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SPOT Personal Tracker | 
| Brand: SPOT Inc.
Category: Sports
List Price: $99.99
Buy New: $89.50
as of 3/16/2010 12:58 CDT details
You Save: $10.49 (10%)
New (32) Used (1) from $89.00
Rating:  97 reviews
Sales Rank: 1275
Color: Orange
Media: 3.5" and 5.25" disks
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Batteries Included: Yes
Battery: 2 2 Lithium AA Batteries
Size: --
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.1
Dimensions (in): 5.9 x 5.9 x 5.5
MPN: SPOT-1
Model: SPOT-1
UPC: 893049001080
EAN: 0893049001080
ASIN: B000YTZV74
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
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| Features:
| • | Satellite messenger with GPS tracking for keeping users safe on adventure trips.Purchasing a service plan is required in addition to purchasing the SPOT unit. | | • | SpotChecking feature alerts friends and family of your precise location | | • | SpotCasting function lets friends and family follow your progress in real time | | • | Sends GPS coordinates and distress message to Emergency Response Center | | • | Satellite technology works around the world; measures 2.75 x 4.38 x 1.5 inches (W x H x D) |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
SPOT. THE WORLD'S FIRST SATELLITE MESSENGER.
With the SPOT Satellite Messenger, you and your loved ones have peace of mind knowing help is always within reach. SPOT is the only device of its kind, using the GPS satellite network to acquire its coordinates, and then sending its location with a link to Google Maps™ and a pre-programmed message via a commercial satellite network. And unlike Personal Locator Beacons, SPOT does more than just call for help. Tracking your progress, checking in with loved ones, and non-emergency assistance are also available, all at the push of a button. And because it uses 100% satellite technology, SPOT works around the world even where cell phones don't.
Coverage
SPOT works around the world, including virtually all of the continental United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe and Australia, portions of South America, Northern Africa and North Eastern Asia, and hundreds or thousands of miles off-shore of these areas.
Messenger
- ALERT 9-1-1 - Dispatch emergency responders to your exact location
- CHECK IN - Let contacts know where you are and that you're okay
- TRACK PROGRESS - Send and save your location and allow contacts to track your progress using your password and Google Maps™.
- ASK FOR HELP - Request help from friends and family at your exact location.
ALERT 9-1-1:
Use this function In the event of a life threatening or other critical emergency to notify emergency services of your exact location and that you need assistance. The GEOS International Emergency Response Center alerts the appropriate agencies worldwide for example contacting 9-1-1 responders in North America and 1-1-2 responders in Europe.
HOW IT WORKS:
Once activated, SPOT will acquire its exact coordinates from the GPS network, and send that location along with a distress message to a GEOS International Emergency Response Center every five minut
Amazon.com Product Description
Give your loved ones full peace of mind when you're on the mountain with the Spot Satellite Messenger. Whether you're just checking in, allowing others to track your progress, or calling for help, Spot gives you a vital line of communication with friends and family when you want it, and emergency assistance when and where you need it. Spot employs a GPS satellite network to acquire its coordinates, then sends its location to the recipient of your choice, complete with a link to Google Maps and a pre-programmed message. Unlike personal locator beacons, however, Spot does more than just call for help. The SpotChecking feature, for example, lets you notify your SpotTeam--the friends and family you've chosen as your contacts--and tell them all is well, notify them of your location, or save waypoints so you can review your route at a later date. You can also activate the SpotCasting feature to let friends and family follow your progress in real time (every 10 minutes). Anyone with access to your account information can log on and view your route, complete with virtual views provided by Google Maps. SpotCasting is a terrific feature for mountain climbers looking to celebrate their accomplishments with their loved ones. The most important feature, however, is Spot's ability to call 911 in the event of a life-threatening or other critical emergency. Once activated, Spot will acquire your exact coordinates from the GPS network, and then send that location along with a distress message to a GEOS International Emergency Response Center every five minutes until cancelled. The Emergency Response Center will then notify the appropriate