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Name: dcheyette

Most Recent Reviews

I have been using the Spot Gen 3 tracker for one full year, after using the older version for almost 2 years. The new Gen 3 is a much improved communications device - the interface, the battery life, and the ease of use. I even think that it has better signaling capabilities than my older version. To be clear, I found the older model easy to use and I really liked it, if that tells you anything about the new version!

The Nitty Gritty:
5 types of signals - SOS, Help, Track, Custom, OK.
• SOS is an SOS message that goes to a GEOS command center where it is relayed to the relevant authorities.
• Help is customizable, meaning I can change what the message says. I currently have a message saying that I need non-urgent help.
• Tracking has been updated this year- You can choose the different intervals-5,10,30, or 60 minutes. There is also an optional 2.5 minute tracking option called "Extreme", but I don't paddle fast enough to justify the cost!

Both the Custom and Ok messages can say whatever you'd like as well.
I have the Ok message linked to both my facebook and blog, so that friends and family can see where I am. The map shows whichever messages you choose (I picked tracking and OK).

The battery life has been surprisingly excellent- during a 40 day expedition, sending tracking every hour and Ok messages every night, I only changed batteries once! Really impressive!

My final thought on the Spot Gen 3 is how easy it is to get a signal. I've been in deep fjords in Norway, and in pouring rain and heavy clouds off of Vancouver Island, and easily sent messages that went through on the first attempt.

I think that for peace of mind of loved ones and safety, this is a device that, if you ever need it, could easily save your life. I don't go boating without it anymore

I took the Spot Global Phone on a 40 day expedition circumnavigating Vancouver Island. Previously, I have used an Inmarsat Satellite phone. I won't be going back after trying out the SPOT phone.

The weight and size is phenomenally light. Previously it felt like and was about the size of a brick. The SPOT phone is the size of an older Nokia- not unwieldy at all. The antenna even cleverly collapses and rotates so that it stores flush with the body of the phone, for no excess size. The batteries are also light and small, so carrying spare rechargeable batteries isn't a drag at all.

The coverage of the phone was fantastic. Even surrounded by mountains and trees, it was reliable trying to find a satellite in the sky. Before I may have looked like a crazy person, trying to keep the antenna pointed towards where I thought a satellite may have been. Now, though, I can comfortably sit on the beach, knowing that I don't have to point right at it!

Finally, the call quality - it sounded just like a cell phone. Previously it was scratchy, muted, and cut in and out. I had no complaints from anyone on the other end at all - in fact, people commented on how good it sounded.

It isn't something I can afford to take everyday, but for big expeditions I think that being able to access weather and plan resupplies it is very helpful, and if we had any emergencies it would have been a lifesaver.