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#1
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Spot vs Spot Connect
Hello all you tech savie people.
Please explain in non-technical language the strengths / weaknesses / differences between the Spot and the Spot Messenger. Thanks for your help. Guy "DDS" |
#2
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Spot vs Spot Connect
I am suprised how quiet you guys are on this topic.
As I read and re-read the advertising it seems the only differences a 1) the color of the units, 2) the configuration of the buttons, 3)the Spot Connect allows you to use your smart phone to send text messages out via satellite in areas where there is no cell phone coverage, 4) the Spot can send out custom text messages that you have pre-configured on your computer. Am I missing anything? |
#3
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Spot vs Spot Connect
On Jan 24, 4:04*pm, guy wrote:
I am suprised how quiet you guys are on this topic. As I read and re-read the advertising it seems the only differences a 1) the color of the units, 2) the configuration of the buttons, 3)the Spot Connect allows you to use your smart phone to send text messages out via satellite in areas where there is no cell phone coverage, 4) the Spot can send out custom text messages that you have pre-configured on your computer. *Am I missing anything? Guy, that is pretty much it. I've been using a SPOT1 since it first came out, and once one gets used to the odd "switchology", it has worked fine for me. I haven't felt the need to be able to send text messages other than the custom SPOT messages - the custom ones suit me just fine and are pretty easy to set up. My wife won't let me fly without it - that says it all! Kirk 66 |
#4
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Spot vs Spot Connect
Guy, that is pretty much it. *I've been using a SPOT1 since it first
came out, and once one gets used to the odd "switchology", it has worked fine for me. *I haven't felt the need to be able to send text messages other than the custom SPOT messages - the custom ones suit me just fine and are pretty easy to set up. My wife won't let me fly without it - that says it all! Kirk 66 I'll just add that I think a SPOT and a PCAS (or better, eventually, PowerFLARM) are just about a no-brainer as far as being mandatory XC equipment. I'll fly without a radio, but I always take my MRX and SPOT... Kirk 66 |
#5
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Spot vs Spot Connect
Hi Guy,
The SPOT-2 has been very, very popular. I have sold only about 10 SPOT Connect units. I think that is because it is nearly useless if your cell phone battery dies. I recommend the SPOT-2. http://www.cumulus-soaring.com/spot.htm Paul Remde Cumulus Soaring, Inc. "guy" wrote in message ... I am suprised how quiet you guys are on this topic. As I read and re-read the advertising it seems the only differences a 1) the color of the units, 2) the configuration of the buttons, 3)the Spot Connect allows you to use your smart phone to send text messages out via satellite in areas where there is no cell phone coverage, 4) the Spot can send out custom text messages that you have pre-configured on your computer. Am I missing anything? |
#6
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Spot vs Spot Connect
We keep moving toward a total "Nanny State". SPOT and PCAS should be
mandantory for XC?. If it's that important for XC, is it any less important to have PCAS near an airport where there's more traffic? What about using APRS instead of SPOT? APRS position reports are more reliable and the radio can provide two way communications, especially in the eastern states where it's hard not to have APRS coverage. Should we be required to carry a SPOT also? I don't argue the value of having a traffic warning device and a position reporting system. What I do take offense to is the "Mandatory for XC" idea. Should we also pay a $100 per flight user fee? That could be mandatory. Charlie I'll just add that I think a SPOT and a PCAS (or better, eventually, PowerFLARM) are just about a no-brainer as far as being mandatory XC equipment. *I'll fly without a radio, but I always take my MRX and SPOT... Kirk 66 |
#7
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Spot vs Spot Connect
On Jan 24, 6:36*pm, cfinn wrote:
