Spot X

Smokecreek1

Smokecreek1

Smokecreek1
Joined
Mar 15, 2008
Messages
2,800
Location
NE Calif/NW Nev
Okay, after many years of using my trusty old Spot 2 GPS tracker, the idea of being able to text from anywhere finially won me over. It may be more expensive than what I like, but when you throw in the help "SOS" button, the super 3AAA type come and get you anywhere coverage, the "I'm Okay" button,sat. tracking and all the rest ---I did it. Maybe it is the times or what ever, and with all the new problems facing us out there these days, I'm glad I did it. Now if I can figure out how it works and how to make my thumbs work the texting part, I should be at least a little bit safer! Any suggestions, thoughts, helpful hints or what ever, on the Spot X would be appreciated! Thanks in advance!!

Smoke
 
Smoke, good on you for getting a satellite communicator. Since I have InReach, I can’t help, but suspect that Professor Youtube will have a good lecture or two.
 
I recently moved up to the SPOT X too. Been on 3 long trips since then. So far messaging and canned messages are working as designed. The check in process is easier too. I also must have fat fingers ;0 so I use a blunt key to use the functions. I really like the low battery warning and USB charging.
 
Good for you, Smoke & Timber! You don't have that old handheld radio anymore and always wondering if you can hit a repeater. Most of the people we know that started out with the original SPOT have upgraded to the next generation with no regrets at all.
 
I backpack solo and have been resisting this purchase in part because I had no idea who I would send "I'm Okay" to anyway. Now I do have a housemate but since it will be her house if I never return I am not sure she cares. Yeah - that sounds terrible. It has been one of those days -
 
teledork said:
I backpack solo and have been resisting this purchase in part because I had no idea who I would send "I'm Okay" to anyway. Now I do have a housemate but since it will be her house if I never return I am not sure she cares. Yeah - that sounds terrible. It has been one of those days -
Click to expand...
Consider finding a WTW member or two to share your trips with, and help get assistance launched if you need some non emergent help.

Sorry about the bad day!
 
teledork said:
I backpack solo and have been resisting this purchase in part because I had no idea who I would send "I'm Okay" to anyway. Now I do have a housemate but since it will be her house if I never return I am not sure she cares. Yeah - that sounds terrible. It has been one of those days -
Click to expand...
Let me know via PM if you want a contact that gives a hoot.
 
You know teledork, when I first posted this thread, I thought about situations like what happened to you. I mean, with the Spot 10(not the spot 2)-if you had someone to send it to-you could set up some a system when you were in danger, where you could you could text a simple code-like "D" maybe with simple descriptions/lic # of rigs, ect, that would be passed on to law enforcement if you didn't send a follow up code in a specific amount of time----an then show your Spot to who ever is bothering you and tell them that. maybe it will stop them, if not, it may help catch the bad guys-just a thought. And yes as someone said above , there are enough of us out and about that might be willing to take your Okay, or emergency transmission. I don't know if this site is set up for situations like that, but it migft br worth a discussion here! That help a bit?

Smoke
 
Smokecreek1 said:
You know teledork, when I first posted this thread, I thought about situations like what happened to you. I mean, with the Spot 10(not the spot 2)-if you had someone to send it to-you could set up some a system when you were in danger, where you could you could text a simple code-like "D" maybe with simple descriptions/lic # of rigs, ect, that would be passed on to law enforcement if you didn't send a follow up code in a specific amount of time----an then show your Spot to who ever is bothering you and tell them that. maybe it will stop them, if not, it may help catch the bad guys-just a thought. And yes as someone said above , there are enough of us out and about that might be willing to take your Okay, or emergency transmission. I don't know if this site is set up for situations like that, but it migft br worth a discussion here! That help a bit?

Smoke
Click to expand...
I hear you.

I hear all of you. Thank you.
 
I think this is an important discussion, here’s my 2¢.

Emergency situations of any nature are exactly that. As well intentioned as we are and want to be, I would not want to reach out to a friend to respond to an emergency. The panic SOS to Spot or InReach is going to be our best friend to get help in that situation. Maybe a follow up message to a friend would be helpful, but I wouldn’t expect or rely upon an immediate response. Not everyone has their phone or email going all the time.

Several folks here on WTW share locations where we camp and all is well kinds of messages amongst ourselves and with friends/family. If there was a call for help because of a vehicle or gear issue, that’s when the network would swing into action. Same would go for assistance after an emergency.

My recommendation is to use the above mentioned model as an example for others to use and probably improve upon.
 
After reading this thread I ordered a SPOT Gen 3. It's the most basic model but is currently priced at $99 so I couldn't pass it up.

My use case also involves traveling solo much of the time, but my wife is at home as an emergency contact. The issue is that I often plan trips of indeterminate length and am outside of cell phone coverage. I plan to set up a message that tells my wife that I plan to stay out one day longer. I can send that message each day if needed. I can also check in daily to reassure here that I'm OK.

I'm a bit confused by Sagebrush's comments above. I thought that emergency SOS messages went to a central SAR coordination facility. Is this not true? Why would you need to contact a fiend in that case?
 
I'll add two and a half cents here and this is based on real world experience, including the two of us being the ones who responded to calls to go out find and rescue people - in the winter mountains on skis for over 25 years. Think about the worse winter mountain conditions you can imagine - been there, done that. Happy we could help, don't miss it one bit. Never thought of it as a fun activity, responding to someone's tragedy.

We have the InReach version of satellite communicator, but from what I understand, the new SPOT X has similar capabilities now.


