SPOT Satellite Messenger
Encyclopedia
The SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger is a Satellite Emergency Notification Device
or SEND, designed to be carried into remote locations where the user may require emergency assistance. Spot LLC
is a subsidiary of Globalstar Inc.
Since November 2007, Spot LLC reports there have been over 800 rescues in 51 countries where SPOT has helped initiate the rescue.
to a Globalstar satellite. However, placing the device in a pocket, vehicle, under tree cover, or among tall buildings may prevent a message from being received. The device will repeat transmission of its emergency messages at predefined interval until the user cancels the emergency, turns off the device, or until the batteries run out.
Messages are sent to email addresses specified by the account holder, and optionally to SMS
messages within the USA and Australia
(other countries unverified). The descriptive text of the various messages can be customised by the account holder.
Battery life:Power on, unused: Approx. 1 year. SPOTcasting tracking mode: Approx. 14 days. 911 mode: Up to 7 consecutive days. SPOTcheck OK/√: 1900 messages.
An optional $50 service allows others to track a SPOT device's progress on Google Maps for a year. There is also an optional $12.95 per year insurance plan which SPOT recommends to cover private search and rescue
costs, such as helicopter
extraction, up to $100,000 (will cover up to $50,000 per event, and up to 2 events), this service is provided by Travel Safety Group.
Satellite Emergency Notification Device
A Satellite Emergency Notification Device or SEND is a portable emergency notification and locating device which uses commercial satellite systems rather than the COSPAS-SARSAT satellite system. An example of one such device is SPOT....
or SEND, designed to be carried into remote locations where the user may require emergency assistance. Spot LLC
Spot LLC
-Overview/History:In August 2007, Spot LLC announced the introduction of the SPOT Personal Tracker product, the world’s first satellite GPS messenger, to be marketed through its latest subsidiary SPOT, Inc., later named Spot LLC...
is a subsidiary of Globalstar Inc.
Globalstar
Globalstar is a low Earth orbit satellite constellation for satellite phone and low-speed data communications, somewhat similar to the Iridium satellite constellation and Orbcomm satellite systems.-History:...
Since November 2007, Spot LLC reports there have been over 800 rescues in 51 countries where SPOT has helped initiate the rescue.
How it works
To determine its location, the SPOT device has a built-in GPS chip and antenna. The Globalstar satellite network is then used for one-way transmission of all messages including location. The device can work anywhere in the world the device has a line-of-sightLine-of-sight propagation
Line-of-sight propagation refers to electro-magnetic radiation or acoustic wave propagation. Electromagnetic transmission includes light emissions traveling in a straight line...
to a Globalstar satellite. However, placing the device in a pocket, vehicle, under tree cover, or among tall buildings may prevent a message from being received. The device will repeat transmission of its emergency messages at predefined interval until the user cancels the emergency, turns off the device, or until the batteries run out.
Features
Features of SPOT include:- SOS, Notifies the GEOS IERCC of your SOS Message activation with GPS location (if available).
- Help, to request help from pre-defined contact(s) such as family or friends
- Check-in/OK, to transmit a message to let pre-defined contact(s) know where you are and that you are OK
- Track Progress, to periodically transmit and save the device's location for viewing on Google MapsGoogle MapsGoogle Maps is a web mapping service application and technology provided by Google, free , that powers many map-based services, including the Google Maps website, Google Ride Finder, Google Transit, and maps embedded on third-party websites via the Google Maps API...
. This requires the account holder to have purchased the optional continuous tracking subscription. - SPOT Assist, SPOT Assist provides satellite-based notification to third party professional service providers to help ensure a user's safety on land or water - at the push of a button.
- Custom Message, a pre-programmed custom message and GPS location can be sent to a user's contacts as a secondary Check-in/OK message or requesting for non-emergency help.
Messages are sent to email addresses specified by the account holder, and optionally to SMS
SMS
SMS is a form of text messaging communication on phones and mobile phones. The terms SMS or sms may also refer to:- Computer hardware :...
messages within the USA and Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
(other countries unverified). The descriptive text of the various messages can be customised by the account holder.
Battery life:Power on, unused: Approx. 1 year. SPOTcasting tracking mode: Approx. 14 days. 911 mode: Up to 7 consecutive days. SPOTcheck OK/√: 1900 messages.
Service plans
In addition to purchasing the device, a user of SPOT must subscribe to a service plan. As of January 2009, the device typically sells for $149 and a one year service plan is $100 (all prices in USD). The tracking function can be purchased for an additional $50 a year. Roadside Assistance can be purchased for an additional $29 a year.An optional $50 service allows others to track a SPOT device's progress on Google Maps for a year. There is also an optional $12.95 per year insurance plan which SPOT recommends to cover private search and rescue
Search and rescue
Search and rescue is the search for and provision of aid to people who are in distress or imminent danger.The general field of search and rescue includes many specialty sub-fields, mostly based upon terrain considerations...
costs, such as helicopter
Helicopter
A helicopter is a type of rotorcraft in which lift and thrust are supplied by one or more engine-driven rotors. This allows the helicopter to take off and land vertically, to hover, and to fly forwards, backwards, and laterally...
extraction, up to $100,000 (will cover up to $50,000 per event, and up to 2 events), this service is provided by Travel Safety Group.
External links
- FindMeSpot.com official product home page