New SPOT sends text messages!

Doryman · Posted: Tue Jan 12, 2010 2:05 am Post subject: New SPOT sends text messages!

Check it out HERE Exclamation

Warren

Byrdman · Posted: Tue Jan 12, 2010 7:55 am Post subject:

I like my spot. Just like last night and this morning, rather than phone calls to check in to each family household.... they sign on at their convienance and realise all is going well.

I do wish I did not have to get to online to change the message text on the OK message. It is not that hard sitting at home, but, on the go, getting on line, signing in on the site, working thru pages to find the travel profile, changing the text message that is sent.... gets to be a bit much. Bottom line, my family just takes the OK as OK.... and watches the trail. Not that big of deal, but, a bit easier and I could allow them to realise changes when boating due to winds, water levels and other conditions that just change your float "plan."

I love the gizmo.

Byrdman....crossing Lake Okeechobee today.... Follow Me!!!

http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0PadijCq0hljq28DIkmPXokI0BlHGpVYq

hardee · Posted: Tue Jan 12, 2010 7:34 pm Post subject: it does fill a niche

I do like the SPOT device too. Especially when/if we are our of cell service or if the phone is not turned on (like into Canada) for a short time. Family knows the "code" for when we are leaving and when we stop, and can follow us to were we went.

On the "new" SPOT II device, there is a bit of a hold up due to some glitch, (heard that from SPOT tech support 2 weeks ago) but when it is ready it will have better messaging, (another option or 2) and will upload the last 3 GPS fixes in stead of only the current one. That way, there should be no missed steps in the breadcrumb trail.

Just renewed my SPOT Christmas present from last year, and looking forward to the release of the new SPOT II and the upgrade offers available then.

Warren, Thanks for posting this. We know it is not an EPIRB, but it does fill a niche in the communication service.

Harvey
SleepyC Moon

thataway · Posted: Tue Jan 12, 2010 8:26 pm Post subject:

This new "spot" is further advanced than the SPOT II. It combines a high def. DeLorme hand held GPS, which is also the keyboard for the 58 character message (plus GPS Lat and Long) which is uplinked to the satellite. Certainlly a step forward, since you can message a specific person in your address book.

There has been a down side of SPOT abuse by some hikers hitting the 911 button 3 times recently.

This new one sounds very interesting, and opens up a whole new method of communication.

tpbrady · Posted: Tue Jan 12, 2010 9:14 pm Post subject:

The next leap is receiving text messages but that might be a whole redesign. The Spot doesn't have a GlobalStar receiver in it, only a transmitter. Receiving text messages means full two way communications from remote areas in a small package. With the popularity of texting, it's a market waiting to happen.

Doryman · Posted: Tue Jan 19, 2010 2:13 pm Post subject:

HERE is a link to a DeLorme blog entry discussing the features of the new PN-60w, which incorporates SPOT functionality. I believe SPOT is selling a dedicated device, without the mapping. Kudos to DeLorme for their communication with customers! Sounds like a good company, hope the product is good also. Hope to see one at the SBS, even though it is not scheduled for release until May.

Warren

rogerbum · Posted: Tue Jan 19, 2010 4:05 pm Post subject:

Well now that I have a smart phone, I can get some of the same features of SPOT as long as I'm not in the wilderness. E.g. I can share my position with others using google lattitude (or other apps). While I realize that this does not replace SPOT's rescue utility or ability to provide location info when I'm in areas without phone coverage, it certainly covers me for where I am 99% of the time including almost every place I've been with my boat. I use a feature like this while I'm running on my long runs (2-4 hours). My wife can log in and see where I'm at (I can turn it off if prior to going to a bar Wink

). Anyway, for those of us with a smart phone and without SPOT, it's something to consider.

Doryman · Posted: Tue Jan 19, 2010 7:54 pm Post subject:

One interesting new feature is the "mesh network" which, as I understand it, allows people in the same local area to link up. Not sure exactly how it works, but might be great for a cruising group, for example.

Warren

kennharriet · Posted: Tue Jan 19, 2010 11:53 pm Post subject:

I see where Globalstar announced today they will be launching their second generation satellites in early July this year to restore the system to the pre-2007 capability. I hope they come through finally. We pay $19/mo for unlimited airtime, but that does not do much good with the present limited reception.

Doryman · Posted: Fri Jun 03, 2011 8:41 pm Post subject:

DeLorme is now coming out with a 2-way Iridium-based satellite text messaging system that works either with their PN-60w GPS or an Android smartphone. More HERE.

Warren

matt_unique · Posted: Fri Jun 03, 2011 10:26 pm Post subject: Spot

I too am a fan and recent consumer for the Spot Messenger. You can send OK, custom text, and of course SOS. You have to program the text in advance (unless you have the Delorme or other unit that will transmit from your smartphone) but I found it works very well and is great for sharing our travels. I will be using it again in September for the next motorcycle cruise when we will be spending time well out of range of cell phone's in the Dolomites.

Also great little communications device to have on the boat for longer trips.

Captains Cat · Posted: Sat Jun 04, 2011 6:44 am Post subject:

If you've never been to the DeLorme main office/factory in Maine, it's well worth a stop or a trip if you're close. It's fascinating!

It's in Yarmouth, ME.

Charlie

Casey · Posted: Sat Jun 04, 2011 10:19 am Post subject:

I haven't kept up with this thread ... sorry.

Sounds like a good device, I may have to consider updating my original SPOT (which has worked flawlessly).

Would the new SPOT permit one to create short messages on an iPhone while out of cellphone range or in Canada, and upload it to SPOT without incurring expensive charges (ie. AT&T costs in Canada)?

Casey

thataway · Posted: Sat Jun 04, 2011 12:28 pm Post subject:

Warren,
I wonder if this important subject should not be a separate thread. The reason is that this project does not involve Spot--it uses the "Delorme InReach" communicator.

It uses Iriduim (Generally a better satellite system) instead of Globalstar (which Spot uses). It sounds like Delorme is splitting off from the Spot Connect (which we had a discussion about a couple of weeks ago).

This is just a blog, about a future product--no prices for actual texting (but for service is competative). The i phone is not supported at this point, but is being "considered"--the comment that the Android system is easier to program than the i phone to do this communication with the Delorme InReach communicator (which is going to have the same function as the Spot communicator, except two way texting). The Delorme system will work with their GPS PN60 or an android phone. The blog was not clear if the same communicator would work with both the PN 60 and an android phone. My guess is that it will.

It seems as if it will be cheaper than the other alternative of Iridium texting--and certainly the hardware is both smaller and cheaper to buy.

I would not be at all suprised to see SPOT come out with a two way communicator based on the SPOT connect platform. Good old capitalism at work! We win. I suspect that DeLorme saw the writing on the wall, with SPOT connect where they were left out.