Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road
Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road Recent News, political or military events, which may affect trip plans or routes. Personal and vehicle security, tips and questions.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

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


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Like Tree6Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 7 Dec 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: UK
Posts: 3
GPS tracking devices

Anyone used any GPS tracking devices like SPOT or EPIRB? We are travelling from the UK to South Africa down the eastern route starting next april and thinking of getting a GPS/satellite tracker for emergencies. I wondered if anyone had used one, especially the SPOT system as the coverage map seems to get sketchy south of Ethiopia. Also interested if anyone wants to sell one second hand in the UK (same goes for a 12v fridge too!) Thanks! Rachel
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 7 Dec 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Cornwall, in the far southwest of England, UK
Posts: 597
Hey Rachel - I use a SPOT .. and here's a colour-coded coverage map from SPOT's very own website:



You can see that in Africa, the closest Globalstar 'gateway' is in Nigeria. So the farther away you are from Nigeria, the less chance SPOT will work. If you're in western Kenya or Tanzania, SPOT might still work, though some messages will likely get dropped. If you're in the eastern parts South Africa, SPOT will probably not work at all.


just my 2p's worth.

Cheers

KEITH

.
__________________
Right Way Round ...

Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 8 Dec 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: London
Posts: 65
May be other Emergency locator beacons on the market

Hi Rachel,

We are also very keen to get an emergency locator beacon. My partner's mum has been doing a bit of research into it as they want us to have one too!!! There are some other brands on the market - I'll find out what we know and report back.

We are leaving on the same trip in February - might bump into you on the road! Get in touch via our website if you want to swap info or exchange route ideas!!
Cheers
ness
__________________
Ness | two turkeys and a rope | www.greenturkey.co.nz
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 12 Dec 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: UK
Posts: 69
use your mobile

Depending on where you are going, you can also use your mobile e.g. iPhone app allows family to see where you are at any time, it works as long as you have mobile service. I did it Peru and it worked great
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 13 Dec 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Australia
Posts: 100
Hi

I have a SPOT which is great. Just make sure you have a clear view of sky even in areas that have coverage - otherwise your message might not go...but that might be the same for any type of system. They just need to have a text function and they would be perfect.

Adastra
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 13 Dec 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: St Louis, MO
Posts: 124
Quote:
Originally Posted by indianarach View Post
Anyone used any GPS tracking devices like SPOT or EPIRB? We are travelling from the UK to South Africa down the eastern route starting next april and thinking of getting a GPS/satellite tracker for emergencies. I wondered if anyone had used one, especially the SPOT system as the coverage map seems to get sketchy south of Ethiopia. Also interested if anyone wants to sell one second hand in the UK (same goes for a 12v fridge too!) Thanks! Rachel
I've been happy with my 1st generation SPOT. It worked well during a ride across Canada. But I don't think you could go wrong with either a SPOT or a EPIRB for piece of mind. I'd be more concerned about whether a rescue infrastructure is in place to make either one useful in the area your going to.

How about adding a ISATPhonePro to your kit?
IsatPhone Pro $499.00! Call SatPhoneCity +1.866.473.6044 - Home

daryl
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 24 Dec 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Denmark - Copenhagen
Posts: 305
why?

Not to be a "nay-sayer" but why do you need an epirb/sat-phone/SPOT?

I mean, if you should get into real trouble, the only thing that will save you is your wits.

Spending money on electronic devices will not ensure anything but more expenses and more things to loose.

A GPS is a nice-to-have and a map is a need-to-have but talking to locals on the way is what will get you anywhere in the world, with a minimum of hassel.

From my experiences, for whatever they count, I would say: Less is more.

You can get internet access anywhere in the world today, so keeping a blog updated is not that hard. You will be surprised!

GL with your travels!
__________________
Peter Kongsbak
South East Asia, USA, Central and South America and Scandinavia.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 10 Jan 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: London
Posts: 65
Smile Some info on PLBs

Hi everyone,

Right, here is what I've found out about PLBs and SPOT.

