Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Tech
Tech ALL bikes: "Generic" tech questions and answers. Maintenance, general discussions etc.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

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


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 12 Aug 2010
PocketHead's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Sucre, Bolivia
Posts: 535
Where do you put your SPOT (in tracking mode)

Well I thought I'd take my new spot for a test run in the mountains today, it didn't seem to do too well in tracking mode with only one tracking message received so I figure that I need to relocate it on my bike, previously it was located on the tank, next to the fuel cap so I guess I'm leaning over it which can't be any good.

I don't really want it behind me in case someone steals it from me at the lights or something and I don't always carry gear either, that really leaves me to put it on either the handlebars or backpack strap....

Just wondering if anyone has any creative ideas for a good place where it doesn't annoy you yet still gets a good signal? I think it would be better if it was a vertical device as opposed to horizontal, better for motorcyclists anyway.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 12 Aug 2010
Stormboy's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Tanah Merah QLD Australia.
Posts: 49
Still waiting for my SPOT to arrive, so can't help you out with personal experience of placement.

However, from freinds that already have them, I have been told, that directly on the tank is not good, because there is too much metal absorbing the signal.

Also, you need to keep it away from other GPS or RF transmitting devices.

A bloke I know keeps it under the seat on his 1400GTR, and reckons it works fine from there.

Keep us updated, I'll be really interested to here of your experiences, particularly once my unit arrives.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 12 Aug 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Cornwall, in the far southwest of England, UK
Posts: 597
Metal surfaces can affect a SPOT unit's performance. Plastic, cloth, and paper do not seem to interfere with signal reception. I hide my unit inside the top access pocket/flap of my rack bag's fabric lid. See pic: LINKY. It's out of the way back there, and outta sight too, with 100% signal success.

Cheers

Keith

.
__________________
Right Way Round ...

Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 12 Aug 2010
PocketHead's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Sucre, Bolivia
Posts: 535
Thanks guys, my tank is all metal so that's probably what is causing it. Will update this when I've figured something out!
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 12 Aug 2010
PocketHead's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Sucre, Bolivia
Posts: 535
Well this is what I have decided on for now, will see how it goes. Using 3M Dual Locks as they are really durable, I doubt it will come off even if I knock it but if it does then I have the elastic there as a backup.



Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 12 Aug 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Georgia, US
Posts: 18
I got a Ram mount for mine and have it on the handlebars

Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Truck seat with removable seat fittings and tracking from Unwin Safety nickdisjunkt Overland Vehicles and Equipment for Sale / Wanted 0 22 Oct 2008 10:31
IVECO 40.10 (35.10) tracking help needed Phil Flanagan Equipping the Overland Vehicle 1 14 Aug 2008 22:16
Output GPS Tracking to Website Davest Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS 3 15 Jul 2007 11:25
digicam with self-timer, continuous mode, and time lapse fea ghorian Photo Forum 1 7 Oct 2005 03:01
Tracking GPS, transport logistics systems StephenRivett Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS 6 6 Mar 2004 05:32

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 05:53.