SPOT Messenger and Emergency Response,

Hi Stephen,

It was an interesting read.

I've seen quite a deal of discussion around various Australian sites on what would actually happen if you pushed that button. Now we know what happened in that case at least.

They really aren't a substitute for your PLB but it's nice to know something that you are potentially staking your life on actually works.

Geoff

They sure are better than nothing but I really don't see them as a replacement for an EPIRB.

Maybe a complimentary bit of kit for what these blokes use them as. Basically on long remote rides they send home "I'm OK" messages so the family know all is well.

They also enable the tracking through Google Maps so the mates that couldn't come can follow the ride and get jealous!

Geoff

Too true Geoff

Mike R

Let's clarify the help buttons here. SPOT has 2 'emergency' buttons. The Help button and the 911 button.

The HELP button will send a message to your list of email and/or mbl phone number contacts (that you set up before the start of your trip). The emergency msg will be sent to your contacts every 10 minutes for 24 hours unless you cnacel it vis the SPOT unit. This allows your contacts to make contact with emergency services and let them know where you are and that they need help.

The 911 button (this is the button you are referring to above) is the other emergency button. If the SPOT user activates the 911 button, the emergency services in the USA will be notified along with the SPOT's last location. They will then pass is info onto the emergency services in the country where you are located.

Both the Help & 911 buttons require the SPOT user to push and hold the button for 5 seconds to activate. The SPOT user can cancel either message by pressing and holding the relevant button again for 5 seconds.

Sending a normal position flashes a green light on the unit while sending a Help or 911 message flashes a red light. So you can see it is easy to see whether you have pushed and held the wrong button. Still mistakes can be made by the PICNIC!

Finally, if you request 911 assistance, then you should expect that it may be a costly exercise to recover you. So I agree with you, you would only push the 911 button if you absolutely sure you needed emergency assistance.

Laurie

Hi There

There is another option

Spot



Spot-Search and Rescue Insurance

Sorry, I forgot to mention the insurance cover. I actually have the insurance cover.

However, I still think the SPOT user only hits the 911 button if they are absolutely sure they need emergency assistance. So far, we haven't had to activate the 911 button yet. I hope that it stays that way.

Laurie

*Sorry, I forgot to mention the insurance cover. I actually have the insurance cover. *


LOL
No worries Laurie,I actually rang them to make sure my info was valid,well available and covered in Aussie.I havnt read the fine print but i think you'd hav to be a dill not to take it out,i dont believe its expensive either...