Firstly, we want to get a PLB as we want to do lots of trekking and climbing in remote areas, so if we hurt ourselves it will be good to have a PLB. We will also use it in the backcountry once we get home to NZ, as we are keen trampers (hikers).

So, here we go...

PLBs

PLBs and EBIRBs are essentially the same, and use the same technology, the difference is an EPIRB is used at sea.

There are loads of PLBs on the market – each country has many different brands. They all operate at 406 MHz which is a dedicated frequency that was set up by the international SAR community. Each country has its own agency that monitors this frequency, and acts on any distress signals originating from its residents.

PLBs need to be registered, and each country has a unique code, so if you set one off, it will be picked up by your national SAR agency – for this reason it is important to buy your PLB in your country of residence, and its imperative that you register it with the authorities so if you have to set it off in an emergency, they know who you are.

When activated, PLBs transmit a distress signal to a network of satellites called the Cospas-Sarsat system and then back down the Search & Rescue organization where your PLB is registered. If your PLB has an in-built GPS unit it can pinpoint your location down to within about 50m (some more accurately) whereas PLBs without GPS solely rely on triangulation from the satellites (I think), and are only accurate to about 5km. So an in built GPS makes the PLB MUCH more accurate, and helps SAR groups locate the signal quicker and find you quicker!

The Cospas-Sarsat system of satellites has worldwide coverage, including both poles.

There are a number of brands – ACR seem very popular, and have a model that has a similar function to the SPOT in that if you subscribe to the 406Link.com service (for a yearly fee), you can send an “I am OK” message to family/friends etc. I think it is this aspect that has limited coverage and does not include east Africa, but the emergency locator aspect still works in Africa. This PLB is called "SARLink 406 MHz GPS Personal Locator Beacon" made by "ACR Electronics". Product No. 2885 Model PLB-350C. There is another one that appears identical called Aqualink. We have just purchased an Aqualink in NZ and have registered it there. So if we set it off, the NZ SAR will be alerted and will organise a search for us.


Another one called fastfind PLB looks good too, but we went with the Aqualink as when we get back to NZ we can register it and then we can send "I'm ok" messages.
Get found with Fast Find - The 406 MHz Personal Location Beacon (PLB)


Australian review
Here is an Australian review of 5 brands GPS Australia - EPIRB - 406Mhz Emergency Beacon compare (PLB)
The one that comes out on top is still not available, even two years later! So sounds like they recommend the GME one.
ACCUSAT™ Pocket Pro+ MT410G, manufactured by GME, Standard Communications Pty Ltd. Skylark Productions � Personal locator beacon—406 Mhz comes to the rescue

SPOT


SPOT devices are not PLBs. They operate at a different frequency from PLBs, and aren’t based on the international Cospas-Sarsat system but use a different satellite system called Globalstar which doesn’t have global coverage.
Unfortunately this coverage doesn’t extend to east Africa.
SPOT distress signals are not monitored by each country’s SAR agency, but rather by a private company based in America. With a SPOT you can either send an “OK” message to a predefined email address(es) with your location (i.e. to family and friends), or you can send an emergency alert, which is picked up by the SPOT monitoring company called GEOS , who then pass on the distress signal to the Search and Rescue authorities.
It appears that search and rescue (in the States at least) don’t rate SPOT very highly, If a SPOT emergency signal is set off, the SAR regard it more as a “missing person report” and don’t necessarily deploy a rescue team... There is a good write-up at this website: FAQs: SPOT vs EPIRBs / PLBS

There is a good comparison of SPOT and Fastfind PLB here:
Review of the SPOT Satellite Messenger vs. PLB's
Looks like thePLB comes out on top.

So it depends what you want it for really. Some friends of mine have SPOT and they rave by them. The fact they don't work in East Africa kinda makes it a no brainer for us to go with a PLB.


