SPOT Gen3

Personal Locator Beacon

Product Review

SPOT Gen3 - The Must-have Safety Gadget For All Adventurers

We were recently sent a Spot Gen3 Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) by SPOT to review. Let me start by saying, we are so glad they did! A PLB has been an item of technology we have been looking at adding to our kit for quite some time but were never sure how to navigate the world of safety devices like these. The myriad of specifications and complicated pricing structures seem to be endless. There was probably also a degree of fear of making a mistake with a PLB which would result in crashing out the worlds rescue services, that wouldn't be good at all! After using the Spot Gen3 on a number of adventures throughout Scotland, those fears have truly vanished, a new confidence and understanding of this kit has appeared in place of that fear. It’s actually made the whole experience of finding adventure even more enjoyable. We’ll talk about the psychology of it a little later….

We had recently attended a talk where a mountain rescue team was presenting to like minded outdoor lovers such as ourselves. One of the key takeaways from the talk was how highly the speaker, one of Scotland’s most experienced Mountain Rescue Team Leaders, recommended such devices. He went on to say that you aren't only taking responsibility for your own safety but that of those who will come to your assistance. These kind of devices give MRT’s an exact fix on your position. This means they can come directly to you using the safest routes and minimising the time both you and they spend in that crisis situation, thus reducing the risk to the MRT’s. This was another reason for sealing the deal! That's it, we’re getting one! Oh, and a heart felt thank you to all Mountain Rescues Teams across the country!

It’s always a little daunting to be given a new item of technology/kit, particularly for those that find this kind of technology a little intimidating. What we aim to demonstrate in this review is that the Spot Gen3 isn't a complicated tool to set up and use, and don’t worry, you aren’t going to crash out the worlds rescue services by accident.

Once again, we only review products that we genuinely feel are going to be beneficial to the OTATScotland community. The SPOT Gen3 is without doubt one of those products.

Okay, lets get started…

What does a Spot Gen3 PLB actually do

Now, we aren’t going to get all technical here, that only confuses people, well it would me! We will however give you a basic overview of what a PLB does. Its important you know what’s actually behind that fee you are about to put aside.

A Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) is a personal electronic transmitter used to alert rescuers that there has been a life threatening situation. It gives you a critical, life-saving line of communication when you travel beyond the boundaries of mobile phone service areas, of which we have many in Scotland. The Spot Gen3 has a few other options that will let family and friends know you're okay, or if the worst should happen, sends emergency responders your GPS location - all with the push of a button.

The SPOT Gen3

SPOT is a wholly owned subsidiary of Globalstar and leader in satellite messaging and emergency notification technologies. They have an award-winning SPOT product line that provides an affordable and vital line of communication with friends, family and emergency assistance on any adventure, from packrafting to hiking, and from snowboarding to cycling.

The Gen3 is a rugged, pocket-sized communications device. Its GPS tracking feature automatically updates the user’s location on Google Maps, Twitter and Facebook.

SPOT Gen3 features:

Users can pre-set SPOT Gen3 to send messages that track their journey with options to send every 2½, 5, 10, 30, or 60 minutes.

Motion-Activated Tracking - SPOT Gen3 sends tracking messages at a chosen rate for as long as the device is turned on and moving. SPOT Gen3 goes into hibernation and is reactivated automatically once movement is detected.

Long Battery Life – Power options include 4 x AAA Energizer Ultimate Lithium 8 x batteries (L92), 4 x AAA Energizer NiMH rechargeable batteries (NH12), or Line Power with a 5v USB connection. Also, it can be hardwired to a battery source. We’ve used the device extensively on our adventures for six weeks now and the battery low warning hasn't appeared to date.

The SPOT App allows users to view their SPOT messages and shows track points. We used this once just to test it out but wasn't something we normally see us using. However, there’s also a social media sharing option which can post to our Facebook page so the community can follow our current adventure. Pretty cool, don't you think!

Setting up the SPOT Gen3

The set up process is actually very straight forward, even for those that are perhaps not so tech savvy, like myself at times! Essentially you login into the Spot Portal on their website and activate your account, register the device and then customise it to your preferences. From here you can enter the text/message you want to send to those who will receive your notifications. The email addresses and mobile telephone numbers of the receivers are also entered at this point. As a little confidence booster, we’d also suggest including your own contact details. When you do get a signal on your phone you will receive your own check ins and messages. This just confirms to you that the device is working.

Under the SOS tab you can enter as much detail about yourself and your nominated emergency contact as you are able. This gives the emergency services detail about you, your trip and your emergency contacts. Taking the time to complete this section properly really could make a difference if you do need to press the S.O.S button.

The only slightly awkward part the process is that you need to download the Spot Device Updater software to update the device if you make any changes to your contacts or messages. You then need to connect the device to your laptop to transfer the changes. Its not actually that much of a problem and only takes a few minutes.

A real bonus is that if you are using the SPOT Gen3 as a group or in a club structure the details of the primary user and their contacts at home can be changed, and very easily updated. It’s another option for making the device more versatile for group and clubs users.

Below you can see the set up screens that you will be working with.

Now that you have configured the device you are now ready to go. However, we would suggest giving the device a test before you do go. It may take slightly longer to send massages on the first test while it finds it location and works its wizardry. What we found was after the first test the transmission time was a lot shorter. Also don’t forget, the device needs to see the sky so get out in the garden. You can test all the buttons, EXCEPT ONE !! Yes, you guessed it. Don't test the S.O.S. button! If you do, its likely that you may receive a strange phone call or a knock at the door, or worse, find a Coastguard helicopter hovering above your house stripping the roof tiles from it!

