Spot or InReach ??

On Wednesday, May 9, 2018 at 11:01:16 AM UTC-5, John Carlyle wrote:
Kirk,

I'm willing to pay for devices that work properly. My Spot dropped many points, and I see the same behavior on Spot traces from other pilots. Relying on Spot would seem be be like relying on an OnStar type system that only transmits every 3rd word.

Given that performance, your remark that Spot plans are cheaper than those from InReach is like noting you can get a lower price on oats that have already been through the horse.

-John, Q3

I'm curious which Spot you were using. I've been using my Spot Gen 1 since they first came out and it has worked fine for me so far; if there are any delays in displaying points it hasn't bothered my wife or affected any retrieves. So as they say, YMMV - I'm satisfied with the service I get.

And truth in advertising - my Spot renewal came out to be around $195, so not a lot cheaper.

It's nice that we have options.

Kirk

By the way, 5 minute tracking is available on Gen 3 Spot at no extra cost. You have to configure your tracker using the web application to turn it on though. Gen 3 Spot now also does altitude on glideport.aero and the SSA site, although not on Spot's own site.

My experience has been that the Gen 3 reliability is better than Gen 1 and much better than Gen 2. Point dropouts are not that common. On the newer Gen 3 units, altitude seems more reliable than on older ones.

So with a newer Gen 3, I'm getting 5 minute tracking and altitude for about $225/year, including all fees. For me, this is worth it because I use it 12 months.

New data:

https://www.findmespot.com/spotx/lan...paign=SPOTX_PR

On Thursday, 10 May 2018 16:12:13 UTC-6, Jonathan St. Cloud wrote:
New data:

https://www.findmespot.com/spotx/lan...paign=SPOTX_PR

Looks like a reincarnated Blackberry phone! Looked around web site and could not find exact dimensions.
Ron

6.5x 2.9 x 0.9 inches 7 oz Look at REI's web site

On Thursday, May 10, 2018 at 4:06:49 PM UTC-7, Ron Gleason wrote:
On Thursday, 10 May 2018 16:12:13 UTC-6, Jonathan St. Cloud wrote:
New data:

https://www.findmespot.com/spotx/lan...paign=SPOTX_PR

Looks like a reincarnated Blackberry phone! Looked around web site and could not find exact dimensions.
Ron

The new SPOT X looks very, very interesting. The some data plans include unlimited tracking at 2.5 minute intervals and unlimited messeging. I sent them an email asking whether or not the unit sends altitude with the tracking messages.

Paul Remde
Cumulus Soaring, Inc.
___________________________________________

On Thursday, May 10, 2018 at 6:54:41 PM UTC-5, Jonathan St. Cloud wrote:
6.5x 2.9 x 0.9 inches 7 oz Look at REI's web site

On Thursday, May 10, 2018 at 4:06:49 PM UTC-7, Ron Gleason wrote:
On Thursday, 10 May 2018 16:12:13 UTC-6, Jonathan St. Cloud wrote:
New data:

https://www.findmespot.com/spotx/lan...paign=SPOTX_PR

Looks like a reincarnated Blackberry phone! Looked around web site and could not find exact dimensions.
Ron

Reliable coverage is a feature of InReach which SPOT will unlikely equal, unless they change satellite systems.
After switching to InReach, I went to a less expensive yet more internationally useful mobile phone carrier, knowing that texts can always be sent and received from the middle of nowhere. Savings were greater than the InReach subscription.
Jim

On Thursday, May 10, 2018 at 6:12:13 PM UTC-4, Jonathan St. Cloud wrote:
New data:

https://www.findmespot.com/spotx/lan...paign=SPOTX_PR

Glad to see Spot finally gets it. Competition is good. Interested to see how the real world service holds up.

T8

does anyone know if the nex Spot X has the actual attitude in the tracking points? That was another differentiator with inReach.

Rick

On Friday, May 11, 2018 at 12:05:16 PM UTC-7, wrote:
does anyone know if the nex Spot X has the actual attitude in the tracking points? That was another differentiator with inReach.

Rick

There is no mention whatsoever about altitude in their advertising or the Spot X manual, so I would say no.

Tom