Spot Messenger v PLB

Mike Harding · Guru

Spot Messenger v PLB

dave48 · Senior Member

Hi Mike. We've got one of them. Had it for 2 years. Haven't had to use it ( thank god ) but test it periodically. Seems to be fine and I haven't read anything bad about GME. The reason I liked it is because it broadcasts over 2 frequencies and a lot only do it over one You can correct me but I understand it lets the emergency services know and also broadcasts a very accurate GPS signal
Dave

Joe50 · Guru

I have a Spot Gen3 which has the emergency SOS function but I can also send a message I prepared in advance to family and friends by email whenever I've stopped somewhere for the night to let them know I'm OK. The email has a link to Google Maps with my location marked.

Joe

Nifty150 · Veteran Member

You might take a look at Inreach, now a Garmin product, which has the option of varying the monthly subscription. $6 pm for those stay at home months. Similar to Spot, but allows two way text messages to mobile phones. That will be handy for the times we get stuck and need specific help, but not a full rescue (which I think is much more likely) "Bring CV joint and rum". It plots your position and Bluetooths to your phone in the bush, which makes the text messaging very easy, plus it displays your position on the phone on an impressively accurate map ( it shows the drop dunnies at the remote camps along the Barry Way)

macka17 · Guru

PLB's are just a "personal" EPIRB of smaller proportions.

They valid all over the world, Give Reasonable location.
with some having GPS. (Better, more accurate location)
And some with VHF Radio incorporated.
for guiding plane\ship, etc directly to you when in range of.

Personally.
I'd go the PLB.
More accurate GPS for sea. An improvement on land sat.

My Garmins are within 1 mtr mainly.
I've checked them on channel markers at sea.
Many a time.
Can virtually touch the Marker as signal comes on as "arrived".
and that was around 20 yrs ago.

C00P · Senior Member

I think PLB is the way to go if you frequently travel into remote areas where there is no mobile coverage. In a real emergency (heart attack, broken leg, vehicle accident, etc.) the beacon signal from a modern beacon with GPS is received and acted upon within a few minutes, and it is assumed to be an emergency until proven otherwise. They will know quite precisely where you are, and will arrive with equipment to meet a variety of emergency situations.
Not sure what the spot system gives you- does the person receiving the signal have to then organise emergency services?
If you register your beacon, you can enter what your vehicle is and update your intended course whenever you have internet coverage.
The batteries usually last about 5 years.
Cheers

Coop

ABNER · Veteran Member

I have my boat registered EPIRB and it is also registered to my vehicle, it is the full size one with GPS location. I use it on the boat and whenever I travel it goes with me.

Good insurance it things get serious.

Bob.

Izabarack · Guru

Take care to ensure you cancel, rather than let lapse, your Spot. The fine print may still say that auto renewal happens if you do not explicitly cancel. Friend had debt collectors turn up a couple of years ago.

I like the Spot capabilities and have had one in the past. Now have a PLB because the off track and bushwalking is in less remote or distant locations.

Iza

macka17 · Guru

Bob.
Good things hey.

I carry mine too.
Lives beside Fire ext in Ute unless out in boat.

Just remember to renew Battery, and re-register with Gov't Dep'tment at same time hey.
Plus an ICOM Hand Held VHF. (FULLY waterproof)
More versatile than Built in. With larger range.

Mike Harding · Guru

Thanks to the posters who read, understood and answered the topic.

An interesting point you make Izabarack about Spot cancellation.

The Spot website does not provide a facility to "de-register" a Spot Messenger although it provides a facility to register one. Also they insist they will only accept cancellation via a phone call to their USA office (international for me). They have failed to respond to my previous two e-mail via their website contact form regarding cancellation so I've sent a third today - three days after my Spot expired. My understanding is that they want you to phone in order to try and sell you a cheaper deal - damned if I'll pay for international calls so a company can use me for their marketing! The credit card they have has expired so it will be interesting to see what they do. A good product but terrible customer service.