The Spot Satellite Messenger GPS is a vital piece of kit to be added to your survival kit on any outdoor activity or camping trip.
This handheld device was introduced in Winter 2007 and has already shown to have helped in saving lives by helping to locate people at risk lost whilst hiking and mountaineering. The great thing about the spot device is that it will work even where mobile phones would not as it uses Satellites.
The Worlds First Satellite Messenger
The spot satellite messenger GPS is the only device that uses the GPS network to get your co-oridnates and then can send back a signal of your location and also sync up with Google maps.
Traditional GPS devices only get your location from the satellites but SPOT uses a dual satellite network which therefor allows this outward signal.
Spot GPS Functionality
As you can see from the image the SPOT device has 4 buttons and is able to send 3 types of messages.
The “OK” button is used to tell your friends and family that you are safe. This will then send out a virtual breadcrumb for the next 24 hours so that your close ones can track your every move on Google maps.
The “Help” button is used when you want some help from your friends and family. This would be used in non emergency situations. For the ok and help buttons the friends and family will be notified through pre assigned email addresses or through text messages to cell phones.
In emergency situations the messenger GPS has a “911″ button. This will transmit a signal to the private control center based in Houston and then from here they will notify the local search and rescue teams.
Spot Messenger GPS specifications
- Weight 7 ounces
- Powered by Google Maps
- Waterproof to depth of 1 meter for up to 30 minutes
- Operating Altitude -300 ft to +21,300 ft
- Operating Temperatures from -40 Fahrenheit to 185 Fahrenheit
- Battery Life of upto 1 year
- Costs about $150
- Subscription charge – yearly about $100
- Additional $50 for tracking functionality
Summary of the SPOT Satellite Messenger GPS
This is an essential piece of survival kit which is also rugged and light weight. The spot satellite messenger GPS is ideal for any outdoor enthusiasts which can include camping, hiking, climbing, skiing and many others.
The official website for SPOT can be found at www.findmespot.com