SUMMARY
  • If you want to use it in emergencies, and if you want it to work in Africa, then don’t get SPOT, get a 406Mhz PLB that runs on the COSPAS-SARSAT system.
  • If you want something that can track you, and send lots of "I'm ok" messages, get SPOT, but remember they don't have worldwide coverage.
  • If you get a PLB, definitely pay a bit extra and get built-in GPS
  • Buy and register your PLB in your country of residence
  • Some PLBs appear to have similar features to the SPOT where you can send “I’m OK” messages – ACR is one. 406 Link Plus
Hope this is of some help! I'm not an expert, I just found this out on the internet so correct me if I'm wrong on anything!

Cheers
__________________
Ness | two turkeys and a rope | www.greenturkey.co.nz
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 11 Jan 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: St Louis, MO
Posts: 124
What about taking all three?

A SPOT for your friends and family to track your adventure. An EPIRB for emergency use, and a Sat phone for someone to contact you once you press that button.

The real question is whether an rescue infrastructure is in place to quickly come to your aid. When you press that button, will a squad of Marines start dropping out of a helicopter 30 seconds or 30 days later. I'm sure the pressing of the button is detected somewhere within milli-seconds, but it could be hours before your help arrives.

daryl
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 11 Jan 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: London
Posts: 65
Quote:
Originally Posted by dlh62c View Post
What about taking all three?

A SPOT for your friends and family to track your adventure. An EPIRB for emergency use, and a Sat phone for someone to contact you once you press that button.

The real question is whether an rescue infrastructure is in place to quickly come to your aid. When you press that button, will a squad of Marines start dropping out of a helicopter 30 seconds or 30 days later. I'm sure the pressing of the button is detected somewhere within milli-seconds, but it could be hours before your help arrives.

daryl
Getting help in hours is better than not at all. Someone knowing you are hurt and being able to pinpoint your location is better than no-one knowing that you are hurt and no-one knowing where you are...
We have travel insurance that covers search and rescue, I'm confident that that NZ SAR would organise someone to come and find us, the cost will be covered by insurance. There have been rescues in some pretty remote parts of the world over the years, including remote parts of the Himalayas and at the Poles.
__________________
Ness | two turkeys and a rope | www.greenturkey.co.nz
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 13 Jan 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Dorset, UK
Posts: 339
Quote:
Originally Posted by Adastra View Post
Hi

I have a SPOT which is great. Just make sure you have a clear view of sky even in areas that have coverage - otherwise your message might not go...but that might be the same for any type of system. They just need to have a text function and they would be perfect.

Adastra
Hello Adastra

Spot Connect is out now which allows texting (upto 41 character)

http://www.findmespot.com/en/index.php?cid=116
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 14 Jan 2011
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,911
I've researched them in the past and just ordered a SPOT, mostly to reassure a group I'm taking on a trip that their possibly anxious people back home can track them easily - but also to try the system out.

The real question is whether an rescue infrastructure is in place to quickly come to your aid.

That is indeed the crux, IMO. What will pressing SOS in Nepal or Rwanda deliver? Doubt it will be a dozen abseiling nurses any time soon. And say in UK inshore waters (a place I may use it personally)? Again, better to know who exactly is being alerted.

I contacted GEOS in Texas about who are the 'SAR services' they would contact in my upcoming area if I pressed SOS on the SPOT. It got forwarded to the Head of the Geos International Emergency Response Coordination Center. Yet to get a reply, but if it's the Illinois National Guard, it wont be much help.

To me then, the 'Help' button which can be set up to contact specified individuals by email is much more useful (as is the nightly position marker linked to an embedded Google map, or some such).

My meltdown scenario is an attempted abduction (actually highly unlikely) rather than an RTA. I won't have time to fire up the sat phone - and may not even have time to hit the SPOT, but the speed and ease of jabbing one button is the issue.

My only concern is I hear they dont send off signals so well on the move. Anyone know about that? Seems a bit unlikely - they track and upload onto a Google Map after all, dont they?

For full-on 24/7 satellite tracking I have heard
Yellowbrick Tracking - truly global satellite tracking beacons for yacht racing, adventures, treks, expeditions and challenges
is good. It uses Iridium network but who knows what it all costs.

