We've all heard horror stories about being
stranded sans a cellphone (or a signal), and while we doubt the majority of you break out into the
wilderness on a regular basis, a little peace of mind for when you do won't hurt. SPOT Inc. has introduced the simply-titled SPOT, which operates as a personal GPS-enabled
tracking device to inform relatives, friends, and emergency personnel of your status. Among the features are a 911 button that automatically calls in help and gives them your exact location, an Ask for Help button that beams up friends / family, a Check In selection that informs contacts that you're a-okay, and a Track Progress option that sends your location to a Google Map that relatives can monitor. The unit itself is powered by a pair of AA cells, weighs just seven-ounces, floats on water, and is
rugged enough to handle most any encounter. Price wise, the SPOT will run you $149.99 along with a $99 "service fee," but monthly and multi-year options will purportedly be available soon.
UPDATE: Check out a few more details provided directly by SPOT on how this thing
actually works along with a
closer look at each button.
GPS,
posted Aug 7th 2007 4:54PM
While widely accepted by argonauts in general, Jason himself was unavailable for comment at the time of this posting.
Too bad James Kim didn't have this.
Very cool, there have been EPRBs for a while, but this one looks more simple and the tracking feature is a nice addition. My only question is how does the device send your information back? EPRBs normally have a larger antenna that folds out, sat phones have a large antenna as well. Can this device really be reliable without a larger antenna?
I was wondering that myself. However, this SPOT unit is solely based on GPS signals. Other sorts of PLBs/EPRB are based on LEOSAR sats that are for Search and Rescue with a GPS feature included for better accuracy. Hence the lack of any noticeable antenna. I think it's a better solution than the $750 PLBs that exist now.
No phone signal, no status. I would assume it needs some way to transmit data to a network and thus prone to the common hiking no signal problems. If it is based on GSM it would about as reliable as being able to call someone for help on your cell phone when lost and most hiking places there are no signals unless you hike mainly within view of a freeway or city. If it uses some other method and can tag photos syncing time I might just buy one up and try it.
I currently track my trips and tag my photos with the unit from GISTech.
Don't think this uses cell towers. Looks like they may be using Satellites by Orbcomm http://www.orbcomm.com and the Orbcomm q1000 modem. Spot is sorta similar to AirIQ http://www.airiq.com and has a similar price point - $100 per 12 months. If run using Orbcomm, not sure why this is restricted to certain countries, Orbcomm is global.
It uses the STX2 module from Axonn. http://www.axonn.com/stx2-satellite-transmitter-unit.html
Who is "Glen" and how did he know this! :-)
Glen nailed it, however!
(I am an engineer at Axonn.)
I've always thought something like this would be handy for NGOs working in conflict zones or post disaster.
http://www.patronusanalytical.com
I am a Spot dealer and I have demo they let me use. It tracked my flight from Miami to NYC every 10 minutes ( I had a window seat ). It worked great. You can email or SMS up to 5 people. SPOT is using the simplex data portion of the Globalstar satellites. That simplex data is working 100% and this product should do well. Check out my site for more info http://www.SatPhoneStore.com
SPOT has been released to distribution as of today, November 1st. We are the exclusive distribution center for retailers. Product info can be found at www.findmespot.com and retailers may contact me for product ordering at 1-800-999-9648 x3334.