Though I wrote about my “electronics” considerations for the trip a while back, I didn’t get around to picking up the SPOT messenger until last weekend. What a cool device and concept.
Basically, when you turn SPOT on it first finds your GPS coordinates. Then with the basic service (the package I bought) you have three options.
You can hit the “OK” button which sends a signal to the SPOT satellite which then relays e-mails and text messages to any addresses/numbers you programmed into your account before you left. It tells the recipients you’re okay, and sends them a link to Google Maps with a pinpoint to exactly where you on are the face of the globe! (We’d hook this up for all NAHC members to monitor, but we promised the outfitter we’d keep the precise location of his secret spots secret.)
Or you can hit the “Help” button which does the same thing except it sends a message requesting that the recipient send help as soon as possible.
The third button is 911 which sends out a distress signal for the area that you are in.
There won’t be any cell phones where we are going, and this will be a much less expensive way of “checking in” with loved ones back home than toting along a satellite phone.
Shoot straight –
Bill Miller
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