|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Home > SPOT |
| SCU | SPOT-1 | SPOT-2 |
|
|
|
|
| Feature | Availability | Availability |
| Check In / OK | Yes | Yes |
| Help | Yes | Yes - with Button Cover |
| Emergency | Yes | Yes -with Button Cover |
| Tracking | Yes | Yes - Independent Button |
| Replaceable Help/Emergency Button Covers | No | Yes |
| GPS LED Indicator | No | Yes |
| Message Sent LED Indicator | No | Yes |
| Additional Message Button | No | Yes |
| Tracking Message Queuing | No | Yes |
| Universal ICON's | No | Yes |
| Zip Tie Slots | No | Yes |
| Standard Carrying Case | No | Yes |
| Carabineer | No | Yes |
| Ergonomic Grip | No | Yes |
| Specs | ||
| Weight | 7.37oz | 5.2 oz |
| Size | 1.75" x 4.38" x 2.75" | 3.7" x 2.6" x 1" |
| GPS Chipset | Numerex | UBLOX |
| Antenna | std | Better performance in foliage environment |
| Acquisition | std | Faster GPS Fix Time |
| Retail Price: | $149.99 | $149.95 |
SPOT Service
Gift Certificates
A customer recently asked me about the possibility of buying gift
certificates for the SPOT service so he can give his friends and family
SPOT units and they won't need to pay for the 1st year of service.
SPOT just announced SPOT Service Certificates which are perfect for
those that want to give a SPOT as a gift. You still order the SPOT
unit from this page, but order the SPOT Service Certificate here:
http://www.findmespot.com/shop/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=3
New RAM Cradles for SPOT-1
and SPOT-2
RAM has created very nice, low cost and rugged mounting cradles for
the SPOT-1 and SPOT-2. They are compatible with all RAM mounting arms and suction
cup mounts. You can see details here:
RAM-HOL-SPO1 and
RAM-HOL-SPO2
Fantastic for Glider Pilots
The SPOT Satellite Messenger is a great way for glider pilots to let
their friends and loved ones know they are doing still in the air and
doing OK, or in need of a retrieve, or in need of rescue. If you
land out you simple press a button on the SPOT to send an e-mail or text
message too your crew's computer or cell phone which includes your exact
location. On a computer they can click on the link in the e-mail
and view your location on a Google map web page - which can even
generate driving directions to your location.
Recommendation from Motorglider Pilot Eric Greenwell
"As a retired guy with a motorglider, living 5 miles from the airport, in an area with good soaring conditions, I frequently am the only glider flying. It doesn't take long for me to be out of radio reach of our base station and modern cell phones are unreliable in the air, so nobody knows where I am. My wife is looking forward to our new SPOT showing her where I am, any time she wants to stop by her computer. So, peace of mind for my wife, some extra security for me, and a quicker, safer mission for search and rescue if I go down. She does wish we had something like this 30 years ago, when I didn't have a motorglider and didn't get home almost all the time!" - Eric Greenwell, Richland, Washington, USA
Watch the SPOT Overview Videos
Brochure - Aviation
Brochure
Shared Pages
On April 23, 2008 Spot released a new feature for Spot users and their friends
and families. You can now create up to 10 Shared Pages which can each
display different information from your Spot or multiple Spot units (in the
same account). The pages can display OK, Help and track messages all on the
same page, or you can select any combination of those messages for display.
You can see an example Spot Shared Page here:
http://share.findmespot.com/shared/gogl.jsp?glId=0n2OSzKJVjgA4GoeO1DJGMgOk1Qchz3a2
Unfortunately, the feature does not make it possible to view Spot units from
multiple users on the same map. They plan to add that feature in a few
months. There are also several third party companies working on solutions
for displaying multiple Spot units from different user accounts on the same
map. I'm looking forward to seeing that because it will be fun to view all
the local soaring club glider positions on a single map.
Company Background
The SPOT Satellite Messenger, the world's first satellite messenger,
uses both the GPS satellite network to determine a customer's location
and the SPOT network to transmit that information to friends, family or
an emergency service center. SPOT Inc., a subsidiary of Globalstar,
Inc., (NASDAQ:GSAT) provides lifesaving communications technology that
allows users to communicate from remote locations around the globe.
Thanks to this affordable, cutting-edge personal safety device, the
company offers people unmatched peace of mind by allowing customers to
notify friends and family of their location and status, and to send for
emergency assistance in time of need, completely independent of cellular
phone or wireless coverage. For more information on how SPOT, Inc. is
helping users live to tell about it™ – from disaster preparedness to
outdoor adventure purposes – explore this web site.
Service Pricing
In addition to the cost of the hardware, customers must also buy a
yearly service package. The basic satellite service costs
$99/year. Most glider pilots will probably also get the "Track
Progress" option for an additional $49.99/year. There is also the
option to buy the GEOS Search and Rescue Benefit for only $7.95/year.
Details on the service options are available here:
Service Pricing. Service is setup using the
SPOT
"Manage My Service" web site once you have the SPOT unit in hand.
Worldwide Coverage
Click on the image below to view the latest coverage map.
How It Works
Example Messages
Functional Specifications
SPOT features four key functions that enable users to send messages to friends, family or emergency responders, based upon varying levels of need:
SOS / 911
Use this function In the event of a life threatening or other critical
emergency to notify emergency services of your GPS location and that you
need assistance. The GEOS International Emergency Response Center alerts
the appropriate agencies worldwide – for example contacting 9-1-1
responders in North America and 1-1-2 responders in Europe.
Help
In the event of a non-life threatening emergency, you can use this
function to notify your personal contacts that you need assistance.
