Spot Messenger

[ajayhawkfan]

I do most of my riding alone so for a little peace of mind I purchased a SPOT Messenger http://www.findmespot.com/Home.aspx.

Had anyone else had any experience with the device?

I'm hope to leave Friday and go riding and use SPOT. I hope I set it up right to track my route in real time. This link http://share.findmespot.com/shared/face ... 4jq8kvm5lJ should show the route. If you have an interest in a SPOT you might check it out.

If you have a SPOT, any advice would be appreciated. I can't figure out how to delete a message that was sent.

[katbeanz]

Hi Eddie, I don't know much about them but I rode with a guy a couple weeks ago in CO who uses one.

http://www.rickramsey.net/SPOT.htm

Troy needs to check out his site too, lots of trail info for trip planning.

[ajayhawkfan]

I road with SPOT this weekend. You can see the map here: http://share.findmespot.com/shared/face ... 4jq8kvm5lJ. The tracking is suppose to be every 10 minutes. You can see it was not. When I was deep in the Ozark Mountains south of Cassville it was spotty. It looks to be far from perfect it is better then nothing.

[ajayhawkfan]

I called SPOT regarding the missed tracking. I asked if I was in that area and needed emergency help would it work. I was assured it would. They told me "911" button and the "help" button uses different technology then the "OK" button and tracking feature. The report to the emergency responders if I hit "911" my not be as precise but they would be notified.

[reddof]

Anyone have a trip that is still viewable? Both of the above links look like they have expired and the data isn't there. I'm wanting to get an idea of how this works. One of my kids has been asking for something like this tracking feature when I'm on my rides and having the emergency capabilities would be a great bonus. Just want an idea of how it works before buying it.

[ajayhawkfan]

I think the product is OK. The tracking is not perfect. In trees or canyons or even your body can keep the SPOT from finding a satellite. I was worried about that because those were the places I would get hurt so I called them and talked to a tech. guy at the company. He told me the 911 button uses different technology then the tracking. An emergency will go out to the responders. The exact spot may not be know at first but is will keep pinging to find you.

I have it with me. I will turn it on for a while tomorrow however the roof of my car may block the signal. The same link will work.

Next time I ride it I will ride and post it. The tracks only last for 24 hours.

[ajayhawkfan]

If anyone still wants to check out a SPOT Messenger you can here: http://share.findmespot.com/shared/face ... Bb4sGsRrys Starting tomorrow, it will show my brother doing the Missouri River 340. http://www.kansascity.com/238/story/701651.html