With the push of a button, SPOT users can:

· Check In - let friends and family know you are okay. Configure the message anyway you like.

· Message - send custom messages to family and friends, this is where we normally let people know we are at out campsite or Hamish.

· Help/Assistance - transmits a message to your family and friends that you are in need of help but the situation is under control.

· S.O.S Alert for rescue - transmits an SOS notification with GPS location to GEOS International Emergency Response Coordination Centre (IERCC).

Here’s a very quirky little film to explain it all better…

Import Tip - Your Emergency Contacts

Now, it’s all well and good sending your family and friends notifications that you are okay, all is good, etc. But, lets say whilst in the NW Highlands traveling to your favourite mountains, you've been lucky enough to get a flat tyre. Whilst attempting to change the wheel, the wrench has failed! There’s no mobile telephone signal and there’s no help! You decide to press the HELP button on your SPOT Gen3 as its not really a life or death situation but you need assistance. Your family get the message, what do they do next !?!

Its really important that you write out a plan of action for those on the receiving end of your messages. Show them how to open the link that SPOT will send so they can see where you are. It may be that the message receiver will need to come to your assistance, or you may want to have them call the local police on the non emergency number 101, or a friend that lives nearer to where you are stranded. What you don't want is them declaring an emergency, you can do that if for any reason the situation deteriorates by pressing the S.O.S button.

So what’s the cost

Some will say that these devices are an expensive gadget but from our perspective the €145.53 (excl VAT) one off cost for the device and the annual service plan that's also required is a good package for the level of service that we want. Click here for more details.

Not for everyone, we do understand that, but for us this represents good value, an insignificant amount given that it’s a potential life saver. It also gives that psychological confidence boost for both you and your family knowing that if the worst were to happen you have a reliable means of summoning help. If you have to use it, lets hope not, even once to get help to you, we’d suggest that it’s now suddenly become worth every penny!

If cost is an issue you may be able to spread the cost. If you and a group go out regularly why not split the cost between the group, that then makes it even more affordable. If you are a solo adventurer then its really down to how frequent you are out and what you can afford. The cost of a couple of posh nights out these days will pay for it so maybe you want to forgo a couple!

Spot satellite coverage spans the world, so you aren't just limited to Scotland. See details HERE.

(Note: all prices approximate only, actual prices set by dealers)

For more information on SPOT Gen3, service plans, a list of dealers and retailers carrying SPOT products, visit www.findmespot.eu

Psychology of a PLB

We have to say that we will now always carry a SPOT Gen3 PLB, especially if one of us is on a solo adventure, which can be often. I know that Mrs O has greatly appreciated the continual updates that she receives from me when I’m on a solo adventure. “Its actually good that I can forget about you when your away in knowledge that you can ask for help if you need it” said Mrs O. I’m not sure how to take that but never mind, so long as she isn't worrying!

Most of us head to the outdoors in order to escape the city, and like nothing better than to see the lights on your mobile phone fade to OFF. One of the plus points for us is that the Spot Gen3 is a one-way communications device, you can send but not receive. There are many other two-way PLB’s on the market but I have to ask, do you really want another way for the world to get in touch when your mind is firmly in the wilderness zone, I think not!

Psychologically, we have began enjoying our adventures even more now that everyone around us knows what’s going on and that we are safe. They aren't worrying and neither are we!

A Scottish Rescue using SPOT - The first documented rescue initiated by SPOT in Europe

Remote Lone-Walker Saved by RAF In Scottish Highlands

May 2008 - Technology triumphed over adversity in the great outdoors when an outdoor adventurer was rescued from remote Scottish Highlands after using SPOT, the World’s first satellite messenger system, to alert emergency services. Read more HERE.

This is the first documented rescue initiated by SPOT in Europe after its release just two months earlier. “I only bought SPOT last month and already it has proven to be an extremely useful purchase,” said Niels. “From now on, I will never go on an adventure without it.”

Our final thoughts

We haven’t gone into comparing the Spot Gen3 with other PLB’s on the market, nor have we submerged ourselves in the nuts and bolts of the SPOT Gen3, we haven't felt the need to. For what we want, which is a fuss free option to summon urgent help, reassure friends and family and summon non urgent help if required, the Spot Gen3 is more than adequate. In actual fact its a perfect addition to our emergency equipment that takes up no space and weighs virtually nothing. It’s not an item that needs constant tender lovely care, it just sits and does what SPOT says it does.

For some, it may not be ideal that you have an annual subscription, particularly if you go out once every 6 months but if you are a regular user of our great Scottish outdoors or anywhere in the world for that matter, then we believe the potential benefits far outweigh the costs. The outcome of that analysis is absolutely obvious.

If what you require is a good, robust, simple to use PLB at a reasonable price point then we would suggest taking a closer look at the SPOT Gen3. This is a tried and very well tested product that has initiated over 6000 rescues since coming to the market. SPOT customers are currently initiating nearly two rescues a day and with winter on its way I’m pretty sure that number will rise.

If further confirmation were required you only have to look at the number of professional organisations that are using the SPOT Gen3 PLB, I was on a course recently at Glenmore Lodge, Scotland’s National Outdoor Training Centre, they were using the Spot Gen3.

The Spot Gen3 has now been added to our kit for all our adventures.

We hope this review has been helpful to you and wish you Safe Adventures in Scotland and elsewhere!

Contact
Globalstar Europe Satellite Services Ltd.
Unit 10, The Hyde Building
The Park
Carrickmines
Dublin 18
Ireland
eusales@findmespot.com

To find out more about the SPOT Gen3 and its other products you can check out the website here: www.findmespot.eu/en

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