Additional SPOT Assist services can be purchased and programmed to your
Help button as well. When activated with SPOT Assist, the Help button
will notify professional services either on the land or water. SPOT has
partnered with national service providers to offer non-life threatening
assistance.
Check-in/OK
This feature allows you to let your friends and family know that all is
OK with a pre-programmed message along with your GPS location. With a
push of a button a message is sent via email or SMS to up to 10
pre-determined contacts and your waypoint is stored in your SPOT account
for later reference. Your stored waypoints can be easily integrated into
a SPOT Shared Page or SPOT Adventure account.
Custom Message
This feature allows you to let your friends and family now receive a
custom message along with your GPS location with a push of a button. Use
this feature as a secondary OK message or transfer your personal help
alert to this message function if you are using a SPOT Assist service on
your Help button.
Track Progress
This feature allows you to send and save your location and allow
contacts to track your progress in near real time using Google Maps.
With your SPOT account you have the ability to set up a SPOT Shared Page
which allows you to show your SPOT GPS locations to others on a Google
Map.
Small and Light
Size: 4.38 X 2.75 X 1.5” (111 mm x 69 mm x 44 mm)
Approximate Weight: 7.37 ounces (209 grams)
Coverage
SPOT works around the world, including virtually all of North America,
South America, Europe and Australia, Northern Africa and Northeastern Asia,
and hundreds or thousands of miles offshore of these areas. See coverage on
www.findmespot.com for maps and
current coverage.
Battery Life
Includes 2 AA lithium batteries; under normal usage a full battery
charge should meet or exceed the following
Power on, unused: Approx. 1 year
SPOTcasting tracking mode: Approx. 14 days
9-1-1 mode: Up to 7 consecutive days
SPOTcheck OK/√: 1900 messages
Operating Conditions
SPOT works around the world virtually anywhere
Operating Temperatures: -40°F to +185°F
Operating Altitude: -300ft to +21,000ft
Floats in water
Waterproof to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes
Humidity Rated:
MIL-STD-810E Method 507.3, 95% to 100% condensing
Salt Fog Rated
Per MIL_STD 810E Method 509.3, 5% NaCl, 95% distilled water
Vibration
Per SAE J1455
Random, 20 Hz to 2000 Hz, 0.04g2/Hz, one hour per axis
Drop
Dropped twice on all six sides from one meter onto hard surface.
Certifications
ROHS and WEEE compliant.
Certified to FCC and CE emissions, immunity and safety regulations.
Meets FCC part 25 regulations, Canada type approval, CISPR Publication 22 (1985 1st Edition), RTTE Directive (1999/EC), IEC 60950 safety standard, and European EMC Directive 89/336/EEC.
SPOT 2 "Product
Replacement Program" December 14, 2009
Spot has just announced that
there is a problem with some (most) SPOT 2 units shipped before December
14, 2009. The battery indicator light is defective and indicates that
the battery is low when it is not yet low. I have also had 2 customers
report that pressing one button caused messages related to other button
presses. For example, pressing the “Help” button sent a 911 message.
SPOT states: "During recent testing, we discovered that some of the new
SPOT 2 devices might not meet battery and messaging operating
specifications."
The good news is that they will replace any SPOT 2 units free of charge. They pay for shipping in both directions and even include a free month of service. You can see details here: http://www.findmespot.com/exchange/ .
Due to the issue, I have sent back all the units in my stock and expect new (better) units to arrive in late February of 2010.
It is unfortunate that there is an issue, but I'm very happy with the pro-active response and free replacement units from SPOT.
How to Order
To order a product, click on the
button next to the product.
When you are ready to complete your order, click on the
button.
Click on the small images to view larger versions.
| Part # | Description |
Photo Click on image to view larger version |
Price |
Lead-time |
|
| SPOT-2 | SPOT 2 Satellite Messenger This is the hardware unit.
SPOT 2 "Product Replacement Program"
December 14, 2009 Due to the issue, I have sent back all the units in my stock and expect new (better) units to arrive in late January of 2010. Included:
Not Included:
|
 |
$149.95 | In Stock |
|
| RAM-HOL-SPO1 | RAM Cradle
for SPOT-1 Satellite Messenger Plastic cradle for SPOT-1 Satellite Messenger, Works with any RAM arm or suction cup mount. Note: This cradle is not compatible with the SPOT-2. Note: For optimum operation the SPOT-1 unit should be mounted so the logo on the front of the unit is pointed straight up with the unit lying flat on its back. |
 |
$11.95 | In Stock |
|
| RAM-HOL-SPO2 | RAM Cradle
for SPOT-2 Satellite Messenger Plastic cradle for SPOT-2 Satellite Messenger, Works with any RAM arm or suction cup mount. Note: This cradle is not compatible with the SPOT-1. Note: For optimum operation the SPOT-2 unit should be mounted so the logo on the front of the unit is pointed straight up with the unit lying flat on its back. |
|
$10.95 | In Stock |
|
| SPOT-Case-Black | SPOT
Rugged Carrying Case - Black This is a very nice pocket for the SPOT-1 Satellite Messenger. It is not designed for the SPOT-2, but I tested it and it works great with the SPOT 2. The SPOT-2 comes with an armband case (shown above), but this belt clip case is a nice accessory for the SPOT-2. It has a rotating belt clip. As the belt clip is rotated is clicks into 8 different orientations - making it easy to position it as desired. The belt clip is made of plastic, but seems very robust. It should work fine on a belt or seat belt or parachute harness. Note: It is not safe to attach this pocket above the cross-strap on the parachute. In that location it may be knocked off when the parachute is deployed and may interfere with deployment. Features
Dimensions (Approximate) Color: Black |
 |
$19.95 | In Stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||
