Ahoy, Globalstar Spot Users Worldwide

[sinbad7]

I would like to set up a spesial area here for the thousands of Globalstar SPOT users around the world as a way to explore and develope the use of this unique and affordable satellite locating facility.

I invite all present and future SPOT users to take part in information exchanges and presentation of their cruising experiences with SPOT units.

Have a look at one of the possibilities:
YACHTMARINE - SPOT MARINE

Welcome aboard!

Tore

[svHyLyte]

It's been done already. See "Spot Adventures"

[sinbad7]

SvHyLyte..

You're obviously not up to date,their forum was never activated.

Tore

[Littlechay]

Despite claims, neither globalstar phones or the SPOT system are global. They cover the coasts of most continents but not the oceanic areas.

[sinbad7]

Littlechay...

Why complain? It's the best we've got and cover most popular cruising areas except the Indian Ocean and the Pacific. AND,it's affordable!

Tore

[Littlechay]

I'm not complaining, but the fact is the system is not global as it doesn't cover the major oceans where people most need a tracking system to keep friends and family informed.

Why do you say it's all we've got ? There are a host of tracking systems out there.

Some are much more affordable, as in free. Such as the position reports sent via airmail.

I have experience with SPOT on several expeditions and found it lacking in reliability.

Sure it is a useful service but I don't see why cruisers who already have all the equipment they need installed would bother buying into SPOT.

Each to their own

[sinbad7]

OK,so you don't like SPOT.. you don't HAVE to use it.. the facts speak for themselves.
"Some like the daughter others the mother!!"

At an initial equipment cost of around 100 dollars,followed by an ANNUAL 100 dollars connection fee,it will not break anybody's bank account.

Again,take a look at the coverage map in my #5 posting.

Tore

[sinbad7]

I am presently in discussion with a major satellite data provider to act as a bridge between the Globalstar database,making the data readable in OCPN via internet. I am hopeful that the data also can be made available anywhere in the world via Iridium sat.telephones.

Yachts equipped with SPOT equipment and a set 'public page' would then also be seen by other shipping,an important safety factor for those not equipped with AIS transponders.

Any SPOT users interested in our project,please upload your public access code here in
the format: 'glId=0OP6WRHv3e0VyLrarA29jrrCOAv8LbEJC and save the file as
'yourname'-SPOT.txt

Upload the file here: 4shared folder - GLOBALSTAR SPOT PUBLIC CODES

Tore

[sinbad7]

I have finally managed to find a program which collects and translates the Globalstar SPOT .xml data. It also saves the data permanently so you can go back later and view your trip. You can also download the trip data in .gpx format which you can import directly to OpenCPN using the Route Manager.

I have already provided services for yacht delivery companies and commercial charter companies allowing full control of their vessel's movements.

See example here delivering a catamaran from Florida to Colombia:
SpotWalla - Trip Viewer - JORDAN YACHTS

Any registered SPOT users can join our system for FREE by uploading their ESN number of their SPOT as well as the public page code key in this format:
''glId=0OP6WRHv3e0VyLrarA29jrrCOAv8LbEJC and save the file as 'yourname'-SPOT.txt

Upload the file here: 4shared folder - GLOBALSTAR SPOT PUBLIC CODES

Tore

[Bash]

Hey thanks, Tore. This will make the system far more valuable.

I take one of my classes on a ten-day sea kayak expedition each spring in the Sea of Cortez. I send a daily OK message back to the university, and before we leave I give the students the SPOT link so that they can let their parents/boyfriends/probation officers track their progress. But the students hate losing the trip data a week after they return home.

(I should add, parenthetically, that I only use SPOT as a back-up system to the satphone I carry throughout the expedition. Parents are warned not to freak out if SPOT stops transmitting, because in a real emergency they'll hear from our Campus Safety Services, who will have been notified via Iridium satellite phone.)

[sinbad7]

Re my #9 -SpotWalla.

I forgot to mention all the extra facilities available from the menu when you click
the 'Associated URL's' in the left box.

Have a look: Flash menu

Tore

[Hud3]

Originally Posted by sinbad7

I have finally managed to find a program which collects and translates the Globalstar SPOT .xml data. It also saves the data permanently so you can go back later and view your trip. You can also download the trip data in .gpx format which you can import directly to OpenCPN using the Route Manager...

As a side note, you can also open GPX files with Google Earth to see the track displayed on GE's aerial photo images.

[sinbad7]

HUD3..

Exactly,you can download the track in .GPX .KML and .CSV formats but best of all in my opinion is that the .GPX tracks are fully compatible with OpenCPN.

Tore

[sinbad7]

Re my # 11

A whole new range of services are now conveniently available through the SpotWalla's 'Associated URL's' link shown below.

You can view web albums with photos of track locations and even videos.
There is a special album with detailed harbor plans in GE format,weather information,
and even a display of AIS traffic in your area.

See a LIVE example of a delivery trip from Florida to Colombia:
SpotWalla - Trip Viewer - JORDAN YACHTS

SpotWalla ads a totally new dimension to your SPOT device!

Tore

[sinbad7]

Re my # 14..

Please note you can now link direct from OpenCPN to SpotWalla and the 'Associated URL's Meny via the 'Additional information' facility you can create with the Route Manager in OCPN.

Using the dual screen facility,you can conveniently switch between SpotWalla and OCPN. I look forward to further developments in SpotWalla.

Tore