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SPOT

Overview
The SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger is a revolutionary device and service combinations.  They have built-in GPSs and use 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.

International Orders
I'm sorry, but SPOT has made me promise to sell SPOT units only to customers inside the USA.  I can ship only to addresses in the USA.

SPOT Basic Service Comparison / Overview

SPOT Additional Services Overview

SPOT Service Gift Certificates
A customer recently asked me about the possibility of buying gift certificates for the SPOT service so he can give his friends and family SPOT units and they won't need to pay for the 1st year of service.  SPOT just announced SPOT Service Certificates which are perfect for those that want to give a SPOT as a gift.  You still order the SPOT unit from this page, but order the SPOT Service Certificate here:
http://www.findmespot.com/shop/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=3

RAM Cradles for SPOT-1, SPOT-2 and SPOT Connect
RAM has created very nice, low cost and rugged mounting cradles for the SPOT-1 and SPOT-2 and SPOT Connect.  They are compatible with all RAM mounting arms and suction cup mounts.  You can see details here:  RAM-HOL-SPO1U and RAM-HOL-SPO2U and RAM-HOL-SPO3U.

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

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 $12.95/year.  Details on the service options are available here: Basic Service and Additional Services.  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.

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
   
• Custom Message - "I am back home after a successful and safe flight."

SPOT features four key functions that enable users to send messages to friends, family or emergency responders, based upon varying levels of need:

• 
  SOS / 911
  Use this function In the event of a life threatening or other critical emergency to notify emergency services of your GPS 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.
   

• 
  Help
  In the event of a non-life threatening emergency, you can use this function to notify your personal contacts that you need assistance. Additional SPOT Assist services can be purchased and programmed to your Help button as well. When activated with SPOT Assist, the Help button will notify professional services either on the land or water. SPOT has partnered with national service providers to offer non-life threatening assistance.
   

• 
  Check-in/OK
  This feature allows you to let your friends and family know that all is OK with a pre-programmed message along with your GPS location. With a push of a button a message is sent via email or SMS to up to 10 pre-determined contacts and your waypoint is stored in your SPOT account for later reference. Your stored waypoints can be easily integrated into a SPOT Shared Page or SPOT Adventure account.
   

• 
  Custom Message
  This feature allows you to let your friends and family now receive a custom message along with your GPS location with a push of a button. Use this feature as a secondary OK message or transfer your personal help alert to this message function if you are using a SPOT Assist service on your Help button.  At a soaring contest most pilots used this button to send the message "I am back home after a successful and safe flight.".
   

• 
  Track Progress
  This feature allows you to send and save your location and allow contacts to track your progress in near real time using Google Maps. With your SPOT account you have the ability to set up a SPOT Shared Page which allows you to show your SPOT GPS locations to others on a Google Map.

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. 
Click on the small images to view larger versions.

Part #	Description	Photo Click on image to view larger version	Price	Lead-time
SPOT-2	SPOT 2 Satellite Messenger The SPOT-2 uses the same service as the original SPOT units but offers some very nice new features.  It is 30% smaller, 30% lighter, has a better GPS engine, and an improved user interface.  To me the best feature is the new Track button and light.  In the first version it was sometimes not easy to get tracking working and there was no indication whether or not the unit was in track mode.  That is solved in this new SPOT 2 version. The other major improvement is called "Tracking Message Queuing".  SPOT 2 now sends the current tracking location and the previous two locations in every tracking data burst (three bursts every 10 minutes). Thus, if the system doesn’t receive a few of those tracking data bursts, for whatever reasons, it can recover to a degree. You can see details in the document below. SPOT2_spec_sheet.pdf SPOT2-UsersGuide SPOT 2 Overview Video from AvWeb Included: SPOT 2 unit Armband case Not Included: The price does not include the annual service charges.		$99.95	In Stock
RAM-HOL-SPO1U	RAM Cradle for SPOT-1 Satellite Messenger Plastic cradle for SPOT-1 Satellite Messenger, Works with any RAM arm or suction cup mount. Note: This cradle is not compatible with the SPOT-2. Note: For optimum operation the SPOT-1 unit should be mounted so the logo on the front of the unit is pointed straight up with the unit lying flat on its back.		$11.95	In Stock
RAM-HOL-SPO2U	RAM Cradle for SPOT-2 Satellite Messenger Plastic cradle for SPOT-2 Satellite Messenger, Works with any RAM arm or suction cup mount. Note: This cradle is not compatible with the SPOT-1. Note: For optimum operation the SPOT-2 unit should be mounted so the logo on the front of the unit is pointed straight up with the unit lying flat on its back.		$10.95	In Stock
RAM-HOL-SPO3U	Cradle for SPOT Connect Plastic cradle for SPOT Connect, Works with any RAM arm or suction cup mount. Note: This cradle is not compatible with the SPOT-1 or SPOT-2. Note: For optimum operation the SPOT Connect unit should be mounted so the logo on the front of the unit is pointed straight up with the unit lying flat on its back.		$12.95	In Stock