emergency responders based on your location and personal information. Responders may include local police, the highway patrol, the Coast Guard, an embassy or consulate, or other emergency response and search-and-rescue teams. Even if Spot can't acquire its location from the GPS network, it will still attempt to send a distress signal--without your exact location--to the Emergency Response Center, which will still notify your emergency contacts of the signal and continue to monitor the network for further messages. Spot works around the world, including in virtually all of the continental United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, and Australia, and portions of South America, Northern Africa, and Northeastern Asia. And provided you're in a good coverage area, Spot offers a 99 percent probability of sending a successful message within 20 minutes. As a result, Spot is ideal for anyone with a taste for outdoor adventures, including boaters, kayakers, sailboarders, archaeologists, skiers, climbers, pilots, business travelers, snowshoers, and just about anyone else. Spot requires two AA lithium batteries, with a battery life of up to one year in standby mode, 14 days in SpotCasting mode, or 7 days in 911 mode. And thanks to the water-resistant housing (safe in 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes), you needn't worry about using Spot in adverse conditions. Spot measures a compact 2.75 by 4.38 by 1.5 inches (W x H x D), weighs 7.37 ounces, and carries a one-year limited warranty. Communication Functions: 
Spot employs a GPS satellite network to acquire its coordinates, then sends its location to the recipient of your choice, complete with a link to Google Maps and a pre-programmed message. | - Alert 9-1-1 dispatches emergency responders to an exact location
- Ask for Help sends a request for help to friends and family with your location
- Check In lets contacts know where you are and that you are okay
- Track Progress sends and saves your location and allows others to track your progress using Google Maps
Battery Life: - Power ON, unused: Approximately 1 year
- SPOT casting continuous tracking mode: Approximately 14 days
- 9-1-1 mode: Up to 7 consecutive days
- HELP mode: up to 1900 messages
- SPOT check OK up to 1900 messages
Specifications: - Weight: 7 ounces
- Waterproof to a depth of 1 meter for up to 30 minutes
- Operating Temperature: -40ºF to +185ºF
- Operating Altitude: -300 feet to +21,300 feet
- Humidity and Salt Fog Rated
Amazon.com Product Description
Give your loved ones full peace of mind when you're on the mountain with the Spot Satellite Messenger. Whether you're just checking in, allowing others to track your progress, or calling for help, Spot gives you a vital line of communication with friends and family when you want it, and emergency assistance when and where you need it. Spot employs a GPS satellite network to acquire its coordinates, then sends its location to the recipient of your choice, complete with a link to Google Maps and a pre-programmed message. Unlike personal locator beacons, however, Spot does more than just call for help. The SpotChecking feature, for example, lets you notify your SpotTeam--the friends and family you've chosen as your contacts--and tell them all is well, notify them of your location, or save waypoints so you can review your route at a later date. You can also activate the SpotCasting feature to let friends and family follow your progress in real time (every 10 minutes). Anyone with access to your account information can log on and view your route, complete with virtual views provided by Google Maps. SpotCasting is a terrific feature for mountain climbers looking to celebrate their accomplishments with their loved ones. The most important feature, however, is Spot's ability to call 911 in the event of a life-threatening or other critical emergency. Once activated, Spot will acquire your exact coordinates from the GPS network, and then send that location along with a distress message to a GEOS International Emergency Response Center every five minutes until cancelled. The Emergency Response Center will then notify the appropriate emergency responders based on your location and personal information. Responders may include local police, the highway patrol, the Coast Guard, an embassy or consulate, or other emergency response and search-and-rescue teams. Even if Spot can't acquire its location from the GPS network, it will still attempt to send a distress signal--without your exact location--to the Emergency Response Center, which will still notify your emergency contacts of the signal and continue to monitor the network for further messages. Spot works around the world, including in virtually all of the continental United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, and Australia, and