SPOT or PLB or Phone - Emergencies & Tracking - how do you use it?

[BigTed]

Hiya - I was about to purchase a SPOT Messenger Gen 3 in preparation for my lap around Oz, but was initially balking at the ongoing yearly service fee. As a result I've had a chat with a few folks which has me rethinking the whole solution.

I've considered a Telstra phone (better coverage than Optus), but still has a few black spots, particularly across the top end... but mostly OK since I'll be sticking to the bitumen. However, this would still require an external antenna to maximise coverage. Other options include something like a Delorme InReach SE - higher purchase prices and service fees, but the service can be "suspended" for a nominal monthly fee (although I still think this works out more expensive).

I've also considered buying a true personal locator beacon (PLB, like the RescueMe) that has a higher purchase price, but $0 service fee for its life, ... coupled with perhaps Bubbler GPS for tracking, and maybe a Telstra SIM in my phone.

I suppose I have a couple of requirements: something to use lying in a ditch (heaven forbid), calling for mechanical help, tracking, etc.... typical of most I think.

So, ...

What do you have?
Why do you have it (what purpose)?
What does it do for you, or can't do for you that you would like?
How often do you use it?
Where (city/rural/off-road) do you use it?
Do you wear it (thinking of a rider-bike separation in an emergency), or mount it on the bike?
For SPOT, do you know if tracking works in a pocket (not facing upwards), or inside a pannier/top-box?
Any other observations/recommendations?

I know there will be a gazillion "right" answers, but I'm curious to see what others think.

Cheers, Rob.

[StinkyPete]

I have a SPOT Gen 3, purchased mainly for the peace of mind of those at home, and so that they can watch my progress when I'm away.   We also use it when we are away on 4WD trips.
Mine is bike mounted on the handlebar, and I accept that if I have a major "off" I won't be able to access the SOS button.   Since my riding is on well traveled roads, I accept that I am unlikely to be lying injured for any length of time before being found.

I used Bubbler on an Android phone for a few trips, with the phone sitting inside the top box and it seemed to connect OK without any additional aerial.   However, after a ten days in Tassie where Vodaphone seems to have no towers at all, and we were out of sight for many days, I decided to bite the bullet and buy the SPOT, and pay the $200 or so yearly fee.  I'm happy with the reliability SPOT as are the folk at home, and a set four AAA Lithium batteries lasted for over two years before being recently replaced.

[Brookester]

SPOT...worn on left arm. Does not work without clear view to sky. Use it every trip heavily and have done for years all over the world. Reasons, tracking available to anyone, Help button for breakdowns, S.O.S. button for rescue when overseas as I take the extra insurance, back up to PLB here in Aus.
PLB...KTI worn on right arm every trip. 1st option if needed for rescue. Do not take overseas. Great value irrespective of anything else you have in going around Aus. Can wear it when wandering around and is free, just register it with AMSA and update trip details online.
Mobile phones are what they are irrespective of your carrier.
Sat Phone, next to the PLB best investment. Sat Sleeve is another option. Sat Phone rentals are available and only use for break down calls where no mobile reception, can get roadside assist or recovery towing.
DeLorme in reach is now a Garmin subsidary, like you said can be on casual plan and can send/receive text messages unlike SPOT.
Giant Loop make a "tracker packer" for SPOT Gen3 & DeLorme inReach so you can wear them. I never attach to bike due to separation potential and have had personal experience activating SPOT Help and S.O.S. buttons, great response each time.
REMEMBER - nothing helps when unconcious.
So end result - must haves - PLB purchased and registered,  Sat Phone rented for duration, Sat Sleeve purchased on casual plan. Sat Phone preference is Iridium networked.
Optional - either DeLorme inReach or SPOT - worn not hidden or mounted, if in Aus no need for Global Rescue Insurance

Hope this long winded reply has helped.

[ppopeye]

Quote from: StinkyPete on February 14, 2017, 06:26:38 PM<blockquote>I have a SPOT Gen 3, purchased mainly for the peace of mind of those at home, and so that they can watch my progress when I'm away.   We also use it when we are away on 4WD trips.
Mine is bike mounted on the handlebar, and I accept that if I have a major "off" I won't be able to access the SOS button.   Since my riding is on well traveled roads, I accept that I am unlikely to be lying injured for any length of time before being found.