We keep moving toward a total "Nanny State". SPOT and PCAS should be mandantory for XC?. If it's that important for XC, is it any less important to have PCAS near an airport where there's more traffic? What about using APRS instead of SPOT? APRS position reports are more reliable and the radio can provide two way communications, especially in the eastern states where it's hard not to have APRS coverage. Should we be required to carry a SPOT also? I don't argue the value of having a traffic warning device and a position reporting system. What I do take offense to is the "Mandatory for XC" idea. Should we also pay a $100 per flight user fee? That could be mandatory. Charlie Relax, if you want to use APRS instead of SPOT, or carry a satellite phone, knock yourself out. By "mandatory" I mean "essential for my peace of mind". My point was that there are lots of neat little gizmos out there that can make our sport not only safer, but more fun - Wifey enjoys seeing where I am on a long xc, and doesn't worry anymore about me wandering around the wilds of Arizona. Personally, my "mandatory" XC equipment list includes redundant GPS, varios, batteries, a radio, ELT, SPOT, PCAS, PDA moving map software, etc. I like using (or not, in the case of the ELT!) all the high tech stuff. Some luddites will complain that all this tech dilutes the pure gliding experience. I disagree with that point of view. I enjoy flying our club K-13 and open cockpit 1-26, but feel a lot more comfortable in my LS6. So chill, dude, I'm not calling for the Feds to force SPOT, PCAS, or FLARM on all of us. Of course, it wouldn't hurt if we all had those in our gliders, along with radios - ESPECIALLY AROUND AIRPORTS! Kirk 66 |
#8
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Spot vs Spot Connect
I'll accept that explanation. We've had so many folks proposing this
and that be mandantory, I'm getting upset. After the tornadoes yesterday, Birmingham, AL is proposing making it mandatory to have helmets under of the beds of every family member. After all, you need to protect your head if a tornado comes knocking while you're in bed! If you feel something is necessary for your flight, I think that's great. I certainly agree it's easier when the wife can follow your flight. It reduces tension tremendously. By the way, I probably have more high tech stuff in my play toy then yours.It's fully IFR equipped with a Dynon D10 EFIS, Microair radio and transponder, LX7000, Cambridge 302, HP310 with LK8000, and Yaesu VX-8GR amateur handi talkie with GPS and APRS. I've been flying some IFR flights with clearances from Atlanta approach and center. Of course, I sometimes fly the club's K7. I think the newest piece of technology on it is the yaw string! Charlie On Jan 24, 9:22*pm, "kirk.stant" wrote: On Jan 24, 6:36*pm, cfinn wrote: We keep moving toward a total "Nanny State". SPOT and PCAS should be mandantory for XC?. If it's that important for XC, is it any less important to have PCAS near an airport where there's more traffic? What about using APRS instead of SPOT? APRS position reports are more reliable and the radio can provide two way communications, especially in the eastern states where it's hard not to have APRS coverage. Should we be required to carry a SPOT also? I don't argue the value of having a traffic warning device and a position reporting system. What I do take offense to is the "Mandatory for XC" idea. Should we also pay a $100 per flight user fee? That could be mandatory. Charlie Relax, if you want to use APRS instead of SPOT, or carry a satellite phone, knock yourself out. *By "mandatory" I mean "essential for my peace of mind". My point was that there are lots of neat little gizmos out there that can make our sport not only safer, but more fun - Wifey enjoys seeing where I am on a long xc, and doesn't worry anymore about me wandering around the wilds of Arizona. Personally, my "mandatory" XC equipment list includes redundant GPS, varios, batteries, a radio, ELT, SPOT, PCAS, PDA moving map software, etc. *I like using (or not, in the case of the ELT!) all the high tech stuff. Some luddites will complain that all this tech dilutes the pure gliding experience. *I disagree with that point of view. *I enjoy flying our club K-13 and open cockpit 1-26, but feel a lot more comfortable in my LS6. So chill, dude, I'm not calling for the Feds to force SPOT, PCAS, or FLARM on all of us. Of course, it wouldn't hurt if we all had those in our gliders, along with radios - ESPECIALLY AROUND AIRPORTS! Kirk 66 |
#9
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Spot vs Spot Connect
I have the Connect and must say it has been a real disappointment. overall this product was not very well tested before release. Battery usage is excessive, connection issues with the Bluetooth (required) are common, and the software (also required even to just start tracking) is buggy with a poor interface and has not been updated since they released it. If I had to do it all over again I would buy the Spot 2 as it would do everything I NEED with a much better user experience.
-karl |
#10
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Spot vs Spot Connect
Karl...THANK YOU!
Finally, someone provides some useful information. I love tech toys but I am sick and tired of being a full dues paying beta tester. |
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