portions of South America, Northern Africa, and Northeastern Asia. And provided you're in a good coverage area, Spot offers a 99 percent probability of sending a successful message within 20 minutes. As a result, Spot is ideal for anyone with a taste for outdoor adventures, including boaters, kayakers, sailboarders, archaeologists, skiers, climbers, pilots, business travelers, snowshoers, and just about anyone else. Spot requires two AA lithium batteries, with a battery life of up to one year in standby mode, 14 days in SpotCasting mode, or 7 days in 911 mode. And thanks to the water-resistant housing (safe in 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes), you needn't worry about using Spot in adverse conditions. Spot measures a compact 2.75 by 4.38 by 1.5 inches (W x H x D), weighs 7.37 ounces, and carries a one-year limited warranty. Communication Functions:
Spot employs a GPS satellite network to acquire its coordinates, then sends its location to the recipient of your choice, complete with a link to Google Maps and a pre-programmed message. | - Alert 9-1-1 dispatches emergency responders to an exact location
- Ask for Help sends a request for help to friends and family with your location
- Check In lets contacts know where you are and that you are okay
- Track Progress sends and saves your location and allows others to track your progress using Google Maps
Battery Life: - Power ON, unused: Approximately 1 year
- SPOT casting continuous tracking mode: Approximately 14 days
- 9-1-1 mode: Up to 7 consecutive days
- HELP mode: up to 1900 messages
- SPOT check OK up to 1900 messages
Specifications: - Weight: 7 ounces
- Waterproof to a depth of 1 meter for up to 30 minutes
- Operating Temperature: -40ºF to +185ºF
- Operating Altitude: -300 feet to +21,300 feet
- Humidity and Salt Fog Rated
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| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 97
 No problem! March 11, 2010
jason in ABQ
My purpose for buying this device was my travels to some fairly unpopulated places on the Colorado plateau. I read 'all' the negative reviews here at Amazon and then decided that for a total of 100 bucks I could give this device a chance. I've just returned from a week long trip in various locations in Arizona. The device worked perfectly and was just as advertised and described in the user manual. I sent a number of "I'm OK" messages; the device sent them quickly and they were received quickly by my wife on her Blackberry. I see no reason why a 911 call would not be sent and dealt with just as expeditiously. Later this year I'll be in some narrow canyons and,at another time, under some dense forest canopy. If I can remember, I'll report on the device's performance in an update of this review.
SPOT, just the ticket March 8, 2010
nikon fan (Somewhere in CA)
I wanted to write a review of the SPOT because of all the misinformation I have read from other reviewers. I got the SPOT about 3 weeks ago and have tested it every night for the past 3 weeks. I have gone to several locations, from the city where I live to the country where there was no cell service. First of all I have no affiliation with the company, as you should be able to tell from my profile and my other reviews. I am just a consumer that believes in giving first hand accounts of my experience with different products I have purchased and used.
I have seen some of the other reviews and they have given reviews that sound to similar, as well as comments to reviews that are all the same. This makes me suspicious.
My experience with the SPOT has been very good so far, I READ the manual and went online to make sure I understood how it worked. I powered it up after activating it, it took about 7 minutes to acquire a signal, by the time I got back in the house I had an email with the OK message that I set up. Just to make sure I tried it again and within a minute I had another OK email. I was now ready to try it in the field, I have sent several OK messages and not one has failed. I have also set up my share page and it has worked flawlessly, I have been able top track my progress on all the trips I have set up and it has been great.
The directions are not the greatest, but if you will take the time all the information you will need is available at the SPOT site. It could be easier to navigate, but it is there.
I purchased this device to use for my motorcycle trips and so far it has not disappointed. My last trip to the Gold country I had no cell service and I was able to check in everyday to let my family know i was OK, well worth the price of service. I think the service could be lower, but if you cannot get cell service, and can send information to you family, it is worth it. I plan to purchase the tracker service at $49 per year, it seems better than the share page they provide.
