Spot satellite messenger and personal tracker

[bradzdotcom]

the guys over at thumpertalk spammed me with the Spot satellite messenger and personal tracker.
looks pretty cool. basically tracks where you are, allows you send text messages, lets friends track you on google maps, and you can 911 for some help.

explanation:
with Spot Satellite Messenger you can send a message for help or tell family members, friends or the emergency responders where to find you using GPS accuracy regardless of cellular coverage.

SPOT’s message and tracking functions enable users to send messages to friends, family or emergency responders, based upon varying levels of need and to visually track the location of the SPOT Satellite Messenger,

explanatory photo:



the unit is $150, plus unlimited messaging: $99.99/yr and tracking: $49.99/yr
Rescue insurance: $7.95/yr - GEOS Search and Rescue Benefit

not sure what rescue insurance is. maybe if they don't rescue and you die, you get money back?

http://shop.thumpertalk.com/product_p/wps_6246710.htm

[motoyoyo]

I got the same spam, I mean message from thumpertalk. Looks interesting and the price is actually reasonable, at least for the unit itself. It would be a definite must have for any kind of multi day adventure trip like the one I did to Cabo several years ago.

Now, if they could only include GPS with USGS topo maps and a nice 3.5" screen so you could also tell where the heck you were instead of just letting your friends know...that would be really nice.

[SergioK]

I've the search and rescue types are not pleased when you accidentally hit the 'Come rescue me button' on accident. Maybe that's what the insurance is for... so when you f'up, the insurance covers the bill the county sends you for their wasted services.

[signit98]

...I will DEFINITELY get one for the AK trip next year... I am going to be by myself for extended periods of time. That way, at least they will be able to track the bear that ate me!

[throttlemeister]

I am getting one too. It is very cheap and because it is satellite based instead of phone based like most trackers, it can actually be used anywhere and everywhere.

[mkletecka]

Yea, my last girlfriend would have loved one of these. As for me, I don't want to track or be tracked.

Mike K.
gray/silver 12S
Dana Point, CA.

[PFFOG]

I had been looking for something like this for 3 or 4 years. I was riding solo in VA on a road that should something have happened, it would have been years before they found my bones, I figured the wife should not have to wait 7 years to collect the insurance.

I have not pulled the trigger yet, but am very interested in something like this, as I solo ride frequently.

[ckcarr]

Originally Posted by signit98

...I will DEFINITELY get one for the AK trip next year... I am going to be by myself for extended periods of time. That way, at least they will be able to track the bear that ate me!

"Look! Bear poo... And here is a tracker buried inside!" "Phew, I think I'm gonna Ralf!"

[Sideshow_S]

Well I could see how this tracking bit would go with me. "We found you. . . and you're under arrest."

[signit98]

Funny, Claus... REALLY FUNNY!

[wswartzwel]

Originally Posted by ckcarr

"Look! Bear poo... And here is a tracker buried inside!" "Phew, I think I'm gonna Ralf!"

This years winner in the best post category.....

[YellowRacer]

Originally Posted by bradzdotcom

not sure what rescue insurance is. maybe if they don't rescue and you die, you get money back?

Ha ha. They pay as long as the bill is less the $500.000. Anything over that... It's your problem.


I think 500.000 is right.

[throttlemeister]

Seems some people don't really understand how this thing works.

1) you can't be tracked using this thing, unless you yourself press the button on the device to transmit tracking information
2) this device is not designed as a tracker (though it can act as such), but as a rescue beacon

Personally, when i go to the North Cape next year I will be driving through areas nobody goes to unless they need to and without cellphone coverage and in the unlucky event of an emergency I want rescue services to be able to come get me. And know where to find me, even if I can't tell them due to coverage or language.

I find going into deserted areas with no or very bad cellphone coverage, by yourself and without anyone knowing where you are or where you are going rather stupid. It goes against every basic rule of survival. Using this tool, you don't have to rely on other people remembering you went somewhere when you don't show up and stay in control.

If people would reserve their unjustified Big Brother feelings when it comes to these tools for the justified times when governments try to control where you go, what you say and what you can do when you want to, this world would be a lot better place.

[chewie]

Fair enough.

Originally Posted by throttlemeister

Personally, when i go to the North Cape next year ....

What's this North Cape all about tm? 4x4? Camping Odyssey? Going to try out the telephoto?

[throttlemeister]

Nordkapp is the most northern part of Europe that can be reached by road. And it will involve a R1100S, camping and photo gear too.


(not my picture)

I am going to ride to the far ends of Europe. Last year was the most southern part. Next year the most northern part. And then East and West are still to come.

[chewie]

wikkid, I hope you do a ride report, I don't know anything much about that country.

Will you head East into Russia and then North into the Western side of Finland or can you go up past Denmark and catch a boat or something up that way?

I imagine it would be pretty damn inhospitable in some parts.

Did you do a ride report of your Southern trip? linky?

cheers tm, take it easy!

[throttlemeister]

I will be going up to Danmark into Sweden all the way north, then down through Norway along the fjords. Saving Russia for the East trip.

And yes, of course there will be trip report! How can I not go out, ride my S, make lots of pictures and not show the results.

I did a report on my trip through Spain, with Gibraltar being the most southern part:
Spain Trip Report (very long)

Enjoy.

[chewie]

Excellent. I'm going have some kip and then read that ride report tomorrow morning (Sat) with a nice brewed coffee, something to look forward to!

[Guest24]

Originally Posted by signit98

...I will DEFINITELY get one for the AK trip next year... I am going to be by myself for extended periods of time. That way, at least they will be able to track the bear that ate me!

you not be that alone Ralf. When do you plan to go? The Mild Hogs ride again will be treking out there next summer.

[wswartzwel]

Ralf.... I go with the bears over mild hogs....



Joking Nail.. just joking..