We have two friends signed up as our emergency contacts. From experience, when the SOS message is sent, the dispatch center calls either of them to confirm it is an emergency. If dispatch cannot reach either of them immediately, the emergency is still immediately handed over to the local authorities. In California, the County Sheriff is responsible for search & rescue except in the National Parks.

Our two contacts have the same experience as us. They know how the system works - and how to help it along. Their job is to be our advocates, provide solid information about us and our activities and abilities, and make sure we get help. I am the emergency contact for both of them. As soon as I hear their SOS has been pushed, I'm going into action. These are people who would go anywhere to help us. We, without hesitation would do the same for them.

For responses to non emergency incidents, we'll work that out through the device's text messaging. And, we've discussed many possible scenarios.

I hope this information helps.
 
PJorgen said:
After reading this thread I ordered a SPOT Gen 3. It's the most basic model but is currently priced at $99 so I couldn't pass it up.

My use case also involves traveling solo much of the time, but my wife is at home as an emergency contact. The issue is that I often plan trips of indeterminate length and am outside of cell phone coverage. I plan to set up a message that tells my wife that I plan to stay out one day longer. I can send that message each day if needed. I can also check in daily to reassure here that I'm OK.

I'm a bit confused by Sagebrush's comments above. I thought that emergency SOS messages went to a central SAR coordination facility. Is this not true? Why would you need to contact a fiend in that case?
Click to expand...
Sorry to confuse the issue. Yes, a SOS goes to the vendor coordination facility. My comment about contacting a friend was meant to be after the SOS is sent, so they could provide needed follow up assistance, for example a ride home. Apologies.
 
Use Garmin in reach system. SOS would be for just that, a major, I or a companion need SAR type help. Thinking major medical, severe fall, avalanche with entrainment of party member, etc. I use the “free” preconfigured texts for staying here, I am here/back to this spot, and departing this spot. Anything in between, such as stuck in a ditch, need a tow/ extraction, I would use the text feature, and who cares what it costs in messaging at that point, the extraction is gonna be the big expense in that scenario. It is also really helpful if there is a companion app such as Garmin has to make typing easier than on the device itself.
 
ski3pin said:
I'll add two and a half cents here and this is based on real world experience, including the two of us being the ones who responded to calls to go out find and rescue people - in the winter mountains on skis for over 25 years. Think about the worse winter mountain conditions you can imagine - been there, done that. Happy we could help, don't miss it one bit. Never thought of it as a fun activity, responding to someone's tragedy.

We have the InReach version of satellite communicator, but from what I understand, the new SPOT X has similar capabilities now.


We have two friends signed up as our emergency contacts. From experience, when the SOS message is sent, the dispatch center calls either of them to confirm it is an emergency. If dispatch cannot reach either of them immediately, the emergency is still immediately handed over to the local authorities. In California, the County Sheriff is responsible for search & rescue except in the National Parks.

Our two contacts have the same experience as us. They know how the system works - and how to help it along. Their job is to be our advocates, provide solid information about us and our activities and abilities, and make sure we get help. I am the emergency contact for both of them. As soon as I hear their SOS has been pushed, I'm going into action. These are people who would go anywhere to help us. We, without hesitation would do the same for them.

For responses to non emergency incidents, we'll work that out through the device's text messaging. And, we've discussed many possible scenarios.

I hope this information helps.
Click to expand...
​


I think it is appropriate to add the following:

These devices do not guarantee that help can reach you in time or get you out in time in the event of an emergency.

It is essential that appropriate planning and precautions are taken when going to remote places such as:


- Checking the weather forecast and heeding warnings (hot or cold, rain, wind etc).

- Carry adequate food and water - not only in the camper but on you when hiking - plan for delayed return (disoriented, unplanned side trip, twisted ankle, whatever) and take extra water and energy bars.

- Carry up to date maps and a compass (batteries and electronics can and do fail).

- Know how to use the compass.

- Seek out and listen to local advice from knowledgeable local sources such as Rangers, guides and outfitters.

- Be mindful of your abilities and explore within your physical and equipment limitations.

- Have spares, extra food and water, defined plans shared with trusted people, emergency communication, etc. in case of unplanned problems.

- Don't take risks assuming your cell phone or emergency communicator will help if things go sideways.

- Always assume you will need to get yourself out if things break or there is an emergency, before venturing out - particularly if not travelling with a group/multiple vehicles.
 
Thanks for adding this. Yes, the game plan is always to be as prepared and self sufficient as possible. Always carry the 10 essentials.



ckent323 said:
​


I think it is appropriate to add the following:

These devices do not guarantee that help can reach you in time or get you out in time in the event of an emergency.

It is essential that appropriate planning and precautions are taken when going to remote places such as:


- Checking the weather forecast and heeding warnings (hot or cold, rain, wind etc).

- Carry adequate food and water - not only in the camper but on you when hiking - plan for delayed return (disoriented, unplanned side trip, twisted ankle, whatever) and take extra water and energy bars.

- Carry up to date maps and a compass (batteries and electronics can and do fail).

- Know how to use the compass.

- Seek out and listen to local advice from knowledgeable local sources such as Rangers, guides and outfitters.

- Be mindful of your abilities and explore within your physical and equipment limitations.

- Have spares, extra food and water, defined plans shared with trusted people, emergency communication, etc. in case of unplanned problems.

- Don't take risks assuming your cell phone or emergency communicator will help if things go sideways.

- Always assume you will need to get yourself out if things break or there is an emergency, before venturing out - particularly if not travelling with a group/multiple vehicles.
Click to expand...
 
We were out for 4 days on a back country packing trip. Saw lots of extreme runners out doing 30-50 km runs. Looked like not much gear on them. I do wonder what they would do when up at 9000' in the Canadian Rockies with a twisted ankle. :oops:
 
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