I have only tested the "HELP" button, but it has worked around here every time. Hopefully I'll never need it, but it is comforting to know the tests have been successful. I obviously cannot test the 911 button, but in light of my other successes, I have no reason to think it would not work.
I am sure that some have had some difficulty with the unit, but I do not believe that all the poor reviews are real.
I think this unit would be great for camping, the frequent traveler, or the adventurer. I have not been able yet to find an outdoor spot where the unit would not send a message.
If you are considering this unit, I would recommend reading all the reviews, both positive and negative, you will see a pattern that will become familiar. I would disregard those that seem familiar and concentrate on the ones that are by actual users, I think you will find that the SPOT has some good feedback and does what it claims to do.
As far as the unit itself, I was surprised at the feel of the unit. It feels well built and solid, it does not feel cheap and flimsy. It looks to be waterproof or water resistant, it does have rubber seals. It is supposed to float, but I'm not going to test that. I left it outside all night and it got pretty cold and was still blinking the next morning, so I think the durability is good.
I have bought many things that have been not what they claim, are not well built, or are just junk. The SPOT has not been that for me, it is what is says it is, and I like it. I will use it as long as it continues to work for me, that seems like it will be awhile.
Does what I expected it to do. February 17, 2010
Nicole M. Preece (USA)
My SPOT just showed up last night. I had read all the reviews, good and bad. It did take a long time to connect to the satellite for the first time (as the directions said would happend), but after the initial wait, it was very quick. I gave it a few test runs last night, and was very pleased. I plan on doing a lot of solo hiking this summer, and want a way to let my family know where I am and to check in every once in awhile to let them know I'm okay. I plan on doing the Walker's Haute Route in the fall in France and Switzerland. I won't have regular cellphone and internet service, but this will allow me to send "OK" messages to my family with my GPS coordinates. I do pretty basic hiking/backpacking/climbing. If I were doing some more serious mountaineering, I'd probably go with a different PLB, but I think that this will serve it's purpose, and the price is right. Over all, this is a great product.
excellent device & service at acceptable price February 7, 2010
eTch (Cucuta, Colombia)
well, I purchased Spot cause I was looking for a tracker capable to transmitt your position virtually verywhere, unlike GPRS based trackers that only work where GSM coverage available.
I have tested the device for a couple of weeks The results of the testing are as follows:
The device is pretty relyable, unless you are in urban environment: in this case, percentage of successful transmissions is pretty low (according my testing), due to low visibility of the sky & contaminated radio spectrum...
However, the primary goal of the device is to be able to transmitt a distress call when you out of reach & no other way to communicate..
Field tests (out of the city) showed very good results.
Keep in mind that you should try to have clear sky view in order to obtain a succesful transmission..
the device itself is very well made: water & shock proof. simple to use.
I beleive it is a good choice for a person who whish spend time far from "civilization" & need a possibility to request help, in case of emergency.
Excellent device
 Does not deliver January 19, 2010
Bill Mcblaine
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
It was with much eagerness that I plopped down $250 for the SPOT and the service. I participate in and lead various outdoor activities year-round. I thought it would be a good fall-back safety item for groups of 40 people I lead in a hike program if something went terribly wrong. I also thought it would be fun/useful for my personal trips to send messages and track my routes.
I was very dissapointed to discover that this unit is the ultimate of NOT user friendly and more often than not does not locate a satelite in a reasonable time and usually does not actually send a message. The user interface is awful (how can that be when it is so simple). No feedback to know the status of messages you have attempted to send in any meaningful way.
I know that they have "fixed" these problems with the 2nd generation. Oh wait... the 2nd generation ones have been recalled. Oops.
Bottom line, don't count on a satisfying user experience. If you are in dire straights, it will ultimately get a signal out... hopefully. Does not deliver on it's advertised features.
Maybe the 3rd generation. Note that they are now partnering with Magellon with a GPS device that will use a spot device as a satellite uplink.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 97
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