SPOT vs. PLB

MountainMedic · Spike Joined: 17 Jul 2007 Posts: 49 Location: Seneca, MO

An interesting read for those who are considering a "device."

http://sectionhiker.com/arc-microfix-gps-personal-locator-beacon/

Magic · Posted: Thu Sep 06, 2012 7:51 am Post subject:

There are pro's and con's for each, so it is a personal decision for each of us to make.

The main thing is for each of us to have some means of emergency rescue.

huntem · Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2012 5:22 pm Post subject:

I have had a SPOT of several years. Any particular question you have feel free to ask.

MountainMedic · Spike Joined: 17 Jul 2007 Posts: 49 Location: Seneca, MO

Huntem, I'll bite.

I have been considering a rescue device for a while now, given my upcoming first "solo" backcountry hunt.

While I really like the idea of a unit from which I can send an "I'm O.K." message (the wife would very much appreciate that), what I have to have is a unit that I can count on to communicate "I need help, NOW!" I know that a couple of conditions may preclude this... significant snow storm, dense canopy cover. Beyond that, my primary concern has been unreliable function of the SPOT units.

I really would like to have something to communicate with the wife to let her know all is well. I don't know that the ACR units are capable of this. Are you able to attest to the function of the SPOT units? Have they ALWAYS been reliable for you... as far as the "I'm O.K." feature goes. I figure that if that works well, the "Help" feature should certainly work.

Thank you for your insight.

-MM

Magic · Posted: Sun Sep 16, 2012 2:20 pm Post subject:

I do not recall sending a SPOT OK message that was not received. That OK message is sent to my email, as well as to my wife's and my cell phone. The email has the Google map link which shows exactly where I was when the OK was sent. There is no limit to the number of OK's that you can send, so many times, I will punch it when I leave the farm just to give it a test.

Yes, if the OK works, then surely the HELP would also work.

The SPOT will cost you about $100 per year.

MountainMedic · Spike Joined: 17 Jul 2007 Posts: 49 Location: Seneca, MO

Thanks, Magic. I am still waffling on the whole SPOT vs PLB. While the ACR PLB's do not have the "I'm O.K." button, it does have a system test button that lets you know that the unit is functional and it also goes out to as many as 5 cell phones as a text. While this text simply says that the unit is functioning properly, it does let the receiver know that someone with a pulse did a system function check. Figure that is good enough for me and will be good enough for the wife and Dad. I am currently leaning toward the PLB.

Thanks again for your input.

MM

Magic · Posted: Mon Sep 17, 2012 4:52 am Post subject:

I agree that the pulse is good enough for an OK.

There may be an issue concerning how many times that it can be used/pulsed before the batteries need replacing, which I understand is a "factory only" deal. ??

I see definite pluses for each unit, and in time I could have both. A life threatening situation isn't a big deal unless it is your life.

huntem · Posted: Sun Sep 23, 2012 11:24 am Post subject:

MM as mentioned already there is piece of mind for the significant others regarding letting them know you are alright.

Prior to my most back country mt. lion hunt, I had considered upgrading my spot to the one that bluetooths with my Iphone. I could send whatever message I wanted compared to the preset ones with my current SPOT.

While nice, I opted to stay with my current setup for a variety of reasons (cost, actual use, battery charging of my phone etc....) I've had good success with the SPOT. Particularly when I travel across the country, I will always send one message from my new location prior to going in the backcountry. Once I arrive, I'll send a message and let it get it's bearings. This has been a good hint that helps when SPOT is called to do it's job.

Magic · Posted: Sun Sep 23, 2012 12:11 pm Post subject:

I like that last point huntum, since the SPOT is a GPS based unit. It sends the Lat/Lon co-ordinates as well as a Google Earth link (picture) of the exact location.

MountainMedic · Spike Joined: 17 Jul 2007 Posts: 49 Location: Seneca, MO

Thanks for the conversation, Gentlemen.

Further reading on SPOTs and PLB's with useful links at the end of the article.

http://bolty.net/2011/04/28/by-the-numbers-spot-messenger-vs-acr-resqlink-vs-mcmurdo-fast-find-210/

Magic · Posted: Mon Sep 24, 2012 5:40 am Post subject:

Your link did not work for me Question

WillyP · Posted: Fri Sep 28, 2012 3:07 pm Post subject:

after 2 weeks again this year with my unit and a week with an additional new unit my buddy had, we never failed to have a message go out and every one had the coordinates with them. I sent messages from black holes of timber and from the top of the continental divide in WY. I can say I like the newer little unit better than my old unit and it's easier to understand if the message went out and if you have a gps lock with the newer unit AMD it is smaller and lighter by a bunch.

Magic · Posted: Sat Sep 29, 2012 12:08 pm Post subject:

Pat, refresh my memory on what unit you have. Question

WillyP · Posted: Sat Sep 29, 2012 7:46 pm Post subject:

I ha e o.e of the old big units that first came out.

WillyP · Posted: Sat Sep 29, 2012 8:32 pm Post subject:

that didn't come out to good . I tried to reply over the phone. I have one of the original units. The big ones.

Magic · Posted: Sun Sep 30, 2012 5:22 am Post subject:

But is it a SPOT or a PLB?

WillyP · Posted: Sun Sep 30, 2012 7:24 am Post subject:

Magic · Posted: Sun Sep 30, 2012 11:25 am Post subject:

Same here.

WillyP · Posted: Sun Sep 30, 2012 1:04 pm Post subject:

the newer unit my buddy has, had the covered 911 and Oh $hit buttons and was sort of hockey puckish but much lighter than out units. I like it. Show it has a gps fix etc. The light sequences are different than our units but I think easier for most folks to understand as opposed to the units you and I have.

Magic · Posted: Sun Sep 30, 2012 3:03 pm Post subject:

They made an offer for a trade in, but something about it caused me to decline Question

but I have slept since then and forgotten.

WillyP · Posted: Sun Sep 30, 2012 6:40 pm Post subject:

I got the same offer and slept on it also . IIRC it was right after they replaced the unit I lost up on Ferris in the great rattlesnake on the leg dance.

Magic · Posted: Sun Oct 14, 2012 4:20 pm Post subject:

I just updated my credit card information on my SPOT. It does not renew until 11-14 but now it is updated for renewal.

It is just a handy and reliable device and will be in one of our backpacks.