Re: SPOT Satellite Messenger Problems
Posted: Wed Aug 28, 2013 10:12 am
Fishmonger, I am sorry you've had such a bad experience with the Spot. Based on my experiences with my units, I just don't understand why yours didn't send out very many signals.
I wear mine on the top of my shoulder strap, so it is always facing the sky, and if I set my pack down but want a signal to get out, I again make sure the strap is set so the unit faces up. I know from experience, that it does NOT send signals when clipped to a waist belt. I also know that with trees or high canyon walls, the unit works only sporadically. But beyond that, it really works well for me.
You may have family with stronger nerves than mine, but my family members and friends like to see the points moving, which indicates I am cruising along on my way. So I know, when I am out alone, that I am sending them reassurance. Based on this recent episode, I certainly plan on future hikes to prepare them to be calm in the absence of regular signals.
The especially good point about a Spot is that, unlike a PLB that must be activated only AFTER an emergency has arisen, Spot gives last known location, and if the hiker is using the tracking feature, gives an indication of the direction of travel. That information is invaluable in those rare situations like last winter where the hiker may not have realized he was in danger. Think about the difference in efforts and costs (and relief to family!), if a Spot had been in use.
It is my personal opinion that every hiker out alone should use a Spot.
I wear mine on the top of my shoulder strap, so it is always facing the sky, and if I set my pack down but want a signal to get out, I again make sure the strap is set so the unit faces up. I know from experience, that it does NOT send signals when clipped to a waist belt. I also know that with trees or high canyon walls, the unit works only sporadically. But beyond that, it really works well for me.
You may have family with stronger nerves than mine, but my family members and friends like to see the points moving, which indicates I am cruising along on my way. So I know, when I am out alone, that I am sending them reassurance. Based on this recent episode, I certainly plan on future hikes to prepare them to be calm in the absence of regular signals.
The especially good point about a Spot is that, unlike a PLB that must be activated only AFTER an emergency has arisen, Spot gives last known location, and if the hiker is using the tracking feature, gives an indication of the direction of travel. That information is invaluable in those rare situations like last winter where the hiker may not have realized he was in danger. Think about the difference in efforts and costs (and relief to family!), if a Spot had been in use.
It is my personal opinion that every hiker out alone should use a Spot.
