I sent this out to some friends, but thought I'd throw it out to the forums for discussion. Anyone have first hand knowledge of these SPOT PLB/satellite messengers? Matt

So, I just got my resQfix personal locator beacon this summer and I saw in the Idaho Aviation news letter about a new PLB that would give you the capability, not only to call for emergent help, but to send a message to family/friends/whomever you designate, that "I'm okay and here's where I am". I couldn't find any true PLBs with this, but globalstar has the SPOT that seems to do the trick. At $150 (170-$20 rebate) plus $100/yr service fee it doesn't seem bad compared to my ResQfix PLB for $550. I was concerned that it uses the globalstar satellites to SEND messages, as they have notoriously poor connectivity with dropped calls, etc. (the reason I got the PLB instead of a sat phone). When you think about it, though, this may be less of a problem because you are basically sending a short text message as opposed to a streaming voice conversation. Certainly a way for GlobalStar to make the best of their broken system. Unlike the PLBs, the message may not be sent instantly with an expected "99% success of sending a message within 20 minutes" in the prime coverage areas. It appears that even the 911 message goes through the global star system. I would be happier (and carry this and not the PLB) if the emergeny alert went through the SARSAT system - maybe the case with the next model? For the cost though, it would be worth it to keep the wife informed and happy when I'm late getting back or stuck overnight in the cold - but that would never happen to me, right?

http://www.findmespot.com/explorespot/s ... enger.aspx

http://www.globalcomsatphone.com/manual ... _guide.pdf

My first thoughts for upgrade would be:
1. Send the "911" page through the same 406 mHZ SARSAT system as the PLBs
2. The unit has a GPS and AA batteries (easy to replace) - so put a screen on it, even simple lat/long so it can be used as a GPS and you don't have to carry another thing while hiking/backpacking.
3. The keys don't look like there is any protection/lock to keep you from hitting that 911 key. More false alerts means less system validity.

Found this review that seems to support my concerns that this is more of a gadget than a true beacon.

http://www.equipped.com/SPOT_ORSummer2007.htm

There was a discussion recently about the SPOT. Rob Hunter was evaluating it. Anyone know what the concensus was on this vs a PLB? My wife is possibly getting me a PLB for Christmas.

While the thought of being able to send a "Here I am" message at will would be nice, the primary goal for me is a reliable distress signal if things go wrong with a timely response. What are all of your preferences?

Grassstrippilot wrote:the primary goal for me is a reliable distress signal if things go wrong with a timely response.

That pretty much covers mine