Anyone using SPoT Tracker for Trips?

[mathewsen]

Curious if any folks are using (or plan to use) SPoT GPS messengers for their Tours. The google maps tracking can be shared with family and friends. And a help message can be sent from them. Any comments? Experience?

www.findmespot.com

[jsieber]

I have no direct experience using the Spot device myself but they were used to track the progress of racers on the Tour Divide last year. It seemed to work well along the Great Divide Route so I would imagine that they would work well for other routes as well.

[Successor to the Professor]

My experience with these comes mostly from backpacking and skiing, but it really depends on what you want.  The emergency beacon and real time tracking features are unique to this and set it apart from a standard GPS unit.  On the other hand, you lose a lot of versatility as far as interacting with the unit like you can with a more common GPS unit.

You have to sign a 1-year agreement for their service plan, so you're going to be paying for service when you're not using it, but then again, you can't really put a price on it when you need it the most.

[rs7trout]

I have used the SPOT backpacking--works well--and I am considering doing the Great Divide Trail this summer and plan on checking in twice a day using the SPOT. if you are planning on using it I would suggest using it a bit before you go on Tour to get used to it--the last thing you want is to be in an emergency situation and not know exactly how it works!

It definitely seems to work best when the logo is face up with no obstructions. If you are planning on going in remote areas -- you might consider the insurance package which I believe is for the GEOS system if in fact you should have to be rescued.

The tracking feature is definitely a cool feature but for me has not worked that well--I personally will use the ok button to send a signal out to people via their cell phone and email.

[BIGRIDE]

I would be interested in this if it did not
1)cost so much
2)have to have a yr subscription

[Fanwaar]

I got turned onto this by Dave Whiddon and Kelly Jordan (http://www.cyclingnomads.com/equipment.htm) and became very excited about what on paper looks like the perfect device for me. I'll be cycling up the Americas from Ushuaia in November and figured the SPOT Messenger (http://www.findmespot.eu/) would be perfect; I have rejected using all GPS systems on grounds of expense and figured that a device that allows me and family to track my route could only be sent from heaven. However, 90% of reviews have only had bad things to say about this product and company.

DOES ANYONE HAVE ANYTHING POSITIVE TO SAY ABOUT SPOT TRACKERS?

As an aside, can anyone please tell me straight up if there is a cheap, reliable, battery friendly GPS unit out there that simply gives coordinates in addition to the basic info you get from standard bike computers? I am a relative Luddite and a lover of maps who simply wants an emergency backup and accurate coordinates for progress logging.

[afmeyer]

The way to go is with a ham radio with GPS and APRS system.  You can report your position and send/receive emails.  Then others can view your position on the web.

[lkelly]

I just got done using a SPOT device for a benefit charity ride I had attempted to do/ complete. even though I could not complete the whole ride due to a knee problem. the SPOT worked A-1 and renting it was well worth the knowledge. that my family and friends knew right where I was and plus having the 911 feature on it was a big +.

[cdevens]

Spot works great, the ok check feature has failed once and a while, but I just send two and at least one gets through.  I carry the thing all the time when I go out.  I'm always traveling by myself and you never know when you are going to be without your cellphone for one reason or another.  I think it is well worth the price.  If you travel solo or travel in any semi remote or remote places then you should carry one.

As a Ham that has used APRS for several years.  I have not yet been able to get it to work every sing time, plus you can't just hit one button and have a rescue team out looking for you.  But it is pretty cool.

[lkelly]

I just returned from my ride for other disabled veterans http://www.mybigride09.com/ an the SPOT not only gave me a good feeling being disabled myself. it also gave my friends and family a good feeling with the I'm ok function and the 911 button. so I give it a +1111111111

[mathewsen]

SPOT is the only way to go for a remote route such as the great divide on which cell service is pretty non-existent. SPOT now has a new unit out as well: http://gpstracklog.com/2009/07/new-spot-satellite-messenger-announced.html

For 8 bucks extra you can buy Geos rescue insurance as well.

trackleaders.com is a SPOT-based group tracking site that now has a group (social) tracker for the Great Divide route: http://trackleaders.com/divide
Anyone who carries a SPOT on the Divide can now be tracked by their families on this tracker. It offers complete individual historical data plus avg. speed and overnight camp plotting. It's pretty cool. It's also neat to think you can drop in to an internet cafe while riding the route to see where other thru-riders are along their trip and when/if you might encounter them. The tracker was developed and time-tested for www.tourdivide.org , the annual MTB race on the Divide route.

Trackleaders is discussing creating group cycling trackers for road routes such as trans-am as well but it seems the utility of a SPOT on highway routes might not justify the weight + expense of the device so TL is developing the ability to receive GPS location data from all forms of location-based services (i-phones, etc.) before releasing those trackers.