SPOT Keeps You Out of Trouble
Its almost two years since the SPOT Satellite Messenger was introduced. Dozens of lives have been saved and no doubt thousands of marriages. For the uninitiated the SPOT is a handheld device that uses satellites to transmit messages from virtually anywhere on earth, all you need is open sky above you. When your cell phone useless the SPOT works.SPOT can summon 911 emergency help, notify friends and family that you need basic help like that time you ran out of gas, and it can tell your honey that you are in good shape, just running late, and even send your GPS location and a Google Maps link showing your exact location via email or Text Message so she is not concerned your hanging out at your deadbeat pals house getting stoned. Honestly I think the last two functions are the real value of the SPOT. Sure its a nice warm fuzzy feeling knowing you can call the cavalry when the bad 
stuff happens but in the two years I’ve had my SPOT I’ve been lucky enough not to need it for getting emergency help. I use it all the time to brag to my friends about where I am, and remind them that they live pathetic lives while I’m out ripping up a dune. I’ve even used it once to get retrieved from a way out in the stick oops moment.
stuff happens but in the two years I’ve had my SPOT I’ve been lucky enough not to need it for getting emergency help. I use it all the time to brag to my friends about where I am, and remind them that they live pathetic lives while I’m out ripping up a dune. I’ve even used it once to get retrieved from a way out in the stick oops moment.Using SPOTs shared tracking you can setup a webpage on SPOTs website that will show a track of your ride that is automatically updated when you use the SPOTs tracking feature. Your boss/spouse/pals can follow you live on Google maps.
The SPOT is so cool “Survivorman” Les Stroud signed up as company pitchman.
The good news with electronic gadgets is that they usually get better ad cheaper and so it is with the SPOT. SPOT announced a new, smaller, lighter, cheaper, cooler, prettier SPOT at the July Outdoor retailer show in Salt Lake City.
So whats new?
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30% smaller and lighter than the original model at 5.2 ounces
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New enhanced satellite antenna for improved performance in foliage or canopied environments
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Advanced GPS performance chipset
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GPS Acquisition light
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“Message Sending” indicator light
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Dedicated GPS Tracking button
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New, dedicated pre-programmable Custom Message button
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Protective covers over S.O.S and Help button to prevent inadvertent message transmission
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Illuminated buttons
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Choice of orange or silver
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Included case and neoprene fastening band
Expect to see this new improved SPOT on store shelves later this fall.
Options let you add insurance for Road Side assistance and Search and Rescue costs.
Pricing varies. List is $169 for the device and $99 year for service. Tracking and insurance features
are extra.
For more info check www.findmespot.com or www.ATVUtah.com to buy one.
If you don’t have a SPOT yet, GET ONE.
By Shannon Bushman. Shannon is the author of the “Paiute ATV Trial Guide”. He can found
anywhere from Colorado to California driving recklessly and shooting video or broadcasting LIVE
from the trail for XXXoffroad. Check out XXXoffroadTV on the front page of XXXoffroad.com.
Category: Product Reviews
I have used a SPOT Satellite Messenger for the last year and I have to agree that it is a great addition to anyone’s safety gear on trail rides.
I also use it to document my trail rides with links to Google Maps and keep family and friends up to date with my current location.
Here is my SPOT review:
http://www.utvguide.net/review_spot.htm