On Jan 8, 7:10*am, "Rob.Russell" wrote:
On Jan 7, 4:49*pm, Frank wrote:

It appears from the advertising material that this device is a
combination of GPS engine, map display, and SPOT transmitter. *If so,
the texting and 'custom messaging' feature is just what a current SPOT
unit allows, i.e. they are 'custom' in the sense that you can set them
up to send whatever text you want, but they are *not* dynamic - the
message text is set by editing your account information on the SPOT
site.

From the press release:

“For the first time, people will be able to type custom text messages
using the Earthmate PN-60w internal keyboard and then transmit
wirelessly to the unique DeLorme SPOT Communicator for sending
satellite messages around the globe,” said Caleb Mason, DeLorme Vice
President.

Also:

"Users can send freeform text messages using the PN-60w’s keyboard to
select individuals or groups from the field even from remote areas
world-wide."

So, now we're left with a couple of questions:
- Is "transmit wirelessly" legal for cockpit use in your jurisdiction?
- Is this wireless protocol documented and open enough that other
devices (say, the theoretical upcoming LX69000, or maybe even XCSoar
if the wireless protocol is 802.11 or Bluetooth) would be able to also
send the text messages?
- Can we buy this wireless-capable SPOT messenger without buying the
Delorme gizmo?

For now, the answer to the last question appears to be "no". I wonder
whether Delorme has an exclusive deal to sell the SPOT "puck". I like
the idea of using Bluetooth, if that's what they use to communicate,
to connect the puck to a glide computer. If so, it would be a simple
software change to be able to send a stream of position AND altitude
reports to ground observers, at least for those of us who have a
Bluetooth-equipped computer - in my case a PDA. Maybe one of you
software developer types could test this out when the Delorme units
start shipping.

It won't be long before soaring becomes a virtual spectator sport for
most contests, not just the Grand Prix events - pretty neat.

9B