SPOT Satellite Messenger
Overview
The SPOT Satellite Messenger is a revolutionary device and service
combination. It has a built-in GPS and uses satellite phone
technology to send GPS position data to friends, family and/or emergency
rescue personnel in the event of an emergency. It can also send
"OK" or "Help Needed" messages via e-mail or mobile phone text messages.
By clicking on the link in the e-mail message your friends and family
can see exactly where you were when the message was sent on a Google map
web page. The unit can also automatically send position updates
every 10 minutes that can be viewed on Google maps when logged into the
SPOT user web site.
It may just save your life, or at the
very least, give your family peace of mind.
Special Discounted
Price on Tracking Service
The tracking service is usually a $50 option. There is a sale
going on now for 50% off that price. You pay for 6 months and get
6 months free. Use promo code "FATHER8" when activating your
service to receive the discount. The offer expires on December
31st, 2008. Details are available here:
http://www.findmespot.com/fathersday.aspx
Fantastic for Glider Pilots
The SPOT Satellite Messenger is a great way for glider pilots to let
their friends and loved ones know they are doing still in the air and
doing OK, or in need of a retrieve, or in need of rescue. If you
land out you simple press a button on the SPOT to send an e-mail or text
message too your crew's computer or cell phone which includes your exact
location. On a computer they can click on the link in the e-mail
and view your location on a Google map web page - which can even
generate driving directions to your location.
Recommendation from Motorglider Pilot
Eric Greenwell
"As a retired guy with a motorglider,
living 5 miles from the airport, in an area with good soaring
conditions, I frequently am the only glider flying. It doesn't take long
for me to be out of radio reach of our base station and modern cell
phones are unreliable in the air, so nobody knows where I am. My wife is
looking forward to our new SPOT showing her where I am, any time she
wants to stop by her computer. So, peace of mind for my wife, some
extra security for me, and a quicker, safer mission for search and
rescue if I go down. She does wish we had something like this 30
years ago, when I didn't have a motorglider and didn't get home almost
all the time!" - Eric Greenwell, Richland, Washington, USA
Watch the SPOT Video Tour
Brochure - Aviation
Brochure
New - Shared Pages
On April 23, 2008 Spot released a new feature for Spot users and their friends
and families. You can now create up to 10 Shared Pages which can each
display different information from your Spot or multiple Spot units (in the
same account). The pages can display OK, Help and track messages all on the
same page, or you can select any combination of those messages for display.
You can see an example Spot Shared Page here:
http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?&glId=0z3D1tp0Xv338LtJuTWSURW1EqBXDK6RI
Unfortunately, the feature does not make it possible to view Spot units from
multiple users on the same map. They plan to add that feature in a few
months. There are also several third party companies working on solutions
for displaying multiple Spot units from different user accounts on the same
map. I'm looking forward to seeing that because it will be fun to view all
the local soaring club glider positions on a single map.
Company Background
The SPOT Satellite Messenger, the world's first satellite messenger,
uses both the GPS satellite network to determine a customer's location
and the SPOT network to transmit that information to friends, family or
an emergency service center. SPOT Inc., a subsidiary of Globalstar,
Inc., (NASDAQ:GSAT) provides lifesaving communications technology that
allows users to communicate from remote locations around the globe.
Thanks to this affordable, cutting-edge personal safety device, the
company offers people unmatched peace of mind by allowing customers to
notify friends and family of their location and status, and to send for
emergency assistance in time of need, completely independent of cellular
phone or wireless coverage. For more information on how SPOT, Inc. is
helping users live to tell about it™ – from disaster preparedness to
outdoor adventure purposes – explore this web site.
Service Pricing
In addition to the cost of the hardware, customers must also buy a
yearly service package. The basic satellite service costs
$99/year. Most glider pilots will probably also get the "Track
Progress" option for an additional $49.99/year. There is also the
option to buy the GEOS Search and Rescue Benefit for only $7.95/year.
Details on the service options are available here:
Service Pricing. Service is setup using the
SPOT
"Manage My Service" web site once you have the SPOT unit in hand.
Worldwide Coverage
Click on the image below to view the latest coverage map.
How It Works
Example Messages
- e-mail - Check-in ("I'm OK")
Message from Paul Remde's SPOT Satellite Messenger. I'm OK - just
checking in.
ESN:0-7371817
Latitude:44.7496
Longitude:-93.3889
Nearest Location: Connely Pky, Savage, MN, US
Distance: 0 km(s)
Time:03/13/2008 04:24:17 (GMT)
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=44.7496,-93.3889&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1
- e-mail - Ask for Help ("I'm OK, but I
landed out")
This is a HELP message from Paul Remde's SPOT Satellite Messenger. I
have landed out. I'm OK but I need a retrieve.
ESN:0-7371817
Latitude:44.7495
Longitude:-93.389
Nearest Location: Connely Pky, Savage, MN, US
Distance: 0 km(s)
Time:03/13/2008 03:04:00 (GMT)
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=44.7495,-93.389&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1
- Mobile Phone Text Message - Check-in
("I'm OK")
Message from Paul Remde's SPOT Satellite Messenger. I'm OK -
just checking in.
Latitude: 44.7496
Longitude: -93.3889
Functional Specifications
SPOT features four key functions
that enable users to send messages to friends, family or emergency
responders, based upon varying levels of need:
-
Alert 9-1-1 – Dispatch
emergency responders to your exact location
-
Ask for Help – Request help
from friends and family in 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
Google Maps™
Small and Light
Size: 4.38 X 2.75 X 1.5” (111 mm x 69 mm x 44 mm)
Approximate Weight: 7.37 ounces (209 grams)
Coverage
SPOT works around the world, including virtually all of North America,
South America, Europe and Australia, Northern Africa and Northeastern Asia,
and hundreds or thousands of miles offshore of these areas. See coverage on
www.findmespot.com for maps and
current coverage.
Battery Life
Includes 2 AA lithium batteries; under normal usage a full battery
charge should meet or exceed the following
-
Power on, unused: Approx. 1 year
-
SPOTcasting tracking mode: Approx. 14 days
-
9-1-1 mode: Up to 7 consecutive days
-
SPOTcheck OK/√: 1900 messages
Operating Conditions
SPOT works around the world virtually anywhere
Operating Altitude: -300ft to +21,000ft
Floats in water
Waterproof to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes
Humidity Rated:
Salt Fog Rated
Vibration
Drop
Certifications
-
ROHS and WEEE compliant.
-
Certified to FCC and CE emissions, immunity and safety
regulations.
-
Meets FCC part 25 regulations, Canada type approval,
CISPR Publication 22 (1985 1st Edition), RTTE Directive (1999/EC), IEC
60950 safety standard, and European EMC Directive 89/336/EEC.
How to Order
To order a product, click on the
button next to the product.
When you are ready to complete your order, click on the
button.
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