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Tim Cheek
(hikerfan4sure) - MLife
SPOT Satellite Personal Messenger on 03/04/2009 18:42:34 MST Print View

Does anybody know if they are getting ready to come out with an upgraded version before the summer hiking season?

I ask because Spot is being offered through REI with a $25.00 rebate (with activation) now.

http://www.rei.com/pdf/rebates/SPOT_25_Rebate_Form.pdf
Greg Mihalik
(greg23) - M

Locale: Colorado
Re: SPOT Satellite Personal Messenger on 03/04/2009 19:25:11 MST Print View

A gentleman did a rim-to-rim-to-rim run last fall and carried SPOT.

30 out of 198 "tracking" signals got through.
9 out of 33 "I'm OK" signals got through.

Granted he wasn't in one place long for the OK's, but he was aware of the protocols.

Know where you intend to use it and what to expect.
Bob Kiley
(Wuleebear) - F

Locale: Mtn's of Western North Carolina
I Wouldn't Bet My Life On It on 03/04/2009 19:37:59 MST Print View

I don't have any info on improvements and/or upgrades to the service. But my experience during the past year in in the North Georgia Mountains has been hit or miss at best. OK signals are being received at about a 50% rate and the location info almost zero. In short, when this forest project is complete, I don't plan to ever use a SPOT again Period...
Greg Mihalik
(greg23) - M

Locale: Colorado
Re: I Wouldn't Bet My Life On It on 03/04/2009 19:45:25 MST Print View

The ACR MicroFix is the same cost over 5 years, and it has the added benefit of actually working.

It can be found at REI here.

Edited by greg23 on 03/04/2009 19:52:34 MST.
John Shannon
(jshann) - F

Locale: Texas
Re: SPOT Satellite Personal Messenger on 03/04/2009 20:19:02 MST Print View

McMurdo is coming out in the spring with new PLB's in the 5 oz range and 200-300 bucks.
Brad Fisher
(wufpackfn) - M

Locale: NC/TN/VA Mountains
Re: Re: SPOT Satellite Personal Messenger on 03/04/2009 20:38:56 MST Print View

I was just checking these out online when I noticed this post concerning the SPOT. I have been debating whether to buy a SPOT or PLB for my solo hiking. The SPOT is nice for sending ok messages to update the family, but what good is it if you can't depend on it. I think I will opt for the new PLB given the price, weight and dependability.

Looks like $299 for the 5.3 oz 210 unit that has built in GPS. The sole US supply to date is Revere Supply out of Jacksonville, FL. They don't appear to have an online store, so it looks like the old fashion order by phone.
Greg Mihalik
(greg23) - M

Locale: Colorado
Re: SPOT Personal Messenger or McMurdo FastFix on 03/04/2009 20:44:50 MST Print View

John,
Thanks for the heads up.

I found the FastFix 210 for $283 + S&H Here.


Smaller and less expensive that the MicroFix.

Edited by greg23 on 03/04/2009 20:56:35 MST.
John Shannon
(jshann) - F

Locale: Texas
Re: Re: SPOT Personal Messenger or McMurdo FastFix on 03/04/2009 21:12:07 MST Print View

I see several places on google that appear to be selling the McMurdo FastFind 210. No reviews have been performed that I know of.

http://www.equipped.org/blog/?p=105

http://www.fastfindplb.com/en/what_is_fast_find/fast_find_210.php
Seth Tanner
(sethtan) - F
oo on 03/04/2009 23:16:33 MST Print View

oo

Edited by sethtan on 04/06/2012 20:20:19 MDT.