You mean these kinda spiders?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHzdsFiBbFc

There has been quite a bit of discussion about Spidertracks at www.supercub.org with some examples of tracking etc.... It looks like a very good tracking device and would be very useful for a commercial operation. I've had very good results with the Spot. I've had some missed reports when flying in tracking mode, but usually only when I have not had a good view of the southern sky (like when I'm flying northbound and I have the spot sitting on the dash with the plane blocking the southern sky). I don't rely on it, however.

Chris

The price differential between Spidertracks and Spot is substantial, like a couple thousand bucks. Spidertracks also requires ship's power, so won't work if you want to use it outside the plane. ANd, its a substantially larger box as well.

I haven't used the Spidertracks, I have used SPOT. The SPOT is a good ADJUNCT to other forms of flight planning, following, etc. It is no substitute, in my opinion, for a good PLB, however, but neither would the SPidertracks device.

I've had pretty good luck with SPOT, in tracking mode, and "I'm okay" mode, which is basically what I use it for. The 911 mode to me is irrelevant--I'll use the PLB for that, thanks.

MTV

An alternative to tracking that I haven't seen mentioned here requires a ham radio license and is initially more expensive than spot but has no monthly fees. Google APRS for lots of information. The following link sells a kit: http://www.bigredbee.com/blgps_2mhp.htm You can choose how often you update your position. Note that satellites are not used.

For those of you with any Android phone, an iPhone or a Blackberry there is an app for the phone called GPS Tracker that is free.

Spidertracks also has a $2K to get in the door. They're not likely to make much of a dent in these markets at that price point.

So, what exactly do you WANT for $150 a year? Frankly, at that price, I think SPOT does a pretty darn good job. Again, if you're relying on ANY of these devices as a full out SAR notification device, you are fooling yourself.

SPOT doesn't do too bad considering the price.

I agree that the Globalstar phone system sucks pond water, but at least in my experience, the SPOT seems to work okay on that system.



MTV

Jr.CubBuilder wrote:Not getting a tracking ping while flying in a northerly direction with the Spot makes it a waste of money for me.

Why not set it where it can see the sky when your flying north, and save yourself $2k??

My spot really does work great.. in all directions..

mtv wrote:
I agree that the Globalstar phone system sucks pond water, but at least in my experience, the SPOT seems to work okay on that system.



MTV

That's because it uses a different part of the satellite than the two way phone part. The one way messaging system is unaffected by the problems that plague the phone system. Mike, are you aware of anybody who activated the 911 button and then either didn't get rescued or had to wait way too long? So far I haven't heard of any bad experiences.

BM,

No, I haven't, and I suspect if that happened and they survived, you'd hear about it. Loudly and frequently..

Again, I guess it all depends on what you expect for $150 a year. Spend a few thousand dollars on a full out Automated Flight Following system, and hire someone to flight follow you on a computer 24/7, and you'll have some GREAT service....but at what cost?

I think the SPOT is actually a pretty good deal for the price point.

MTV