[pct-l] Fw: SPOT messenger vs McMurdo PLB

[Ken Powers]

Spot does not use cell phone towers to operate. On the ICT we used the SPOT to show our location whether or not the cell phone we were carrying would work or not. 

The SPOT uses the GPS satellites to get a location fix, then uses a private satellite system to communicate its outgoing message to a centralized location (Houston, I believe). From there the message can be forwarded on the web network. Or if you push the emergency button Houston (?) forwards the call to local 911. SPOT continues transmitting your current location, even (especially?) if you move, to the emergency system until you turn Spot off. Note that the local SAR probably doesn't stop looking for you until you contact them directly.

Ken
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: giniajim 
  To: Ken Powers ; pct-l 
  Sent: Sunday, March 27, 2011 12:01 PM
  Subject: Re: [pct-l] SPOT messenger vs McMurdo PLB


  What's the tradeoff between carrying a SPOT and a cell-phone (smart-phone)?  

    ----- Original Message ----- 
    From: Ken Powers 
    To: pct-l 
    Sent: Sunday, March 27, 2011 2:19 PM
    Subject: Re: [pct-l] SPOT messenger vs McMurdo PLB


    We had a local police officer ask us to please carry a Spot device to make 
    his rescue work easier. The request was made on a sidewalk outside a 
    presentation we had just made on long distance hiking.

    We have been carrying one since, but more for the at home notifications than 
    for rescue.

    Ken
    http://mailman.backcountry.net/pipermail/pct-l/