Spot Tracker Again

[Wandering Star]

Help please! I'm a bit unsure which model of this Spot thingy I need to buy. They all appear to do what I want but do they really? There's Spot 2 and Spot Connect plus several different payment plans for each.

I already have an EPIRB with integral GPS and What I need is something to automatically put a splat on an online chart (Google Earth will do) at regular intervals. If there's SMS or email functionality that's good too though not essential. I dont want to spend much money as although I have a a 1000 mile passage to make very soon, that's all I've got planned for the foreseeable future so it'll probably remain unused for a year or two after this!

Any advice welcomed!

Cheers, Brian.

 

[Scillypete]

http://www.findmespot.eu/en/index.php?cid=101

This is the one I've got. I've had it for three years now having bought it fairly cheaply on ebay from someone who decided he didn't need it. I have it set up to send an ok message as text and email to SWMBO and also send the link to my facebook so friends can see where I am at. Although newer models do so much more I haven't yet felt the need to upgrade and the cost is so much more, for mine I just have the basic package. Very pleased with mine and what it does but nowhere near as pleased as SWMBO who loves the updates and knowing that I am safely trundling onwards. I usually do two checkins a day at twelve hour intervals, time them right when in a different time zone so as not to wake anyone in the middle of the night with the text notifications.

 

[nimbusgb]

http://www.findmespot.eu/en/index.php?cid=101

Same as mine. 1st generation, Works fine. I have the emergency alert and tracking.

https://spotwalla.com/tripViewer.php?id=65e5516ec476ecc67

Later versions allow sending custom text messages in addition to the tracking when used in concert with a mobile phone.

 

[Wandering Star]

Thanks Pete & Ian. Unfortunately no used Spots on eBay so I'm going to order from Amazon. Ian, that's a cracking fast boat you've got, all the way from Liechenstein to Greece in 2 days and in part, overland, those Benny's are built to take the rough with the smooth, you should try to get on the Admirals Cup team.

Cheers, Brian.

 

[testmonkey]

Thanks Pete & Ian. Unfortunately no used Spots on eBay so I'm going to order from Amazon.

I'd recommend getting a RAM mount for it as well http://www.rammount.com/newproducts/spotsatellitepersonaltrackerii/tabid/2357/default.aspx
mine is mounted to the bulkhead inside the cabin at companionway steps. Works great through the GRP deck, and hitting the OK button works from inside as well outside.

 

[Wandering Star]

I'd recommend getting a RAM mount for it as well http://www.rammount.com/newproducts/spotsatellitepersonaltrackerii/tabid/2357/default.aspx
mine is mounted to the bulkhead inside the cabin at companionway steps. Works great through the GRP deck, and hitting the OK button works from inside as well outside.

Thanks for the advice, have just ordered a new Spot 2 plus a RAM mount from Amazon.

Cheers, Brian.