Testing the GlobalStar Spot Messenger

[bvimatelot]

Originally Posted by sinbad7

Tony..
As you will see from the attched Globalstar-SPOT coverage map,the Indian Ocean is hardly covered at all and you were very lucky indeed to get through 6 out of 10 messages in that location. All this from 3 small AAA batteries is a miracle indeed.

While a message is underway,both the GPS and the email lights should be green.
If not successful the first time it will retransmit until successful provided the GPS light is green. When the message has been successfully transmitted,the green email light will extinguish. I agree it is inconvenient to sit watching the lights for confirmation but other,advanced methods of confirmation,for example being able to receive a receipt via bluetooth to a smartphone is possible from the SPOT CONNECT unit which will also show the transmitted position on the smartphones Google Map.

In my opinion,the SPOT units are little miracles in their own right,within the budget of most people.

Tore

Thanks, Tore and, yes, you're right - it looks like I was jolly lucky to get any messages out. Which, I suppose, re-emphasises that good as it is (and it really is!) - it aint a safety device so one should always carry the 406 epirb and not rely on the cavalry coming over the hill in response to a spot sos! tony

[sinbad7]

If some of you have failed to find the actual track details when viewing one of the many SPOT-Adventures,you have to click one of the small 'globes' in the little adventure window on the bottom right of the page. This will generate a result as folows: s/v Seasilk en route from Puerto Vallarta to San Diego via Cabo San Lucas - Sailing trip - Spot | SpotAdventures

When you are logged in as a SPOT user,you can also download the actual Tracking details of the adventure in .XML and .KML formats for later use in OpenCPN or your favourite navigation program. Download the attached .XML file of the example adventure above.

Tore

[zeehag]

my family loved spot-- they were concerned when i didnt check in for a day or two----so i know that when the lights are green the unit is functioning. when there is nothing green isnt, and if not sending, the only ge=reen light willbe the on button. the gps and email wont be green.

[sinbad7]

Here is a SPOT sailing adventure from the archipelago East of Stockholm in June 2011.
Saling Stockholm June 2011 - Sailing trip - Spot | SpotAdventures

See the same adventure below based on the downloaded .GPX tracks and
imported to OpenCPN,here displayed on a 'real' nautical chart.

The Route Manager of OpenCPN displays ALL the .GPX Track information.

Tore

[djambalawa]

Hi - from reading here it seems SPOT is more for using for a trip - IE not permanently tracking movements. I'd like to be able to keep a log of all my movements - eg I think it would be good to look back over a year and see how long you stayed in one place and how far you travelled and where automatically.

Am I right in assuming SPOT isn't quite for this (eg having batteries etc) - and if so are there any other solutions?

[sinbad7]

djambalawa..

First of all,there is no other reasonable alternative.
The cheapest, Spot Messenger,when used sparingly,sending only manual I'mOK
messages will last up to 7 months on batteries. Using tracking,which transmits your position to the LOS satellites every 10 min for 24 hours obviously shorten the battery life. A sensible combination of the two would be adviceable.

On the other hand,spending a little more at the onset,you could install the Spot Hug which is a dedicated marine version you can connect to the boat's power system. Additionally,you will also have 'asset protection' and 'anchor alarm' with this model. You will still have to re-set the tracking modus every 24 hours.

I am predicting that future marine versions will also have an outlet for connecting to a laptop,making use of its GPS,reporting your movements also on your on board laptop.

Tore

[Unicorn Dreams]

We plan on getting one when we shove off.

Figure it will give family peace of mind.

[zeehag]

Originally Posted by djambalawa

Hi - from reading here it seems SPOT is more for using for a trip - IE not permanently tracking movements. I'd like to be able to keep a log of all my movements - eg I think it would be good to look back over a year and see how long you stayed in one place and how far you travelled and where automatically.

Am I right in assuming SPOT isn't quite for this (eg having batteries etc) - and if so are there any other solutions?

why wouldnt it be good for the application you desire??/ the track is savable and can be stored.....
my mommy doesnt like it when i leave anywhere without one......

[svHyLyte]

For what its worth, a SPOT in tracking mode in a little black mesh bag left inconspicuously on the shelf below the rear window of one's teenager's car is a very effect way of knowing when and where the little begger's been/is. BTDT

[zeehag]

Originally Posted by svHyLyte

For what its worth, a SPOT in tracking mode in a little black mesh bag left inconspicuously on the shelf below the rear window of one's teenager's car is a very effect way of knowing when and where the little begger's been/is. BTDT

oh you sneaky parent!!!!!!! i hope yer kid doesnt read this forum...lol...

[sinbad7]

Wives!!! Good for wayward husbands too,tucked away in the rear car window..

Unicorn Dreams #37 And when you do,don't forget to log in to Spot Adventure to share your dreams with others.

Tore

[svHyLyte]

Originally Posted by zeehag

oh you sneaky parent!!!!!!! ...

Yep... Works every time! Drives my daughter crazy that we always seem to know when and where she's been/is!!!

"You're where? BS, you're at Siesta Key Beach so don't give me any baloney!"

[sinbad7]

Unicorn Dreams..

You can see a great SPOT vido here:
http://yachtmarine.com/SPOTMARINE/SPOTMARINE.html


Tore

[sinbad7]

As a test of the SPOT Adventure module,I have reconstructed a holiday cruise I made
from Norway to the German Friesian Islands via the Kiel Canal.

Enjoy the voyage here: Holiday 2000 to the Friesian Islands - trip - Spot | SpotAdventures

I have also attached the downloaded track file in .GPX which can be imported directly to OpenCPN and other nav. progs.

Regards
Tore

[sinbad7]

And here is another Adventure collecting my newly purchased 60' alu. motor yacht from Cuxhaven,Germany to Kristiansand,Norway in December 2000.

Amazing what you can do with the SPOT Adventure module:
Collection of m.s. Eight Bells from Cuxhaven - trip - Spot | SpotAdventures

Enjoy!

Tore