Don't buy a SPOT quite yet
 

I've been having some trouble getting my SPOT Beacon to go reliably into
tracking mode. I appears at this point to be a case of following the
instructions too carefully. I'll let you know.

However, this statement in the email from customer service set me back a
step:

"When your using your unit on your boat, are there any other GPS or two-way
devices in the vicinity? If so, this is a possible reason why the unit
isn't working properly. SPOT will not work to its full capacity if you
introduce other electronic devices - such as a GPS device. It works much
better as a stand alone device."

I've written back to find out more, specifically what "vicinity" means.
I've had it tracking successfully with a handheld GPS operating about 9 feet
away and feeding position data to a DSC VHF about 4 feet away. It may have
missed some tracking fixes but I'm not sure yet.

The unit is advertised for use in aviation which in which GPS units are
nearly as ubiquitous and closer than in boats and the RF and radio
environment much more cluttered.

I'll keep you all informed.

--
Roger Long

Don't buy a SPOT quite yet
 

OK, I think I have the tracking working. The instructions say press the
button until the light comes on to send and OK message and press for at
least 5 seconds to start tracking. They should say, "Press until the light
comes on for OK and press and hold until light comes on and then goes off
for tracking." Mine takes a bit longer than 5 - 6 seconds to start
tracking. After the first time tracking didn't start, I started doing the
"one chimpanzee, two chimpanzee... thing and wasn't giving it enough time.

--
Roger Long

Don't buy a SPOT quite yet
 

"Roger Long" wrote in message
...
OK, I think I have the tracking working. The instructions say press the
button until the light comes on to send and OK message and press for at
least 5 seconds to start tracking. They should say, "Press until the
light comes on for OK and press and hold until light comes on and then
goes off for tracking." Mine takes a bit longer than 5 - 6 seconds to
start tracking. After the first time tracking didn't start, I started
doing the "one chimpanzee, two chimpanzee... thing and wasn't giving it
enough time.

--
Roger Long



That's because you have to use hippopotamus!

--
"j" ganz @@
www.sailnow.com

Don't buy a SPOT quite yet
 

Here's what I just heard back from SPOT

Hello Mr. Long -

Thank you for your feedback.

We've had some clarification when it comes to the usage of SPOT while other
GPS devices are present. What is advised is that you don't use the SPOT
unit within a few feet of a GPS device. The distances you mentioned
completing successful tracking ? (9 feet with a handheld GPS device and 4
feet for VHF radio) is sufficient and the general rule of thumb for your
review purposes.

We have had very successful aviation and marine use of the unit.

We hope that clarifies the issue of the units use. If you have any other
questions, or concerns, please don't hesitate to ask.

Best Regards,


SPOT Customer Service



--

Roger Long

Don't buy a SPOT quite yet
 

I've been using the SPOT for the past couple of days to track my daysailing
and a couple of overnights. It is working perfectly. The problem was
simply unclear instructions. Wait for the LED to go out when you put in
tracking mode. It hasn't missed once.

When I write the review for the magazine this fall I expect at this point to
give the unit a high recommendation.

--
Roger Long