Using SPOT Tracker in the Sahara

[Chris Scott]

I tested one of these on the recent trip in Algeria after participating in a discussion on GPS tracking devices elsewhere on the HUBB.
My conclusions here:
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...9-2#post326054

Short version: not as reliable as a phone call, (notice the big gaps on the map below) but less bother spreading the word back home when it works.

Ch

[twenty4seven]

I'm off to Morocco in a few weeks time with mine, so will report back on how it performed there on return or maybe during the trip if a get any internet access.

[Chris Scott]

One thing I see now re-reading the manual is that one should leave it transmitting for 20 mins after the 'flying envelope' flashes and the GPS light goes out. I never left mine on for more than a minute (assuming it had gone off) which might explain why some did not register. But those that did register were also on for only a minute.

I just lent mine to a bloke going back to Alg. Will see how he gets on doing the full 20.

Ch

[Roman]

Hi Chis,

I was wondering if that could be the reason for the problems you experienced on your trip, and now we know. It does take time to beam up your location, but once it's done, according to my findings during three trips, it was pretty accurate and the sms messages arrived on cue. Tracking is very crude, but after all it's just for entertaining folks at home, and in case of trouble the last know location is always more useful than none

[priffe]

Good to know the exact location where u disappeared

[uknomad]

LOL!

Just got a Spot2, purely to keep track for myself and others back home of my progress/safety, yes it's not an PLB, or as puposeful as a Sat Phone, but is cheaper than either of those and does allow custom msgs to be sent and keeps track easy enough.

We'll see in Morocco in April (UK no problem) how good it is, also added my own mob no as a contact, so I'll know if msgs are getting through, assuming I have a mob ph signal.

There's been a few Spots taken ther already looking at the world map link;

EveryTrail World Map

I sure in the not too distant future there may well be a Spot3 which may have a sat ph/gps/spot combo.

Seemily already people in the US are pressing SOS for all sorts of stupid reasons, mainly because they haven't properly prepared themselves or are pressing the panic button to early, just because they have one.

Just my thoughts, safe travels. Cheers Mark