Chris S

forgot to say, thanks for good summary G'bean

Last edited by Chris Scott; 14 Jan 2011 at 20:58.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 15 Jan 2011
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Gunma, Japan
Posts: 1,104
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris Scott View Post

For full-on 24/7 satellite tracking I have heard
Yellowbrick Tracking
is good. It uses Iridium network but who knows what it all costs.
They hide the costs at the bottom of a PDF file in the products page.
Rental:
2 days £75.00
4 days £125.00
8 days £150.00
15 days £200.00
30 days £300.00

A bit pricy if you ask me.
__________________
Japan touring information
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 15 Jan 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Toronto
Posts: 11
Its the best money you'll ever spend....

Quote:
Originally Posted by peter-denmark View Post
Not to be a "nay-sayer" but why do you need an epirb/sat-phone/SPOT?
I mean, if you should get into real trouble, the only thing that will save you is your wits
I can tell you that I really appreciated having a satellite telephone when I was lying in the middle of the Dempster Highway in Canada 300 kilometers north of the Arctic circle with a badly broken leg. Even though several other vehicles came along... having the phone available cut the emergency response time by several hours.... much appreciated when your foot isn't attached to your leg any more. The alternative would have been relying on the goodness of strangers to come by, stop and then drive an hour to the next town, find and alert the emergency services, then another hour for the ambulance to get to me. And thankfully I was only an hour from the nearest town. Any other point in the day and it could have been as much as 4 to 5 hours to get help.

I'm all up for adventure and using my wits... but when there's a real emergency where time of the essence... anything that saves minutes bringing help can save your life or a lot of pain. And its hard to be clever when you're lying under a motorcycle badly injured. That sat phone rental was unquestionably the best money I've ever spent on anything in my life.

I can see the value in a spot. Fortunately I was fit enough to pull the phone out of my pocket and call the RCMP. I was able to read off the coordinates from my Garmin GPS. If I was in worse shape, being able to press a button that relayed my location and the need for help might have made a big difference.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 15 Jan 2011
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,911
That sat phone rental was unquestionably the best money I've ever spent on anything in my life

I agree. In the context of the original question regarding what I presume are emergency comms (not the same as tracking), a sat phone is far and away better than any SPOT, EPIRB etc. Quite simply talking to an actual person can speed things up as I have found. Many days were saved.
Doesnt even have to be an emergency to save time having spares sent on and so on.
Knowing your location - tracking - is only the first stage in an emergency but a GPS can do that very well and so can a sat phone. AFAICT a SPOT is more of a handy, easy to use gadget by comparison, while an EPRIB calls International Rescue. I know a guy who set his EPRIB off either by mistake (testing a signal?) or possibly not in a full-on emergency. Very soon the local army was on him and quite annoyed. He was banned from returning to that country.

Only 200 quid for a used old model Hughes/Ascom Thuraya off ebay (good for everywhere except Americas). The only problem is the battery will go flat when it's off for days. Get a cig lighter charger. (New models may have better batteries). Cheaper calls than the other networks too.

Of course in most places a mobile will do and a GPS can keep track 24/7. The good thing with a SPOT as I see is that on a long remote trip letting others know where you are on an online map is easily done - a text or call from a sat phone could achieve a similar result but is more of a hassle. It's more reassuring for others than you on a trip.

Chris S

Regarding SPOT Southern Africa coverage:
We used it successfully from Durban and further up north through Botswana to Zambia then back to Botswana and in Namibia.

We started to have trouble getting a signal out as we went further south on
the west coast of South Africa and stopped sending from about Langebaan
southwards until we got further round the east coast from Matatiele (South
Lesotho) we were able to send again all along the east coast back up to
Durban and northwards. Which looking at the coverage map shouldn't have
happened but did. Gap Year 4x4 in 2010

Last edited by Chris Scott; 15 Jan 2011 at 16:54. Reason: added southern Africa
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
Titanium panniers and geo tracking cristiano The HUBB PUB 2 16 Oct 2010 06:36
deer scaring devices. electric_monk Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else 3 7 Nov 2009 14:54
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
Change the warning messages of GPS V devices apfree Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS 0 12 Feb 2005 15:27

 
 

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

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. 11-15
  • 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 00:35.