On Saturday, April 28, 2012 9:18:23 AM UTC-4, kirk.stant wrote:
On Friday, April 27, 2012 9:41:42 PM UTC-5, hretting wrote:
Lots of good information, ideas, and my exisiting ELT does have an
activation switch on the panel. I will make upgrading to the 406 with
a panel activation switch a priority and the PLB mentioned above has
my interest. My wife is totally not interested in knowing where I am,
only that my life insurance is sufficent. Can't blame her really.
Still on the fence pondering SPOT.
R

Aside from spousal tracking, SPOT is valuable if you fly XC in areas where you might landout and there may not be any cell phone coverage. With just the basic service, you can send an "I'm OK" or a "I landed out, please come get me, I'm at this location (shown on google maps)". Or "HELP, I'm hurt, send the cavalry!" So think of it as a manually activated ELT with additional functions. Not bad for $150.

And you can use it when hiking, boating, etc., since it's not attached to your glider.

IMO, probably the most valuable bit of equipment in your survival kit.

Kirk
66

Kirk,

Just a small correction: The 'OK' function is used for "I'm OK - Still Flying" by those who are too cheap to pay for tracking. The 'HELP' function is typically used for the "NOT hurt, but landed out - please bring the trailer" message. If you ARE hurt in any significant way, it is MUCH better to activate the '911' function, which will result in IMMEDIATE (assuming no or negative response at the listed emergency contact number) dispatch of the nearest 911 response team. Typical emergency response times to '911' activation are typically in the 1-2 hour range, even in very remote areas.

IMHO, you are *way* better off with a SPOT tracker (with basic + tracking service) than with anything else. Even 406MHz ELT/PLB activation has to work its way up through the Air Force hierarchy and then back down again to the local authorities. With SPOT, it goes directly to GEOS (a commercial emergency-response outfit) and they direct the local response.

Full disclosu I am part-owner of Hawke Tracking, and we sell SPOT tracker mapping services to contests and other activities for ridiculously low prices. At the current revenue levels, I'm on track for getting my new Antares 20E --- tail wheel -- in another couple of years ;-).

Frank (TA)