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Communications Connecting - internet cafes, laptops, smart phones - how to connect, use, which one, and intercom/radio systems.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



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  #1  
Old 5 Sep 2015
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Spot Trace. Tracker
Hello to all,
I am thinking about buying the "Spot Trace" tracker, as I like the idea of real time tracking for peace of mind for the family, when on the road etc.

I would be interested in hearing from anyone using these, are they worth it etc.

Ed

Ed's 110 Adventures | Overland adventures in a Land Rover 110
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  #2  
Old 6 Sep 2015
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I used a Spot Gen3 tracker for my trip to India. I bought it on eBay for about half rrp - but don't forget you need to buy an annual contract on top of that so the purchase price isn't the be-all.

It worked as it should do - connected to Twitter and Facebook to keep friends up to date and kept an accurate track of the trip. Thankfully I didn't need to use the SOS function.

I kept it powered by a USB cable with batteries as back up. When running off batteries only, they would last about 3 days before running out (the led lights on the front warn you about this before they die). It would be better if the system charged up rechargeable batteries when plugged in to power - but alas.

Spot's own website only tracks signals for a few days (3i think) but by linking it up to Spotwallah you can track a whole trip like this https://spotwalla.com/tripViewer.php...f553379e71da81 (the straight line in the middle is because an accident in Turkey meant I flew to India to finish the trip).

Dave
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  #3  
Old 6 Sep 2015
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Spot trace
Thank you for the reply, much appreciated.

I am off to the Pyrenees in the Landy, next month, so I may treat myself !.

Ed
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  #4  
Old 6 Sep 2015
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Location: NSW Australia - but never there
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Delorme SE is also worth looking at because it has two-way messaging as well as verified tracking and SOS receipt.
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Tony
Click here for Travel Photos & Travel Map
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  #5  
Old 13 Sep 2015
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Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Germany
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Hi,

Delorme SE has some benefits of the spot, but is more expensive.

Two way messaging is a very nice feature, but also use of iridium satellites and working standalone are nice. Depending of what oyu do, and where you ride you have to decide if its worth the more money.

Martin
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  #6  
Old 13 Sep 2015
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Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Hungary
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same Spot Gen3 - I use it since 2 years, working reliable, can recommend.
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  #7  
Old 16 Oct 2015
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Decent device depending on your use for it.
I've used a spot trace for some equipment at work, and have had mixed results.
The purpose was to track vehicles in case of theft, and I set it us to notify me when there was movement on the vehicle. There were some false alarms which led me to drive out to work in the middle of the night to see that nothing had happened.
The nice part of it was that I could check locations of the vehicles if I wanted to.
The battery lasted a long time, but I had it set up at the longest interval level, so can't speak to it if the setting was for more track points.
This device is probably more useful for equipment tracking than for Adventure riding, with no SOS button. Good enough if you just want to have a way for someone to follow you.

For what it's worth.
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  #8  
Old 18 Nov 2015
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Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Denmark - Copenhagen
Posts: 305
Hi

We have just purchased a Delorme Inreach

It just seems better than the Spot, for us at least. Check it out.
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Peter Kongsbak
South East Asia, USA, Central and South America and Scandinavia.
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  #9  
Old 14 Jan 2016
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Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Lancashire, UK
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I've used Spot devices through most of their generations and they have been faultless. If you're travelling further afield , ensure you're in coverage as there are a few areas of the world without full coverage.

If you do get one, consider the insurance for rescue they offer with the subscription, as its very cheap for what is provided.


I'm involved in Search and Rescue and these are quite popular - and have been used to locate lost and injured people with success.

I set the buttons to message simply

"OK", "Get in touch - no rush", "Urgent" etc which go to a number of people when I'm away. This leaves the SOS button for when you really need it

I track using Spotwalla - seems fine !
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