SARGuy Gear

SPOT is a new device from Globalstar that combines a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver with a Globalstar satellite transmitter. It allows the user to send preprogrammed text messages or email with a link to a Google Map with your location. There are four buttons: On/Off, OK, Help, and 911.

The OK and Help buttons send SMS text messages and/or email to contacts you designate and 911 activates the emergency response system in the area indicated by your GPS location through the Globalstar system. It is important to note here that unlike cellular phones that can access the 911 system without having an active account, a current plan with your SPOT is required to use any of the functionality of the system. Let’s take a closer look at how this device works.

SPOT is powered by two lithium AA batteries that can be replaced with the help of a screwdriver. In order to prevent the sending of unintentional messages, you need to press the 911 and the Help buttons for at least two seconds to transmit those messages.  To turn off the unit, you need to press the On/Off button for at least three seconds.

Because this is not a phone, you need to use the online registration system to setup the contact information for your friends and family you wish to receive non-emergency messages.  You can update this information at any time through the Internet. The people you designate are termed your SPOTteam.

911: When this button is activated, a distress signal and your GPS location (if available) will be sent to Globalstar’s Emergency Response Center every five minutes until cancelled.  You can hold down the 911 button for three seconds to deactivate the signal. If a GPS signal is not available, the Emergency Response Center will attempt to contact your emergency contacts.

Help: If the Help button is pressed for two seconds, your SPOTteam members will be notified via SMS or email that you need assistance. 911 type emergency response will not be contacted. If a GPS signal is available, a link to a Google Map with your location will be sent in the email. The message will transmit from your device every five minutes for one hour.

OK: This button has two functions. You can use it to let your SPOTteam members know you are still ok.  This can be especially useful if you are overdue with your trip, but still ok. Your family and friends can know you are ok and do not need assistance and this can prevent the premature activation of search and rescue response. You can also hold the button down for more than five seconds and activate what they call SPOTcasting. With SPOTcasting, your contacts will have access to a Google Map to track your progress. Your location will be posted every 10 minutes for up to 24 hours. If you want to go longer than 24 hours, you have to activate it manually again.

Coverage: Globalstar has had some issues over the past year with their satellite systems. Quite a few people I spoke with at a risk management conference recently expressed concern about this and the SPOT system. At least a few people recommended that if you needed a satellite phone system, the SPOT would be too limiting, and that the only system worth investing in was Iridium.  There is some discussion to this regard online as well. Globalstar has said something to the effect that the problems with their system have more to do with the duplex nature of satellite phones and since the SPOT only transmits and does not receive, it is far more reliable right now.

More information: Once again, Doug Ritter at Equipped to Survive has a far more in-depth review on this device. If you are not already following Doug’s reviews, you should. He is thorough and comes from a similar perspective that those of us who volunteer in SAR view equipment.

Final Thoughts: I think the device is very attractive, especially in terms of price. The least expensive Globalstar phone I can purchase locally is right around $600 at the time of this writing. A device that allows me to communicate, albeit in a limited fashion, could prove useful while recreating in the backcountry. I’m disappointed that they require a service plan, but even that is at a reasonable cost.

I’m also concerned that some people will purchase this as a substitute for knowledge, skills, and ability while recreating in the backcountry. If you have talked to many in the SAR community about how they feel about the Personal Locator Beacons, many of the same arguments apply. Someone could buy one of these and expect it to work and expect to be rescued. Those expectations may be unreasonable in some instances. I don’t like to rely on electronic devices when I’m in the woods. I have had too many trips where something failed, so I rely on technology that is prove, like a map and compass versus a GPS. The GPS does have a place in my pack on occasion however, as it can be a useful tool. I believe the SPOT can prove to be a useful tool. I would like to see more independent reviews like Doug Ritter’s  along with a chance to use the device in the areas I operate in to see what the coverage is like. Until then, I have to say that it is a nice idea.  Let’s see more.

This entry was posted on Thursday, December 13th, 2007 at 22:48 and is filed under Electronic Device. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.