Rent a SPOT GPS Personal Tracker & Locator Beacon I left home about 35 years ago, but that doesn't mean my mother doesn't still worry about me when I go out on backpacking trips. Maybe in your case it's your spouse, or the employees at work that want to make sure you make it back in time to sign payroll checks. For their peace of mind, the SPOT Personal Satellite Messenger is just the thing.
SPOT is the only device of its kind, using the GPS satellite network to acquire your current latitude and longitude coordinates, and then sending its location with a link to Google Maps that can be viewed by your designated friends and family. SPOT also has the capability sending pre-programmed message via a commercial satellite network to any email or text message recipient you setup before you leave. SPOT can identify and relay your location and programmed messages from nearly anywhere in the world (some places better than others, so always let us know what country you plan to be traveling in before you order).
SPOT is much more flexible than so-called Personal Locator Beacons, and works even when cell phone coverage is long-lost. From the trail or other adventure:
You can send a simple periodic "Check in" message to a list of SMS and email contacts at any time of your choosing.
You can have it automatically send "Track progress" position updates every ten minutes that can be viewed on a map through any Web browser. Most of our SPOT units have this feature activated, however, a few don't. This service must be requested and will be based on availability. We'll let you know if it isn't available if you've requested it before we ship your order!
You can send a "Help" message for less than life-threatening situations to a second list of SMS and email contacts, perhaps requesting them to contact you or send less urgent assistance.
And if your life is threatened, there's a "911" feature that will call a Emergency Response Center. 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. Once a distress message is activated on SPOT, emergency responders are notified which may include local police, highway patrol, the Coast Guard, our country’s embassy or consulate, or other emergency response or search and rescue teams – as well as notifying your emergency contact person(s) about the receipt of a distress signal.
Once rented, we walk you through the online setup to establish your messages and contact list - it only takes a few minutes, however we encourage you to plan ahead as you probably won't be able to reach us on the weekends or after hours! We also give you the online access instructions so your friends and family can track your progress as you travel.
We think it's a great idea and nifty little device, but there are a couple of important considerations before you go out with it:
Since it works off of satellite signals, reception and transmission can be affected by terrain, overhead coverage, and the then-location of satellites - fall in a mine or cave, for example, and SPOT probably won't be much help. It will keep trying however. SPOT will not protect you from risky or stupid choices.
It runs off of AA lithium batteries, that we don't supply - we want you to buy your own to make sure you have the best you want to buy.
Our experiences and those of our customers with it have been successful - everyone has always made it back alive - but there are no guarantees that it will work in all cases and it is no substitute for careful planning, common sense, and a good map and compass.
If you push the 911 button to be rescued, you are responsible for all related costs of that effort.
For more information, see the manufacturer's web site.
Rental package includes the unit, operating manual, instructions for contact setups and location monitoring. There are no service subscriptions or other additional fees you have to pay to fully utilize its features.
Be sure to call us to ask any questions about this great peace-of-mind asset for your loved ones.