I used Bubbler on an Android phone for a few trips, with the phone sitting inside the top box and it seemed to connect OK without any additional aerial.   However, after a ten days in Tassie where Vodaphone seems to have no towers at all, and we were out of sight for many days, I decided to bite the bullet and buy the SPOT, and pay the $200 or so yearly fee.  I'm happy with the reliability SPOT as are the folk at home, and a set four AAA Lithium batteries lasted for over two years before being recently replaced.

Petes comments echo my thoughts exactly. I found the phone version usefull but not reliable enough. I love my Spot. The costs are acceptable to me.

[Wombat]

I use a spot 3 for our FarRides mounted on the bike.
So my questions are how long in time is your big lap going to take Big Ted and Brookster what do you use as an arm band for the Spot 3
Cheers

[BigTed]

I use a spot 3 for our FarRides mounted on the bike.
So my questions are how long in time is your big lap going to take Big Ted and Brookster what do you use as an arm band for the Spot 3
Cheers

65 days :-)

[Brookester]

I use a spot 3 for our FarRides mounted on the bike.
So my questions are how long in time is your big lap going to take Big Ted and Brookster what do you use as an arm band for the Spot 3
Cheers

SPOT 3 is best in one of these https://www.adventuremoto.com.au/tkp15-giant-loop-tracker-packer
And if you need a PLB..one of these which includes the arm band
http://www.adventuremotorcycle.com.au/kti-personal-locator-beacon-safety-alert-plb-sa2g.html
Best of fun and Happy Travels

[Wombat]

Cheers. I had seen them but the cost is pretty high. may look at alternatives or make one myself. I will only charge myself $300.
 
 

[ST2UP]

SPOT 3 is on **SPECIAL** at the moment for $190.30 delivered in Australia from Prestige Communications in Perth.....

 

[Gadget]

After taking to quite few long distance riders, I became aware of Spot, spotwalla, Bubbler and others.

Where I work, we have crews traveling across many areas without mobile coverage and they have satellite phones. Still there are times where they might not be within phone reach and injured.

Some techs cover over 50,000 km per year with some traveling on their own.

At a WHS (Workplace Health and Safety) forum last year I suggested Spot for emergency rescue situations.

I was very pleased to read this morning that we now have 60 SPOT Gen3 devices deployed with our technical teams.

Cheers,
Gary

[Wild Rose]

Good outcome Gary 
Did you get pay rise for the suggestion 

[Gadget]

I wish.

Really pleased my co workers are safer.

Cheers,
Gary

[ppopeye]

Good result. Well done. I love mine.

[JuST Peter]

Johnny Appleseed has the SPOT 3 on sale @ $198.00 postage free:
https://www.ja-gps.com.au/SPOT/spot-gen-3/

[LindsayGT]

And if you are in WA!


http://www.prestigecom.net.au/epirbs-amp-plbs/spot-epirbs-amp-plbs

[Brookester]

Just be aware that SPOT have recently increased subscription costs significantly...so unless you require tracking and check in messages in remote areas regularly they have priced themselves out of the market.
A PLB for emergencies anywhere is the go....partnered up with any number of phone apps that can catch-up once back in mobile service (bubbler, rever,etc.) or get a DeLorme inReach and just pay a monthly casual plan fee when needed, plus it can send and recieve text messages when paired to a smartphone.
Some reports show up to a 40% increase in SPOT fees and riders going to great lengths contacting SPOT in the USA to complain and get a small reduction, Many (1,000's) have just given up on SPOT all together over recent months.

[ppopeye]

Subscription costs are related to the value or otherwise of the dollar.
My spot went up $A 15 from last year.

[Williamson]

Subscription costs are related to the value or otherwise of the dollar.
My spot went up $A 15 from last year.

Up $15 from what $$?

What do you get for your subscription fee?

[Brookester]

Subscription costs are related to the value or otherwise of the dollar.
My spot went up $A 15 from last year.

No...they have upped their costs...nothing to do with exchange rates and there is some discussion suggesting it only applies to SPOT Gen3...up from $149USD to $199USD

[ppopeye]

In my case I can let Chris or anyone I share the link with follow my progress on rides or drives, with 10 minute updates. I can send a predetermined message. Eg ok, or stopping for break or whatever and has emergency button if in life threatening situation. Gps based, not relying on phone service. Costs $248 which is quite a bit more than in US of course. I love it and think it is worth the dollars.
Its small and battery life is good. I use rechargeable Aaa's.


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