Thread: Personal Locator &/or SPOT ideas ???

Irrespective of what system you get to communicate back home etc in my view when going offroad everyone should carry a PLB for those life threatening circumstances where help is needed urgently. They are just over $300 for the full GPS models and are a must have.

Garry

I have a spot. Yes, there is a yearly fee of around $100 from memory. It can be set to tracking so it will send a position to a number of contacts automatically, so even if you are incapable of pressing the alarm button, someone will know where you are if you don't come home. It can also be set to send a message to a number of people.
I use it mainly when on my dirt bike as occasionally I like to ride by myself.
I know of a deer hunter that needed to press the alarm button as he was lost and in very poor physical condition due to the circumstances and thought he would not get out of where he was alive. A helicopter was overhead in less than an hour.

x2


spot

x3 Spot

SPOT or its' new competitor (Can't think of it name) is handy as you say, as you can choose between: 'Here I am', 'I'm embarrased, come and snatch me out' and 'I'm dying, helphelphelp!'
Something to remember is that the signals are monitored in the USA and any distress signal is subject to time lag or misunderstanding.
A PLB is directly monitored/ readable by overflying aircraft, satellites and AMSA.
Both only work well if you have good signal propagation, just like a GPS.

Either should be used with a trip plan left with someone you can count on.
Stick to your route and timings.
Include emergency RV points in case of fire or accident.

It takes about 15 minutes to think about and 3 minutes to do.
Just ask Aron Ralstone if he wished he had!
An EPIRB or PLB would have been useless for him.

X 4 for the SPOT.

I have one and find it useful to let people know that I am okay (via Facebook and the smart phone app) but also know that if something does go wrong I have the ability to summon help.

The annual fee is $115 and I add the optional tracking for $50.

X5 for a spot, been using one for a number of years. As you say the advantage is you can send a message to let someone know you are OK.

My mate uses it for exactly that reason, on his farm the house has mobile, most of the rest doesn't, when he is out on the tractor he sends OK messages to his wife.

Fee is $US115

Martyn

Thanks Guys.....

I see the new SPOT GEN3 replaces the SPOT 2. The other option is the SPOT Connector which incorporates the use of a Smartphone which I assume broaden's the type of message that u can send ??

There is also one called a "Yellow Brick" which has better features but the cost is way up there.... It's a pommy product I believe....

There is another new one called "inReach" which is similar to the SPOT connect but more expensive but I think is has more options too....

It looks like the SPOT GEN3 might be the go.... Can u easily have it connected ?? By that I mean if u don't use it for a 1yr or so & let the annual fee lapse....then decide u need it for an upcoming trip, is it simple to have it reconnected up again?

Would be good if u could also pay by the month during when u are most likely to use it, then store it away, then restart the monthly fee again for the next time u are most likely to use it again..... Or like pre-paid

I guess one would also hope that the Aussie $ doesn't fall too far either as all these type of devices & costs are based overseas.....