK, here is a viewpoint from the Rocky Mountain Rescue SAR side (my brother).

Q - What are your thoughts on PLB’s?

A - "I think if you REALLY think you might be out in the middle of no-where all by yourself where you have no hope of seeing/getting help if you are injured they are marginally interesting."

Q - Have you guys actually saved anyone using their Beacon?

A - "No, mostly end up chasing signals around for one that has gotten triggered in a vehicle. Or people that used them inappropriately because didn’t understand how to use it or had a non-emergency and abused its intended use."

Definitely Spot, PLB's, etc. have their place, most of us likely would have a difficult time justifying the cost.



Steve

 

[e9999]

OK, here is a viewpoint from the Rocky Mountain Rescue SAR side (my brother).

Q - What are your thoughts on PLB’s?

A - "I think if you REALLY think you might be out in the middle of no-where all by yourself where you have no hope of seeing/getting help if you are injured they are marginally interesting."

Q - Have you guys actually saved anyone using their Beacon?

A - "No, mostly end up chasing signals around for one that has gotten triggered in a vehicle. Or people that used them inappropriately because didn’t understand how to use it or had a non-emergency and abused its intended use."

Definitely Spot, PLB's, etc. have their place, most of us likely would have a difficult time justifying the cost.



Steve

mmm.... interesting. Less than fully enthusiastic eh? Of course, they are on the extra work side of things, but I would have thought that SaR would be pushing those...

 

[RobRed]

OK, here is a viewpoint from the Rocky Mountain Rescue SAR side (my brother).

Q - What are your thoughts on PLB’s?

A - "I think if you REALLY think you might be out in the middle of no-where all by yourself where you have no hope of seeing/getting help if you are injured they are marginally interesting."

Q - Have you guys actually saved anyone using their Beacon?

A - "No, mostly end up chasing signals around for one that has gotten triggered in a vehicle. Or people that used them inappropriately because didn’t understand how to use it or had a non-emergency and abused its intended use."

Definitely Spot, PLB's, etc. have their place, most of us likely would have a difficult time justifying the cost.



Steve

That can be said of bogus 911 calls on cell phones... I hear those everyday in my area. But the cops still come and sometimes they save people when they do it, most of the time no. I'm sure we can all think of examples of stupid people abusing things they dont understand.

There is plenty of data about personal locater beacons that trump your brothers nonchalant attitude about them. PLB are professional grade devices designed to save lives. Folks that obtain them and dont register them or know how to use them will probably succumb to Darwin's theory.

 

[rustybucket]

my first aprs transmision was 97?

It was still fairly new. I did a one beacon transmission in Port Angeles Washington and the signal was picked up on grouse mountain BC. I still have my old equipment. Just not as motivated to hook it up. I guess if I was near a accident scene, then it would come in handy for 911 to look at my location on a non secured internet computer.

HAM Radio with APRS can do the same thing as SPOT. Send messages, etc. to the internet where family can follow, if they like. License is $15 plus some study materials and radios can be had for $150 upwards. My HT has GPS built-in, and I can activate tracking any time that I like. Plenty of repeaters out there with the ability to patch into the standard telephone network to make short calls (if you know the access codes). With the right antenna you can work satellites, and the ISS. Techno-geekery at its' best.



Steve