Thread: "Spot" Satellite msgr - viable alternative to EPIRB ?

I've been looking at these, and a mate has got one (version 1) so I've been able to get a hands on demo.

I definitely think they have a place when doing trips into more remote areas, or even just areas where there is no mobile coverage (which it what he uses it for).

The problem with an EPIRB is it's an "all or nothing" approach when you activate it, the SPOT system has some flexibility. The 911 (now SOS) links through to Australian emergency services (not sure if it does it via AMSA) by utilising the "GEOS International Emergency Response Center"


I suppose it will be up to individuals to make up their own mind which way they want to go.

SPOT Satellite Messenger


Martyn

I just had reason to use a SPOT in an emergency overseas (Laos). I can report they are an excellent item - within seconds of hitting the 911 button our families all recieved an email showing our location and indicating we needed help. One thing to remember is that you still need a GPS to know your location - the SPOT tells others, not you. Using a combination of the SPOT, a GPS and a Satphone we were able to tell our families that there was a problem, report it to the Travel Insurance people (with a Lat/Long) and coordinate a rescue within a few minutes. Another point to consider is the list of people who rx the 911 message - we had each spouse on the list (5) and that did result in a flurry of phone calls between them all, which caused a little confusion and frustration. I recommend you make sure you plan and rehearse with the people on your list what actions to take if they get a message.

All in all an excellent bit of kit. I would not travel in remote areas without one now - although sharing the cost amongst a group is the best bet.

Cheers,

Adam

Sound good.
I'm still happy with the EPIRB - it just sits there in the glovebox, I don't need to do anything to it until 2017, when the batteries will need to be replaced. ( althougth I do test it once a month ). I'm pretty sure that my relos and friends are not going to go online to check where we are all the time ( and quite frankly I don't especially want them to )
It's horses for courses I guess.

THIS Land Rover owner is using one Spot unit in his expedition, perhaps you can send him an email and ask for some feed back.

Cheers

I just think it's important to remember that an EPIRB and SPOT are not the same thing. SPOT uses a satellite network designed for telecommunications, an EPIRB uses the dedicated COPSAS-SARSAT system. I think SPOT is interesting because of it's tracking capabilities but if I'm ever in the poo I'm going to want to be relying on an EPIRB which will directly alert the rescue coordination centre in Canberra.

just my 2c

Andy

Just waking up this old thread because I found some info regarding the Spot Messenger and SAR coordination - thats been on my mind and has been asked here too.
It's the:

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
BETWEEN THE AUSTRALIAN MARITIME SAFETY AUTHORITY AND
INTERNATIONAL EMERGENCY RESPONSE COORDINATION CENTRE FOR DISTRESS ALERTING

Stevo

Still happy with my Spot2.

That's good news for SPOT users. I heard there have been a couple of emergency activations using SPOT where there was a bit of confusion.

We had a glider pilot come to our 4WD Club to give a talk about SPOT. They find them ideal for their hobby. They mainly use them to call in the recovery team if they land in a location out of mobile phone range. ( they sometimes never know where they'll end up ). They can also go to the internet and get a track of where they have flown.

Still, I'm very happy with the decision to get the PLB ( EPIRB ) - suits our needs.

I recently purchased a Spot2.
Did a trip up to the Cooper ferry.
I like it because it has the ability to transmit several message types apart from the emergency function
1.The I need assistance button-have a message on this requesting assistance from RACV-My membership no and it gives my GPS position as well.
2Custom message is at the moment."I am delayed but OK'
3The I am OK which is great for marking specific spots for future reference as well as letting the folks know via SMS or email that one is safe.
As I travel quite a lot solo this is so useful when out of mobile range
4.The tracking feature is great and trips can be transferred to Google earth for later reference.
Also haveHF radio
Ceers,
Mary